X-ray tube with liquid metal bearing

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of X-ray tubes, in particular to an X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing. The target disc comprises a target disc body, a bearing shaft and a bearing bush, the center of the lower end face of the target disc body is connected with the bearing bush through a plurality of connecting pieces, a bearing cavity is formed in the bearing bush, the bearing shaft is arranged in the bearing cavity, a gap is reserved between the inner wall of the bearing cavity and the bearing shaft, and the gap between the inner wall of the bearing cavity and the bearing shaft is filled with liquid metal. And the bearing bush, the bearing shaft and the liquid metal form a liquid metal bearing structure. According to the liquid metal bearing, liquid metal is adopted as a buffer medium between a moving part and a static part, rolling friction does not exist between parts, and the operation noise of the X-ray tube is greatly reduced; according to the liquid metal bearing disclosed by the invention, the contact area between tube core anode parts is increased, and the heat dissipation capability of the X-ray tube is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of X-ray tubes, in particular to an X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, the rotating anode of the X-ray tube uses a ball bearing, the inner ring of the ball bearing has a mounting flange, the rotating anode is mounted on the flange, the outer ring of the ball bearing is fixed on the tube core shell, and a number of steel balls are filled between the inner and outer rings of the ball bearing. When working, the ball bearing relies on the rolling of the steel balls on the bearing ring to realize the rotation of the anode.

[0003] Since the steel ball and the inner and outer rings of the ball bearing are in hard contact with each other, the existing ball bearings make a lot of noise during operation. In addition, the contact area between the spherical surface of the steel ball and the inner and outer rings is extremely small, which is theoretically a point contact. This makes it difficult for the heat generated by the rotating anode during operation to dissipate, resulting in unsatisfactory heat dissipation and affecting the service life of the X-ray tube. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the above-mentioned existing production technology, the present application provides an X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing, which reduces the operating noise of the X-ray tube, improves the heat dissipation capacity of the X-ray tube, and also increases the service life of the X-ray tube.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing comprises a target plate, a bearing shaft and a bearing bushing, wherein the center position of the lower end surface of the target plate is connected to the bearing bushing via a plurality of connectors, a bearing cavity is arranged in the bearing bushing, a bearing shaft is arranged in the bearing cavity, a gap is left between the inner wall of the bearing cavity and the bearing shaft, the gap between the inner wall of the bearing cavity and the bearing shaft is filled with liquid metal, and the bearing bushing, the bearing shaft and the liquid metal constitute a liquid metal bearing structure; an opening is arranged at the lower end of the bearing bushing, the lower end surface of the bearing bushing is connected to a bearing end cover via a plurality of connectors, and the bearing end cover covers the opening for sealing.

[0006] Furthermore, the target plate includes a titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer, the lower end surface of the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer is connected to a graphite layer, the graphite layer is distributed around the bearing bushing, a rhenium-tungsten alloy coating is arranged at the edge of the upper end surface of the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer, and a plurality of target plate screw through holes are arranged on the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer.

[0007] Furthermore, the liquid metal uses liquid gallium indium tin alloy.

[0008] Furthermore, a plurality of first grooves of a V-shaped structure are arranged on the cylindrical side surface of the bearing shaft, and a plurality of second grooves of a V-shaped structure are arranged on the end surface of the bearing shaft facing the target plate.

[0009] Furthermore, a plurality of reflux holes are arranged in the bearing shaft, one end of the plurality of reflux holes extends axially to the upper end surface of the bearing shaft, and the other end of the plurality of reflux holes extends axially to the lower end surface of the bearing shaft.

[0010] Furthermore, a concave converging groove is arranged at the center of the upper end surface of the bearing shaft, and one end port of the plurality of reflux holes is located in the converging groove.

[0011] Furthermore, a bearing shaft extension shaft is provided at the lower end of the bearing shaft, which is integrally formed with the bearing shaft and coaxial with the bearing shaft. The bearing shaft extension shaft passes through the center position of the bearing end cover from the opening of the bearing bushing and extends out. A sealing member is provided between the bearing shaft extension shaft and the bearing end cover for sealing.

[0012] Furthermore, the lower end surface of the target plate is in full contact with the upper end surface of the bearing bushing, and cooling holes are provided at the center of the bearing shaft and the bearing shaft extension shaft, and cooling medium is filled in the cooling holes.

