Miniature linear slide rail
By using the snap-fit connection structure of the miniature linear guide rail, the problem of high processing and assembly difficulty after the miniature linear guide rail is reduced in size is solved, achieving efficient assembly and cost reduction, while improving service life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520664443.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-10
AI Technical Summary
As the size of existing miniature linear guides is reduced, the difficulty of screw processing increases, costs rise, and assembly becomes more challenging, affecting assembly efficiency.
The traditional screw connection is replaced by a snap-fit connection structure. Screwless assembly is achieved through the snap-fit connection of components such as rails, sliders, inner return blocks, outer return blocks, and end cap assemblies.
It reduces processing and assembly difficulty, improves assembly efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances overall strength and extends service life through an integrated external return path.
Smart Images

Figure CN223725179U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The utility model relates to linear slide rail technical field, concretely relates to a micro linear slide rail. BACKGROUND
[0002] Linear slide rail is generally composed of track, sliding block, backflow component, end cover plate and rolling body. During assembly, the components are connected and assembled by screws. At present, linear slide rail is widely used in precision machinery and instrument field, and with the development of precision machinery, instrument movement precision and control precision to high precision, the size of linear slide rail is continuously developed to miniaturization. Due to the size reduction of linear slide rail, the volume of its internal components, especially the sliding block (for example, 3cm*3cm in size, or even smaller) is also reduced. Correspondingly, the size of the matching screw must also be reduced. When the size of the screw is reduced to a certain extent, not only the machining difficulty of the screw thread hole on the screw and the sliding block and other components is significantly increased, but also the manufacturing cost of the screw and the screw thread hole is increased; At the same time, the assembly difficulty is also increased, and the assembly efficiency is reduced. SUMMARY
[0003] In order to improve the deficiencies existing in the prior art, the utility model provides a micro linear slide rail, all components are connected by clamping, and the whole micro linear slide rail is screwless, which can not only reduce the machining difficulty, but also improve the assembly efficiency.
[0004] The utility model discloses the technical scheme adopted to solve its technical problem is: a micro linear slide rail, comprising:
[0005] Track, the left and right sides of the track are provided with track grooves;
[0006] Sliding block, the sliding block is installed on the track, the inner side of the sliding block is provided with two sliding block grooves, the position of the sliding block groove corresponds with the track groove, and the sliding block groove and the track groove form a load channel;
[0007] Two inner backflow blocks, two inner backflow blocks are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the sliding block and are connected with the sliding block by clamping, and the inner backflow block is provided with an inner backflow path;
[0008] Two outer backflow blocks, one outer backflow block is connected with one inner backflow block by clamping, the outer backflow block is provided with an outer backflow path, the outer backflow path and the inner backflow path form a no-load channel, and the no-load channel and the load channel are communicated and form a circulation channel;
[0009] A plurality of rolling bodies, a plurality of rolling bodies are installed in the circulation channel and can circulate and roll in the circulation channel;
[0010] Two end cover assemblies, two said end cover assemblies are respectively installed at the front and rear ends of the sliding block, the end cover assembly is clamped and connected with the sliding block, and the end cover assembly is clamped and connected with the outer reflux block.
[0011] Further, it also includes:
[0012] The holder includes a holding part and two buckling parts, two said buckling parts are fixedly connected with both ends of the holding part, and the buckling part extends horizontally to one side of the holding part;
[0013] The holding part abuts against the rolling body located in the load channel;
[0014] The buckling part abuts against the end cover assembly.
[0015] Further, the front and rear ends of the sliding block are provided with first protrusions, the inner reflux block is provided with a first recess, and the first protrusion is clamped and connected with the first recess.
[0016] Further, the inner reflux block is provided with a first positioning hole, the outer reflux block is provided with a first positioning column, and the first positioning column is inserted into the first positioning hole.
[0017] Further, the inner reflux block is provided with a first limiting block, the outer reflux block is provided with a first limiting groove, and the first limiting block is clamped and connected with the first limiting groove.
