An X-ray tube with liquid metal bearings

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of X-ray tubes, and in particular to an X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing. The X-ray tube comprises a target plate, a bearing shaft, and a bearing bushing. 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 provided in the bearing bushing. A bearing shaft is provided 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. The bearing bushing, the bearing shaft, and the liquid metal constitute a liquid metal bearing structure. The liquid metal bearing of the present invention uses liquid metal as a buffer medium between the moving part and the stationary part. There is no rolling friction between the parts, which greatly reduces the operating noise of the X-ray tube. The liquid metal bearing of the present invention increases the contact area between the anode parts of the tube core, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation capacity of the X-ray tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present 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] Conventional X-ray tube rotating anodes utilize ball bearings. The inner ring of the ball bearing has a mounting flange, onto which the rotating anode is mounted. The outer ring of the ball bearing is fixed to the tube core housing, and several steel balls are placed between the inner and outer rings of the ball bearing. During operation, the anode rotates as the steel balls roll against the bearing ring.

[0003] Existing ball bearings generate a lot of noise during operation because the steel balls and the inner and outer rings of the ball bearings are in hard contact with each other due to the rigid parts. Furthermore, the contact surface between the spherical surface of the steel balls and the inner and outer rings is extremely small, theoretically a point contact. This makes it difficult for the heat generated by the rotating anode during operation to dissipate, resulting in suboptimal heat dissipation and shortening 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 solutions adopted in the present invention are as follows:

[0006] An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing comprises a target plate, a bearing shaft and a bearing bushing. The center position of the lower end surface of the target plate is connected to the bearing bushing via multiple connectors. A bearing cavity is provided in the bearing bushing. The bearing shaft is provided 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. The bearing bushing, the bearing shaft and the liquid metal constitute a liquid metal bearing structure. An opening is provided at the lower end of the bearing bushing. The lower end surface of the bearing bushing is connected to a bearing end cover via multiple connectors. The bearing end cover covers the opening for sealing.

[0007] 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 provided 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 provided on the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer.

[0008] Furthermore, the liquid metal uses liquid gallium indium tin alloy.

[0009] Furthermore, a plurality of first grooves of a V-shaped structure are provided on the cylindrical side surface of the bearing shaft, and a plurality of second grooves of a V-shaped structure are provided on the end surface of the bearing shaft facing the target disk.

[0010] Furthermore, a plurality of reflux holes are provided 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.

[0011] Furthermore, a concave converging groove is provided 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.

[0012] 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 sleeve and extends out. A seal is provided between the bearing shaft extension shaft and the bearing end cover for sealing.

[0013] Furthermore, the lower end surface of the target plate is in complete contact with the upper end surface of the bearing bushing, and cooling holes are provided in the centers of the bearing shaft and the bearing shaft extension shaft, and the cooling holes are filled with a cooling medium.

[0014] Furthermore, a plurality of V-shaped third grooves are provided on the end surface of the bearing end cover facing the bearing cavity, a plurality of end cover screw holes are provided on the bearing end cover that pass through the 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.

[0015] Furthermore, a plurality of first bushing screw holes are provided on the end surface of the bearing bushing facing the target plate, a plurality of second bushing screw holes are provided on the end surface of the bearing bushing facing the bearing end cover, a plurality of first exhaust holes are radially provided 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 provided 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.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] The liquid metal bearing of the present invention uses liquid metal as a buffer medium between the moving part and the stationary part, eliminating rolling friction between the parts and 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 and enhances the heat dissipation capacity of the X-ray tube. The liquid metal bearing of the present invention avoids rolling friction and does not cause the jamming problem of traditional ball bearings, thereby extending the service life of the X-ray tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a half-section structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the bearing shaft of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the bearing end cover of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the bearing bushing of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a half-section view of the bearing bushing of the present invention.

[0024] Among them: 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

[0025] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] 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.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the target plate 1 includes a titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer 1.1, the lower end surface of which is connected to a graphite layer 1.2. The graphite layer 1.2 surrounds the bearing bushing 3. A rhenium-tungsten alloy coating 1.3 is applied to 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 extending vertically through the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer 1.1 are provided for connecting first screws 5.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a bearing cavity 7 is provided in the bearing sleeve 3, a bearing shaft 2 is provided in the bearing cavity 7, a gap is left between the inner wall of the bearing cavity 7 and the bearing shaft 2, and the gap between the inner wall of the bearing cavity 7 and the bearing shaft 2 is filled with liquid metal 15. The bearing sleeve 3, the bearing shaft 2 and the liquid metal 15 constitute a liquid metal bearing structure with good heat dissipation effect.

[0029] 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.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the lower end of the bearing bushing 3 is provided with an opening. The lower end surface of the bearing bushing 3 is connected to the bearing end cover 4 via multiple second screws 6, which are evenly distributed along the circumference. The bearing end cover 4 covers the opening to seal and prevent the liquid metal in the bearing cavity 7 from flowing out.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, a bearing shaft extension 8 is integrally formed with and coaxial with the bearing shaft 2 at the lower end of the bearing shaft 2. The bearing shaft extension 8 extends from the opening of the bearing bushing 3 through the center of the bearing end cap 4. The diameter of the bearing shaft extension 8 is smaller than that of the bearing shaft 2. A seal is provided between the bearing shaft extension 8 and the bearing end cap 4 to prevent the escape of liquid metal from the bearing cavity 7. During use, the bearing shaft extension 8 is welded to the core housing, and the interior of the core housing requires vacuum.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower end of the bearing end cover 4 is connected to the rotor 9 via 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 disc 1 to rotate.

