A pre-sealing mechanism for a filling and sealing machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of sealing machine technology, specifically disclosing a pre-sealing mechanism for a filling and sealing machine, comprising: a first clamping device, which includes two clamping arms, a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, which can move away from and towards each other; a pressing device, wherein the first clamping arm includes a first clamping block at one end, the first clamping block having a folding groove; the second clamping arm includes a second clamping block at one end; and the pressing device includes a pressing block, which is slidably connected to the second clamping block. When the first clamping block abuts against the second clamping block, the pressing block can slide along the second clamping block into the folding groove of the first clamping block; and a second clamping device, which includes two clamping arms, a third clamping arm and a fourth clamping arm, which can move away from and towards each other. This utility model solves the problem that existing sealing mechanisms experience slippage during the sealing process due to cosmetic residue at the tube end, resulting in poor sealing effect or even failure to complete the sealing operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sealing machine technology, and in particular to a pre-sealing mechanism for a filling and sealing machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the cosmetics industry, especially in the production of tubular cosmetics, filling and sealing machines are needed to seal the tubular containers after the cosmetics are filled into them.

[0003] Traditional filling and sealing machines may leave some cosmetic residue at the end of tubular containers during the filling process when sealing tubular cosmetics. This residue can cause the sealing mechanism to slip during the sealing process, resulting in poor sealing or even failure to complete the sealing operation. This problem not only affects production efficiency but may also lead to substandard product quality, increasing production costs and the defect rate. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problem that existing sealing mechanisms may slip during the sealing process due to residual cosmetics at the end of the tube, resulting in poor sealing effect or even failure to complete the sealing operation, this utility model provides a pre-sealing mechanism for a filling and sealing machine.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An embodiment of this utility model provides a pre-sealing mechanism for a filling and sealing machine, comprising:

[0007] A first clamping device includes two clamping arms, a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, which can move away from and closer to each other. The first clamping device also includes a pressing device. The first clamping arm includes a first clamping block disposed at one end, and the first clamping block is provided with a folding groove. The second clamping arm includes a second clamping block disposed at one end. The pressing device includes a pressing block, and the pressing block is slidably connected to the second clamping block. When the first clamping block abuts against the second clamping block, the pressing block can slide along the second clamping block into the folding groove of the first clamping block.

[0008] The second clamping device includes two third and fourth clamping arms that can move away from and close to each other, and is used to clamp the tail of the tube-shaped cosmetic.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping device further includes a first fixing member and a first driving roller that can move in a vertical direction. The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are rotatably connected to the first fixing member. The first driving roller is disposed between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm. When the first driving roller moves in a vertical direction, the first driving roller abuts against the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm respectively, and drives the first clamping block and the second clamping block to approach each other and clamp.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping device further includes a rotating block, one end of which is rotatably connected to the second clamping arm, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the clamping block.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first drive roller includes a clamping part and a pressing part. The width of the clamping part is greater than the width of the pressing part. During the process of the first drive roller moving downward in the vertical direction, when the clamping part drives the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm to approach each other and clamp together, the pressing part can push the rotating block so that the pressing block slides along the second clamping block into the folding groove of the first clamping block.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping block includes a rotatable clamping rod, which can slide along the second clamping block into the folding groove of the first clamping block.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, rollers are provided at the other end of both the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, and the rollers abut against the first drive roller.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping device further includes a first elastic element, one end of which is connected to the second clamping arm and the other end of which is connected to the clamping block.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping device further includes a second elastic member, one end of which is connected to the first clamping arm and the other end of which is connected to the second clamping arm.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the third clamping arm includes a third clamping block, the fourth clamping arm includes a fourth clamping block, the second clamping device further includes a second fixing member and a second driving roller that can move in a vertical direction, the third clamping arm and the fourth clamping arm are rotatably connected to the second fixing member, the second driving roller is disposed between the third clamping arm and the fourth clamping arm, when the second driving roller moves in a vertical direction, the second driving roller abuts against the third clamping arm and the fourth clamping arm respectively, and drives the third clamping block and the fourth clamping block to approach each other and clamp.

