Filling material platform and filling equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling material table and filling equipment, and belongs to the technical field of filling. Comprising a material table; the filling assembly is used for executing filling operation; the discharging assembly is arranged above the material table and is configured to be capable of being inserted into or separated from the material inlet; the at least two rows of material storage assemblies are connected to the material table, and each material storage assembly comprises a material inlet used for receiving materials; the discharging opening is communicated with the filling assembly; the discharging opening and the filling assembly are closed and communicated so that quantitative feeding can be achieved; the discharging opening is communicated with the filling assembly in an opening manner so as to execute filling; moreover, in the filling process, the discharging assembly is inserted into the feeding port. And through the discharging assembly, the problem of discharging blockage caused by the fact that the solid content in the materials is high is solved, and rapid and smooth conveying of the materials is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of filling, relates to a technology for avoiding blockage in the discharge of filling materials, and specifically relates to a filling material table and filling equipment. Background Art

[0002] A filling machine is a device used to fill liquids and semi-solids into packaging containers. Existing filling equipment still has some technical defects in the filling process, which affects production efficiency and product quality. Existing filling heads usually rely on simple valve structures for material control, which makes it difficult to accurately control the quantitative delivery of materials, resulting in unstable material flow rates during the filling process, which in turn affects the filling accuracy. For example, in liquid filling, the response time of the valve opening or closing may cause errors, resulting in the filling volume of some products exceeding or falling below the standard range, affecting product consistency. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a filling station.

[0004] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0005] A filling station is provided, comprising:

[0006] material table;

[0007] A filling component, the filling component is used to perform a filling operation;

[0008] A material discharge assembly, which is disposed above the material platform and is configured to be inserted into or detached from the material inlet;

[0009] At least two rows of material storage components are connected to the material platform, each of which comprises:

[0010] A material inlet, used to receive materials;

[0011] A discharge port, connected to the filling assembly;

[0012] Wherein, the discharge port is closed and connected with the filling component to allow quantitative feeding;

[0013] The discharge port is opened and communicated with the filling component to perform filling;

[0014] Furthermore, during the filling process, the feed discharge assembly is inserted into the feed inlet.

[0015] Preferably, the blanking assembly comprises:

[0016] Driving parts;

[0017] A material unloading connecting rod connected to the driving member;

[0018] A material discharge head connected to the material discharge connecting rod;

[0019] Wherein, the driving rod is controlled by the driving member to move toward or away from the feeding port;

[0020] The feed head is configured to be inserted into or detached from the feed opening.

[0021] Preferably, the

[0022] The material platform comprises:

[0023] a first sheet and a second sheet;

[0024] Furthermore, the material storage assembly is disposed between the first material plate and the second material plate;

[0025] Wherein, the distance L between the first material plate and the second material plate is adjustable.

[0026] Preferably, the material storage assembly comprises:

[0027] a first measuring cylinder and a second measuring cylinder;

[0028] The first measuring cylinder and the second measuring cylinder are slidably connected;

[0029] Wherein, the first measuring cylinder is connected to the first material plate;

[0030] The second measuring cylinder is connected to the second material plate;

[0031] Furthermore, the first measuring cylinder forms the material inlet on the top end surface of the first material plate;

[0032] The second measuring cylinder forms the discharge port at the bottom end surface or below the bottom of the second material plate.

[0033] Preferably, it includes:

[0034] Execution components;

[0035] The execution component is arranged between the filling component and the material storage component;

[0036] Wherein, the execution component is configured to open and close the connection between the discharge port and the filling component.

[0037] Preferably, it includes:

[0038] Adjustment components;

[0039] The adjusting component is disposed between the first material plate and the second material plate to adjust the distance L;

[0040] The adjustment component comprises:

[0041] Adjustment lever;

[0042] connected to the first sheet and the second sheet;

[0043] An adjusting nut is screwed to the adjusting rod.

[0044] Preferably, it includes:

[0045] A guide assembly, disposed between the first material plate and the second material plate;

[0046] The guide assembly comprises:

[0047] A guide rod, one end of which is connected to the first material plate;

[0048] A guide hole formed in the second material plate;

[0049] Furthermore, the guide rod and the guide hole are slidably connected in a vertical direction.

[0050] The present invention also provides a filling device, comprising:

[0051] A filling station as described in any one of the above technical solutions;

[0052] A hopper having a feeding port;

[0053] The filling platform is slidably connected to the hopper and has a reciprocating movement relative to the hopper so that the feeding port of the hopper is switched and connected between the at least two feeding ports.

