Cathode assembly for X-ray tube and X-ray tube

Abstract

A cathode assembly for an X-ray tube and an X-ray tube, wherein the cathode assembly includes a support arm having a first end and a second end opposite to each other along an extension direction, the first end being provided with a mounting portion, the mounting portion having a first side and a second side opposite to each other along a first direction, the first direction and the extension direction of the support arm having a non-zero angle; an electron emitting portion, detachably connected to the first side of the mounting portion, the electron emitting portion including at least one filament for emitting electrons; an electrical connection portion, the electrical connection portion being detachably connected to the second side of the mounting portion and electrically connected to the electron emitting portion; a power supply pin, electrically connected to an end of the electrical connection portion away from the electron emitting portion, and electrically connected to the electron emitting portion through the electrical connection portion to supply power to the filament. The technical solution of the present application can make the disassembly and assembly of the cathode assembly for an X-ray tube and the X-ray tube more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of X-ray tubes, and in particular to a cathode assembly for an X-ray tube and the X-ray tube. Background Art

[0002] The X-ray tube (also called X-ray tube or CT tube) is the core component of the CT system, which mainly consists of two parts: the cathode assembly and the anode assembly. During the operation of the X-ray tube, current is loaded on the cathode filament to heat it to produce a large number of electrons, and a high voltage is applied between the cathode and the cathode. Under the action of the strong electric field, the active electrons bombard the anode target at high speed from the cathode to generate X-rays. In other words, in the process of generating X-rays, the high-voltage power supply provides filament current to emit electrons on the one hand, and provides a high-voltage electric field to accelerate the electrons on the other hand.

[0003] In the prior art X-ray tube cathode assemblies, welding and other fixed connection methods are widely used to assemble components. Although this connection method ensures the structural strength and stability of the assembly to a certain extent, it also brings many limitations. After the cathode assembly is assembled, once a component is damaged, since the components have been tightly connected by irreversible fixing methods such as welding, it often means that the entire cathode assembly needs to be scrapped as a whole, which undoubtedly increases the maintenance cost and resource waste of the equipment. In addition, the assembly process of fixed connection methods such as welding is also relatively complicated, requiring high-precision operations and equipment, which not only increases production costs, but may also introduce new failure points due to improper processes. Therefore, the existing cathode assemblies have certain deficiencies in maintainability, economy and production efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by the invention is to provide a cathode assembly for an X-ray tube and an X-ray tube which are easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a cathode assembly for an X-ray tube, comprising: a support arm having a first end and a second end opposite to each other along an extension direction, the first end being provided with a mounting portion, the mounting portion having a first side and a second side opposite to each other along a first direction, the first direction and the extension direction of the support arm having a non-zero angle; an electron emission portion, detachably connected to the first side of the mounting portion, the electron emission portion comprising at least one filament for emitting electrons; an electrical connection portion, the electrical connection portion being detachably connected to the second side of the mounting portion and electrically connected to the electron emission portion; and a power supply pin, electrically connected to an end of the electrical connection portion away from the electron emission portion, and electrically connected to the electron emission portion through the electrical connection portion to supply power to the filament.

[0006] Optionally, the cathode assembly further includes: a plurality of pins corresponding to the at least one filament, wherein every two of the pins are used to electrically connect the corresponding filament and the power supply pin.

[0007] Optionally, the electron emission portion further includes: a first main body portion, having a plurality of first holes extending along the first direction, the plurality of first holes corresponding one to the plurality of pins, at least a portion of each of the pins being accommodated in the first hole and connected to the filament extending into the first hole.

[0008] Optionally, a maximum distance from an area of ​​the first main body where the first hole is formed to the electrical connection portion is less than a preset threshold.

[0009] Optionally, the first main body is made of a conductive material, and an insulating part is provided in the first hole to insulate the pin and the first main body.

[0010] Optionally, the electrical connection portion includes: a second main body portion, having a plurality of second holes extending along the first direction, the plurality of second holes corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of pins to receive at least a portion of the pins; a plurality of spring contact fingers corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of second holes, each of the spring contact fingers being accommodated in a corresponding second hole and electrically connected to the pin inserted into the second hole.

[0011] Optionally, one end of the spring contact finger facing away from the electron emission portion is electrically connected to the power supply pin.

[0012] Optionally, the second main body is made of insulating material.

[0013] Optionally, the power supply pin includes: a low-voltage pin, both ends of each of the at least one filament are electrically connected to the low-voltage pins, and the low-voltage pins are used to input low-voltage electricity to the filament to heat the filament to generate electrons; a high-voltage pin, one end of each of the at least one filament is electrically connected to the high-voltage pin, and the high-voltage pin is used to input high-voltage electricity to the filament to accelerate the generation of electrons.

[0014] Optionally, the mounting portion is provided with a through hole structure extending along the first direction, and the through hole structure includes: a first hole segment, in which at least a portion of the electrical connection portion is accommodated; a second hole segment, which is connected to the first hole segment and is closer to the electron emission portion than the first hole segment, and at least a portion of the electron emission portion extends into the second hole segment and is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion accommodated in the first hole segment.

