Efficient ventilation device for greenhouse
By combining axial flow fans with lifting mechanisms in the greenhouse ventilation system, synchronous operation of the fan cover and three-dimensional convection are achieved, solving the problems of high labor intensity and low ventilation efficiency, improving ventilation efficiency and airflow uniformity, and meeting the environmental control needs under different climatic conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI CHUANGYUAN ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing greenhouse ventilation systems are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient, failing to effectively maintain warmth, prevent moisture, and control insects under different climatic conditions.
The system combines an axial flow fan with a lifting mechanism. Through the rigid connection between the linkage frame and the lifting support legs, multiple fan covers can be opened or closed simultaneously to form a three-dimensional convection system. The design of the annular flange and support ring ensures sealing and wind resistance stability.
It significantly reduces labor intensity, improves ventilation efficiency, ensures airflow uniformity, prevents rainwater infiltration and pest intrusion, meets the insulation and moisture-proof requirements under different climatic conditions, and enhances the reliability of the equipment under extreme weather conditions.
Smart Images

Figure CN224139716U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of greenhouse ventilation technology, and specifically relates to a high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for greenhouses. Background Technology
[0002] The main purpose of ventilation in greenhouses is to regulate the internal environment, remove moisture and harmful gases (such as excessive carbon dioxide or ammonia accumulation), replenish fresh air, ensure the carbon dioxide concentration required for crop photosynthesis, and at the same time reduce temperature and humidity to prevent the breeding of pests and diseases and promote healthy plant growth.
[0003] Current methods for ventilating greenhouses typically involve embedding multiple air intake fans with louvers into the side walls of the greenhouse and arranging multiple exhaust hoods in a straight line along the greenhouse roof to create air circulation. These hoods rely on wind or the pressure difference created by the temperature difference between the inside and outside to drive airflow, making them highly susceptible to natural wind and unable to achieve efficient ventilation.
[0004] Therefore, we use axial flow fans instead of ventilator caps for efficient ventilation in the greenhouse. However, for purposes such as greenhouse insulation, humidity control, rain and insect protection, or protection against extreme weather, the axial flow fans need to be covered when not in use. When in use, the fans are manually opened one by one to exhaust air. This method of opening and closing the fan covers is not only labor-intensive and time-consuming, but also affects the ventilation efficiency of the greenhouse. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for greenhouses. The specific technical solution is as follows:
[0006] This utility model provides a high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for greenhouses, including a greenhouse body with a circular arch structure. Multiple air intake fans are symmetrically embedded at equal intervals on both sides of the greenhouse body. Multiple axial flow fans for exhausting gas inside the greenhouse body are longitudinally embedded at equal intervals along the long side of the arch of the greenhouse body. Each axial flow fan is covered with a fan cover that is adapted to it. Multiple fan covers are opened or closed synchronously by the same lifting mechanism.
[0007] The lifting mechanism includes a support ring axially fixed to the outer shell of the corresponding axial flow fan. Two lifting legs are radially and vertically symmetrically arranged on the top surface of the support ring. An annular flange is integrally connected to the outer edge of the top opening of the axial flow fan. The gap between the lifting legs passes through the through holes on the corresponding annular flange, and the top of the lifting legs is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the corresponding fan cover. The same rectangular linkage frame is horizontally fitted on the outer side of multiple axial flow fans. The long side of the linkage frame is connected to multiple lifting legs on the same side, and the short side is symmetrically connected to drive components. Two drive components are used to synchronously drive the linkage frame to move up and down, and the two are respectively connected by a platform longitudinally arranged on the end side of the greenhouse body.
[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the driving component includes a motor disposed on the top surface of the corresponding platform, the power output end of the motor is transversely connected to a gearbox, the power output end of the gearbox is longitudinally connected to a lead screw, and a lifting platform is axially screwed onto the lead screw, the lifting platform being fixedly embedded in the center of the corresponding short side of the linkage frame.
