A rubber cementing module of a rubber cementing packaging device
By using a horizontal displacement mechanism and a motor-controlled screw drive, combined with a guide rod and a sensor, the glue-stitch packaging equipment achieves low noise, high precision, and stability. This solves the problems of high noise, unstable operation, and poor versatility of existing equipment, adapts to the glue application needs of paper trays of different sizes, and improves the adhesion effect of the tape.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YUEQING ZHONGLIAN AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing glue-attach packaging equipment suffers from noisy gluing mechanisms, unstable operation, low control precision, and inability to adapt to the gluing requirements of paper trays of different sizes, resulting in poor versatility.
The system employs a horizontal displacement mechanism to drive a lead screw, combined with motor control, and is equipped with guide rods and sensors to achieve precise positioning and stable movement of the adhesive application module. Roller supports and buffers reduce friction, while mechanical grippers and pressure roller assemblies are precisely operated via cylinder drive, and the cutting assembly quickly cuts the tape.
It achieves a low-noise, stable, and high-precision adhesive application process, adapting to the adhesive application needs of paper trays of different sizes, and improving the equipment's versatility and the adhesive strength of the tape.
Smart Images

Figure CN224336863U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automation equipment technology, and in particular to an adhesive applicator module for a glue-attach packaging device. Background Technology
[0002] Existing adhesive-stapling packaging equipment includes an adhesive-applying module and a stapling module. The adhesive-applying module uses adhesive tape to bond the outer periphery of the paper tray, making the connection between the top and bottom surfaces more secure. The stapling module uses wire bent into a stapling shape and inserted into the center of the paper tray to make the connection more secure.
[0003] For example, Chinese utility model patent application number CN202121170309.7 discloses an integrated glue and nail machine, which includes a frame. The frame is equipped with a glue application mechanism, a nailing mechanism, and a product fixing panel. The nailing mechanism includes a nail forming component and a nailing component located above and below the product fixing panel, respectively. The nail forming component includes a guide plate, a positioning block perpendicular to the guide plate, a forming part that can move up and down relative to the guide plate, and a pressure block. The positioning block has a first through groove, and the forming part has a second through groove opposite to the first through groove. The nailing component includes a first forming block, a bending part located directly below the first forming block, and a top block. The glue application mechanism includes a movable mechanical claw, a fixed mechanical claw, a tape roll, and a glue application roller. In this structure, the glue application mechanism is driven by a cylinder to achieve the telescopic movement of the entire glue application mechanism toward the product fixing panel. However, in practical use, the gluing mechanism, being heavy and driven by a cylinder, suffers from drawbacks such as high noise levels, unstable operation, and low control precision. Furthermore, the cylinder can only move the gluing mechanism to a specific position, making it unable to adjust to changes in paper tray specifications, resulting in poor versatility. Therefore, it is essential to improve this structure. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a glue-applying module for a glue-applying packaging equipment. This utility model has the advantages of low noise, stable operation and high control precision. Moreover, the glue-applying module can be controlled to any position according to actual needs to adapt to the glue-applying needs of paper trays of different specifications, thus having better versatility.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a glue-applying module for a glue-applying packaging equipment, comprising a horizontal displacement mechanism, a mounting frame disposed on the movable end of the horizontal displacement mechanism, a material wheel rotatably disposed on the mounting frame for placing the adhesive tape, a pulling mechanism for pulling the adhesive tape vertically, a pressure roller assembly disposed behind the pulling mechanism for pressing the pulled adhesive tape onto the upper and lower surfaces of the outer edge of the paper tray, and a cutter assembly disposed above the pressure roller assembly for cutting the adhesive tape; the horizontal displacement mechanism comprises a mounting base, a first lead screw rotatably disposed on the mounting base, a first motor mounted on one end of the mounting base and connected to the first lead screw, and a sliding seat slidably disposed on the mounting base, wherein the sliding seat is provided with a lead screw nut for forming a threaded engagement with the first lead screw, and the mounting frame is connected to the sliding seat.
