Powder-liquid dual-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device

The aluminum film welding and positioning device with powder and liquid dual chamber bag uses a drive belt and servo motor to drive the aluminum film conveyor, and combines the smoothing and welding of the upper pressure plate and concave welding frame to solve the wrinkle problem in the aluminum film welding process, thereby improving welding efficiency and quality.

CN117901492BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-29北京锐业制药(潜山)有限公司

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
北京锐业制药(潜山)有限公司
Filing Date
2024-03-06
Publication Date
2026-05-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the aluminum foil welding process, wrinkles are prone to occur during the conveying of the aluminum foil body, resulting in poor welding effect and affecting work efficiency and quality.

Method used

A powder-liquid dual-chamber bag aluminum film welding and positioning device is adopted. The aluminum film body is conveyed by a drive belt and a placement plate. Combined with servo motor drive, welding is performed using an upper pressure plate and a concave welding frame. The aluminum film is smoothed and welded by the cooperation of a concave feeding shaft and a positioning shaft. The end pressing frame improves the welding effect of the end corners.

Benefits of technology

It improves the welding efficiency of aluminum foil, avoids wrinkles and cracks at the edges of the aluminum foil during the welding process, and enhances the welding quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN117901492B_ABST
    Figure CN117901492B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application discloses a powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device and relates to the technical field of powder-liquid double-chamber bag welding. The powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device can continuously convey the flat aluminum film body to the inside of the machine body through the cooperation of the placing plate, the positioning plate and the driving belt and other mechanisms, and then the aluminum film body is welded by the concave welding frame running up and down, so that the welding efficiency of the aluminum film body is improved compared with the traditional welding device. Meanwhile, the middle limiting sliding plates on the two sides can slide outward during welding, so that the positioning plate and the placing plate are cooperated through the supporting spring to tension the conveyed aluminum film body, the phenomenon of corner creases in the welding process is avoided, and the welding effect of the aluminum film body is improved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of powder-liquid double-chamber bag welding technology, specifically to a powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device. Background Technology

[0002] Dual-chamber bag packaging is a ready-to-use infusion preparation system that uses a special technology to divide a regular plastic infusion bag into two independent, sealed chambers, each containing a different medication. Before use, the two chambers are connected within the sealed chambers, mixed, and then administered via intravenous drip. The initial purpose of developing dual-chamber bag formulations was to avoid secondary contamination during clinical infusion preparation in emergency and unconventional situations, thus facilitating clinical medication use. Based on the state of the medication in the chambers, they are typically classified into two types: liquid-liquid dual-chamber bags and powder-liquid dual-chamber bags. (Refer to Chinese Patent Application No. 2019112). The patent "86607.X" entitled "A Powder-Liquid Dual-Chamber Bag Aluminum Film Welding Production Line" solves the problem of how to quickly inflate and weld aluminum film to ensure production efficiency and quality. However, during the inflation and welding process of the aluminum film body, wrinkles are easily formed due to the high temperature during the conveying process. During welding, the corners and sides of the aluminum film body will curl up, which affects the welding effect of the aluminum film body and reduces the work efficiency and welding quality. In response, we propose a powder-liquid dual-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a powder-liquid dual-chamber bag aluminum film welding and positioning device, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a powder-liquid dual-chamber bag aluminum film welding and positioning device, comprising a machine body, wherein drive shafts are rotatably connected to both sides of the inner side of the machine body, and two drive belts are rotatably connected through the drive shafts. The two drive belts are respectively located on both sides of the inner side of the machine body, and multiple placement plates are slidably connected to the inner side of each drive belt for conveying the aluminum film body. A servo motor is installed on the outer side of the machine body for driving the drive shafts and drive belts to run. During welding, the stacked aluminum film body is placed on two corresponding placement plates, and then, as the drive belts run, the placement plates and the placed aluminum film body are conveyed into the machine body.

[0005] An upper pressure plate is slidably installed in the middle of the inner side of the machine body, and a concave welding frame is fixed below the upper pressure plate for welding the aluminum film body. A bottom support is installed inside the machine body for supporting the aluminum film body during the welding process.

[0006] Both sides of the bottom of the upper pressure plate are rotatably connected to concave feeding shafts, and feeding shaft sleeves are rotatably sleeved at the ends of the concave feeding shafts. These are used to smooth the aluminum film body. When the upper pressure plate moves the concave welding frame downward, it can simultaneously move the concave feeding shafts on both sides of the bottom downward until the feeding shaft sleeves installed at the ends of the concave feeding shafts contact the flat aluminum film body. As the upper pressure plate continues to move downward, the concave feeding shafts rotate while the feeding shaft sleeves roll along the top of the aluminum film body, squeezing out the air.