[0018] Further, the end cover assembly includes an end cover and an end sealing element, the end cover is clamped and connected with the sliding block, and the end sealing element is inserted into the end cover.
[0019] Further, the end cover includes an end cover body, the end cover body is provided with a containing space, two assembly plates are arranged in the containing space, the assembly plate, the side wall of the end cover body and the bottom surface of the end cover body surround to form an insertion slot, and the end of the outer reflux block is inserted into the insertion slot.
[0020] Further, the end of the outer reflux block is provided with a second protrusion and a third protrusion, the assembly plate is provided with a second recess, the side wall of the end cover body is provided with a third recess, the second protrusion is inserted into the second recess, and the third protrusion is inserted into the third recess.
[0021] Further, the end of the outer reflux block is provided with two dovetail parts, the two dovetail parts are oppositely arranged, the side wall of the insertion slot is provided with two dovetail grooves, and the dovetail part is inserted into the dovetail groove.
[0022] Further, the buckling part abuts against one side of the assembly plate away from the sliding block.
[0023] Further, the end cover is provided with a mounting slot on one side close to the end sealing piece, and the end sealing piece is provided with a mounting protrusion, and the mounting protrusion is clamped and connected with the mounting slot.
[0024] Further, the inner reflux block is formed by splicing a first inner reflux piece and a second inner reflux piece.
[0025] The utility model discloses the beneficial effect is, through structural improvement, and each component adopts the clamping and embedding connection structure and realizes the assembly, does not need screw as the connecting piece, reduces the processing difficulty and assembly difficulty, improves the assembly efficiency, and reduces the cost. The outer reflux path is integrally formed, so that the strength of the whole outer reflux path can be improved, and the service life of the miniature linear slide rail is prolonged. The retainer can not only prevent the rolling body from falling, but also can reinforce the connection between the end cover and the sliding block. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] The utility model will be further described below in combination with the drawings and examples.
[0027] Figure 1 It is the structure schematic diagram of the miniature linear slide rail of the utility model embodiment one.
[0028] Figure 2 It is the explosion drawing of the miniature linear slide rail of the utility model embodiment one.
[0029] Figure 3 It is the structure schematic diagram of the retainer of the utility model embodiment one.
[0030] Figure 4 It is the structure schematic diagram of the sliding block of the utility model embodiment one.
[0031] Figure 5 It is the structure schematic diagram of the inner reflux block of the utility model embodiment one.
[0032] Figure 6 And Figure 7 It is the structure schematic diagram of the outer reflux block of the utility model embodiment one.
[0033] Figure 8 And Figure 9 It is the structure schematic diagram of the end cover of the utility model embodiment one.
[0034] Figure 10 It is the structure schematic diagram of the end sealing piece of the utility model embodiment one.
[0035] Figure 11 It is the assembly schematic diagram of the miniature linear slide rail of the utility model embodiment one.
[0036] Figure 12It is the structure schematic view of the slider of the embodiment two of the utility model.
[0037] Figure 13 It is the structure schematic view of the inner reflux block of the embodiment two of the utility model.
[0038] Figure 14 It is the structure schematic view of the first inner reflux piece of the embodiment two of the utility model.
[0039] In the drawing: 1, track;2, slider;3, inner reflux block;4, outer reflux block;5, rolling body;6, end cover assembly;7, retainer;11, track groove;21, slider groove;22, first protrusion;23, set part;24, second positioning hole;31, inner reflux path;32, first recess;33, first positioning hole;34, first limiting block;35, first inner reflux piece;36, second inner reflux piece;37, inner straight part;38, inner rotary part;351, limiting column;361, limiting hole;41, outer reflux path;42, first positioning column;43, first limiting groove;44, second protrusion;45, third protrusion;46, dovetail part;47, outer straight part;48, outer rotary part;61, end cover;62, end seal;611, end cover body;612, assembly plate;613, dovetail groove;614, mounting clamping groove;615, second positioning column;621, mounting protrusion;6111, third recess;6112, lubricating oil path;6121, second recess;71, retaining part;72, buckling part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The utility model will be explained in further detail in combination with the drawings. These drawings are all simplified schematic views, just illustrate the basic structure of the utility model in the schematic way, therefore it just shows the structure related to the utility model.
