Operating arrangement of a forklift truck

Abstract

Operating arrangement (15) of a forklift truck (1), in particular a reach truck, with a driver's workstation, in particular a driver's platform (2) for a standing operator, wherein the driver's workstation is arranged laterally next to an engine compartment (6) in the transverse direction of the vehicle and adjacent to a battery compartment (7) for a power supply unit in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the operating arrangement (15) is formed on an L-shaped cover (16) in plan view, which covers the battery compartment (7) and the engine compartment (6) upwards, wherein a steering actuation device (20) is arranged on the cover (16) in the area of ​​the engine compartment (6) and an armrest (21) and at least one control element (22) for controlling a drive and at least one control element (23a; 23b) for controlling a working hydraulic system are arranged in the area of ​​the battery compartment (7), characterized in that the control element (23a;23b) for the working hydraulics is formed by at least one joystick and the control element (22) for the travel drive is formed by a joystick, wherein the control element (22) designed as a joystick for controlling the travel drive and the control element (23a; 23b) designed as a joystick for controlling the working hydraulics are arranged in an arc-shaped recess (25) of the cover (16) arranged adjacent to the armrest (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating arrangement of an industrial truck, in particular a reach truck, with a driver's workstation, in particular a driver's platform for a standing operator, wherein the driver's workstation is arranged laterally next to an engine compartment in the transverse direction of the vehicle and adjacent to a battery compartment for a power supply unit in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the operating arrangement is formed on an L-shaped cover in plan view, which covers the battery compartment and the engine compartment from above, wherein a steering actuation device is arranged on the cover in the area of ​​the engine compartment and an armrest and at least one control element for controlling a drive and at least one control element for controlling a working hydraulic system are arranged in the area of ​​the battery compartment.

[0002] In industrial trucks with a driver's workstation designed as a driver's platform for a standing operator, the driver's workstation is located on a drive unit of the industrial truck laterally next to an engine compartment and longitudinally adjacent to a battery compartment in which, for example, a power supply unit designed as a battery block is arranged.

[0003] Such industrial trucks with a driver's platform for a standing operator can be designed as reach trucks or high-lift pallet trucks.

[0004] For industrial trucks with a driver's workstation designed for a standing operator, the ergonomic requirements of the operating arrangement are higher. A handrail should be provided for the standing operator to ensure a secure stance during acceleration and braking. Furthermore, the controls operated by the operator's hands should be positioned and accessible in such a way that the industrial truck can be operated without the operator having to change their standing position.

[0005] A forklift truck with a generic operating arrangement is known from US patent 2006 / 0 076 427 A1.

[0006] US patent 2006 / 0 272 874 A1 discloses a forklift truck with an engine compartment on which a driver's seat is located, equipped with an armrest. A multifunction lever is located on the armrest, which can be used to control the forklift truck's drive system and working hydraulics.

[0007] US Patent 6,182,797 B1 discloses a forklift truck with a driver's workstation, wherein the driver's workstation is arranged laterally to the side of an engine compartment and longitudinally adjacent to a battery compartment for a power supply unit. A steering control unit is located above the engine compartment, and an armrest and a multifunction lever for controlling a drive system and working hydraulics are located in the area of ​​the battery compartment.

[0008] US Patent 6,182,778 B1 discloses a forklift truck with an engine compartment, a battery compartment, and a driver's seat equipped with an armrest. A multifunction lever is located on the armrest, which controls the forklift truck's drive system and working hydraulics.

[0009] JP 2004-90 758 A discloses a forklift truck with an engine compartment on which a driver's seat is located. Several hand levers are arranged to the side of the driver's seat.