[0007] Preferably, each end of the concave welding frame is fixedly installed with an end pressing frame for welding the corners of the aluminum film body.

[0008] Preferably, positioning shafts are rotatably mounted on both sides of the bottom of the upper pressure plate, and the two concave feeding shafts are respectively fixedly connected to the positioning shafts on both sides. A return spring is fixed between the end of the two concave feeding shafts and the inner top surface of the upper pressure plate. When the concave feeding shafts are subjected to force and rotate along the positioning shafts, the return springs can be stretched to ensure a certain pressing effect. At the same time, the concave feeding shafts can perform automatic reset operation when the upper pressure plate rises.

[0009] Preferably, the concave feeding shafts on both sides are symmetrical to each other, and their bottoms extend beyond the concave welding frame. The initial angle between the two concave feeding shafts is 60°. The ends of the two positioning shafts are rotatably sleeved with limit bushings, and the limit bushings are fixedly installed at the bottom of the upper pressure plate.

[0010] Preferably, a positioning plate is fixedly installed on the inner side of each of the plurality of placement plates, and a central limiting slide plate is slidably installed on the bottom of each positioning plate. A support spring is fixed between the end of the central limiting slide plate and the corresponding placement plate. A bottom support plate is slidably installed on the bottom of the central limiting slide plate. A positioning block is fixed at the end of the bottom support plate, and a limiting shaft is connected to the outer rotating wheel of the positioning block. The limiting shaft is rotatably connected to the corresponding drive belt. The plurality of placement plates are parallel to each other and are rotatably connected to the inside of the machine body along the drive belts on both sides.

[0011] Preferably, positioning cones are fixed on both sides of the top surface of the plurality of placement plates, and the aluminum film body is fixed between two corresponding placement plates by the cooperation of the positioning cones.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom support plate has a sliding groove inside, the bottom of the middle limiting slide plate is fixed with a limiting slide rod, the limiting slide rod slides inside the sliding groove, and the bottom of the positioning plate is fixed with a slider, the slider being slidably connected to the middle limiting slide plate.

[0013] Preferably, positioning brackets are fixed on both sides of the inner side of the machine body, and arc-shaped transmission frames are fixedly installed through the positioning brackets. The installation positions of the two arc-shaped transmission frames are respectively located on both sides of the inner wall of the machine body, and are respectively adapted to the installation positions of multiple central limiting slide plates.

[0014] Preferably, a support frame is fixedly installed at the bottom of the machine body, and an upper sealing plate is fixedly installed on the top surface of the machine body.

[0015] Preferably, a hydraulic cylinder is fixed inside the machine body, the piston end of the hydraulic cylinder is fixedly connected to the center of the top surface of the upper pressure plate, and telescopic sleeves are installed around the top surface of the upper pressure plate.

[0016] This invention provides a powder-liquid dual-chamber bag aluminum film welding and positioning device. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages:

[0017] (1) The powder liquid double chamber bag aluminum film welding and positioning device, through the cooperation of the placement plate, positioning plate and drive belt and other mechanisms, can drive the flat aluminum film body to be continuously transported into the machine body, and then the aluminum film body is welded by the concave welding frame that moves up and down. Compared with the traditional welding device, the welding efficiency of the aluminum film body is improved. At the same time, during welding, the aluminum film body can be slid outward through the middle limiting slide plate on both sides, so that the positioning plate and the placement plate can be tensioned by the support spring, avoiding the phenomenon of wrinkles at the corners during the welding process, and improving the welding effect of the aluminum film body.

[0018] (2) The powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device, through the cooperation of the positioning shaft rod provided on the inner side of the concave welding frame and the concave feeding shaft, the concave feeding shafts on both sides can move down with the upper pressure plate until the feeding shaft sleeve installed at the end of the concave feeding shaft contacts the flat aluminum film body. As the upper pressure plate continues to move down, the air can be squeezed out by the feeding shaft sleeve rolling along the top of the aluminum film body, realizing the smoothing operation of the aluminum film body until the concave welding frame contacts the aluminum film body to carry out the welding operation, further improving the welding effect of the aluminum film body.

