Pipe pile connecting device
By employing a triple connection process of plug-in, welding, and screw-locking, along with a rust removal mechanism within the moving ring, the problems of long welding and rust removal time and insufficient stability in traditional pipe pile connections are solved. This achieves efficient and stable pipe pile connections and automatic rust removal, thereby improving construction efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423174437.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-23
AI Technical Summary
Traditional pipe pile connections require long welding and rust removal times, affecting project progress, and the traditional plug-in connection process lacks sufficient stability.
It adopts a triple connection process of plug-in, welding and screw locking, combined with the rust removal mechanism in the moving ring, and achieves multiple fastening connections through structures such as plug rods, slots, cross plugs and wedges, and is equipped with a rust removal steel brush for automatic rust removal.
It improves the stability and rust removal efficiency of pipe pile connections, shortens construction time, reduces the cost of manual rust removal, and enhances the reliability and convenience of connections.
Smart Images

Figure CN223548553U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipe pile connection, specifically a pipe pile connection device. Background Technology
[0002] Pipe piles, also known as prestressed high-strength concrete pipe piles, are hollow cylindrical precast concrete components made using a pre-tensioned prestressed centrifugal molding process and steam curing at around 10 atmospheres (approximately 1.0 MPa) and 180°C. The concrete strength grade is ≥C80. Due to the high strength of the concrete in the pipe pile body, it can be driven into dense sand layers and strongly weathered rock layers.
[0003] However, traditional pipe piles are still assembled using the traditional plug-in process or welded process. However, when welding, the steel connectors at the joints need to be rust-removed and refreshed to ensure the stability of the joints. Rust removal is usually done manually by brushing, which takes a long time and can slow down the progress of the entire project. Utility Model Content
[0004] Based on this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a pipe pile connection device that can provide a triple connection process of plug-in, welding and screw locking at the connection point, thereby greatly enhancing the connection stability of the pipe pile. At the same time, it can provide a convenient surface rust removal function during welding, thereby saving the time cost of manual rust removal by the operators.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a pipe pile connection device, comprising: a second connecting steel block and a first connecting steel block respectively fixed to the mating ends of the first pipe pile body and the second pipe pile body to be connected, and a movable ring, wherein,
[0006] The second connecting steel block is provided with a cross-shaped insert and multiple sets of insert rods on its mating side;
[0007] The first connecting steel block has a socket on its mating side, and the socket is connected to the plug rod in a one-to-one manner. The first connecting steel block has a slot on its mating side, and the slot is connected to the cross plug.
[0008] The movable ring can be sleeved on the outside of the first pipe pile body, and a rust removal mechanism is coaxially rotatably arranged in the movable ring. The outer ring surface of the annular fixed seat of the rust removal mechanism is provided with a push-pull rod. The push-pull rod is led out from the limiting window opened on the movable ring to the outer space of the movable ring. The inner ring surface of the annular fixed seat is provided with a rust removal steel brush.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the insertion rod is inserted into the insertion hole, and the cross-shaped insertion block is inserted into the slot, thereby providing a double fastening connection between the second connecting steel block and the first connecting steel block. The rust removal mechanism is used to remove rust and clean the connection between the second connecting steel block and the first connecting steel block.
[0010] Furthermore, the inner top of the movable ring is connected to four sets of adjusting rods in a rotating shaft array threaded connection, and a fastening block is rotatably connected to one end of the adjusting rod near the vertical central axis of the movable ring, and a rubber pad is provided on the inner side of the fastening block.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the adjusting rod is connected to the moving ring by a thread, thereby driving the fastening block to move and clamping and fastening the first pipe pile body. The rubber pad set on the inner side of the fastening block plays a buffering and protective role during the fastening process.
[0012] Furthermore, the total extension length of the limiting window for sliding the push-pull rod on the moving ring is 20% to 30% of the circumference of the moving ring, and it is divided into two symmetrical segments, with two push-pull rods correspondingly arranged symmetrically.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, a groove-shaped limiting window is opened on the outer side of the bottom of the moving ring, providing a clear sliding track for the push-pull rod. This angle not only maximizes the rust removal effect, but also avoids inconvenience in operation or poor rust removal effect caused by an angle that is too large or too small.
