Turnover equipment for tire mold side plate
By designing a mold side plate turning device that includes feeding, turning, and receiving units, and using power components and limit switches to control the turning angle, the problems of inconsistent turning speed and safety hazards in traditional equipment are solved, and safe and efficient mold side plate turning is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PRINX CHENGSHAN (SHANDONG) TIRE COMPANY LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Traditional mold side plate flipping equipment suffers from problems such as inconsistent flipping speed, excessive flipping angle leading to safety hazards, and low production efficiency during operation.
A flipping device including a feeding unit, a flipping unit, and a receiving unit is designed. The flipping frame is driven by a power component to rotate the flipping component by a preset angle. Limit switches and protective components ensure that the flipping is carried out within a preset range. Combined with the inclined channel, a safe and stable flipping process is achieved.
It improves the accuracy and safety of mold side plate flipping, increases production efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and lowers safety risks.
Smart Images

Figure CN224147056U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of tire manufacturing technology, specifically, it relates to a flipping device for tire mold side plates. Background Technology
[0002] In the tire manufacturing industry, especially in the mold assembly process, the flipping operation of tire mold side plates is an indispensable step. Traditional mold side plate flipping fixtures, due to their numerous specifications, require a high level of professional knowledge and safety awareness during use or operation; otherwise, they can easily cause injury to operators. In actual operation, traditional equipment often experiences inconsistent flipping speeds during the mold side plate flipping process. Excessive flipping speed in the later stages results in excessively large flipping angles, making subsequent material handling impossible. In severe cases, the mold side plate can slip and fall, causing injury, significantly impacting the efficiency of the tire mold manufacturing production line and increasing production costs.
[0003] In view of the above, this utility model is hereby proposed. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a turning device for tire mold side plates, which effectively controls the turning speed of the chain throughout the turning process, improves the accuracy of mold side plate turning, and thus enhances the safety and work efficiency of the turning device.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0006] This utility model provides a flipping device for tire mold side plates, including a feeding unit, a flipping unit, and a receiving unit. The feeding unit includes a feeding platform, which is connected to the feeding start end of the flipping unit and feeds the flipping part to the flipping unit. The receiving unit is connected to the discharge end of the flipping unit and receives the flipped part. The flipping unit includes a flipping bracket, a flipping frame, and a power component. The flipping frame is provided on the top of the flipping bracket and is connected to the power component. The flipping frame can accommodate and fix the flipping part, and under the drive of the power component, it drives the flipping part to rotate a preset angle.
[0007] Furthermore, the flip frame includes an upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a stop frame. The upper and lower support frames are arranged in parallel relative to each other, and the upper and lower support frames are perpendicular to the stop frame, forming a frame structure with an open end face and a accommodating space.
[0008] Furthermore, at least one transmission roller is provided on both the upper and lower support frames.
[0009] Furthermore, the flip frame drives the flip component to rotate counterclockwise by a preset angle, the preset angle range being 180-220 degrees.o .
[0010] Furthermore, after the flipping frame drives the flipping component to rotate to a preset angle, it automatically falls to the center position. The inclined surface where the center position is located has the same tilt direction and tilt angle as the inclined surface where the receiving unit is located, so that the two form a continuous and consistent conveying inclined surface channel along the common extension direction.
[0011] Furthermore, the flipping unit also includes a protective component, which includes a protective net and a limit switch. The protective net is installed on the upper part of the flipping bracket and covers the outside of the flipping frame to prevent operators from entering the flipping equipment. The limit switch is located on the lateral end of the flipping frame and is electrically connected to the power component. The power component controls the flipping frame to rotate within a preset angle range. When the flipping frame rotates beyond the preset angle range, the limit switch outputs an electrical signal to the power component, thereby controlling the power component to stop operating.
[0012] Furthermore, the flip bracket is equipped with a drive shaft, the flip frame is detachably connected to the drive shaft, and the flip frame can rotate around the drive shaft.
[0013] Furthermore, the tilting bracket is also equipped with a power component, which includes a power unit and a transmission unit. The power unit is connected to the drive shaft through the transmission unit and drives the drive shaft to rotate.
[0014] Furthermore, the power unit is a geared motor, the transmission unit is a transmission chain, and a transmission gear is mounted on the drive shaft; one end of the transmission chain is connected to the output end of the geared motor, and the other end is connected to the transmission gear.