[0041] In the description of the utility model, it is understood that the orientation or position relation indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" are based on the orientation or position relation shown in the drawings, just for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, and not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a particular orientation, construct and operate in a particular orientation, therefore it can not be understood as the limitation of the utility model. In addition, the features defined as "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the utility model, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" is two or two or more.
[0042] In the description of the utility model, it is necessary to explain, unless another explicit provision and limitation, term "installation", "link", "connection" should do broad sense understanding, for example, can be fixed connection, also can be detachable connection, or integrally connected;Can be mechanical connection, also can be electrical connection;Can be directly connected, also can be indirectly connected through intermediate medium, can be two elements inside the communication。For ordinary skilled person in the art, the above-mentioned terms can be understood in the specific meaning in the utility model according to specific circumstances.
[0043] Embodiment one
[0044] As Figures 1 to 11 The utility model discloses a micro linear slide rail, including track 1, slider 2, two inner reflux blocks 3, two outer reflux blocks 4, a plurality of rolling bodies 5 and two end cap assemblies 6, and the left and right sides of track 1 are equipped with track groove 11;Slider 2 is installed on track 1, and two slider grooves 21 are formed in the inner side of slider 2, the position of slider groove 21 corresponds with track groove 11, and slider groove 21 and track groove 11 form a load channel;Two inner reflux blocks 3 are respectively installed on the left and right sides of slider 2 and are clamped and embedded with slider 2, and inner reflux path 31 is arranged on inner reflux block 3;One outer reflux block 4 is clamped and embedded with one inner reflux block 3, outer reflux path 41 is arranged on outer reflux block 4, and outer reflux path 41 and inner reflux path 31 form a no-load channel, and the no-load channel is communicated with the load channel and forms a circulation channel;A plurality of rolling bodies 5 are installed in the circulation channel and can circulate and roll in the circulation channel;Two end cap assemblies 6 are respectively installed at the front and rear ends of slider 2, and end cap assembly 6 is clamped and embedded with slider 2, and end cap assembly 6 is clamped and embedded with outer reflux block 4.When slider 2 slides on track 1, a plurality of rolling bodies 5 circulate and roll in the circulation channel.
[0045] The utility model discloses a micro linear slide rail, and the clamped and embedded connection is adopted between inner reflux block 3 and slider 2, between inner reflux block 3 and outer reflux block 4, between end cap assembly 6 and outer reflux block 4, and between end cap assembly 6 and slider 2, the whole micro linear slide rail does not need to be connected through screw, not only reduces processing difficulty and processing cost, but also is favorable to improving assembly efficiency.
[0046] For example, the rolling body 5 can be a ball, a roller.In the embodiment, the inner reflux block 3 and the outer reflux block 4 are integrally formed.
[0047] In the embodiment, as Figure 3As shown, the micro linear slide further comprises a retainer 7, which comprises a retaining portion 71 and two clamping portions 72 fixedly connected to two ends of the retaining portion 71, and the clamping portions 72 horizontally extend to one side of the retaining portion 71. The retaining portion 71 abuts against the rolling body 5 in the load passage, and the clamping portions 72 abut against the end cover assembly 6. For example, the number of the retainers 7 is two, which are respectively installed at two load passages. The retaining portion 71 is two straight rods parallel to each other, and the clamping portion 72 is a U-shaped structure. Since the load passage is formed by splicing the slide groove 21 and the track groove 11, the two straight rods of the retaining portion 71 abut against the rolling body 5 in the load passage, and the clamping portion 72 is used to fix the retainer 7, so that the retainer 7 can prevent the rolling body 5 from falling off. In the embodiment, the two straight rods of the retaining portion 71 abut against the upper and lower sides of the rolling body 5, respectively. The prior art retaining portion 71 usually has only one straight rod, which abuts against the left side / right side of the rolling body 5. The prior art needs to additionally open a groove on the track groove 11 to accommodate the retaining portion 71, which increases the processing difficulty. However, the embodiment does not need to additionally open a groove on the track groove 11, and has two supporting points with the rolling body 5, which is more stable and reliable.