[0019] (3) The powder liquid double chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device, through the cooperation of the end pressing frame, can move down with the concave welding frame during the welding process, and contact the end corner of the aluminum film body during welding, further improving the welding effect of the aluminum film body and avoiding wrinkles and cracks at the edges and corners of the aluminum film body after welding. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of cross-section structure;

[0022] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper pressure plate structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram of point B;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a front view schematic diagram of the upper pressure plate and the concave welding frame of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the placement plate, positioning plate, and bottom support plate of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 Side view.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Machine body; 101. Support frame; 102. Upper sealing plate; 2. Drive belt; 201. Drive shaft; 3. Upper pressure plate; 301. Telescopic sleeve rod; 4. Hydraulic cylinder; 5. Positioning plate; 501. Slider; 502. Placement plate; 5021. Positioning cone; 6. Middle limiting slide plate; 601. Limiting slide rod; 602. Support spring; 7. Bottom support plate; 701. Slide groove; 702. Positioning block; 703. Limiting shaft; 8. Aluminum film body; 9. Concave welding frame; 901. End pressing frame; 10. Positioning shaft; 1001. Limiting bushing; 11. Concave feeding shaft; 1101. Return spring; 1102. Feeding bushing; 12. Bottom bracket; 13. Arc-shaped transmission frame; 1301. Positioning bracket. Detailed Implementation

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

[0030] Please see Figures 1-8 The present invention provides two technical solutions, specifically including the following embodiments:

[0031] Example 1

[0032] In this embodiment of the invention, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 2A powder-liquid dual-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device includes a body 1. Both sides of the body 1 are rotatably connected to drive shafts 201, and two drive belts 2 are rotatably connected to the drive shafts 201. The two drive belts 2 are located on both sides of the body 1, and multiple placement plates 502 are slidably connected to the inner side of each drive belt 2 for conveying the aluminum film body 8. A servo motor is installed on the outside of the body 1 to drive the drive shafts 201 and drive belts 2. During welding, the stacked aluminum film body 8 is placed on two corresponding placement plates 502. Then, as the drive belts 2 run, they drive the placement plates 502 and the placed aluminum film body 8 to be conveyed into the body 1.

[0033] In this embodiment of the invention, reference is made to Figures 2-4 An upper pressure plate 3 is slidably installed in the middle of the inner side of the machine body 1, and a concave welding frame 9 is fixed below the upper pressure plate 3 for welding the aluminum film body 8. A bottom support 12 is installed inside the machine body 1 to support the aluminum film body 8 during the welding process. When the conveyed aluminum film body 8 moves to the middle of the machine body 1, it slides up with the bottom support 12 and can contact the bottom of the aluminum film body 8. Then the upper pressure plate 3 presses down, which can drive the concave welding frame 9 to move down until it contacts the aluminum film body 8 and performs welding. After welding is completed, the upper pressure plate 3 moves up and drives the concave welding frame 9 to move up and separate from the aluminum film body 8, thus completing one welding operation.

[0034] In this embodiment of the invention, reference is made to Figures 4-6 The upper pressure plate 3 has concave feeding shafts 11 rotatably connected to both sides of its bottom, and feeding shaft sleeves 1102 are rotatably sleeved at the ends of the concave feeding shafts 11 to smooth the aluminum film body 8. When the upper pressure plate 3 moves the concave welding frame 9 downward, it can simultaneously move the concave feeding shafts 11 on both sides of the bottom downward until the feeding shaft sleeves 1102 installed at the ends of the concave feeding shafts 11 contact the flat aluminum film body 8. As the upper pressure plate 3 continues to move downward, the concave feeding shafts 11 rotate while the feeding shaft sleeves 1102 roll along the top of the aluminum film body 8, squeezing out the air and smoothing the aluminum film body 8 until the concave welding frame 9 contacts the aluminum film body 8 to perform welding operations, further improving the welding effect of the aluminum film body 8.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present invention, specifically, refer to Figure 6Positioning shafts 10 are rotatably mounted on both sides of the bottom of the upper pressure plate 3. Two concave feeding shafts 11 are fixedly connected to the positioning shafts 10 on both sides. A return spring 1101 is fixed between the end of the two concave feeding shafts 11 and the inner top surface of the upper pressure plate 3. The concave feeding shafts 11 can rotate along the positioning shafts 10. When the concave feeding shafts 11 are subjected to force and rotate along the positioning shafts 10, they can stretch the return springs 1101 to ensure a certain pressing effect. At the same time, it can facilitate the automatic reset of the concave feeding shafts 11 when the upper pressure plate 3 rises.

[0036] In the embodiments of the present invention, specifically, refer to Figure 6 The concave feeding shafts 11 on both sides are symmetrical to each other, and their bottoms extend beyond the concave welding frame 9. The initial angle between the two concave feeding shafts 11 is 60°. The ends of the two positioning shafts 10 are rotatably sleeved with limit sleeves 1001, and the limit sleeves 1001 are fixedly installed at the bottom of the upper pressure plate 3.