[0015] Optionally, the aperture of the first hole segment is larger than the aperture of the second hole segment.

[0016] Optionally, the inner wall of the first hole segment is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the electrical connection portion.

[0017] Optionally, along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, an outer contour of a cross section of the electrical connection portion includes at least one sharp corner.

[0018] Optionally, the wall of the mounting portion that forms the first hole segment and the electrical connection portion are detachably connected via a disassembly structure.

[0019] Optionally, a non-zero gap exists between opposite surfaces of the electrical connection portion and the electron emission portion in the through-hole structure, and a dimension of the gap along the first direction is smaller than a preset threshold.

[0020] Optionally, the electron emission portion includes a first portion whose size is larger than the first hole segment and a second portion whose size is adapted to the first hole segment, the second portion is accommodated in the first hole segment, and the first portion is located outside the first hole segment and abuts against the first side of the mounting portion.

[0021] Optionally, the electron emitting portion and the mounting portion are detachably connected via a connecting structure, and the connecting structure includes: a protrusion, which is provided at one of the electron emitting portion and the mounting portion and extends toward the other; and a receiving portion, which is provided at the other of the electron emitting portion and the mounting portion, and is used to receive the protrusion.

[0022] Optionally, the electron emission portion and the mounting portion are further connected via a detachable fixing member.

[0023] Optionally, the protrusion is used to cooperate with the receiving portion to align the electron emitting portion and the electrical connecting portion.

[0024] Optionally, a non-zero angle of 90° exists between the first direction and the extension direction of the support arm.

[0025] Optionally, the cathode assembly further includes: a connecting arm, wherein along the extension direction, the connecting arm has a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other, wherein the third end is connected to the second end of the support arm, and the power supply pin is electrically connected to a cable via the fourth end.

[0026] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an X-ray tube, comprising: a housing; the above cathode assembly, the cathode assembly being detachably connected to the housing; an anode target plate accommodated in the housing, the anode target plate being used to receive electrons emitted by the cathode assembly.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a cathode assembly for an X-ray tube, comprising: a support arm having a first end and a second end opposite to each other along an extension direction, the first end being provided with a mounting portion, the mounting portion having a first side and a second side opposite to each other along a first direction, the first direction and the extension direction of the support arm having a non-zero angle; an electron emission portion, detachably connected to the first side of the mounting portion, the electron emission portion comprising at least one filament for emitting electrons; an electrical connection portion, the electrical connection portion being detachably connected to the second side of the mounting portion and electrically connected to the electron emission portion; and a power supply pin, electrically connected to an end of the electrical connection portion away from the electron emission portion, and electrically connected to the electron emission portion through the electrical connection portion to supply power to the filament.

[0029] By adopting the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the cathode assembly is divided into a plurality of independent functional modules such as a support arm, an electron emission part, and an electrical connection part according to function, and each functional module is detachably connected to each other. This modular design not only simplifies the assembly process and improves production efficiency, but also facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement. Among them, the electron emission part is detachably connected to the first end of the support arm, and the electrical connection part is also detachably connected to the support arm in a specific manner. This detachable connection method makes it possible to replace the damaged parts separately when a part of the assembly is damaged without scrapping the entire assembly, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Specific methods include, for example, snap-on connection, tensioning connection, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, through the cooperation between the pin and the spring contact finger, the electron emission part and the electrical connection part can form a cooperation structure similar to that of a plug and a socket, and the connection and disconnection between the two can be easily achieved. This design not only simplifies the installation and disassembly process, but also improves the maintainability of the assembly, and the electron emission part or the electrical connection part can be replaced or repaired more conveniently. Furthermore, the close cooperation between the pin and the spring contact finger ensures a reliable electrical connection between the electron emission part and the electrical connection part. Furthermore, the spring contact finger has good elasticity and can adapt to slight deviations of the pin during the insertion process, thereby ensuring a good electrical connection. This design helps to reduce signal loss and electromagnetic interference, and improve the stability and efficiency of the electrical connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cathode assembly;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown along the AA direction;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the structure shown;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the electron emission section;

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the middle installation part;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the connection between the electrical connector and the power supply pins. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] As mentioned in the background art, existing cathode assemblies have certain deficiencies in terms of maintainability, economy and production efficiency.

[0039] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a cathode assembly for an X-ray tube, comprising: a support arm having a first end and a second end opposite to each other along an extension direction, the first end being provided with a mounting portion, the mounting portion having a first side and a second side opposite to each other along a first direction, the first direction and the extension direction of the support arm having a non-zero angle; an electron emission portion, detachably connected to the first side of the mounting portion, the electron emission portion comprising at least one filament for emitting electrons; an electrical connection portion, the electrical connection portion being detachably connected to the second side of the mounting portion and electrically connected to the electron emission portion; and a power supply pin, electrically connected to an end of the electrical connection portion away from the electron emission portion, and electrically connected to the electron emission portion through the electrical connection portion to supply power to the filament.