[0013] Furthermore, a plurality of third grooves of a V-shaped structure are arranged on the end surface of the bearing end cover facing the bearing cavity, a plurality of end cover screw holes penetrating from top to bottom are arranged on the bearing end cover, a plurality of third screws are connected in the plurality of end cover screw holes, and the lower end of the bearing end cover is connected to the rotor through the plurality of third screws.

[0014] Furthermore, a plurality of first bushing screw holes are arranged on the end surface of the bearing bushing facing the target plate, a plurality of second bushing screw holes are arranged on the end surface of the bearing bushing facing the bearing end cover, a plurality of first exhaust holes are radially arranged on the side wall of the bearing bushing, the plurality of first exhaust holes are connected to the plurality of first bushing screw holes in a one-to-one correspondence, a plurality of second exhaust holes are radially arranged on the side wall of the bearing bushing, the plurality of second exhaust holes are connected to the plurality of second bushing screw holes in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The liquid metal bearing of the present invention uses liquid metal as a buffer medium between a moving part and a stationary part, and there is no rolling friction between the parts, thereby greatly reducing the operating noise of the X-ray tube; the liquid metal bearing of the present invention increases the contact area between the tube core anode parts, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation capacity of the X-ray tube; the liquid metal bearing of the present invention avoids rolling friction, and will not have the problem of jamming of traditional ball bearings, thereby increasing the service life of the X-ray tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a stereogram of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a half-section structural diagram of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the bearing shaft of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4It is a structural diagram of the bearing end cover of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the bearing bushing of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a half-section view of the bearing bushing of the present invention.

[0022] Wherein: 1. target plate; 1.1. titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer; 1.2. graphite layer; 1.3. rhenium-tungsten alloy coating; 1.4. target plate screw through hole; 2. bearing shaft; 3. bearing bushing; 4. bearing end cover; 5. first screw; 6. second screw; 7. bearing cavity; 8. bearing shaft extension shaft; 9. rotor; 10. third screw; 11. first bushing screw hole; 12. second bushing screw hole; 13. first exhaust hole; 14. second exhaust hole; 15. liquid metal; 16. first groove; 17. second groove; 18. reflux hole; 19. convergence groove; 20. third groove; 21. cooling hole; 22. end cover screw hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The specific implementation of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing includes a target plate 1, a bearing shaft 2 and a bearing bushing 3. The center position of the lower end surface of the target plate 1 is connected to the bearing bushing 3 through multiple first screws 5, and the multiple first screws 5 are distributed along the circumferential direction.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the target plate 1 includes a titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer 1.1, the lower end surface of the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer 1.1 is connected to a graphite layer 1.2, and the graphite layer 1.2 is distributed around the bearing bushing 3. A rhenium-tungsten alloy coating 1.3 is provided at the edge of the upper end surface of the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer 1.1. A plurality of target plate screw through holes 1.4 that penetrate up and down are provided on the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer 1.1, and the target plate screw through holes 1.4 are used to connect the first screws 5.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a bearing cavity 7 is arranged in the bearing sleeve 3, a bearing shaft 2 is arranged in the bearing cavity 7, a gap is left between the inner wall of the bearing cavity 7 and the bearing shaft 2, and liquid metal 15 is filled in the gap between the inner wall of the bearing cavity 7 and the bearing shaft 2. The bearing sleeve 3, the bearing shaft 2 and the liquid metal 15 constitute a liquid metal bearing structure with good heat dissipation effect.

[0027] In this embodiment, the liquid metal 15 is made of liquid gallium-indium-tin alloy. Other liquid metals with good heat dissipation effects may also be selected as needed.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an opening is provided at the lower end of the bearing bushing 3, and the lower end surface of the bearing bushing 3 is connected to the bearing end cover 4 through a plurality of second screws 6, and the plurality of second screws 6 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. The bearing end cover 4 covers the opening for sealing to prevent the liquid metal in the bearing cavity 7 from flowing out.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, a bearing shaft extension shaft 8 is provided at the lower end of the bearing shaft 2, which is integrally formed with the bearing shaft 2 and coaxial with the bearing shaft 2. The bearing shaft extension shaft 8 passes through the center of the bearing end cover 4 from the opening of the bearing bushing 3 and extends out. The diameter of the bearing shaft extension shaft 8 is smaller than the diameter of the bearing shaft 2. A sealing member is provided between the bearing shaft extension shaft 8 and the bearing end cover 4 to seal and prevent the liquid metal in the bearing cavity 7 from flowing out. When in use, the bearing shaft extension shaft 8 is welded to the tube core shell, and the inside of the tube core shell needs to be evacuated.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower end of the bearing end cover 4 is connected to the rotor 9 through a plurality of third screws 10, and the plurality of third screws 10 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. During operation, the rotor 9 can drive the bearing bushing 3 to rotate around the bearing shaft 2, and the bearing shaft 2 in turn drives the target plate 1 to rotate.

