US20100293742A1 - Cleaning apparatus and detecting method thereof - Google Patents
Cleaning apparatus and detecting method thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100293742A1 US20100293742A1 US12/782,111 US78211110A US2010293742A1 US 20100293742 A1 US20100293742 A1 US 20100293742A1 US 78211110 A US78211110 A US 78211110A US 2010293742 A1 US2010293742 A1 US 2010293742A1
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- Prior art keywords
- cleaning apparatus
- dust
- motor
- optical sensor
- control unit
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- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 104
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 claims description 62
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 60
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- HFGPZNIAWCZYJU-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead zirconate titanate Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Ti+4].[Zr+4].[Pb+2] HFGPZNIAWCZYJU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052451 lead zirconate titanate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000593 degrading effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2889—Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/19—Means for monitoring filtering operation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2805—Parameters or conditions being sensed
- A47L9/281—Parameters or conditions being sensed the amount or condition of incoming dirt or dust
- A47L9/2815—Parameters or conditions being sensed the amount or condition of incoming dirt or dust using optical detectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2805—Parameters or conditions being sensed
- A47L9/2831—Motor parameters, e.g. motor load or speed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
- A47L9/2842—Suction motors or blowers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/47—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
- G01N21/49—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid
- G01N21/53—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke
- G01N21/534—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke by measuring transmission alone, i.e. determining opacity
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to cleaning apparatus and detecting method, and in particular relates to an auto-cleaning device and detecting method.
- Particles detection technology is currently being used in traditional vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, self-propelled vacuum cleaners, and clean rooms.
- the detection of amount of particles and environmental control is to make cleaning more efficient.
- the cleaning performed by the traditional vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, or self-propelled vacuum cleaners can be more efficient, and thus it can promote environment protection by energy-saving and carbon emission reduction.
- Known particle detection technology can be broadly divided into the following three categories:
- Optical detection The main principle is to use a pair of optical transmitter and receiver devices, where each receiver detects intensity of light emitted by the corresponding optical transmitter. In principle, the detected intensity increases when the density of dust grains declines, thereby identifying the amount of dust present.
- optical sensors are used to detect dust.
- circuits of signal processing such as amplification, filtering, and other methods, are introduced to improve the sensor's sensitivity.
- Pressure-Difference detection The principle determines whether the filter needs to be replaced or the amount of waste dust collection box is full by comparing the pressure difference between the dust collection box and the suction inlet.
- Piezoelectric pressure sensing The PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) pressure sensing element is placed at the inner wall of the vacuum suction inlet. The amount of dust inhaled is determined by the pressures applied to the PZT pressure sensing element by the impact of dust.
- the cleaning apparatus includes a fan, a motor, a detecting device, and a control unit.
- the motor is for driving the fan to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus;
- the detecting device is electrically connected to the motor to detect an impedance of the motor;
- the control unit is electrically connected to the detecting device, for comparing the impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and outputting a signal indicative of a comparison result.
- the cleaning apparatus further includes a dust collecting unit positioned in a path of the air flow to trap dust from the air, and the signal indicates a state of the dust collecting unit or filter.
- the cleaning apparatus further includes a blowing device for directing exhaust air of the fan to a sensing surface of the at least one optical sensor.
- a method for debris detection in a cleaning apparatus includes measuring an impedance of a motor of a fan of the cleaning apparatus; determining a level of debris accumulation in the cleaning apparatus based on the impedance of the motor; and issuing a signal indicative of the level of debris accumulation exceeding a predetermined value.
- a method for debris detection in a cleaning apparatus includes arranging multiple optical sensors at different locations in the inlet for detecting the sensing surface at said different locations. The cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus is controlled based on the determined dust covered surface areas received from said optical sensors.
- FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment
- FIG. 1 b is an explosive view of a cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 a ;
- FIG. 1 c is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment
- FIG. 1 d is an explosive view of a cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 c;
- FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment
- FIG. 3 a is a block diagram of the control unit according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 3 b is a function diagram of the band pass filter according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 a;
- FIG. 3 c is a block diagram of the control unit according to another embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an intake of the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a detecting method of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a detecting method of a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a detecting method of a cleaning apparatus according to yet another embodiment.
- cleaning apparatus 1 includes a housing 10 , a fan 20 , a motor 30 , a detecting device 40 , a control unit 50 , two pairs of optics sensor 60 , a dust collecting unit 70 , three warning members 80 , four blowing devices 90 , and a driving system 110 .
- cleaning apparatus 1 is sometimes referred to as an auto-cleaning device, in some embodiments, cleaning apparatus 1 can be a vacuum cleaner or an air cleaning machine.
- cleaning apparatus 1 can be a vacuum cleaner or an air cleaning machine.
- the housing 10 substantially encloses the fan 20 , the motor 30 , the detecting is device 40 , and the control unit 50 therein. Further, the housing 10 has an inlet 11 , which has a shape of a long strip and includes a left area 11 a and a right area 11 b.