[0040] By adopting the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the cathode assembly is divided into a plurality of independent functional modules such as a support arm, an electron emission part, and an electrical connection part according to function, and each functional module is detachably connected to each other. This modular design not only simplifies the assembly process and improves production efficiency, but also facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement. Among them, the electron emission part is detachably connected to the first end of the support arm, and the electrical connection part is also detachably connected to the support arm in a specific manner. This detachable connection method makes it possible to replace the damaged parts separately when a part of the assembly is damaged without scrapping the entire assembly, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Specific methods include, for example, snap-on connection, tensioning connection, etc.

[0041] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and beneficial effects of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray tube 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 The X-ray tube 100 may include: a cathode assembly 10 for emitting electrons; and an anode target plate 20 for receiving the electrons emitted by the cathode assembly 10 to generate X-rays.

[0044] Furthermore, the X-ray tube 100 may further include: a housing 30 having a vacuum chamber 301 , wherein the anode target plate 20 and at least a portion of the cathode assembly 10 are located in the vacuum chamber 301 .

[0045] Furthermore, the cathode assembly 10 is detachably connected to the housing 30 .

[0046] The X-ray tube 100 (also called an X-ray tube or a CT tube) can be used in X-ray machines in the medical field, such as disease detection instruments such as CT machines. With the development of technology, CT machines have been popularized with high resolution and intuitive and accurate diagnostic effects, and have been widely used in the medical field. The X-ray tube 100 can be used as a core component in a CT machine and is widely used to generate X-rays in practice. Therefore, whether the technology of the X-ray tube 100 is perfect directly affects the working effect of the CT machine.

[0047] In the X-ray tube 100, the principle of generating X-rays is that the filament in the cathode assembly 10 generates heat to generate electrons. A large number of electrons are accelerated by the high-voltage electric field between the cathode assembly 10 and the anode target disk 20 to bombard the anode target disk 20 and generate X-rays. The X-rays are reflected by the target surface and emitted from the electron emission window. After passing through the patient, they are received by the CT detector for imaging. The process of electron bombardment of the anode target disk will generate a large amount of heat. If the bombardment position remains unchanged, the bombarded area of ​​the anode target disk 20 will generate a large amount of heat, and the heat generation rate is much greater than its heat dissipation rate. When the heat accumulates to a critical value, the bombarded area of ​​the target surface melts, causing the anode to fail. Therefore, in the prior art, the X-ray tube 100 generally adopts a rotating anode, that is, the anode target disk 20 is in a rotating state during operation, so that the position of the electron bombardment on the anode target disk 20 changes continuously, avoiding the phenomenon of local temperature rise and damage to the anode target disk 20.

[0048] Next, we will combine Figures 2 to 7 The structure and working principle of the cathode assembly 10 used in the X-ray tube 100 are exemplarily described.

[0049] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2The cathode assembly 10 for an X-ray tube 100 comprises: a support arm 1 having a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite to each other along an extension direction, the first end 101 being provided with a mounting portion 11, the mounting portion 11 having a first side 111 and a second side 112 opposite to each other along a first direction D1, the first direction D1 and the extension direction of the support arm 1 having a non-zero included angle; an electron emitting portion 2 detachably connected to the first side 111 of the mounting portion 11, the electron emitting portion 2 comprising at least one filament 21 for emitting electrons; an electrical connection portion 3 detachably connected to the second side 112 of the mounting portion 11 and electrically connected to the electron emitting portion 2; a power supply pin 4 electrically connected to an end of the electrical connection portion 3 away from the electron emitting portion 2, and electrically connected to the electron emitting portion 2 through the electrical connection portion 3 to supply power to the filament 21.

[0050] Specifically, the second end 102 is used to be directly or indirectly connected to the housing 30 of the X-ray tube 100, and the first end 101 is closer to the target bombardment position on the anode target plate 20 than the second end 102. Through the second end 102, the first end 101 can be stably suspended in the vacuum chamber 301. Therefore, through the connection with the housing 30, the second end 102 provides the necessary support and stability for the entire cathode assembly 10, and effectively prevents the first end 101 from moving or vibrating during operation.

[0051] Furthermore, the mounting portion 11 has a first side 111 and a second side 112 opposite to each other along the first direction D1 , wherein the first side 111 faces the anode target disk 20 .

[0052] Further, the electron emitting portion 2 is detachably connected to the first side 111 of the mounting portion 11. The electron emitting portion 2 has at least one filament 21, which generates heat and emits electrons when powered. Further, when the X-ray tube 100 is in normal working state, a strong electric field is formed between the cathode assembly 10 and the anode target disk 20, and the electrons generated by the filament 21 bombard the anode target disk 20 at high speed under the drive of the strong electric field and generate X-rays.

[0053] Further, the electrical connection portion 3 is detachably connected to the second side 112 of the mounting portion 11. The second side 112 is further away from the anode target plate 20 than the first side 111. The electrical connection portion 3 is electrically connected to the electron emission portion 2, thereby indirectly realizing electrical connection between the electron emission portion 2 and the power supply pin 4. Thus, current can flow from the power supply pin 4 to the filament 21 of the electron emission portion 2 through the electrical connection portion 3.