[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, the horizontal displacement mechanism uses a drive motor to drive a lead screw to move the adhesive application module station back and forth toward the product fixing panel. The drive method has low noise, the transmission structure runs smoothly, and the motor control precision is high. Regardless of the size of the paper tray, the travel of the adhesive application module station can be controlled by the drive motor to achieve precise adhesive application of the paper tray, thus adapting to the adhesive application needs of different sizes of paper trays and having better versatility.
[0007] The present invention is further configured such that at least one or more guide rods are installed on the mounting base, and the sliding base has a number of guide holes corresponding to the number of guide rods. A sliding bearing is provided in the guide hole, and the guide rod passes through the corresponding sliding bearing.
[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding seat can be guided, which not only improves the stability of the sliding seat movement, but also has the advantages of low friction and low energy consumption.
[0009] The present invention is further configured such that a backward limit position sensor and a forward limit position sensor are detachably mounted on the side of the mounting base, and a first position recognition block is provided on the sliding base for recognition by the backward limit position sensor and the forward limit position sensor.
[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, by setting a backward limit position sensor and a forward limit position sensor, and connecting them to the controller through wires, when the sliding seat moves backward or forward to the set position, the corresponding position sensor identifies the first position identification block and sends a signal to the controller. The controller then controls the first motor to stop working, thereby achieving precise control of the sliding seat's movement position, that is, achieving precise control of the adhesive application module station position.
[0011] The present invention is further provided with a support on the side of the horizontal displacement mechanism, and a roller is rotatably connected to the support via a rotating shaft, and the roller is in rolling cooperation with the bottom surface of the mounting frame.
[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the rollers support the bottom surface of the mounting frame, which can further improve the stability of the mounting frame during movement, while the rolling contact method also reduces friction.
[0013] The present invention is further configured such that the material pulling mechanism includes a material pulling cylinder mounted on the mounting frame, a connecting plate disposed on the movable end of the material pulling cylinder, a mechanical gripper mounted on the connecting plate, a guide rail extending vertically on the mounting frame, and a slider disposed on the connecting plate and forming a sliding engagement with the guide rail. A first buffer is mounted on the connecting plate for abutting against the bottom of the mounting frame when the plate is displaced to the lower limit position, and a second buffer is mounted on the upper end of the mounting frame for abutting against the upper end of the connecting plate when the plate is displaced to the upper limit position.
[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the mechanical gripper can grasp the tape and pull it out quickly through the material pulling cylinder. At the same time, the buffer is used to buffer and limit the upward and downward movement of the connecting plate. This not only reduces noise and protects the parts, but also makes the position control of the connecting plate more precise.
[0015] The present invention is further configured such that the mechanical gripper includes an x-axis cylinder, a y-axis cylinder, a fixed gripper, and a movable gripper. The y-axis cylinder is mounted on a connecting plate, and a y-axis movable block is connected to the movable end of the y-axis cylinder. The x-axis cylinder and the fixed gripper are mounted on the y-axis movable block, and the movable end of the x-axis cylinder is connected to the movable gripper for driving the movable gripper to move toward or away from the fixed gripper.
[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the y-axis cylinder realizes the y-axis position control of the mechanical gripper, and the x-axis cylinder realizes the gripping and releasing of the tape by the moving and fixed grippers. The control action is precise and rapid, and the structure is reliable.
[0017] The present invention is further configured such that the pressure roller assembly includes a pressure roller cylinder disposed on the mounting frame, a pressure roller seat disposed on the movable end of the pressure roller cylinder, and two pressure roller plates disposed vertically on the pressure roller seat, with a rubber pressing roller rotatably connected to each of the two pressure roller plates.
[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the pressure roller uses a rolling action to press the tape onto the upper and lower sides of the outer edge of the paper tray. The action is smooth, with low friction and good pressing effect.
