Potting structure and potting method for low-light-level image intensifier

Abstract

The invention discloses a low-light-level image intensifier filling and sealing structure and a filling and sealing method, and belongs to the technical field of image intensifiers. According to the encapsulation method, a pressure glue injection vacuum encapsulation technical scheme is generally adopted, and a base, an upper sealing ring, a sealing ring, a lower sealing ring and an image intensifier encapsulation shell in the encapsulation structure form a sealed cavity. In vacuum encapsulation equipment, the encapsulation glue is injected from a bottom glue injection head and enters the image intensifier from the bottom of an image intensifier encapsulation shell and a waist glue inlet hole respectively, air in the image intensifier is exhausted from bottom to top, the encapsulation glue finally overflows from a glue outlet hole of an image intensifier encapsulation cover, and complete filling of glue in the image intensifier is achieved. Compared with a traditional immersion vacuum potting method, on the premise that the same potting quality is guaranteed, the using amount of the potting adhesive is greatly reduced, the production cost is reduced, meanwhile, the designed potting structure is easy to assemble and disassemble, and the large-scale production efficiency is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of image intensifier technology, and in particular to a low-light image intensifier potting structure and potting method. Background Technology

[0002] The low-light image intensifier is the core detection and imaging element of low-light imaging products. It mainly consists of a bare tube, a high-voltage power supply, and a potting shell, internally encapsulated as a single unit with silicone rubber. The primary purpose of potting is to completely encapsulate the bare tube and the high-voltage portion of the power supply within an insulating medium (potting compound), isolating them from each other and preventing air from entering, thus preventing defects such as arcing and improving the reliability of the image intensifier. Therefore, vacuum potting technology, with its vacuum degassing capability, effectively reduces air within the potting compound and is widely used in the field of image intensifier potting.

[0003] With the increasing demand and production volume of low-light image intensifiers, traditional immersion vacuum potting methods can no longer meet the requirements of low-cost and high-efficiency production. For example, patent CN109103061A discloses a method for encapsulating a low-light image intensifier by directly pouring a specified volume of potting compound into a tooling fixture containing the image intensifier, then placing it in a vacuum chamber for vacuuming, followed by baking and curing, and finally peeling off the excess compound. This method has two drawbacks: first, the directly poured potting compound needs to completely submerge the fixture, resulting in a large amount of potting compound and some material waste; second, the process of peeling off the excess compound is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it unsuitable for mass production. Patent CN105869974A discloses a method for the overall assembly of low-light image intensifiers that uses vacuum injection potting, but it also suffers from the problem of inconvenient disassembly of the potting structure, affecting the efficiency of mass production. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems existing in the prior art by proposing a low-light image intensifier potting structure and potting method. While ensuring potting quality, it significantly reduces the amount of potting adhesive used, thereby lowering production costs. At the same time, the proposed potting structure is easy to assemble and disassemble, which can effectively improve the efficiency of large-scale production.

[0005] The technical solution to achieve the purpose of this invention is as follows: On the one hand, a low-light image intensifier potting structure is provided, including a sealing structure installed on the periphery of the image intensifier, an adhesive inlet channel between the sealing structure and the outer wall of the image intensifier, an adhesive injection port on the sealing structure, adhesive inlets on the bottom and sides of the potting shell of the image intensifier, and an adhesive outlet on the potting cap of the image intensifier.

[0006] Furthermore, the sealing structure includes a base with a groove at the top, a lower sealing ring installed at the bottom of the groove, and an upper sealing ring fitted around the outside of the potting shell; the lower sealing ring is arranged around the inner wall of the groove and is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the groove; the image intensifier is placed in the groove of the base and there is a first gap between its bottom and the lower sealing ring, and the lower sealing ring is provided with a first limiting structure for limiting the potting shell; one side of the upper end of the upper sealing ring is tightly fitted to the potting shell, and the other side is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the base, and the upper end of the upper sealing ring is located above the glue inlet on the side of the potting shell; one side of the lower end of the upper sealing ring is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the base, and there is a second gap between the other side and the outer wall of the potting shell, while the bottom of the lower end is tightly fitted to the upper end of the lower sealing ring, thereby forming a sealed cavity between the upper sealing ring, the lower sealing ring, and the potting shell; the first gap and the second gap form a glue inlet channel, which communicates with the glue inlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the bottom side of the base is provided with an injection port, which extends into the groove of the base and passes through the lower sealing ring, and is connected to the injection channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the base is a two-part assembly structure, which is fixed by clamps.

