Electronic component, x-ray generating apparatus, and x-ray imaging apparatus

Abstract

An electronic component includes an electronic circuit and a metal container covering the electronic circuit. The metal container includes a side wall portion surrounding the electronic circuit and a closing portion covering an end portion of the side wall portion and forming an end face of the metal container. An exposed face of an outer peripheral portion of the closing portion, which is exposed to an outside of the metal container, has a circularity in a cross section perpendicular to the end face.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electronic components, X-ray generating devices, and X-ray imaging devices. Background Technology

[0002] In an X-ray generating apparatus, the X-ray generating tube and the driving circuitry that drives it can be stored in a housing that forms the outer surface of the apparatus. The driving circuitry, for example, generates a potential difference of approximately 100 kV, allowing the interior space of the housing to be filled with an insulating liquid. The insulating liquid convects within the housing due to heat, which may generate noise. Summary of the Invention

[0003] By placing a metal container covering the drive circuit inside the housing, noise that may be generated by the convection of insulating liquid can be blocked. However, if the metal container is placed inside the housing, discharge may occur between the metal container and the housing.

[0004] This invention provides a technique that helps reduce electrical discharge between metal containers and storage containers.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an electronic component comprising an electronic circuit and a metal container covering the electronic circuit. The metal container includes a sidewall portion surrounding the electronic circuit and a closure portion covering the end portion of the sidewall portion and forming an end face of the metal container. The exposed surface of the outer periphery of the closure portion, exposed to the outside of the metal container, has roundness in a cross-section perpendicular to the end face.

[0006] A second aspect of the invention relates to an X-ray generating apparatus comprising electronic components according to the first aspect, an X-ray generating tube, and a receiving container for housing the electronic components and the X-ray generating tube. The electronic components are configured to drive the X-ray generating tube, and the internal space of the receiving container is filled with an insulating liquid.

[0007] A third aspect of the invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray generating device according to a second aspect and an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating device. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of an X-ray generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of a metal container or electronic component according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is shown that by... Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-section of a metal container or electronic component cut along a predetermined XY plane.

[0011] Figure 4 It is shown that by... Figure 2 The image shows a portion of a cross-section obtained by cutting a metal container or electronic component along a predetermined XZ plane.

[0012] Figure 5 It is shown that by... Figure 2 A diagram showing a portion of a cross-section obtained by cutting a metal container or electronic component along a predetermined XY plane.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a diagram schematically showing the sidewall portion or the unfolded state of the sidewall portion before processing.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a diagram illustrating the shape or processing method of a sidewall member or plate member.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a diagram illustrating the shape or processing method of a sidewall member or plate member.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] 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. Several features are described in the embodiments, but not all such features are essential to the invention, and multiple such features may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0018] In this specification, terms such as up and down, indicating direction or position, are used to describe the relative position when observing a structure such as a metal container arranged in a given orientation. These terms do not preclude the arrangement of the structure in other orientations.

[0019] Figure 1The arrangement of an X-ray generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment is shown. The X-ray generating apparatus 1 may include an X-ray generating tube 110, electronic components EC, a housing (or outer container) 100 housing the X-ray generating tube 110 and the electronic components EC, and a second electronic component (not shown). The X-ray generating tube 110 can be housed in the housing container 100, such that one surface or a portion of the X-ray generating tube 110 is exposed to external space. The electronic components EC may include electronic circuitry 120 and a metal container MC covering the electronic circuitry 120. As an example, the housing container 100 may be formed of an electrical conductor and may be grounded. Additionally, the grounding terminal of the electronic circuitry 120 may be electrically connected to the housing container 100 via a cable 131. The positive terminal of the electronic circuitry 120 may be connected to the positive terminal of an external power supply via a cable 132. The second electronic component (not shown) can be housed in the housing container 100 and arranged outside the metal container MC. The second electronic component may be, for example, a Cockcroft circuit.

[0020] Electronic circuit 120 can be configured to drive X-ray generating tube 110. Electronic circuit 120 can generate one or more negative drive potentials for driving X-ray generating tube 110 by receiving voltage supplied via cable 132. These one or more negative drive potentials can be supplied to X-ray generating tube 110 via cable 133. X-ray generating tube 110 can be configured as an anode-grounded type, and the anode of X-ray generating tube 110 can be electrically connected to housing 100. The negative potential generated by electronic circuit 120 can be supplied to the cathode of X-ray generating tube 110. Electronic circuit 120 can generate a potential difference of, for example, 100 kV (e.g., -100 kV). Metal housing MC can be applied with a negative potential of, for example, the maximum absolute value generated by electronic circuit 120 (e.g., -100 kV).