[0054] Preferably, it includes:

[0055] a drive assembly connected to the hopper;

[0056] Wherein, the driving assembly is configured to drive the hopper to reciprocate.

[0057] Preferably, the hopper comprises:

[0058] Side and bottom panels;

[0059] The side panels enclose a storage space for loading filling materials;

[0060] The bottom plate is connected to the bottom of the side plate;

[0061] Wherein, the bottom plate is formed with a row of the feed ports;

[0062] Moreover, the bottom plate and the filling platform are both arranged horizontally and form a sliding connection.

[0063] The present invention provides a filling station and a filling device, and the beneficial effects of the present invention are embodied in:

[0064] The material table can alternately transport materials from two groups of filling containers. When a group of filling containers enters the track switching stage, the storage components of this group are in a closed and connected state, and quantitative feeding is carried out; at the same time, the other group of storage components has completed quantitative feeding and is in the filling process. This alternating working method ensures that the filling machine is always in an efficient operating state throughout the production process, greatly improving production efficiency, reducing waiting time, and optimizing the overall production rhythm. It is suitable for large-scale, high-efficiency filling needs.

[0065] The material discharge assembly solves the problem of material discharge blockage caused by high solid content in the material, and realizes fast and smooth material delivery. Specifically, the pressure head of the material discharge assembly actively inserts into the internal space of the material storage assembly during the filling stage to effectively push the filling material, especially for solid materials in the blocked part, which can be unblocked by physical pressure, ensuring that the material smoothly enters the filling assembly, thereby improving the filling efficiency and stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Figure 1 One of the three-dimensional diagrams of the filling device proposed by the present invention;

[0067] Figure 2 A front view of the filling device provided by the present invention;

[0068] Figure 3 A side view of the filling device proposed by the present invention;

[0069] Figure 4 This is the second stereoscopic view of the filling device proposed by the present invention (with the driving components hidden);

[0070] Figure 5 for Figure 4 a side view of the structure shown;

[0071] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A front view of the structure shown;

[0072] Figure 7 The third stereogram of the filling device proposed by the present invention (hiding the unloading component);

[0073] Figure 8 for Figure 7 a side view of the structure shown;

[0074] Fig. 9 for Figure 7 A front view of the structure shown;

[0075] Fig.10 for Figure 7 a top view of the structure shown;

[0076] Fig.11 This is one of the three-dimensional views of the filling station proposed by the present invention;

[0077] Fig.12 for Fig.11 a side view of the structure shown;

[0078] Fig.13 for Fig.11 a top view of the structure shown;

[0079] Fig.14 This is a schematic structural diagram of the opening and closing valve body in the filling station proposed by the present invention.

[0080] Description of reference numerals:

[0081] 1. Hopper; 101. Feed port; 2. Material platform; 201. First material plate; 202. Second material plate; 3. Adjustment assembly; 301. Adjustment rod; 302. Adjustment nut; 4. Storage assembly; 401. First measuring cylinder; 402. Second measuring cylinder; 403. Feed inlet; 404. Feed outlet; 5. Filling assembly; 6. Guide assembly; 7. Actuator assembly; 701. Cylinder; 702. Drive connecting rod; 703. Opening and closing valve body; 704. First connecting piece; 8. Drive assembly; 9. Feeding assembly; 901. Feeding connecting rod; 902. Drive piece; 903. Lower pressure head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0083] See also Figure 1-Figure 14 As shown, the specific embodiments provided by the present invention are as follows:

[0084] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention provides a filling device for filling materials, and is particularly suitable for filling sauces containing more solid substances.

[0085] The filling device comprises a hopper 1. The hopper 1 is enclosed by side panels to form a funnel shape for storing filling materials. A bottom plate is provided at the bottom of the side panels. A row of feeding ports 101 is provided along the center line of the bottom plate, and the filling materials in the hopper 1 can flow out through the feeding ports 101.

[0086] The filling device also includes a material platform 2. The material platform 2 is slidably connected to the bottom plate of the hopper 1.

[0087] Wherein, the material platform 2 includes a first material plate 201 located at the top and a second material plate 202 located at the bottom. In one specific embodiment, the first material plate 201 and the second material plate 202 are fixedly connected, such as being connected by a plurality of support rods. In another specific embodiment, the first material plate 201 and the second material plate 202 are movably connected, and it should be understood that the distance L between the first material plate 201 and the second material plate 202 is adjustable. For example, an adjustment component 3 is added, and the adjustment component 3 includes an adjustment rod 301 and an adjustment nut 302. One end of the adjustment rod 301 is connected to the first material plate 201, and the other end passes through the second material plate 202 and is screwed to the adjustment nut 302. By adjusting the adjustment nut 302, the distance L between the first material plate 201 and the second material plate 202 is adjusted.

