Whole-pile bundling machine for packaging boxes
By designing a packing bundle of packaging boxes, automated bundling of different sizes of boxes is achieved, solving the problems of low efficiency and large labor in existing equipment, improving the bundling efficiency and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422033734.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing packaging box bundling equipment can only meet the box shape of a small range of sizes, and requires manual handling and position adjustment, resulting in an increase in the workforce and a decrease in the bundling efficiency.
Design a packing box bundle bundle machine to automatically bundle the pack of packing boxes through automatic propulsion, positioning, bundling and unloading operations, and reduce manual participation and cost.
Automatic bundling of box shapes of different sizes is realized, which reduces the operating intensity and labor of staff, improves the bundling efficiency, and reduces packaging costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN222973695U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of packing box bundling, and particularly relates to a whole-stack bundling machine for packing boxes. Background Art
[0002] As the name implies, a packing box is a box used to pack products. It can be classified by materials such as paper boxes, iron boxes, wooden boxes, cloth boxes, leather boxes, acrylic boxes, corrugated packing boxes, PVC boxes, etc., or classified by the names of products such as mooncake boxes, tea boxes, wolfberry boxes, candy boxes, delicate gift boxes, local specialty boxes, wine boxes, chocolate boxes, food, medicine and health care product boxes, food packing boxes, tea packing boxes, stationery boxes, etc. The functions of packing boxes are to ensure the safety of products during transportation and improve the grade of products, etc.
[0003] Existing similar bundling equipment in China can only meet the bundling of box shapes with small-size external dimensions (about 80 - 100 mm). If the length range exceeds this size, a new bundling machine needs to be made. The bundling machine designed and made by our company can meet the bundling of box shapes with different segment sizes. After the production of paper packing boxes, manual handling and position adjustment are required to complete the bundling operation of paper packing boxes. Due to the semi-automatic bundling operation, the labor intensity of workers is increased, thus affecting the bundling efficiency of paper packing boxes.
[0004] Therefore, we provide a whole-stack bundling machine for packing boxes to solve the above problems. Content of the Utility Model
[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a whole-stack bundling machine for packing boxes. Through the automatic feeding, positioning, bundling and discharging operations of the whole stack of packing boxes, the packaging cost is reduced, and the multi-function of one machine is maximally satisfied. At the same time, the participation degree and workload of workers are reduced, and the bundling efficiency of paper packing boxes is effectively improved, solving the problem that after the production of existing paper packing boxes, manual handling and position adjustment are required to complete the bundling operation of paper packing boxes, and due to the semi-automatic bundling operation, the labor intensity of workers is increased, thus affecting the bundling efficiency of paper packing boxes.
[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the utility model is realized through the following technical solutions:
[0007] The utility model relates to a whole-stack bundling machine for packaging boxes, which comprises a support assembly; the support assembly includes a base, and a bundling assembly is fixedly connected to the top of the base. The bundling assembly includes a mounting plate fixedly connected to one side surface of the base. Sliders are symmetrically and slidably connected to one side surface of the mounting plate. An extension rod is fixedly connected to one side surface of each slider. A pressing plate is fixedly connected to the end of one of the extension rods. A cutting knife is fixedly connected to the bottom of the pressing plate. A first L-shaped fixing plate is fixedly connected to one side surface of the pressing plate; a pulling plate is arranged in parallel below the pressing plate. Ear plates are fixedly connected to opposite side surfaces of the pulling plate. One of the ear plates is fixedly connected to the end of the other extension rod. A second L-shaped fixing plate is fixedly connected to one side surface of the other ear plate. Rotating rods are hingedly connected to one side surfaces of the first L-shaped fixing plate and the second L-shaped fixing plate respectively. An L-shaped vertical plate is fixedly connected to one side surface of the base. A first electric telescopic rod is fixedly connected to one side surface of the L-shaped vertical plate. A push-pull plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the first electric telescopic rod. Hinged connections are respectively arranged between the push-pull plate and the two rotating rods; symmetrically arranged first vertical plates are fixedly connected to one side surface of the pulling plate. An electromagnetic iron plate is fixedly connected to one side surface of each first vertical plate. Grooves are symmetrically formed in one side surface of the pulling plate. Springs are fixedly connected between the grooves and a dragging plate.