- the motor 30 is configured to drive the fan 20 to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus so that dust can be sucked in through the inlet 11 .
- the motor 30 is set below the fan 20 inside the housing 10 .
- the motor 30 is coupled to the fan 20 in order to drive the fan 20 .
- the detecting device 40 is disposed beside the control unit 50 and the motor 30 inside the housing 10 , and is electrically connected to the motor 30 and the control unit 50 , respectively, in order to detect the an impendence of the motor 30 .
- the motor 30 is a brushless motor
- the detecting device 40 is integrated into the circuit of the brushless motor.
- the control unit 50 is disposed below the motor 30 inside the housing 10 , and is electrically connected to the motor 30 , the detecting device 40 , and the driving system 110 , respectively, in order to control the operation of the fan 20 and the moving speed of the cleaning apparatus 1 .
- the control unit 50 is configured to compare the detected impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and output a signal indicative of the comparison result.
- the detecting device 40 of the cleaning apparatus 1 is configured to detect an impedance of the motor 30 for measuring debris accumulation inside a dust collecting unit.
- the dust collecting unit could include a filter 72 and a box 71 .
- the impedance of the motor 30 increases when the debris accumulation inside the dust collecting unit or the blockage of the air outlet and inlet increases.
- the voltage of the motor 30 is fixed, it leads to the decrease of the current and increase of the resistance.
- the resistance of the motor 30 can be measured after the current value of the motor 30 detected by the detecting device 40 .
- the detecting device is a current detecting device that detects a current value of the fan. When the detecting device detects a current value that is below a predetermined current value, the control unit 50 may stop driving the motor 30 .
- the control unit 50 including a band-pass filter 51 , an amplifier 52 , a pulse expander 53 , an analog/digital converter 54 , and a micro controller 55 .
- the band-pass filter 51 is a multi-level filter circuit that is configured to remove the electronic noise from other components (e.g. the motor 30 ).
- the band-pass filter 51 is a four-level filter circuit, including a high-pass filter 51 a, a low-pass filter 51 b, a band-pass circuit 51 c, and a wave-shaping circuit 51 d.
- the gain is 2 ⁇ 3%
- the central frequency is 110 kHz ⁇ 3%
- the bandwidth of 3 dB is 90 kHz ⁇ 3%
- an electronic bandwidth is 20 kHz ⁇ 200 kHz.
- the amplifier 52 amplifies signals from the band-pass filter 51 ; the pulse expander 53 adjusts the sampling frequency of signals from other components (ex: optical sensor 60 ); the analog/digital converter 54 performs a analog/digital conversion for signals from other components; and the micro controller 55 utilizes signals processed by the analog/digital converter 54 to control the suction and the moving speed of the cleaning apparatus 1 .
- PWM Pulse Width Modulation
- control unit 50 is not limited to the way FIG. 3 a shown. Any configuration accomplished substantially the same result is desirable.
- FIG. 3 c shows another example of the control unit.
- the control unit 50 ′ includes two band-pass filters 51 , two amplifiers 52 , a pulse expander 53 , an analog/digital converter 54 , a micro controller 55 , and a comparator 56 .
- the difference between the control unit 50 ′ in FIG. 3 c and the control unit 50 in FIG. 3 a is that the control unit 50 ′ further includes a comparator 56 .
- the comparator 56 compares the signal after the suction operation is commenced with the signal before the suction motion is commenced.
- two pairs of optical sensors 60 are disposed inside the inlet 11 of the housing 10 , in order to detect the amount of duct passing though the inlet. While the surface area of any of the two optical sensors 60 is covered by dust over a predetermined percentage (ex: over 90%), the control unit 50 ceases the motor 30 that drives the fan 20 .
- the two optical sensors 60 are separately disposed on the left area 11 a and the right area 11 b inside the inlet 11 . It should be realized that although the embodiment disclosed herein utilizes two optical sensors, the number of optical sensor is not limited to two, and it's also desirable to change the number of optical sensors used.
- each optical sensor 60 comprises a transmitter 61 and a receiver 62 , wherein the transmitter 61 and the receiver 62 are placed facing each other inside the inlet 11 . It is realized that the location of transmitter 61 and receiver 62 is not limited to what figures illustrated. Referring FIG. 1 c and FIG. 1 d , in some embodiments, the transmitter 61 and receiver 62 are disposed in a manner that they both face the same direction. In that case, the receiver 62 receives signals from the transmitter 61 by reflection.
- the dust collecting unit 70 which is positioned in a path of the air flow to trap dust from air inhaled by to the fan 20 , comprises a box 71 and a filter 72 .
- the control unit 50 ceases the motor 30 that drives the fan 20 , the dust collecting unit 70 is configured to be cleaned up. That is, the box 71 is cleaned and/or the filter 72 is replaced by another one.
- FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the cleaning apparatus.
- the warning member 80 is activated (e.g. switched on) by the control unit 50 when the signal indicates that the impedance of the motor is higher than the predetermined value.
- three warning members 80 may be light emitting diodes respectively and can emit light when switched on by the control unit 50 .
- the warning member 80 can be buzzers, indicators, or other devices according to various applications. Also, although only three warning members 80 are depicted for an exemplary embodiment, the number of the warning members 80 can be more or less than three.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an intake of the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment.
- there are two blowing devices 90 is for directing exhaust air from the fan 20 to a sensing surface of the at least one optical sensor (not shown in figures) to blow dust off said sensing surface for preventing the optical sensor 60 from being affected by the dust coverage.
- Each blowing device contains one air outlet 90 a.
- the two air outlets 90 a respectively located under the transmitter 61 and the receiver 62 .
- the two blowing devices 90 are separately connecting to the air outlet (not shown in figures) of the fan 20 .
- Each of the blowing devices 90 includes a valve 91 as depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the valve 91 electrically connected with the control unit 50 to control the exhaust air flowing through the blowing device 90 .
- the air outlet 90 a can be located under the transmitter 61 and the receiver 62 in this exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 .
- the air outlet 90 a can also be located on the side part of the transmitter 61 and the receiver 62 . The location of air outlet 90 a can be adjusted as long as the exhaust air of the air outlet 90 a can blow to the transmitter 61 and the receiver 62 .
- the driving system 110 for moving the auto-cleaning device is disposed on the housing 10 , connected to the fan 20 and the motor 30 in the way as depicted in FIG. 1 a , and electrically connected with the control unit 50 in the way as depicted in FIG. 2 . Note that the arrangement of every element in the housing are not limited to these embodiments depicted by the figures.
- the step of method comprises: turning on the power of the cleaning apparatus 1 (S 11 ), measuring the impedance of the motor 30 by the detecting device 40 (S 12 ), determining a level of debris accumulation in the cleaning apparatus 1 based on the impedance of the motor 30 (S 13 ).
- the process proceeds to Step S 14 .
- a signal indicative of the level of debris accumulation exceeding a predetermined value is issued (in one or more embodiments to the warning member 80 such as light emitting diodes or buzzers), and stop the motor 30 (S 14 ).
- the power of the cleaning apparatus 1 is turned off and the dust collecting unit 70 is cleaned (S 15 ).
- Step 4 (S 14 ) is to issue a signal when the level of debris accumulation reaches 80% of the space inside the box 71 .
- the predetermined percentage value of the space inside the box 71 can be adjusted according to various applications.
- to decide when to clean the dust collecting unit 70 by using the impedance value of the motor 30 can improve the efficiency of the cleaning apparatus 1 .
- warning members 80 are disposed on the housing 10 , and electrical connected with the control unit 50 .
- the control unit 50 determines that motor 30 for the fan 20 need to be stopped, the control unit 50 activates one or more warning members 80 .
- the warning members 80 are light-emitting diodes.
- the control unit 50 activates one or more warning members 80 , the light-emitting diodes (i.e. the warning members 80 being activated) emit light.
- the warning members 80 disclosed in the exemplary embodiment are light-emitting diodes.
- the warning members 80 can be light-emitting diodes, buzzers, other indictors, and/or combination thereof.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a detecting method in a cleaning apparatus.
- the detecting method comprises some steps as follows. First, power the cleaning apparatus 1 on in step S 21 . Next, in step S 22 , detect the amount of dust passing through an inlet 11 of the cleaning apparatus 1 and a sensing surface of an optical sensor 60 by the optical sensor 60 . After that, in step S 23 , determine a dust covered surface area of the optical sensor 60 . In detail, optical sensor 60 senses the status of the sensing surface. When a percentage of the sensing surface which dust covered exceed a predetermined value, such as 90% in some embodiments, the optical sensor 60 outputs a sensing signal to the control unit 50 , then go to step S 24 .
- a predetermined value such as 90% in some embodiments
- the sensing surface may separate to several equal grids. By counting the number of the grids which dust covered on the sensing surface, it may obtain the percentage to determine a dust or garbage covered surface area of the optical sensor. In some embodiments, a cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus is controlled based on the determined dust covered surface area.
- step S 24 when the control unit 50 receives the sensing signal, the motor 30 is stopped and a warning member 80 is activated. Finally, power off the cleaning apparatus 1 and clean a dust collecting unit 70 of the cleaning apparatus 1 in step S 25 .
- a blowing device 90 can be activated and used to blow exhaust air of the fan 20 at the sensing surface of the optical sensor 60 before said determining the dust covered surface area to decrease the amount of dust or garbage covered on the sensing surface of the optical sensor 60 . It may prevent the sensitivity of the optical sensor 60 from degrading.
