Controller for molecular pump

Abstract

The utility model discloses a controller for a molecular pump, and the controller comprises a shell which comprises a first shell, a second shell detachably connected with the first shell, a containing cavity formed between the first shell and the second shell, and a first sealing component arranged between the first shell and the second shell; the control module comprises a circuit board group fixed in the containing cavity, a first connector which is connected with the circuit board group and penetrates out of the first shell in a sealed mode, and a second connector which is connected with the circuit board group and penetrates out of the second shell in a sealed mode, and the first connector is used for being connected with the molecular pump so that the circuit board group can control the molecular pump; and the second connector is used for being connected with an upper computer, so that the circuit board group can receive and respond to a control signal of the upper computer. According to the sealed molecular pump controller, the sealing performance of the molecular pump controller can be effectively improved, and the influence of the external environment on the circuit board group in the molecular pump controller is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this utility model relate to the field of molecular pump products. More specifically, this utility model relates to a controller for a molecular pump. Background Technology

[0002] A molecular pump controller is a sophisticated electronic device specifically designed to regulate the operation of a molecular pump and monitor its working status in real time. The coordinated operation of this controller and the pump is crucial to ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the molecular pump; to achieve this, both the controller and the pump must maintain precise and stable performance.

[0003] In known molecular pump controllers, existing controllers include a housing and a control module. The housing includes a first housing, a second housing detachably connected to the first housing, and a receiving cavity formed between the first and second housings. The control module contains a circuit board assembly fixed within the receiving cavity. When using the molecular pump controller, the circuit board assembly needs to be connected to a power source and the molecular pump. It is responsible for providing power to the molecular pump motor, monitoring the operating status of the molecular pump, and precisely controlling the molecular pump based on monitoring feedback. The stable operation of the circuit board assembly is crucial for the normal operation of the molecular pump.

[0004] Although existing molecular pump controllers can meet the needs of most application scenarios, in some special environments, such as places with high humidity or dust, the circuit board assembly inside the controller may be adversely affected by the external environment, which may interfere with its stable operation and is not conducive to the long-term stable operation of the molecular pump controller. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, this invention provides a controller for a molecular pump. By improving existing molecular pump controllers, it aims to effectively enhance the sealing performance of the molecular pump controller, reduce the impact of the external environment on the internal circuit board assembly, and facilitate the long-term stable operation of the molecular pump controller.

[0006] According to the present invention, a controller for a molecular pump is provided, comprising: a housing including a first housing, a second housing detachably connected to the first housing, and a receiving cavity formed between the first housing and the second housing, and a first sealing member disposed between the first housing and the second housing; and a control module including a circuit board assembly fixed in the receiving cavity, a first connector connected to the circuit board assembly and sealingly extending out of the first housing, and a second connector connected to the circuit board assembly and sealingly extending out of the second housing, wherein the first connector is used to connect to the molecular pump so that the circuit board assembly can control the molecular pump, and the second connector is used to connect to a host computer so that the circuit board assembly can receive and respond to control signals from the host computer.

[0007] Furthermore, the second connector includes a mounting plate and an interface structure that is fixed through the mounting plate. The second housing has a second through hole that allows the interface structure to pass through. The mounting plate is fixed to the second housing by a connector and blocks the area in the through hole that is not occupied by the interface structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the circuit board assembly is fixed on the first housing, the second connector is fixed on the circuit board assembly, and the interface structure and the second through hole are fitted with a clearance fit.

[0009] Furthermore, the circuit board assembly includes a power board fixed on the first housing, and a control board stacked on the power board and electrically connected to the power board. The control board is connected to the first connector and receives control signals from the host computer through the first connector. The power board is connected to the second connector and can control the molecular pump through the second connector under the control of the control board.

[0010] Furthermore, the molecular pump controller also includes a thermally conductive pad disposed between the first housing and the power board.

[0011] Furthermore, the first connector includes a plug-in body with a positioning flange and a locking nut threadedly connected to the plug-in body. The first housing has a first through hole that allows the plug-in body to pass through. The locking nut is located outside the first housing, and the positioning flange is located outside the first housing. The locking nut and the first housing together block the area in the first through hole that is not occupied by the plug-in body.