[0054] Further, the power supply pin 4 is electrically connected to an end of the electrical connection portion 3 away from the electron emission portion 2. The power supply pin 4 is used to supply power to the filament 21 of the electron emission portion 2. The current flows into the electrical connection portion 3 through the power supply pin 4, and then flows to the filament 21 of the electron emission portion 2, causing the filament to heat up and emit electrons.

[0055] As shown above, the electron emission part 2 and the electrical connection part 3 of the cathode assembly 10 are detachably connected to the support arm 1 through the mounting part 11, and the power supply pin 4 is electrically connected to the electron emission part 2 through the electrical connection part 3 to provide the required current for the filament 21, which not only improves the flexibility and maintainability of the cathode assembly 10, but also ensures that electrons can be emitted stably, thereby meeting the working requirements of the X-ray tube 100.

[0056] Combination Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the cathode assembly 10 further includes: a plurality of pins 22 corresponding to the at least one filament 21 , wherein every two of the pins 22 are used to electrically connect the corresponding filament 21 and the power supply pin 4 .

[0057] In a specific embodiment, each of the filaments 21 may include a spiral tube segment 211 and a pin segment 212 extending from both ends of the spiral tube segment 211 in the opposite direction of the first direction D1. The spiral tube segment 211 is used to generate and emit electrons, and the pin segment 212 is used to connect with the pin 22 to supply power to the spiral tube segment 211. Furthermore, each pin segment 212 is electrically connected to one of the multiple pins 22.

[0058] In some embodiments, a receiving hole extending along the first direction D1 is formed at one end of the plug pin 22 facing the first direction D1, and at least a portion of the pin segment 212 can be inserted into the receiving hole and tightly fit against the inner wall of the receiving hole to achieve electrical connection with the plug pin 22.

[0059] Furthermore, the electron emission portion 2 also includes: a first main body portion 23, which is provided with a plurality of first holes 231 extending along the first direction D1, and the plurality of first holes 231 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of pins 22, and at least a portion of each of the pins 22 is accommodated in the first hole 231 and connected to the filament 21 extending into the first hole 231.

[0060] Each pin 22 includes a receiving section 221 received in the first hole 231 and a protruding section 222 protruding from the first hole 231. The receiving hole is formed in the receiving section 221, and the protruding section 222 is used for electrical connection with the electrical connection part 3.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electron emission unit 2 may further include a plurality of insulating portions 24, each of which corresponds to a plurality of pins 22, and each insulating portion 24 is sleeve-shaped and sleeved in the receiving section 221 of the corresponding pin 22. Thus, the insulating portion 24 can provide electrical isolation to prevent short circuits between the pins 22.

[0062] Furthermore, the insulating portion 24 may be made of a material having high insulation performance and good heat resistance to ensure that no electrical failure or overheating problem occurs when the pin 22 is working.

[0063] Further, along the first direction D1, the first hole 231 includes a third hole segment 2311 and a fourth hole segment 2312 that are interconnected, wherein the third hole segment 2311 is closer to the electrical connection portion 3 than the fourth hole segment 2312. Further, the insulating portion 24 is accommodated in the third hole segment 2311. The inner wall of the third hole segment 2311 and the outer peripheral surface of the insulating portion 24 are closely fitted.

[0064] Furthermore, the insulating portion 24 and the plug pin 22 may be connected by welding, expansion, etc. Thus, a stable connection and good electrical isolation between the insulating portion 24 and the plug pin 22 can be ensured, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the cathode assembly 10.

[0065] Furthermore, the aperture of the third hole segment 2311 is larger than the aperture of the fourth hole segment 2312, and a step structure is formed between the third hole segment 2311 and the fourth hole segment 2312. Along the first direction D1, the end of the insulating portion 24 that is away from the electrical connection portion 3 abuts against the step structure. Thus, during the process of electrical connection between the electron emission portion 2 and the electrical connection portion 3, the step structure can limit the displacement of the pin 22 in the first hole 231 toward the first direction D1.

[0066] In some embodiments, the maximum distance between the area where the first hole 231 of the first main body 23 is provided and the electrical connection portion 3 is less than a preset threshold value. The preset threshold value may be, for example, 1 to 2 mm. Thus, the exposed length of the pins 22 can be reduced, and discharge between adjacent pins 22 can be prevented from affecting the overall stability of the cathode assembly 10.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first body portion 23 is made of a conductive material, and an insulating portion 24 is disposed in the first hole 231 to insulate the pin 22 from the first body portion 23 .

[0068] refer to Figure 3 There is a non-zero gap between the section of the plug pin 22 extending out of the insulating portion 24 along the first direction D1 and the inner wall of the first body portion 23 forming the first hole 231 to achieve electrical isolation and avoid mutual conduction between the plug pin 22 and the first body portion 23.

[0069] Furthermore, there are multiple power supply pins 4, at least one of which is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the first body 23 and inputs high voltage current to the first body 23. Thus, a high voltage electric field can be formed between the first body 23 and the anode target 20 to accelerate the bombardment of electrons.