[0014] Furthermore, the inner bottom of the movable ring is provided with a groove-shaped structure for sliding two sets of connecting rods, and the sliding angle of the two sets of connecting rods is the same as the sliding angle of the push-pull rod.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, a groove-shaped structure for sliding the connecting rod is opened at the bottom of the inner side of the moving ring, providing stable support and precise sliding trajectory for the connecting rod. The opposing groove-shaped structures also enable the two sets of connecting rods to balance each other during sliding, further enhancing the overall stability of the device. At the same time, the rotation angle is coordinated with the rotation angle of the push-pull rod.
[0016] Furthermore, the top of the first connecting steel block has four sets of first wedge grooves arranged in a circumferential array, and the bottom of the second connecting steel block has four sets of second wedge grooves arranged in a circumferential array, with the four sets of second wedge grooves and the four sets of first wedge grooves arranged in a vertically corresponding manner.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, and by setting corresponding first and second wedge grooves at the top and bottom of the connecting steel block, precise positioning and solid support are provided for the insertion of the wedge block.
[0018] Furthermore, each of the four sets of first wedge grooves has a wedge block inserted inside, and the top of each of the four sets of wedge blocks is engaged with the top of each of the four sets of second wedge grooves.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the wedge, as a fastener, can generate strong friction after being inserted into the first and second wedge grooves, thereby effectively locking the two connecting steel blocks and preventing relative displacement between them.
[0020] Furthermore, the top of the first connecting steel block is arranged in a circumferential array between the insertion hole and the slot with multiple sets of screw-locking connecting bases, and the bottom of the second connecting steel block is arranged in a circumferential array between the insertion rod and the cross insertion block with multiple sets of screw-locking connectors. The screw-locking connecting bases and screw-locking connectors are arranged in a vertically corresponding manner and are matched and fastened together.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solutions, the use of screw-locking base and screw-locking connector provides an additional mechanical locking mechanism for pipe pile connection.
[0022] In summary, the present invention has the following main advantages:
[0023] 1. In this utility model, the first connecting steel block and the second connecting steel block are connected by insertion holes and rods, as well as slots and cross-shaped inserts. At the same time, a screw-locking fastening connection is formed by a screw-locking connecting base and a screw-locking connecting head, thus providing two fastening connection methods for the first connecting steel block and the second connecting steel block. Meanwhile, a wedge block is used to insert and tighten the first wedge groove on the first connecting steel block and the second wedge groove on the second connecting steel block, so that the first connecting steel block and the second connecting steel block have stability. At the same time, the first connecting steel block and the second connecting steel block are welded together, so that the first pipe pile body and the second pipe pile body have a triple fastening connection.
[0024] 2. In this utility model, the movable ring is threadedly connected to four sets of adjusting rods. Rotating the adjusting rods can drive the fastening block connected to one end of the rods via a rotating shaft to tighten the first pipe pile body. The four sets of fastening blocks are equipped with rubber pads inside to protect the outer surface of the first pipe pile body and provide auxiliary tightening. Thus, the movable ring can be adjusted in position after tightening and loosening on the outer surface of the first pipe pile body by rotating the adjusting rods.
[0025] 3. This utility model features a sliding ring slidably mounted on the inner bottom of a movable ring. The sliding ring is fixed to a steel brush seat via two sets of connecting rods at diagonal points on its inner side. A rust-removing steel brush is mounted on the inner side of the steel brush seat. By moving the push-pull rod, the sliding ring can slide at a 45-degree angle on the inner bottom of the movable ring. Simultaneously, a groove-shaped structure is also provided on the inner bottom of the movable ring to allow the two sets of connecting rods to slide at a 45-degree angle. Thus, the sliding ring can drive the steel brush seat to rotate via the two sets of connecting rods. The steel brush seat then uses the internal rust-removing steel brush to clean and remove rust from the surfaces of the first and second connecting steel blocks. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connection between the moving ring and the sliding ring of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the first connecting steel block and the wedge block of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the second connecting steel block structure of this utility model.
[0031] In the diagram: 1. First pipe pile body; 2. Second pipe pile body; 3. Moving ring; 4. First connecting steel block; 5. Second connecting steel block; 6. Adjusting rod; 7. Fastening block; 8. Rubber pad; 9. Sliding ring; 10. Connecting rod; 11. Steel brush seat; 12. Rust removal steel brush; 13. Push-pull rod; 15. Insertion hole; 16. Screw-locking connecting base; 17. Slot; 18. First wedge groove; 19. Wedge block; 20. Second wedge groove; 21. Insert rod; 22. Screw-locking connector; 23. Cross insert block. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "linking", and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0035] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below based on its overall structure.