[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the top surface of the platform is vertically and symmetrically connected with guide rods along the radial direction of the lead screw, and the guide rods pass through the short side of the linkage frame through the gap.
[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the lifting support leg includes a limiting rod vertically connected to the top surface of the corresponding support ring, a lifting tube is axially sleeved on the limiting rod, the top end of the lifting tube passes through the corresponding through hole and is connected to the bottom surface of the fan cover, a fixing sleeve is axially sleeved on the lower part of the lifting tube, and the fixing sleeve is connected to the long side of the linkage frame.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the inner sidewall of the linkage frame is symmetrically connected with auxiliary support rods along the corresponding axial flow fan, and the auxiliary support rods are parallel to the short side of the linkage frame; a lifting support leg is also symmetrically connected vertically to the middle of each of the two auxiliary support rods.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the fan cover has a conical structure.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a protective grille is detachably connected to the inner bottom edge of the top opening of the axial flow fan.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0015] 1. This utility model achieves synchronized lifting and lowering of the fan covers of multiple axial flow fans through a rigid connection between the linkage frame and the lifting support legs, combined with the synchronous control of the dual drive components. Compared with traditional manual operation, this significantly reduces labor intensity and shortens opening and closing time, making it particularly suitable for greenhouses with large-area, multi-fan layouts, resulting in a significant improvement in operational efficiency.
[0016] 2. In this utility model, the symmetrically arranged air intake fans on both side walls and the axial flow fan on the dome form a three-dimensional convection system. When the fan cover is opened, the axial flow fan actively draws out air to create negative pressure, which, together with the forced air delivery from the lower air intake fan, forms a directional airflow from bottom to top, effectively improving the uniformity of air exchange and avoiding the dead airflow corners created by traditional passive fan caps.
[0017] 3. In this utility model, the fan cover and the top opening of the axial flow fan adopt an axial sleeve structure with a ring-shaped flange and a support ring. When closed, a tight fit is achieved by the downward pressure applied by the lifting support legs. This design can effectively prevent rainwater penetration and pest intrusion when closed, while reducing heat loss and meeting the insulation and moisture-proof requirements of greenhouses under different climatic conditions.
[0018] 4. The clearance fit design of the lifting outriggers passing through the annular flange through-holes in this utility model achieves vertical guidance while enhancing the lateral wind load resistance of the linkage frame through multi-point distributed support. The dual-drive symmetrical layout forms torque balance, preventing frame deformation caused by unilateral force and ensuring the reliability of the mechanism under extreme weather conditions. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model is shown;
[0020] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure at part A in the middle;
[0021] Figure 3 This invention shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the axial flow fan assembly, fan cover and lifting mechanism for the greenhouse arch roof.
[0022] Figure 4 This invention shows a schematic diagram of the assembly of the fan cover and the lifting mechanism.
[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Enlarged view of the structure of part B in the middle.
[0024] The diagram shows: 1. Greenhouse body; 2. Axial flow fan; 21. Annular flange; 211. Through hole; 22. Protective grille; 3. Air intake fan; 4. Fan cover; 41. Support ring; 42. Lifting leg; 421. Limiting rod; 422. Lifting pipe; 423. Fixing sleeve; 5. Linkage frame; 51. Secondary support rod; 6. Drive assembly; 61. Motor; 62. Lead screw; 63. Guide rod; 64. Gearbox; 65. Lifting platform; 7. Platform. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0026] Example 1
[0027] To address the technical problems in the background section, the following high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for greenhouses is provided:
[0028] Combination Figures 1-5 As shown, a high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for greenhouses includes a greenhouse body 1 with a circular arch structure. Multiple air intake fans 3 are symmetrically embedded at equal intervals on both sides of the greenhouse body 1. Multiple axial flow fans 2 for exhausting gas inside the greenhouse body 1 are longitudinally embedded at equal intervals along the long side of the arch of the greenhouse body 1. Each axial flow fan 2 is covered with a fan cover 4 that is adapted to it. Multiple fan covers 4 are opened or closed synchronously by the same lifting mechanism.