[0070] In some embodiments, the support arm 1 can be made of a conductive material and electrically connected to the first body portion 23. At least one of the plurality of power supply pins 4 (e.g., Figure 1 A power supply pin 4 located on a side away from the electron emission portion 2 inputs a high voltage current to the first main body portion 23 through the support arm 1 .

[0071] Continue to refer Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the electrical connection portion 3 may include: a second main body portion 31, having a plurality of second holes 311 extending along the first direction D1, the plurality of second holes 311 corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of the plug pins 22 to receive at least a portion of the plug pins 22; a plurality of spring contact fingers 32 corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of second holes 311, each of the spring contact fingers 32 being accommodated in the corresponding second hole 311 and being electrically connected to the plug pin 22 inserted into the second hole 311.

[0072] Specifically, the second hole 311 is used to receive at least a portion of the protruding section 222 of the corresponding pin 22 .

[0073] Furthermore, the plurality of spring contact fingers 32 also correspond to the plurality of second holes 311. Each spring contact finger 32 is accommodated in the corresponding second hole 311, and when the plug pin 22 is inserted into the second hole 311, the spring contact finger 32 can form an electrical connection with the plug pin 22. The spring contact finger 32 has good conductivity and elasticity, and can fit tightly on the surface of the plug pin 22, thereby ensuring the reliability and stability of the electrical connection. When the plug pin 22 is inserted into the second hole 311, the spring contact finger 32 will be compressed and generate a certain elastic force, which can maintain close contact between the spring contact finger 32 and the plug pin 22, thereby preventing the electrical connection from loosening or failing.

[0074] Thus, the electrical connection with the plug pin 22 is achieved through the second hole 311 on the second main body portion 31 and the spring contact finger 32, ensuring that the plug pin 22 can be accurately inserted into the electrical connection portion 3 and form a good electrical connection with the electrical connection portion 3, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the cathode assembly 10.

[0075] In some embodiments, one end of the spring contact finger 32 away from the electron emitting portion 2 is electrically connected to the power supply pin 4 .

[0076] In some embodiments, the second body portion 31 is made of insulating material.

[0077] In a typical application scenario, multiple pins 22 are connected to the first main body 23 of the electron emitting part 2, and as the electron emitting part 2 is installed on the mounting part 11, the pins 22 are inserted into the corresponding second holes 311 and electrically connected to the spring contact fingers 32. In this scenario, the electron emitting part 2 forms a plug structure, and the electrical connection part 3 forms a socket structure. As a result, the connection between the electron emitting part 2 and the electrical connection part 3 is more flexible and easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0078] It should be understood that the connection between the receiving section 221 and the first hole 231 of the above-mentioned plug pin 22 can be a fixed connection, and the connection between the extending section 222 and the second hole 311 can be a movable (plug-in) connection. Alternatively, the connection between the extending section 222 and the second hole 311 can be a fixed connection, and the connection between the receiving section 221 and the first hole 231 can be a movable (plug-in) connection. In other words, the present application does not limit the arrangement of the plug pin 22 in the electrical connection portion 3 or the electron emission portion 2.

[0079] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 The power supply pin 4 includes: a low-voltage pin 41, both ends of each filament 21 of the at least one filament 21 are electrically connected to the low-voltage pin 41, and the low-voltage pin 41 is used to input low-voltage electricity to the filament 21 to heat the filament 21 to generate electrons; a high-voltage pin 42, one end of each filament 21 of the at least one filament 21 is electrically connected to the high-voltage pin 42, and the high-voltage pin 42 is used to input high-voltage electricity to the filament 21 to accelerate the generation of the electrons.

[0080] Specifically, the low voltage pin 41 can be electrically connected to the pin segment 212 of the filament 21 through the pin 22. Further, the filament 21 and the corresponding two pins 22 and two low voltage pins together form a low voltage loop, through which the filament 21 obtains low voltage current to generate heat and generate electrons.

[0081] In a specific embodiment, the electron emission part 2 may include two filaments 21, wherein each filament 21 is respectively connected to two pins 22 at both ends and two spring contact fingers 32 electrically connected to the two pins 22. Further, one of the two filaments 21 is electrically connected to the first spring contact finger 321 and the second spring contact finger 322, and the other of the two filaments 21 is electrically connected to the third spring contact finger 323 and the fourth spring contact finger 324. The low-voltage pin 41 includes a first low-voltage pin 411, a second low-voltage pin 412 and a third low-voltage pin 413, the first spring contact finger 321 is electrically connected to the first low-voltage pin 411, the second spring contact finger 322 is electrically connected to the second low-voltage pin 412, the third spring contact finger 323 is electrically connected to the third low-voltage pin 413, and the fourth spring contact finger 324 is electrically connected to the second low-voltage pin 412. In this scenario, the first low-voltage pin 411, the first spring contact finger 321, one of the two filaments 21, the second spring contact finger 322 and the second low-voltage pin 412 form a first low-voltage circuit; the third low-voltage pin 413, the third spring contact finger 323, the other of the two filaments 21, the fourth spring contact finger 324 and the second low-voltage pin 412 form a second low-voltage circuit, and the two parallel low-voltage circuits share the second low-voltage pin 412.