[0031] In order to ensure the stable operation of the liquid metal bearing structure, Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of first grooves 16 of V-shaped structure are arranged on the cylindrical side surface of the bearing shaft 2, and the plurality of first grooves 16 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. A plurality of second grooves 17 of V-shaped structure are arranged on the end surface of the bearing shaft 2 facing the target plate 1, and the plurality of second grooves 17 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. When the liquid metal bearing structure rotates, the first grooves 16 and the second grooves 17 can drive the liquid metal 15 to rotate, and the radial pressure generated by the movement of the liquid metal 15 enables the bearing bushing 3 to stably rotate around the bearing shaft 2, so that the bearing bushing 3 can be suspended on the liquid metal 15, avoiding radial collision and contact between the inner cylindrical side surface of the bearing bushing 3 and the outer cylindrical side surface of the bearing shaft 2.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of reflux holes 18 are provided in the bearing shaft 2, one end of the plurality of reflux holes 18 extends axially to the upper end surface of the bearing shaft 2, and the other end of the plurality of reflux holes 18 extends axially to the lower end surface of the bearing shaft 2. When the pressure at the upper and lower ends of the bearing shaft 2 is unequal, the liquid metal 15 flows from the upper part to the lower area with low pressure through the reflux holes 18, thereby preventing the bearing bushing 3 and the bearing end cover 4 from being biased to one side of the bearing due to the unequal pressure.

[0033] In order to facilitate the liquid metal 15 on the upper end surface of the bearing shaft 2 to converge and flow into the reflux hole 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a concave converging groove 19 is provided at the center of the upper end surface of the bearing shaft 2 , and one end ports of the plurality of reflux holes 18 are located in the converging groove 19 .

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of third grooves 20 of a V-shaped structure are arranged on the end surface of the bearing end cover 4 facing the bearing cavity 7, and the plurality of third grooves 20 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. A plurality of end cover screw holes 22 penetrating from top to bottom are arranged on the bearing end cover 4, and the plurality of end cover screw holes 22 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction, and the plurality of end cover screw holes 22 are used to connect the third screws 10.

[0035] When the liquid metal bearing structure rotates, the second groove 17 on the upper end surface of the bearing shaft 2 and the third groove 20 on the bearing end cover 4 drive the liquid metal 15 to move. The axial pressure generated by the movement of the liquid metal 15 enables the bearing sleeve 3 and the bearing end cover 4 to rotate stably around the bearing shaft 2, while avoiding axial collision contact between the inner end surface of the bearing sleeve 5 and the upper end surface of the bearing end cover 7 and the upper and lower end surfaces of the bearing shaft 2.

[0036] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of first bushing screw holes 11 are arranged on the end surface of the bearing bushing 3 facing the target plate 1, and the plurality of first bushing screw holes 11 are used to connect the plurality of first screws 5, and the plurality of first bushing screw holes 11 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. A plurality of second bushing screw holes 12 are arranged on the end surface of the bearing bushing 3 facing the bearing end cover 4, and the plurality of second bushing screw holes 12 are used to connect the plurality of second screws 6, and the plurality of second bushing screw holes 12 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction.

[0037] Since the core shell is in a vacuum state when in use, in order to prevent air leakage from the screw holes of the various parts inside the core shell and cause the X-ray tube to ignite. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of first exhaust holes 13 are radially arranged on the side wall of the bearing bushing 3, and the plurality of first exhaust holes 13 are connected to the plurality of first bushing screw holes 11 in a one-to-one correspondence. A plurality of second exhaust holes 14 are radially arranged on the side wall of the bearing bushing 3, and the plurality of second exhaust holes 14 are connected to the plurality of second bushing screw holes 12 in a one-to-one correspondence. When the core shell is evacuated, the air in the screw holes of these parts can also be discharged during the evacuation operation.