[0015] Furthermore, the feeding unit also includes a feeding bracket and a feeding conveyor shaft. The feeding bracket has a feeding conveyor shaft on top, and the feeding conveyor shaft is detachably connected to the feeding bracket.
[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:
[0017] (1) This utility model sets up a flipping unit, which can accommodate a fixed flipping component in the flipping frame. Under the drive of the power component, the flipping component is driven to rotate at a preset angle. After the flipping frame drives the flipping component to rotate to the preset angle, it automatically falls to the center position, thereby enabling the flipping component to complete the flipping. The flipping component is then transported to the receiving unit through the inclined channel formed by the inclined surface where the center position is located and the inclined surface where the receiving unit is located.
[0018] Throughout the rotation process, the rotation speed is controlled by the power component in the early stage, and the rotation is completed by the weight and inertia of the rotating part in the later stage. This makes the rotation speed slow throughout the entire rotation process, avoiding the over-rotation caused by the rotating part rotating too fast in the later stage. It also avoids the situation where the rotating part slips and injures people due to over-rotation, thus improving the work efficiency and operational safety of the tire mold manufacturing process.
[0019] (2) The flipping unit also includes a protective component. The limit switch in the protective component can ensure that the flipping frame rotates within a preset angle range, avoiding the inability to pick up materials due to excessive flipping angle, and further preventing over-flipping. The protective net in the protective component can prevent accidents from happening during operation, such as personnel entering the dangerous space of the machine operation, or items falling into the flipping unit, thus improving the safety of the flipping unit operation.
[0020] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings, as part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present utility model. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.
[0022] In the attached diagram:
[0023] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the flipping device in this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view of the flipping device in this utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment status after the feeding unit of this utility model has been fed;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment state before the flipping unit is fed and flipped in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the device state after the flipping unit in this utility model has flipped after feeding;
[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment status after the receiving unit receives materials in this utility model. Figure 1 ;
[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment status after the receiving unit receives materials in this utility model. Figure 2 .
[0030] Icons: 1. Feeding unit; 11. Feeding bracket; 111. Feeding platform; 1111. Translation zone; 1112. Rolling zone; 12. Feeding conveyor shaft; 13. Power switch box;
[0031] 1. Flipping unit; 21. Flipping bracket; 22. Flipping frame; 221. Upper support frame; 222. Lower support frame; 223. Stop frame; 224. Transmission roller; 23. Power component; 231. Power unit; 232. Transmission unit; 24. Drive shaft; 25. Protective components; 251. Protective net; 252. Limit switch;
[0032] 2. Receiving unit; 31. Support leg; 32. Receiving tray;
[0033] 3. Flip-over parts.
[0034] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" 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.
[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0038] As attached Figure 1-7As shown, this utility model provides a flipping device for tire mold side plates, including a feeding unit 1, a flipping unit 2, and a receiving unit 3. The feeding unit 1 includes a feeding platform 111, which is connected to the feeding start end of the flipping unit 2 and feeds the flipping component 4 to the flipping unit 2. The receiving unit 3 is connected to the discharge end of the flipping unit 2 and receives the flipped component 4. The flipping unit 2 includes a flipping bracket 21, a flipping frame 22, and a power component 23. The flipping frame 22 is provided on the top of the flipping bracket 21 and is connected to the power component 23. The flipping frame 22 can accommodate and fix the flipping component 4, and under the drive of the power component 23, it drives the flipping component 4 to rotate a preset angle.
[0039] Obviously, in this application, the automatic flipping of materials (such as tire mold side plates) can be systematically realized through the feeding unit 1, the flipping unit 2, and the receiving unit 3, which improves the flipping efficiency and safety, reduces manual intervention, and is simple to set up and has high operating efficiency compared with the existing mold side plate flipping fixture.
[0040] As attached Figure 1-2 As shown, the flipping device includes a feeding unit 1, which also includes a feeding bracket 11 and a feeding conveyor shaft 12. The feeding bracket 11 is provided with a feeding conveyor shaft 12 on its top. The feeding conveyor shaft 12 is detachably connected to the feeding bracket 11. The plane at the top of the feeding conveyor shaft 12 forms a feeding platform 111.
[0041] As an embodiment of this application, the feeding bracket 11 is assembled from several stainless steel or metal frame tubes. The top of the feeding bracket 11 is a feeding platform 111, which includes a translational area 1111 for material bearing and a rolling area 1112 for material conveying.
