Capsule vulcanizing machine with multi-layer sidesway oil cylinder
By designing a multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine, multi-layer parallel operation and automated production are realized, solving the problems of low capacity, high cost, significant safety hazards and poor consistency of existing equipment, and achieving efficient and safe tire vulcanization processing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEBEI SUPERVISORY AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing tire vulcanizing equipment suffers from problems such as low production capacity per unit time, complex equipment structure, high cost, poor product consistency, and significant safety hazards. In particular, multi-layered equipment makes it difficult to ensure the uniformity of pressure and temperature between layers.
The multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder capsule vulcanizing machine uses a precision guiding system that combines a three-column rigid frame, four-corner guide rails, and diagonal guide columns to achieve multi-layer parallel operation. It also adopts a one-drive-multiple synchronous linkage mechanism, which uses the linkage of the moving cylinder and the main push cylinder to simplify the mechanical structure. Combined with automatic demolding and electromechanical hybrid limit, it ensures processing quality and safety.
It significantly improved production efficiency, reduced equipment costs and complexity, ensured product consistency and high quality, reduced manual operation, and enhanced equipment safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN224266126U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tire vulcanization technology, specifically to a multi-layer side-shifting cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine. Background Technology
[0002] A bladder vulcanizing machine is a specialized piece of equipment used for molding and vulcanizing hollow or complex-structured rubber products. It works by placing an unvulcanized rubber blank into a metal mold cavity, using an expandable rubber bladder as an inner mold, and applying high-pressure gas or liquid (such as compressed air, steam, or superheated water) into the bladder to expand it and compress the rubber blank, making it completely conform to the inner wall of the mold. At the same time, the mold is heated and external pressure is applied, thereby achieving the precise molding and vulcanization of the rubber product. Bladder vulcanizing machines are commonly used in tire manufacturing.
[0003] Existing tire vulcanizing equipment mostly adopts single-layer or multi-layer independent structures, which has obvious limitations. First, single-layer vulcanizing machines have low unit time capacity, which cannot meet the growing market demand. If a simple multi-layer structure is adopted, each layer usually needs to be equipped with an independent mold-locking cylinder and control system, resulting in an extremely complex equipment structure, high manufacturing costs, and a large footprint. It is also difficult to ensure the uniformity of pressure and temperature between layers, affecting product consistency. In addition, traditional vulcanization molding relies heavily on manual demolding, which is labor-intensive, inefficient, and poses safety hazards. Therefore, the industry urgently needs an intelligent multi-layer tire vulcanizing solution that can significantly improve production efficiency and reduce overall costs while ensuring processing quality and safety. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine to solve the problems in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a multi-layer side-shifting cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine, comprising a base frame, with columns fixedly connected to the upper left, right, and center positions of the base frame, and a top frame fixedly connected to the upper ends of the three sets of columns, and a plurality of contact parts for extruding tires arranged from top to bottom between adjacent sets of columns, with a single tire set between two adjacent contact parts by a fixing fixture, wherein the upper half of the bottom layer contact part is cut off and fixedly connected to the base frame, and the remaining layers of contact parts are slidably arranged between adjacent sets of columns by guide parts, the upper side of the top layer contact part is fixedly connected to the output ends of two symmetrically distributed moving cylinders, the cylinder bodies of the moving cylinders are fixedly connected to the top frame, and an adjusting column is also fixedly connected to the center of the upper side of the top layer contact part, and a main propulsion part for applying pressure to the plurality of contact parts between adjacent sets of columns is arranged on the rear side of the top frame.
[0006] The main propulsion component includes a support plate that is fixedly connected to the rear side of the top frame. One end of the support plate inside the top frame has a through hole for the adjustment column to pass through. A movable plate is slidably connected to the lower side of the support plate through a pulley and guide groove structure. A main push cylinder is fixedly connected to the lower side of the movable plate. The side of the movable plate away from the top frame is fixedly connected to the output end of several electric push rods. The electric push rods are fixedly connected to the support plate.
[0007] Furthermore, the contact element includes mounting plates symmetrically distributed vertically, with the two mounting plates fixedly connected by several connecting plates. A heating structure is provided on the side of the two mounting plates that are far apart from each other. The heating structure includes a heat insulation plate fixedly connected to the outside of the mounting plate, a heating plate fixedly connected to the outside of the heat insulation plate, and a heat conducting plate fixedly connected to the outside of the heating plate. A demolding unit for rapid demolding is also provided at the center of the contact element except for the uppermost layer. The uppermost contact element does not have a heating structure on its upper side.
