Glue sealing structure

CN224903981UActive Publication Date: 2026-10-27TCL TECH ELECTRONICS (HUIZHOU) CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522622858.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-10
Publication Date
2026-10-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-12-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

一旦发现问题,产品往往已处于报废阶段,造成高昂的成本损失

Benefits of technology

[0004]本实用新型的主要目的是提出一种打胶密封结构,旨在通过胶槽引导、可视孔实时监控与精准限位密封的协同设计,实现打胶过程可视化、密封间隙可控、封堵稳固可靠。

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224903981U_ABST
    Figure CN224903981U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of glue sealing structure, it is related to product glue sealing technical field, wherein, glue sealing structure includes bottom shell, upper shell and sealing element, the bottom shell is opened with glue injection hole in one side, and the other side is opened with the glue groove being communicated with the glue injection hole;The upper shell is connected with the side of the bottom shell being opened with glue groove, and the upper shell is opened with at least one visual hole, and each visual hole is communicated with the glue groove;The sealing element includes first sealing plug and at least one second sealing plug, and the first sealing plug is inserted into the glue injection hole, and each second sealing plug is inserted into a visual hole.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of product adhesive sealing technology, and in particular to an adhesive sealing structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of electronic products (such as mobile phones, audio products, and smart wearable devices), automotive parts (such as headlights and ECUs), new energy battery packs, and home appliances, the adhesive application process is a key step in structural bonding and sealing, playing a vital role in the waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and sealing performance of the products.

[0003] Traditional glue application processes typically involve applying glue from the side or seams of the product. However, this method makes the application process invisible, making it impossible to directly observe the glue's filling status, continuity, air bubbles, or gaps. Therefore, quality assurance heavily relies on post-application airtightness testing or destructive sampling. Once a problem is discovered, the product is often already unusable, resulting in significant cost losses. Furthermore, this post-application inspection method cannot monitor the glue application process in real time, making it difficult to detect and correct problems promptly. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a glue-applying sealing structure, which aims to achieve visualization of the glue-applying process, controllable sealing gap, and stable and reliable sealing through the coordinated design of glue groove guidance, real-time monitoring through a visible hole, and precise limiting sealing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the adhesive sealing structure proposed in this utility model includes: The bottom shell has an injection hole on one side and an adhesive groove communicating with the injection hole on the other side. The upper shell is connected to the bottom shell on one side where a glue groove is formed. The upper shell has at least one viewing hole, and each viewing hole communicates with the glue groove. A sealing element, the sealing element comprising a first sealing plug and at least one second sealing plug, the first sealing plug being inserted into the injection hole, and each of the second sealing plugs being inserted into a visible hole. Attached Figure Description

[0006] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0007] Figure 1An exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the adhesive sealing structure provided by this utility model; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the bottom shell of this utility model is provided; Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the upper shell is provided for this utility model; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the adhesive sealing structure provided by this utility model; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0008] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. Glue sealing structure; 1. Bottom shell; 11. Glue injection hole; 111. Annular limiting step; 12. Glue groove; 121. Groove section; 122. Arc transition section; 2. Top shell; 21. Visible hole; 22. Main body; 23. Connecting part; 24. Accommodating space; 25. Protrusion; 3. First sealing plug; 31. Sealing section; 32. Abutting section; 4. Connecting post; 5. Fastener.

[0009] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0010] 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 scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0011] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0012] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0013] This utility model proposes a glue-applying sealing structure 100.

[0014] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment of this utility model, the glue-sealing structure 100 includes a bottom shell 1, an upper shell 2, and a sealing element. The bottom shell 1 has a glue injection hole 11 on one side and a glue groove 12 communicating with the glue injection hole 11 on the other side. The upper shell 2 is connected to the side of the bottom shell 1 with the glue groove 12. The upper shell 2 has at least one viewing hole 21, and each viewing hole 21 communicates with the glue groove 12. The sealing element includes a first sealing plug 3 and at least one second sealing plug. The first sealing plug 3 is inserted into the glue injection hole 11, and each second sealing plug is inserted into a viewing hole 21.