[0029] The lifting mechanism includes an axially fixed sleeve 423 connected to a support ring 41 on the outer shell of the corresponding axial flow fan 2. Two lifting legs 42 are radially and vertically symmetrically arranged on the top surface of the support ring 41. An annular flange 21 is integrally connected to the outer edge of the top opening of the axial flow fan 2. The lifting legs 42 pass through the corresponding through holes 211 on the annular flange 21. The top of the lifting legs 42 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the corresponding fan cover 4. The same rectangular linkage frame 5 is horizontally sleeved on the outer side of multiple axial flow fans 2. The long side of the linkage frame 5 is connected to multiple lifting legs 42 on the same side. The short side is symmetrically connected to drive components 6. The two drive components 6 are used to synchronously drive the linkage frame 5 to move up and down. The two are supported and connected by a platform 7 longitudinally arranged on the end side of the greenhouse body 1.
[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, synchronous opening and closing improves operational efficiency: the device achieves synchronized lifting and lowering of the fan covers 4 of multiple axial flow fans 2 through the rigid connection between the linkage frame 5 and the lifting support legs 42, combined with the synchronous control of the dual drive components 6. Compared with traditional manual operation, this significantly reduces labor intensity and shortens opening and closing time, making it particularly suitable for greenhouses with large-area multi-fan layouts, resulting in a significant improvement in operational efficiency.
[0031] Optimized air circulation path: The intake fans 3 symmetrically arranged on both side walls of the device form a three-dimensional convection system with the axial flow fan 2 at the dome. When the fan cover 4 is opened, the axial flow fan 2 actively draws out air to create negative pressure, which, together with the forced air delivery of the lower intake fan 3, forms a directional airflow from bottom to top, effectively improving the uniformity of air exchange and avoiding the dead airflow corners created by traditional passive hoods.
[0032] Enhanced environmental control through a sealed structure: In this device, the fan cover 4 and the top opening of the axial flow fan 2 adopt an axial sleeve structure with an annular flange 21 and a support ring 41. When closed, a tight fit is achieved by the downward pressure applied by the lifting support legs 42. This design effectively isolates rainwater penetration and prevents pest intrusion when closed, while reducing heat loss and meeting the insulation and moisture-proof requirements of the greenhouse under different climatic conditions.
[0033] Wind resistance stability assurance: The device features a gap fit design where the lifting outriggers 42 pass through the through holes of the annular flange 21. This design ensures vertical guidance while enhancing the lateral wind load resistance of the linkage frame 5 through multi-point distributed support. The dual-drive symmetrical layout creates torque balance, preventing frame deformation caused by unilateral force and ensuring the reliability of the mechanism under extreme weather conditions.
[0034] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the fan cover 4 has a conical structure.
[0035] By adopting the above technical solution, the fan cover 4 with a conical structure can better guide the falling rain and snow, reducing the accumulation of rain and snow.
[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, a protective grille 22 is detachably connected to the bottom edge of the inner side of the top opening of the axial flow fan 2.
[0037] By adopting the above technical solution, the protective grille 22 can prevent birds from accidentally entering and can also protect operators when maintaining the axial flow fan 2.
[0038] Example 2
[0039] Combination Figures 3-5 As shown, based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further provides the following:
[0040] In this embodiment, as Figures 3-5As shown, the drive assembly 6 includes a motor 61 disposed on the top surface of the corresponding frame 7. The power output end of the motor 61 is connected to a gearbox 64 in a transverse transmission manner. The power output end of the gearbox 64 is connected to a lead screw 62 in a longitudinal transmission manner. A lifting platform 65 is axially screwed onto the lead screw 62. The lifting platform 65 is fixedly embedded in the center of the corresponding short side of the linkage frame 5.