[0008] Furthermore, the demolding unit includes several electric push rods two fixedly connected to the lower side of the upper mounting plate. The output ends of the several electric push rods two are downward and are fixedly connected to a support plate. An inner support core for cooperating and fixing with the tire fixing fixture is fixedly connected to the center of the support plate. The inner support core slides through the center of the mounting plate, heating plate, heat conducting plate and heat insulation plate on the upper side of the contact piece.
[0009] Furthermore, the guide includes guide seats fixedly connected to the four corners of the upper mounting plate of the contact, and guide rails fixedly connected to the sides of each column corresponding to the guide seats. The guide seats are slidably connected to the guide rails. Except for the bottommost layer, all contact elements are connected by two guide columns distributed diagonally. A connecting sleeve is provided at the position corresponding to the end of the contact element and the end of the guide column. The guide column is slidably connected in the connecting sleeve. A limiting head for preventing it from detaching from the connecting sleeve is integrally fixedly connected to the end of the guide column. The connecting sleeve is fixedly connected between the upper and lower mounting plates of the same contact element. Several guide columns on the same straight line are distributed in a spaced manner.
[0010] Furthermore, in addition to the contact members of the bottom layer, there are also limiting members for defining their starting positions. The limiting members include a U-shaped limiting seat fixedly connected to the top frame. An electric push rod three is fixedly connected to the outside of the limiting seat. A connecting pin is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric push rod three. The connecting pin points to the limiting seat. The two vertical walls of the limiting seat have through holes one for the connecting pin to pass through. A needle plate is fixedly connected to the upper mounting plate of the top contact member. A through hole two is opened at the upper end of the needle plate for the connecting pin to pass through. The limiting members also include a positioning rod fixedly connected to the contact members other than the top and bottom layers. A mounting base is fixedly connected to the column. A movable groove is opened on the mounting base. A limit switch is slidably connected in the movable groove. The limit switch contacts the positioning rod through a rotatable control arm on it.
[0011] Furthermore, the adjusting column is composed of an outer sleeve and an inner threaded column, with the inner threaded column threaded inside the outer sleeve and located at the upper part of the outer sleeve.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0013] 1. This utility model achieves the effect of processing multiple tires simultaneously in a single operation through the design of multi-layer parallel operation, with a production capacity that is many times higher than that of traditional single-layer equipment. Furthermore, it adopts a "one-drive-multiple" synchronous linkage mechanism, in which a moving cylinder drives all layers through a guide column, and a main push cylinder slides and compresses all layers. This completes the collaborative operation of the multi-layer platform with minimal power source. Compared with the solution of equipping each layer with an independent drive and pressurizing cylinder, this method achieves the same or even higher production efficiency while greatly simplifying the mechanical structure and the complexity of the hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and significantly reducing the manufacturing, procurement, and maintenance costs of the equipment.
[0014] 2. This utility model, through a precision guiding system combining a three-column rigid frame, four-corner guide rails and diagonal guide columns, and a uniform heating structure integrated into each workstation, ensures that all tires are subjected to uniform and stable pressure and temperature during processing, thereby guaranteeing product consistency and high quality. At the same time, the built-in automatic demolding function and electromechanical hybrid dual safety limit significantly reduce the manual operation rate, not only ensuring process stability and product quality rate under high-efficiency production, but also significantly improving the inherent safety level of the equipment, realizing an automated production process from clamping, vulcanization to demolding. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a front view structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the main propulsion component in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0020] Figure 5 This is an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of region B in the middle;
[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjusting column in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the contact component after removing the mounting plate in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0024] 1. Adjusting column; 11. Outer sleeve; 12. Inner stud; 2. Moving cylinder; 3. Main propulsion component; 31. Support plate; 311. Through hole; 32. Moving plate; 33. Main push cylinder; 34. Electric push rod one; 4. Top frame; 5. Column; 6. Contact component; 61. Mounting plate; 62. Inner support core; 63. Electric push rod two; 64. Heat insulation plate; 65. Heating plate; 66. Heat conducting plate; 7. Base frame; 8. Limiting component; 81. Limiting seat; 82. Electric push rod three; 83. Connecting pin; 84. Needle plate; 85. Limit switch; 86. Mounting seat; 861. Movable groove; 87. Positioning rod; 9. Guide component; 91. Guide rail; 92. Connecting sleeve; 93. Guide seat; 94. Guide column. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 7 As shown:
[0027] Example 1:
[0028] This utility model provides a multi-layer side-shifting cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine, including a base frame 7. Columns 5 are fixedly connected to the upper left, right, and center positions of the base frame 7. A top frame 4 is fixedly connected to the upper ends of the three sets of columns 5. Several contact elements 6 for compressing tires are arranged from top to bottom between adjacent sets of columns 5. A single tire is fixed between two adjacent contact elements 6 using a fixing fixture. The lowermost contact element 6 has its upper half fixedly connected to the base frame 7. The remaining contact elements 6 are slidably arranged between adjacent sets of columns 5 via guide elements 9. The upper side of the uppermost contact element 6 is fixedly connected to the output ends of two symmetrically distributed moving cylinders 2. The cylinder bodies of the moving cylinders 2 are fixedly connected to the top frame 4. An adjusting column 1 is also fixedly connected to the center of the uppermost contact element 6. A main propulsion element 3 is arranged at the rear of the top frame 4 for applying overall pressure to the several contact elements 6 between adjacent sets of columns 5.
