Prefabricated wall panel internal corner splicing structure
By using the snap-fit and adjustment groove structure of the internal corner splicing components in the aluminum alloy prefabricated kitchen and bathroom system, the problems of assembly accuracy and splicing gap at the internal corner of the wall panel are solved, achieving the effects of simple construction, adjustable splicing gap and high flatness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIXIAOJIA (CHANGZHOU) RESIDENTIAL TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing aluminum alloy prefabricated kitchen and bathroom systems suffer from assembly precision and splicing gap issues at the inside corners of wall panels, leading to installation difficulties, low efficiency, poor aesthetics and waterproof sealing, and a lack of adjustability to cope with dimensional deviations.
The first and second wall panels are spliced together using a corner splicing assembly. The assembly includes first and second splicing profiles, which are equipped with snap strips and snap parts. The splicing is achieved through interlocking, and sliding adjustment is performed using adjustment grooves and insertion ports. Flatness and stability are improved by combining flat steel sheets and corner brackets.
It achieves a simple construction process, high tolerance for error in splicing and adjustment, adjustable splicing seams, improves splicing effect and aesthetics, and enhances the overall flatness and stability of the wall panel.
Smart Images

Figure CN224514622U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of prefabricated kitchens and bathrooms, and in particular to the internal corner splicing structure of prefabricated wall panels. Background Technology
[0002] The aluminum alloy prefabricated integrated kitchen and bathroom system utilizes the structural strength and precision of the aluminum profile frame to achieve rapid assembly and easy flexible customization to various sizes. It can also integrate various finishes and sandwich structure composite materials. It can be pre-embedded with pipelines and bonded with various traditional and new finishes such as ceramic tiles, natural stone, and sintered stone. It has core advantages such as low carbon and energy saving throughout the process, environmental protection, full product customization, reduced building load, zero leakage, zero hollowing, zero falling off, fast installation, convenient use, and good user experience.
[0003] In the design and assembly of existing aluminum alloy prefabricated kitchens and bathrooms, the main challenges are addressing assembly precision, accuracy, and the waterproofing and aesthetics issues caused by assembly gaps. Prefabricated kitchen and bathroom wall panels typically utilize factory-prefabricated edge-sealed profiles for modular assembly.
[0004] Traditional inside-corner splicing structures are assembled using two wall panels with beveled edge trim. The assembly method typically employs traditional mortise and tenon joints or interlocking joints. This type of structure demands extremely high precision in component manufacturing. Dimensional tolerances and angular deviations in the trim are amplified at the inside-corner splice, easily leading to uneven gaps, misalignment, or inability to close tightly, directly affecting aesthetics and waterproofing. Installation often requires forceful hammering or the use of specialized tools, which is not only difficult and inefficient but also prone to damaging the trim surface, peeling coatings, and even structural deformation. The biggest problem is its lack of adjustability; even slight deviations in the dimensions of the prefabricated components from the on-site installation environment cannot be effectively compensated for, resulting in installation failure or leaving difficult-to-manage flawed gaps. Furthermore, when using traditional mortise and tenon or interlocking joints, the gaps between the two wall panels are extremely small, leading to inconsistencies with surrounding gaps after subsequent grouting.
[0005] Therefore, how to solve the assembly and splicing problem at the inside corner of the wall panel is one of the urgent problems to be solved. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a prefabricated wall panel internal corner splicing structure. This structure is simple to splice, has a high fault tolerance rate, can be effectively adjusted by sliding, has a good interlocking restraint effect, and the splicing seam between wall panels is adjustable.
[0007] The technical solution to achieve the purpose of this utility model is as follows: This utility model has a first wall panel and a second wall panel; both the first wall panel and the second wall panel are panels with edging profiles on all four sides; the first wall panel and the second wall panel are spliced together at the inside corner of the assembly space by an inside corner splicing component to form an inside corner; the inside corner splicing component includes a first splicing profile and a second splicing profile; the first splicing profile is integrally disposed on the longitudinal edging profile on the splicing side of the first wall panel; the second splicing profile is integrally disposed on the longitudinal edging profile on the splicing side of the second wall panel; both the first splicing profile and the second splicing profile extend from one end of the edging profile to the other end.
