X-ray generating apparatus and x-ray imaging apparatus

Abstract

The X-ray generating apparatus includes: an X-ray generating tube, a cathode including an electron emission portion, and an anode including a target; a driving circuit configured to drive the X-ray generating tube, and an accommodating container configured to accommodate the X-ray generating tube and the driving circuit. The accommodating container defines a first space storing the driving circuit, and a second space protruding from the first space and storing at least a portion of the X-ray generating tube, the accommodating container including a protruding portion surrounding the second space. The second space includes a third space in which the X-rays from the target enter without being blocked by the cathode or the anode, and a fourth space in which the X-rays from the target are blocked by one of the cathode and the anode, in which the first insulating member is disposed spaced apart from the insulating tube and the accommodating container so as to surround the insulating tube, the first insulating member is not disposed in the third space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray generating device and an X-ray imaging device. Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 describes an X-ray generating device including an X-ray generating tube, a tube driving circuit that drives the X-ray generating tube, and a container that houses the X-ray generating tube and the tube driving circuit. The container is filled with an insulating liquid, and the insulating liquid ensures insulation performance between the X-ray generating tube and the tube driving circuit.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-103451 Summary of the Invention

[0006] When an X-ray generating device is used for extended periods, abnormal discharge may occur in the X-ray generating tube. The present inventors have discovered that this abnormal discharge occurs between the cathode and anode of the X-ray generating tube via the outer surface of the insulating tube. This abnormal discharge can cause the X-ray generating device to stop or malfunction.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a technique that is advantageous in suppressing the occurrence of abnormal discharge in an X-ray generating device.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to an X-ray generating device, and the X-ray generating device includes: an X-ray generating tube, the X-ray generating tube including an insulating tube, a cathode, and an anode, the insulating tube having a first open end and a second open end, the cathode being arranged to close the first open end of the insulating tube and including an electron emitting portion, the anode being arranged to close the second open end and including a target, the target generating X-rays when electrons from the electron emitting portion collide; a driving circuit configured to drive the X-ray generating tube, and a accommodating container configured to accommodate the X-ray generating tube and the driving circuit, wherein the accommodating container has a third open end, and the X-ray generating tube is arranged to close the third open end, the accommodating container is filled with an insulating liquid, the accommodating container defining a first space and a second space, the first The drive circuit is stored in the space, the second space protrudes from the first space and stores at least a portion of the X-ray generating tube, the accommodating container includes a protruding portion surrounding the second space, and one end of the second space forms the third open end, the second space includes a third space and a fourth space, X-rays from the target enter the third space without being blocked by the cathode or the anode, and in the fourth space, the X-rays from the target are blocked by one of the cathode and the anode, and in the fourth space, a first insulating member is arranged to surround the insulating tube and the accommodating container, the first insulating member is not arranged in the third space, the outer surface of the insulating tube has a first area, the first area is not surrounded by the first insulating member, and the first area is surrounded by the second insulating member, and the second insulating member is arranged to contact the first area.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention provides an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: an X-ray generating device as defined in the first aspect; and an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of a conventional X-ray generating device for explaining the basic arrangement of the X-ray generating device according to the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram exemplarily and schematically showing the arrangement of an X-ray generating device according to a first embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram exemplarily and schematically showing the arrangement of an X-ray generating device according to a second embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram exemplarily and schematically showing the arrangement of an X-ray generating apparatus according to a third embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagram exemplarily and schematically showing the arrangement of an X-ray generating apparatus according to a fourth embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the occurrence of abnormal discharge;

[0016] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a triboelectric series in triboelectrification with an insulating liquid;

[0017] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a problem in the X-ray generating apparatus according to the fifth embodiment;

[0018] Figure 9 is a diagram exemplarily and schematically showing the arrangement of an X-ray generating apparatus according to a fifth embodiment;

[0019] Figure 10 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of a first modification of the X-ray generating device according to the fifth embodiment;

[0020] Figure 11 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of a second modification of the X-ray generating device according to the fifth embodiment; and