[0012] Furthermore, a second sealing member is provided between the mounting plate and the second housing, and a third sealing member is provided between the positioning flange and the second housing.

[0013] Furthermore, the second housing also includes a screen opening, and the controller also includes a display screen disposed within the second housing and sealingly covering the screen opening, the display screen being electrically connected to the circuit board assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, the first housing and the second housing are connected by a fixing bolt that passes through the first housing and is screwed into a reserved threaded hole in the second housing.

[0015] Furthermore, the molecular pump controller also includes an assembly hole disposed in the first housing and the second housing and penetrating the first housing and the second housing, the first housing and the second housing being in sealed contact around the assembly hole.

[0016] This invention discloses a controller for a molecular pump. A first sealing member seals the cavity formed between a first housing and a second housing, and a first connector extends sealingly through the first housing. This ensures a seal between the first connector and the first housing while allowing the circuit board assembly to control the molecular pump's operation. Simultaneously, a second connector extends sealingly through the second housing, ensuring a seal between the second connector and the second housing while the circuit board assembly can receive and respond to control signals from the host computer. This molecular pump controller achieves its basic functions while ensuring a complete seal within the cavity, reducing the probability of the circuit board assembly being affected by the external environment, and improving the controller's environmental adaptability and service life. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sealed molecular pump controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of a hermetically sealed molecular pump controller is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The diagram shows the structural structure of the housing of a hermetically sealed molecular pump controller.

[0021] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the control module of the hermetic molecular pump controller.

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the thermally conductive pad of the hermetically sealed molecular pump controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Housing; 11. First housing; 111. First through hole; 12. Second housing; 121. Second through hole; 122. Screen opening; 123. Display screen; 124. Reserved threaded hole; 13. Receiving cavity; 15. Assembly hole; 2. Control module; 21. Circuit board assembly; 211. Power board; 212. Control board; 22. First connector; 221. Positioning flange; 222. Insertion body; 223. Locking nut; 23. Second connector; 231. Mounting plate; 232. Interface structure; 3. Thermal pad. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0025] This invention provides a controller for a molecular pump. The molecular pump, a type of vacuum pump, is primarily used to create ultra-vacuum environments and has wide applications in scientific research, instrument manufacturing, and semiconductor manufacturing. The molecular pump controller can monitor the operating status of the molecular pump and precisely control its start-up, acceleration, operation, and shutdown. This is crucial for ensuring the molecular pump operates at its optimal condition and preventing damage due to improper operation.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the molecular pump controller includes a housing 1, which comprises a first housing 11, a second housing 12 connected to the first housing 11 via a detachable connection such as a snap-fit ​​or bolt connection, a receiving cavity 13 formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, and a first sealing member disposed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The first sealing member includes at least a sealing ring or cured sealant. When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are connected, the first sealing member seals the gap at the connection point between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The molecular pump controller also includes assembly holes 15 on the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 that penetrate the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, a reserved threaded hole 124 opened in the second housing 12, and a fixing bolt that penetrates the first housing 11 and is screwed into the reserved threaded hole 124, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the molecular pump controller also includes a control module 2, which is disposed in the receiving cavity 13 of the housing 1. Specifically, the control module 2 includes a circuit board assembly 21 fixed in the receiving cavity 13, a first connector 22 connected to the circuit board assembly 21 and sealingly extending out of the first housing 11, and a second connector 23 connected to the circuit board assembly 21 and sealingly extending out of the second housing 12. The first connector 22 is used to connect to the molecular pump so that the circuit board assembly 21 can control the molecular pump, and the second connector 23 is used to connect to a host computer so that the circuit board assembly 21 can receive and respond to control signals from the host computer.

[0028] Based on the above description, the molecular pump sealer uses a first sealing member to seal the receiving cavity 13 formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, and allows the first connector 22 to pass through the first housing 11 in a sealed manner. This ensures the seal between the first connector 22 and the first housing 11 while enabling the circuit board assembly 21 to control the working state of the molecular pump. Simultaneously, the second connector 23 passes through the second housing 12 in a sealed manner, ensuring the seal between the second connector 23 and the second housing 12 while allowing the circuit board assembly 21 to receive and respond to control signals from the host computer. This molecular pump controller achieves its basic functions while ensuring a complete seal within the receiving cavity 13, reducing the probability of the circuit board assembly 21 inside the molecular pump controller being affected by the external environment, and improving the environmental adaptability and service life of the molecular pump controller.