[0008] The utility model is further arranged such that the support assembly further includes an L-shaped positioning plate fixedly connected to the top of the base. A second electric telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the top of the base. An insertion rod passing through the L-shaped positioning plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the second electric telescopic rod. An L-shaped discharge plate is fixedly connected to the end of the insertion rod and is in fit with the inside of the L-shaped positioning plate.
[0009] The utility model is further arranged such that a rectangular groove for slidably fitting with the pulling plate is formed in the top of the base. A cutting groove for slidably fitting with the cutting knife is formed in the top of the base. A plurality of support columns are fixedly connected to the bottom of the base.
[0010] The utility model is further arranged such that a bundling tape transmission assembly is fixedly connected to the top of the base. The bundling tape transmission assembly includes first support plates symmetrically and fixedly connected to the top of the base. An air shaft is rotatably connected between the two first support plates. A first motor is fixedly connected to one side surface of one of the first support plates. The output end of the first motor is fixedly connected to the end of the air shaft. Bundling tape rollers are fixedly connected to the circumferential surface of the air shaft.
[0011] The utility model is further arranged such that a first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one side surface of the mounting plate. A guiding roller is fixedly connected to the end of the first rotating shaft. An L-shaped rod is fixedly connected to one side surface of the mounting plate. A rectangular frame is fixedly connected to the end of the L-shaped rod.
[0012] The utility model is further arranged such that a propulsion component is fixedly fitted to the top of the base. The propulsion component includes an L-shaped plate fixedly connected to the top of the base. A second motor is fixedly connected to the inner top of the L-shaped plate. A third vertical plate is fixedly connected to the inner top of the L-shaped plate. The driving end of the second motor is fixedly connected to a lead screw rotatably connected to the third vertical plate. A moving plate slidably connected to the inner top of the L-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the circumferential side of the lead screw.
[0013] The utility model is further arranged such that a cylinder is fixedly connected to one side surface of the moving plate. The output end of the cylinder is fixedly connected to a push plate. A conveyor is arranged on one side of the support component.
[0014] The utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0015] 1. By controlling the whole stack of packaging boxes to move into the L-shaped positioning plate on the base, the whole stack of packaging boxes is closely attached to the inside of the L-shaped positioning plate. Then, the electromagnetic iron plate is powered off. Under the elastic force of the spring, the electromagnetic iron plate is driven to move away from the pulling plate, so that the electromagnetic iron plate is separated from the binding paper. Then, the first electric telescopic rod is started. The first electric telescopic rod drives the push-pull plate to move leftward, so that the push-pull plate drives the first L-shaped fixing plate and the second L-shaped fixing plate to move towards each other through the rotating rod, and further drives the pressing plate and the pulling plate to move towards each other. The pressing plate moves downward to abut against the binding paper, driving the binding paper to wrap around the outer wall of the whole stack of packaging boxes. When the pressing plate abuts against the base, the bundling of the whole stack of packaging boxes is completed. The second electric telescopic rod drives the L-shaped discharging plate to move backward, thereby driving the bundled whole stack of packaging boxes to move backward to complete the alignment and discharging operation. The operation is simple, effectively reducing the operation intensity of the staff and improving the bundling efficiency.
[0016] 2. By moving the whole stack of packaging boxes to the left side of the conveyor and starting the second motor, the second motor drives the lead screw to rotate clockwise, so that the lead screw drives the moving plate to move leftward. Synchronously, the cylinder is controlled to drive the push plate to move downward, so that the push plate faces the right side of the whole stack of packaging boxes. As the moving plate moves leftward, the push plate is driven to abut against the whole stack of packaging boxes, and then the whole stack of packaging boxes is driven to move leftward into the L-shaped positioning plate on the base, thus completing the feeding operation of the whole stack of packaging boxes into the L-shaped positioning plate.