[0029] The main propulsion component 3 includes a support plate 31 that is fixedly connected to the rear side of the top frame 4. One end of the support plate 31 inside the top frame 4 has a through hole 311 for the adjustment column 1 to pass through. A movable plate 32 is slidably connected to the lower side of the support plate 31 through a pulley and guide groove structure. A main push cylinder 33 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the movable plate 32. The side of the movable plate 32 away from the top frame 4 is fixedly connected to the output end of several electric push rods 34. The electric push rods 34 are fixedly connected to the support plate 31.
[0030] Working principle: The base frame 7, columns 5 and top frame 4 together constitute the main support structure of the equipment, ensuring overall rigidity and stability, and providing a foundation for the installation of subsequent contact parts 6 and power components. The three-column layout enhances structural stability and increases the amount of vulcanization processing per tire. At the same time, the top frame 4 and the base frame 7 form a closed force flow path, which is suitable for high-intensity extrusion conditions.
[0031] During actual operation, all movable contact parts 6 are in their initial upper limit positions under the action of the moving cylinder 2 and the guide 9. The operator places the fixed fixture with the tire between two adjacent contact parts 6, that is, the tire is placed between the upper and lower heat-conducting plates 66.
[0032] Then the equipment is started, and the moving cylinder 2 pushes the uppermost contact piece 6 downward. Through the linkage of the guide column 94, all the upper contact pieces 6 move downward synchronously until all the tires are clamped by the upper and lower heat-conducting plates 66. Multiple parallel working units are formed by the multi-layer movable platform, and the moving cylinder 2 realizes the synchronous clamping of all tires. When vulcanization and shaping are carried out, the main propulsion component 3 is started.
[0033] The electric push rod 34 operates to push the moving plate 32 and its main push cylinder 33 to slide horizontally along the guide groove below the support plate 31 until the pressure head of the main push cylinder 33 is aligned directly above the adjusting column 1. Then the main push cylinder 33 extends, and its pressure head presses down on the top of the adjusting column 1, thereby applying a huge downward pressure to the uppermost contact member 6. This pressure is ultimately applied to all tires through the contact member 6 and the tire fixture. The main push cylinder 33 is not fixedly installed, but integrated into a horizontally sliding moving plate 32. This allows a single high-power cylinder to serve all layers, avoiding the need to equip each layer with a large cylinder, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and equipment complexity.
[0034] The contact element 6 includes mounting plates 61 symmetrically distributed vertically. The two mounting plates 61 are fixedly connected by several connecting plates. A heating structure is provided on the side of the two mounting plates 61 that is far apart from each other. The heating structure includes a heat insulation plate 64 fixedly connected to the outside of the mounting plate 61, a heating plate 65 fixedly connected to the outside of the heat insulation plate 64, and a heat conduction plate 66 fixedly connected to the outside of the heating plate 65. Except for the uppermost layer, the center of the contact element 6 is also provided with a demolding unit for rapid demolding. The uppermost contact element 6 does not have a heating structure on its upper side. The demolding unit includes several electric push rods 63 fixedly connected to the lower side of the upper mounting plate 61. The output ends of the several electric push rods 63 are downward and fixedly connected to a support plate. The center of the support plate is fixedly connected to an inner support core 62 for cooperating and fixing with the tire fixing fixture. The inner support core 62 slides through the center of the mounting plate 61, heating plate 65, heat conduction plate 66 and heat insulation plate 64 on the upper side of the contact element 6.