[0029] In this embodiment, the circuit board assembly 21 includes a power board 211 fixed on the first housing 11, and a control board 212 fixed on and electrically connected to the power board 211. The power board 211 is used to electrically connect to the molecular pump via a first connector 22 passing through the first housing 11, and to connect to a host computer via a second connector 23 passing through the second housing 12, while simultaneously receiving electrical energy (e.g., 380V or 220V AC mains power). The control board 212 controls the power board 211 to adjust the received electrical energy to a suitable level for controlling the molecular pump (e.g., 24V, 48V, 72V, or 110V DC) before supplying power to the molecular pump.

[0030] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the power board 211 and the control board 212 are fixed in a stacked manner, ensuring the high integration of the circuit board assembly 21. A thermally conductive pad 3 is filled between the first housing 11 and the power board 211. The thermally conductive pad 3 absorbs the heat generated on the power board 211 and conducts it to the outside of the first housing, which helps improve the heat dissipation of the molecular pump controller. The thermally conductive pad 3 also has a certain buffering effect, reducing the probability of damage to internal components of the circuit board assembly 21 due to vibration during installation, disassembly, handling, and operation. The control board 212 is connected to the first connector 22 and receives control signals from the host computer through the first connector 22. The power board 211 is connected to the second connector 23 and can control the molecular pump through the second connector 23 under the control of the control board 212.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first connector 22 can be an aviation plug or aviation socket and includes a plug-in body 222 and a locking nut 223 threadedly connected to the plug-in body 222. The first housing 11 has a first through hole 111 that allows the plug-in body 222 to pass through. The locking nut 223 and the first housing 11 together seal the area in the first through hole 111 not occupied by the plug-in body 222. When the first connector 22 is installed, the plug-in body 222 passes through the first through hole 111 of the first housing 11, and the locking nut 223 then seals the area in the first through hole 111 not occupied by the plug-in body 222, ensuring the sealing of the receiving cavity 13.

[0032] In this embodiment, the second connector 23 includes at least a mounting plate 231 and an interface structure 232, such as a DP interface, VGA interface, HDMI interface, or USB interface, that is fixed through the mounting plate 231. The second housing 12 has a second through hole 121 that allows the interface structure 232 to pass through. The mounting plate 231 is fixed to the second housing 12 by connectors such as bolts or screws, and blocks the area in the second through hole 121 not occupied by the interface structure 232. When the second connector 23 is installed, the interface structure 232 passes through the second through hole 121 of the second housing 12. The mounting plate 231, while being fixed to the second housing 12, simultaneously blocks the area in the second through hole 121 not occupied by the interface structure 232, ensuring the airtightness of the receiving cavity 13.

[0033] As an example, circuit board assembly 21 is fixed to the first housing 11, and the second connector 23 is fixed to the circuit board assembly 21. The interface structure 232 and the second through hole 121 are fitted with a clearance fit. During installation, the circuit board assembly 21 is first installed on the first housing 11. When installing the second housing 12, the second housing 12 is kept at an angle of 30° to 60° relative to the first housing 11. The interface structure 232 is first passed through the second through hole 121 on the second housing 12. After adjusting the angle of the second housing 12 relative to the first housing 11, the second housing 12 is then fastened to the first housing 11. The clearance fit between the interface structure 232 and the second through hole 121 allows the circuit board assembly 21 in the receiving cavity 13 to maintain high integration while the interface structure 232 can smoothly pass through the second through hole 121 when the second housing 12 is installed, without colliding with the second housing 12 or the circuit board assembly 21.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first connector 22 can be an aviation plug or aviation socket and includes a plug body 222 with a positioning flange 221 and a locking nut 223 threadedly connected to the plug body 222. The first housing 11 has a first through hole 111 that allows the plug body 222 to pass through. The locking nut 223 is located outside the first housing 11, and the positioning flange 221 is also located outside the first housing 11. The locking nut 223 and the first housing 11 together block the area in the first through hole 111 not occupied by the plug body 222. When the first connector 22 is installed, the plug body 222 passes through the first through hole 111 of the first housing 11, and the locking nut 223 then blocks the area in the first through hole 111 not occupied by the plug body 222, ensuring the sealing of the receiving cavity 13.