[0008] The first splicing profile includes an outward extension and a first snap-fit strip; the outward extension extends from the edging profile away from the splicing side of the first wall panel and extends beyond the splicing side of the first wall panel; the first snap-fit strip is integrated with the outward extension; the first snap-fit strip extends from the inner surface of the first wall panel to the outer surface and extends beyond the outer surface of the first wall panel; one end of the first snap-fit strip extending beyond the outer surface of the first wall panel forms a first snap-fit portion; the second splicing profile includes a second snap-fit strip; the second snap-fit strip is bent to form a second snap-fit portion; the first wall panel and the second wall panel are spliced by interlocking the first snap-fit portion and the second snap-fit portion.
[0009] Furthermore, the cross-sections of both the first and second buckle strips are hook-shaped;
[0010] The first buckle strip includes, in sequence along its extending direction, a first connecting base, a first extension body, and a first hook-shaped free end; the second buckle strip includes, in sequence along its extending direction, a second connecting base, a second extension body, and a second hook-shaped free end; the first extension body and the first hook-shaped free end form a first buckle portion; the second extension body and the second hook-shaped free end form a second buckle portion;
[0011] The first connecting base is connected to the outer extension body. The first connecting base extends from the inner surface of the first wall panel to the outer surface and extends beyond the outer surface of the first wall panel. A first adjustment groove is formed between the first extension body and the outer extension body through the first connecting base. A first insertion port is formed between the first hook-shaped free end and the outer extension body.
[0012] The second extension body is connected to the edge trim of the splicing side of the second wall panel, and a second adjustment groove is formed between the second extension body and the edge trim through the second connecting base; a second insertion port with an opening facing inward is formed between the second hook-shaped free end and the edge trim.
[0013] After the first and second latching parts are inserted into the second and first insertion ports respectively, the first hook-shaped free end and the second hook-shaped free end form an interlocking engagement.
[0014] Furthermore, the first adjustment groove is used for sliding adjustment of the second latching part along the extension direction of the first connecting base; the second adjustment groove is used for sliding adjustment of the first latching part along the extension direction of the second connecting base; the extension direction of the first connecting base and the extension direction of the second connecting base are consistent; after the first latching part and the second latching part are respectively inserted into the second insertion port and the first insertion port, they form an interlocking fit by sliding the first latching part and the second latching part towards each other.
[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned outward extension is a reinforcing cavity.
[0016] Furthermore, the edging profiles of the first and second wall panels include, from the outside to the inside, a flat steel sheet slot and a corner bracket mounting groove along the thickness direction of the edging profile;
[0017] The flat steel plate slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles are connected and flat steel plates are installed thereon; the flat steel plate includes an L-shaped insert body, the two ends of which are respectively inserted into the flat steel plate slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles; the two ends of the L-shaped insert body are respectively provided with integrated elastic plates; the integrated elastic plates are used to level the adjacent edge-sealing profiles after acting on the bottom surface of the flat steel plate slot;
[0018] The corner bracket mounting slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles are connected and corner brackets are installed thereon; the corner bracket includes an L-shaped mounting body, the two ends of which are respectively snapped into the corner bracket mounting slots of the adjacent edge-sealing profiles; the corner bracket is provided with multiple threaded through holes; the adjacent edge-sealing profiles are fixed by screws engaging with the threaded through holes of the corner brackets, and the screws pierce the corresponding edge-sealing profiles after passing through the threaded through holes.
[0019] Furthermore, a first decorative layer and a second decorative layer are respectively fixedly provided on the first wall panel and the second wall panel; when the first wall panel and the second wall panel are spliced at the inside corner of the profile, a splicing seam is formed between the first decorative layer and the second decorative layer; the splicing seam is filled with sealant, structural adhesive or waterproof sealant.