[0009] Furthermore, a second limiting structure is provided at the bottom of the base groove to limit the lower sealing ring and prevent it from shifting.

[0010] Furthermore, the glue inlet on the side of the potting shell is located at the waist of the potting shell.

[0011] Furthermore, the potting structure also includes a clamping device for applying downward pressure to the bare tube of the image intensifier, so that the bottom of the bare tube fits tightly against the bottom of the inner side of the potting housing.

[0012] Furthermore, the clamping device includes a capping ring mounted on the upper end of the potting housing, and a pressing device mounted on the capping ring. The capping ring is connected to the base via an adjustable device. The upper end of the pressing device is mounted on the capping ring, and the lower end penetrates the potting cap of the image intensifier and extends into the potting housing to achieve non-damaging contact with the bare tube. By adjusting the adjustable device, a downward force is generated on the capping ring, which in turn generates a downward force on the pressing device, thereby generating downward pressure on the bare tube.

[0013] Furthermore, the structure also includes a disassembly device installed at the bottom of the base, penetrating the bottom of the base and contacting the lower sealing ring. By adjusting the disassembly device, an upward force is generated on the lower sealing ring, thereby removing the entire sealing structure from the base.

[0014] On the other hand, a potting method based on the potting structure is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: The bare tube, high-voltage power supply, potting shell and potting cap are initially assembled into an image intensifier. The bare tube is radially limited by the tube shell structure and the inner wall of the potting shell.

[0016] Step 2: The upper sealing ring is interference-fitted from the top of the image intensifier to the outside of the potting housing, and then the lower sealing ring is installed through the first limiting structure;

[0017] Step 3: Install the half of the base with the second limiting structure onto the component formed in Step 2, then install the other half of the base and lock it in place with a clamp.

[0018] Step 4: Install the clamping device on the component formed in Step 3, and adjust the adjustable device to make the bottom of the bare tube fit tightly against the bottom of the inner side of the potting shell;

[0019] Step 5: Connect the outlet of the vacuum potting equipment to the injection port and perform vacuum pressure potting. The potting adhesive enters from each injection port and finally overflows from the outlet hole on the potting cap.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the significant advantages of this invention are:

[0021] (1) Significantly reduces the amount of potting compound used, thus lowering production costs. In the potting method of the present invention, the residual compound exists only between the potting shell and the upper and lower sealing rings, and the amount of residual compound used is only about 2g, which greatly reduces material waste.

[0022] (2) It effectively reduced the difficulty of assembly and disassembly and improved the efficiency of large-scale production.

[0023] (3) The potting structure of the present invention has multiple foolproof designs. The modular base can reduce the difficulty of assembly and disassembly after potting and peeling off the glue. The sealing ring design can reduce the risk of scratching the potting shell.

[0024] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall assembly of the low-light image intensifier potting structure in one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a low-light image intensifier in one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the sealing ring under the potting structure of the low-light image intensifier in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting base of the low-light image intensifier potting structure in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0030] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention 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 certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention 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 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. If 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 invention.

[0032] In one embodiment, combined Figures 1 to 4 A low-light image intensifier potting structure is provided, including a sealing structure installed around the image intensifier 16. There is an adhesive inlet channel between the sealing structure and the outer wall of the image intensifier 16. The sealing structure is provided with an adhesive inlet. The bottom and side of the potting shell 12 of the image intensifier 16 are provided with adhesive inlets. The potting cap 15 of the image intensifier 16 is provided with an adhesive outlet.