[0041] By adopting the above technical solution, the drive component 6 uses a combination of a motor 61 and a gearbox 64. The gearbox 64 converts the lateral output of the motor 61 into the rotation of the longitudinal lead screw 62. Through the helical transmission structure between the lead screw 62 and the lifting platform 65, the rotational motion is converted into linear lifting. Its self-locking characteristic can precisely control the lifting stroke. The multi-stage speed change design of the gearbox 64 optimizes the power transmission efficiency, reduces the motor load, and at the same time increases the driving force through speed reduction and torque increase, ensuring that the linkage frame 5 can still lift and lower smoothly when carrying multiple fan covers 4.
[0042] The motor 61 and gearbox 64 are arranged laterally on the top surface of the frame 7, and the lead screw 62 extends longitudinally, making full use of the longitudinal space on one end of the greenhouse body 1 and avoiding lateral occupation of the arch or side wall area. The lifting platform 65 is embedded in the center of the short side of the linkage frame 5, concentrating the stress point and reducing the risk of deformation of the linkage frame 5. This layout is suitable for narrow and long greenhouse structures and does not affect the arrangement density of the axial flow fans 2 on the arch.
[0043] The drive assembly 6 is independently mounted on the frame 7 and is connected to the linkage frame 5 via a lifting platform 65, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. If one side of the drive fails, it can be disassembled and repaired separately without affecting the operation of the other side.
[0044] Preferably, the motor 61, gearbox 64, and lead screw 62 can be equipped with matching protective covers for rain protection.
[0045] like Figures 3-5 As shown, guide rods 63 are vertically and symmetrically connected to the top surface of the platform 7 along the radial direction of the lead screw 62, and the guide rods 63 pass through the corresponding short side of the linkage frame 5 with gaps.
[0046] By adopting the above technical solution, the guide rod 63 is arranged vertically and symmetrically along the radial direction of the lead screw 62, and forms a sliding pair with the short side of the linkage frame 5 through clearance cooperation. When the lead screw 62 drives the lifting platform 65 to move up and down, the guide rod 63 restricts the horizontal offset or rotation of the linkage frame 5, ensuring that it rises and falls smoothly along the preset vertical path, and avoiding misalignment and jamming between the fan cover 4 and the top opening of the axial flow fan 2 due to the tilt of the frame.
[0047] Two guide rods 63 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the lead screw 62, forming a three-point support system together with the lead screw 62. The guide rods 63 bear the lateral moment (such as wind load or inertial force) of the linkage frame 5, share the radial load of the lead screw 62, reduce the wear of the lead screw 62 thread, and extend the service life of the transmission components.
[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the lifting support leg 42 includes a limiting rod 421 vertically connected to the top surface of the corresponding support ring 41. A lifting tube 422 is axially sleeved on the limiting rod 421 with a gap. The top end of the lifting tube 422 passes through the corresponding through hole 211 with a gap and is connected to the bottom surface of the fan cover 4. A fixing sleeve 423 is axially sleeved on the lower part of the lifting tube 422. The fixing sleeve 423 is connected to the long side of the linkage frame 5.
[0049] By adopting the above technical solution, the axial clearance of the limiting rod 421 and the lifting pipe 422 forms a sliding pair, providing precise vertical guidance for the lifting pipe 422 and ensuring that the fan cover 4 rises and falls in a straight line. The rigid support of the limiting rod 421 effectively prevents the pipe body from swaying due to lateral forces (such as wind disturbance) during the lifting process, avoids misalignment and friction between the fan cover 4 and the top opening of the axial flow fan 2, and ensures the smoothness of the opening and closing action.
[0050] The lifting force of the linkage frame 5 is transmitted to the lifting pipe 422 through the fixed sleeve 423, and then distributed to the support ring 41 and the outer casing of the axial flow fan 2 through the limiting rod 421. This force transmission path avoids stress concentration, reduces the risk of bending deformation of the lifting pipe 422 due to long-term load, and extends the service life of the components. Preferably, the outer casing of the axial flow fan 2 is fixedly connected to the steel frame of the greenhouse body 1.