[0017] Of course, it is not necessary for any product implementing the utility model to achieve all the above advantages simultaneously. Description of the Drawings
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present utility model, the following will briefly introduce the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.
[0019] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a whole-stack bundling machine for packaging boxes.
[0020] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the bundling component in a whole-stack bundling machine for packaging boxes.
[0021] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the connection part between the pressing plate and the cutting knife in a whole-stack bundling machine for packaging boxes.
[0022] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the support component in a whole-stack bundling machine for packaging boxes.
[0023] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the bundling tape transmission component in a whole-stack bundling machine for packaging boxes.
[0024] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the propulsion component in a whole-stack bundling machine for packaging boxes.
[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the list of components represented by each reference numeral is as follows:
[0026] 1 - Support component, 101 - Base, 102 - L-shaped positioning plate, 103 - Second electric telescopic rod, 104 - L-shaped discharge plate, 105 - Rectangular groove, 106 - Cutting groove, 107 - Support column, 108 - Insertion rod, 2 - Bundling component, 201 - Installation plate, 202 - Slide block, 203 - Extension rod, 204 - Pressing plate, 205 - Cutting knife, 206 - First L-shaped fixing plate, 207 - Pulling plate, 208 - Ear plate, 209 - Second L-shaped fixing plate, 210 - Rotating rod, 211 - L-shaped vertical plate, 212 - First electric telescopic rod, 213 - Push-pull plate, 214 - First vertical plate, 215 - Electromagnetic iron plate, 216 - Groove, 217 - Spring, 3 - Bundling tape transmission component, 301 - First support plate, 302 - Air shaft, 303 - First motor, 304 - Bundling tape roller, 305 - First rotating shaft, 306 - Guide roller, 307 - L-shaped rod, 308 - Rectangular frame, 4 - Propulsion component, 401 - L-shaped plate, 402 - Second motor, 403 - Third vertical plate, 404 - Lead screw, 405 - Moving plate, 406 - Cylinder, 407 - Pushing plate, 5 - Conveyor. Detailed implementation manners
[0027] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present utility model. Specific Embodiment 1
[0029] Please refer to Figure 1-6 , the present utility model is a whole-stack bundling machine for packaging boxes, including a support assembly 1; the support assembly 1 includes a base 101, and a bundling assembly 2 is fixedly fitted on the top of the base 101. The bundling assembly 2 includes a mounting plate 201 fixedly connected to one side surface of the base 101. A slider 202 is symmetrically and slidably connected to one side surface of the mounting plate 201. An extension rod 203 is fixedly connected to one side surface of the slider 202. A pressing plate 204 is fixedly connected to the end of one of the extension rods 203. A cutting knife 205 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the pressing plate 204. A first L-shaped fixing plate 206 is fixedly connected to one side surface of the pressing plate 204; a pulling plate 207 (the pulling plate 207 is made of iron material) is arranged in parallel below the pressing plate 204. Ear plates 208 are fixedly connected to opposite side surfaces of the pulling plate 207. One of the ear plates 208 is fixedly connected to the end of the other extension rod 203. A second L-shaped fixing plate 209 is fixedly connected to one side surface of the other ear plate 208. One side surfaces of the first L-shaped fixing plate 206 and the second L-shaped fixing plate 209 are both hingedly connected to a rotating rod 210. An L-shaped vertical plate 211 is fixedly connected to one side surface of the base 101. A first electric telescopic rod 212 is fixedly connected to one side surface of the L-shaped vertical plate 211. A push-pull plate 213 is fixedly connected to the output end of the first electric telescopic rod 212. The push-pull plate 213 and the two rotating rods 210 are both hingedly connected; first vertical plates 214 are symmetrically fixedly connected to one side surface of the pulling plate 207. An electromagnetic iron plate 215 is fixedly connected to one side surface of the first vertical plate 214. Grooves 216 are symmetrically formed in one side surface of the pulling plate 207. Springs 217 are fixedly connected between the grooves 