[0020] Furthermore, the second connecting base and the outer surface of the edging profile are located on the same plane; the second connecting base is used to support the second decorative layer, and the edge of the second decorative layer on the splicing side of the second wall panel is flush with the second connecting base.
[0021] Furthermore, the first connecting base and the first extension are at a 90° right angle; the second connecting base and the second extension are at a 90° right angle.
[0022] The present invention has positive effects: (1) The internal corner splicing component of the present invention can make splicing construction simpler and has a high fault tolerance rate through the interlocking of the first buckle part and the second buckle part. It can be effectively adjusted by sliding and the interlocking restriction effect is good. At the same time, the splicing seam between the first wall panel and the second wall panel is adjustable, so as to achieve a uniform and beautiful splicing seam.
[0023] (2) In this utility model, the first splicing profile directly forms the core shaping structure at the inside corner while being used for splicing, which makes the splicing effect of the first wall panel and the second wall panel better when splicing at the inside corner.
[0024] (3) This utility model can effectively improve the flatness of the edge profile of the wall panel by using flat steel sheets and corner brackets, thereby improving the overall flatness of the wall panel.
[0025] (4) The outer extension body of this utility model adopts a reinforced cavity, which can further improve the fit strength of the first clip, thereby better stabilizing the internal corner splicing structure. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein...
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first splicing profile on the first wall panel in this utility model;
[0030] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second splicing profile on the second wall panel in this utility model;
[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flat steel sheet of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the corner bracket installation in this utility model.
[0033] In the figure, the components are: first wall panel 1, inner surface 11, outer surface 12, first decorative layer 13, second wall panel 2, second decorative layer 21, first splicing profile 3, outward extension body 31, first buckle strip 32, first connecting base 321, first extension body 322, first hook-shaped free end 323, first adjustment groove 324, first insertion port 325, second splicing profile 4, second buckle strip 41, second connecting base 411, second extension body 412, second hook-shaped free end 413, second adjustment groove 414, second insertion port 415, flat steel plate slot 1a, corner bracket mounting groove 2a, flat steel plate 5, L-shaped insert body 51, integrated elastic sheet 52, and corner bracket 6. Detailed Implementation
[0034] See Figures 1 to 6This utility model includes a first wall panel 1 and a second wall panel 2; both the first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2 are panels with edging profiles on all four sides; the first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2 are spliced together at the inside corner of the assembly space by an inside corner splicing assembly to form an inside corner; the inside corner splicing assembly includes a first splicing profile 3 and a second splicing profile 4; the first splicing profile 3 is integrally disposed on the longitudinal edging profile on the splicing side of the first wall panel 1; the second splicing profile 4 is integrally disposed on the longitudinal edging profile on the splicing side of the second wall panel 2; both the first splicing profile 3 and the second splicing profile 4 extend from one end of the edging profile to the other end;
[0035] The first splicing profile 3 includes an outward extension body 31 and a first fastening strip 32; the outward extension body 31 extends from the edging profile away from the splicing side of the first wall panel 1 and extends beyond the splicing side of the first wall panel 1; the outward extension body 31 is a reinforcing cavity.
[0036] The first snap-fit strip 32 is integrated with the outward extension body 31; the first snap-fit strip 32 extends from the inner surface 11 of the first wall panel 1 to the outer surface 12 and extends beyond the outer surface 12 of the first wall panel 1; the end of the first snap-fit strip 32 extending beyond the outer surface 12 of the first wall panel 1 forms a first snap-fit part; the second splicing profile 4 includes a second snap-fit strip 41; the second snap-fit strip 41 is bent to form a second snap-fit part; the first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2 are spliced by interlocking the first snap-fit part and the second snap-fit part.