[0048] As shown, Figures 4 to 7 In the embodiment, the front and rear ends of the slide block 2 are provided with first protrusions 22, and the inner reflux block 3 is provided with first recesses 32. The first protrusions 22 and the first recesses 32 are clamped and embedded. The inner reflux block 3 comprises an inner straight portion 37 and two inner rotating portions 38 fixedly connected to the front and rear ends of the inner straight portion 37. The inner straight portion 37 is provided with a straight groove, and the inner rotating portion 38 is provided with a rotating groove. The straight groove and the two rotating grooves jointly form an inner reflux path 31. The first recess 32 is provided on the side of the inner rotating portion 38 close to the slide block 2. In the embodiment, the first protrusion 22 is a rectangular protrusion, and the first recess 32 is a rectangular recess and is through from top to bottom. The left and right sides of the slide block 2 are provided with assembling portions 23. During assembly, the upper end of the first recess 32 is aligned with the lower end of the first protrusion 22, and then the inner reflux block 3 is pushed from bottom to top. The first protrusion 22 is clamped into the first recess 32, so as to realize the assembly between the inner reflux block 3 and the slide block 2.
[0049] In the embodiment, the inner return block 3 is provided with a first positioning hole 33, and the outer return block 4 is provided with a first positioning column 42, which is inserted into the first positioning hole 33. The inner return block 3 is provided with a first limiting block 34, and the outer return block 4 is provided with a first limiting slot 43, which is clamped and connected with the first limiting block 34. It should be noted that one side of the upper and lower sides of the inner straight line part 37 is provided with the first positioning hole 33, and the other side is provided with the first limiting block 34. The outer return block 4 includes an outer straight line part 47 and two outer rotary parts 48, which are fixedly connected with the front and rear ends of the outer straight line part 47. The outer straight line part 47 is provided with a straight line groove, and the outer rotary part 48 is provided with a rotary groove. The straight line groove and the two rotary grooves form an outer return path 41. One side of the upper and lower sides of the outer straight line part 47 is provided with the first positioning column 42, and the other side is provided with the first limiting slot 43. During assembly, the first positioning column 42 is inserted into the first positioning hole 33, and the first limiting block 34 is clamped into the first limiting slot 43, so as to realize the assembly between the outer return block 4 and the inner return block 3. After assembly, the straight line groove of the inner straight line part 37 is opposite to the straight line groove of the outer straight line part 47, and the rotary groove of the inner rotary part 38 is opposite to the rotary groove of the outer rotary part 48, thereby forming a non-load channel. In the embodiment, the outer rotary part 48 and the outer straight line part 47 are integrally formed, which can improve the overall strength of the outer return path 41 and prolong the service life of the micro linear slide rail.