[0036] In this embodiment:
[0037] A pipe pile connection device, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the structure includes a first pipe pile body 1, a second pipe pile body 2, and a moving ring 3. A second connecting steel block 5 is fixed to the bottom of the first pipe pile body 1. Multiple sets of insert rods 21 are arranged in a circular array on the outer side of the bottom of the second connecting steel block 5. A cross-shaped insert block 23 is fixed at the center of the bottom of the second connecting steel block 5. A first connecting steel block 4 is fixed to the top of the second pipe pile body 2. Insert holes 15 are arranged in a circular array on the top of the first connecting steel block 4 and are inserted into the insert rods 21. A slot 17 is opened at the center of the top of the first connecting steel block 4 and is inserted into the cross-shaped insert block 23. A moving ring 3 is provided on the outer side of the first pipe pile body 1. A sliding ring 9 is slidably arranged on the bottom inner side of the moving ring 3. A push-pull rod 13 is fixed to the outer side of the sliding ring 9. Two sets of diagonally arranged connecting rods 10 are fixed to the inner side of the sliding ring 9. A steel brush seat 11 is fixed to the other end of the two sets of connecting rods 10. A rust-removing steel brush 12 is provided inside the steel brush seat 11.
[0038] The sliding ring 9 is located inside the moving ring 3. During its installation, it can serve as a dividing line for the window structure that allows the push-pull rod 13 to move. The moving ring 3 is divided into upper and lower sections, and after mold closing and welding, the sliding ring 9 is positioned within the moving ring 3. In practice, assembly production can also be achieved according to other processes, which are not specifically limited here.
[0039] The insertion rod 21 and cross-shaped insertion block 23 at the bottom of the second connecting steel block 5 cooperate with the insertion hole 15 and slot 17 on the first connecting steel block 4 to form a multi-locking mechanism. By reciprocatingly pushing and pulling the push rod 13, the sliding ring 9 can drive the steel brush seat 11 to reciprocate through the connecting rod 10, thereby driving the rust-removing steel brush 12 to brush away rust from the connection between the second connecting steel block 5 and the first connecting steel block 4.
[0040] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A fastening block 7 is also provided on the inner ring surface of the moving ring 3. The fastening block 7 is spaced apart from the rust removal mechanism along the axial direction of the moving ring 3. A rubber pad 8 is provided on the inner side of the fastening block 7. An adjusting rod 6 is provided through the side of the moving ring 3. The adjusting rod 6 is connected to the outer side of the fastening block 7 and is movably connected to the fastening block 7. The adjusting rod 6 is screwed to the moving ring 3.
[0041] The inner top of the moving ring 3 is threaded with four sets of adjusting rods 6 in a rotating shaft array. A fastening block 7 is rotatably connected to one end of the adjusting rod 6 near the vertical central axis of the moving ring 3, and a rubber pad 8 is provided on the inner side of the fastening block 7. Specifically, the four sets of adjusting rods 6 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the moving ring 3.
[0042] The threaded connection of the adjusting rod 6 allows the operator to flexibly adjust the position of the fastening block 7, thereby ensuring that the fastening block 7 can fit tightly against the pipe pile body. The soft material of the rubber pad 8 can effectively prevent the fastening block 7 from scratching or indenting the pipe pile body, thus protecting the integrity of the pipe pile.
[0043] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bottom outer side of the movable ring 3 is provided with a groove-shaped structure (mainly a window structure) for the sliding of the push-pull rod 13, so that the push-pull rod 13 can connect to the inner sliding ring 9 and lead out to the outer space of the movable ring 3, and the sliding angle of the push-pull rod 13 is 45 degrees.
[0044] Optionally, the total extension length of the limiting opening on the movable ring 3 for sliding the push-pull rod 13 is 20% to 30% of the circumference of the movable ring 3, that is, the sliding angle of the push-pull rod 13 is between 36 degrees and 54 degrees. This ensures that the rust-removing steel brush has sufficient range of motion, ensuring the convenience of rust removal operation, while also ensuring the strength of the side wall of the movable ring 3. For example, a sliding angle of 45 degrees for the push-pull rod 13 is convenient for processing, and the actual sliding angle of the push-pull rod 13 can be flexibly set according to specific needs.
[0045] The grooved structure reduces resistance and uncertainty during operation, thereby speeding up construction and making it easier for operators to control and move the push-pull rod 13.