[0019] The present invention is further configured such that a second lead screw extending vertically is rotatably disposed on the pressure roller seat, a second motor is installed at the bottom of the pressure roller seat, the output end of the second motor is linked to the second lead screw, a guide groove is provided on the pressure roller seat along the vertical direction, one pressure roller plate is fixedly installed above the corresponding guide groove of the pressure roller seat, and the other pressure roller plate is slidably disposed in the guide groove and threadedly engaged with the second lead screw.
[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the design of one of the pressure rollers being movable not only allows for universal coverage within the thickness range of the paper tray, but also, during the pressure application process, the two pressure rollers move close together to apply positive pressure to the tape, which can further enhance the adhesion of the tape.
[0021] The present invention is further configured such that a second position identification block is installed on the pressure roller plate movably disposed in the guide groove, and the pressure roller seat is provided with a return limit position sensor for identifying the second position identification block.
[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, when the movable pressure roller returns to its original position, the return limit position sensor identifies the second position identification block and sends a signal to the controller. The controller then controls the second motor to stop working, thereby achieving precise control of the position of the movable pressure roller.
[0023] The present invention is further configured such that the cutter assembly includes two cutter cylinders mounted on the mounting bracket, the movable ends of the two cutter cylinders are arranged opposite to each other, and the extended ends of the two cutter cylinders are equipped with cutters, and the tape pulled out from the material wheel passes between the two cutters.
[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, two cutting cylinders drive two cutting blades to move in opposite directions, thereby achieving rapid cutting of the tape. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the entire utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of the entire utility model;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the mounting bracket and the roller of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the material pulling mechanism of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical gripper of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure roller assembly of this utility model;
[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting blade assembly of this utility model.
[0032] In the diagram: 1. Horizontal displacement mechanism; 2. Mounting frame; 3. Material roller; 4. Material pulling mechanism; 5. Pressure roller assembly; 6. Cutting blade assembly; 7. Mounting base; 8. First lead screw; 9. First motor; 10. Sliding seat; 11. Lead screw nut; 12. Guide rod; 13. Guide hole; 14. Sliding bearing; 15. Reverse limit position sensor; 16. Forward limit position sensor; 17. First position recognition block; 18. Support; 19. Rotating shaft; 20. Roller; 21. Material pulling cylinder; 22. Connecting... 23. Connecting plate; 24. Mechanical gripper; 25. Guide rail; 26. Slider; 27. First buffer; 28. Second buffer; 29. X-axis cylinder; 30. Y-axis cylinder; 31. Fixed gripper; 32. Movable gripper; 33. Y-axis movable block; 34. Pressure roller cylinder; 35. Pressure roller seat; 36. Pressure roller plate; 37. Rubber roller; 38. Second lead screw; 39. Second motor; 40. Guide groove; 41. Second position recognition block; 42. Return limit position sensor; 43. Cutting cylinder; 44. Cutting tool. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0034] Example: As attached Figures 1-7The adhesive applicator module of the adhesive packing equipment shown includes a horizontal displacement mechanism 1, a mounting frame 2 disposed on the movable end of the horizontal displacement mechanism 1, a material wheel 3 rotatably disposed on the mounting frame 2 for placing the adhesive tape, a pulling mechanism 4 for pulling the adhesive tape vertically, a pressure roller assembly 5 disposed behind the pulling mechanism 4 for pressing the pulled adhesive tape onto the upper and lower surfaces of the outer edge of the paper tray, and a cutter assembly 6 disposed above the pressure roller assembly 5 for cutting the adhesive tape. The horizontal displacement mechanism 1 includes a mounting base 7, a first lead screw 8 rotatably disposed on the mounting base 7 (bearings that cooperate with the two ends of the first lead screw 8 can be disposed at both ends of the mounting base 7), a first motor 9 mounted on one end of the mounting base 7 and connected to the first lead screw 8 (the two are connected by a coupling), and a sliding seat 10 slidably disposed on the mounting base 7. The sliding seat 10 is provided with a lead screw nut 11 for forming a threaded engagement with the first lead screw 8. The mounting frame 2 and the sliding seat 10 are connected by fasteners (such as screws). The horizontal displacement mechanism 1 uses a drive motor to drive a lead screw to move the adhesive application module station back and forth toward the product fixing panel. The drive method has low noise, the transmission structure runs smoothly, and the motor control has high precision. Regardless of the size of the paper tray, the travel of the adhesive application module station can be controlled by the drive motor to achieve precise adhesive application of the paper tray, thus adapting to the adhesive application needs of different sizes of paper trays and having better versatility.