[0035] Working principle: Heat is generated by the heating plate 65 and evenly transferred to the tire through the heat conduction plate 66 for heating, vulcanization and other processes. The heat insulation plate 64 can effectively prevent heat from being conducted into the contact part 6, which has an energy-saving effect. After the process is completed, the electric push rod 63 is started, pushing the support plate and inner support core 62 to move downward, pushing the formed tire out of the fixed tooling from the inside, realizing automatic demolding.
[0036] The guide member 9 includes guide seats 93 fixedly connected to the four corners of the upper mounting plate 61 of the contact member 6. Each column 5 has a guide rail 91 fixedly connected to the side of the guide seat 93. The guide seat 93 is slidably connected to the guide rail 91. Except for the bottom layer, all contact members 6 are connected by two diagonally distributed guide posts 94. A connecting sleeve 92 is provided at the position corresponding to the end of the contact member 6 and the end of the guide post 94. The guide post 94 is slidably connected in the connecting sleeve 92. The end of the guide post 94 is integrally fixedly connected to a limiting head to prevent it from detaching from the connecting sleeve 92. The connecting sleeve 92 is fixedly connected between the upper and lower mounting plates 61 of the same contact member 6. Several guide posts 94 on the same straight line are distributed in a spaced manner.
[0037] Working principle: The contact element 6 cooperates with the guide rail 91 on the column 5 through the guide seat 93 at the four corners to achieve precise vertical movement and prevent swaying in the front, back, left and right. The upper and lower adjacent contact elements 6 are connected by the diagonally arranged guide columns 94. When the uppermost contact element 6 moves, the guide column 94 drives the next layer of contact elements 6 to move synchronously. This transmission is carried out layer by layer. A composite guidance method of guide rail 91 and guide column 94 linkage is adopted. The guide rail 91 ensures the movement accuracy, and the diagonally arranged guide column 94 effectively balances the off-center load moment while transmitting the movement, ensuring that the contact elements 6 of each layer move in parallel and synchronously. The guide column 94 not only plays a guiding role, but is also the core power transmission component. Its diagonal arrangement can better resist the overturning moment caused by uneven pressure, ensuring the parallelism and stability of the multi-layer platform under high pressure.
[0038] In addition to the bottommost contact member 6, a limiting member 8 is provided to limit its starting position. The limiting member 8 includes a U-shaped limiting seat 81 fixedly connected to the top frame 4. An electric push rod 82 is fixedly connected to the outside of the limiting seat 81. A connecting pin 83 is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric push rod 82. The connecting pin 83 points to the limiting seat 81. The two side walls of the limiting seat 81 have through holes for the connecting pin 83 to pass through. A needle plate 84 is fixedly connected to the upper mounting plate 61 of the topmost contact member 6. A through hole 2 is opened at the upper end of the needle plate 84 for the connecting pin 83 to pass through. The limiting member 8 also includes a positioning rod 87 fixedly connected to the contact members 6 other than the topmost and bottommost. A mounting base 86 is fixedly connected to the column 5. A movable groove 861 is opened on the mounting base 86. A limit switch 85 is slidably connected in the movable groove 861. The limit switch 85 contacts the positioning rod 87 through a rotatable control arm on it.
[0039] Working principle: When the equipment stops, the electric push rod 82 pushes the connecting pin 83, causing it to pass through the first through hole of the limit seat 81 and the second through hole of the uppermost needle plate 84 in sequence, mechanically locking the uppermost contact 6 in the current position, which plays a safety protection role. Meanwhile, the positioning rods 87 on each intermediate contact 6 will touch the control arm of the limit switch 85 on the mounting base 86, and the control arm will support and limit the contact 6. A dual limit scheme combining mechanical and electrical methods is adopted. The mechanical limit is used for safety locking, and the electrical limit is used for further locking, which together ensures the safety of equipment operation.
[0040] Example 2:
[0041] This embodiment is basically the same as the previous embodiment, except that the adjusting column 1 is composed of an outer sleeve 11 and an inner threaded column 12, and the inner threaded column 12 is threaded inside the outer sleeve 11 and located at the upper part of the outer sleeve 11.
[0042] Working principle: By rotating the inner stud 12, its length extending out of the outer sleeve 11 can be finely adjusted, thereby adapting to the processing of different types of tires and avoiding the problem of changes in the overall thickness of each tire layer after different types of tires are accumulated.