[0051] When the top of the lifting pipe 422 passes through the through hole 211 of the annular flange 21, the clearance fit ensures the freedom of lifting and lowering, and also limits the circumferential movement of the lifting pipe 422 through the inner wall of the through hole 211, so that the fan cover 4 can be accurately aligned with the top of the axial flow fan 2 when closed, improving the sealing effect in the closed state and preventing rainwater from seeping in or heat from being lost.
[0052] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner sidewall of the linkage frame 5 is symmetrically connected with auxiliary support rods 51 along the corresponding axial flow fan 2, and the auxiliary support rods 51 are parallel to the short side of the linkage frame 5; the middle of the two auxiliary support rods 51 is also symmetrically connected with a lifting support leg 42.
[0053] By adopting the above technical solution, the auxiliary support rod 51 is horizontally and symmetrically connected to the inner wall of the linkage frame 5 and parallel to the short side, forming a transverse reinforcing rib. This layout divides the long side of the linkage frame 5 into multiple support areas, significantly improving the overall bending stiffness of the frame, avoiding sagging deformation in the middle of the long side due to large span or uneven load, ensuring the levelness of the linkage frame 5 during lifting, and guaranteeing the accuracy of synchronous movement of all fan covers 4.
[0054] Two auxiliary support rods 51 are symmetrically connected to the lifting outriggers 42 in the middle, distributing the lifting driving force of the linkage frame 5 to multiple support points. By adding auxiliary support rods 51, the load of the lifting outriggers 42, which was originally concentrated at both ends of the long side of the linkage frame 5, is redistributed, reducing the stress on a single outrigger, reducing the wear risk of the lifting tube 422 and the limit rod 421, and extending the service life of the components.
[0055] Working principle and usage process of this utility model:
[0056] When in use, this utility model is divided into the following states and stages:
[0057] 1. Initial Closed State: The fan covers 4 at the top of all axial flow fans 2 are closed under the action of the lifting mechanism, and the linkage frame 5 is lowered to the low position. At this time, the lifting pipe 422 of the lifting support leg 42 retracts onto the limiting rod 421, the fixing sleeve 423 is connected to the long side of the linkage frame 5, and the guide rod 63 passes through the short side of the frame to form a stable support.
[0058] 2. Ventilation Start-up Phase: When ventilation is required, the motors 61 of the two drive components 6 start synchronously, converting the lateral rotation into longitudinal power through the gearbox 64, driving the lead screw 62 to rotate. The lifting platform 65 on the lead screw 62 drives the linkage frame 5 to rise vertically along the guide rod 63. The long side of the linkage frame 5 pulls the lifting pipes 422 of each lifting support leg 42 upward along the limit rod 421 through the fixing sleeve 423, synchronously lifting all the fan covers 4. When the lifting pipes 422 pass through the through hole 211 of the annular flange 21, the clearance fit ensures vertical guidance and prevents the fan covers 4 from shifting.
[0059] 3. Ventilation Operation Phase: When the linkage frame 5 rises to the preset height, the fan cover 4 is fully opened, and the axial flow fan 2 starts, actively drawing out the hot and humid air inside the shed. The side intake fans 3 start simultaneously, allowing outside air to enter through their louvers, forming a bottom-to-top directional airflow circulation with the arched axial flow fan 2. The auxiliary support rod 51, through the lifting support leg 42 connected in the middle, shares the load of the linkage frame 5, suppressing deformation of the long side and ensuring that the opening of the multiple fan covers 4 is consistent.
