Packaging box folding and packaging device
By introducing bottom and top folding mechanisms and adhesive application devices into the packaging box folding device, the problems of unstable paper box structure and incomplete folding are solved, achieving efficient and stable packaging box folding and sealing effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG UNIV OF SCI & TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
The existing packaging box folding devices lack a dedicated fixing mechanism, resulting in unstable cardboard box structure and incomplete folding, which affects the subsequent adhesive application and packing results.
A packaging box folding and packaging device was designed, including bottom and top folding mechanisms and an adhesive applicator. It adopts components such as a clamping conveyor mechanism, a horizontal conveyor mechanism, and a feeding robotic arm. The bottom folding mechanism and the bottom edge folding mechanism ensure stable bottom folding, while the top folding mechanism and the second adhesive applicator ensure accurate top folding. The device works in conjunction with a cylinder and push rod assembly to achieve precise folding and sealing.
It improves packaging efficiency and sealing quality, ensures the stability and accuracy of bottom and top folds, avoids wrinkles or misalignment, and enhances overall packaging efficiency and quality.
Smart Images

Figure CN224225450U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of packaging equipment technology, and in particular to a packaging box folding packaging device. Background Technology
[0002] In modern industrial production, product packaging, as the final step, plays a crucial role in protecting, transporting, and displaying products. With the continuous improvement of automation levels, traditional manual packaging methods have gradually been replaced by automated packaging equipment to improve production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure consistent packaging quality. Especially in industries such as logistics, food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, folding cartons are a common packaging form, and their automated folding and sealing technologies have become a key focus of packaging equipment research and development.
[0003] Currently, packaging box folding devices on the market typically include multiple functional modules such as feeding, conveying, folding, and gluing. However, most existing folding packaging equipment often suffers from unstable cardboard box structures and incomplete folding during the folding process due to the lack of a dedicated fixing mechanism, which in turn affects the subsequent gluing and sealing effects after packing. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention aims to at least solve the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a packaging box folding device, in which both the bottom and top of the packaging box can be folded and glued, thereby improving overall packaging efficiency and quality, while also possessing good adaptability and stability.
[0005] A packaging box folding and packaging device according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a feeding robotic arm, a clamping and conveying mechanism, a horizontal conveying mechanism, and two uprights. The clamping and conveying mechanism is located at the front end of the horizontal conveying mechanism. A bottom folding mechanism and a first adhesive applicator are sequentially arranged at the bottom of the clamping and conveying mechanism. A top folding mechanism and a second adhesive applicator are sequentially arranged at the top of the horizontal conveying mechanism. The bottom folding mechanism includes a bottom edge top plate and two first push rod assemblies, which are arranged on both sides of the rear end of the bottom edge top plate. A bottom edge folding mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the feeding robotic arm. A crossbeam is arranged between the two uprights, and a connecting arm is arranged at the front end of the crossbeam. The top folding mechanism includes a top edge top plate, a top edge folding mechanism, and two second push rod assemblies. The top edge top plate is arranged at the bottom of the connecting arm, the top edge folding mechanism is arranged at the front end of the connecting arm, and the two second push rod assemblies are arranged on both sides of the connecting arm.
[0006] A packaging box folding and packaging device according to some embodiments of the present utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0007] This invention, by setting a bottom folding mechanism and a bottom edge folding mechanism at the bottom of the clamping and conveying mechanism, can fold the bottom of the packaging box. Then, the bottom of the packaging box is sealed by a first adhesive device. After the product is placed into the packaging box by external personnel or equipment, a top folding mechanism and a second adhesive device are set at the top of the horizontal conveying mechanism to realize the folding and sealing operation of the top of the packaging box. This improves the overall packaging efficiency and sealing quality. The bottom folding mechanism uses a bottom edge top plate in conjunction with two first push rod assemblies to stably complete the folding and shaping of the bottom edge of the cardboard box. The top folding mechanism, through the coordinated work of the top edge top plate, the top edge folding mechanism, and the two second push rod assemblies, ensures that the top folding is accurate and flat, avoiding wrinkles or misalignment.
[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a folding packaging device for a packaging box is provided at the front end of the feeding robotic arm, a mounting frame is provided on the outer side of the connecting plate, and a plurality of suction cups are provided on the mounting frame.