- the predetermined value is 90%, but the predetermined value may change in various applications. It is not limited hereto.
- the detecting method in a cleaning apparatus which said before may determine when to clean the dust collecting unit 70 of the cleaning apparatus 1 by detecting status of the sensing surface of the optical sensor 60 . It may increase the efficiency of the cleaning apparatus 1 when the cleaning apparatus 1 is working.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a detecting method of a cleaning apparatus.
- the detecting method may apply to an auto-cleaning device.
- the auto-cleaning device comprises multiple optical sensors arranged at different locations in the inlet for detecting the sensing surface at said different locations.
- FIG. 1 c and FIG. 1 d for example, there are two optical sensors 62 ′ and 61 ′ arranged at a left area 11 a and a right area 11 b of the inlet, respectively, and a cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus 1 is controlled based on the determined dust covered surface areas received from said optical sensors 60 ′.
- the detecting method comprises some steps as follows. First, in step S 31 , power the cleaning apparatus 1 on.
- step S 32 detect the amount of dust passing through an inlet 11 of the cleaning apparatus 1 and sensing surfaces of the optical sensors 62 ′ and 61 ′ by the optical sensors 60 ′. Then, compare with the determined dust covered surface areas received from the optical sensors.
- the cleaning apparatus 1 turns to a direction where an optical sensor has a dust covered surface area larger than another optical sensor in step S 33 . For example, when the determined dust covered surface area of the optical sensor 62 ′ at the left area 11 a larger then the determined dust covered surface area of the optical sensor 61 ′ at the right area 11 b, the cleaning apparatus 1 turns left.
- cleaning apparatus 1 turns right.
- the cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus 1 further adjusts at least one suction power and/or a moving speed of the cleaning apparatus 1 in said direction.
- a blowing device 90 may be activated to blow exhaust air of the fan 20 at the sensing surface of the optical sensors 60 ′. It may prevent the sensitivity of the optical sensors 60 ′ from degrading. Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the cleaning apparatus 1 turns to said direction, a turning radius of the cleaning apparatus 1 is equal to a length of the inlet 11 .
- the cleaning apparatus may decide which side is dirtier based on determined dust covered surface area of the optical sensors 62 ′ and 61 ′ at the left area 11 a and the right area 11 b respectively. It may increase the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning apparatus 1 .
Abstract
The disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus and detecting method thereof. The cleaning apparatus includes a fan, a motor, a detecting device and a control unit. The motor drives the fan to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus. The detecting device is electrically connected to the motor, and is utilized detected an impedance of the motor. The control unit is electrically connected to the motor and the detecting device respectively, for comparing the impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and outputting a signal indicative of a comparison result.
Description
- This Application claims priority of Taiwan Patent Application No. 098116839, filed on May 21, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- The disclosure relates to cleaning apparatus and detecting method, and in particular relates to an auto-cleaning device and detecting method.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Particles detection technology is currently being used in traditional vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, self-propelled vacuum cleaners, and clean rooms. The detection of amount of particles and environmental control is to make cleaning more efficient. With a simple and effective way to measure the amount of dust and the size, the cleaning performed by the traditional vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, or self-propelled vacuum cleaners can be more efficient, and thus it can promote environment protection by energy-saving and carbon emission reduction.
- Known particle detection technology can be broadly divided into the following three categories:
- (1) Optical detection: The main principle is to use a pair of optical transmitter and receiver devices, where each receiver detects intensity of light emitted by the corresponding optical transmitter. In principle, the detected intensity increases when the density of dust grains declines, thereby identifying the amount of dust present. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,082, optical sensors are used to detect dust. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,944 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,422, circuits of signal processing, such as amplification, filtering, and other methods, are introduced to improve the sensor's sensitivity.
(2) Pressure-Difference detection: The principle determines whether the filter needs to be replaced or the amount of waste dust collection box is full by comparing the pressure difference between the dust collection box and the suction inlet.
(3) Piezoelectric pressure sensing: The PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) pressure sensing element is placed at the inner wall of the vacuum suction inlet. The amount of dust inhaled is determined by the pressures applied to the PZT pressure sensing element by the impact of dust. - In an embodiment, the cleaning apparatus includes a fan, a motor, a detecting device, and a control unit. The motor is for driving the fan to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus; the detecting device is electrically connected to the motor to detect an impedance of the motor; and the control unit is electrically connected to the detecting device, for comparing the impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and outputting a signal indicative of a comparison result.
- In another embodiment, the cleaning apparatus further includes a dust collecting unit positioned in a path of the air flow to trap dust from the air, and the signal indicates a state of the dust collecting unit or filter.
- In another embodiment, the cleaning apparatus further includes a blowing device for directing exhaust air of the fan to a sensing surface of the at least one optical sensor.
