Electrode assembly holder and electrode tray comprising same

Abstract

Provided according to exemplary embodiments is an electrode assembly holder. The electrode assembly holder may comprise: a side wall unit in a hollow cylindrical shape, including a first part defining an accommodation space, a second part defining a discharge space, and a third part interposed between the first part and the second part; a support surrounded by the third part and spaced apart from the third part; and bridges connecting the third part and the support.

Description

Electrode assembly holder and electrode tray including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly holder and an electrode tray. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0158506, filed on November 8, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unit cells of secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch types depending on the type of case. In the case of cylindrical batteries, an insulating separator is interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode coated with active material, and this is wound to form a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly, which is then inserted into a battery can to constitute the battery.

[0003] As a type of cylindrical battery, a tabless cylindrical battery cell comprising a tabless electrode assembly is presented. The tabless electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode comprising segments of a non-existent portion on one long side and a negative electrode comprising segments of a non-existent portion on one long side are wound. The segments of the non-existent portion of the positive electrode protrude to the bottom of the electrode assembly, and the segments of the non-existent portion of the negative electrode protrude to the top of the electrode assembly. The segments of the non-existent portion protruding to the top and bottom are welded to the upper current collection plate and the lower current collection plate, respectively, and can be inserted into the battery can.

[0004] In the manufacturing process of tapless cylindrical battery cells, it is necessary to transport electrode assemblies in the form of wound jelly rolls. To prevent damage to the segments of the unsold parts at both ends of the tapless electrode assemblies, the assemblies were transported by horizontally stacking them on trays. However, there was a problem in that existing equipment had to be modified or new equipment manufactured when vertical stacking was required. Accordingly, a new type of transport tray was needed to vertically stack and transport tapless electrode assemblies without damaging the unsold parts.

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide an electrode assembly holder capable of storing and transporting an electrode assembly without damage.

[0006] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an electrode assembly holder is provided. The electrode assembly holder may include a hollow cylindrical side wall portion, wherein the side wall portion comprises a first portion defining a receiving space, a second portion defining a discharge space, and a third portion interposed between the first portion and the second portion; a support surrounded by the third portion and spaced apart from the third portion; and bridges connecting the third portion and the support.

[0007] The width of the above receiving space may differ from the width of the above discharge space.

[0008] The width of the above receiving space may be larger than the width of the above discharge space.

[0009] The width of the above receiving space may be 18.0 mm or more. The width of the above receiving space may be 24.0 mm or less. The width of the above discharge space may be 13.5 mm or more. The width of the above discharge space may be 19.5 mm or less.

[0010] The inner surface of the third part above can be aligned in a vertical direction with the inner surface of the second part above.

[0011] The above bridges can be arranged at equal intervals.

[0012] It may further include a first hole defined by the inner surface of the support; and second holes between the support and the third part.

[0013] The above second holes can be separated by the above bridges.

[0014] Each of the above second holes may be defined by the outer surface of the support, the inner surface of the third part, and the sides of the bridges.

[0015] The number of the above second holes may be 2 or more and 10 or less.

[0016] The above support may be ring-shaped.

[0017] The above receiving space can be connected to the discharge space by the above first hole and the above second hole.

[0018] The number of the above bridges may be between 2 and 10.

[0019] The above receiving space may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly in the form of a jelly roll. The electrode assembly may include segments of the unwound portion folded toward the winding center at both ends. The bridges may support the segments of the unwound portion of the electrode assembly.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an electrode tray is provided. The electrode tray may include a plurality of electrode assembly holders as described above; and a bottom plate that supports the electrode assembly holders from below.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, tabletless electrode assemblies can be transported by vertically loading them onto a tray. Holes are provided in the bottom portion of the electrode tray so that the electrode assemblies can be transported without damage to the electrode assemblies.

[0022] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is an unfolded view showing the state of electrodes before winding according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electrode tray according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly holder according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly holder according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0031] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0032] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0033] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0034]

[0035] (1st embodiment)

[0036] FIG. 1 is an unfolded view showing electrodes (10, 20) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 1 shows the state of the electrodes (10, 20) before winding. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electrode tray (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a holder (110) of an electrode tray (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a holder (110) of an electrode tray (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 illustrates cross-sections along P-P', Q-Q', and R-R' of FIG. 4.