[0088] like Figure 11 to Figure 12 As shown, a material storage assembly 4 is provided between the first material plate 201 and the second material plate 202. The material storage assembly 4 is used to receive the filling material in the hopper 1 and perform quantitative measurement. The material storage assembly 4 includes a first measuring cylinder 401 and a second measuring cylinder 402. The first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402 are slidably connected. For example, the diameter of the first measuring cylinder 401 is relatively small, and the diameter of the second measuring cylinder 402 is relatively large, and the second measuring cylinder 402 is slidably connected to the outer wall surface of the first measuring cylinder 401.

[0089] The first measuring cylinder 401 is connected to the first material plate 201, and an inlet 403 is formed on the top end surface of the first material plate 201, so that the filling material in the hopper 1 enters the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402 through the inlet 403. The second communicating bottom opening forms an outlet 404, which is used to communicate with the filling component 5, such as a filling head.

[0090] Among them, the connection state between the discharge port 404 and the filling component 5 is controllable. For example, in one stage, the discharge port 404 and the filling component 5 are open for connection, and in another stage, the discharge port 404 and the filling component 5 are closed for connection. Therefore, the quantitative process should be understood as follows: since the connection state between the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402 and the filling component 5 is controllable, that is, before filling, the filling material will first enter the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402. Since the internal space of the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402, that is, the volume for accommodating the filling material, is constant, the amount of the filling material, that is, the filling amount, can be actively controlled to avoid the problem of inaccurate filling amount caused by the filling material directly entering the filling component 5.

[0091] Among them, when the adjustment component 3 adjusts the distance L between the first material plate 201 and the second material plate 202, the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402 slide relative to each other. It can be understood that the height or length of the internal space of the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402 is adjusted synchronously, and correspondingly, the amount of filling material that can be accommodated in the internal space will also increase or decrease synchronously. In some cases, the user expects to fill 300ml or 300g of filling material, and the height or length of the internal space can be reduced accordingly. In some cases, the user expects to fill 500ml or 500g of filling material, and the height or length of the internal space can be increased accordingly. Therefore, the quantitative range of the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402 is set to be adjustable to adapt to different filling conditions or filling requirements.

[0092] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the filling device includes a guide assembly 6. The guide assembly 6 includes a plurality of guide rods, wherein the guide rods are connected to the bottom of the first material plate 201, a corresponding number of guide holes are opened in the first material plate 201, and the guide rods and the guide holes form a sliding connection in the vertical direction. When the distance L between the first material plate 201 and the second material plate 202 is adjusted, the sliding cooperation between the guide rods and the guide holes can effectively avoid the deviation of the first material plate 201 and the second material plate 202.

[0093] The filling component 5 includes an actuator 7. The actuator 7 is used to open and close the connection between the filling component 5 and the discharge port 404. For example, the actuator 7 can open the connection between the discharge port 404 and the filling component 5, so that the filling material can enter the filling component 5 from the storage component 4 and start filling. For example, the actuator 7 can close the connection between the discharge port 404 and the filling component 5, and the filling material cannot enter the filling component 5, and can only be limited to the internal space of the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402 for quantitative measurement.

[0094] like Figure 6 and Fig.14 As shown, the actuator assembly 7 includes a cylinder 701. The driving end of the cylinder 701 is connected to a driving connecting rod 702, and each driving connecting rod 702 is connected to an opening and closing valve body 703 located inside the filling assembly 5. Among them, the opening and closing valve body 703 has a discharge channel. When the cylinder 701 drives the driving connecting rod 702 to move, the driving connecting rod 702 drives the opening and closing valve body 703 to rotate a certain angle, so that the axis of the discharge channel and the discharge port 404 are coaxial, and the filling material can flow out through the discharge port 404 and the discharge channel. After the cylinder 701 drives the driving connecting rod 702 to move in the opposite direction for a certain distance, the driving connecting rod 702 drives the opening and closing valve body 703 to rotate in the opposite direction by a certain angle, so that the discharge channel and the discharge are not coaxial, and the circumferential wall of the opening and closing valve body 703 blocks the discharge port 404.

[0095] Among them, the actuator assembly 7 includes a first connecting member 704. The first connecting member 704 is arranged between the driving connecting rod 702 and the driving end of the cylinder 701. The first connecting member 704 includes a connecting block, and the connecting block has a waist-shaped hole. The driving end of the cylinder 701 is slidably connected in the waist-shaped hole through a concave movable frame. The driving connecting rod 702 is connected to the connecting block. It should be understood that when the driving end of the cylinder 701 is extended or shortened, the movable frame and the connecting block move relative to each other to form a motion trajectory similar to an arc. At this time, the driving connecting rod 702 moves synchronously with the motion trajectory and then drives the opening and closing valve body 703 to rotate accordingly.

