Energy-saving magnetic suspension centrifugal water chiller
By designing and maintaining structures such as worm gears and worm shafts, the centrifugal compressor can be easily disassembled and installed, solving the problem of difficult maintenance of centrifugal compressors in existing technologies, simplifying the operation process, reducing safety risks and costs, and improving the stability of the device.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN DANNES MASCH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
Smart Images

Figure CN122305635A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, specifically to an energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit. Background Technology
[0002] Magnetic levitation centrifugal chillers are widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems of large commercial buildings, industrial plants, office buildings and other places due to their advantages such as high efficiency and energy saving, stable operation and low noise. The core working component is the centrifugal compressor assembly, and the operating stability of the centrifugal compressor directly determines the refrigeration efficiency and service life of the entire chiller unit.
[0003] In existing energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller units, the centrifugal compressor assembly is typically fixedly installed, directly and rigidly connected to the top support of the evaporator or condenser. Due to the large size and heavy weight of the centrifugal compressor, repair, maintenance, or replacement during malfunctions presents numerous inconveniences. Maintenance requires the use of lifting equipment such as hand-operated hoists to lift the compressor, which is not only cumbersome and time-consuming but also poses safety hazards such as parts falling off and personnel injury during lifting, significantly reducing the safety of maintenance. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides an energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] This invention provides the following technical solution: an energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit, including an evaporator, a condenser installed on the back of the evaporator, a centrifugal compressor assembly provided on the top of the evaporator, and a flash evaporator installed on the top of the condenser; The centrifugal compressor assembly includes a centrifugal compressor body, a base mounted on the bottom of the centrifugal compressor body, a fixing seat mounted on the bottom of the base, a fixing hole on the top of the fixing seat, a connecting pipe in the inner cavity of the fixing seat, a connecting plate mounted on the bottom of the connecting pipe, a maintenance worm gear mounted on the outer wall of the connecting plate, a maintenance worm meshing with the outer edge of the maintenance worm gear, the maintenance worm gear being located on the outer wall of the condenser, and the centrifugal compressor body being located on top of the maintenance worm gear.
[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the maintenance worm gear is provided with a circular track, the outer edge of the maintenance worm gear is provided with a support frame, the inner wall of the support frame is provided with a support wheel, the support wheel is tactilely connected to the circular track, the support frame is installed on the outer wall of the condenser, and there are a plurality of support frames and support wheels, which are evenly distributed on the maintenance worm gear.
[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a handle is installed on the outer wall of the maintenance worm gear, and a protective shell is movably connected to the outer edge of the maintenance worm gear.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a baffle plate one is installed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe, a baffle plate two is installed on the left side of the baffle plate one, and the fixing seat is located between the baffle plate one and the baffle plate two.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner cavity of the connecting pipe is provided with a conical top block, the outer edge of the conical top block is provided with a conical spiral groove, the outer wall of the connecting pipe is provided with a vertical hole, the inner wall of the vertical hole is slidably connected with a pin, the bottom of the pin is installed with a steel ball, and the steel ball is slidably connected with the conical spiral groove.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an internal threaded block is installed on the inner wall of the connecting pipe, and a threaded rod is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the internal threaded block. A locking rod is installed at the end of the threaded rod away from the conical top block, and the threaded rod is installed on the conical top block.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a locking shell is installed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe, a moving groove is formed on the outer wall of the locking shell, a moving rod is slidably connected to the inner wall of the moving groove, a locking plate is installed on the outer wall of the moving rod, a slot is formed on the outer edge of the locking plate, and a gripping rod is installed on the outer edge of the locking plate.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the locking shell is provided with an inner groove, the inner wall of the moving rod is movably sleeved with a support cylinder, the outer wall of the support cylinder is equipped with a support rod, the support rod is slidably connected to the locking shell, and the outer edge of the support rod is movably sleeved with a support spring.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support spring is in contact with the support cylinder and the locking shell, and the diameter of the support cylinder is smaller than the height of the inner groove.
[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a limiting plate is installed on the outer wall of the locking shell, and an inclined groove is provided at the end of the limiting plate away from the support rod.