216 and the dragging plate. The support assembly 1 further includes an L-shaped positioning plate 102 fixedly connected to the top of the base 101. A second electric telescopic rod 103 is fixedly connected to the top of the base 101. A plug rod 108 passing through the L-shaped positioning plate 102 is fixedly connected to the output end of the second electric telescopic rod 103. An L-shaped unloading plate 104 that fits inside the L-shaped positioning plate 102 is fixedly connected to the end of the plug rod 108. A rectangular groove 105 that slidably cooperates with the pulling plate 207 is formed in the top of the base 101. A cutting groove 106 that slidably cooperates with the cutting knife 205 is formed in the top of the base 101. A conveyor 5 (the conveyor 5 is a belt conveyor, and the conveyor 5 is composed of a bracket, a servo motor, a conveying roller, and a conveying belt, which is a prior art and will not be elaborated in detail here) is erected on one side of the support assembly 1.
[0030] A plurality of support columns 107 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the base 101, and a strapping tape transmission assembly 3 is fixedly fitted to the top of the base 101. The strapping tape transmission assembly 3 includes first support plates 301 symmetrically and fixedly connected to the top of the base 101. A pneumatic shaft 302 is rotatably connected between the two first support plates 301. A first motor 303 is fixedly connected to one side surface of one of the first support plates 301. The output end of the first motor 303 is fixedly connected to the end of the pneumatic shaft 302. A strapping tape roller 304 is fixedly connected to the circumferential surface of the pneumatic shaft 302. A first rotating shaft 305 is fixedly connected to one side surface of the mounting plate 201. A guide roller 306 is fixedly connected to the end of the first rotating shaft 305. An L-shaped rod 307 is fixedly connected to one side surface of the mounting plate 201. A rectangular frame 308 is fixedly connected to the end of the L-shaped rod 307.
[0031] The operation process of this embodiment is as follows: During the production process, stacks of neatly stacked packaging boxes are produced and conveyed from right to left by the conveyor 5, so that the whole stack of packaging boxes is conveyed to the left end of the conveyor 5. The strapping paper on the strapping tape roller 304 is unfolded, and the strapping paper passes through the guide roller 306 and the rectangular frame 308 in sequence, so that the end of the strapping paper is located between the electromagnetic iron plate 215 and the pulling plate 207. Then, the electromagnetic iron plate 215 is powered on, so that the electromagnetic iron plate 215 generates suction force, and then drives the electromagnetic iron plate 215 to move towards the pulling plate 207, so that the electromagnetic iron plate 215 presses the strapping paper, thereby completing the fixation of the end of the strapping paper. Then, control the whole stack of packaging boxes to move into the L-shaped positioning plate 102 on the base 101, so that the whole stack of packaging boxes is closely attached to the inside of the L-shaped positioning plate 102. Then, the electromagnetic iron plate 215 is powered off, and under the elastic force of the spring 217, the electromagnetic iron plate 215 is driven to move away from the pulling plate 207, so that the electromagnetic iron plate 215 is separated from the strapping paper. Then, the first electric telescopic rod 212 is started, and the first electric telescopic rod 212 drives the push-pull plate 213 to move to the left, so that the push-pull plate 213 drives the first L-shaped fixing plate 206 and the second L-shaped fixing plate 209 to move towards each other through the rotating rod 210, and then drives the pressing plate 204 and the pulling plate 207 to move towards each other. The pressing plate 204 moves downward to abut against the strapping paper, driving the strapping paper to wrap around the outer wall of the whole stack of packaging boxes. When the pressing plate 204 abuts against the base 101, the strapping of the whole stack of packaging boxes is completed. Subsequently, the second electric telescopic rod 103 is started, so that the second electric telescopic rod 103 drives the L-shaped discharging plate 104 to move backward, thereby driving the whole stack of strapped packaging boxes to move backward, completing the alignment and discharging operation. At the same time, the cutting knife 205 on the pressing plate 204 moves into the cutting groove 106, thereby completing the cutting of the strapping paper.