[0017] This invention has at least the following beneficial effects: It achieves pre-sealing of the tail of tubular cosmetics through a first clamping device and a second clamping device. The first clamping device first clamps the tail of the tubular container with a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm. Combined with the design of the pressing block of the pressing device sliding along the second clamping block into the folding groove of the first clamping block, it can fold the tail of the tubular container for pre-sealing, avoiding slippage during the subsequent sealing process due to residual substances at the tail of the tubular cosmetic. The second clamping device further secures and clamps the folded tail of the tube, improving the firmness of the fold and providing a stable foundation for the subsequent complete sealing operation. This design improves the success rate and quality of sealing, and reduces the defect rate and production costs caused by sealing failures. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping device of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping device of this utility model when it is clamping;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping device concealing the pressing device of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping device of this utility model when the clamping device is hidden after the pressing device is concealed;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second clamping device of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second clamping device of this utility model when it is clamping. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This invention provides the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. The description includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details should be considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0026] It should be understood that when one element (e.g., the first element) is “connected” to another element (e.g., the second element), the element may be directly connected to the other element, or there may be an intermediary element (e.g., the third element) between the element and the other element.

[0027] An embodiment of this utility model provides a pre-sealing mechanism for a filling and sealing machine, such as... Figure 1-6 As shown, it includes:

[0028] The first clamping device 100 includes two clamping arms 110 and 120 that can move away from and close to each other. The first clamping device 100 also includes a pressing device 130. The first clamping arm 110 includes a first clamping block 111 disposed at one end of the first clamping arm 111, which is provided with a folding groove. The second clamping arm 120 includes a second clamping block 121 disposed at one end of the second clamping arm 120. The pressing device 130 includes a pressing block 131, which is slidably connected to the second clamping block 121. When the first clamping block 111 abuts against the second clamping block 121, the pressing block 131 can slide along the second clamping block 121 into the folding groove of the first clamping block 111.

[0029] The second clamping device 200 includes two third clamping arms 210 and a fourth clamping arm 220 that can move away from and close to each other. The second clamping device 200 is used to clamp the tail of the tube-type cosmetic.

[0030] The clamping arm structure includes two clamping arms, a first clamping arm 110 and a second clamping arm 120, which can move away from and closer to each other. This design allows the clamping arms to be flexibly adjusted according to the size of the tube cosmetic, ensuring adaptability of the clamping. One end of the first clamping arm 110 is provided with a first clamping block 111, which has a folding groove. One end of the second clamping arm 120 is provided with a second clamping block 121. The clamping block is the part that directly contacts the cosmetic tube and is used for initial clamping of the tube body. The pressing device 130 includes a pressing block 131. The pressing block 131 is slidably connected to the second clamping block 121, allowing the pressing block 131 to move on the second clamping block 121. When the first clamping block 111 abuts against the second clamping block 121, the pressing block 131 can slide along the second clamping block 121 into the folding groove of the first clamping block 111. This process achieves folding of the tail of the tube cosmetic, ensuring a firm clamping. The second clamping device 200 includes two mutually movable third clamping arms 210 and fourth clamping arms 220. Similar to the first clamping device 100, this design can also be adjusted according to the size of the tube cosmetic. The second clamping device 200 is used to further clamp the tail of the tube cosmetic after the first clamping device 100 has clamped it. The design of the pressing device 130 ensures that the tube body can be firmly clamped during the pre-sealing stage, reducing problems such as sealing failure or tube deformation caused by insufficient clamping.

[0031] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0032] 1. Initial clamping:

[0033] The first clamping device 100 clamps the tail of the tube cosmetic by bringing the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 closer together. At this time, the tube is initially fixed.

[0034] 2. Further compress and fold:

[0035] The pressing block 131 of the pressing device 130 slides along the second clamping block 121 into the folding groove of the first clamping block 111. When the pressing block 131 slides along the second clamping block 121 into the first clamping block 111, the tail of the tube cosmetic will move along the moving path of the pressing block 131 and eventually form a folded state, thereby further pressing the tube body.

[0036] 3. Stable clamping:

[0037] The second clamping device 200, through the mutual approach of the third clamping arm 210 and the fourth clamping arm 220, further secures the tail of the tube-shaped cosmetic after the first clamping device 100 clamps and folds it, thereby improving the firmness of the folding and facilitating the subsequent complete sealing operation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first clamping device 100 further includes a first fixing member 140 and a first driving roller 150 movable in a vertical direction. The first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 are rotatably connected to the first fixing member 140. The first driving roller 150 is disposed between the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120. When the first driving roller 150 moves in a vertical direction, the first driving roller 150 abuts against the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 respectively, and drives the first clamping block 111 and the second clamping block 121 to approach each other and clamp.