[0038]

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) can be formed by sequentially stacking a first electrode (10), a separator, a second electrode (20), and a separator to form an electrode stack, and then winding the electrode stack along the length direction (Y direction). The winding axis portion of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) may be empty. The length direction (Y direction) of each of the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20) may correspond to the circumferential direction of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30). The width direction (Z direction) of each of the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20) may correspond to the winding axis direction of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30). The normal direction (X direction) of the surface of each of the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20) may correspond to the radial direction of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30).

[0040]

[0041] The first electrode (10) may include a current collector and an active material layer. The portion of the first electrode (10) coated with the active material may be a retaining portion (11). The portion of the first electrode (10) not coated with the active material may be an uncoated portion (12). The current collector may be exposed in the uncoated portion (12).

[0042] The unworn portion (12) may include segments (12S) arranged in the Y direction. The segments (12S) may be folded independently. In a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30), each of the segments (12S) may be folded toward the winding center of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30).

[0043] According to exemplary embodiments, the first electrode (10) may be an anode. The first electrode (10) may include an aluminum foil as a current collector. The first electrode (10) may be a positive electrode active material such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, or LiNi 1-x Co x O2(0.2≤x≤0.5), LiNi 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 Co1 / 3 O2, LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 O2, LiMn2O4, LiMn 2-x M x O4 (M may include Al or Li, etc.), or LiFePO4, etc.

[0044]

[0045] The second electrode (20) may include a current collector and an active material layer. The portion of the second electrode (20) coated with the active material may be a retaining portion (21). The portion of the second electrode (20) not coated with the active material may be an uncoated portion (22). The current collector may be exposed in the uncoated portion (22).

[0046] The unworn portion (22) may include segments (22S) arranged in the Y direction. The segments (22S) may be folded independently. In the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30), each of the segments (22S) may be folded toward the winding center of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30).

[0047] According to exemplary embodiments, the second electrode (20) may be a negative electrode. The second electrode (20) may include a copper foil or a nickel foil as a current collector. The second electrode (20) may include lithium metal, graphite, coke, silicon, tin, etc. as a negative electrode active material.

[0048]

[0049] The electrode assembly (30) may be a tab-less type electrode assembly. The electrode assembly (30) may include segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12) of the first electrode (10) protruding from the bottom of the electrode assembly (30), and segments (22S) of the unoccupied portion (22) of the second electrode (20) protruding from the top of the electrode assembly (30). Each of the segments (12S, 22S) of the unoccupied portions (12, 22) may be folded toward the winding center of the electrode assembly (30). Each of the segments (12S, 22S) of the unoccupied portions (12, 22) of the electrode assembly (30) may be welded to current collection plates (205A, 205B in FIG. 7) during the cell assembly process.

[0050]

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the electrode tray (100) may be a tray for transporting an electrode assembly (30) in the form of a jelly roll. For example, the electrode tray (100) may be used for transporting the electrode assembly (30) to insert the electrode assembly (30) into a can after the winding process of the electrode assembly (30). The electrode tray (100) may include a plurality of holders (110) and a bottom plate (105). The plurality of holders (110) may be placed on the bottom plate (105). The bottom plate (105) may support the plurality of holders (110) from below.

[0052] The holder (110) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (30). The electrode assembly (30) may be loaded into the holder (110) such that the unworn portion (12) of the first electrode (10) faces downward in the Z direction and the unworn portion (22) of the second electrode (20) faces upward in the Z direction.

[0053]

[0054] The holder (110) may include a side wall (111), a support (112A), bridges (112B), a receiving space (113), and a discharge space (114).

[0055] The side wall portion (111) may include a first portion (111A), a second portion (111B), and a third portion (111C). The third portion (111C) may be interposed between the first portion (111A) and the second portion (111B).

[0056] The width (111AW) of the first part (111A) may differ from the width (111BW) of the second part (111B). The width (111AW) of the first part (111A) may be smaller than the width (111BW) of the second part (111B). The first part (111A) may include an inner surface (111AIS). The second part (111B) may include an inner surface (111BIS). The inner surface (111AIS) of the first part (111A) may not be aligned with the inner surface (111BIS) of the second part (111B) in the Z direction.

[0057] The width (111CW) of the third part (111C) may differ from the width (111AW) of the first part (111A). The width (111CW) of the third part (111C) may be greater than the width (111AW) of the first part (111A). The width (111CW) of the third part (111C) may be substantially the same as the width (111BW) of the second part (111B). The third part (111C) may include an inner surface (111CIS). The inner surface (111CIS) of the third part (111C) may not be aligned in the Z direction with the inner surface (111AIS) of the first part (111A). The inner surface (111CIS) of the third part (111C) can be aligned with the inner surface (111BIS) of the second part (111B) in the Z direction.