[0038] When the liquid metal bearing structure is working, the target plate 1 generates a large amount of heat mainly due to the action of electrons. The parts of the liquid metal bearing structure of the present invention have a large contact area, and the lower end surface of the target plate 1 is in full contact with the upper end surface of the bearing bushing 3. Figure 2As shown, a cooling hole 21 is provided at the center of the bearing shaft 2 and the bearing shaft extension shaft 8, and insulating oil can be filled into the cooling hole 21 as a cooling medium. The heat generated by the target plate 1 during operation can be quickly conducted to the cooling hole 21 at the center of the bearing shaft 2 and the bearing shaft extension shaft 8, and the heat is taken away by the cooling medium in the cooling hole 21.

[0039] The above description is an explanation of the present invention, not a limitation of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims. Any form of modification may be made within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing, comprising a target plate (1), a bearing shaft (2) and a bearing bushing (3), characterized in that: The center position of the lower end surface of the target plate (1) is connected to the bearing bushing (3) via a plurality of connecting pieces; a bearing cavity (7) is arranged in the bearing bushing (3); a bearing shaft (2) is arranged in the bearing cavity (7); a gap is left between the inner wall of the bearing cavity (7) and the bearing shaft (2); the gap between the inner wall of the bearing cavity (7) and the bearing shaft (2) is filled with liquid metal (15); the bearing bushing (3), the bearing shaft (2) and the liquid metal (15) constitute a liquid metal bearing structure; an opening is arranged at the lower end of the bearing bushing (3); the lower end surface of the bearing bushing (3) is connected to the bearing end cover (4) via a plurality of connecting pieces; the bearing end cover (4) covers the opening for sealing.

2. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The target plate (1) comprises a titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer (1.1), the lower end surface of the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer (1.1) is connected to a graphite layer (1.2), the graphite layer (1.2) is distributed around the bearing bushing (3), a rhenium-tungsten alloy coating (1.3) is provided at the edge of the upper end surface of the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer (1.1), and a plurality of target plate screw through holes (1.4) are provided on the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer (1.1) and penetrate upward and downward.

3. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid metal (15) is a liquid gallium-indium-tin alloy.

4. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of first grooves (16) in a V-shaped structure are arranged on the cylindrical side surface of the bearing shaft (2), and a plurality of second grooves (17) in a V-shaped structure are arranged on the end surface of the bearing shaft (2) facing the target plate (1).

5. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of reflux holes (18) are arranged in the bearing shaft (2), one end port of the plurality of reflux holes (18) extends axially to the upper end surface of the bearing shaft (2), and the other end port of the plurality of reflux holes (18) extends axially to the lower end surface of the bearing shaft (2).

6. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: A concave convergence groove (19) is provided at the center of the upper end surface of the bearing shaft (2), and one end port of the plurality of reflux holes (18) is located in the convergence groove (19).

7. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: A bearing shaft extension shaft (8) is provided at the lower end of the bearing shaft (2) and is integrally formed with the bearing shaft (2) and coaxial therewith. The bearing shaft extension shaft (8) passes through the center of the bearing end cover (4) from the opening of the bearing bushing (3) and extends out. A sealing member is provided between the bearing shaft extension shaft (8) and the bearing end cover (4) for sealing.

8. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The lower end surface of the target plate (1) is in full contact with the upper end surface of the bearing bushing (3); a cooling hole (21) is provided at the center of the bearing shaft (2) and the bearing shaft extension shaft (8); and a cooling medium is filled in the cooling hole (21).

9. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of third grooves (20) with a V-shaped structure are arranged on an end surface of the bearing end cover (4) facing the bearing cavity (7); a plurality of end cover screw holes (22) extending vertically therethrough are arranged on the bearing end cover (4); a plurality of third screws (10) are connected to the plurality of end cover screw holes (22); and a lower end of the bearing end cover (4) is connected to the rotor (9) via the plurality of third screws (10).

10. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of first bushing screw holes (11) are arranged on the end surface of the bearing bushing (3) facing the target plate (1), a plurality of second bushing screw holes (12) are arranged on the end surface of the bearing bushing (3) facing the bearing end cover (4), a plurality of first exhaust holes (13) are arranged radially on the side wall of the bearing bushing (3), the plurality of first exhaust holes (13) and the plurality of first bushing screw holes (11) are connected in a one-to-one correspondence, and a plurality of second exhaust holes (14) are arranged radially on the side wall of the bearing bushing (3), the plurality of second exhaust holes (14) and the plurality of second bushing screw holes (12) are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

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