[0039] The first fixing member 140 is a supporting component of the first clamping device 100, used to fix and support the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120. Both the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 are rotatably connected to the first fixing member 140. This connection allows the clamping arms to rotate on the fixing member, thereby enabling the clamping blocks to move closer or further apart. The first drive roller 150 is a power component of the first clamping device 100, used to drive the movement of the clamping arms. The first drive roller 150 can move vertically and is positioned between the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120. When the drive roller moves, it abuts against the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 respectively. When the first drive roller 150 moves downwards vertically, it abuts against the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 respectively. Since the clamping arms are rotatably connected to the fixing member, the abutment of the drive roller forces the clamping arms to rotate around the fixing member. This rotation causes the first clamping block 111 and the second clamping block 121 to move closer together, thus achieving the clamping action. The vertical movement of the first drive roller 150 is achieved by an external drive mechanism (such as a motor, cylinder, etc.). When it is necessary to clamp the tube-shaped cosmetic, the drive mechanism moves the first drive roller 150 downward. As the first drive roller 150 moves downward, it abuts against the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 respectively. Since the clamping arms are rotatably connected to the fixing member, the clamping arms will rotate around the fixing member under the abutment of the drive roller. This rotation causes the first clamping block 111 and the second clamping block 121 to gradually move closer together. When the first clamping block 111 and the second clamping block 121 move closer together and finally abut against each other, the tube-shaped cosmetic is clamped. This clamping method is achieved through mechanical transmission and has the advantages of stable and adjustable clamping force.

[0040] Furthermore, the clamping device 130 also includes a rotating block 132, one end of which is rotatably connected to the second clamping arm 120, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the clamping block 131.

[0041] The rotating block 132 connects the second clamping arm 120 and the pressing block 131. One end of the rotating block 132 is rotatably connected to the second clamping arm 120, and the other end is rotatably connected to the pressing block 131. This dual rotating connection allows the pressing block 131 to flexibly adjust its position and angle during movement. One end of the rotating block 132 is connected to the second clamping arm 120 via a rotating connection. This connection allows the rotating block 132 to rotate at a certain angle on the second clamping arm 120, thus adapting to the movement of the clamping arm during clamping. The other end of the rotating block 132 is connected to the pressing block 131 via a rotating connection. This connection also allows the pressing block 131 to rotate at a certain angle on the rotating block 132, enabling the pressing block 131 to better conform to the surface of the tube cosmetic.

[0042] Furthermore, the first drive roller 150 includes a clamping part 151 and a pressing part 152. The width of the clamping part 151 is greater than the width of the pressing part 152. During the process of the first drive roller 150 moving downward in the vertical direction, after the clamping part 151 drives the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 to approach each other and clamp, the pressing part 152 can push the rotating block 132 so that the pressing block 131 slides along the second clamping block 121 into the folding groove of the first clamping block 111.

[0043] The first drive roller 150 includes a clamping portion 151 and a pressing portion 152. The width of the clamping portion 151 is greater than the width of the pressing portion 152. This design allows the clamping portion 151 to more effectively abut against the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 when moving downwards, thereby achieving a clamping action. The pressing portion 152 is narrower and is mainly used to push the rotating block 132, which in turn drives the pressing block 131 to slide along the second clamping block 121 to the first clamping block 111. As the first drive roller 150 moves downwards, the clamping portion 151 abuts against the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120, forcing them to move closer together, thereby bringing the first clamping block 111 and the second clamping block 121 closer together and clamping the tube-shaped cosmetic. After the clamping action is completed, the first drive roller 150 continues to move downwards, at which point the pressing portion 152 pushes the rotating block 132. Since the rotating block 132 is rotatably connected to both the second clamping arm 120 and the pressing block 131, the pressing block 131 slides along the second clamping block 121 to the first clamping block 111 under the drive of the rotating block 132, completing the pressing action. The design of the clamping part 151 and the pressing part 152 of the first drive roller 150 allows the clamping and pressing actions to be completed in a continuous motion process, reducing intermediate steps and improving the working efficiency of the entire pre-sealing mechanism. This design achieves the dual functions of clamping and pressing through a simple drive roller structure without adding a complex mechanical structure. This integrated design makes the entire device more compact and easier to maintain and debug.