[0050] As Figures 8 to 10As shown, in the present embodiment, the end cover assembly 6 comprises an end cover 61 and an end sealing piece 62, the end cover 61 is clampedly connected with the sliding block 2, and the end sealing piece 62 is inserted with the end cover 61. The front end and the rear end of the sliding block 2 are both provided with a second positioning hole 24, and the end cover 61 is provided with a second positioning column 615 which is inserted into the second positioning hole 24, thereby realizing the connection between the end cover 61 and the sliding block 2. The end cover 61 comprises an end cover body 611, and the end cover body 611 is provided with a containing space, and two assembly plates 612 are arranged in the containing space, and the assembly plates 612, the side wall of the end cover body 611 and the bottom surface of the end cover body 611 surround to form a plug-in groove, and the end of the outer reflux block 4 is inserted into the plug-in groove. The two assembly plates 612 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the containing space. The end of the outer reflux block 4 is provided with a second protrusion 44 and a third protrusion 45, the assembly plate 612 is provided with a second recess 6121, and the side wall of the end cover body 611 is provided with a third recess 6111, the second protrusion 44 is inserted with the second recess 6121, and the third protrusion 45 is inserted with the third recess 6111. It should be noted that the second protrusion 44 and the third protrusion 45 are both arranged on the outer rotation part 48, the second protrusion 44 is, for example, cylindrical, and the third protrusion 45 is, for example, rectangular, and the length direction of the third protrusion 45 is parallel to the length direction of the track 1. The shape of the second recess 6121 is matched with the shape of the second protrusion 44, and the shape of the third recess 6111 is matched with the shape of the third protrusion 45. When the outer rotation part 48 is inserted into the plug-in groove, the second protrusion 44 is inserted into the second recess 6121, and the third protrusion 45 is inserted into the third recess 6111. In addition, the end of the outer reflux block 4 is provided with two dovetail parts 46, the two dovetail parts 46 are oppositely arranged, the side wall of the plug-in groove is provided with two dovetail grooves 613, and the dovetail part 46 is inserted with the dovetail groove 613. For example, the two dovetail parts 46 are respectively arranged on the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the outer rotation part 48, and the positions of the two dovetail grooves 613 correspond to the positions of the two dovetail parts 46, wherein the inclined surface of the dovetail part 46 faces the assembly plate 612, and the vertical surface of the dovetail part 46 faces the sliding block 2. In this way, when the outer reflux block 4 is assembled with the end cover 61, the inclined surface of the dovetail part 46 can play a guiding role, and after the dovetail part 46 is clamped into the dovetail groove 613, the vertical surface of the dovetail part 46 can prevent it from sliding out of the dovetail groove 613 due to external impact. It should be noted that the outer reflux block 4 is a plastic part and has a certain elastic deformation capacity.
[0051] In the present embodiment, the assembly plate 612 separates the containing space into the plug-in groove and the buckling groove, the plug-in groove is close to the sliding block 2, and the buckling groove is close to the end sealing piece 62. When the retainer 7 is assembled into the sliding block 2, the buckling part 72 is inserted into the buckling groove and abuts against the side of the assembly plate 612 which is away from the sliding block 2. In this way, in addition to the function of preventing the rolling body 5 from falling, the retainer 7 can also play a role in reinforcing the connection between the end cover 61 and the sliding block 2.
[0052] In this embodiment, the end cap 61 has a mounting groove 614 on the side near the end seal 62, and the end seal 62 has a mounting protrusion 621, which is engaged with the mounting groove 614. The end cap body 611 also has a lubrication oil passage 6112, through which lubricating oil can enter the rotation groove of the outer rotating part 48, thereby lubricating the rolling element 5.
[0053] In this embodiment, the track 1, slider 2 and rolling element 5 are metal parts, while the inner return block 3, outer return block 4, cage 7 and end cap assembly 6 are plastic parts.
[0054] Example 2
[0055] like Figures 12 to 14 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the inner return block 3 is formed by splicing a first inner return component 35 and a second inner return component 36. One end of the first inner return component 35 has an inner rotating portion 38, and the other end has a limiting post 351. One end of the second inner return component 36 has an inner rotating portion 38, and the other end has a limiting hole 361. Inserting the limiting post 351 into the limiting hole 361 achieves the splicing between the first inner return component 35 and the second inner return component 36.
[0056] In this embodiment, the first groove 32 on the inner rotating part 38 is not vertically continuous, and the size of the first protrusion 22 on the slider 2 is also smaller than that in Embodiment 1. During assembly, the first groove 32 of the first inner return member 35 is aligned with the first protrusion 22 at the front end of the slider 2, and the first groove 32 of the second inner return member 36 is aligned with the first protrusion 22 at the rear end of the slider 2. Then, the first inner return member 35 and the second inner return member 36 are moved towards each other, so that the limiting post 351 is inserted into the limiting hole 361.