[0010] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an operating arrangement for a forklift truck of the above-mentioned type, which enables an ergonomically favorable arrangement of the operating elements to be operated by the hands of the operator with minimal construction effort.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention in that the control element for the working hydraulics is formed by at least one joystick and the control element for the drive is formed by a joystick, wherein the control element designed as a joystick for controlling the drive and the control element designed as a joystick for controlling the working hydraulics are arranged in an arc-shaped recess of the cover adjacent to the armrest.The concept according to the invention thus consists of providing an L-shaped upper cover for the battery compartment and the power unit compartment, which simultaneously forms an integral part of the operating arrangement of the industrial truck and is equipped with the operating elements for controlling and operating the industrial truck, operated by the operator's hands. A steering control device, for example a steering wheel, is located in the power unit compartment, and an armrest and a control element for controlling the drive system and / or operating elements of the working hydraulics are located in the battery compartment compartment. Such a common cover for the battery compartment and the power unit compartment, which is preferably made of plastic, can be manufactured simply and provided with an ergonomically advantageous design to achieve an ergonomically favorable arrangement of the steering control device, the armrest, and the operating elements of the drive system and the working hydraulics.The installation space available above the engine compartment and battery compartment, which surrounds the driver's workstation designed as a driver's cab, can be optimally utilized for the ergonomically favorable arrangement of the operating elements with such a cover.

[0012] According to the invention, the control element for the working hydraulics is formed by at least one joystick, which may have one or two actuation axes. For example, a two-axis joystick allows for ergonomically advantageous operation of the lifting drive of the load-handling device and the thrust drive of the lifting mast. If a tilting drive and, optionally, another auxiliary device, such as a sideshift mechanism, are provided, a single-axis joystick can be provided for each auxiliary function of the working hydraulics, or a further two-axis joystick can be provided for both auxiliary functions.

[0013] According to the invention, the control element for the drive system is also formed by a joystick, with which the direction of travel and the driving speed can be easily controlled both in the forward direction and in the reverse direction.

[0014] According to the invention, the control element for a drive system and / or the control element for a working hydraulic system are arranged in an arc-shaped recess in the cover adjacent to the armrest. The arrangement of the drive system control element and the working hydraulic controls in a recess formed in the cover provides protection against unintentional activation. Furthermore, it allows the controls to be operated ergonomically with the hand of an arm resting on the armrest. The arc-shaped contour of the recess further improves ergonomics by arranging the drive system control element and the working hydraulic controls along a circular arc.

[0015] Particular advantages arise when the control element for the working hydraulics is arranged on a cover plate that can be mounted in a receiving opening formed in the area of ​​the arc-shaped recess of the cover. This allows the working hydraulic controls to be easily adapted to different equipment variants of the industrial truck. A reach truck typically has one control element for the lifting drive to raise / lower a load-handling attachment and to operate a reach drive for the mast. Additionally, a control element may be provided to operate any tilting drive for tilting the load-handling attachment or the mast. Furthermore, one or more control elements can be provided for one or more auxiliary devices, such as a sideshift mechanism for the load-handling attachment.The arrangement of the working hydraulic controls on a panel and the attachment of the panel in the recess of the cover enables a modular design, which makes it easy to adapt the number of working hydraulic controls to the different equipment variants of the industrial truck using a single variant of the cover.

[0016] Particular advantages can be achieved if a handgrip is integrated into the cover adjacent to the control element for the drive system. This allows the operator to use the hand controlling the drive system to support themselves on the handgrip during acceleration and deceleration, ensuring a secure footing.

[0017] The handle is preferably formed on an end wall of the arc-shaped recess on the cover, which allows the handle to be easily integrated integrally into the cover adjacent to the operating element of the drive.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an actuating element of an emergency stop switch is arranged on the cover in the extension of the arc-shaped recess as a further operating element. This achieves a favorable ergonomic position of the actuating element, for example a push button, of the emergency stop switch.

[0019] The controls for the working hydraulics, the drive system, and the grab handle and / or the emergency stop switch are advantageously arranged approximately on a circular arc whose center point is located at the elbow joint of an operator's arm resting on the armrest. This further improves ergonomics, as the controls for the working hydraulics and drive system, as well as the grab handle and the emergency stop switch, are easily accessible with a slight and ergonomically favorable rotation of the operator's arm around the elbow joint.