[0044] The principle of this embodiment is as follows: The first drive roller 150 moves downward vertically, and the clamping part 151 abuts against the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120. Because the clamping part 151 has a large width, it can effectively apply sufficient force to bring the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 closer together. The first clamping block 111 and the second clamping block 121 approach each other and finally abut, clamping the tubular cosmetic. After the clamping action is completed, the first drive roller 150 continues to move downward. At this time, the clamping part 151 has completely abutted against the clamping arm, and the pressing part 152 begins to function. The pressing part 152 pushes the rotating block 132. Since the rotating block 132 is rotatably connected to both the second clamping arm 120 and the pressing block 131, the pressing block 131 slides along the second clamping block 121 to the first clamping block 111 under the drive of the rotating block 132. The pressing block 131 finally abuts against the folding groove of the first clamping block 111, completing the pressing and folding action.

[0045] In some embodiments, the clamping block 131 includes a rotatable clamping rod 133, which can slide along the second clamping block 121 into the folding groove of the first clamping block 111.

[0046] The clamping block 131 includes a rotatable clamping rod 133. The design of the clamping rod 133 allows the clamping block 131 to be flexibly adjusted in angle during movement to better conform to the surface of the tube cosmetic.

[0047] In some embodiments, rollers 160 are provided on the other end of the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120, and the rollers 160 abut against the first drive roller 150.

[0048] Rollers 160 are provided at the other end of both the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120. These rollers 160 directly abut against the first drive roller 150 to transmit the movement of the drive roller. The design of the rollers 160 changes the contact between the clamping arm and the drive roller from sliding friction to rolling friction, greatly reducing friction and making the movement of the drive roller smoother. Through the rolling of the rollers 160, the movement of the drive roller can be transmitted to the clamping arm more efficiently, thereby realizing the clamping action.

[0049] In some embodiments, the clamping device 130 further includes a first elastic element 134, one end of which is connected to the second clamping arm 120 and the other end of which is connected to the clamping block 131.

[0050] The first elastic element 134 provides elastic support and cushioning. In some embodiments, the first elastic element 134 is a spring. One end of the first elastic element 134 is connected to the second clamping arm 120, and the other end is connected to the clamping block 131. This connection allows the clamping block 131 to be subjected to elastic force during movement. The first elastic element 134 provides an elastic force, enabling the clamping block 131 to apply pressure evenly, further clamping the tube-shaped cosmetic. Due to the presence of the first elastic element 134, the clamping block 131 can better adapt to changes in the shape and size of the tube during movement, reducing tube deformation or loosening caused by uneven clamping force. Moreover, after the clamping block 131 completes the clamping operation, it may automatically return to its original position without the intervention of other structures.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first clamping device 100 further includes a second elastic member 170, one end of which is connected to the first clamping arm 110 and the other end of which is connected to the second clamping arm 120.

[0052] The second elastic element 170 provides elastic support and cushioning. In some embodiments, the second elastic element 170 is a spring. One end of the second elastic element 170 is connected to the first clamping arm 110, and the other end is connected to the second clamping arm 120. This connection allows the second elastic element 170 to provide an elastic force between the clamping arms. When the clamping portion 151 of the first drive roller 150 drives the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 closer together, the first clamping block 111 and the second clamping block 121 begin to clamp the tubular cosmetic. During this process, the second elastic element 170 begins to function. Due to the elastic properties of the second elastic element 170, it can provide a stable elastic force, allowing the first clamping arm 110 and the second clamping arm 120 to apply clamping force evenly as they approach each other. After the clamping action is completed, if it is necessary to release the clamping force, the elastic force of the second elastic element 170 can help the clamping arms return to their initial position. This reset action allows the entire clamping device to quickly return to a standby state, ready for the next clamping operation.

[0053] In some embodiments, the third clamping arm 210 includes a third clamping block 230, the fourth clamping arm 220 includes a fourth clamping block 240, and the second clamping device 200 further includes a second fixing member 250 and a second drive roller 260 movable in the vertical direction. The third clamping arm 210 and the fourth clamping arm 220 are rotatably connected to the second fixing member 250. The second drive roller 260 is disposed between the third clamping arm 210 and the fourth clamping arm 220. When the second drive roller 260 moves in the vertical direction, the second drive roller 260 abuts against the third clamping arm 210 and the fourth clamping arm 220 respectively, and drives the third clamping block 230 and the fourth clamping block 240 to approach each other and clamp.