[0033] Further, in one embodiment, the sealing structure includes a base 5 with a groove at the top, a lower sealing ring 4 installed at the bottom of the groove, and an upper sealing ring 3 fitted around the outside of the potting housing 12; the lower sealing ring 4 is arranged around the inner wall of the groove and fits tightly against the inner wall of the groove; the image intensifier 16 is placed in the groove of the base 5 and there is a first gap between its bottom and the lower sealing ring 4; the lower sealing ring 4 is provided with a first limiting structure for limiting the potting housing 12; one side of the upper end of the upper sealing ring 3 is connected to... The potting shell 12 is tightly fitted, and the other side is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the base 5. The upper end of the upper sealing ring 3 is located above the glue inlet on the side of the potting shell 12. The lower end of the upper sealing ring 3 is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the base 5 on one side, and there is a second gap between the other side and the outer wall of the potting shell 12. At the same time, the bottom of the lower end is tightly fitted to the upper end of the lower sealing ring 4. Thus, a sealed cavity is formed between the upper sealing ring 3, the lower sealing ring 4 and the potting shell 12. The first gap and the second gap form a glue inlet channel, which communicates with the glue inlet.

[0034] Preferably, in some embodiments, the base 5 is coaxially fitted with the upper sealing ring 3 and the lower sealing ring 4, with a mating surface roughness ≤ Ra1.6 and a single-sided gap in the diameter direction ≤ 0.05mm. Together with the potting shell 12 of the image intensifier, it forms a sealed cavity, so that the glue does not overflow during the potting process and all of it overflows from the glue outlet hole of the potting cap 15.

[0035] Preferably, in some embodiments, the bottom side of the base 5 is provided with a glue injection port, which extends into the groove of the base 5 and passes through the lower sealing ring 4, and communicates with the glue inlet channel. Here, the glue injection port can be directly set as a glue injection head 8.

[0036] Preferably, in some embodiments, the first limiting structure is a boss anti-foolproof structure.

[0037] Preferably, in some embodiments, the upper sealing ring 3 is machined with a mounting groove for installing the sealing ring 2, and the sealing ring is embedded in the mounting groove and will not come loose after installation. Here, the sealing ring 2 needs to be located above the glue inlet on the side of the potting housing 12.

[0038] Preferably, the sealing ring has a cross-section that is not limited to a circle or a square, and the inner diameter of the sealing ring is designed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the potting shell to ensure an interference fit with the potting shell 12 and prevent the potting compound from overflowing.

[0039] Preferably, the sealing ring is made of elastic materials such as silicone rubber and fluororubber to avoid scratching the surface of the potting shell during installation and disassembly.

[0040] Preferably, in some embodiments, the base 5 adopts, but is not limited to, a two-half-joint structure and is fixed by a clamp 10, which facilitates quick installation and disassembly. Figure 4 As shown.

[0041] Preferably, the base 5 is a circular structure that matches the shape of the image intensifier. After assembly, the inner diameter of the base is required to be ≤φ0.08mm to prevent glue leakage at the gaps.

[0042] Preferably, in some embodiments, a second limiting structure is provided at the bottom of the groove of the base 5 to limit the lower sealing ring 4 to prevent it from shifting, thereby achieving circumferential limiting and error prevention of the lower sealing ring.

[0043] Here, more preferably, the second limiting structure adopts, but is not limited to, the limiting pin 7.

[0044] Preferably, the base 5 and the limiting pin 7 are permanently fixed by, but not limited to, interference fit or laser welding.

[0045] Preferably, in some embodiments, the glue inlet on the side of the potting housing 12 is located at the waist of the potting housing 12. Here, glue inlets are provided at both the waist and the bottom, one to ensure complete potting (because the dimensions of the components inside the reinforcing unit are different, and the gap between some and the potting housing is too small), and the other to increase the potting speed.

[0046] Preferably, the potting housing 12 is provided with at least one pair of glue inlets at its waist and bottom.

[0047] Preferably, in some embodiments, the potting structure further includes a clamping device for applying downward pressure to the bare tube 9 of the image intensifier 16, so that the bottom of the bare tube 9 fits tightly against the bottom of the inner side of the potting housing 12.