[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a packaging box folding and packaging device is provided on the connecting plate. A rotary drive motor is provided on the connecting plate. The bottom edge folding mechanism includes a connecting rod, a flipping cylinder, and a flipping plate. The output end of the rotary drive motor is connected to the connecting rod. An extension plate is provided on the outer side of the upper end of the connecting rod. The flipping cylinder is provided at the lower end of the connecting rod. A rotating shaft is provided on the top of the flipping plate. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to the bottom of the extension plate, and the other end of the rotating shaft is connected to the output end of the flipping cylinder.
[0010] A packaging box folding and packaging device according to some embodiments of the present utility model includes a frame. The clamping and conveying mechanism includes two first conveying frames and two first conveyor belt assemblies. The two first conveying frames are arranged parallel to each other on the frame. The first conveyor belt assemblies are arranged one by one on the first conveying frames. The two first conveyor belts are arranged opposite to each other. The top of the first push rod assembly is connected to the bottom of the first conveying frame. The bottom edge top plate and the first adhesive applicator are both arranged between the two first conveyor belt assemblies.
[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a packaging box folding packaging device is provided at both the front and rear ends of the frame, and at the bottom of both the front and rear ends of the two first conveying frames, a first positioning post is provided, and at the bottom of each of the first positioning posts, a first screw nut is provided, and the first screw nut is screwed to the first screw.
[0012] A packaging box folding and packaging device according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a roller assembly, wherein the horizontal conveying mechanism is disposed on the roller assembly.
[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a packaging box folding and packaging device includes a horizontal conveying mechanism comprising two second conveying frames and two second conveyor belt assemblies. The two second conveying frames are arranged in parallel on the roller assembly, and the two second conveyor belt assemblies are arranged one on each of the second conveying frames. The two second conveyor belts are arranged opposite to each other.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a packaging box folding packaging device is provided with two parallel second lead screws at the bottom of the roller assembly, and a second positioning post is provided at the bottom of the front and rear ends of the two second conveying frames. A second lead screw nut is provided at the bottom of each of the second positioning posts, and the second lead screw nut is screwed to the second lead screw.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a packaging box folding device includes a top edge folding mechanism comprising a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a hook arm, and a folding plate. The first cylinder is disposed at the front end of the connecting arm, and the top of the hook arm is rotatably connected to the top of the front end of the connecting arm. The output end of the first cylinder is connected to the middle of the connecting arm. The second cylinder is disposed on the hook arm, and the output end of the second cylinder is connected to the folding plate.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a packaging box folding packaging device is provided on the upright frame, and the crossbeam is connected to the output end of the two lifting mechanisms respectively.
[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding robotic arm, clamping and conveying mechanism, and first adhesive applicator in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal conveying mechanism and roller assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting arm in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Loading robotic arm; 2. Clamping and conveying mechanism; 3. Horizontal conveying mechanism; 4. Vertical frame; 5. Bottom folding mechanism; 6. First adhesive applicator; 7. Top folding mechanism; 8. Second adhesive applicator; 9. Bottom edge plate; 10. First push rod assembly; 11. Bottom edge folding mechanism; 12. Crossbeam; 13. Connecting arm; 14. Top edge plate; 15. Top edge folding mechanism; 16. Second push rod assembly; 17. Connecting plate; 18. Mounting bracket; 19. Suction cup; 20. Rotary drive motor; 21. Connecting rod; 22. 23. Tilting cylinder, 24. Tilting plate, 25. Extension plate, 26. Rotating shaft, 27. Frame, 28. First conveyor frame, 29. First conveyor belt assembly, 30. Guide angle, 31. First lead screw, 32. First positioning post, 33. First lead screw nut, 34. Roller assembly, 35. Second conveyor frame, 36. Second positioning post, 37. Second lead screw nut, 38. First cylinder, 39. Second cylinder, 40. Hook arm, 41. Folding plate, 42. Lifting mechanism, 43. Second lead screw. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, are 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 module 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.
[0026] In the description of this utility model, the use of "first" and "second" is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or the order of the technical features.
[0027] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0028] like Figures 1-4 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment provides a packaging box folding packaging device.