[0042] Furthermore, the translational zone 1111 is located on the far side of the flipping unit 2, and the rolling zone 1112 is located on the near side of the flipping unit 2. The rolling zone 1112 is provided with several feeding conveyor shafts 12 to facilitate the transportation of materials from the feeding unit 1 to the flipping unit 2.
[0043] Obviously, as shown in the attached document Figure 1 As shown, the top surface of the translation zone 1111 is higher than the top surface of the rolling zone 1112, and lower than or equal to the height of the top surface of the feeding conveyor shaft 12, thereby ensuring that the material to be turned in the translation zone 1111 has a support point, does not lose weight, and does not collide.
[0044] Furthermore, the feeding conveyor shaft 12 and the feeding bracket 11 are detachably connected, allowing those skilled in the art to quickly replace different types of conveyor shafts according to the characteristics of the materials, thereby improving equipment adaptability and operational efficiency; the detachable structure also facilitates cleaning and maintenance, enhancing equipment flexibility and sustainable use.
[0045] Optionally, the feeding conveyor shaft 12 can be equipped with a drive motor, which is rotatably connected to the feeding conveyor shaft 12 and can control whether the feeding conveyor shaft 12 is running, saving manpower and improving operating efficiency.
[0046] As an embodiment of this utility model, the feeding unit 1 also includes a power switch box 13, which contains a plurality of power switches that can control the operation of multiple electrical control devices in the flipping device.
[0047] When using the feeding unit 1, as shown in the attached document... Figure 3 As shown, the tilting component 4 is hoisted to the loading platform 111 by a crane. The loading conveyor shaft 12 is driven by manpower or a drive motor to rotate the loading conveyor shaft 12, thereby conveying the tilting component 4 to the tilting unit 2.
[0048] The flipping unit 2, as the core operating unit of the flipping device in this application, is connected to the feeding unit 1 for feeding materials and the receiving unit 3 for discharging materials. (See attached diagram) Figure 4-5 As shown, the flipping unit 2 includes a flipping bracket 21, a flipping frame 22, and a power component 23. The flipping frame 22 includes an upper support frame 221, a lower support frame 222, and a stop frame 223. The upper support frame 221 and the lower support frame 222 are arranged in parallel relative to each other. At the same time, the upper support frame 221 and the lower support frame 222 are perpendicular to the stop frame 223, forming a frame structure with an open end face and a accommodating space.
[0049] Furthermore, the size of the accommodating space is the same as the size of the flipper 4 to prevent the flipper 4 from falling off after feeding due to excessive space. Optionally, positioning elements, such as rotatable protrusions, can be provided on the flipping frame 22 to further fix the flipper 4 and prevent it from slipping off.
[0050] The frame structure of the flipping frame 22 is stable and reliable, and the end face opening design facilitates the entry and exit of materials, improving the convenience of operation; the overall structure is stable and can effectively prevent materials from slipping or shifting during the flipping process, ensuring the safety of the flipping process.
[0051] During the flipping and moving of the flipping component 4, it is prone to collision with the frame of the flipping frame 22, causing damage to materials or equipment. Therefore, an elastic protective layer can be provided inside the frame of the flipping frame 22. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can use elastic materials such as nylon sheets to prepare the elastic protective layer, which can serve as an anti-collision and anti-impact function.
[0052] Furthermore, both the upper support frame 221 and the lower support frame 222 are equipped with at least one drive roller 224. The number of drive rollers 224 on the lower support frame 222 is greater than the number on the upper support frame 221. For example, 4-8 drive rollers 224 can be evenly distributed on the lower support frame 222 to ensure the rolling feeding of the tilting component 4. Alternatively, 1-3 drive rollers 224 can be distributed on the lower support frame 222, allowing the tilting component 4 to slide down to the receiving unit 3 under its own weight and the drive of the drive rollers 224, completing the material transfer and saving energy.
[0053] As an embodiment of this application, the flip bracket 21 is provided with a drive shaft 24, the flip frame 22 is detachably connected to the drive shaft 24, and the flip frame 22 can rotate around the drive shaft 24.
[0054] Furthermore, the tilting bracket 21 is also equipped with a power component 23, which includes a power unit 231 and a transmission unit 232. The power unit 231 is connected to the drive shaft 24 through the transmission unit 232 and drives the drive shaft 24 to rotate. The power structure composed of the power unit 231 and the transmission unit 232 has high transmission efficiency, stable and reliable power transmission, is easy to centrally control, improves the response speed and accuracy of the tilting action, and is suitable for high-frequency operation environments.