[0037] The specific shapes, structures, and interlocking methods of the first buckle strip 32 and the second buckle strip 41 are as follows:
[0038] Both the first latching strip 32 and the second latching strip 41 have hook-shaped cross-sections. The first latching strip 32 includes, along its extension direction, a first connecting base 321, a first extension 322, and a first hook-shaped free end 323. The second latching strip 41 includes, along its extension direction, a second connecting base 411, a second extension 412, and a second hook-shaped free end 413. The first extension 322 and the first hook-shaped free end 323 form a first latching portion. The second extension 412 and the second hook-shaped free end 413 form a second latching portion.
[0039] The first connecting base 321 is connected to the outer extension body 31. The first connecting base 321 extends from the inner surface 12 of the first wall panel 1 to the outer surface 13 and extends beyond the outer surface 13 of the first wall panel 1. The first extension body 322 and the outer extension body 31 form a first adjustment groove 324 through the first connecting base 321. The first hook-shaped free end 323 and the outer extension body 31 have a first insertion port 325. Since the extension span of the first connecting base 321 is large, the outer extension body 31 with a reinforced cavity structure made of aluminum alloy profile can greatly improve the strength of the first connecting base 321 and effectively prevent deformation.
[0040] The second extension body 412 is connected to the edge trim of the splicing side of the second wall panel 1. The second extension body 412 and the edge trim form a second adjustment groove 414 through the second connecting base 411. The second hook-shaped free end 413 forms a second insertion port 415 with the edge trim facing inward.
[0041] After the first and second latching parts are inserted into the second insertion port 415 and the first insertion port 325 respectively, the first hook-shaped free end 323 and the second hook-shaped free end 413 form an interlocking engagement.
[0042] The first adjustment groove 324 is used for sliding adjustment of the second latching part along the extension direction of the first connecting base 321; the second adjustment groove 414 is used for sliding adjustment of the first latching part along the extension direction of the second connecting base 411; the extension direction of the first connecting base 321 is consistent with the extension direction of the second connecting base 411; after the first latching part and the second latching part are respectively inserted into the second insertion port 415 and the first insertion port 325, they form an interlocking fit by sliding the first latching part and the second latching part towards each other. The first connecting base 321 and the first extension 322 are at a 90° right angle; the second connecting base 411 and the second extension 412 are at a 90° right angle.
[0043] The interlocking of the first and second locking parts mentioned above is actually an adjustment in the same direction, which makes assembly and construction simple and adjustment convenient.
[0044] The first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2 have, from the outside to the inside, flat steel plate slot 1a and corner bracket mounting groove 2a along the thickness direction of the edge profile.
[0045] The flat steel plate slots 1a of adjacent edge-sealing profiles are connected and flat steel plates 5 are installed thereon; the flat steel plate 5 includes an L-shaped insert body 51, the two ends of which are respectively inserted into the flat steel plate slots 1a of the adjacent edge-sealing profiles; the two ends of the L-shaped insert body 51 are respectively provided with integrated elastic plates 52; the integrated elastic plates 52 are used to level the adjacent edge-sealing profiles after acting on the bottom surface of the flat steel plate slot 1a; the balancing steel plate 5 is generally used for leveling in the door and window field, so its installation method will not be described in detail or shown in the attached drawings.
[0046] The corner bracket mounting slots 2a of adjacent edge-wrapping profiles are connected and corner brackets 6 are installed thereon; the corner bracket 6 includes an L-shaped mounting body, the two ends of which are respectively snapped into the corner bracket mounting slots 2a of the adjacent edge-wrapping profiles; the corner bracket 6 is provided with multiple threaded through holes; the adjacent edge-wrapping profiles are fixed by screws engaging with the threaded through holes of the corner bracket 6, and the screws pierce the corresponding edge-wrapping profiles after passing through the threaded through holes.
[0047] A first decorative layer 13 and a second decorative layer 21 are respectively fixed on the first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2; when the first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2 are spliced at the inside corner of the profile, a splicing seam is formed between the first decorative layer 13 and the second decorative layer 21; the splicing seam is filled with sealant, structural adhesive or waterproof sealant.