[0029] A packaging box folding and packaging device includes a feeding robotic arm 1, a clamping and conveying mechanism 2, a horizontal conveying mechanism 3, and two uprights 4. The clamping and conveying mechanism 2 is located at the front end of the horizontal conveying mechanism 3. A bottom folding mechanism 5 and a first adhesive applicator 6 are sequentially arranged at the bottom of the clamping and conveying mechanism 2. A top folding mechanism 7 and a second adhesive applicator 8 are sequentially arranged at the top of the horizontal conveying mechanism 3. The bottom folding mechanism 5 includes a bottom edge top plate 9 and two first push rod assemblies 10. The two first push rod assemblies 10 are arranged on the bottom edge top plate 9. On both sides of the rear end of the bottom edge top plate 9, the bottom of the loading robot arm 1 is provided with a bottom edge folding mechanism 11, a crossbeam 12 is provided between the two uprights 4, and a connecting arm 13 is provided at the front end of the crossbeam 12. The top folding box mechanism 7 includes a top edge top plate 14, a top edge folding mechanism 15 and two second push rod assemblies 16. The top edge top plate 14 is provided at the bottom of the connecting arm 13, the top edge folding mechanism 15 is provided at the front end of the connecting arm 13, and the two second push rod assemblies 16 are provided on both sides of the connecting arm 13.
[0030] This invention, by setting a bottom folding mechanism 5 and a bottom edge folding mechanism 11 at the bottom of the clamping and conveying mechanism 2, can fold the bottom of the packaging box. Then, the bottom of the packaging box is sealed by the first adhesive applicator 6. After the product is placed into the packaging box manually or by equipment, a top folding mechanism 7 and a second adhesive applicator 8 are set at the top of the horizontal conveying mechanism 3 to achieve the folding and sealing operation of the top of the packaging box, thus improving the overall packaging efficiency and sealing quality. The bottom folding mechanism 5 uses a bottom edge top plate 9 in conjunction with two first push rod assemblies 10 to stably complete the folding and shaping of the bottom edge of the cardboard box. The top folding mechanism 7, through the coordinated work of the top edge top plate 14, the top edge folding mechanism 15, and the two second push rod assemblies 16, ensures accurate and flat top folding, avoiding wrinkles or misalignment.
[0031] This embodiment describes a packaging box folding and packaging device. The front end of the loading robotic arm 1 is provided with a connecting plate 17, and a mounting frame 18 is provided on the outer side of the connecting plate 17. The mounting frame 18 is equipped with multiple suction cups 19. Specifically, by providing a connecting plate 17 at the front end of the loading robotic arm 1 and installing a mounting frame 18 with multiple suction cups 19 on the outer side of the connecting plate 17, it is ensured that the cardboard box does not shift or fall off during handling, thus improving the reliability and automation of the loading process.
[0032] This embodiment describes a packaging box folding and packaging device. A rotary drive motor 20 is mounted on the connecting plate 17. The bottom edge folding mechanism 11 includes a connecting rod 21, a flipping cylinder 22, and a flipping plate 23. The output end of the rotary drive motor 20 is connected to the connecting rod 21. An extension plate 24 is provided on the outer side of the upper end of the connecting rod 21. The flipping cylinder 22 is located at the lower end of the connecting rod 21. A rotating shaft 25 is provided on the top of the flipping plate 23. One end of the rotating shaft 25 is connected to the bottom of the extension plate 24, and the other end of the rotating shaft 25 is connected to the output end of the flipping cylinder 22. Specifically, the bottom edge folding mechanism 11 employs a rotary drive motor 20 in conjunction with the connecting rod 21, the flipping cylinder 22, and the flipping plate 23, making the flipping action more flexible and controllable, improving folding accuracy and adaptability, thereby ensuring the flatness and fit of the bottom folded edge.
[0033] This embodiment describes a packaging box folding and packaging device, including a frame 26. The clamping and conveying mechanism 2 includes two first conveyor frames 27 and two first conveyor belt assemblies 28. The two first conveyor frames 27 are arranged parallel to each other on the frame 26, and the first conveyor belt assemblies 28 are arranged one on each of the first conveyor frames 27, with the two first conveyor belt assemblies 28 facing each other. The top of the first push rod assembly 10 is connected to the bottom of the first conveyor frame 27. The bottom edge top plate 9 and the first adhesive applicator 6 are both disposed between the two first conveyor belt assemblies 28. Specifically, the clamping and conveying mechanism 2 uses two parallel first conveyor frames 27 and conveyor belt assemblies, which can effectively clamp and stably convey the packaging box to be folded. At the same time, the first push rod assembly 10, the bottom edge top plate 9, and the bottom adhesive applicator 6 are arranged in the conveying path to achieve efficient and continuous bottom folding and adhesive applicator operations.
[0034] It is understood that in some embodiments, the first conveyor frame 27 is provided with a guide angle 29 at the end near the loading robot arm 1.