[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit features a maintenance worm gear, maintenance worm, connecting plate, and connecting pipe. Rotating the maintenance worm gear drives the maintenance worm gear, connecting plate, connecting pipe, and the entire centrifugal compressor body to rotate synchronously. This allows the centrifugal compressor body to switch from a vertical position at the top of the condenser to a horizontal position on the side, effectively reducing the maintenance height of the centrifugal compressor body. Maintenance personnel can access the core components for inspection and maintenance without the need for lifting equipment such as hand hoists. This not only simplifies the maintenance process and saves maintenance time but also completely avoids the safety risks associated with lifting operations.
[0016] 2. This energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit, through the setting of a threaded rod, internal threaded block, conical top block, pin, and steel ball, etc., the conical top block can be rotated by rotating the locking rod. The pin can be raised and lowered by the cooperation of the conical spiral groove and the steel ball, so that the pin can be accurately inserted into or disengaged from the fixing hole and the vertical hole, and the fixing seat and the connecting pipe can be firmly connected or separated. The cooperation between the steel ball and the conical spiral groove can prevent the pin from getting stuck.
[0017] 3. This energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit, through the design of a locking shell, moving rod, locking plate, and support spring, can effectively limit the locking rod. Under the elastic force of the support spring, the locking plate always maintains contact with the locking rod, preventing the locking rod from rotating or the pin from falling off due to vibration during unit operation, thus further improving the operational stability of the device. The maintenance structure and locking structure of this unit adopt a simple mechanical cooperation design, eliminating the need for complex electrical control equipment and precision-machined parts, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. At the same time, the maintenance and disassembly operation process is simple, requiring no professional maintenance personnel or complex maintenance tools, which can significantly reduce maintenance and labor costs. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a frontal perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the back of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the centrifugal compressor assembly structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting pipe and maintenance worm gear structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting pipe structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the connecting pipe of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the conical top block structure of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locking plate structure of the present invention.
[0019] In the diagram: 1. Evaporator; 2. Condenser; 3. Centrifugal compressor assembly; 4. Flash evaporator; 301. Centrifugal compressor body; 302. Base; 303. Fixing seat; 304. Fixing hole; 305. Connecting pipe; 306. Baffle plate one; 307. Baffle plate two; 308. Internal threaded block; 309. Threaded rod; 3091. Locking rod; 310. Conical top block; 311. Conical spiral groove; 312. Vertical hole; 313. Pin; 314. Steel ball; 315. Locking shell; 3151. Limiting plate; 152. Inclined groove; 316. Moving groove; 317. Inner groove; 318. Moving rod; 319. Locking plate; 320. Slot; 321. Grip bar; 322. Support cylinder; 323. Support rod; 324. Support spring; 325. Connecting plate; 326. Maintenance worm gear; 327. Maintenance worm; 328. Handle; 329. Protective shell; 330. Support frame; 331. Support wheel; 332. Circular track. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0021] Please see Figures 1-8 An energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit includes an evaporator 1, a condenser 2 installed on the back of the evaporator 1, a centrifugal compressor assembly 3 installed on the top of the evaporator 1, and a flash evaporator 4 installed on the top of the condenser 2. The centrifugal compressor assembly 3 includes a centrifugal compressor body 301, a base 302 mounted on the bottom of the centrifugal compressor body 301, a fixing seat 303 mounted on the bottom of the base 302, a fixing hole 304 opened on the top of the fixing seat 303, a connecting pipe 305 provided in the inner cavity of the fixing seat 303, a connecting plate 325 mounted on the bottom of the connecting pipe 305, a maintenance worm gear 326 mounted on the outer wall of the connecting plate 325, a maintenance worm 327 meshing with the outer edge of the maintenance worm gear 326, the maintenance worm gear 326 being located on the outer wall of the condenser 2, and the centrifugal compressor body 301 being located on top of the maintenance worm gear 326.