[0035] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the mounting base 7 is equipped with at least one or more guide rods 12, and the sliding seat 10 has a number of guide holes 13 corresponding to the number of guide rods 12. In this embodiment, two guide rods 12 and two guide holes 13 are used. A sliding bearing 14 is installed in each guide hole 13, and the guide rods 12 pass through the corresponding sliding bearings 14. This design can guide the sliding seat 10, which not only improves the stability of the sliding seat 10's movement, but also has the advantages of low friction and low energy consumption.
[0036] As attached Figure 2 As shown, a backward limit position sensor 15 and a forward limit position sensor 16 are detachably mounted on the side of the mounting base 7. The backward limit position sensor 15 and the forward limit position sensor 16 can be infrared sensors. The sliding base 10 is provided with a first position identification block 17 for identification by the backward limit position sensor 15 and the forward limit position sensor 16. By setting the backward limit position sensor 15 and the forward limit position sensor 16 and connecting them to the controller via wires, when the sliding base 10 moves backward or forward to a set position, the corresponding position sensor identifies the first position identification block 17 and sends a signal to the controller. The controller then controls the first motor 9 to stop working, thereby achieving precise control of the sliding base 10's movement position, i.e., precise control of the adhesive application module's workstation position.
[0037] As attached Figure 3 As shown, a support 18 is also provided on the side of the horizontal displacement mechanism 1. A roller 20 is rotatably connected to the support 18 via a rotating shaft 19. The roller 20 rolls with the bottom surface of the mounting frame 2. The roller 20 supports the bottom surface of the mounting frame 2, which can further improve the stability of the mounting frame 2 during movement. At the same time, the rolling engagement reduces friction.
[0038] As attached Figure 4 As shown, the material pulling mechanism 4 includes a material pulling cylinder 21 mounted on the mounting frame 2, a connecting plate 22 disposed on the movable end of the material pulling cylinder 21, a mechanical gripper 23 mounted on the connecting plate 22, a guide rail 24 extending vertically on the mounting frame 2, and a slider 25 disposed on the connecting plate 22 and forming a sliding engagement with the guide rail 24. A first buffer 26 is mounted on the connecting plate 22 to abut against the bottom of the mounting frame 2 when it is displaced to its lower limit position. A second buffer 27 is mounted on the upper end of the mounting frame 2 to abut against the upper end of the connecting plate 22 when it is displaced to its upper limit position. The second buffer 27 and the second buffer 27 can be oil-based buffers. The mechanical gripper 23 grips the tape and can quickly pull out the tape via the material pulling cylinder 21. Simultaneously, the buffers provide buffering and limiting for the upward and downward movement of the connecting plate 22, which not only reduces noise and protects components but also makes the position control of the connecting plate 22 more precise.
[0039] As attached Figure 5 As shown, the mechanical gripper 23 includes an x-axis cylinder 28, a y-axis cylinder 29, a fixed gripper 30, and a movable gripper 31. The y-axis cylinder 29 is mounted on a connecting plate 22, and a y-axis movable block 32 is connected to the movable end of the y-axis cylinder 29. The x-axis cylinder 28 and the fixed gripper 30 are mounted on the y-axis movable block 32. The movable end of the x-axis cylinder 28 is connected to the movable gripper 31 and is used to drive the movable gripper 31 to move towards or away from the fixed gripper 30. A T-shaped slide rail can be provided on the connecting plate 22, and a T-shaped groove that cooperates with the T-shaped slide rail can be provided on the y-axis movable block 32. At the same time, a groove for guiding the movable gripper 31 can be provided on the y-axis movable block 32, thereby improving the stability of the mechanical gripper 23's movement. The y-axis cylinder 29 realizes the y-axis position control of the mechanical gripper 23, and the x-axis cylinder 28 realizes the gripping and releasing of the tape by the movable gripper 31 and the fixed gripper 30. The control action is precise and rapid, and the structure is reliable.