[0035] It is understood that the first adhesive applicator 6 and the second adhesive applicator 8 use strip adhesive tape for sealing, which is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. In addition, in this embodiment, the clamping conveying mechanism 2 is the same as the horizontal conveying mechanism 3. In some other embodiments, the horizontal conveying mechanism 3 can transport the packaging box from the bottom.
[0036] This embodiment describes a packaging box folding and packaging device. The frame 26 has first lead screws 30 at both its front and rear ends, and the bottom of each of the two first conveyor frames 27 has first positioning posts 31 at both its front and rear ends. Each positioning post 31 has a first lead screw nut 32 at its bottom, and the first lead screw nut 32 is screwed to the first lead screw 30. Specifically, by setting the first lead screw 30 on the frame 26 and providing adjustable first positioning posts 31 and lead screw nuts 32 at the bottom of the conveyor frames, the position of the clamping conveyor mechanism 2 can be precisely adjusted, thus adapting to packaging boxes of different widths and improving the versatility and ease of adjustment of the equipment.
[0037] This embodiment describes a packaging box folding and packaging device, including a roller assembly 33, on which a horizontal conveying mechanism 3 is mounted. Specifically, the roller assembly 33 allows external personnel or equipment to perform box packing at this location and supports the bottom of the packaging box, facilitating subsequent folding and sealing of the top of the box. This improves the flexibility of the top folding operation and the rationality of the spatial layout, which is beneficial for achieving multi-station linkage and production line integration.
[0038] This embodiment describes a packaging box folding and packaging device. The horizontal conveying mechanism 3 includes two second conveyor frames 34 and two second conveyor belt assemblies 35. The two second conveyor frames 34 are arranged parallel to each other on the roller assembly 33, and the two second conveyor belt assemblies 35 are arranged one on each of the second conveyor frames 34, with the two second conveyor belt assemblies 35 arranged opposite to each other. Specifically, the horizontal conveying mechanism 3, composed of two second conveyor frames 34 and oppositely arranged second conveyor belt assemblies 35, can stably clamp the packaging box during conveying, preventing it from shifting during top folding and ensuring the accuracy and stability of the top folding action.
[0039] This embodiment describes a packaging box folding and packaging device. The roller assembly 33 has two parallel second lead screws 43 at its bottom. The bottom of each of the two second conveyor frames 34 has a second positioning post 36 at both the front and rear ends. Each second positioning post 36 has a second lead screw nut 37 at its bottom, and the second lead screw nut 37 is screwed to the first lead screw 30. Specifically, this arrangement enables fine-tuning control of the position of the horizontal conveying mechanism 3, further enhancing the device's adaptability to packaging boxes of different specifications and its operational accuracy.
[0040] This embodiment describes a packaging box folding device. The top edge folding mechanism 15 includes a first cylinder 38, a second cylinder 39, a hook arm 40, and a folding plate 41. The first cylinder 38 is disposed at the front end of the connecting arm 13. The top of the hook arm 40 is rotatably connected to the top front end of the connecting arm 13. The output end of the first cylinder 38 is connected to the middle of the connecting arm 13. The second cylinder 39 is disposed on the hook arm 40, and its output end is connected to the folding plate 41. Specifically, the top edge folding mechanism 15 adopts a combined structure of the first cylinder 38, the second cylinder 39, the hook arm 40, and the folding plate 41, making the top edge folding action flexible and controllable. The folding plate 41 can be adjusted at an angle as needed to ensure a flat, wrinkle-free top edge, improving the sealing quality of the box.
[0041] The packaging box folding and packaging device described in this embodiment includes a lifting mechanism 42 on each of the uprights 4, and the crossbeams 12 are respectively connected to the output ends of the two lifting mechanisms 42. Specifically, this makes the height of the entire top folding mechanism 7 adjustable, accommodating packaging boxes of different heights, while also facilitating equipment maintenance and debugging, and enhancing the flexibility and ease of operation of the equipment.