[0020] In terms of ergonomics, particular advantages arise when the control element for the drive system and the adjacent control element for the working hydraulics are arranged approximately on a circular arc whose center point is located in the area of ​​the wrist of an operator's arm resting on the armrest. These two controls can thus be operated with one hand without rotating the arm around the elbow joint, resulting in favorable ergonomics and rapid operation that enables high throughput of the industrial truck.

[0021] In an advantageous further development of the invention, it is provided that an actuating means of a warning device, in particular a horn, is arranged as a further operating element on a wall of the arc-shaped recess facing away from the driver's workplace in such a way that the actuating means of the warning device can be actuated with a finger, in particular the index finger, a hand grasping the handrail or a hand operating the control element of the drive system of the operator located at the driver's workplace.

[0022] The armrest is expediently formed by a padded cushion arranged on the cover.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a display device, in particular a screen, is arranged on the cover in the transition area between the battery compartment and the engine compartment as an additional operating element. A display device can also be easily integrated into the cover. Arranging the display device on the side of the vehicle opposite the driver's seat, above the battery compartment, results in an ergonomically advantageous position for the display device integrated into the cover.

[0024] The display device is preferably arranged in an inclined outer parapet wall of the cover. Such an inclined arrangement and integration of the display device into a parapet wall of the cover easily improves the operator's view of the display device and avoids glare.

[0025] A control panel and / or keypad can be easily arranged and integrated into the cover in the area of ​​the display unit as additional operating elements. Positioning the control panel and / or keypad in the area of ​​the display unit allows for ergonomically convenient operation with either the left or right hand.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, a writing surface is formed on the cover in the area of ​​the battery compartment, adjacent to the arc-shaped recess. A writing surface can be easily and integrally formed on the cover, adjacent to the arc-shaped recess in which the drive control and the working hydraulic controls are located, to provide a means of storing and labeling documents.

[0027] A means for fixing documents is preferably arranged on the cover in the area of ​​the writing desk.

[0028] If a key switch is arranged on the cover, the level of integration of the cover can be further increased by the operating element designed as a key switch.

[0029] If a recess is formed on the cover in the area of ​​the engine compartment, bounded by an inner parapet wall of the cover, a trough-shaped storage space can also be easily created on the cover above the engine compartment to safely place items on the cover.

[0030] The cover, incorporating the armrest, steering control, drive control, hydraulic controls, emergency stop button, warning device, display, and / or control panel, is advantageously designed as a pre-assembled unit. All operating elements for controlling and operating the industrial truck, which are operated by the operator's hands, can be arranged ergonomically on the L-shaped cover, thus simplifying the assembly of the industrial truck.

[0031] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the schematic figures. Here, Fig. 1 a forklift truck with an operating arrangement according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 an operating arrangement according to the invention in a perspective view and Fig. 3 a further representation of the operating arrangement according to the invention.

[0032] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a reach truck with a driver's workstation 2 designed for a standing operator. The operator can stand on the driver's workstation 2 at a 45° angle to the main direction of travel of the truck, thus achieving favorable ergonomics in both forward and reverse directions.

[0033] The industrial truck 1 has a frame 3 on which, in the area of ​​a load section, a lifting mast 4 with a load-handling device 5 designed as a load fork is arranged, which can be raised and lowered on the lifting mast 4 by means of a lifting drive. The lifting mast 4 is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by means of a push drive.

[0034] In the area of ​​the drive unit of the industrial truck 1, the operator's workstation, designed as operator's platform 2, is located on the right side of the vehicle. Adjacent to operator's platform 2 in the left area of ​​the drive unit, an engine compartment 6 is located. This engine compartment 6 houses a drive system consisting of an electric drive motor, which is steerable by means of an electric steering motor. Additionally, the engine compartment 6 contains a hydraulic tank and a hydraulic power unit consisting of an electrically driven hydraulic pump. The hydraulic power unit supplies the working hydraulics, which are provided by the lifting drive of the load-handling attachment 5 and the extension drive of the lifting mast 4, as well as any additional components, such as a tilting drive for the load-handling attachment 5 or the lifting mast 4, and a sideshift mechanism for the load-handling attachment 5.