[0048] The second connecting base 411 is located on the same plane as the outer surface of the edging profile; the second connecting base 411 is used to support the second decorative layer 21, and the edge of the second decorative layer 21 on the splicing side of the second wall panel 2 is flush with the second connecting base 411.
[0049] The first decorative layer 13 and the second decorative layer 21 are generally made of ceramic tiles.
[0050] The assembly process of this utility model is as follows:
[0051] First, install the first wall panel 1 into place. At this point, the first wall panel 1 can be directly fixed and used as the installation reference; alternatively, it can be supported by construction personnel or tools. Regardless of the method, the first wall panel 1 is used as the installation reference.
[0052] Next, the second wall panel 2 is installed. During installation, the second latching part is first inserted into the second adjustment groove 414 through the first insertion port 325 (at the same time, the first latching part is also inserted into the first adjustment groove 324 through the second insertion port 415). Then, the second wall panel 2 is pulled, causing the second latching part to move towards the first latching part, thereby achieving the interlocking engagement of the first hook-shaped free end 323 and the second hook-shaped free end 413. Since the first hook-shaped free end 323 and the second hook-shaped free end 413 have a certain thickness in the sliding direction, this thickness is the effective adjustment distance of the interlocking engagement. Therefore, under the premise of maintaining the interlocking engagement, the splice seam between the first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2 can be slightly adjusted to a certain extent, so that the splice seam can be adjusted to be consistent with the surrounding splice seams.
[0053] Of course, when adjusting the joint between the first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2, a joint adjustment tool can also be used. This tool consists of an embedded piece manufactured according to construction standards, which has a certain thickness. During adjustment, simply use the thickness of the embedded piece as a reference; when the first wall panel 1 and the second wall panel 2 clamp the embedded piece, the adjustment is complete. After adjustment, the embedded piece can be removed. The method of adjusting this embedded piece can be referenced from traditional tile installation joint tools; further details and illustrations are omitted here, and those skilled in the art should understand.
[0054] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A prefabricated wall panel internal corner splicing structure, comprising a first wall panel and a second wall panel; both the first wall panel and the second wall panel are panels with edging profiles on all four sides; the first wall panel and the second wall panel are spliced together at the internal corner of the assembly space by an internal corner splicing assembly component to form an internal corner; characterized in that: The internal corner splicing assembly includes a first splicing profile and a second splicing profile; the first splicing profile is integrally disposed on the longitudinal edge-sealing profile on the splicing side of the first wall panel; the second splicing profile is integrally disposed on the longitudinal edge-sealing profile on the splicing side of the second wall panel; both the first splicing profile and the second splicing profile extend from one end of the edge-sealing profile to the other end. The first splicing profile includes an outward extension and a first snap-fit strip; the outward extension extends from the edging profile away from the splicing side of the first wall panel and extends beyond the splicing side of the first wall panel; the first snap-fit strip is integrated with the outward extension; the first snap-fit strip extends from the inner surface of the first wall panel to the outer surface and extends beyond the outer surface of the first wall panel; one end of the first snap-fit strip extending beyond the outer surface of the first wall panel forms a first snap-fit portion; the second splicing profile includes a second snap-fit strip; the second snap-fit strip is bent to form a second snap-fit portion; the first wall panel and the second wall panel are spliced by interlocking the first snap-fit portion and the second snap-fit portion.
2. The fabricated wall panel inside corner splice structure according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sections of both the first and second buckle strips are hook-shaped; The first buckle strip includes, in sequence along its extending direction, a first connecting base, a first extension body, and a first hook-shaped free end; the second buckle strip includes, in sequence along its extending direction, a second connecting base, a second extension body, and a second hook-shaped free end; the first extension body and the first hook-shaped free end form a first buckle portion; the second extension body and the second hook-shaped free end form a second buckle portion; The first connecting base is connected to the outer extension body, and the first connecting base extends from the inner surface of the first wall panel to the outer surface and extends beyond the outer surface of the first wall panel. A first adjustment groove is formed between the first extension body and the outer extension body through a first connecting base; a first insertion port is formed between the first hook-shaped free end and the outer extension body; The second extension body is connected to the edge trim of the splicing side of the second wall panel, and a second adjustment groove is formed between the second extension body and the edge trim through the second connecting base; a second insertion port with an opening facing inward is formed between the second hook-shaped free end and the edge trim. After the first and second latching parts are inserted into the second and first insertion ports respectively, the first hook-shaped free end and the second hook-shaped free end form an interlocking engagement.