[0037] In the embodiments of the present invention, specifically, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 Positioning plates 5 are fixedly installed on the inner side of multiple placement plates 502, and a middle limiting slide plate 6 is slidably installed on the bottom of each positioning plate 5. A support spring 602 is fixed between the end of the middle limiting slide plate 6 and the corresponding placement plate 502. A bottom support plate 7 is slidably installed on the bottom of the middle limiting slide plate 6. A positioning block 702 is fixed at the end of the bottom support plate 7, and a limiting shaft 703 is connected to the outer rotating wheel of the positioning block 702. The limiting shaft 703 is rotatably connected to the corresponding drive belt 2. The multiple placement plates 502 are parallel to each other and are rotatably connected to the inside of the machine body 1 along the drive belts 2 on both sides. Through the cooperation of the positioning plate 5 and the middle limiting slide plate 6, when the placement plate 502 carrying the aluminum film body 8 slides into the machine body 1, the support spring 602 can keep the positioning plate 5 and the placement plate 502 with an outward pulling force, so that the aluminum film body 8 maintains tension, thereby improving the subsequent welding effect and avoiding wrinkles during the welding process.

[0038] Both sides of the drive belt 2 have the same height and multiple slots are symmetrically opened on the outer side. Multiple limiting shafts 703 are rotatably connected to the corresponding slots, so that when the drive belt 2 runs, it can drive the limiting shafts 703 and the bottom support plate 7, thereby driving the middle limiting slide plate 6, the positioning plate 5 and the aluminum film body 8 to be transported into the machine body 1 until the welding operation is completed.

[0039] In the embodiments of the present invention, specifically, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8Positioning cones 5021 are fixed on both sides of the top surface of multiple placement plates 502. The aluminum film body 8 is fixed between two corresponding placement plates 502 through the cooperation of the positioning cones 5021. When positioning the aluminum film body 8, the two ends of the stacked aluminum film body 8 are first passed through the positioning cones 5021 to ensure stability during the conveying and welding process. After welding is completed, the filling, sealing, corner cutting and sealing operations are carried out in sequence. The double-chamber bag is generally divided into two independent closed chambers by using a false welding technology. One chamber encapsulates powder, and the other chamber encapsulates liquid. The powder-liquid dual-chamber bag is designed to contain powdered medicine. Since the powder is affected by external factors such as ultraviolet rays, its properties may change. Therefore, it is necessary to weld and attach an aluminum film body 8 for protection, and then fill the aluminum film with inert gas. Both ends of the aluminum film body 8 are provided with pin holes that are compatible with the positioning cone 5021. During assembly and transportation, the aluminum film body 8 is positioned by hanging the pin holes onto the positioning cone 5021 to ensure the stability of the transportation of the aluminum film body 8.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, specifically, the bottom support plate 7 has a sliding groove 701 inside, the bottom of the middle limiting slide plate 6 is fixed with a limiting slide rod 601, the limiting slide rod 601 slides inside the sliding groove 701, and the bottom of the positioning plate 5 is fixed with a slider 501, the slider 501 is slidably connected to the middle limiting slide plate 6.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, specifically, positioning brackets 1301 are fixed on both sides of the interior of the body 1, and arc-shaped transmission frames 13 are fixedly installed through the positioning brackets 1301. The installation positions of the two arc-shaped transmission frames 13 are respectively located on both sides of the inner wall of the body 1, and are respectively adapted to the installation positions of multiple central limiting slide plates 6. When the central limiting slide plate 6 moves to the installation position of the arc-shaped transmission frame 13, the limiting slide rod 601 can contact the arc-shaped transmission frame 13, so that the central limiting slide plate 6 can be subjected to an outward force. The outward sliding of the central limiting slide plate 6 can stretch the support spring 602. At this time, the positioning plate 5 and the central limiting slide plate 6 slide relative to each other, thereby flattening the aluminum film body 8 and further improving the subsequent welding effect.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, specifically, a support frame 101 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the body 1, and an upper sealing plate 102 is fixedly installed on the top surface of the body 1.