[0015] In this technical solution, the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1 are precisely aligned and fixed, so that the contact surfaces of the two form a closed space, and the glue groove 12 is in a state of waiting to be filled. The sealant is injected through the glue injection hole 11 of the bottom shell 1. Under pressure, the glue flows along the glue groove 12 and gradually fills the entire sealing surface. During this process, the operator observes the glue filling progress through the viewing hole 21 of the upper shell 2. If it is found that the glue has not reached a certain area or there are air bubbles, the glue injection speed can be adjusted in time or glue can be added. When all viewing holes 21 can be observed to be full of glue (no gaps, no obvious air bubbles), the glue filling is judged to be qualified and the glue injection is stopped. After the glue has initially cured, the first sealing plug 3 is inserted into the glue injection hole 11, and the second sealing plug is inserted into each viewing hole 21 accordingly to complete the overall sealing. The real-time monitoring of the glue filling status through the viewing hole 21 allows for timely detection and resolution of issues such as insufficient glue, air bubbles, and glue breaks, preventing product scrap due to sealing defects and significantly reducing the defect rate. The glue tank 12 guides the glue to distribute evenly, and the viewing hole 21 assists in venting, ensuring a full and defect-free glue layer. After sealing with the sealing plug, the product's waterproof and dustproof performance is enhanced, effectively resisting the impact of the external environment on internal components and extending the product's lifespan. There is no need to rely on post-application airtightness testing or destructive sampling, saving on testing equipment investment and testing time. Problems discovered during the glue application process can be intervened immediately, avoiding batch defects and significantly reducing production costs. The overall process is simple and easy to operate, adaptable to automated production lines, and improves product assembly efficiency. The structural design is not dependent on specific product models and can be adjusted according to the sealing requirements of different products such as mobile phones, automotive ECUs, and home appliance casings, adjusting the path of the glue tank 12, the position of the glue injection hole 11, and the number of viewing holes 21, making it widely applicable.

[0016] Specifically, the bottom shell 1, serving as the main supporting component of the product 22, has a pre-drilled glue injection hole 11 on one side and a continuous glue groove 12 on the other side to meet the product's sealing requirements. The glue groove 12 extends along the mating surface of the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2, ensuring that the glue can cover all gaps that need to be sealed. The glue injection hole 11 provides a dedicated channel for glue injection, avoiding uneven filling problems caused by applying glue from the side or gaps of the product; the glue groove 12 provides a fixed flow path and containment space 24 for the glue, guiding the glue to be evenly distributed on the sealing surface. The independent design of the glue injection hole 11 makes the glue application process more precise, preventing glue overflow and contamination of the product's appearance; the design of the glue groove 12 ensures that the glue does not spread randomly, guaranteeing a consistent glue layer thickness throughout the sealing surface, laying the foundation for subsequent sealing performance.

[0017] The upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1 are fitted together on one side where the glue groove 12 is located, forming a closed sealed cavity after fitting. A viewing hole 21 is provided on the upper shell 2 at key locations corresponding to the glue groove 12 (such as the end of the glue groove 12, inflection points, and areas prone to glue shortage). The viewing hole 21 penetrates the thickness of the upper shell 2, directly connecting the glue groove 12 to the outside. The viewing hole 21 serves as an observation window, providing real-time feedback on the glue filling status within the glue groove 12. Simultaneously, it helps to expel air from the cavity during the glue application process, preventing air bubbles or glue breakage caused by airlocks. Operators or automated vision equipment can visually observe through the viewing hole 21 whether the glue groove 12 is full, and whether there are air bubbles or glue breakage, achieving real-time monitoring of the glue application process without waiting until completion. The air expulsion function ensures fuller glue filling, reducing the risk of seal failure due to air bubbles.

[0018] The sealing components include a first sealing plug 3 adapted to the injection hole 11 and a second sealing plug adapted to each viewing hole 21. They are made of a sealing material compatible with the product material and possessing a certain degree of elasticity, ensuring a tight fit against the hole wall after insertion. After glue application and quality inspection, the first sealing plug 3 seals the injection hole 11, and the second sealing plug seals each viewing hole 21, preventing external dust and moisture from entering the product through the holes and ensuring the product's sealing integrity. The sealing operation is simple and convenient, requiring no complex processes; the tight fit between the first sealing plug 3 and the injection hole 11, and the tight fit between the second sealing plug and the viewing hole 21, ensures that the product ultimately meets the waterproof and dustproof requirements without affecting the product's original protective performance.