[0022] In the above structure, by rotating the maintenance worm gear 327, the maintenance worm gear 327 drives the maintenance worm wheel 326, connecting plate 325, connecting pipe 305, fixed seat 303, base 302, and centrifugal compressor body 301 to rotate. This allows the centrifugal compressor body 301 to rotate from the top of the condenser 2 to the side of the condenser 2, lowering its height and facilitating maintenance personnel to inspect and repair it. This eliminates the need for a hand hoist to lift the centrifugal compressor body 301, improving safety during maintenance. When the centrifugal compressor body 301 is horizontal, the opening of the fixed seat 303 faces downwards, preventing it from falling. When the centrifugal compressor body 301 needs to be removed from the connecting pipe 305, it is lifted upwards, separating the fixed seat 303 from the connecting pipe 305. This increases the disassembly speed of the centrifugal compressor body 301 and accelerates the equipment's return to operation.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment: the inner wall of the maintenance worm gear 326 is provided with a circular track 332, the outer edge of the maintenance worm gear 326 is provided with a support frame 330, the inner wall of the support frame 330 is provided with a support wheel 331, the support wheel 331 is tumblingly connected to the circular track 332, the support frame 330 is installed on the outer wall of the condenser 2, and there are several support frames 330 and support wheels 331, and the several support frames 330 and support wheels 331 are evenly distributed on the maintenance worm gear 326.
[0024] In the above structure, by installing the circular track 332 on the condenser 2, the maintenance worm gear 326 is connected to the support frame 330 via the support wheel 331 on the circular track 332. When the maintenance worm gear 326 rotates, the multiple support wheels 331 and multiple support frames 330 on the maintenance worm gear 326 also rotate on the circular track 332. The multiple support wheels 331 roll on the circular track 332, making the rotation of the maintenance worm gear 326 smoother and improving the rationality of the device.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment: a handle 328 is installed on the outer wall of the maintenance worm 327, and a protective shell 329 is movably connected to the outer edge of the maintenance worm 327.
[0026] In the above structure, the protective shell 329 serves to limit the movement of the maintenance worm 327, ensuring that the connection between the maintenance worm 327 and the maintenance worm wheel 326 is protected by the protective shell 329. At the same time, the protective shell 329 ensures that the maintenance worm 327 is stably connected to the maintenance worm wheel 326, thereby improving the stability of the device.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment: a baffle plate 306 is installed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe 305, a baffle plate 307 is installed on the left side of the baffle plate 306, and a fixing seat 303 is located between the baffle plate 306 and the baffle plate 307.
[0028] In the above structure, the connecting pipe 305 and the baffle 306 limit the fixing seat 303, so that the fixing seat 303 can be locked in a designated position on the connecting pipe 305. The fixing hole 304 on the fixing seat 303 corresponds to the vertical hole 312 on the connecting pipe 305, so that the pin 313 can be inserted into the vertical hole 312 and the fixing hole 304, which improves the rationality of the device.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment: the inner cavity of the connecting pipe 305 is provided with a conical top block 310, the outer edge of the conical top block 310 is provided with a conical spiral groove 311, the outer wall of the connecting pipe 305 is provided with a vertical hole 312, the inner wall of the vertical hole 312 is slidably connected with a pin 313, the bottom of the pin 313 is installed with a steel ball 314, and the steel ball 314 is slidably connected with the conical spiral groove 311.
[0030] In the above structure, the conical top block 310, when moving within the connecting pipe 305, pushes the pin 313 upwards. The pin 313 and steel ball 314, when the steel ball 314 is located in the conical spiral groove 311 on the conical top block 310, allow the steel ball 314 to slide within the conical spiral groove 311 by rotating the conical top block 310, gradually moving the pin 313 upwards. Applying lubricating oil between the steel ball 314 and the conical spiral groove 311 further smooths the fit between the conical top block 310 and the pin 313, preventing the pin 313 from jamming when the conical top block 310 moves forward, thus improving the stability of the device.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment: an internal threaded block 308 is installed on the inner wall of the connecting pipe 305, and a threaded rod 309 is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the internal threaded block 308. A locking rod 3091 is installed at the end of the threaded rod 309 away from the conical top block 310, and the threaded rod 309 is installed on the conical top block 310.
[0032] In the above structure, rotating the locking rod 3091 causes the threaded rod 309 and the conical top block 310 to rotate in the connecting pipe 305. When the conical top block 310 rotates, it can drive the pin 313 to move upward. Through the engagement between the threaded rod 309 and the internal threaded block 308, the conical top block 310 is not easy to move at this time, so that the pin 313 can disengage from the fixing hole 304 and the vertical hole 312 when the conical top block 310 rotates, thus improving the stability of the device.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment: a locking shell 315 is installed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe 305, a moving groove 316 is provided on the outer wall of the locking shell 315, a moving rod 318 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the moving groove 316, a locking plate 319 is installed on the outer wall of the moving rod 318, a slot 320 is provided on the outer edge of the locking plate 319, and a grip rod 321 is installed on the outer edge of the locking plate 319.