[0032] Meanwhile, the pulling plate 207 moves upward. At this time, the electromagnetic iron plate 215 is electrified again, driving the electromagnetic iron plate 215 to move in the direction close to the pulling plate 207, so as to complete the clamping of the electromagnetic iron plate 215 on the bundling paper at the cutting place. Subsequently, the first electric telescopic rod 212 is controlled to drive the push-pull plate 213 to move to the right to reset, and then the first L-shaped fixing plate 206 and the second L-shaped fixing plate 209 are driven to move away from each other through the rotating rod 210, and further drive the pressing plate 204 and the pulling plate 207 to move away from each other. When the pulling plate 207 moves downward, the pulled bundling paper moves downward, preparing for the bundling of the next whole stack of packaging boxes, reducing the packaging cost, meeting the multi-functional of one machine to the greatest extent, with simple operation, effectively reducing the operation intensity of the staff, and improving the bundling efficiency. Specific Embodiment Two
[0034] Please refer to Figure 1-6 , on the basis of Specific Embodiment One, a propulsion assembly 4 is fixedly fitted on the top of the base 101. The propulsion assembly 4 includes an L-shaped plate 401 fixedly connected to the top of the base 101. A second motor 402 is fixedly connected to the inner top of the L-shaped plate 401. A third vertical plate 403 is fixedly connected to the inner top of the L-shaped plate 401. The driving end of the second motor 402 is fixedly connected to a lead screw 404 rotatably connected to the third vertical plate 403. A moving plate 405 slidably connected to the inner top of the L-shaped plate 401 is fixedly connected to the circumferential side of the lead screw 404. A cylinder 406 is fixedly connected to one side of the moving plate 405. The output end of the cylinder 406 is fixedly connected to a push plate 407.
[0035] The operation process of this embodiment is as follows: The whole stack of packaging boxes moves to the left side of the conveyor 5. The second motor 402 is started. The second motor 402 drives the lead screw 404 to rotate clockwise, causing the lead screw 404 to drive the moving plate 405 to move to the left. Synchronously, the cylinder 406 is controlled to drive the push plate 407 to move downward, so that the push plate 407 faces the right side of the whole stack of packaging boxes. As the moving plate 405 moves to the left, the push plate 407 is driven to contact the whole stack of packaging boxes, and then the whole stack of packaging boxes is driven to move to the left into the L-shaped positioning plate 102 on the base 101, thus completing the feeding operation of the whole stack of packaging boxes to the L-shaped positioning plate 102.
[0036] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "example", "specific example", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.
[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present utility model disclosed above are only used to help illustrate the present utility model. The preferred embodiments do not describe all the details in detail, nor do they limit the present utility model to the specific embodiments described. Obviously, many modifications and variations can be made according to the content of this specification. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this specification to better explain the principle and practical application of the present utility model, so that those skilled in the relevant art can well understand and utilize the present utility model. The present utility model is only limited by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.