[0035] In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a battery compartment 7 is formed on the drive unit between the driver's platform 2 and the lifting mast 4, extending across the entire width of the vehicle. The battery compartment 7 serves to accommodate a power supply unit, for example a battery pack, which is intended to supply the hydraulic unit and the drive system with electrical energy.

[0036] In the area of ​​the drive unit, a driver protection roof 8 covering the driver's platform 2 is arranged and is attached to the frame 3 by means of two supports 9a, 9b. The supports 9a, 9b are arranged at the drive unit-side end of the industrial truck 1.

[0037] The operator's platform 2 of the industrial truck 1 is thus located laterally next to the engine compartment 6 in the right-hand area of ​​the industrial truck 1 and longitudinally adjacent to the battery compartment 7. In the area of ​​the right-hand support 9b of the operator's overhead guard 8, a leaning aid 10, for example a backrest or a standing seat, is arranged on the frame 3 for the operator standing on the operator's platform 2.

[0038] The driver's cab 2 comprises a standing platform 11, on which a dead man's switch 12, which can be operated with the foot of the operator, is arranged.

[0039] According to the invention, an operating arrangement 15 of the industrial truck 1 is formed on an L-shaped cover 16 (as seen from above), which completely covers the battery compartment 7 and the engine compartment 6 from above. The cover 16, which can be made of one or more parts, is made of plastic and is provided with all operating elements for controlling and operating the industrial truck 1, which are operated by the operator's hands.

[0040] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows in more detail the operating arrangement 15 formed by the cover 16.

[0041] In the area of ​​the cover 16 above the engine compartment 6, a steering control device 20, designed as a steering wheel or steering knob, is arranged as an operating element for the electric power steering system. In the area above the battery compartment 7, an armrest 21 for the right arm of the operator standing on the driver's platform 2 is arranged on the cover 16 on the right side of the vehicle. The armrest 21 consists of a padded support attached to the cover 16.

[0042] Adjacent to the armrest 21, on the cover 16 above the battery compartment 7 facing the center of the vehicle, a control element 22 for controlling the drive and control elements 23a, 23b for controlling the working hydraulics are arranged as further control elements.

[0043] The cover 16 is provided with an arcuate or crescent-shaped recess 25 adjacent to the armrest 21, in which the control elements 22, 23a, and 23b are arranged. The control element 22 of the drive system is a joystick with one actuating axis, by means of which the direction and speed of travel of the industrial truck can be controlled. The control elements 23a and 23b of the working hydraulics are also designed as joysticks. The joystick-designed control element 23a is a so-called cross lever with two actuating axes arranged perpendicular to each other, which serves to control the lifting drive of the load-handling attachment 5 and the extension drive of the lifting mast 4. The joystick-designed control element 23b serves to actuate a tilting drive of the load-handling attachment 5 or the lifting mast 4 and is provided with one actuating axis.If a further hydraulic function of the working hydraulics is provided, for example a side shift device for the load handling device 5, a further actuating element designed as a joystick can be provided or the control element 23b formed by the joystick can be designed as a cross lever with two actuating axes.

[0044] The operating elements 23a, 23b of the working hydraulics are arranged on a cover plate 26, which is attached in a receiving opening formed in the area of ​​the arc-shaped recess 25 of the cover 16. Instead of a cover plate 26, the operating elements 23a, 23b can also be arranged directly in the cover 16, in which case a recess may be provided for a sticker that contains and clarifies the functions of the working hydraulics.

[0045] The operating elements 23a, 23b of the working hydraulics are arranged in the arc-shaped recess on the rear area of ​​the cover 16 facing the driver's platform 2. The operating element 22 of the drive is arranged in the arc-shaped recess 25 on the front area of ​​the cover 16 facing the lifting mast 4.

[0046] A pin-shaped handle 27 is molded onto the cover 16 on the side of the control element 22 of the drive unit, on an end wall of the arc-shaped recess 25.

[0047] In the area of ​​a wall of the arc-shaped recess 25 facing away from the driver's platform 2, an actuating element 28 of a warning device designed as a horn is arranged as a further operating element. The actuating element 28 is designed as a push button and is arranged such that the push button can be actuated by the index finger of the right hand grasping the handhold 27 or by the index finger of the right hand of an operator standing on the driver's platform 2 that is operating the control element 22 of the drive system.

