Patent attributes
A gate valve apparatus includes a valve body to open and close a target object transfer port in a vacuum processing system. The valve body is reciprocated in a first direction relative to the transfer port. A support rod is connected to the valve body and extends in the first direction. A driving mechanism is configured to drive the valve body through the support rod. The driving mechanism includes a movable shaft structure reciprocated in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A first cam structure coupling the movable shaft structure to the support rod includes a portion that converts reciprocation movement of the movable shaft structure in the second direction into reciprocation movement of the support rod in the first direction. A swing drive is configured to swing the support rod and valve body about the central axis of the movable shaft structure.