[0096] The filling device includes a drive assembly 8. The drive assembly 8 is used to drive the material platform 2 to move back and forth relative to the hopper 1. It should be understood that the material platform 2 is slidably connected and the hopper 1 is fixedly connected. The drive assembly 8 is connected to the material platform 2.

[0097] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the material platform 2 is provided with two rows of material storage components 4, that is, two rows of feed ports 403 are formed on the top end surface of the material platform 2. When the driving component 8 drives the material platform 2 to move back and forth, the feed port 403 in one of the two rows will correspond to the position of the feed port 101 of the hopper 1. At this time, the material platform 2 stops moving, and the filling material enters the feed port 403 from the feed port 101, and then enters the material storage component 4 for quantitative storage. Subsequently, the driving component 8 drives the material platform 2 to move in the opposite direction, so that the feed port 403 in another of the two rows corresponds to the position of the feed port 101 of the hopper 1, and enters the quantitative storage of the material storage component 4. At the same time, the discharge port 404 of the aforementioned storage component 4 that has completed quantitative storage will be opened, and the filling material enters the filling component 5 for filling. It can be understood that when the material table 2 starts moving, the quantitative storage and filling of the two rows of material feeding components can be carried out simultaneously, that is, one row of material storage components 4 is quantitatively stored, and at the same time, the discharge port 404 of the other row of material storage components 4 is opened for filling, and this cycle is repeated uninterruptedly.

[0098] The advantage of this structure is that in the prior art, the hopper 1 and the filling assembly 5 are one-to-one corresponding. That is, the hopper 1 is directly connected to the filling assembly 5, the valve is opened during filling, and the valve is closed after filling. However, for the filling container located below the filling machine, it usually needs to be arranged on the feeding track, then pushed into the filling track for filling, and then pushed into the feeding track. All of the above processes require time and waiting time. During the switching process of the filling container in each track, the filling machine is completely inoperative, and the time cost is seriously wasted.

[0099] However, based on the coordination of the material table 2 and the hopper 1 of the present embodiment, it is foreseeable that the time of the filling containers in the process of track switching can be fully utilized. Specifically, the material table 2 of the present embodiment can simultaneously perform the filling process of two groups of filling containers, and each group of filling containers can still adopt the switching form of three tracks. When the tracks of a certain group of filling containers are switched, the corresponding filling components 5 and storage components 4 of this group are in a closed and connected state, that is, the quantitative feeding process of the storage component 4 is being carried out at this time. Correspondingly, the filling components 5 and storage components 4 corresponding to another group of filling containers have completed the quantitative feeding and are in the filling process. In this way, the time of the track switching process of the two groups of filling containers is fully utilized to improve the filling efficiency.

[0100] The drive assembly 8 may include a motor. The motor is connected to a belt transmission device or a chain transmission device to drive the hopper 1 to move back and forth. The prior art of the drive assembly 8 is relatively mature and will not be described in detail here.

[0101] It should be noted that the hopper 1 and the material platform 2 are in a tightly sliding connection state to prevent the filling material from accidentally flowing out during the movement of the material platform 2.

[0102] like Figures 5 and 6 As shown, the filling device includes a material discharge assembly 9. The material discharge assembly 9 is used to insert or detach from the material inlet 403. It is clear that this embodiment is not equipped with a structure or device that actively drives the flow of the filling material. It relies on the flow characteristics of the material itself, so that it enters the material storage assembly 4 from the hopper 1 due to gravity, and then enters the filling assembly 5. Of course, related structures or devices can also be equipped, which will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0103] In the filling stage, that is, when the discharge port 404 and the filling component 5 are in a connected state, due to the relatively high content of solid matter, it is very easy to block the inner space of the discharge port 404, the first measuring cylinder 401 and the second measuring cylinder 402, making it difficult for the filling material to enter the filling component 5 from the storage component 4. Therefore, the purpose of adding the discharge component 9 is to actively press down the filling material, especially the blocked solid position, so that it can quickly and smoothly enter the filling state.

[0104] Based on this, the material discharge assembly 9 is arranged above the material discharge port 404. The material discharge assembly 9 includes a driving member 902, which is connected to a material discharge connecting rod 901, and a pressing head 903 is arranged on the end surface of the material discharge connecting rod 901 facing the material discharge port 404. The driving member 902 can drive the material discharge connecting rod 901 to move toward or away from the material discharge port 404, thereby driving the pressing head 903 to be inserted into the interior of the material storage assembly 4, or to be separated from the material discharge assembly.