[0040] As attached Figure 6 As shown, the pressure roller assembly 5 includes a pressure roller cylinder 33 mounted on the mounting frame 2, a pressure roller seat 34 mounted on the movable end of the pressure roller cylinder 33, and two pressure roller plates 35 vertically mounted on the pressure roller seat 34. Each of the two pressure roller plates 35 has a pressure roller 36 rotatably connected to it. The pressure rollers 36 use a rolling contact method to press the adhesive tape against the upper and lower sides of the outer edge of the paper tray, resulting in smooth operation, low friction, and good pressing effect.
[0041] As attached Figure 6 As shown, a second lead screw 37 extending vertically is rotatably mounted on the pressure roller seat 34. A second motor 38 is installed at the bottom of the pressure roller seat 34, and the output end of the second motor 38 is linked to the second lead screw 37. A guide groove 39 is vertically formed on the pressure roller seat 34. One pressure roller plate 35 is fixedly installed above the guide groove 39 on the pressure roller seat 34, and the other pressure roller plate 35 is slidably disposed in the guide groove 39 and threadedly engaged with the second lead screw 37. The movable design of one of the adhesive rollers 36 not only allows for universal coverage within the thickness range of the paper tray, but also, during the adhesive application process, the two adhesive rollers 36 move closer together, applying positive pressure to the tape, which can further improve the adhesion of the tape.
[0042] As attached Figure 6 As shown, a second position identification block 40 is installed on the pressure roller plate 35, which is movably disposed in the guide groove 39. The pressure roller seat 34 is provided with a return limit position sensor 41 for identifying the second position identification block 40. The return limit position sensor 41 can be a groove-type photoelectric sensor. When the movable pressure roller plate 35 returns to its original position, the return limit position sensor 41 identifies the second position identification block 40 and sends a signal to the controller. The controller then controls the second motor 38 to stop working, thereby achieving precise control of the position of the movable pressure roller plate 35.
[0043] As attached Figure 7 As shown, the cutter assembly 6 includes two cutter cylinders 42 mounted on the mounting frame 2. The movable ends of the two cutter cylinders 42 are arranged opposite each other, and cutters 43 are mounted on the extended ends of the two cutter cylinders 42. The tape pulled out from the material wheel 3 passes between the two cutters 43. The two cutter cylinders 42 drive the two cutters to move towards each other, realizing rapid cutting of the tape. In addition, a cutter 43 seat can be provided on the mounting frame 2 for the two cutters 43 to extend into when retracted, to prevent the cutters 43 from scratching the tape or workers.
[0044] In addition, the controller mentioned above is a PLC controller, which is connected to each motor, cylinder and sensor via wires.
Claims
1. A glue-applying module for a glue-applying packaging equipment, comprising a horizontal displacement mechanism (1), a mounting frame (2) disposed on the movable end of the horizontal displacement mechanism (1), a material wheel (3) rotatably disposed on the mounting frame (2) for placing adhesive tape, a pulling mechanism (4) for pulling the adhesive tape vertically, a pressure roller assembly (5) disposed behind the pulling mechanism (4) for pressing the pulled adhesive tape onto the upper and lower surfaces of the outer edge of a paper tray, and a cutter assembly (6) disposed above the pressure roller assembly (5) for cutting the adhesive tape; characterized in that: The horizontal displacement mechanism (1) includes a mounting base (7), a first lead screw (8) rotatably mounted on the mounting base (7), a first motor (9) mounted on one end of the mounting base (7) and connected to the first lead screw (8), and a sliding seat (10) slidably mounted on the mounting base (7). The sliding seat (10) is provided with a lead screw nut (11) for forming a threaded engagement with the first lead screw (8). The mounting bracket (2) is connected to the sliding seat (10).