[0058] The first portion (111A) of the side wall portion (111) may include a portion where the width decreases at the top. The first portion (111A) of the side wall portion (111) may include an inwardly inclined surface at the top. When mounting the electrode assembly (30) to the holder (110), if the electrode assembly (30) is misaligned with the holder (110), the electrode assembly (30) may be moved along the inwardly inclined surface at the top of the first portion (111A) and loaded into the receiving space (113).

[0059]

[0060] The support (112A) may be surrounded by the third part (111C). The support (112A) may be spaced apart from the third part (111C). According to exemplary embodiments, the support (112A) may have a ring shape. According to exemplary embodiments, the center of the support (112A) may coincide with the center of the third part (111C).

[0061] Bridges (112B) can connect the support (112A) and the third part (111C). The bridges (112B) can be spaced apart from each other. According to exemplary embodiments, the bridges (112B) can be arranged at regular intervals. The support (112A) and each of the bridges (112B) can have substantially the same thickness (112DP).

[0062] The first part (111A) of the side wall portion (111) can support the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) from the side. The support (112A) and bridges (112B) can support the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) from below. The support (112A) and bridges (112B) can support a plurality of segments (12S) of the unincorporated portion (12) of the first electrode (10) of the electrode assembly (30).

[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment including four bridges (112B), but the number of bridges (112B) is not limited thereto. The number of bridges (112B) may be changed depending on the size or shape of the electrode assembly (30). According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112B) may be two or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112B) may be four or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112B) may be six or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112B) may be twenty or fewer. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112B) may be ten or fewer. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112B) may be eight or fewer.

[0064]

[0065] The receiving space (113) may be defined by the first part (111A) of the side wall (111). The discharge space (114) may be defined by the second part (111B) of the side wall (111).

[0066] The receiving space (113) may be a space for receiving an electrode assembly (30) in the form of a jelly roll. The receiving space (113) may have a width (113W) (or, diameter). According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 15.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 17.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 18.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 20.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 30.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 24.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 23.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 22.0 mm or less.

[0067] The discharge space (114) may have a width (114W) (or diameter). The width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may differ from the width (113W) of the receiving space (113). The width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be smaller than the width (113W) of the receiving space (113). According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be about 10.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be about 12.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be about 13.5 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be about 16.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the exhaust space (114) may be about 25.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the exhaust space (114) may be about 23.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the exhaust space (114) may be about 19.5 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the exhaust space (114) may be about 17.0 mm or less.

[0068] The discharge space (114) can be connected to the receiving space (113) through a plurality of holes (112H1, 112H2). Foreign matter in the receiving space (113) can be discharged into the discharge space (114) through the plurality of holes (112H1, 112H2).

[0069]

[0070] The holder (110) may further include a first hole (112H1) and second holes (112H2). The first hole (112H1) may be defined by the inner surface (112AIS) of the support (112A). The second holes (112H2) may be located between the support (112A) and the third part (111C). The second holes (112H2) may be separated by bridges (112B). Each second hole (112H2) may be defined by the outer surface (112AOS) of the support (112A), the inner surface (111CIS) of the third part (111C), and the sides (112BS) of the bridges (112B).

[0071] According to exemplary embodiments, the second holes (112H2) may be arranged at equal intervals. However, the arrangement of the second holes (112H2) is not limited thereto, and the second holes (112H2) may be arranged at different intervals. Each of the second holes (112H2) may have substantially the same shape. Each of the second holes (112H2) may have different shapes.

[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment including four second holes (112H2), but the number of second holes (112H2) is not limited thereto. The number of second holes (112H2) may be changed depending on the size or shape of the electrode assembly (30).

[0073] According to exemplary embodiments, the number of second holes (112H2) may be two or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of second holes (112H2) may be four or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of second holes (112H2) may be six or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of second holes (112H2) may be twenty or fewer. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of second holes (112H2) may be ten or fewer. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of second holes (112H2) may be eight or fewer.

[0074] The first hole (112H1) may have a width (112H1W). According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112H1W) of the first hole (112H1) may be about 2.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112H1W) of the first hole (112H1) may be about 3.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112H1W) of the first hole (112H1) may be about 4.5 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112H1W) of the first hole (112H1) may be about 6.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112H1W) of the first hole (112H1) may be about 12.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112H1W) of the first hole (112H1) may be about 10.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112H1W) of the first hole (112H1) may be about 8.5 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112H1W) of the first hole (112H1) may be about 7.0 mm or less.