[0105] Specifically, when a row of material storage components 4 of the material platform 2 enters the filling stage, the driving member 902 drives the material discharge connecting rod 901 to move downward, prompting the lower pressure head 903 to be inserted into the interior of the material storage component 4, and pushing the filling material in its internal space into the filling component 5 to complete the filling. When the material discharge components in this row are filled, according to the setting, the material platform 2 will drive the discharge port 404 of the material storage component 4 in this row to correspond to the position of the feeding port 101 of the hopper 1. At this time, the material discharge component 9 is separated from the discharge port 404 of the material storage component 4 to avoid interfering with the movement of the material platform 2.

[0106] The material unloading assembly 9 is fixedly connected, that is, it does not move back and forth synchronously with the material platform 2. Moreover, the material unloading assembly 9 is also arranged in two rows to adapt to the material storage assemblies 4 in two rows.

[0107] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it needs to be understood that terms such as “up”, “down”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “center”, “top”, “bottom”, “top”, “bottom”, “inside”, “outside”, “inside”, and “outside” indicate orientation or positional relationships.

[0108] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "install", "connect", "connect", and "assemble" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0109] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0110] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that "-" and "~" represent a range between two values, and the range includes the endpoints. For example: "AB" represents a range greater than or equal to A, and less than or equal to B. "A~B" represents a range greater than or equal to A, and less than or equal to B.

[0111] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the term "and / or" herein is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0112] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A filling station, characterized in that: include: material table; A filling component, the filling component is used to perform a filling operation; A material discharge assembly, which is disposed above the material platform and is configured to be inserted into or detached from the material inlet; At least two rows of material storage components are connected to the material platform, each of which comprises: A material inlet, used to receive materials; A discharge port, connected to the filling assembly; Wherein, the discharge port is closed and connected with the filling component to allow quantitative feeding; The discharge port is opened and communicated with the filling component to perform filling; Furthermore, during the filling process, the feed discharge assembly is inserted into the feed inlet.

2. The filling station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blanking assembly comprises: Driving parts; A material discharge connecting rod connected to the driving member; A material discharge head connected to the material discharge connecting rod; Wherein, the driving rod is controlled by the driving member to move toward or away from the feeding port; The feed head is configured to be inserted into or detached from the feed opening.

3. The filling station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The material platform comprises: A first sheet and a second sheet; Furthermore, the material storage assembly is disposed between the first material plate and the second material plate; Wherein, the distance L between the first material plate and the second material plate is adjustable.

4. The filling station according to claim 3, characterized in that: The material storage assembly comprises: a first measuring cylinder and a second measuring cylinder; The first measuring cylinder and the second measuring cylinder are slidably connected; Wherein, the first measuring cylinder is connected to the first material plate; The second measuring cylinder is connected to the second material plate; Furthermore, the first measuring cylinder forms the material inlet on the top end surface of the first material plate; The second measuring cylinder forms the discharge port at the bottom end surface or below the bottom of the second material plate.

5. The filling station according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: Execution components; The execution component is arranged between the filling component and the material storage component; Wherein, the execution component is configured to open and close the connection between the discharge port and the filling component.

6. The filling station according to claim 4, characterized in that: include: Adjustment components; The adjusting component is disposed between the first material plate and the second material plate to adjust the distance L; The adjustment component comprises: Adjustment lever; connected to the first sheet and the second sheet; An adjusting nut is screwed to the adjusting rod.

7. The filling station according to claim 6, characterized in that: include: A guide assembly, disposed between the first material plate and the second material plate; The guide assembly comprises: A guide rod, one end of which is connected to the first material plate; A guide hole formed in the second material plate; Furthermore, the guide rod and the guide hole are slidably connected in a vertical direction.

8. A filling device, characterized in that: include: A filling station as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7; A hopper having a feeding port; The filling platform is slidably connected to the hopper and has a reciprocating movement relative to the hopper so that the feeding port of the hopper is switched and connected between the at least two feeding ports.

9. The filling device according to claim 8, characterized in that include: a drive assembly connected to the hopper; Wherein, the driving assembly is configured to drive the hopper to reciprocate.

10. The filling device according to claim 8, characterized in that The hopper comprises: Side and bottom panels; The side panels enclose a storage space for loading filling materials; The bottom plate is connected to the bottom of the side plate; Wherein, the bottom plate is formed with a row of the feed ports; Furthermore, the bottom plate and the filling platform are both arranged horizontally and form a sliding connection.

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