[0021] The internal space of the receiving container 100 can be filled with an insulating liquid 150, such as insulating oil. Due to the heat generated by the electronic circuit 120, the insulating liquid 150 convects within the internal space of the receiving container 100. Such convection may generate noise, but the metal container MC can block the transmission of noise to the electronic circuit 120. To prevent discharge between the metal container MC and the receiving container 100 or the second electronic component, the metal container MC can have a special structure as described below. Electronic components EC including metal container MCs with such structures can also be used in applications other than X-ray generating devices.

[0022] Figure 2 The appearance of the metal container MC or electronic component EC according to an embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 2 The XYZ coordinate system is shown. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 Follow the direction in Figure 2 The XYZ coordinate system in the text. Figure 3 Showing how to Figure 2 The cross-section shown is obtained by cutting the metal container MC or electronic component EC along a predetermined XY plane. Figure 4 Showing how to Figure 2 The metal container MC or electronic component EC shown is a portion of the cross-section obtained by cutting along a predetermined XZ plane. Figure 5 Showing how to Figure 2 The metal container MC or electronic component EC shown is a portion of the cross-section obtained by cutting along a predetermined XY plane.

[0023] The metal container MC includes a sidewall portion 10 surrounding the electronic circuit 120 and an end portion 10e covering the sidewall portion 10, which respectively form the end faces (top surface 22 and bottom surface 32) of the metal container MC. Here, it will be described assuming that the closure portions (top plate 20 and bottom plate 30) forming the end faces (top surface 22 and bottom surface 32) have similar features. However, it is also possible that one of the closure portions has such features.

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown, the exposed surface (in other words, the outer surface) of the outer periphery of each of the enclosures (top plate 20 and bottom plate 30) that is exposed to the outside of the metal container MC can have roundness in a cross-section (e.g., an XZ cross-section) perpendicular to the end faces (top surface 22 and bottom surface 32). This is useful for mitigating the concentration of the electric field and preventing discharge between the metal container MC and the receiving container 100 or the second electronic component.

[0025] like Figure 4As shown, the outer periphery of the top plate 20, which serves as the first closure portion, may include a groove G that receives the end 10e of the sidewall portion 10. The end 10e of the sidewall portion 10 may include an edge surface ES facing the bottom surface B of the groove G and an end outer surface EOS corresponding to the outer surface of the sidewall portion 10 adjacent to the edge surface ES. The outer periphery of the top plate 20, which serves as the closure portion, may include a curved portion F facing the end outer surface EOS of the sidewall portion 10. The curved portion F may have a shape with an R-angle. The top plate 20, which serves as the closure portion, may include a thick portion T1 and a thin portion T2 surrounding the thick portion T1. The thickness of the thin portion T2 is less than the thickness of the thick portion T1. The step difference between the thick portion T1 and the thin portion T2 may form a wall surface S1 that defines one of the two wall surfaces S1 and S2 of the groove G, and the curved portion F may form the other wall surface S2 of the two wall surfaces S1 and S2. This arrangement helps to conceal corners such as the end 10e of the sidewall portion 10 from the external space of the metal container MC, thereby mitigating the concentration of the electric field. This arrangement also helps to conceal corners such as the end 10e of the sidewall portion 10 from the internal space of the metal container MC, thereby mitigating the concentration of the electric field.

[0026] Although not shown, the bottom plate 30, as the second closure portion, may also have features similar to the top plate 20, which is the first closure portion. That is, the bottom plate 30, as the second closure portion, covers the second end (lower end) of the sidewall portion 10 and forms the second end face 32 of the metal container MC. The exposed surface of the outer periphery of the bottom plate 30, which is exposed to the outside of the metal container MC, may have roundness in a cross-section perpendicular to the second end face 32. The outer periphery of the bottom plate 30, as the second closure portion, may include a second groove that receives the second end (lower end) of the sidewall portion 10. The second end (lower end) of the sidewall portion 10 may include a second edge surface facing the bottom surface of the second groove and a second end outer surface corresponding to the outer surface of the sidewall portion 10 adjacent to the second edge surface 32. The outer periphery of the bottom plate 30, as the second closure portion, may include a second curved portion facing the second end outer surface of the sidewall portion 10. The bottom plate 30, as the second closure portion, may include a second thick portion and a second thin portion surrounding the second thick portion. The step difference between the second thick portion and the second thin portion can form one of the two second walls that define the second groove, and the second curved portion can form the other of the two second walls.