[0021] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but this does not limit the invention to one requiring all such features, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0023] First, refer to Figure 1The basic arrangement of the X-ray generating device 100 according to the present disclosure is described. The X-ray generating device 100 may include an X-ray generating tube 1 and a container 50 that contains the X-ray generating tube 1. The X-ray generating device 100 may further include a driving circuit 40 that drives the X-ray generating tube 1, and the driving circuit 40 is contained in the container 50 and may be connected to the X-ray generating tube 1 via a cable 42. A portion of the X-ray generating tube 1 (the anode 20 to be described later) may be exposed to the external space of the container 50 (the external space of the X-ray generating device 100). The internal space of the container 50 is filled with an insulating liquid 60. From another point of view, except for the space occupied by the components (X-ray generating tube 1, cable 42, etc.) contained in the container 50, the internal space of the container 50 is filled with the insulating liquid 60. The insulating liquid 60 may be, for example, an insulating oil such as mineral oil or chemical synthetic oil. Alternatively, the insulating liquid 60 may be a liquid other than insulating oil, for example, a fluorine-based inert liquid (e.g., Fluorinert TM ).

[0024] The X-ray generating tube 1 may include an insulating tube 10, a cathode 30, and an anode 20. A vacuum is maintained in the interior space of the X-ray generating tube 1. The insulating tube 10 may have a first open end OP1 and a second open end OP2. The insulating tube 10 may have a tubular shape, such as a cylindrical shape. The insulating tube 10 may be configured to provide vacuum tightness and insulation of the interior space of the insulating tube 10. The insulating tube 10 may be made of, for example, a ceramic material primarily containing aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide. Alternatively, the insulating tube 10 may be made of a glass material, such as borosilicate glass.

[0025] The cathode 30 may be arranged to seal the first open end OP1 of the insulating tube 10. The cathode 30 includes an electron emitting portion 32. The cathode 30 includes a member having a cathode potential that does not contact the insulating liquid 60. The anode 20 may be arranged to seal the second open end OP2 of the insulating tube 10. The anode 20 may include a target 23 that generates X-rays when electrons from the electron emitting portion 32 collide with it. The anode 20 may include a target holding plate 22 that holds the target 23 and an electrode 21 that supports the target holding plate 22. The electrode 21 is formed of a conductor and is electrically connected to the target 23 to apply a potential to the target 23. The anode 20 and the container 50 may be maintained at, for example, ground potential, but may be maintained at another potential. The target 23 may be made of a material with a high melting point and high X-ray generation efficiency, such as tungsten, tantalum, or molybdenum. The target holding plate 22 may be made of a material that easily transmits X-rays, such as beryllium or diamond.

[0026] The storage container 50 may have a third open end OP3. The storage container 50 may include, for example, a first portion 52, a second portion 53, a third portion 54, a fourth portion 55, and a fifth portion 56. The first portion 52 may have a tubular shape, such as a cylindrical shape. The first portion 52 may define the third open end OP3 of the storage container 50. In other words, the first portion 52 may include the third open end OP3. The second portion 53 is formed of a conductor and is electrically connected to the anode 20 of the X-ray generating tube 1. It will be understood that the second portion 53, together with the electrode 21, forms the anode. The second portion 53 may have an annular shape or a frame shape. The second portion 53 may be arranged to contact the insulating liquid 60. Alternatively, a conductive member including the electrode 21 and the second portion 53 may be arranged to contact the insulating liquid 60. The electrode 21 and the second portion 53 may be formed as a single component of the same material. The fourth portion 55 may have a tubular shape, such as a cylindrical or rectangular tubular shape. The third portion 54 is connected to one end of the fourth portion 55 and may have an annular shape or a frame shape. The first portion 52 may be connected to the third portion 54 to protrude from the third portion 54. The fifth portion 56 may be connected to the other end of the fourth portion 55. Alternatively, the third portion 54, the fourth portion 55, and the fifth portion 56 may be integrated to have a hollow spherical shape except for the joining portion with the first portion 52.