[0043] In this embodiment of the invention, specifically, a hydraulic cylinder 4 is fixed inside the machine body 1. The piston end of the hydraulic cylinder 4 is fixedly connected to the center of the top surface of the upper pressure plate 3. Telescopic sleeves 301 are installed around the top surface of the upper pressure plate 3. The hydraulic cylinder 4 is an existing mechanism used to drive the upper pressure plate 3 to slide up and down inside the machine body 1. The telescopic sleeves 301 are used to ensure the sliding stability of the upper pressure plate 3.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, based on Embodiment 1, and further referring to Embodiment 1... Figure 6 Each end of the concave welding frame 9 is fixedly installed with an end crimping frame 901, which is used to perform welding crimping on the corners of the aluminum film body 8. The end crimping frame 901 can move down with the concave welding frame 9 and contact the corners of the aluminum film body 8 during the welding process, further improving the welding effect of the aluminum film body 8 and avoiding wrinkles and cracks at the corners of the aluminum film body 8 after welding.

[0046] Furthermore, any content not described in detail in this specification is existing technology known to those skilled in the art.

[0047] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention, but this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. All equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this invention should still fall within the patent coverage of this invention.

Claims

1. A powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding and positioning device, comprising a body (1), characterized in that: The machine body (1) has a drive shaft (201) rotatably connected to both sides inside, and two drive belts (2) are rotatably connected through the drive shafts (201). The two drive belts (2) are located on both sides inside the machine body (1), and multiple placement plates (502) are slidably connected to the inner side of each drive belt (2) for conveying the aluminum film body (8). The upper pressure plate (3) is slidably installed in the middle of the inner side of the machine body (1), and a concave welding frame (9) is fixed below the upper pressure plate (3) for welding the aluminum film body (8). The bottom support (12) is installed inside the machine body (1) for supporting the aluminum film body (8) during the welding process. The bottom sides of the upper pressure plate (3) are rotatably connected to concave feeding shafts (11), and the ends of the concave feeding shafts (11) are rotatably sleeved with feeding shaft sleeves (1102) for smoothing the aluminum film body (8). Positioning plates (5) are fixedly installed on the inner side of each of the multiple placement plates (502), and a middle limiting slide plate (6) is slidably installed on the bottom of each positioning plate (5). A support spring (602) is fixed between the end of the middle limiting slide plate (6) and the corresponding placement plate (502). A bottom support plate (7) is slidably installed on the bottom of the middle limiting slide plate (6). A positioning block (702) is fixed at the end of the bottom support plate (7), and a limiting shaft (703) is connected to the outer rotating wheel of the positioning block (702). The limiting shaft (703) is rotatably connected to the corresponding drive belt (2). The multiple placement plates (502) are parallel to each other and are rotatably connected to the inside of the machine body (1) along the drive belts (2) on both sides respectively. Positioning cones (5021) are fixed on both sides of the top surface of the multiple placement plates (502), and the aluminum film body (8) is fixed between two corresponding placement plates (502) by the cooperation of the positioning cones (5021); The bottom support plate (7) has a sliding groove (701) inside. The bottom of the middle limiting slide plate (6) is fixed with a limiting slide rod (601). The limiting slide rod (601) slides inside the sliding groove (701). The bottom of the positioning plate (5) is fixed with a slider (501). The slider (501) is slidably connected to the middle limiting slide plate (6). The inner sides of the body (1) are fixed with positioning brackets (1301), and arc-shaped transmission frames (13) are fixedly installed through the positioning brackets (1301). The installation positions of the two arc-shaped transmission frames (13) are located on the inner walls of the body (1) respectively, and are adapted to the installation positions of multiple central limiting slide plates (6).

2. The powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The concave welding frame (9) is fixedly installed with an end crimping frame (901) at each end, which is used to perform welding crimping on the end corners of the aluminum film body (8).

3. The powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Positioning shafts (10) are rotatably mounted on both sides of the bottom of the upper pressure plate (3). Two concave feeding shafts (11) are fixedly connected to the positioning shafts (10) on both sides respectively. A return spring (1101) is fixed between the end of the two concave feeding shafts (11) and the inner top surface of the upper pressure plate (3).

4. The powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The concave feeding shafts (11) on both sides are symmetrical to each other, and their bottoms extend beyond the concave welding frame (9). The initial angle between the two concave feeding shafts (11) is 60°. The ends of the two positioning shafts (10) are rotatably sleeved with limit sleeves (1001). The limit sleeves (1001) are fixedly installed at the bottom of the upper pressure plate (3).

5. The powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support frame (101) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the body (1), and an upper sealing plate (102) is fixedly installed on the top surface of the body (1).

6. The powder-liquid double-chamber bag aluminum film welding positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The machine body (1) is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder (4) inside. The piston end of the hydraulic cylinder (4) is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the upper pressure plate (3). Telescopic sleeves (301) are installed around the top surface of the upper pressure plate (3).