[0042] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: First, the loading robotic arm 1 picks up the side of the packaging box. When the packaging box is fed to the loading robotic arm 1, it can be an unfolded packaging box, or it can be flattened by suction from one side of the packaging box through an external feeding device. In this example, the suction cup 19 suctions the other side of the flattened packaging box. The packaging box can be unfolded by moving away from each other. Then, the rotary drive motor 20 rotates the flipping plate 23 to the bottom short side of the packaging box. The flipping cylinder 22 works to fold one short side of the bottom of the packaging box. At this time, the packaging box can no longer be flattened. Then, the loading robotic arm 1 loads the packaging box... When the box is fed into the clamping conveyor mechanism 2, the bottom top plate 9 presses against the other short bottom side of the packaging box and folds it. After entering the clamping conveyor mechanism 2, the two first push rod assemblies 10 fold the two long sides of the bottom, and the first adhesive device 6 seals the bottom of the packaging box. After the product is placed into the packaging box by external personnel or equipment, it is sent into the horizontal conveyor mechanism 3. The top top plate 14 first folds the short side of the top, and then the top folding mechanism 15 folds the other short side of the top. The two second push rod assemblies 16 then fold the two long sides of the top, and the second adhesive device 8 seals the box to complete the sealing.
[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A packaging box folding and packaging device, characterized in that: The device includes a loading robotic arm, a clamping and conveying mechanism, a horizontal conveying mechanism, and two uprights. The clamping and conveying mechanism is located at the front end of the horizontal conveying mechanism. A bottom folding mechanism and a first adhesive applicator are sequentially arranged at the bottom of the clamping and conveying mechanism. A top folding mechanism and a second adhesive applicator are sequentially arranged at the top of the horizontal conveying mechanism. The bottom folding mechanism includes a bottom edge top plate and two first push rod assemblies, which are arranged on both sides of the rear end of the bottom edge top plate. A bottom edge folding mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the loading robotic arm. A crossbeam is arranged between the two uprights, and a connecting arm is arranged at the front end of the crossbeam. The top folding mechanism includes a top edge top plate, a top edge folding mechanism, and two second push rod assemblies. The top edge top plate is located at the bottom of the connecting arm, the top edge folding mechanism is located at the front end of the connecting arm, and the two second push rod assemblies are located on both sides of the connecting arm.
2. The packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the loading robotic arm is provided with a connecting plate, and the outside of the connecting plate is provided with a mounting frame, on which multiple suction cups are provided.
3. The packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A rotary drive motor is provided on the connecting plate. The bottom edge folding mechanism includes a connecting rod, a flipping cylinder, and a flipping plate. The output end of the rotary drive motor is connected to the connecting rod. An extension plate is provided on the outer side of the upper end of the connecting rod. The flipping cylinder is located at the lower end of the connecting rod. A rotating shaft is provided on the top of the flipping plate. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to the bottom of the extension plate, and the other end of the rotating shaft is connected to the output end of the flipping cylinder.
4. The packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping and conveying mechanism includes a frame, two first conveyor frames and two first conveyor belt assemblies. The two first conveyor frames are arranged parallel to each other on the frame, and the first conveyor belt assemblies are arranged one on each of the first conveyor frames. The two first conveyor belts are arranged opposite each other. The top of the first push rod assembly is connected to the bottom of the first conveyor frame. The bottom edge plate and the first adhesive applicator are both arranged between the two first conveyor belt assemblies.
5. A packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The frame is provided with a first lead screw at both the front and rear ends, and the bottom of both the front and rear ends of the two first conveyor frames is provided with a first positioning post. The bottom of the first positioning post is provided with a first lead screw nut, and the first lead screw nut is screwed to the first lead screw.
6. A packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes a roller assembly, and the horizontal conveying mechanism is disposed on the roller assembly.
7. A packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The horizontal conveying mechanism includes two second conveying frames and two second conveyor belt assemblies. The two second conveying frames are arranged in parallel on the roller assembly, and the two second conveyor belt assemblies are arranged one on each of the second conveying frames. The two second conveyor belts are arranged opposite each other.
8. A packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the roller assembly is provided with two parallel second lead screws, and the bottom of the front and rear ends of the two second conveyor frames are provided with second positioning posts. The bottom of each second positioning post is provided with a second lead screw nut, and the second lead screw nut is screwed to the second lead screw.
9. A packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top edge folding mechanism includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a hook arm, and a folding plate. The first cylinder is located at the front end of the connecting arm. The top of the hook arm is rotatably connected to the top of the front end of the connecting arm. The output end of the first cylinder is connected to the middle of the connecting arm. The second cylinder is located on the hook arm, and the output end of the second cylinder is connected to the folding plate.
10. A packaging box folding and packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the uprights is equipped with a lifting mechanism, and the crossbeam is connected to the output end of each of the two lifting mechanisms.