- In another embodiment, a method for debris detection in a cleaning apparatus includes measuring an impedance of a motor of a fan of the cleaning apparatus; determining a level of debris accumulation in the cleaning apparatus based on the impedance of the motor; and issuing a signal indicative of the level of debris accumulation exceeding a predetermined value.
- In another embodiment, a method for debris detection in a cleaning apparatus includes arranging multiple optical sensors at different locations in the inlet for detecting the sensing surface at said different locations. The cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus is controlled based on the determined dust covered surface areas received from said optical sensors.
- While the disclosure has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
- The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 1 b is an explosive view of a cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1 a; -
FIG. 1 c is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 1 d is an explosive view of a cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1 c; -
FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 3 a is a block diagram of the control unit according to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 3 b is a function diagram of the band pass filter according to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 3 a; -
FIG. 3 c is a block diagram of the control unit according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an intake of the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a detecting method of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a detecting method of a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment; and -
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a detecting method of a cleaning apparatus according to yet another embodiment. - The descriptions below are made to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 a, 1 b andFIG. 2 ,cleaning apparatus 1 includes ahousing 10, afan 20, amotor 30, a detectingdevice 40, acontrol unit 50, two pairs ofoptics sensor 60, adust collecting unit 70, threewarning members 80, four blowingdevices 90, and adriving system 110. Although, in the following illustration,cleaning apparatus 1 is sometimes referred to as an auto-cleaning device, in some embodiments,cleaning apparatus 1 can be a vacuum cleaner or an air cleaning machine. Thus, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims. - The
housing 10 substantially encloses thefan 20, themotor 30, the detecting isdevice 40, and thecontrol unit 50 therein. Further, thehousing 10 has aninlet 11, which has a shape of a long strip and includes aleft area 11 a and aright area 11 b. - Referring to
FIG. 1 a, themotor 30 is configured to drive thefan 20 to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus so that dust can be sucked in through theinlet 11. Themotor 30 is set below thefan 20 inside thehousing 10. As shown inFIG. 2 , themotor 30 is coupled to thefan 20 in order to drive thefan 20. - The detecting
device 40 is disposed beside thecontrol unit 50 and themotor 30 inside thehousing 10, and is electrically connected to themotor 30 and thecontrol unit 50, respectively, in order to detect the an impendence of themotor 30. In some embodiments, if themotor 30 is a brushless motor, the detectingdevice 40 is integrated into the circuit of the brushless motor. - The
control unit 50 is disposed below themotor 30 inside thehousing 10, and is electrically connected to themotor 30, the detectingdevice 40, and thedriving system 110, respectively, in order to control the operation of thefan 20 and the moving speed of thecleaning apparatus 1. Thecontrol unit 50 is configured to compare the detected impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and output a signal indicative of the comparison result. - The detecting
device 40 of thecleaning apparatus 1 according to at least one embodiment is configured to detect an impedance of themotor 30 for measuring debris accumulation inside a dust collecting unit. The dust collecting unit could include afilter 72 and abox 71. The impedance of themotor 30 increases when the debris accumulation inside the dust collecting unit or the blockage of the air outlet and inlet increases. When the voltage of themotor 30 is fixed, it leads to the decrease of the current and increase of the resistance. The resistance of themotor 30 can be measured after the current value of themotor 30 detected by the detectingdevice 40. In some embodiments, the detecting device is a current detecting device that detects a current value of the fan. When the detecting device detects a current value that is below a predetermined current value, thecontrol unit 50 may stop driving themotor 30. - As shown in
FIG. 3 a, in at least one embodiment, thecontrol unit 50 including a band-pass filter 51, anamplifier 52, apulse expander 53, an analog/digital converter 54, and amicro controller 55. The band-pass filter 51 is a multi-level filter circuit that is configured to remove the electronic noise from other components (e.g. the motor 30). In one embodiment, asFIG. 3 b shown, the band-pass filter 51 is a four-level filter circuit, including a high-pass filter 51 a, a low-pass filter 51 b, a band-pass circuit 51 c, and a wave-shapingcircuit 51 d. In some embodiments, regarding the band-pass filter 51, the gain is 2±3%, the central frequency is 110 kHz±3%, the bandwidth of 3 dB is 90 kHz±3%, and an electronic bandwidth is 20 kHz˜200 kHz. It should be realized that although the embodiment disclosed herein is a four-level filter circuit, it is not limited to such design. Any other circuit design is workable as long as the gain, central frequency, 3 dB bandwidth, and electronic bandwidth comply with standards previously stated. - Referring to
FIG. 3 a, theamplifier 52 amplifies signals from the band-pass filter 51; thepulse expander 53 adjusts the sampling frequency of signals from other components (ex: optical sensor 60); the analog/digital converter 54 performs a analog/digital conversion for signals from other components; and themicro controller 55 utilizes signals processed by the analog/digital converter 54 to control the suction and the moving speed of thecleaning apparatus 1. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it is also desirable to utilize PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to control the suction and the moving speed stated above. When thecleaning apparatus 1 detects a rather dusty condition, it will be adjusted to have a stronger suction power and slower moving speed, therefore improving the cleaning efficiency. - It should be realized that internal configuration of