[0055] For example, the power unit 231 is a geared motor, the transmission unit 232 is a transmission chain, and a transmission gear is mounted on the drive shaft 24; one end of the transmission chain is connected to the output end of the geared motor, and the other end is connected to the transmission gear. The geared motor provides a stable low-speed, high-torque output, suitable for heavy-duty tilting operations; the combination of the transmission chain and gear transmission has a buffering and vibration-absorbing effect, extending the service life of the equipment, and at the same time, it is easy to adjust the transmission ratio to adapt to different load requirements.
[0056] As an embodiment of this application, the flipping frame 22 drives the flipping component 4 to rotate counterclockwise by a preset angle, the preset angle range being 180 degrees. o -220 o Preferably, when the preset rotation angle is 200°... o Ideally, the power component 23 should stop operating, which ensures that under the influence of gravity and inertia, the flipping frame 22 will drive the flipping component 4 to continue to fall smoothly.
[0057] Furthermore, after the flipping frame 22 drives the flipping component 4 to rotate to a preset angle, it automatically falls to the center position. The inclined surface where the center position is located has the same tilt direction and tilt angle as the inclined surface where the receiving unit 3 is located, so that the two form a continuous and consistent conveying inclined surface channel along the common extension direction.
[0058] For example, the balanced state of the flipped frame 22 to the center position is shown in the attached figure. Figure 5As shown, the inclined plane where the center is located (the inclined plane where the upper support frame 221 is located) forms a 70° angle with the vertical direction. o The included angle is consistent with the tilt angle of receiving unit 3, forming a continuous conveying channel to ensure the smooth output of the flipping part 4. (See attached image) Figure 6-7 As shown, the flipper 4 slides down onto the receiving unit 3 through the conveyor inclined channel, and is then hoisted and transported to the next process. No additional adjustment is required to the receiving unit 3 or the flipper 4, which improves the overall coordination and automation of the equipment and reduces manual intervention.
[0059] As an embodiment of this application, the flipping unit 2 also includes a protective component 25, which includes a protective net 251 and a limit switch 252.
[0060] The protective net 251 is installed on the upper part of the tilting bracket 21 and covers the outside of the tilting frame 22 to prevent operators from entering the tilting equipment. The protective net 251 effectively prevents operators from accidentally entering the dangerous area and improves the safety of equipment use.
[0061] Furthermore, the protective net 251 is also equipped with a safety rope, which can be used to control the raising and lowering of the protective net 251.
[0062] Limit switch 252 is installed on the lateral end of the flip frame 22. Limit switch 252 is electrically connected to power component 23, and the power component 23 controls the flip frame 22 to rotate within a preset angle range. Limit switch 252 can precisely control the flip angle, avoid over-limit operation that may cause equipment damage or safety accidents, and enhance the controllability and stability of equipment operation.
[0063] Furthermore, two limit switches 252 are provided, respectively located on the horizontal ends of the flip frame 22. The limit switches 252 are electrically connected to the power component 23, and the limit switches 252 transmit electrical signals to the power component 23 to control whether the operation of the power component 23 stops or not.
[0064] The specific function of the limit switch 252 includes: through the forward and reverse self-locking control circuit of the geared motor, when the geared motor controls the flipping frame 22 to rotate forward (counterclockwise), the flipping component 4 performs the flipping action. When the preset flipping angle is reached, the limit switch 252 is touched, and an electrical signal to stop the operation is transmitted to the geared motor, and the geared motor stops running; after the flipping action is completed, the flipping component 4 slides out to the receiving unit 3; when the geared motor controls the flipping frame 22 to rotate in reverse (clockwise), the flipping frame 22 returns to its original position. When the flipping frame 22 is in a horizontal position, the limit switch 252 is touched, and an electrical signal to stop the operation is transmitted to the geared motor, and the geared motor stops running.
[0065] As an embodiment of this utility model, the flipping device also includes a receiving unit 3, which can be assembled from a pipe frame with a load-bearing function.
[0066] Furthermore, the receiving unit 3 includes a support foot 31 and a receiving tray 32. The receiving tray 32 is placed on top of the support foot 31, and a raised barrier is provided at the tail of the receiving tray 32 to prevent the flipping part 4 from slipping off.
[0067] Furthermore, an anti-collision layer can be provided on the inner side of the receiving tray 32 to protect the flipping component 4 and the receiving unit 3 from impact damage.