[0033] In order to ensure the stable operation of the liquid metal bearing structure, Figure 3 As shown, multiple V-shaped first grooves 16 are provided on the cylindrical side surface of the bearing shaft 2, and the multiple first grooves 16 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. Multiple V-shaped second grooves 17 are provided on the end surface of the bearing shaft 2 facing the target plate 1, and the multiple 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. The radial pressure generated by the movement of the liquid metal 15 enables the bearing sleeve 3 to rotate stably around the bearing shaft 2, allowing the bearing sleeve 3 to float on the liquid metal 15, avoiding radial collision and contact between the inner cylindrical side surface of the bearing sleeve 3 and the outer cylindrical side surface of the bearing shaft 2.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, multiple reflow holes 18 are provided in the bearing shaft 2. One end of each of the reflow holes 18 extends axially to the upper end surface of the bearing shaft 2, and the other end of each of the reflow 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 portion to the lower portion with lower pressure through the reflow holes 18, thereby preventing the bearing bushing 3 and the bearing end cap 4 from deflecting to one side of the bearing due to the unequal pressure.

[0035] 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 2and Figure 3 As shown, a concave converging 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 converging groove 19 .

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the end surface of the bearing end cap 4 facing the bearing cavity 7 is provided with a plurality of V-shaped third grooves 20, evenly distributed along the circumference. The bearing end cap 4 is provided with a plurality of vertically extending end cap screw holes 22, evenly distributed along the circumference, for connecting the third screws 10.

[0037] 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 causes the bearing sleeve 3 and the bearing end cover 4 to rotate stably around the bearing shaft 2, while avoiding axial collision and 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.

[0038] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the end surface of the bearing bushing 3 facing the target disc 1 is provided with a plurality of first bushing screw holes 11, which are used to connect the plurality of first screws 5 and are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. The end surface of the bearing bushing 3 facing the bearing end cap 4 is provided with a plurality of second bushing screw holes 12, which are used to connect the plurality of second screws 6 and are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction.

[0039] Since the core shell is in a vacuum state when in use, in order to avoid air leakage inside the screw holes of various parts inside the core shell causing the X-ray tube to ignite. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the sidewall of the bearing bushing 3 is radially provided with a plurality of first vent holes 13, which are in one-to-one communication with the plurality of first bushing screw holes 11. The sidewall of the bearing bushing 3 is also radially provided with a plurality of second vent holes 14, which are in one-to-one communication with the plurality of second bushing screw holes 12. When the core housing is evacuated, air in these screw holes can also be exhausted during the vacuuming operation.

[0040] When the liquid metal bearing structure is working, the target plate 1 generates a lot 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 in the center of the bearing shaft 2 and the bearing shaft extension shaft 8. Insulating oil can be filled into the cooling hole 21 as a cooling medium. Heat generated by the target disc 1 during operation can be quickly transferred to the cooling hole 21 in the center of the bearing shaft 2 and the bearing shaft extension shaft 8, where the cooling medium in the cooling hole 21 removes the heat.

[0041] 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 modifications 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) through multiple connecting pieces, a bearing cavity (7) is provided in the bearing bushing (3), a bearing shaft (2) is provided 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), and the bearing bushing (3), the bearing shaft (2) and the liquid metal (15) constitute a liquid metal bearing structure; an opening is provided 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) through multiple connecting pieces, and the bearing end cover (4) covers the opening for sealing; 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); a bearing shaft extension shaft (8) integrally formed with and coaxial with the bearing shaft (2) is provided at the lower end of the bearing shaft (2); the bearing shaft extension shaft (8) passes through the center position 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; 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 in 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).

2. An X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The target disc (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 disc screw through holes (1.4) penetrating vertically are provided on the titanium-zirconium-molybdenum alloy layer (1.1).

3. The X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid metal (15) is a liquid gallium-indium-tin alloy.

4. The X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of first grooves (16) in a V-shaped structure are provided on the cylindrical side surface of the bearing shaft (2), and a plurality of second grooves (17) in a V-shaped structure are provided on the end surface of the bearing shaft (2) facing the target plate (1).

5. The X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, wherein: 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).

6. The X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, wherein: The end surface of the bearing end cover (4) facing the bearing cavity (7) is provided with a plurality of third grooves (20) with a V-shaped structure, the bearing end cover (4) is provided with a plurality of end cover screw holes (22) extending vertically therethrough, a plurality of third screws (10) are connected in the plurality of end cover screw holes (22), and the lower end of the bearing end cover (4) is connected to the rotor (9) via the plurality of third screws (10).

7. The X-ray tube with a liquid metal bearing according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of first bushing screw holes (11) are provided on the end surface of the bearing bushing (3) facing the target plate (1), a plurality of second bushing screw holes (12) are provided on the end surface of the bearing bushing (3) facing the bearing end cover (4), a plurality of first exhaust holes (13) are radially provided 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 in one-to-one communication, and a plurality of second exhaust holes (14) are radially provided 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 in one-to-one communication.

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