[0027] The insulating liquid 60 can cause convection in the interior space of the container 50. When the entire outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 contacts the insulating liquid 60, the insulating tube 10 and the insulating liquid 60 can become charged due to friction between the insulating liquid 60 and the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10. This charging is called triboelectric charging. Generally, triboelectric charging refers to a phenomenon in which friction between two different types of materials causes charge to move between the two types of materials, resulting in one material being charged positively and the other being charged negatively. The inventors conducted an experiment in which the potential of the outer surface of the insulating tube was measured using a surface potentiometer after the insulating tube was left in the convection of insulating oil (insulating liquid). The results confirmed that the outer surface of the insulating tube was charged positively and the amount of charge increased proportionally with time. The polarity of the charge caused by friction depends on the properties of the materials being rubbed together. Examples of material properties include the triboelectric series and relative permittivity. Figure 7 An example of the triboelectric series for insulating oil is shown. The triboelectric series indicates the order in which materials undergoing friction are charged, either positively or negatively, and how easily they are charged. In the triboelectric series, materials on the positive side are more likely to be charged positively, while materials on the negative side are more likely to be charged negatively.

[0028] When the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 is charged with positive polarity, the insulation performance between the cathode 30 and the anode 20 is reduced. The insulation performance between the cathode 30 and the anode 20 may depend on the potential difference between the cathode 30 and the anode 20, the resistance between the cathode 30 and the anode 20, the distance between the cathode 30 and the anode 20, etc. As a result of the experiment, it was found that when the insulating tube 10 is charged with positive polarity, such as Figure 6 As schematically indicated by the thick arrow in FIG, cathode 30 and anode 20 are short-circuited via outer surface 14 of insulating tube 10. Furthermore, as a result of experiments, it was found that when outer surface 14 of insulating tube 10, cathode 30, and insulating liquid 60 form a triple point, abnormal discharge is likely to occur due to electron avalanche.

[0029] The following will be Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The various embodiments shown in the drawings exemplarily describe the X-ray generating device 100 of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Describe the basic arrangement.

[0030] Figure 2 The arrangement of an X-ray generating device 100 according to the first embodiment is illustratively and schematically shown. The container 50 can be filled with insulating liquid 60 to contact a portion of the anode (e.g., the second portion 53) and cover the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 and the outer surface 34 of the cathode 30. In the X-ray generating device 100 of the first embodiment, at least a portion of the insulating tube 10 is surrounded by a member 72 to reduce abnormal discharge between the cathode 30 and the anode 20 via the insulating tube 10. The member 72 can be made of an insulating material. More specifically, in the X-ray generating device 100 of the first embodiment, the entire area of ​​the outer surface 34 of the insulating tube 10 can be surrounded by the member 72. From another perspective, the entire area of ​​the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 can be covered by the member 72. In addition to the entire area of ​​the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10, the entire area of ​​the outer surface 34 of the cathode 30 can also be covered by the member 72. The first embodiment is effective in preventing the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10, the cathode 30, and the insulating liquid 60 from forming a triple point, thereby reducing the occurrence of abnormal discharge.

[0031] In order to reduce abnormal discharge between the cathode 30 and the anode 20 via the insulating tube 10, the material of the member 72 is determined so that the friction between the member 72 and the insulating liquid 60 causes the member 72 to be charged to negative polarity and the insulating liquid 60 to be charged to positive polarity. In the case of using insulating oil as the insulating liquid 60, for example, Figure 7The material of the component 72 is selected so that the friction between the component 72 and the insulating oil causes the component 72 to be charged to a negative polarity. TM ), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin), epoxy resin and fluororubber (for example, Viton TM The member 72 is arranged to cover the entire area of ​​the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 and the entire area of ​​the outer surface 34 of the cathode 30, and for example, a mold method, a spray method, a dipping method, etc. can be applied accordingly.