[0027] Figure 6 The sidewall portion 10 before processing is schematically shown. In other viewpoints, Figure 6 The sidewall portion 10 is schematically shown in its unfolded state. The sidewall portion 10 can have a structure obtained by bending a plate member having two sets of opposite sides to form a rectangular tube shape in which one set of opposite sides 11a and 11b faces each other. Additionally, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5As schematically shown, the exposed surface of the outer surface of the sidewall portion 10, which is exposed to the outside of the metal container MC, can have roundness in a cross-section parallel to the end faces (top surface 22 and bottom surface 32). A set of opposite sides 11a and 11b can each have hemming-bent shapes 16a and 16b, respectively. Here, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As illustrated, each of the rolled edge bend shapes 16a and 16b can be a rolled edge bend shape facing the inside of the metal container MC.

[0028] Through the space where opposite sides 11a and 11b face each other, the aforementioned cables 131, 132, and 133 can be pulled from the interior space of the metal container MC to the outer section (the interior space of the receiving container 100). Alternatively, at least one hole can be provided in at least one of the sidewall portion 10, the top plate 20, and the bottom plate 30, through which cables 131, 132, and 133 can be pulled from the interior space of the metal container MC to the outer section (the interior space of the receiving container 100). Such a hole can have a rounded shape in a cross-section parallel to the axis of the hole.

[0029] The curled edge shape is just one example of a shape with roundness; shapes with roundness can be found in, for example... Figure 8 Various shapes are selected from those shown in the schematic diagram formed by the rolling process. When bending the end of the plate member facing the inside of the metal container MC, the bending angle is preferably equal to or greater than 90 degrees. In the case of edge rolling, the bending angle is 180 degrees. When forming the sidewall portion 10 by processing the plate member, the plate member can also be processed such that opposite edges (one end and the other end) of the plate member join together. For example, Figure 7 As illustrated, opposite edges (one end and the other end) of the plate members can be joined together and rolled. In this way, by processing a shape that also has roundness towards the inside of the metal container MC, discharge between the electronic circuits located inside the metal container MC and having a potential difference relative to the metal container MC can be prevented. The aforementioned processing can also be understood as processing the exposed surface corresponding to the inner surface of the sidewall portion 10 exposed to the inside of the metal container MC to have roundness in a cross-section parallel to the end faces (top surface 22 and bottom surface 32).

[0030] In such Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, the sidewall portion 10 has a rectangular tube shape formed by the first surfaces 12a and 12b, the second surface 13, the third surface 14, and the fourth surface 15, which can be formed by a single plate member. However, the sidewall portion 10 can also be formed by multiple members. The sidewall portion 10 can have a non-rectangular polygonal tube shape, a cylindrical shape, or other shapes.

[0031] Figure 9 An 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 1 and an X-ray detection apparatus 240 for detecting X-rays (XR) emitted from the X-ray generating apparatus 1 and penetrating an object 230. The X-ray imaging apparatus 200 may also include a control device 210 and a display device 220. The X-ray detection apparatus 240 may include an X-ray detector 242 and a signal processing unit 244. The control device 210 may control the X-ray generating apparatus 1 and the X-ray detection apparatus 240. The X-ray detector 242 detects or captures X-rays (XR) emitted from the X-ray generating apparatus 1 and penetrating the object 230. The signal processing unit 244 may process the signal output from the X-ray detector 242 and supply the processed signal to the control device 210. Based on the signal supplied from the signal processing unit 244, the control device 210 causes the display device 220 to display an image.

[0032] Symbol Explanation

[0033] 1: X-ray generating device; 100: Storage container; 110: X-ray generating tube; 120: Electronic circuit; 131, 132, 133: Cables; 150: Insulating liquid; EC: Electronic components; MC: Metal container; 10: Side wall; 20: Top plate; 30: Bottom plate

Claims

1. An electronic component comprising an electronic circuit and a metal container covering the electronic circuit, wherein: The metal container includes a sidewall portion surrounding the electronic circuit and a closure portion covering the end of the sidewall portion and forming the end face of the metal container. The exposed surface of the outer periphery of the closure portion, exposed to the outside of the metal container, has roundness in a cross-section perpendicular to the end face, wherein... The outer peripheral portion of the closure includes a groove that receives the end portion of the sidewall portion. The end portion of the sidewall includes an edge surface facing the bottom surface of the groove and an end outer surface corresponding to the outer surface of the sidewall adjacent to the edge surface, the edge surface being arranged to form a corner in the cross-section. The outer peripheral portion of the closure includes a curved portion that faces the outer surface of the end of the sidewall portion. The enclosed portion includes a thick portion and a thin portion surrounding the thick portion. The step difference between the thick and thin portions forms one of the two walls defining the groove, and the curved portion forms the other of the two walls, which conceal the corner from the interior space of the metal container. The sidewall portion has a structure obtained by bending a plate member with two sets of opposite sides to form a tube shape, in which one set of opposite sides faces each other via a gap formed between the two sets of opposite sides, and the exposed surface of the outer surface of the sidewall portion exposed to the outside of the metal container has roundness in a cross-section parallel to the end face. One or more cables connected to the electronic circuit are pulled out from the interior space of the metal container through the gap.