[0048] Preferably, the clamping device includes a capping ring 1 mounted on the upper end of the potting housing 12, and a pressing device mounted on the capping ring 1. The capping ring 1 is connected to the base 5 via an adjustable device. The upper end of the pressing device is mounted on the capping ring 1, and the lower end penetrates the potting cap 15 of the image intensifier 16 and extends into the interior of the potting housing 12 to achieve non-damaging contact with the bare tube 9. By adjusting the adjustable device, a downward force is generated on the capping ring 1, which in turn generates a downward force on the pressing device, thereby generating downward pressure on the bare tube 9.

[0049] Here, pressing the bottom of the bare tube 9 tightly is to prevent the potting compound from overflowing from the bottom.

[0050] Preferably, the pressing device includes a pressing ring 14 and a screen pressing ring 13 that are fixedly connected from top to bottom. The pressing ring 14 is fixed to the cover pressing ring 1 by, but not limited to, screws. The lower end of the screen pressing ring 13 penetrates the potting cap 15 of the image intensifier 16 and extends into the interior of the potting shell 12 to achieve non-damaging contact with the bare tube 9.

[0051] Here, it is further preferred that the screen pressure ring 13 is made of a material with low hardness, such as silicone rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene, to avoid scratching the surface of the image intensifier phosphor screen.

[0052] The thickness of the screen pressure ring here depends on the length of the phosphor screen of the bare tube 9, such as... Figure 1 As shown, if the fluorescent screen protrudes too much, the thickness of the screen pressure ring can be shortened accordingly, but it must meet the condition of pressing the bottom of the bare tube tightly.

[0053] More preferably, the adjustable device is, but is not limited to, a bolt.

[0054] Preferably, in some embodiments, the structure further includes a disassembly device installed at the bottom of the base 5, penetrating the bottom of the base 5 and contacting the lower sealing ring 4. By adjusting the disassembly device to generate an upward force on the lower sealing ring 4, the entire sealing structure can be removed from the base 5.

[0055] Preferably, the disassembly device uses, but is not limited to, screws 6, to push the lower sealing ring 4 upwards, thus easily separating the base. This reduces the difficulty of assembly and disassembly and improves the efficiency of large-scale production.

[0056] In one embodiment, a potting method based on the potting structure is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0057] Step 1: Initially assemble the bare tube 9, high-voltage power supply 11, potting housing 12, and potting cap 15 into an image intensifier 16. The bare tube 9 achieves radial restraint through the tube housing structure and the inner wall of the potting housing 12, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown;

[0058] Step 2: The upper sealing ring 3 is interference-fitted from the top of the image intensifier to the outside of the potting housing 12, and then the lower sealing ring 4 is installed through the first limiting structure, as follows. Figure 3 As shown;

[0059] Step 3: Install the half of the base 5 with the second limiting structure onto the component formed in Step 2, then install the other half of the base 5 and lock it in place using the clamp 10. Figure 4 As shown;

[0060] Step 4: Install the clamping device on the component formed in step 3, and adjust the adjustable device to make the bottom of the bare tube 9 fit tightly against the bottom of the inner side of the potting shell 12;

[0061] Step 5: Connect the outlet of the vacuum potting equipment to the injection port and perform vacuum pressure potting. The potting adhesive enters from each injection port and finally overflows from the outlet hole on the potting cap 15. (In the vacuum potting equipment, the potting adhesive is injected from the bottom injection head and enters the inside of the image intensifier from the bottom and waist injection ports of the image intensifier potting shell, respectively, to expel the air inside the image intensifier from bottom to top. The potting adhesive finally overflows from the outlet hole of the image intensifier potting cap, realizing the complete filling of the adhesive inside the image intensifier.)

[0062] It should be noted that for components without special structural limitations, any component that can achieve the corresponding function in the existing technology is acceptable.

[0063] It should also be noted that the above-mentioned settings, installations, connections, and fixations can be made using, but are not limited to, bolts, threads, etc. Any existing fixed or movable connection scheme can be adapted, as long as the corresponding function can be achieved.