[0048] Extending from the arc-shaped recess 25, an actuating element 29 for an emergency stop switch is arranged on the cover 16 adjacent to the armrest 21 and the lifting mast 4, and thus in the right front corner area of ​​the cover 16 as a further operating element. The actuating element 29 is formed by a push button.

[0049] The operating elements 23a, 23b of the working hydraulics, the operating element 22 of the drive, the handgrip 27 and the actuating element 29 of the emergency stop switch arranged in the recess 25 are preferably arranged approximately on a circular arc, the center of which is located in the area of ​​the elbow joint of the right arm of the operator standing on the driver's platform 2, which is located on the armrest 21.

[0050] Here, the drive control 22 and the adjacent hydraulic control 23a are arranged such that both can be operated with one hand. Preferably, the drive control 22 and the hydraulic control 23a are arranged on a circular arc whose center point is located in the area of ​​the wrist of the operator's arm resting on the armrest 21. The speed and direction of travel of the industrial truck, as well as the lifting / lowering and the thrust drive of the mast 4, can thus be operated with one hand without any rotational movements of the arm, resulting in rapid operation of the industrial truck's main functions and thus high throughput.

[0051] A display device 30 is arranged as a further operating element on the cover 16 in the transition area between the battery compartment 7 and the engine compartment 6, and thus in the left front corner area of ​​the cover 16. The display device 30 is arranged in an outwardly inclined outer parapet wall 31 of the cover 16 such that the display device 30 is essentially perpendicular to the line of sight of the operator standing on the driver's platform 2 and looking at the display device 30, in order to minimize glare.

[0052] On the cover 16, in the area of ​​the display device 30, a control and / or keypad 32 is arranged as a further control element, which may be equipped with several control switches 33, for example rocker switches or push buttons, or with several indicator lights.

[0053] The area of ​​the cover 16 between the arc-shaped recess 25 and the display device 30 is preferably designed to be flat and forms a writing surface 34. To secure documents located on the writing surface 34, a means 35 for securing documents, for example a spring-loaded retaining clip, is arranged on the cover 16.

[0054] The area of ​​the cover 16 above the engine compartment 6, where the steering actuation device 20 is located, is designed as a recess 36, which is bounded by the outer parapet wall 31 and an inner parapet wall 37, as well as a rear parapet wall 38 and a front parapet wall 39 of the cover 16. The recess 36 thus forms a trough-shaped storage space on the cover 16 in which objects can be safely stored.

[0055] A key switch 40 is also arranged on the inner vertical parapet wall 37 of the cover 16 facing the driver's station 2.

[0056] Cover 16 also has a recess 41 in the left rear area, which can be used as a drink holder.

[0057] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 further shows a door 42 closing the engine compartment 6, which can be opened by means of a release lever 43 to allow access to the engine compartment 6 from the side of the driver's cab 2.

[0058] The cover 16 according to the invention, which is provided with all operating elements to be operated by the operator's hands, can be manufactured in a simple manner, for example from plastic using an injection molding process. This allows for low manufacturing costs, particularly in the case of a one-piece cover 16. Due to the free formability of the cover 16, an ergonomically advantageous design of the cover 16 can be achieved, with an ergonomically favorable arrangement of the armrest 21 and the operating elements, in particular the operating element 22 of the drive, the operating elements 23a, 23b of the working hydraulics, the handgrip 27, the actuating means 28 of the warning device, the actuating element 29 of the emergency stop switch, and the display device 30.Furthermore, by using an aperture 26 for the actuating elements 23a, 23b of the working hydraulics, it is possible to easily adapt the actuating elements of the working hydraulics to different equipment variants of the industrial trucks.