[0082] In some embodiments, the high voltage pin 42 can reuse one of the low voltage pins 41. Figure 7 As shown, the high voltage pin 42 can reuse the second low voltage pin 412. Through the high voltage pin 42 (second low voltage pin 412), high voltage electricity can be simultaneously input to at least one filament 21, so that a high voltage electric field is formed between the cathode assembly 10 and the anode target plate 20, thereby promoting the bombardment of electrons.

[0083] In some embodiments, in combination Figures 2 to 6 The mounting portion 11 is provided with a through hole structure 113 extending along the first direction D1, and the through hole structure 113 includes: a first hole segment 1131, in which at least a portion of the electrical connection portion 3 is accommodated; a second hole segment 1132, which is connected to the first hole segment 1131 and is closer to the electron emission portion 2 than the first hole segment 1131, and at least a portion of the electron emission portion 2 extends into the second hole segment 1132 and is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion 3 accommodated in the first hole segment 1131.

[0084] Specifically, the through-hole structure 113 can accommodate a portion of each of the electron emission portion 2 and the electrical connection portion 3 , and provide a passage for electrical connection between the electron emission portion 2 and the electrical connection portion 3 .

[0085] More specifically, the through-hole structure 113 includes a first hole segment 1131, and the first hole segment 1131 is used to accommodate at least a portion of the electrical connection portion 3. The through-hole structure 113 also includes a second hole segment 1132 connected to the first hole segment 1131. The second hole segment 1132 is closer to the electron emission portion 2 than the first hole segment 1131. During the assembly process, at least a portion of the electron emission portion 2 can extend into the second hole segment 1132 and form an electrical connection with the electrical connection portion 3 accommodated in the first hole segment 1131.

[0086] In a typical application scenario, when assembling the cathode assembly 10, the electrical connection portion 3 may be first mounted on the first side 111 of the mounting portion 11, and at least a portion of the electrical connection portion 3 may be inserted into the first hole section 1131 of the mounting portion 11. Then, the electron emission portion 2 may be mounted on the second side 112 of the mounting portion 11, and at least a portion of the electron emission portion 2 may extend into the second hole section 1132. In this process, the conductive portion of the electron emission portion 2 (such as the pin 22) may contact the corresponding portion of the electrical connection portion 3 (such as the spring contact finger 32) and form an electrical connection.

[0087] In some embodiments, the aperture of the first hole segment 1131 is larger than the aperture of the second hole segment 1132. Further, a step structure is formed between the first hole segment 1131 and the second hole segment 1132. After the electrical connection portion 3 is installed in place, one end of the electrical connection portion 3 facing the electron emission portion 2 abuts against the step structure. Thus, the stability of the connection between the electrical connection portion 3 and the mounting portion 11 can be increased.

[0088] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the first hole segment 1131 fits the outer circumference of the electrical connection portion 3 .

[0089] In some embodiments, the electrical connection portion 3 and the wall of the mounting portion 11 forming the first hole section 1131 can be firmly connected by gluing or tensioning, etc. Thus, the overall structure of the cathode assembly 10 is more stable.

[0090] Along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1 , the outer contour of the cross section of the electrical connection portion 3 includes at least one sharp corner, thereby preventing the electrical connection portion 3 from rotating relative to the first hole segment 1131 .

[0091] In some embodiments, the wall of the mounting portion 11 forming the first hole section 1131 and the electrical connection portion 3 are detachably connected via a disassembly structure. The disassembly structure may be, for example, a hook provided on one of the mounting portion 11 and the first hole section 1131, and a slot provided on the other of the mounting portion 11 and the first hole section 1131, and the detachable connection between the mounting portion 11 and the electrical connection portion 3 is achieved through the cooperation of the hook and the slot.

[0092] Furthermore, there is a non-zero gap between the electrical connection part 3 and the electron emission part 2 on the opposite surfaces in the through hole structure 113, and the size of the gap along the first direction D1 is smaller than a preset threshold value. Thus, it is possible to avoid collision between the electrical connection part 3 and the electron emission part 2 during assembly, and to avoid excessive exposure of the section of the pin 22, which may lead to accidental discharge.

[0093] In some embodiments, the electron emission portion 2 includes a first portion 201 having a size larger than the first hole segment 1131 and a second portion 202 having a size adapted to the first hole segment 1131, the second portion 202 is accommodated in the first hole segment 1131, and the first portion 201 is located outside the first hole segment 1131 and abuts against the first side 111 of the mounting portion 11. Thus, the first portion 201 cooperates with the first side 111 of the mounting portion 11 to prevent the second portion 202 from being too deep.

[0094] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 The electron emitting portion 2 and the mounting portion 11 are detachably connected via a connecting structure 5, and the connecting structure 5 comprises: a protrusion 51, which is provided at one of the electron emitting portion 2 and the mounting portion 11 and extends toward the other; and a receiving portion 52, which is provided at the other of the electron emitting portion 2 and the mounting portion 11, and the receiving portion 52 is used to receive the protrusion 51. Thus, through the connecting structure 5, the connection between the electron emitting portion 2 and the mounting portion 11 can be more stable and firm.