[0032] To reduce abnormal discharge between cathode 30 and anode 20 via insulating tube 10, the material of member 72 can be determined so that the difference in relative permittivity between member 72 and insulating liquid 60 is smaller than the difference in relative permittivity between member 72 and insulating tube 10. For example, member 72 can be made of Viton rubber (relative permittivity of 3) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (relative permittivity of 2.1), while insulating tube 10 can be made of borosilicate glass (relative permittivity of 4.9) or alumina (relative permittivity of 9). The fact that the difference in relative permittivity between member 72 and insulating liquid 60 is smaller than the difference in relative permittivity between member 72 and insulating tube 10 can be evaluated at the temperature at which X-rays are generated or at room temperature (e.g., 25°C). However, there is no significant difference between the former and the latter.

[0033] A preferred mold method for forming the member 72 so as to cover the X-ray generating tube 1 (the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 and the outer surface 34 of the cathode 30) will now be described. The material of the member 72 (i.e., the covering material) is obtained by kneading the main agent and the hardening auxiliary agent in advance using a kneading device so as not to contain bubbles, and can be kept at a constant temperature to maintain appropriate flow. In the case of an epoxy resin, the temperature is, for example, about 100°C, but the temperature can be appropriately determined according to the material to be used. The covering material can be poured into a container that is larger than the X-ray generating tube 1 to be covered. At this time, due to the temperature difference between the container and the covering material, the covering material can be rapidly cooled, thereby degrading the fluidity of the covering material. In order to prevent this, it is desirable to preheat the container. After the covering material poured into the container is caused to overflow from the container, the covering material can be solidified at an appropriate cooling rate and temperature distribution so as not to cause problems such as shrinkage.

[0034] In the X-ray generating tube 1, a high voltage is applied between the anode 20 and the cathode 30. Therefore, if bubbles with a low dielectric constant are present in the member 72 made of the covering material, the electric field concentrates on the bubbles, thereby inducing abnormal discharge. To avoid this, the space where the covering material is filled can be evacuated in advance using a vacuum pump to achieve a vacuum level of approximately several hundred to several thousand Pa. Furthermore, to improve the adhesion between the covering material and the X-ray generating tube 1, the X-ray generating tube 1 can be covered with the member 72 after applying a primer material to the surface of the X-ray generating tube 1 or forming irregularities through sandblasting. From the perspective of heat dissipation from the X-ray generating tube 1, the thickness of the member 72 is desirably small. For example, the thickness of the member 72 is preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less. For example, the thickness of the member 72 is preferably 0.3 mm or greater, and more preferably 0.5 mm or greater.

[0035] Figure 3 The arrangement of the X-ray generating device 100 according to the second embodiment is illustratively and schematically shown. Matters not mentioned in the second embodiment may follow those of the first embodiment or reference numerals. Figure 1 The basic arrangement described above. The member 72 may be arranged to cover the contact portion C between the cathode 30 and the insulating tube 10. Furthermore, the member 72 may be arranged to cover the cathode 30. The second embodiment is also effective in preventing the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10, the cathode 30, and the insulating liquid 60 from forming a triple point, thereby enabling the occurrence of abnormal discharge to be reduced.

[0036] Figure 4 The arrangement of the X-ray generating device 100 according to the third embodiment is illustratively and schematically shown. Matters not mentioned in the third embodiment may follow the first or second embodiment or reference numerals. Figure 1 The basic arrangement described. In the third embodiment, an intermediate layer 75 is provided between the component 72 and the insulating tube 10. The intermediate layer 75 can be made of an insulating material. The intermediate layer 75 can be configured to cover the insulating tube 10. The component 72 can be configured to cover the intermediate layer 75. The intermediate layer 75 can be made of, for example, Kovar glass, nylon, and at least one of a mixture containing a metal oxide containing silicon dioxide as a main component. Providing the intermediate layer 75 is advantageous in, for example, forming a smooth surface to cover the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10. Forming the intermediate layer 75 is advantageous in suppressing the entry of foreign matter between the particles forming the insulating tube 10. As a result, the creepage withstand voltage on the surface of the component 72 arranged to cover the insulating tube 10 can be increased. This can prevent abnormal discharge, thereby increasing the life of the X-ray generating device 100.