2. The adhesive application module of the adhesive nail packaging equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting base (7) is equipped with at least one or more guide rods (12), and the sliding base (10) has a number of guide holes (13) equal to the number of guide rods (12). A sliding bearing (14) is provided in the guide hole (13), and the guide rod (12) passes through the corresponding sliding bearing (14).
3. The adhesive applicator module of the adhesive nail packaging equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting base (7) is detachably mounted with a backward limit position sensor (15) and a forward limit position sensor (16) on its side. The sliding base (10) is provided with a first position identification block (17) for identification by the backward limit position sensor (15) and the forward limit position sensor (16).
4. The adhesive application module of the adhesive nail packaging equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal displacement mechanism (1) is also provided with a support (18) on the side. A roller (20) is rotatably connected to the support (18) via a rotating shaft (19). The roller (20) rolls with the bottom surface of the mounting frame (2).
5. The adhesive application module of a glue-attachment packaging equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material pulling mechanism (4) includes a material pulling cylinder (21) mounted on the mounting frame (2), a connecting plate (22) disposed on the movable end of the material pulling cylinder (21), a mechanical gripper (23) mounted on the connecting plate (22), a guide rail (24) extending vertically on the mounting frame (2), and a slider (25) disposed on the connecting plate (22) and forming a sliding fit with the guide rail (24). A first buffer (26) is installed on the connecting plate (22) for abutting against the bottom of the mounting frame (2) when it is displaced to the lower limit position. A second buffer (27) is installed on the upper end of the mounting frame (2) for abutting against the upper end of the connecting plate (22) when it is displaced to the upper limit position.
6. The adhesive application module of a glue-attachment packaging equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mechanical gripper (23) includes an x-axis cylinder (28), a y-axis cylinder (29), a fixed gripper (30), and a movable gripper (31). The y-axis cylinder (29) is mounted on a connecting plate (22). A y-axis movable block (32) is connected to the movable end of the y-axis cylinder (29). The x-axis cylinder (28) and the fixed gripper (30) are mounted on the y-axis movable block (32). The movable end of the x-axis cylinder (28) is connected to the movable gripper (31) to drive the movable gripper (31) to move toward or away from the fixed gripper (30).
7. The adhesive application module of a glue-attachment packaging equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure roller assembly (5) includes a pressure roller cylinder (33) mounted on the mounting frame (2), a pressure roller seat (34) mounted on the movable end of the pressure roller cylinder (33), and two pressure roller plates (35) mounted vertically on the pressure roller seat (34). Each of the two pressure roller plates (35) is rotatably connected to a pressure roller (36).
8. The adhesive application module of a glue-attachment packaging equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pressure roller seat (34) is rotatably provided with a second lead screw (37) extending vertically. A second motor (38) is installed at the bottom of the pressure roller seat (34). The output end of the second motor (38) is linked to the second lead screw (37). A guide groove (39) is opened vertically on the pressure roller seat (34). One pressure roller plate (35) is fixedly installed on the pressure roller seat (34) above the corresponding guide groove (39). The other pressure roller plate (35) is slidably disposed in the guide groove (39) and threadedly engaged with the second lead screw (37).
9. The adhesive application module of a glue-attachment packaging equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: A second position identification block (40) is installed on the pressure roller plate (35) which is set in the guide groove (39), and a return limit position sensor (41) for identifying the second position identification block (40) is provided on the pressure roller seat (34).
10. The adhesive applicator module of a glue-attachment packaging equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cutter assembly (6) includes two cutter cylinders (42) mounted on the mounting bracket (2), with the movable ends of the two cutter cylinders (42) arranged opposite to each other, and cutters (43) mounted on the extended ends of the two cutter cylinders (42), and the tape pulled out from the material wheel (3) passes between the two cutters (43).