[0095] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4 The electron emitting portion 2 and the mounting portion 11 are further connected via a detachable fixing member 6. The fixing member 6 may be, for example, a screw or a bolt.

[0096] In a specific embodiment, the fixing member 6 can be inserted into the mounting portion 11 through at least a portion of the first portion 201 . Thus, the electron emission portion 2 can be stably connected to the first side 111 of the mounting portion 11 .

[0097] In some embodiments, the protrusion 51 can also be used to cooperate with the receiving portion 52 to align the electron emitting portion 2 and the electrical connecting portion 3. In other words, when the protrusion 51 is aligned with the receiving portion 52, the electron emitting portion 2 and the electrical connecting portion 3 are also aligned with each other.

[0098] In some embodiments, a non-zero angle of 90° exists between the first direction D1 and the extension direction of the support arm 1 .

[0099] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 1 and Figure 7The cathode assembly 10 also includes: a connecting arm 7, along the extension direction, the connecting arm 7 has a third end 71 and a fourth end 72 relative to each other, wherein the third end 71 is connected to the second end 102 of the support arm 1, and the power supply pin 4 is connected to the fourth end 72 through the fourth end 72 and is electrically connected to a cable 8.

[0100] Further, the fourth end 72 can be connected to the cable 8 through the cable fixing portion 9. The cable 8 is located outside the vacuum chamber 301, one end of the cable fixing portion 9 is located inside the vacuum chamber 301 and connected to the fourth end 72 of the connecting arm 7, and the other end of the cable fixing portion 9 is located outside the vacuum chamber 301 and connected to the cable 8.

[0101] Furthermore, the connecting arm 7 has a hollow structure and an opening formed on the side wall of the connecting arm 7 and connected to the hollow structure. At least a portion of the power supply pin 4 extends from the opening into the hollow structure, and passes through the fourth end 72 and the cable fixing portion 9 to extend out of the vacuum chamber 301 and be electrically connected to the cable 8.

[0102] In some embodiments, the connecting arm 7 can be made of a conductive material, and the number of the power supply pins 4 is multiple, wherein at least one power supply pin 4 (for example, Figure 1 The power supply pin 4 on the side away from the electron emission part 2 is electrically connected to the connecting arm 7, and the other power supply pins 4 are insulated and connected to the connecting arm 7. The power supply pin 4 electrically connected to the connecting arm 7 is used to input high voltage electricity to the first main body 23 of the electron emission part 2 through the connecting arm 7 and the support arm 1.

[0103] Furthermore, along the first direction D1 , a hole is formed on the wall of the housing 30 close to the cathode assembly 10 , and the outer peripheral surface of at least a portion of the cable fixing portion 9 is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the hole to ensure the airtightness of the vacuum chamber 301 .

[0104] From the above, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is adopted, by dividing the cathode assembly 10 into a plurality of independent functional modules such as a support arm 1, an electron emission part 2, an electrical connection part 3, etc. according to the function, and each functional module is detachably connected to each other. This modular design not only simplifies the assembly process and improves production efficiency, but also facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement. Among them, the electron emission part 2 is detachably connected to the first end 101 of the support arm 1, and the electrical connection part 3 is also detachably connected to the support arm 1 in a specific manner. This detachable connection method makes it possible to replace the damaged parts separately when a part of the assembly is damaged, without scrapping the entire assembly, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Specific methods include, for example, snap-on connection, tensioning connection, etc.

[0105] Furthermore, through the cooperation between the pin 22 and the spring contact finger 32, the electron emission part 2 and the electrical connection part 3 can form a cooperation structure similar to a plug and a socket, and the connection and disconnection between the two can be easily achieved. This design not only simplifies the installation and disassembly process, but also improves the maintainability of the assembly, and the electron emission part 2 or the electrical connection part 3 can be replaced or repaired more conveniently. Furthermore, the tight cooperation between the pin 22 and the spring contact finger 32 ensures a reliable electrical connection between the electron emission part 2 and the electrical connection part 3. Furthermore, the spring contact finger 32 has good elasticity and can adapt to slight deviations of the pin 22 during the insertion process, thereby ensuring a good electrical connection. This design helps to reduce signal loss and electromagnetic interference, and improve the stability and efficiency of the electrical connection.

[0106] It should be understood that the term "and / or" herein is merely an association relationship describing associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B, which may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "or" covers all possible combinations unless it is not feasible. For example, if a component is stated to include A or B, then unless otherwise expressly stated or not feasible, the component may include A, or B, or A and B. As a second example, if a component is stated to include A, B, or C, then unless otherwise expressly stated or not feasible, the component may include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C. The "multiple" appearing in the embodiments of the present application refers to two or more.