[0034] In the above structure, the locking plate 319 limits the locking rod 3091. When the locking rod 3091 is in the slot 320 on the locking plate 319, the locking rod 3091 cannot rotate. After the locking rod 3091 is in a vertical state, the locking plate 319 can be locked onto the locking rod 3091. The locking structure of this device is simple. When it is necessary to separate the locking plate 319 from the slot 320, the locking plate 319 is pushed towards the support rod 323. At this time, the moving rod 318 slides in the moving groove 316, so that the locking plate 319 gradually moves away from the locking rod 3091. Then the locking plate 319 is reversed towards the support rod 323, so that the locking plate 319 will not contact the locking rod 3091. At this time, the locking rod 3091 can be rotated.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment: the inner wall of the locking shell 315 is provided with an inner groove 317, the inner wall of the moving rod 318 is movably sleeved with a support cylinder 322, the outer wall of the support cylinder 322 is installed with a support rod 323, the support rod 323 is slidably connected to the locking shell 315, and the outer edge of the support rod 323 is movably sleeved with a support spring 324.
[0036] In the above structure, the support rod 323 mainly serves to limit the support spring 324. When the locking plate 319 is not subjected to compressive force, the elastic force of the support spring 324 supports the support cylinder 322, the moving rod 318 and the locking plate 319, so that the locking plate 319 is always in contact with the locking rod 3091 without the action of external force, thus improving the stability of the device.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the support spring 324 contacts the support cylinder 322 and the locking shell 315, and the diameter of the support cylinder 322 is smaller than the height of the inner groove 317.
[0038] In the above structure, when the moving rod 318 moves in the moving groove 316 through the setting of the inner groove 317, the support cylinder 322 will also move with the moving rod 318. Therefore, the inner groove 317 must have enough space so that the support cylinder 322 will not rub against the inner wall of the inner groove 317, thus improving the rationality of the device.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a limiting plate 3151 is installed on the outer wall of the locking housing 315, and a groove 3152 is provided at the end of the limiting plate 3151 away from the support rod 323.
[0040] In the above structure, by opening a groove 3152 on the limiting plate 3151, the locking plate 319 will fit with the groove 3152 when it is in a stationary state, so that the locking plate 319 at the locking rod 3091 and the locking plate 319 at the moving rod 318 are lower. Then, by supporting the support spring 324, the vibration of the centrifugal compressor body 301 will not cause the locking plate 319 to separate from the locking rod 3091, further improving the stability of the device.
[0041] Working principle: When the centrifugal compressor body 301 malfunctions, rotating the maintenance worm gear 327 drives the maintenance worm wheel 326 to rotate, changing the centrifugal compressor body 301 from a vertical to a horizontal position. At this time, the opening of the fixed seat 303 faces downward. Then, by holding the handle 321, the locking plate 319 is pushed towards the support rod 323. At this time, the moving rod 318 slides on the moving groove 316, and the support spring 324 on the support rod 323 is compressed. After the locking plate 319 separates from the locking rod 3091, the locking plate 319 is rotated, causing the locking plate 319 to... Rotate around the movable rod 318 until the locking plate 319 does not interfere with the rotation of the locking rod 3091. Then, rotate the locking rod 3091. Rotating the locking rod 3091 will drive the threaded rod 309 and the conical top block 310 to rotate. When the conical top block 310 rotates, the pin 313 will fall downwards due to its own weight, causing the pin 313 to disengage from the fixing hole 304 and the vertical hole 312. At this time, the centrifugal compressor body 301 can be lifted upwards, separating the fixing seat 303 from the fixing seat 303. When it is necessary to install the centrifugal compressor body 301, the centrifugal compressor body 301 can be lifted upwards. The fixed seat 303 on the centrifugal compressor body 301 is placed between the first baffle 306 and the second baffle 307. Then, the locking rod 3091 is rotated. When the conical top block 310 rotates, the steel ball 314 on the pin 313 slides in the conical spiral groove 311, gradually causing the pin 313 to enter the fixed hole 304 and the vertical hole 312. When the centrifugal compressor body 301 is in a horizontal state, the locking rod 3091 is also in a horizontal state. The locking plate 319 is rotated so that it is parallel to the limiting plate 3151. Then, the locking plate 319 is... 9 is attached to the inclined groove 3152. The moving rod 318 and the locking plate 319 are supported by the elastic force of the support spring 324, so that the locking plate 319 locks the locking rod 3091. Then the maintenance worm 327 is rotated. When the maintenance worm 327 rotates, it will drive the maintenance worm wheel 326 to rotate. The support wheel 331 on the maintenance worm wheel 326 rolls on the circular track 332. The centrifugal compressor body 301 changes from a horizontal state to a vertical state. At this time, the installation is completed. Then the pipes on the centrifugal compressor body 301 are connected to the pipes on the evaporator 1.