2. The electronic component as described in claim 1, further comprising: The second closure portion covers the second end of the sidewall portion and forms the second end face of the metal container. in, The exposed surface of the outer periphery of the second closure portion, which is exposed to the outside of the metal container, has roundness in a cross-section perpendicular to the second end face.

3. The electronic component as described in claim 2, wherein, The outer peripheral portion of the second closure includes a second groove that receives the second end portion of the sidewall portion.

4. The electronic component as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The second end of the sidewall portion includes a second edge surface facing the bottom surface of the second groove and a second end outer surface corresponding to the outer surface of the sidewall portion adjacent to the second edge surface. The outer peripheral portion of the second closure portion includes a second curved portion that faces the outer surface of the second end of the sidewall portion.

5. The electronic component as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The second closure portion includes a second thick portion and a second thin portion surrounding the second thick portion, and The step difference between the second thick portion and the second thin portion forms one of the two second walls that define the second groove, and the second curved portion forms the other of the two second walls.

6. The electronic component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the two sets of opposite sides has a rolled edge shape.

7. The electronic component as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The end portion of the sidewall includes a portion that is part of the set of opposite sides having a rolled-edge curved shape and is arranged in the groove.

8. The electronic component as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The rolled edge bending shape is a rolled edge bending shape facing the inside of the metal container.

9. The electronic component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The sidewall portion has a rectangular tube shape.

10. An X-ray generating apparatus, comprising: Electronic component as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9; X-ray generating tube; as well as Storage container for storing the electronic components and the X-ray generating tube. The electronic components are configured to drive the X-ray generating tube, and The internal space of the storage container is filled with an insulating liquid.

11. An X-ray imaging device, comprising: The X-ray generating apparatus as defined in claim 10; as well as An X-ray detector detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating device.

12. An electronic component comprising an electronic circuit and a metal container covering the electronic circuit, wherein: The metal container includes a sidewall portion surrounding the electronic circuit, a first closure portion covering a first end portion of the sidewall portion and forming a first end face of the metal container, and a second closure portion covering a second end portion of the sidewall portion and forming a second end face of the metal container. The exposed surface of the outer periphery of the first closure portion, which is exposed to the outside of the metal container, has roundness in a cross-section perpendicular to the first end face. The exposed surface of the outer periphery of the second closure portion, which is exposed to the outside of the metal container, has roundness in a cross-section perpendicular to the second end face. The outer peripheral portion of the second closure includes a second groove that receives the second end portion of the sidewall portion. The second end portion of the sidewall includes a second edge surface facing the bottom surface of the second groove and a second end outer surface corresponding to the outer surface of the sidewall adjacent to the second edge surface, the second edge surface being arranged to form a corner in the cross-section. The outer peripheral portion of the second closure includes a second curved portion that faces the outer surface of the second end of the sidewall portion. The second closure portion includes a second thick portion and a second thin portion surrounding the second thick portion. The step difference between the second thick portion and the second thin portion forms one of the two second walls defining the second groove, and the second curved portion forms the other of the two second walls, which conceal the corner from the interior space of the metal container. The sidewall portion has a structure obtained by bending a plate member with two sets of opposite sides to form a tube shape, in which one set of opposite sides faces each other via a gap formed between the two sets of opposite sides, and the exposed surface of the outer surface of the sidewall portion exposed to the outside of the metal container has roundness in a cross-section parallel to the first end face and the second end face. One or more cables connected to the electronic circuit are pulled out from the interior space of the metal container through the gap.

13. The electronic component as claimed in claim 12, wherein, Each of the two sets of opposite sides has a rolled edge shape.

14. The electronic component as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The second end of the sidewall portion includes a portion that is part of the set of opposite sides having a rolled-edge curved shape and is arranged in the second groove.

15. The electronic component as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The sidewall portion has a rectangular tube shape.

16. The electronic component as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The rolled edge bending shape is a rolled edge bending shape facing the inside of the metal container.

17. An X-ray generating apparatus, comprising: Electronic component as defined in any one of claims 12 to 16; X-ray generating tube; as well as Storage container for storing the electronic components and the X-ray generating tube. The electronic components are configured to drive the X-ray generating tube, and The internal space of the storage container is filled with an insulating liquid.

18. An X-ray imaging device, comprising: X-ray generating apparatus as defined in claim 17; as well as An X-ray detector detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating device.

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