[0019] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, the bottom shell 1 has two glue grooves 12 that are connected, and the glue injection hole 11 is located at the connection point of the two glue grooves 12. By connecting the two glue grooves 12 and placing the glue injection hole 11 at the connection point, the glue can be simultaneously diffused and filled into both glue grooves 12 from the source. The location of the glue injection hole 11 at the connection point allows the glue to be evenly distributed to the two glue grooves 12 after injection, avoiding problems such as insufficient glue at the end or inconsistent filling speed caused by injecting glue into a single glue groove 12. The dual glue groove 12 connection design also expands the sealing coverage area, adapting to two areas on the product that require simultaneous sealing (such as the product edge and around the interface), eliminating the need for multiple separate glue injection holes 11 and simplifying the structural design. The glue is simultaneously filled into the two glue tanks 12 from the connection point. With the real-time monitoring of the visible hole 21, it can be ensured that the glue filling degree in the two glue tanks 12 is consistent, without air bubbles or glue breakage differences, which further improves the uniformity and reliability of the seal. The single glue injection hole 11 achieves the filling of the two glue tanks 12, which reduces the number of holes and reduces the workload of subsequent sealing processes. At the same time, it avoids the problems of glue overflow and increased costs that may be caused by multiple glue injection holes 11, making the overall structure simpler and adaptable to more complex sealing scenarios, while taking into account both production efficiency and sealing performance.

[0020] To accurately monitor the filling status of key nodes in the glue tank 12, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, each glue tank 12 has multiple interconnected groove segments 121, and the upper shell 2 is provided with a viewing hole 21 at each connection point of the groove segments 121. The connections of the multiple groove segments 121 of the glue tank 12 (such as inflection points or branch points) are weak areas where glue easily accumulates, is insufficient, or produces air bubbles. Providing a viewing hole 21 at each corresponding position on the upper shell 2 allows direct observation of the glue filling status at these critical locations, preventing missed detections due to glue flow obstruction caused by groove segment 121 bends. This design makes monitoring more targeted, covering all risk points without the need for extensive viewing holes 21. Precise monitoring of the connections of each groove segment 121 ensures that the glue is fully filled and defect-free throughout the complex glue path, significantly improving the integrity and reliability of the seal and preventing overall seal failure due to localized glue shortages. The targeted placement of the viewing holes 21 ensures effective monitoring while reducing the number of holes, lowering the workload of the sealing process, and not affecting the product's structural strength, making quality control in complex sealing scenarios more efficient and precise.

[0021] To optimize the glue flow path and avoid right angles or sharp corners at the joint of groove segment 121 from obstructing glue flow, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 2 In one embodiment, each of the groove segments 121 is provided with an arc transition section 122 at the connection point. The arc transition section 122 allows the adhesive to smoothly transition between different groove segments 121, reducing flow resistance and preventing the adhesive from accumulating at the turning points to form a thick adhesive layer, or causing insufficient adhesive or air bubbles due to excessive resistance. At the same time, it reduces the shear stress generated by the adhesive during high-speed filling, protecting the original performance of the adhesive. The arc transition section 122 makes the adhesive flow smoother and more uniform, with a consistent adhesive layer thickness in each groove segment 121 and at the connection point, without accumulation or gaps. Combined with the precise monitoring of the viewing hole 21, it further improves the uniformity and reliability of the seal, avoiding waterproof and dustproof failure due to local adhesive layer defects. The arc transition section 122 reduces energy loss during the adhesive flow process, lowers the injection pressure requirement, reduces the risk of adhesive overflow, and protects the product structure from stress damage during the injection process, making the sealing of complex adhesive circuits more efficient and stable.

[0022] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3In one embodiment, the upper shell 2 is provided with a viewing hole 21 at the end of each of the glue channels 12. The end of the glue channel 12 is the last area where the glue reaches, and it is also the most likely point of risk for insufficient glue or incomplete filling. By providing a viewing hole 21 at the end of each glue channel 12 on the upper shell 2, it is possible to intuitively judge whether the glue has completely covered the sealing end, avoiding end sealing leakage due to insufficient glue or poor flow. Through the monitoring of the end viewing hole 21, it is ensured that the glue channel 12 is fully filled from the beginning to the end, with no end glue shortage problem, so that the sealing coverage is without dead corners, which greatly improves the overall reliability of the product in terms of waterproofing and dustproofing. The end viewing hole 21 combined with the viewing hole 21 at the connection of the channel segment 121 forms a full-process quality control of glue injection at the beginning, mid-process monitoring and end confirmation. It can efficiently ensure the sealing quality of complex glue paths without adding extra inspection procedures, and at the same time, it does not add too much extra sealing workload.