[0043] The foregoing description only illustrates certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine, comprising a base frame (7), characterized in that: The base frame (7) is fixedly connected to three positions on the upper side, left, right and center of the base frame (7). The top frame (4) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the three sets of columns (5). Several contact parts (6) for squeezing the tire are arranged from top to bottom between two adjacent sets of columns (5). A single tire is set between two adjacent contact parts (6) by a fixing fixture. The lowermost contact part (6) is cut off and fixedly connected to the base frame (7). The remaining contact parts (6) are slidably arranged between two adjacent sets of columns (5) by a guide (9). The upper side of the uppermost contact part (6) is fixedly connected to the output end of two symmetrically distributed moving cylinders (2). The cylinder body of the moving cylinder (2) is fixedly connected to the top frame (4). An adjusting column (1) is also fixedly connected to the center of the uppermost contact part (6). The rear side of the top frame (4) is provided with a main propulsion part (3) for applying pressure to several contact parts (6) between two adjacent sets of columns (5). The main propulsion component (3) includes a support plate (31) that is fixedly connected to the rear side of the top frame (4). One end of the support plate (31) inside the top frame (4) is provided with a through hole (311) for the adjustment column (1) to pass through. A movable plate (32) is slidably connected to the lower side of the support plate (31) through a pulley and guide groove structure. A main push cylinder (33) is fixedly connected to the lower side of the movable plate (32). The side of the movable plate (32) away from the top frame (4) is fixedly connected to the output end of several electric push rods (34). The electric push rods (34) are fixedly connected to the support plate (31).
2. The multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact element (6) includes mounting plates (61) symmetrically distributed vertically. The two mounting plates (61) are fixedly connected by several connecting plates. A heating structure is provided on the side of the two mounting plates (61) that is far apart from each other. The heating structure includes a heat insulation plate (64) fixedly connected to the outside of the mounting plate (61). A heating plate (65) is fixedly connected to the outside of the heat insulation plate (64). A heat conduction plate (66) is fixedly connected to the outside of the heating plate (65). A demolding unit for quick demolding is also provided in the center of the contact element (6) except for the uppermost layer. The uppermost contact element (6) does not have a heating structure on its upper side.
3. A multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The demolding unit includes several electric push rods (63) fixedly connected to the lower side of the upper mounting plate (61). The output ends of the several electric push rods (63) are downward and fixedly connected to a support plate. The center of the support plate is fixedly connected to an inner support core (62) for cooperating and fixing with the tire fixing fixture. The inner support core (62) slides through the center of the mounting plate (61), heating plate (65), heat conducting plate (66) and heat insulation plate (64) on the upper side of the contact member (6).
4. A multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide (9) includes guide seats (93) fixedly connected to the four corners of the upper mounting plate (61) of the contact (6). Each column (5) has a guide rail (91) fixedly connected to the side of the guide seat (93). The guide seat (93) is slidably connected to the guide rail (91). Except for the bottom layer, the contact (6) is connected by two diagonally distributed guide columns (94). A connecting sleeve (92) is provided at the position corresponding to the end of the contact (6) and the end of the guide column (94). The guide column (94) is slidably connected in the connecting sleeve (92). The end of the guide column (94) is integrally fixedly connected to a limiting head for preventing it from detaching from the connecting sleeve (92). The connecting sleeve (92) is fixedly connected between the upper and lower mounting plates (61) of the same contact (6). Several guide columns (94) on the same straight line are distributed in a spaced manner.
5. A multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In addition to the bottommost contact member (6), a limiting member (8) is also provided on the contact member (6) to limit its starting position. The limiting member (8) includes a U-shaped limiting seat (81) fixedly connected to the top frame (4). An electric push rod three (82) is fixedly connected to the outside of the limiting seat (81). A connecting pin (83) is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric push rod three (82). The connecting pin (83) points to the limiting seat (81). The two vertical walls of the limiting seat (81) are provided with through holes for the connecting pin (83) to pass through. The upper side of the topmost contact member (6) A needle-threading plate (84) is fixedly connected to the mounting plate (61). The upper end of the needle-threading plate (84) is provided with a through-hole for connecting the needle (83) to pass through. The limiting member (8) also includes a positioning rod (87) fixedly connected to the contact member (6) except for the uppermost and lowermost layers. A mounting base (86) is fixedly connected to the column (5). A movable groove (861) is provided on the mounting base (86). A limit switch (85) is slidably connected in the movable groove (861). The limit switch (85) contacts the positioning rod (87) through its rotatable control arm.
6. A multi-layer side-shifting hydraulic cylinder bladder vulcanizing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting column (1) is composed of an outer sleeve (11) and an inner threaded column (12). The inner threaded column (12) is threaded inside the outer sleeve (11) and located on the upper part of the outer sleeve (11).