control unit 50 is not limited to the wayFIG. 3 a shown. Any configuration accomplished substantially the same result is desirable. For example,FIG. 3 c shows another example of the control unit. Thecontrol unit 50′ includes two band-pass filters 51, twoamplifiers 52, apulse expander 53, an analog/digital converter 54, amicro controller 55, and acomparator 56. The difference between thecontrol unit 50′ inFIG. 3 c and thecontrol unit 50 inFIG. 3 a is that thecontrol unit 50′ further includes acomparator 56. Thecomparator 56 compares the signal after the suction operation is commenced with the signal before the suction motion is commenced. - Referring to
FIG. 1 a, two pairs ofoptical sensors 60 are disposed inside theinlet 11 of thehousing 10, in order to detect the amount of duct passing though the inlet. While the surface area of any of the twooptical sensors 60 is covered by dust over a predetermined percentage (ex: over 90%), thecontrol unit 50 ceases themotor 30 that drives thefan 20. The twooptical sensors 60 are separately disposed on theleft area 11 a and theright area 11 b inside theinlet 11. It should be realized that although the embodiment disclosed herein utilizes two optical sensors, the number of optical sensor is not limited to two, and it's also desirable to change the number of optical sensors used. - As
FIG. 4 shown, eachoptical sensor 60 comprises atransmitter 61 and areceiver 62, wherein thetransmitter 61 and thereceiver 62 are placed facing each other inside theinlet 11. It is realized that the location oftransmitter 61 andreceiver 62 is not limited to what figures illustrated. ReferringFIG. 1 c andFIG. 1 d, in some embodiments, thetransmitter 61 andreceiver 62 are disposed in a manner that they both face the same direction. In that case, thereceiver 62 receives signals from thetransmitter 61 by reflection. - Referring
FIG. 1 a, thedust collecting unit 70, which is positioned in a path of the air flow to trap dust from air inhaled by to thefan 20, comprises abox 71 and afilter 72. When thecontrol unit 50 ceases themotor 30 that drives thefan 20, thedust collecting unit 70 is configured to be cleaned up. That is, thebox 71 is cleaned and/or thefilter 72 is replaced by another one. - Referring
FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the cleaning apparatus. There are three warningmembers 80 disposed on thehousing 10 and electrically connected to thecontrol unit 50. The warningmember 80 is activated (e.g. switched on) by thecontrol unit 50 when the signal indicates that the impedance of the motor is higher than the predetermined value. In some embodiments, three warningmembers 80 may be light emitting diodes respectively and can emit light when switched on by thecontrol unit 50. In some other embodiments, the warningmember 80 can be buzzers, indicators, or other devices according to various applications. Also, although only three warningmembers 80 are depicted for an exemplary embodiment, the number of thewarning members 80 can be more or less than three. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an intake of the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, there are two blowingdevices 90 is for directing exhaust air from thefan 20 to a sensing surface of the at least one optical sensor (not shown in figures) to blow dust off said sensing surface for preventing theoptical sensor 60 from being affected by the dust coverage. Each blowing device contains oneair outlet 90 a. The twoair outlets 90 a respectively located under thetransmitter 61 and thereceiver 62. The twoblowing devices 90 are separately connecting to the air outlet (not shown in figures) of thefan 20. The a portion of air-exhaust of thefan 20 is guided to and blows through theair outlet 90 a to thetransmitter 61 and thereceiver 62 for cooling thetransmitter 61 and /or thereceiver 62 and reducing the coverage of the dust. Each of theblowing devices 90 includes avalve 91 as depicted inFIG. 1 . Thevalve 91 electrically connected with thecontrol unit 50 to control the exhaust air flowing through the blowingdevice 90. Theair outlet 90 a can be located under thetransmitter 61 and thereceiver 62 in this exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4 . Theair outlet 90 a can also be located on the side part of thetransmitter 61 and thereceiver 62. The location ofair outlet 90 a can be adjusted as long as the exhaust air of theair outlet 90 a can blow to thetransmitter 61 and thereceiver 62. - The
driving system 110 for moving the auto-cleaning device is disposed on thehousing 10, connected to thefan 20 and themotor 30 in the way as depicted inFIG. 1 a, and electrically connected with thecontrol unit 50 in the way as depicted inFIG. 2 . Note that the arrangement of every element in the housing are not limited to these embodiments depicted by the figures. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , it is a flowchart of a detecting method of the cleaning apparatus. The step of method comprises: turning on the power of the cleaning apparatus 1(S11), measuring the impedance of themotor 30 by the detecting device 40(S12), determining a level of debris accumulation in thecleaning apparatus 1 based on the impedance of the motor 30(S13). When the level of debris accumulation exceeds a predetermined value, the process proceeds to Step S14. Then, a signal indicative of the level of debris accumulation exceeding a predetermined value is issued (in one or more embodiments to the warningmember 80 such as light emitting diodes or buzzers), and stop the motor 30(S14). Then, the power of thecleaning apparatus 1 is turned off and thedust collecting unit 70 is cleaned (S15). - In one embodiment, Step 4 (S14) is to issue a signal when the level of debris accumulation reaches 80% of the space inside the
box 71. The predetermined percentage value of the space inside thebox 71 can be adjusted according to various applications. - In one or more embodiments, to decide when to clean the
dust collecting unit 70 by using the impedance value of themotor 30 can improve the efficiency of thecleaning apparatus 1. - There are three warning
