Balancing in an x-ray tube

Abstract

The present invention relates to an X-ray tube with an active balancing arrangement. In order to provide improved balancing for a minimized imbalance during operation, an X-ray tube (10) with an active balancing arrangement (12) is provided, comprising a rotating anode arrangement (14), a bearing arrangement (20, 22, 24), a driving arrangement (26, 28, 30) for rotating the anode arrangement, an imbalance detection arrangement (32), and active balancing means (34, 36, 38, 40, 42). The bearing arrangement is provided as a fixed bearing of the rotating anode arrangement for supporting the rotating anode arrangement. The imbalance detection arrangement is configured to detect an imbalance of the anode. The active balancing means are electro-magnetic balancing means configured to provide a magnetic field and to apply magnetic eccentricity forces to the rotating arrangement.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates to active balancing of X-ray tubes, and in particular to X-ray tubes with active balancing structures, to X-ray imaging systems, to methods for active balancing rotation of anodes of X-ray tubes, and to computer program elements, and to computer-readable media. Background technique [0002] In X-ray tubes with rotating anode structures, imbalances can be caused by eccentricity. This can be caused eg by rotation or mechanical eccentricity of the main part, or also by radial runout of the shaft due to rotation, for example. During production, ie during assembly of the X-ray tube, mechanical eccentricity can be reduced by balancing on two levels. Also, for example, WO 2011 / 039662 describes the adjustment of the eccentricity after final assembly. However, the handling and operation of the X-ray tube also induces thermomechanical stress on the rotating parts, mainly the anode disk. This can lead to an additional increase...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the handling and operation of the X-ray tube also induces thermomechanical stress on the rotating parts (mainly the anode disk)

This can lead to an additional increase in mechanical eccentricity

Still further, in relation to computed tomography equipment, where high rotational frequencies are required, in addition to the rotation of the gantry around the object, vibrations caused by imbalance can lead to rotordynamic problems in the X-ray tube itself, and can also cause system high noise level

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