Claims
1. A packaging box stacking and bundling machine, comprising a support assembly (1); characterized in that: The support assembly (1) comprises a base (101), the top of the base (101) is fixedly matched with a bundling assembly (2), the bundling assembly (2) comprises a mounting plate (201) fixedly connected to a side surface of the base (101), a slider (202) is symmetrically slidably connected to one side surface of the mounting plate (201), an extension rod (203) is fixedly connected to one side surface of the slider (202), one end of the extension rod (203) is fixedly connected to a pressing plate (204), the bottom of the pressing plate (204) is fixedly connected to a cutting knife (205), and one side surface of the pressing plate (204) is fixedly connected to a first L-shaped fixing plate (206); A pulling plate (207) is arranged parallel to the lower side of the pressing plate (204), and the two opposite side surfaces of the pulling plate (207) are fixedly connected with ear plates (208), wherein one ear plate (208) is fixedly connected to the end of the other extension rod (203), and one side surface of the other ear plate (208) is fixedly connected to a second L-shaped fixing plate (209), and one side surface of the first L-shaped fixing plate (206) and the second L-shaped fixing plate (209) are both hingedly connected to a rotating rod (210), and one side surface of the base (101) is fixedly connected to an L-shaped vertical plate (211), and one side surface of the L-shaped vertical plate (211) is fixedly connected to a first electric telescopic rod (212), and the output end of the first electric telescopic rod (212) is fixedly connected to a push-pull plate (213), and the push-pull plate (213) and the two rotating rods (210) are hingedly connected; A first vertical plate (214) is symmetrically fixedly connected to one side of the pulling plate (207), an electromagnet plate (215) is fixedly connected to one side of the first vertical plate (214), a groove (216) is symmetrically opened on one side of the pulling plate (207), and a spring (217) is fixedly connected between the groove (216) and the pulling plate ().
2. A packaging box stacking and strapping machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support assembly (1) further comprises an L-shaped positioning plate (102) fixedly connected to the top of the base (101); a second electric telescopic rod (103) is fixedly connected to the top of the base (101); an output end of the second electric telescopic rod (103) is fixedly connected to an insertion rod (108) penetrating the L-shaped positioning plate (102); an end of the insertion rod (108) is fixedly connected to an L-shaped unloading plate (104) fitted inside the L-shaped positioning plate (102).
3. A packaging box stacking and strapping machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the base (101) is provided with a rectangular groove (105) that slidably cooperates with the pulling plate (207), the top of the base (101) is provided with a cutting groove (106) that slidably cooperates with the cutting knife (205), and the bottom of the base (101) is fixedly connected with a plurality of support columns (107).
4. A packaging box stacking and strapping machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top of the base (101) is fixedly equipped with a strapping belt transmission assembly (3), and the strapping belt transmission assembly (3) comprises a first support plate (301) symmetrically fixedly connected to the top of the base (101), and an air expansion shaft (302) is rotatably connected between the two first support plates (301), wherein a first motor (303) is fixedly connected to one side of one of the first support plates (301), and the output end of the first motor (303) is fixedly connected to the end of the air expansion shaft (302), and a strapping belt roller (304) is fixedly connected to the peripheral side of the air expansion shaft (302).
5. A packaging box stacking and strapping machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first rotating shaft (305) is fixedly connected to one side of the mounting plate (201), and a guide roller (306) is fixedly connected to the end of the first rotating shaft (305). An L-shaped rod (307) is fixedly connected to one side of the mounting plate (201), and a rectangular frame (308) is fixedly connected to the end of the L-shaped rod (307).
6. A packaging box stacking and strapping machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top of the base (101) is fixedly matched with a propulsion assembly (4), and the propulsion assembly (4) comprises an L-shaped plate (401) fixedly connected to the top of the base (101), the inner top of the L-shaped plate (401) is fixedly connected to a second motor (402), the inner top of the L-shaped plate (401) is fixedly connected to a third vertical plate (403), the driving end of the second motor (402) is fixedly connected to a screw rod (404) rotatably connected to the third vertical plate (403), and the peripheral side of the screw rod (404) is fixedly connected to a movable plate (405) slidably connected to the inner top of the L-shaped plate (401).
7. A packaging box stacking and strapping machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: A cylinder (406) is fixedly connected to one side of the movable plate (405), a push plate (407) is fixedly connected to the output end of the cylinder (406), and a conveyor (5) is mounted on one side of the support assembly (1).