[0054] The third clamping arm 210 includes a third clamping block 230, and the fourth clamping arm 220 includes a fourth clamping block 240. These two clamping blocks are the parts that directly contact the tail of the tubular cosmetic product and are used to clamp the tail of the folded tubular cosmetic product. Both the third clamping arm 210 and the fourth clamping arm 220 are rotatably connected to the second fixing member 250. This connection allows the clamping arms to rotate on the second fixing member 250, thereby allowing the clamping blocks to move closer or further apart. The second fixing member 250 is a supporting component of the second clamping device 200, used to fix and support the third clamping arm 210 and the fourth clamping arm 220. The second drive roller 260 is a power component of the second clamping device 200, used to drive the movement of the clamping arms. The second drive roller 260 is disposed between the third clamping arm 210 and the fourth clamping arm 220; when the drive roller moves, it abuts against the third clamping arm 210 and the fourth clamping arm 220 respectively.

[0055] The terms and words used in the foregoing description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely used by the applicant to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pre-sealing mechanism for a filling and sealing machine, characterized in that, include: The first clamping device (100) includes two first clamping arms (110) and a second clamping arm (120) that can move away from and close to each other. The first clamping device (100) also includes a pressing device (130). The first clamping arm (110) includes a first clamping block (111) disposed at one end of it. The first clamping block (111) is provided with a folding groove. The second clamping arm (120) includes a second clamping block (121) disposed at one end of it. The pressing device (130) includes a pressing block (131). The pressing block (131) is slidably connected to the second clamping block (121). When the first clamping block (111) abuts against the second clamping block (121), the pressing block (131) can slide along the second clamping block (121) into the folding groove of the first clamping block (111). The second clamping device (200) includes two third clamping arms (210) and a fourth clamping arm (220) that can move away from and close to each other. The second clamping device (200) is used to clamp the tail of the tube cosmetic.

2. The pre-sealing mechanism of a filling and sealing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clamping device (100) further includes a first fixing member (140) and a first drive roller (150) that can move in the vertical direction. The first clamping arm (110) and the second clamping arm (120) are rotatably connected to the first fixing member (140). The first drive roller (150) is disposed between the first clamping arm (110) and the second clamping arm (120). When the first drive roller (150) moves in the vertical direction, the first drive roller (150) abuts against the first clamping arm (110) and the second clamping arm (120) respectively, and drives the first clamping block (111) and the second clamping block (121) to approach each other and clamp.

3. The pre-sealing mechanism of a filling and sealing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping device (130) further includes a rotating block (132), one end of which is rotatably connected to the second clamping arm (120), and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the clamping block (131).

4. The pre-sealing mechanism of a filling and sealing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first drive roller (150) includes a clamping part (151) and a pressing part (152). The width of the clamping part (151) is greater than the width of the pressing part (152). During the process of the first drive roller (150) moving downward in the vertical direction, when the clamping part (151) drives the first clamping arm (110) and the second clamping arm (120) to approach each other and clamp, the pressing part (152) can push the rotating block (132) so that the pressing block (131) slides along the second clamping block (121) into the folding groove of the first clamping block (111).

5. The pre-sealing mechanism of a filling and sealing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The clamping block (131) includes a rotatable clamping rod (133) that can slide along the second clamping block (121) into the folding groove of the first clamping block (111).

6. The pre-sealing mechanism of a filling and sealing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first clamping arm (110) and the second clamping arm (120) are each provided with a roller (160) at the other end, and the roller (160) abuts against the first drive roller (150).

7. The pre-sealing mechanism of a filling and sealing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The clamping device (130) further includes a first elastic element (134), one end of which is connected to the second clamping arm (120), and the other end is connected to the clamping block (131).

8. The pre-sealing mechanism of a filling and sealing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first clamping device (100) further includes a second elastic element (170), one end of which is connected to the first clamping arm (110) and the other end is connected to the second clamping arm (120).

9. The pre-sealing mechanism of a filling and sealing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The third clamping arm (210) includes a third clamping block (230), the fourth clamping arm (220) includes a fourth clamping block (240), and the second clamping device (200) further includes a second fixing member (250) and a second drive roller (260) that can move in the vertical direction. The third clamping arm (210) and the fourth clamping arm (220) are rotatably connected to the second fixing member (250). The second drive roller (260) is disposed between the third clamping arm (210) and the fourth clamping arm (220). When the second drive roller (260) moves in the vertical direction, the second drive roller (260) abuts against the third clamping arm (210) and the fourth clamping arm (220) respectively, and drives the third clamping block (230) and the fourth clamping block (240) to approach each other and clamp.

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