[0060] 4. Closure and Reset Phase: After ventilation ends, motor 61 rotates in the reverse direction, and lead screw 62 drives lifting platform 65 to move downward. Linkage frame 5 drives lifting support leg 42 to descend synchronously. Fan cover 4, along with lifting pipe 422, precisely falls back to the top of axial flow fan 2 along limit rod 421, and annular flange 21 tightly seals against the cover. Guide rod 63 continuously constrains the horizontal displacement of the frame, and auxiliary support rod 51 counteracts wind load vibration, ensuring smooth closure.
[0061] 5. Extreme operating conditions: In the event of strong winds or rain and snow, the drive assembly 6 remains closed, and the self-locking characteristic of the lead screw 62 prevents the linkage frame 5 from being lifted unexpectedly. If one side motor 61 fails, the other side drive assembly 6 can still maintain some driving force through redundant design to prevent the fan cover 4 from falling suddenly.
[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A high-efficiency ventilation device for a greenhouse, comprising a greenhouse body (1) of a circular-arch structure, a plurality of air inlet fans (3) being symmetrically embedded at equal intervals in the two side walls of the greenhouse body (1), characterized in that: The arch of the greenhouse body (1) is longitudinally embedded with multiple axial flow fans (2) at equal intervals along its long side for discharging gas from the greenhouse body (1). Each axial flow fan (2) is covered with a fan cover (4) that is compatible with it. Multiple fan covers (4) are opened or closed synchronously by the same lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a support ring (41) connected to the outer shell of the corresponding axial flow fan (2) by an axial fixing sleeve (423). The top surface of the support ring (41) is symmetrically arranged with two lifting legs (42) in a radial vertical direction. The outer edge of the top opening of the axial flow fan (2) is integrally connected with an annular flange (21). The gap of the lifting legs (42) passes through the corresponding through hole (211) on the annular flange (21), and the top of the lifting legs (42) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the corresponding fan cover (4). The outer side of the multiple axial flow fans (2) is horizontally fitted with the same rectangular linkage frame (5). The long side of the linkage frame (5) is connected to the multiple lifting legs (42) on the same side. The short side is symmetrically connected with drive components (6). The two drive components (6) are used to synchronously drive the linkage frame (5) to move up and down. The two are supported and connected by a platform (7) arranged longitudinally on the end side of the greenhouse body (1).
2. The high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for a greenhouse according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly (6) includes a motor (61) disposed on the top surface of the corresponding frame (7). The power output end of the motor (61) is connected to a gearbox (64) for transverse transmission. The power output end of the gearbox (64) is connected to a lead screw (62) for longitudinal transmission. A lifting platform (65) is axially screwed onto the lead screw (62). The lifting platform (65) is fixedly embedded at the center of the corresponding short side of the linkage frame (5).
3. The high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for a greenhouse according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top surface of the platform (7) is vertically and symmetrically connected with guide rods (63) along the radial direction of the lead screw (62), and the guide rods (63) pass through the corresponding short side of the linkage frame (5) with gaps.
4. The high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for a greenhouse according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lifting support leg (42) includes a limiting rod (421) vertically connected to the top surface of the corresponding support ring (41). A lifting tube (422) is axially fitted onto the limiting rod (421). The top end of the lifting tube (422) passes through the corresponding through hole (211) and is connected to the bottom surface of the fan cover (4). A fixing sleeve (423) is axially fitted onto the lower part of the lifting tube (422). The fixing sleeve (423) is connected to the corresponding long side of the linkage frame (5).
5. The high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for a greenhouse according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner sidewall of the linkage frame (5) is symmetrically connected with auxiliary support rods (51) along the corresponding axial flow fan (2), and the auxiliary support rods (51) are parallel to the short side of the linkage frame (5); the middle of the two auxiliary support rods (51) is also symmetrically connected with a lifting support leg (42).
6. The high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for a greenhouse according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The fan cover (4) has a conical structure.
7. The high-efficiency ventilation and air exchange device for a greenhouse according to claim 6, characterized in that: The axial flow fan (2) has a protective grille (22) detachably connected to the bottom of the inner side of the top opening.