[0023] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, one of the glue tanks 12 has at least three groove segments 121, wherein at least one groove segment 121 extends along the length direction of the bottom shell 1, and at least one groove segment 121 extends along the width direction of the bottom shell 1. To adapt to the complex sealing requirements of the product, the groove segments 121 extending along the length and width directions of the bottom shell 1 are combined to form a three-dimensional closed sealing path, which can fully cover the sealing areas in different directions such as the product edge and the area around the interface, without the need to set up multiple independent glue tanks 12, simplifying the structural design while ensuring a seal without dead corners. The multi-directional groove segments 121 with a connected design allow the glue to flow smoothly along the length and width directions. Combined with the full-process monitoring of the visible hole 21, it is ensured that the groove segments 121 in different directions are fully filled, which greatly improves the overall sealing reliability of the product and effectively resists the intrusion of moisture and dust from different directions. The integrated multi-directional glue tank 12 design adapts to more irregular product structures without the need to add additional glue injection holes 11, reducing the sealing process and structural redundancy, and balancing sealing effect and production efficiency.

[0024] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5In one embodiment, an annular limiting step 111 is formed at the end of the injection hole 11 away from the glue groove 12. The first sealing plug 3 has a sealing section 31 and an abutting section 32 connected to each other. The sealing section 31 seals against the inner peripheral wall of the injection hole 11, and the annular limiting step 111 abuts against the abutting section 32 for limiting. The injection hole 11 with the annular limiting step 111 and the sealing plug can improve the installation stability and sealing reliability of the sealing plug. The annular limiting step 111 provides a clear installation positioning reference for the sealing plug, avoiding the sealing plug being inserted too deeply or too shallowly; the sealing section 31 seals against the inner wall of the injection hole 11 to prevent leakage, and the abutting section 32 fits against the limiting step for limiting, preventing the sealing plug from falling out of the hole due to vibration, impact, etc. during product use. The cooperation between the annular limiting step 111 and the sealing section 31 and the abutment section 32 ensures that the sealing plug is installed accurately and firmly, effectively preventing external dust and moisture from entering through the injection hole 11, and further ensuring the sealing performance of the product. No additional tools are required for the installation of the first sealing plug 3. The sealing plug can be quickly positioned by the annular limiting step 111 alone, which improves the assembly efficiency and avoids sealing failure caused by improper installation of the sealing plug.

[0025] To achieve a precise fit and secure connection between the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the bottom shell 1 has a plurality of connecting posts 4 and a plurality of fasteners 5 formed on one side where the glue groove 12 is provided. The plurality of connecting posts 4 are arranged around the glue groove 12, and each fastener 5 passes through the upper shell 2 and one of the connecting posts 4 to connect the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1. The plurality of connecting posts 4 arranged around the glue groove 12 provide uniform support for the upper shell 2, ensuring that a uniform sealing gap is formed between the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1, avoiding local over-tight or over-loose fit; the fasteners 5 pass through the upper shell 2 and are fixed to the connecting posts 4, further locking the relative positions of the two and preventing displacement during glue application and subsequent use. The evenly distributed connecting posts 4 and fasteners 5 make the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1 fit tightly and with a consistent gap, providing a stable space for uniform glue filling. Combined with the design of the glue groove 12 and the viewing hole 21, the uniformity and reliability of the seal are further improved; the stable connection structure avoids loosening of the sealing surface due to vibration during transportation and use, extends the seal life, and the assembly process is simple and efficient, adapting to the needs of mass production.