[0046] See Figure 3 The inner bottom of the movable ring 3 is provided with a groove structure for sliding two sets of connecting rods 10, and the sliding angle of the two sets of connecting rods 10 is 45 degrees. The two sets of groove structures for sliding the connecting rods 10 are arranged opposite to each other. The groove structure enables the connecting rods 10 to remain stable during sliding, reducing the possibility of shaking and deviation, thereby ensuring that the rust removal steel brush 12 can accurately align with the pipe pile connection part to perform rust removal operation.
[0047] In this embodiment, the annular fixing seat for fixing the rust-removing steel brush 12 is composed of a connecting rod 10, a sliding ring 9, and a steel brush seat 11. The groove-shaped structure opened at the bottom inner side of the moving ring 3 for sliding of the two sets of connecting rods 10 is a structure with limited ends, so as to limit the connecting rods 10, and then to limit the annular fixing seat. In this embodiment, the annular fixing seat has already achieved the limitation by the push-pull rod 13, that is, the internal limitation requirement can be reduced. Correspondingly, in an optional embodiment, the connecting rod 10 can be replaced with a connecting ring, which can improve the fixing strength and limiting accuracy of the sliding ring 9 and the steel brush seat 11.
[0048] See Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first connecting steel block 4 has four sets of first wedge grooves 18 arranged in a circular array on the edge of the mating surface at the top, and the second connecting steel block 5 has four sets of second wedge grooves 20 arranged in a circular array on the edge of the mating surface at the bottom, and the four sets of second wedge grooves 20 and the four sets of first wedge grooves 18 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0049] Since the first wedge groove 18 and the second wedge groove 20 are set in a one-to-one correspondence, the operator can quickly find and align these wedge grooves, and then insert the wedge block 19 into them, thereby completing the connection of the pipe pile.
[0050] See Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each of the four sets of first wedge grooves 18 has a wedge block 19 inserted inside, and the top of each of the four sets of wedge blocks 19 is engaged with the top of each of the four sets of second wedge grooves 20.
[0051] During installation, simply insert the wedge 19 into the first wedge groove 18 and ensure that its top engages with the second wedge groove 20. The whole structure is complementary, which allows the second connecting steel block 5 and the first connecting steel block 4 to be accurately aligned and fixedly connected. This simple operation not only reduces construction time but also lowers the skill requirements for operators.
[0052] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first connecting steel block 4 has a screw-locking connecting base 16 on its top mating surface. The screw-locking connecting base 16 is located between the insertion hole 15 and the slot 17, and multiple sets are arranged in a circumferential array. The second connecting steel block 5 has a screw-locking connector 22 on its bottom mating surface. The screw-locking connector 22 is located between the insertion rod 21 and the cross insertion block 23, and multiple sets are fixed in a circumferential array. The screw-locking connecting base 16 and the screw-locking connector 22 are arranged one-to-one in a vertical arrangement and are fitted and fastened together.
[0053] When the screw-locking base 16 and the screw-locking connector 22 are fastened together, they can generate a strong pulling force to tightly pull the first connecting steel block 4 and the second connecting steel block 5 together, thereby effectively preventing the connection from loosening and separating.
[0054] The implementation principle of this utility model is as follows: First, the second pipe pile body 2 serves as the pipe pile base that has been pre-embedded in the ground. The top of the first pipe pile body 1 is lifted by an external lifting device, and the second connecting steel block 5 fixed at the bottom of the first pipe pile body 1 is connected to the first connecting steel block 4 fixed at the top of the second pipe pile body 2. During the connection process, the insertion rod 21 and the cross insertion block 23 at the bottom of the second connecting steel block 5 are respectively inserted into the insertion hole 15 and the slot 17 opened at the top of the first connecting steel block 4. At the same time, the screw-type connector 22 at the bottom of the second connecting steel block 5 is locked to the screw-type connecting base 16 installed inside the first connecting steel block 4. After the first connecting steel block 4 and the second connecting steel block 5 are connected, the wedge block 19 is used to insert and engage with the four sets of first wedge grooves 18 at the top of the first connecting steel block 4 and the four sets of second wedge grooves 20 at the bottom of the second connecting steel block 5.