[0037] Figure 5The arrangement of the X-ray generating device 100 according to the fourth embodiment is exemplarily and schematically shown. Matters not mentioned in the fourth embodiment may follow the first to third embodiments or reference numerals. Figure 1 The basic arrangement described above. In the fourth embodiment, the member 72 may include an annular portion. Alternatively, the member 72 may be an annular portion. The annular portion may surround the entire circumference of a portion of the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 in the axial direction (which is the axial direction of the insulating tube 10 and also the direction in which the electron beam is emitted from the electron emitting portion 32). The outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 may contact the insulating liquid 60 in areas other than the area surrounded by the member 72. The shortest distance between the member 72 and the cathode 30 is preferably less than the shortest distance between the member 72 and the anode 20. The insulating tube 10 may be surrounded by multiple members 72 (annular portions). Multiple members 72 may be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the insulating tube 10. The member 72 may be formed of, for example, Viton rubber. Even if the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 is charged with positive polarity, when the member 72 is charged with negative polarity, the amount of positive polarity charge on the entire outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 can be reduced. This can reduce the occurrence of abnormal discharge.

[0038] Figure 9 The arrangement of the X-ray generating device 100 according to the fifth embodiment is exemplarily and schematically shown. Matters not mentioned in the fifth embodiment may follow the first to fourth embodiments or reference numerals. Figure 1 The basic arrangement described above. The container 50 can define a first space SP1 for storing the drive circuit 40, and a second space SP2 that protrudes from the first space SP1 and stores at least a portion of the X-ray generating tube 1. Another portion of the X-ray generating tube 1 can be arranged in the first space SP1. The third portion 54, the fourth portion 55, and the fifth portion 56 can define the first space SP1. On the other hand, the first portion 52 and the second portion 53 can define the second space SP2. One end of the second space SP2 can form a third open end OP3. The first portion 52 can form a protruding portion that protrudes from the third portion 54. The second space SP2 protrudes from the first space SP1 and can have a third open end OP3.

[0039] The X-rays generated in the target 23 can be emitted in all directions. Therefore, the X-rays generated in the target 23 include rear X-rays 105 in addition to the X-rays emitted to the outside of the X-ray generating device 100 and irradiated to the measurement target object. The rear X-rays 105 are X-rays that travel toward the inside of the X-ray generating device 100 (for example, the cathode 30 or the insulating tube 10).

[0040] In order to improve the insulation performance between the X-ray generating tube 1 and the first portion 52, it is conceivable to form a space between the X-ray generating tube 1 and the first portion 52 (ie, in the space between the X-ray generating tube 1 and the first portion 52). Figure 8 The first insulating member 73 is disposed in the second space SP2 shown in FIG. The first insulating member 73 may be spaced apart from the first portion 52 and the X-ray generating tube 1. The first insulating member 73 may be connected to a third insulating member 77 disposed in the first space SP1 to surround the driving circuit 40. The third insulating member 77 may be spaced apart from the receiving container 50.

[0041] Each of the first insulating member 73 and the third insulating member 77 can be made of one of polytetrafluoroethylene, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin), epoxy resin, polycarbonate, glass and ceramic. Each of the first insulating member 73 and the third insulating member 77 can be formed by a resin-impregnated glass fabric laminate (e.g., a laminate or a laminate tube) formed by thermoforming. The resin-impregnated glass fabric laminate can be formed by, for example, laminating or winding members (prepregs) and then performing thermoforming, and these members (prepregs) are prepared by impregnating glass non-woven fabrics in a resin such as epoxy resin or phenolic resin. Each of the first insulating member 73 and the third insulating member 77 can be made of, for example, glass epoxy resin. Each of the first insulating member 73 and the third insulating member 77 preferably has a volume resistivity of 1×10 5 Insulation of Ωm or greater.