[0042] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0043] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended technical solutions and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit, comprising an evaporator (1), characterized in that: A condenser (2) is installed on the back of the evaporator (1), a centrifugal compressor assembly (3) is provided on the top of the evaporator (1), and a flash evaporator (4) is installed on the top of the condenser (2). The centrifugal compressor assembly (3) includes a centrifugal compressor body (301), a base (302) is installed at the bottom of the centrifugal compressor body (301), a fixing seat (303) is installed at the bottom of the base (302), a fixing hole (304) is opened at the top of the fixing seat (303), a connecting pipe (305) is provided in the inner cavity of the fixing seat (303), a connecting plate (325) is installed at the bottom of the connecting pipe (305), a maintenance worm gear (326) is installed on the outer wall of the connecting plate (325), a maintenance worm (327) is engaged on the outer edge of the maintenance worm gear (326), the maintenance worm gear (326) is located on the outer wall of the condenser (2), and the centrifugal compressor body (301) is located on the top of the maintenance worm gear (326).
2. The energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the maintenance worm gear (326) is provided with a circular track (332), and a support frame (330) is installed on the outer edge of the maintenance worm gear (326). A support wheel (331) is installed on the inner wall of the support frame (330). The support wheel (331) is tumblingly connected to the circular track (332). The support frame (330) is installed on the outer wall of the condenser (2). There are several support frames (330) and support wheels (331), and several support frames (330) and support wheels (331) are evenly distributed on the maintenance worm gear (326).
3. The energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A handle (328) is installed on the outer wall of the maintenance worm (327), and a protective shell (329) is movably connected to the outer edge of the maintenance worm (327).
4. The energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle plate one (306) is installed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe (305), and a baffle plate two (307) is installed on the left side of the baffle plate one (306). The fixing seat (303) is located between the baffle plate one (306) and the baffle plate two (307).
5. The energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cavity of the connecting pipe (305) is provided with a conical top block (310), and a conical spiral groove (311) is provided on the outer edge of the conical top block (310). A vertical hole (312) is provided on the outer wall of the connecting pipe (305). A pin (313) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the vertical hole (312). A steel ball (314) is installed at the bottom of the pin (313). The steel ball (314) is slidably connected to the conical spiral groove (311).
6. The energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the connecting pipe (305) is fitted with an internal threaded block (308), and the inner wall of the internal threaded block (308) is threadedly connected with a threaded rod (309). A locking rod (3091) is installed at the end of the threaded rod (309) away from the conical top block (310), and the threaded rod (309) is mounted on the conical top block (310).
7. The energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the connecting pipe (305) is fitted with a locking shell (315), the outer wall of the locking shell (315) is provided with a moving groove (316), the inner wall of the moving groove (316) is slidably connected with a moving rod (318), the outer wall of the moving rod (318) is fitted with a locking plate (319), the outer edge of the locking plate (319) is provided with a slot (320), and the outer edge of the locking plate (319) is fitted with a grip (321).
8. An energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the locking shell (315) is provided with an inner groove (317), the inner wall of the moving rod (318) is movably sleeved with a support cylinder (322), the outer wall of the support cylinder (322) is equipped with a support rod (323), the support rod (323) is slidably connected to the locking shell (315), and the outer edge of the support rod (323) is movably sleeved with a support spring (324).
9. An energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 8, characterized in that: The support spring (324) is in contact with the support cylinder (322) and the locking shell (315), and the diameter of the support cylinder (322) is smaller than the height of the inner groove (317).
10. An energy-saving magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer wall of the locking shell (315) is fitted with a limiting plate (3151), and a groove (3152) is provided at the end of the limiting plate (3151) away from the support rod (323).