[0075]

[0076] An electrode assembly holder (110) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a support (112A) and bridges (112B) to support a plurality of segments (12S) at the bottom of an electrode assembly (130) and to maintain the folded state of the plurality of segments (12S). A plurality of holes (112H1, 112H2) can prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the plurality of segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12) of the electrode assembly (30). Thus, the electrode assembly (30) can be loaded and transported in the holder (110) without damage. In addition, foreign substances in the receiving space (113) can be discharged into the discharge space (114) through the plurality of holes (112H1, 112H2), thereby preventing contamination of the electrode assembly (30).

[0077]

[0078] (2nd Example)

[0079] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cylindrical battery (200) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0080]

[0081] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 7, a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include a step (P1) of forming a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30). The jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) may be formed by sequentially winding a first electrode (10), a separator, a second electrode (20), and a separator onto a core. Segments (12S) of the unwound portion (12) of the first electrode (10) may be located at the bottom of the electrode assembly (30), and segments (22S) of the unwound portion (22) of the second electrode (20) may be located at the top of the electrode assembly (30). The segments (12S, 22S) of the unwound portions (12, 22) at both ends of the electrode assembly (30) may be folded toward the winding center of the electrode assembly (30). According to exemplary embodiments, the cylindrical battery (200) may be a tapless type battery.

[0082] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include the step (P2) of loading an electrode assembly (30) onto an electrode tray (100). The electrode assembly (30) may be loaded onto a holder (110) of the electrode tray (100). The segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12) located at the bottom of the electrode assembly (30) may be supported by a support (112A) and bridges (112B) of each holder (110).

[0083] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include the step (P3) of transporting the electrode assembly (30) to a required location and then unloading the electrode assembly (30) from the electrode tray (100). The electrode tray (100) includes a support (112A), bridges (112B), and a plurality of holes (112H1, 112H2) so as to vertically load and transport the electrode assembly (30) without damaging the segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12).

[0084] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include the step (P4) of welding segments (12S, 22S) of the unoccupied portions (12, 22) of the electrode assembly (30) to current collection plates (205A, 205B), respectively. The segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12) of the electrode assembly (30) may be welded to the first current collection plate (205A). The segments (22S) of the second unoccupied portion (22) of the electrode assembly (30) may be welded to the second current collection plate (205B).

[0085] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include the step (P5) of inserting an electrode assembly (30) into a can (201). Subsequently, a first current collector plate (205A) may be welded to the bottom portion (201B) of the can (201). A second current collector plate (205B) may be welded to a top cap (202). The can (201) may serve as a positive terminal connecting the cylindrical battery (200) to the outside. The top cap (202) may serve as a negative terminal connecting the cylindrical battery (200) to the outside.

[0086] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A hollow cylindrical side wall portion, wherein the side wall portion comprises a first portion defining a receiving space, a second portion defining a discharge space, and a third portion interposed between the first portion and the second portion; A support surrounded by the third part and spaced apart from the third part; and An electrode assembly holder characterized by including bridges connecting the third part and the support.

2. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the width of the receiving space is different from the width of the discharge space.

3. In Paragraph 2, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the width of the receiving space is greater than the width of the discharge space.

4. In Paragraph 3, The width of the above-mentioned receiving space is 18.0 mm or more, and The width of the above-mentioned receiving space is 24.0 mm or less, and The width of the above discharge space is 13.5 mm or more, and An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the width of the discharge space is 19.5 mm or less.

5. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the inner surface of the third part is aligned in a vertical direction with the inner surface of the second part.

6. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the above-mentioned bridges are arranged at equal intervals.

7. In Paragraph 1, A first hole defined by the inner surface of the support; and An electrode assembly holder characterized by further including second holes between the support and the third part.

8. In Paragraph 7, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the second holes are separated by the bridges.

9. In Paragraph 7, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that each of the second holes is defined by the outer surface of the support, the inner surface of the third part, and the sides of the bridges.

10. In Paragraph 7, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the number of the second holes is 2 or more and 10 or less.

11. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the above-mentioned support is ring-shaped.

12. In Paragraph 7, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the receiving space is in communication with the discharge space through the first hole and the second hole.

13. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the number of the above bridges is 2 or more and 10 or less.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above receiving space is configured to accommodate an electrode assembly in the form of a jelly roll, and The above electrode assembly includes segments of unwound portions folded toward the winding center at both ends, and An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the above bridges support the segments of the above-described non-described portion of the electrode assembly.

15. Multiple electrode assembly holders according to claim 1; and An electrode tray comprising a bottom plate that supports the electrode assembly holders from below.

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