[0042] As in having Figure 8 As a result of continued X-ray generation in the X-ray generating device 100 of the arrangement shown in FIG, a problem occurred in which abnormal discharge occurred between the first insulating member 73 and the X-ray generating tube 1. Upon investigation of the cause, it was discovered that the abnormal discharge occurred in the portion of the first insulating member 73 irradiated by the rear X-rays 105. Further investigation revealed that the first insulating member 73 had become charged due to irradiation with the rear X-rays 105, and abnormal discharge occurred between the first insulating member 73 and the portion of the X-ray generating tube 1 facing the first insulating member 73. However, if a space without the first insulating member 73 is provided in the portion irradiated by the rear X-rays 105, the insulation performance between the X-ray generating tube 1 and the first portion 52 is degraded.

[0043] In order to solve this problem, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 9As illustrated in FIG, the arrangement area of ​​the first insulating member 73 is limited, and the second insulating member 74 is added. For ease of description, the second space SP2 is defined as a space including a third space SP3 and a fourth space SP4. The third space SP3 is a space into which X-rays from the target 23 (rear X-rays 105) enter without being blocked by the cathode 30 or the anode 20. The fourth space SP4 is a space into which X-rays from the target 23 (rear X-rays 105) are blocked by one of the cathode 30 and the anode 20 (i.e., a space into which X-rays from the target 23 do not enter). In the fifth embodiment, in the fourth space SP4, the first insulating member 73 is spaced apart from the insulating tube 10 and the storage container 50 to surround the insulating tube 10, and the first insulating member 73 is not arranged in the third space SP3. The outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 has a first region R1 that is not surrounded by the first insulating member 73, and the first region R1 is surrounded by the second insulating member 74, which is arranged to contact the first region R1. Here, the entire first region R1 is preferably surrounded by the second insulating member 74 .

[0044] The outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10 has a second region R2 between the first region R1 and the cathode 30, and the first insulating member 73 can be arranged to surround the entire second region R2. The first insulating member 73 can be arranged to extend from the fourth space SP4, which is a portion of the second space SP2, to the first space SP1. The second insulating member 74 can include a ring-shaped portion. The second insulating member 74 can be made of one of polytetrafluoroethylene, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin), and epoxy resin.

[0045] like Figure 10 As illustrated in FIG, the second insulating member 74 is preferably arranged to cover the contact portion (boundary) between the cathode 30 and the insulating tube 10. From another perspective, the second insulating member 74 can be arranged to cover at least a portion of the cathode 30, and preferably the entire cathode 30. The second insulating member 74 is preferably arranged to cover the entire outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10. Similar to the member 72 in the first embodiment, the second insulating member 74 can be arranged on the first region R1 by a molding method, a spraying method, a dipping method, or the like to cover the outer surface 14 of the insulating tube 10.

[0046] like Figure 8The manufacturing method of the X-ray generating device 100 illustrated in may include a step of inserting a first insulating member 73 into a gap between the X-ray generating tube 1 and the first portion 52. In this step, if the first insulating member 73 contacts or collides with the X-ray generating tube 1 or the first portion 52, these members may be deformed, or particles may be generated due to friction. This deformation and generation of particles may reduce the breakdown voltage performance and cause abnormal discharge. In particular, the larger the size of the first insulating member 73 in the direction of electron emission (the axial direction of the X-ray generating tube 1), the more likely these problems are to occur, and this may reduce the yield of the X-ray generating device 100. Therefore, as Figure 9 Reducing the size of the first insulating member 73 in the direction of electron emission (the axial direction of the X-ray generating tube 1 ) as illustrated in FIG. 1 is advantageous in improving the yield of the X-ray generating device 100 .

[0047] like Figure 11 As illustrated in FIG, the entire insulating tube 10 (or X-ray generating tube 1) can be disposed in the second space SP2. In other words, the size of the insulating tube 10 (or X-ray generating tube 1) in the direction of electron emission (the axial direction of the X-ray generating tube 1) can be smaller than the size of the first portion 52. In this case, the cable 42 can be located at the boundary between the first space 1 and the second space 2.