[0107] The relational terms appearing in the embodiments of the present application, such as first, second, etc., are only used to distinguish an entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. In addition, the words "include", "have" and "comprise" and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning, and are open-ended, and one or more items behind any of these words are not meant to be an exhaustive list of such one or more items, or mean to be limited to one or more items listed. In the accompanying drawings and the specification, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed. However, many changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments. Therefore, although specific terms have been adopted, they are only used in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation.

[0108] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A cathode assembly for an X-ray tube, characterized in that: include: A support arm having a first end and a second end opposite to each other along an extension direction, wherein the first end is provided with a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion has a first side and a second side opposite to each other along a first direction, and wherein the first direction and the extension direction of the support arm have a non-zero angle; an electron emitting portion, detachably connected to the first side of the mounting portion, the electron emitting portion comprising at least one filament for emitting electrons; an electrical connection portion, the electrical connection portion being detachably connected to the second side of the mounting portion and electrically connected to the electron emission portion; A power supply pin is electrically connected to an end of the electrical connection portion away from the electron emission portion, and is electrically connected to the electron emission portion through the electrical connection portion to supply power to the filament; wherein, The electron emitting part forms a plug structure, the electrical connecting part forms a socket structure, and the electron emitting part and the electrical connecting part are connected by plugging and unplugging in the following manner: The electron emission unit further comprises: A plurality of pins corresponding to the at least one filament, wherein every two of the pins are used to electrically connect the corresponding filament and the power supply pin; The first main body is provided with a plurality of first holes extending along the first direction, the plurality of first holes correspond to the plurality of pins one by one, at least a portion of each of the pins is accommodated in the first hole and connected to the filament extending into the first hole; The electrical connection portion comprises: The second main body is provided with a plurality of second holes extending along the first direction, and the plurality of second holes correspond to the plurality of the plug pins one by one to receive at least a portion of the plug pins; A plurality of spring contact fingers corresponding to the plurality of second holes one by one, each of the spring contact fingers being accommodated in the corresponding second hole and electrically connected to the pin inserted into the second hole, and an end of the spring contact finger away from the electron emission portion being electrically connected to the power supply pin; Wherein, the pin and the second hole are connected by plugging and unplugging.

2. The cathode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that A maximum distance between a region of the first main body portion where the first hole is provided and the electrical connection portion is smaller than a preset threshold.

3. The cathode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The first main body is made of a conductive material, and an insulating part is arranged in the first hole to insulate the pin and the first main body.

4. The cathode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The second body portion is made of insulating material.

5. The cathode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The power supply pins include: A low-voltage pin, both ends of each filament of the at least one filament are electrically connected to the low-voltage pin, and the low-voltage pin is used to input low-voltage electricity to the filament to heat the filament to generate electrons; A high voltage pin, one end of each of the at least one filament is electrically connected to the high voltage pin, and the high voltage pin is used to input high voltage electricity to the filament to accelerate the generation of the electrons.

6. The cathode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The mounting portion is provided with a through hole structure extending along the first direction, and the through hole structure comprises: a first hole section, in which at least a portion of the electrical connection portion is accommodated; The second hole segment is connected to the first hole segment and is closer to the electron emission portion than the first hole segment. At least a portion of the electron emission portion extends into the second hole segment and is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion accommodated in the first hole segment.

7. The cathode assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The hole diameter of the first hole segment is larger than the hole diameter of the second hole segment.

8. The cathode assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The inner wall of the first hole segment and the outer peripheral surface of the electrical connection portion are in contact with each other; and / or Along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, an outer contour of a cross section of the electrical connection portion includes at least one sharp corner; and / or The wall of the mounting portion that forms the first hole section and the electrical connection portion are detachably connected via a detachable structure.

9. The cathode assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that There is a non-zero gap between the opposing surfaces of the electrical connection portion and the electron emission portion in the through-hole structure, and a dimension of the gap along the first direction is smaller than a preset threshold.

10. The cathode assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The electron emission portion includes a first portion whose size is larger than the first hole segment and a second portion whose size matches the first hole segment, the second portion is accommodated in the first hole segment, and the first portion is located outside the first hole segment and abuts against a first side of the mounting portion.

11. The cathode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The electron emission portion and the mounting portion are detachably connected via a connecting structure, wherein the connecting structure comprises: a protrusion, disposed on one of the electron emitting portion and the mounting portion, and extending toward the other; The receiving portion is disposed on the other of the electron emitting portion and the mounting portion, and is used for receiving the protrusion.

12. The cathode assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that The electron emitting portion and the mounting portion are further connected via a detachable fixing member; and / or The protrusion is used to cooperate with the receiving portion to align the electron emitting portion and the electrical connecting portion.

13. The cathode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The first direction and the extension direction of the support arm form a non-zero angle of 90°.

14. The cathode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The connecting arm has a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other along the extension direction, wherein the third end is connected to the second end of the supporting arm, and the power supply pin is electrically connected to a cable through the fourth end.

15. An X-ray tube, characterized in that: include: shell; The cathode assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cathode assembly is detachably connected to the housing; The anode target plate is accommodated in the shell, and the anode target plate is used to receive the electrons emitted by the cathode assembly.

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