[0057] In summary, the miniature linear guide rail of this invention, through structural improvements, achieves assembly by using a snap-fit connection structure between various components, eliminating the need for screws as connectors. This reduces processing and assembly difficulty, improves assembly efficiency, and lowers costs. The outer rotating part 48 and the outer straight part 47 are integrally formed, which improves the overall strength of the outer return path 41 and extends the service life of the miniature linear guide rail. The retainer 7 not only prevents the rolling element 5 from falling off but also reinforces the connection between the end cap 61 and the slider 2.
[0058] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of this utility model, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A miniature linear guide rail, characterized in that, include: Track (1), with track grooves (11) on both the left and right sides; A slider (2) is mounted on the track (1). Two slider grooves (21) are opened on the inner side of the slider (2). The position of the slider grooves (21) corresponds to the track grooves (11). The slider grooves (21) and the track grooves (11) form a load channel. Two internal return blocks (3) are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the slider (2) and are snapped into the slider (2). The internal return blocks (3) are provided with internal return paths (31). Two external return blocks (4), one of the external return blocks (4) is snapped into one of the internal return blocks (3), the external return block (4) is provided with an external return path (41), the external return path (41) and the internal return path (31) form a no-load channel, the no-load channel is connected to the load channel and forms a circulation channel; A plurality of rolling elements (5) are installed in the circulation channel and are capable of circulating within the circulation channel; Two end cap assemblies (6) are respectively installed at the front and rear ends of the slider (2). The end cap assemblies (6) are snapped into the slider (2) and the end cap assemblies (6) are snapped into the external return block (4).
2. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A retainer (7) comprising: a retaining part (71) and two fastening parts (72), wherein the two fastening parts (72) are fixedly connected to both ends of the retaining part (71) and the fastening parts (72) extend horizontally to one side of the retaining part (71); The retaining part (71) abuts against the rolling element (5) located in the load channel; The fastening part (72) abuts against the end cap assembly (6).
3. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The slider (2) has a first protrusion (22) at both the front and rear ends, and the inner return block (3) has a first groove (32) on it. The first protrusion (22) is engaged with the first groove (32).
4. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner return block (3) is provided with a first positioning hole (33), and the outer return block (4) is provided with a first positioning post (42), which is inserted into the first positioning hole (33).
5. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The inner reflux block (3) is provided with a first limiting block (34), and the outer reflux block (4) is provided with a first limiting groove (43). The first limiting block (34) and the first limiting groove (43) are engaged and connected.
6. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The end cap assembly (6) includes an end cap (61) and an end seal (62), wherein the end cap (61) is snapped into the slider (2) and the end seal (62) is inserted into the end cap (61).
7. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The end cap (61) includes: an end cap body (611), the end cap body (611) having an accommodating space, two mounting plates (612) being provided in the accommodating space, the mounting plates (612), the side wall of the end cap body (611) and the bottom surface of the end cap body (611) surrounding to form an insertion groove, the end of the external return block (4) being inserted into the insertion groove.
8. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the external return block (4) is provided with a second protrusion (44) and a third protrusion (45). The assembly plate (612) is provided with a second groove (6121). The side wall of the end cap body (611) is provided with a third groove (6111). The second protrusion (44) is inserted into the second groove (6121), and the third protrusion (45) is inserted into the third groove (6111).
9. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The end of the external return block (4) is provided with two dovetails (46), which are arranged opposite to each other. Two dovetail grooves (613) are opened on the side wall of the insertion slot, and the dovetails (46) are inserted into the dovetail grooves (613).
10. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The fastening part (72) abuts against the side of the mounting plate (612) away from the slider (2).
11. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The end cap (61) has a mounting groove (614) on the side near the end seal (62), and the end seal (62) has a mounting protrusion (621) that is engaged with the mounting groove (614).
12. The miniature linear guide rail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner reflux block (3) is formed by splicing the first inner reflux component (35) and the second inner reflux component (36).