[0048] In the fifth embodiment, insulation measures may also be taken between the cathode 30 and the anode 20 as in the first and fourth embodiments.

[0049] Figure 12 The arrangement of an X-ray imaging apparatus 200 according to an embodiment is shown. The X-ray imaging apparatus 200 may include an X-ray generating apparatus 100 and an X-ray detecting apparatus 110, wherein the X-ray detecting apparatus 110 detects X-rays 104 emitted from the X-ray generating apparatus 100 and transmitted through an object 106. The X-ray imaging apparatus 200 may also include a control apparatus 120 and a display apparatus 130. The X-ray detecting apparatus 110 may include an X-ray detector 112 and a signal processing unit 114. The control apparatus 120 may control the X-ray generating apparatus 100 and the X-ray detecting apparatus 110. The X-ray detector 112 detects or images the X-rays 104 emitted from the X-ray generating apparatus 100 and transmitted through the object 106. The signal processing unit 114 may process signals output from the X-ray detector 112 and supply the processed signals to the control apparatus 120. The control apparatus 120 displays an image on the display apparatus 130 based on the signals supplied from the signal processing unit 114.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention, the following claims are made.

Claims

1. An X-ray generating device, comprising: an X-ray generating tube comprising an insulating tube having a first open end and a second open end, a cathode arranged to close the first open end of the insulating tube and comprising an electron emitting portion, and an anode arranged to close the second open end and comprising a target that generates X-rays when electrons from the electron emitting portion collide with the target; a driving circuit configured to drive the X-ray generating tube, and a housing container configured to house the X-ray generating tube and the driving circuit, wherein the accommodating container has a third open end, and the X-ray generating tube is arranged to close the third open end, The receiving container is filled with insulating liquid, The housing container defines a first space and a second space, the first space storing the driving circuit, the second space protruding from the first space and storing at least a portion of the X-ray generating tube, The receiving container includes a protruding portion surrounding the second space, and one end of the second space forms the third open end. The second space includes a third space and a fourth space, the X-rays from the target enter the third space without being blocked by the cathode or the anode, and the X-rays from the target are blocked by one of the cathode and the anode in the fourth space, In the fourth space, a first insulating member is arranged spaced apart from the insulating tube and the receiving container to surround the insulating tube. the first insulating member is not arranged in the third space, The outer surface of the insulating tube has a first area that is not surrounded by the first insulating member, and The first region is surrounded by a second insulating member, and the second insulating member is arranged to contact the first region.

2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1, wherein Another portion of the X-ray generating tube is arranged in the first space.

3. The X-ray generating device according to claim 2, wherein The first insulating member extends from the fourth space to the first space.

4. The X-ray generating device according to claim 3, wherein A third insulating member is disposed to surround the driving circuit, and the third insulating member is connected to the first insulating member and spaced apart from the receiving container.

5. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1, wherein The entire insulating tube is arranged in the second space.

6. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The entire first region is surrounded by the second insulating member.

7. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The second insulating member is arranged by die forming.

8. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The second insulating member includes a ring-shaped portion.

9. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The second insulating member is arranged to cover a contact portion between the cathode and the insulating tube.

10. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The second insulating member is arranged to cover at least a portion of the cathode.

11. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The second insulating member is arranged to cover the entire cathode.

12. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The second insulating member is arranged to cover the entire outer surface of the insulating tube.

13. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The second insulating member is made of one of polytetrafluoroethylene, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin), and epoxy resin.

14. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The outer surface of the insulating tube has a second region between the first region and the cathode, and the first insulating member surrounds the entire second region.

15. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The first insulating member is made of one of polytetrafluoroethylene, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin), epoxy resin, polycarbonate, glass, and ceramic.

16. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein The insulating liquid is insulating oil.

17. The X-ray generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein The insulating liquid is a fluorine-based inert liquid.

18. An X-ray imaging device comprising: An X-ray generating device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17; as well as An X-ray detector is configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating device.

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