[0055] After the first connecting steel block 4 and the second connecting steel block 5 are connected, the moving ring 3 on the outside of the first pipe pile body 1 is moved to a suitable position. Then, by rotating the four sets of adjusting rods 6, the adjusting rods 6 drive the rubber pad 8 inside the fastening block 7 to fasten and clamp the first pipe pile body 1. Then, the operator pushes the push-pull rod 13 to drive the sliding ring 9 to slide inside the moving ring 3. The sliding ring 9 drives the steel brush seat 11 to rotate through the two sets of opposing and fixed connecting rods 10 inside. Then, the steel brush seat 11 brushes the rust-removing steel brush 12 installed on the inner side to remove rust from the outer surface of the first connecting steel block 4 and the second connecting steel block 5. Finally, the operator welds and fastens the first connecting steel block 4 and the second connecting steel block 5. After reversing the adjusting rod 6 as described above, the moving ring 3 can be moved and removed. It can also be used for subsequent connections.
[0056] All parts not covered in this utility model are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies, and will not be described in detail here.
[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, provided that such modifications, substitutions, and variations are within the scope of the claims of the present invention and are protected by patent law.
Claims
1. A pipe pile connection device, characterized in that: include: A second connecting steel block (5) and a first connecting steel block (4) are respectively fixed to the mating ends of the first pipe pile body (1) and the second pipe pile body (2) to be connected, and a moving ring (3) is also fixed thereon. The second connecting steel block (5) is provided with a cross-shaped insert (23) and multiple sets of insert rods (21) on its mating side; The first connecting steel block (4) has a socket (15) on its mating side, and the socket (15) is connected to the plug rod (21) in a one-to-one manner. The first connecting steel block (4) has a slot (17) on its mating side, and the slot (17) is connected to the cross plug (23). The movable ring (3) can be sleeved on the outside of the first pipe pile body (1), and a rust removal mechanism is coaxially rotatably arranged in the movable ring (3). A push-pull rod (13) is provided on the outer ring surface of the annular fixed seat of the rust removal mechanism. The push-pull rod (13) is led out from the limiting window opened on the movable ring (3) to the outer space of the movable ring (3). A rust removal steel brush (12) is provided on the inner ring surface of the annular fixed seat.
2. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular fixing seat includes a sliding ring (9) and a steel brush seat (11) connected by a connecting rod (10). The sliding ring (9) is located on the outside of the steel brush seat (11) and is coaxially nested. The rust-removing steel brush (12) is fixed on the inner annular surface of the steel brush seat (11).
3. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fastening block (7) is also provided on the inner ring surface of the moving ring (3). The fastening block (7) is spaced apart from the rust removal mechanism along the axial direction of the moving ring (3). A rubber pad (8) is provided on the inner side of the fastening block (7). An adjusting rod (6) is provided through the side of the moving ring (3). The adjusting rod (6) is connected to the outer side of the fastening block (7) and is movably connected to the fastening block (7). The adjusting rod (6) is screwed to the moving ring (3).
4. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fastening block (7), the rubber pad (8), and the adjusting rod (6) are provided in four sets and are evenly spaced along the circumference of the moving ring (3).
5. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The total extension length of the limiting window opened on the moving ring (3) for sliding the push-pull rod (13) is 20% to 30% of the circumference of the moving ring (3), and it is divided into two symmetrical segments. The push-pull rod (13) is symmetrically arranged in two segments.
6. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The inner bottom of the moving ring (3) is provided with a groove structure for sliding two sets of connecting rods (10), and the sliding angle of the two sets of connecting rods (10) is the same as the sliding angle of the push-pull rod (13).
7. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting steel block (4) has a first wedge groove (18) at the edge of the mating surface, and the second connecting steel block (5) has four sets of second wedge grooves (20) at the edge of the mating surface. The positions of the second wedge grooves (20) and the first wedge grooves (18) correspond one-to-one.
8. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a wedge (19), and the combination space of the second wedge groove (20) and the first wedge groove (18) complements the wedge (19) so as to fix the first connecting steel block (4) and the second connecting steel block (5) by the insertion and engagement of the wedge (19) with the second wedge groove (20) and the first wedge groove (18).
9. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting steel block (4) is also provided with a screw-locking connecting base (16) on its mating surface, and the second connecting steel block (5) is also provided with a screw-locking connector (22) on its mating surface. The screw-locking connecting base (16) and the screw-locking connector (22) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence and are fitted together for fastening.
10. The pipe pile connection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The slot (17), the screw-type connecting base (16), and the socket (15) are arranged sequentially from the center of the first connecting steel block (4) to the outer ring surface, and the screw-type connecting base (16) and the socket (15) are arranged in multiple rings.