3. The fabricated wall panel inside corner splice structure according to claim 2, wherein: The first adjustment groove is used for sliding adjustment of the second latching part along the extension direction of the first connecting base; the second adjustment groove is used for sliding adjustment of the first latching part along the extension direction of the second connecting base; the extension direction of the first connecting base and the extension direction of the second connecting base are the same; after the first latching part and the second latching part are respectively inserted into the second insertion port and the first insertion port, they form an interlocking fit by sliding the first latching part and the second latching part towards each other.
4. The fabricated wall panel inside corner splice structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outward extension is a reinforcing cavity.
5. The fabricated wall panel inside corner splice structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The edging profiles of the first and second wall panels include, from the outside to the inside, a flat steel sheet slot and a corner bracket mounting groove along the thickness direction of the edging profile; The flat steel plate slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles are connected and flat steel plates are installed thereon; the flat steel plate includes an L-shaped insert body, the two ends of which are respectively inserted into the flat steel plate slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles; the two ends of the L-shaped insert body are respectively provided with integrated elastic plates; the integrated elastic plates are used to level the adjacent edge-sealing profiles after acting on the bottom surface of the flat steel plate slot; The corner bracket mounting slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles are connected and corner brackets are installed thereon; the corner bracket includes an L-shaped mounting body, the two ends of which are respectively snapped into the corner bracket mounting slots of the adjacent edge-sealing profiles; the corner bracket is provided with multiple threaded through holes; the adjacent edge-sealing profiles are fixed by screws engaging with the threaded through holes of the corner brackets, and the screws pierce the corresponding edge-sealing profiles after passing through the threaded through holes.
6. The prefabricated wall panel internal corner splicing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The edging profiles of the first and second wall panels include, from the outside to the inside, a flat steel sheet slot and a corner bracket mounting groove along the thickness direction of the edging profile; The flat steel plate slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles are connected and flat steel plates are installed thereon; the flat steel plate includes an L-shaped insert body, the two ends of which are respectively inserted into the flat steel plate slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles; the two ends of the L-shaped insert body are respectively provided with integrated elastic plates; the integrated elastic plates are used to level the adjacent edge-sealing profiles after acting on the bottom surface of the flat steel plate slot; The corner bracket mounting slots of adjacent edge-sealing profiles are connected and corner brackets are installed thereon; the corner bracket includes an L-shaped mounting body, the two ends of which are respectively snapped into the corner bracket mounting slots of the adjacent edge-sealing profiles; the corner bracket is provided with multiple threaded through holes; the adjacent edge-sealing profiles are fixed by screws engaging with the threaded through holes of the corner brackets, and the screws pierce the corresponding edge-sealing profiles after passing through the threaded through holes.
7. The fabricated wall panel inside corner splice structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: A first decorative layer and a second decorative layer are respectively fixed on the first wall panel and the second wall panel; when the first wall panel and the second wall panel are spliced at the inside corner of the profile, a splicing seam is formed between the first decorative layer and the second decorative layer; the splicing seam is filled with sealant, structural adhesive or waterproof sealant.
8. The fabricated wall panel inside corner splice structure according to claim 7, wherein: The second connecting base and the outer surface of the edging profile are on the same plane; the second connecting base is used to support the second decorative layer, and the edge of the second decorative layer on the splicing side of the second wall panel is flush with the second connecting base.
9. The fabricated wall panel inside corner splice structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first connecting base is at a 90° right angle to the first extension; the second connecting base is at a 90° right angle to the second extension.