[0068] The overall operation process of the flipping device in this application is as follows:
[0069] The crane lifts the tilting component 4 onto the loading platform 111 of the loading unit 1. Under the action of external force or drive motor, the loading conveyor shaft 12 rotates, the tilting component 4 enters the tilting frame 22, the transmission roller 224 rotates, and the tilting component 4 is completely transported into the tilting frame 22 of the tilting unit 2, thus completing the feeding.
[0070] When the power switch is turned on, the geared motor starts, driving the drive shaft 24 to rotate via the transmission chain and gears. The drive shaft 24 then drives the tilting frame 22 and the tilting component 4 inside the frame to perform a low-speed tilting motion. After the geared motor has rotated 200 degrees... o Rotate the flip frame 22 counterclockwise by a preset angle (approximately 200 degrees). o When the limit switch 252 is touched, the motor stops running. Under the action of gravity and inertia, the flipping frame 22 drives the flipping part 4 to continue to fall smoothly until the balance state at the center position is reached, and the flipping part 4 completes the flipping. Under the action of gravity and driven by the transmission roller 224, the flipping part 4 slides down through the conveying inclined channel and is output to the receiving unit 3 receiving tray 32, and is then lifted by the crane to the next process.
[0071] When the geared motor starts, it controls the flipping frame 22 to rotate in reverse (clockwise). When the flipping frame 22 reaches a horizontal position, it touches the limit switch 252, the geared motor stops running, the flipping frame 22 returns to its original position, and the equipment repeats the above operation process.
[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A flipping device for tire mold side panels, comprising a feeding unit, a flipping unit, and a receiving unit, wherein the feeding unit includes a feeding platform, the feeding unit is connected to the feeding start end of the flipping unit through the feeding platform, and feeds the flipped parts to the flipping unit; the receiving unit is connected to the discharging end of the flipping unit, and receives the flipped parts after flipping, characterized in that, The flipping unit includes a flipping bracket, a flipping frame, and a power component. The flipping frame is provided on the top of the flipping bracket and is connected to the power component. The flipping frame can accommodate and fix the flipping component, and under the drive of the power component, it drives the flipping component to rotate a preset angle.
2. A turnover apparatus for a tire mold side plate according to claim 1, characterized in that The flip frame includes an upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a stop frame. The upper and lower support frames are arranged in parallel and opposite directions, and the upper and lower support frames are perpendicular to the stop frame, forming a frame structure with an open end face and a accommodating space.
3. A turnover apparatus for a tire mold side plate according to claim 2, characterized in that At least one transmission roller is provided on both the upper support frame and the lower support frame.
4. A turnover device for a tire mold side plate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The turnover frame drives the turnover piece to rotate anticlockwise by a preset angle, the preset angle ranges from 180 o -220 o .
5. A turnover apparatus for a tire mold side plate according to claim 4, wherein The flipping frame drives the flipping component to rotate to a preset angle and then automatically falls to the center position. The inclined surface where the center position is located has the same tilt direction and tilt angle as the inclined surface where the receiving unit is located, so that the two form a continuous and consistent conveying inclined surface channel along the common extension direction.
6. A turnover apparatus for a tire mold side plate according to claim 4, characterized in that The flipping unit also includes a protective component, which includes a protective net and a limit switch. The protective net is installed on the upper part of the flipping bracket and covers the outside of the flipping frame to prevent operators from entering the flipping equipment. The limit switch is located on the lateral end side of the flipping frame and is electrically connected to the power component, which controls the flipping frame to rotate within the preset angle range.
7. The turnover apparatus for a tire mold side plate according to claim 1, wherein The flipping bracket is provided with a drive shaft, the flipping frame is detachably connected to the drive shaft, and the flipping frame can rotate around the drive shaft.
8. A turnover apparatus for a tire mold side plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, The flipping bracket is also equipped with the power component, which includes a power unit and a transmission unit. The power unit is connected to the drive shaft through the transmission unit and drives the drive shaft to rotate.
9. A turnover apparatus for a tire mold side plate according to claim 8, characterized in that, The power unit is a geared motor, the transmission unit is a transmission chain, and a transmission gear is mounted on the drive shaft; one end of the transmission chain is connected to the output end of the geared motor, and the other end is connected to the transmission gear.
10. The turnover apparatus for a tire mold side plate according to claim 1, characterized by The feeding unit also includes a feeding bracket and a feeding conveyor shaft. The feeding bracket has a feeding conveyor shaft on top, and the feeding conveyor shaft is detachably connected to the feeding bracket.