members 80 are disposed on thehousing 10, and electrical connected with thecontrol unit 50. When thecontrol unit 50 determines thatmotor 30 for thefan 20 need to be stopped, thecontrol unit 50 activates one ormore warning members 80. In some embodiments, thewarning members 80 are light-emitting diodes. When thecontrol unit 50 activates one ormore warning members 80, the light-emitting diodes (i.e. thewarning members 80 being activated) emit light. Although only three warningmembers 80 are depicted in the exemplary embodiment, in some other embodiments, there can be more or less than three warningmembers 80 disposed on thehousing 10. Further, thewarning members 80 disclosed in the exemplary embodiment are light-emitting diodes. However, in some other embodiments, thewarning members 80 can be light-emitting diodes, buzzers, other indictors, and/or combination thereof. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a detecting method in a cleaning apparatus. The detecting method comprises some steps as follows. First, power thecleaning apparatus 1 on in step S21. Next, in step S22, detect the amount of dust passing through aninlet 11 of thecleaning apparatus 1 and a sensing surface of anoptical sensor 60 by theoptical sensor 60. After that, in step S23, determine a dust covered surface area of theoptical sensor 60. In detail,optical sensor 60 senses the status of the sensing surface. When a percentage of the sensing surface which dust covered exceed a predetermined value, such as 90% in some embodiments, theoptical sensor 60 outputs a sensing signal to thecontrol unit 50, then go to step S24. In an embodiment, the sensing surface may separate to several equal grids. By counting the number of the grids which dust covered on the sensing surface, it may obtain the percentage to determine a dust or garbage covered surface area of the optical sensor. In some embodiments, a cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus is controlled based on the determined dust covered surface area. In step S24, when thecontrol unit 50 receives the sensing signal, themotor 30 is stopped and a warningmember 80 is activated. Finally, power off thecleaning apparatus 1 and clean adust collecting unit 70 of thecleaning apparatus 1 in step S25. - Before the step S23, in some embodiments, a
blowing device 90 can be activated and used to blow exhaust air of thefan 20 at the sensing surface of theoptical sensor 60 before said determining the dust covered surface area to decrease the amount of dust or garbage covered on the sensing surface of theoptical sensor 60. It may prevent the sensitivity of theoptical sensor 60 from degrading. In addition, in at least one embodiment, the predetermined value is 90%, but the predetermined value may change in various applications. It is not limited hereto. - The detecting method in a cleaning apparatus which said before may determine when to clean the
dust collecting unit 70 of thecleaning apparatus 1 by detecting status of the sensing surface of theoptical sensor 60. It may increase the efficiency of thecleaning apparatus 1 when thecleaning apparatus 1 is working. -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a detecting method of a cleaning apparatus. In an embodiment, the detecting method may apply to an auto-cleaning device. The auto-cleaning device comprises multiple optical sensors arranged at different locations in the inlet for detecting the sensing surface at said different locations. TakeFIG. 1 c andFIG. 1 d for example, there are twooptical sensors 62′ and 61′ arranged at aleft area 11 a and aright area 11 b of the inlet, respectively, and a cleaning operation of thecleaning apparatus 1 is controlled based on the determined dust covered surface areas received from saidoptical sensors 60′. The detecting method comprises some steps as follows. First, in step S31, power thecleaning apparatus 1 on. When adust collecting unit 70 of thecleaning apparatus 1 needs not to be cleaned, thecleaning apparatus 1 remains in a walking mode. Next, in step S32, detect the amount of dust passing through aninlet 11 of thecleaning apparatus 1 and sensing surfaces of theoptical sensors 62′ and 61′ by theoptical sensors 60′. Then, compare with the determined dust covered surface areas received from the optical sensors. In an embodiment, thecleaning apparatus 1 turns to a direction where an optical sensor has a dust covered surface area larger than another optical sensor in step S33. For example, when the determined dust covered surface area of theoptical sensor 62′ at theleft area 11 a larger then the determined dust covered surface area of theoptical sensor 61′ at theright area 11 b, thecleaning apparatus 1 turns left. On the contrary, when the determined dust covered surface area of theoptical sensor 61′ at theright area 11 b larger then the determined dust covered surface area of theoptical sensor 62′ at theright area 11 a,cleaning apparatus 1 turns right. In addition, the cleaning operation of thecleaning apparatus 1 further adjusts at least one suction power and/or a moving speed of thecleaning apparatus 1 in said direction. - Before the step S32, a
blowing device 90 may be activated to blow exhaust air of thefan 20 at the sensing surface of theoptical sensors 60′. It may prevent the sensitivity of theoptical sensors 60′ from degrading. Furthermore, in some embodiments, when thecleaning apparatus 1 turns to said direction, a turning radius of thecleaning apparatus 1 is equal to a length of theinlet 11. - By the detecting method in a cleaning apparatus set forth above, the cleaning apparatus may decide which side is dirtier based on determined dust covered surface area of the
optical sensors 62′ and 61′ at theleft area 11 a and theright area 11 b respectively. It may increase the cleaning efficiency of thecleaning apparatus 1. - The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (21)
1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a fan;
a motor for driving the fan to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus;
a detecting device electrically connected to the motor to detect an impedance of the motor; and
a control unit electrically connected to the detecting device, for comparing the impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and outputting a signal indicative of a comparison result.
2. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a dust collecting unit positioned in a path of the air flow to trap dust from the air, wherein the signal indicates a state of the dust collecting unit or the filter.
3. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2 , further comprising:
an indicator electrically connected to the control unit to be activated by the control unit when the signal indicates that a volume occupied by dust inside the dust collecting unit has reached a predetermined level.
4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a housing receiving the fan and having an inlet for the air flow; and
at least one optical sensor disposed in the inlet of the housing to detect the amount of dust passing through the inlet;
wherein the at least one optical sensor and the control unit are configured to determine a dust covered surface area of the at least one optical sensor.
5. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising:
a blowing device for directing exhaust air from the fan to a sensing surface of the at least one optical sensor to blow dust off the sensing surface.
6. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the blowing device comprises an air outlet located under the optical sensor.
7. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 5 , further comprising:
a valve electrically connected to the control unit for controlling the exhaust air flowing through the blowing device.
8. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said at least one optical sensor comprises multiple optical sensors positioned at different locations in the inlet for detecting dust levels at said different locations, the control unit being electrically connected to said optical sensors for controlling a cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus based on the detected dust levels received from said optical sensors.
9. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises a band pass filter leaching off the electrical noise from the motor.
10. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the band pass filter is a multi-stage circuit having a gain of 2±3%, a center frequency at 110±3% Hz, a 3±3% dB bandwidth of 90±3% kHz, and an electronic bandwidth from 20 kHz to 200 kHz.
11. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises a pulse extension device for adjusting a sampling frequency of the signal from the detecting device.
12. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a warning member to be activated by the control unit when the signal indicates that the impedance of the motor is higher than the predetermined value.
13. A method for debris detection in a cleaning apparatus, said method comprising:
measuring an impedance of a motor of a fan of the cleaning apparatus;
determining a level of debris accumulation in the cleaning apparatus based on the impedance of the motor; and
issuing a signal indicative of the level of debris accumulation exceeding a predetermined value.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising:
stopping the motor in response to said signal.
15. The method as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising:
determining a dust covered surface area of an optical sensor, and
controlling a cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus based on the determined dust covered surface area.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 , further comprising:
blowing exhaust air of the fan at the sensing surface of the optical sensor before said determining the dust covered surface area.
17. The method as claimed in claim 15 , further comprising:
arranging multiple optical sensors at different locations in the inlet for detecting the sensing surface at said different locations;
wherein the cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus is controlled based on the determined dust covered surface areas received from said optical sensors.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17 , wherein said controlling comprises:
turning the cleaning apparatus to a direction of the optical sensor with the determined dust covered surface areas larger than those determined by the other optical sensors.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18 , wherein said controlling further comprises:
adjusting at least one of suction power and a moving speed of the cleaning apparatus in said direction.
20. The method as claimed in claim 18 , wherein a turning radius of the cleaning apparatus is equal to a length of the inlet.
21. A cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a housing having an inlet;
a fan within the housing for creating an air flow into the housing through the inlet;
at least one optical sensor disposed in the inlet of the housing to determined a dust covered surface area of a sensing surface of the at least one optical sensor; and
a blowing device for directing exhaust air of the fan to the sensing surface of the at least one optical sensor to blow debris off said sensing surface.
Priority Applications (1)
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TW098116839A TWI399190B (en) | 2009-05-21 | 2009-05-21 | Cleaning apparatus and detecting method thereof |
TW098116839 | 2009-05-21 |
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US20120291812A1 (en) | 2012-11-22 |
US8689398B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 |
TWI399190B (en) | 2013-06-21 |
TW201041556A (en) | 2010-12-01 |
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