[0064] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-light image intensifier potting structure, characterized in that, It includes a sealing structure installed around the image intensifier (16), there is an adhesive inlet channel between the sealing structure and the outer wall of the image intensifier (16), the sealing structure is provided with an adhesive inlet, the bottom and side of the potting shell (12) of the image intensifier (16) are provided with adhesive inlets, and the potting cap (15) of the image intensifier (16) is provided with an adhesive outlet.

2. The low-light image intensifier potting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes a base (5) with a groove at the top, a lower sealing ring (4) installed at the bottom of the groove, and an upper sealing ring (3) fitted around the outside of the potting shell (12); the lower sealing ring (4) is arranged around the inner wall of the groove and fits tightly against the inner wall of the groove; the image intensifier (16) is placed in the groove of the base (5) and there is a first gap between its bottom and the lower sealing ring (4); the lower sealing ring (4) is provided with a first limiting structure for limiting the potting shell (12); one side of the upper end of the upper sealing ring (3) is close to the potting shell (12). The upper sealing ring (3) is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the base (5) on the other side, and the upper end of the upper sealing ring (3) is located above the glue inlet on the side of the potting shell (12); one side of the lower end of the upper sealing ring (3) is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the base (5), and the other side has a second gap with the outer wall of the potting shell (12). At the same time, the bottom of the lower end is tightly fitted to the upper end of the lower sealing ring (4), thereby forming a sealed cavity between the upper sealing ring (3), the lower sealing ring (4) and the potting shell (12); the first gap and the second gap form a glue inlet channel, which communicates with the glue inlet.

3. The low-light image intensifier potting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom side of the base (5) is provided with an injection port, which extends into the groove of the base (5) and passes through the lower sealing ring (4), and is connected to the glue inlet channel.

4. The low-light image intensifier potting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base (5) is a two-part splicing structure and is fixed by a clamp (10).

5. The low-light image intensifier potting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the groove of the base (5) is provided with a second limiting structure, which is used to limit the lower sealing ring (4) to prevent it from being displaced.

6. The low-light image intensifier potting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glue inlet on the side of the potting shell (12) is located at the waist of the potting shell (12).

7. The low-light image intensifier potting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The potting structure also includes a clamping device for applying downward pressure to the bare tube (9) of the image intensifier (16) so that the bottom of the bare tube (9) fits tightly against the bottom of the inner side of the potting housing (12).

8. The low-light image intensifier potting structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clamping device includes a capping ring (1) installed on the upper end of the potting housing (12) and a pressing device installed on the capping ring (1). The capping ring (1) is connected to the base (5) through an adjustable device. The upper end of the pressing device is installed on the capping ring (1), and the lower end penetrates the potting cap (15) of the image intensifier (16) and extends into the interior of the potting housing (12) to achieve non-damaging contact with the bare tube (9). By adjusting the adjustable device, a downward force is generated on the capping ring (1), which in turn generates a downward force on the pressing device, thereby generating downward pressure on the bare tube (9).

9. The low-light image intensifier potting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The structure also includes a disassembly device installed at the bottom of the base (5), which penetrates the bottom of the base (5) and contacts the lower sealing ring (4). By adjusting the disassembly device, an upward force is generated on the lower sealing ring (4), thereby removing the entire sealing structure from the base (5).

10. A potting method based on the potting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Step 1: The bare tube (9), high voltage power supply (11), potting shell (12) and potting cap (15) are initially assembled into an image intensifier (16). The bare tube (9) is radially limited by the tube shell structure and the inner wall of the potting shell (12). Step 2: The upper sealing ring (3) is press-fitted from the top of the image intensifier to the outside of the potting housing (12), and then the lower sealing ring (4) is installed through the first limiting structure. Step 3: Install half of the base (5) with the second limiting structure onto the component formed in step 2, then install the other half of the base (5) and lock it in place with clamps (10); Step 4: Install the clamping device on the component formed in step 3, and adjust the adjustable device to make the bottom of the bare tube (9) fit tightly against the bottom of the inner side of the potting shell (12); Step 5: Connect the outlet of the vacuum potting equipment to the injection port and perform vacuum pressure potting. The potting adhesive enters from each injection port and finally overflows from the outlet hole on the potting cap (15).

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