[0026] To optimize the connection and positioning accuracy between the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the upper shell 2 includes a main body 22 and a plurality of connecting parts 23 connected together. Each connecting part 23 corresponds to a connecting post 4. The main body 22 is attached to the side of the bottom shell 1 where the adhesive groove 12 is provided. The connection between each connecting part 23 and the main body 22 forms a receiving space 24 for placing the connecting post 4. Each fastener 5 passes through a connecting part 23 and a connecting post 4. The main body 22 and the connecting parts 23 are designed separately. The connecting parts 23 are provided corresponding to the connecting posts 4, and the receiving space 24 at the connection can accurately fit the connecting post 4, realizing the embedded placement of the connecting post 4 and avoiding assembly interference caused by the exposed connecting post 4; at the same time, it provides a stable mounting carrier for the fastener 5 and ensures uniform transmission of fixing force. The precise fit between the accommodating space 24 and the connecting post 4 makes the positioning of the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1 more accurate, further ensuring the uniformity of the sealing gap and providing reliable assurance for glue filling and sealing performance; the embedded structure makes the overall assembly more compact, reduces external protrusions of the product, and balances appearance and structural strength. At the same time, the independent design of the connecting part 23 reduces the assembly difficulty and improves the efficiency and consistency of mass production.

[0027] To precisely control the sealing gap between the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the main body 22 has a plurality of protrusions 25 spaced apart on the side of the bottom shell 1 where the glue groove 12 is formed. These protrusions 25 surround the glue groove 12, and each protrusion 25 abuts against the side of the bottom shell 1 where the glue groove 12 is formed. The multiple protrusions 25 surrounding the glue groove 12 abut against the bottom shell 1, forming uniform support points. This prevents the upper shell 2 from collapsing locally due to deformation or assembly deviations, ensuring that the glue groove 12 always maintains the designed gap size, providing a stable space for uniform glue filling. The uniformly distributed protrusions 25 allow for precise control of the sealing gap, enabling the glue to form a uniform glue layer within the groove. This avoids uneven gaps causing local glue layers to be too thin or too thick, significantly improving sealing reliability. The supporting effect of the protrusions 25 reduces the contact area between the upper shell 2 and the bottom shell 1, reducing assembly difficulty without affecting the overall connection stability, thus balancing sealing effect and assembly efficiency.

[0028] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A glue-sealing structure, characterized in that, include: The bottom shell has an injection hole on one side and an adhesive groove communicating with the injection hole on the other side. The upper shell is connected to the bottom shell on one side where a glue groove is formed. The upper shell has at least one viewing hole, and each viewing hole communicates with the glue groove. A sealing element, the sealing element comprising a first sealing plug and at least one second sealing plug, the first sealing plug being inserted into the injection hole, and each of the second sealing plugs being inserted into a visible hole.

2. The adhesive sealing structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom shell has two glue grooves that are connected to each other, and the glue injection hole is located at the connection point of the two glue grooves.

3. The adhesive sealing structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the glue tanks has multiple connected groove segments, and the upper shell is provided with a viewing hole at the connection point of each groove segment.

4. The adhesive sealing structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the groove segments is provided with a circular arc transition section at the connection point.

5. The adhesive sealing structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The upper shell is provided with a viewing hole at the end of each of the glue grooves.

6. The adhesive sealing structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, One of the glue tanks has at least three groove segments, wherein at least one groove segment extends along the length direction of the bottom shell, and wherein at least one groove segment extends along the width direction of the bottom shell.

7. The adhesive sealing structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, An annular limiting step is formed at the end of the glue injection hole away from the glue groove. The first sealing plug has a sealing section and an abutting section connected to each other. The sealing section seals and abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the glue injection hole, and the annular limiting step abuts and limits the abutting section.

8. The adhesive sealing structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, On one side of the bottom shell where the glue groove is formed, a plurality of connecting posts and a plurality of fasteners are formed. The plurality of connecting posts are arranged around the glue groove, and each of the fasteners passes through the upper shell and a connecting post to connect the upper shell and the bottom shell.

9. The adhesive sealing structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The upper shell includes a main body and a plurality of connecting parts, each connecting part corresponding to a connecting post. The main body is attached to the side of the bottom shell where the adhesive groove is opened. The connection between each connecting part and the main body forms a receiving space for placing the connecting post. Each fastener passes through a connecting part and a connecting post.

10. The adhesive sealing structure as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The main body has a plurality of protrusions spaced apart on the side of the bottom shell where the glue groove is formed. The plurality of protrusions are arranged around the glue groove, and each protrusion abuts against the side of the bottom shell where the glue groove is formed.