[0059] The cover 16 according to the invention can be designed as a pre-assembled module that, as an integral assembly, completely covers the power unit compartment 6 and the battery compartment 7. The frame-side installation space above the battery compartment 7 is preferably designed as an electronics compartment, which can be covered by the cover 16. Power electronics for the drive system and the hydraulic unit, as well as electronic controls for the industrial truck, can therefore be easily and securely arranged in the electronics compartment.

Claims

[1] Operating arrangement (15) of an industrial truck (1), in particular a reach truck, with a driver's workstation, in particular a driver's platform (2) for a standing operator, wherein the driver's workstation is arranged laterally next to an engine compartment (6) in the transverse direction of the vehicle and adjacent to a battery compartment (7) for a power supply unit in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the operating arrangement (15) is formed on an L-shaped cover (16) in plan view, which covers the battery compartment (7) and the engine compartment (6) from above, wherein a steering actuation device (20) is arranged on the cover (16) in the area of ​​the engine compartment (6) and an armrest (21) and at least one control element (22) for controlling a drive and at least one control element (23a; 23b) for controlling a working hydraulic system are arranged in the area of ​​the battery compartment (7), characterized by, that the control element (23a; 23b) for the working hydraulics is formed by at least one joystick and the control element (22) for the travel drive is formed by a joystick, wherein the control element (22) designed as a joystick for controlling the travel drive and the control element (23a; 23b) designed as a joystick for controlling the working hydraulics are arranged in an arc-shaped recess (25) of the cover (16) adjacent to the armrest (21). [2] Operating arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control element (23a; 23b) for controlling the working hydraulics is arranged on a baffle (26) which can be attached in a receiving opening formed in the area of ​​the arc-shaped recess (25) of the cover (16). [3] Operating arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a handgrip (27) is formed on the cover (16) adjacent to the control element (22) for controlling the drive. [4] Operating arrangement according to claim 3, characterized by , that the handle (27) is formed on an end wall of the arc-shaped recess (25) on the cover (16). [5] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that an actuating element (29) for an emergency stop switch is arranged on the cover (16) in extension of the arc-shaped recess (25). [6] Operating arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the control element (23a; 23b) for the working hydraulics, the control element (22) for the drive and the hand grip (27) and / or the actuating element (29) for the emergency stop switch are arranged approximately on a circular arc, the center of which is located in the area of ​​the elbow joint of an arm of an operator located on the armrest (21). [7] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the control element (22) for the drive and the adjacent control element (23a) for the working hydraulics are arranged approximately on a circular arc, the center of which is located in the area of ​​the wrist of an arm of an operator located on the armrest (21). [8] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that on a wall of the arc-shaped recess (25) facing away from the driver's workplace (2) an actuating means (28) of a warning device, in particular a horn, is arranged such that the actuating means (28) of the warning device can be actuated by a finger, in particular the index finger, a hand grasping the handgrip (27) or a hand operating the control element (22) of the drive of an operator located in the driver's workplace. [9] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the armrest (21) is formed by a padded support arranged on the cover. [10] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that a display device (30), in particular a display, is arranged on the cover (16) in the transition area from the battery compartment (7) to the engine compartment (6). [11] Operating arrangement according to claim 10, characterized by , that the display device (30) is arranged in an inclined outer parapet wall (31) of the cover (16). [12] Operating arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that a control and / or keypad (32) is arranged on the cover (16) in the area of ​​the display device (30). [13] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that a writing surface (34) is formed on the cover (16) in the area of ​​the battery compartment (7) adjacent to the arc-shaped recess (25). [14] Operating arrangement according to claim 13, characterized by , that a means (35) for fixing documents is arranged on the cover (16) in the area of ​​the writing desk (34). [15] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that a key switch is arranged on the cover (16). [16] Operating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by , that a recess (36) is formed on the cover (16) in the area of ​​the unit compartment (6) and is bounded by an inner parapet wall (37) of the cover (16). [17] Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cover (16) is designed as a pre-assembled assembly with the armrest (21), the steering control device (20), the operating element (22) of the drive, the operating element (23a; 23b) of the working hydraulics and / or the actuating element (29) for the emergency stop switch and / or the actuating means (28) of the warning device and / or the display device (30) and / or the control and / or keypad (32).

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