[0035] Preferably, a second sealing member is provided between the mounting plate 231 and the second housing 12, and a third sealing member is provided between the positioning flange 221 and the second housing 12. Both the second and third sealing members can be sealing rings or cured sealant. The second and third sealing members can enhance the sealing performance in the molecular pump controller housing 13, further reducing the probability of damage to the components installed in the molecular pump controller housing 13.

[0036] More preferably, the second housing 12 further includes a screen opening 122 formed on any side wall, the screen opening 122 preferably being located at the center of the side wall of the second housing 12 opposite to the first housing 11. The controller also includes a display screen 123 disposed within the second housing 12 and sealingly covering the screen opening 122, which is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly 21.

[0037] In summary, by improving upon existing molecular pump controllers, this molecular pump controller can effectively enhance the sealing performance of the molecular pump controller, reduce the impact of the external environment on the internal circuit board assembly 21 of the molecular pump controller, and help maintain the long-term stable operation of the molecular pump controller.

[0038] In the foregoing description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "fixed," "installed," "connected," or "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, the term "linked" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly limited in this application, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] Based on the above description of this application, those skilled in the art will also understand that the terms used, such as "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings of this application. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or element involved must have the specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in the specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms cannot be understood or interpreted as a limitation on the present invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" or "second," etc., used in this application to refer to numbers or ordinal numbers are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as explicitly or implicitly indicating relative importance or specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of the present invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed in the practice of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the present invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A controller for a molecular pump, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a first housing, a second housing detachably connected to the first housing, a receiving cavity formed between the first housing and the second housing, and a first sealing member disposed between the first housing and the second housing; as well as A control module includes a circuit board assembly fixed in the receiving cavity, a first connector connected to the circuit board assembly and sealingly extending out of the first housing, and a second connector connected to the circuit board assembly and sealingly extending out of the second housing, wherein the first connector is used to connect to the molecular pump so that the circuit board assembly can control the molecular pump, and the second connector is used to connect to a host computer so that the circuit board assembly can receive and respond to control signals from the host computer.

2. The controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector includes a mounting plate and an interface structure that is fixed through the mounting plate. The second housing has a second through hole that allows the interface structure to pass through. The mounting plate is fixed to the second housing by a connector and blocks the area in the through hole that is not occupied by the interface structure.

3. The controller according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board assembly is fixed on the first housing, the second connector is fixed on the circuit board assembly, and the interface structure and the second through hole are fitted with a clearance fit.

4. The controller according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board assembly includes a power board fixed on the first housing and a control board stacked on the power board and electrically connected to the power board. The control board is connected to the first connector and receives control signals from the host computer through the first connector. The power board is connected to the second connector and can control the molecular pump through the second connector under the control of the control board.

5. The controller according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a thermally conductive pad disposed between the first housing and the power board.

6. The controller according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connector includes a plug body with a positioning flange and a locking nut threadedly connected to the plug body. The first housing has a first through hole that allows the plug body to pass through. The locking nut is located outside the first housing, and the positioning flange is located outside the first housing. The locking nut and the first housing together block the area in the first through hole that is not occupied by the plug body.

7. The controller according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second sealing member is provided between the mounting plate and the second housing, and a third sealing member is provided between the positioning flange and the second housing.

8. The controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing also includes a screen opening, and the controller also includes a display screen disposed within the second housing and sealingly covering the screen opening, the display screen being electrically connected to the circuit board assembly.

9. The controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing are connected by a fixing bolt that passes through the first housing and is screwed into a reserved threaded hole in the second housing.

10. The controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an assembly hole provided in the first housing and the second housing and penetrating the first housing and the second housing, the first housing and the second housing being in sealed contact around the assembly hole.

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