X-ray device and X-ray tube maintenance method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an X-ray device and a maintenance method for an X-ray tube, wherein the X-ray device comprises: a shell, which defines a accommodating cavity, an opening connected to the accommodating cavity is formed on the wall of the shell, and the wall of the shell has a first side away from the accommodating cavity and an opposite second side; a pipeline portion and a first connecting tube located on the first side, the pipeline portion comprises a second connecting tube, the second connecting tube is sealedly connected to the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube is sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube together form a channel connected to the accommodating cavity, and the pipeline portion is connected to the accommodating cavity through the channel. The technical solution of the present application can simplify the disassembly and assembly process of the X-ray tube, facilitate maintenance, and help extend the service life of the X-ray tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of X-ray devices, and in particular to an X-ray device and an X-ray tube maintenance method. Background Art

[0002] The X-ray tube includes a cathode assembly and an anode assembly. During the production process of the X-ray tube, after the cathode assembly and the anode assembly are sealed by argon arc welding, the inside of the X-ray tube needs to be evacuated to a high vacuum to ensure that the electrons can be smoothly accelerated from the cathode to the anode without colliding with air molecules and losing energy. Therefore, the exhaust pipe assembly needs to be connected during the manufacturing stage of the X-ray tube. The function of the exhaust pipe assembly is to connect the X-ray tube to the external vacuum system. It is used to evacuate the internal air and then seal it in the initial stage of the X-ray tube manufacturing to ensure that the necessary vacuum state is maintained inside the tube during the operation of the X-ray tube.

[0003] The exhaust pipe assembly usually includes several main parts: exhaust pipe, welding interface, flange, and sealing ring. At present, the exhaust pipes used in X-ray tubes are mostly made of metal, and are usually welded to the cathode bottom plate by argon arc welding. The traditional welding method is to extend at least a part of the exhaust pipe into the vacuum chamber, and the welding interface end of the exhaust pipe is matched with the welding surface of the back side of the cathode bottom plate (i.e., the side facing the vacuum chamber inside the tube) for welding. The corresponding welding position is located inside the X-ray tube.

[0004] However, in actual operation, argon arc welding is prone to cause defects such as undercut, weld bead, arc quenching pit, and rough transition between weld and base material. When these defects exist in the welding position inside the X-ray tube, there is a risk of sparking at very high voltage during the operation of the X-ray tube. Therefore, the existing exhaust pipe welding scheme has great defects, which affects the product quality and performance of the final manufactured X-ray tube. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide an improved X-ray device and a maintenance method for an X-ray tube.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an X-ray device, comprising: a shell, which defines a accommodating cavity, an opening connected to the accommodating cavity is opened on the wall of the shell, and the wall of the shell has a first side facing away from the accommodating cavity and an opposite second side; a pipeline portion and a first connecting tube located on the first side, the pipeline portion includes a second connecting tube, the second connecting tube is sealedly connected to the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube is sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube together form a channel connected to the accommodating cavity, and the pipeline portion is connected to the accommodating cavity through the channel.

[0007] Optionally, one of the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube is sleeved in the other one, and the radially overlapping area of ​​the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube along the channel is at least partially sealed and connected in the axial direction of the channel.

[0008] Optionally, the first connecting tube includes a first connecting surface, and the second connecting tube includes a second connecting surface, and the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are in contact with each other and are sealed and connected.

[0009] Optionally, an edge of the first connecting surface away from the channel is flush with an edge of the second connecting surface away from the channel.

[0010] Optionally, the portion of the first connecting tube that forms the first connecting surface and the portion of the second connecting tube that forms the second connecting surface form an overlapping area along the radial direction of the channel, and the overlapping area is arranged around the channel, and the overlapping area includes an annular detachable area and an annular fixed connection area, and the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are sealingly connected in the fixed connection area, wherein the detachable area is closer to the channel than the fixed connection area.

[0011] Optionally, along the radial direction of the channel, the separable area and the fixed connection area are distributed in concentric circular rings.

[0012] Optionally, along a direction from the fixed connection area to the separable area, a ratio between a width of the fixed connection area and a width of the overlapping area is less than a preset threshold.

[0013] Optionally, in response to the fixed connection area being removed, the first connection cylinder and the second connection cylinder may be decoupled.

[0014] Optionally, in response to the fixed connection area being removed, the first connection tube and the second connection tube are at least partially sealed and connected in the detachable area to form a new fixed connection area.

[0015] Optionally, a portion of the tube wall of the first connecting tube on a side close to the second connecting tube is bent outwardly away from the first connecting tube to form a first flange, and a portion of the tube wall of the second connecting tube on a side close to the first connecting tube is bent outwardly to form a second flange.

[0016] Optionally, the first flange includes a first edge closer to the channel and a second edge farther from the channel than the first edge, the second flange includes a third edge closer to the channel and a fourth edge farther from the channel than the third edge, the first edge and the third edge are in contact or there is a non-zero gap, and the second edge and the fourth edge are sealed and connected.

[0017] Optionally, the first side and the second side are parallel; or there is a non-zero angle between the first side and the second side.

[0018] Optionally, at least a portion of the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube are sealed and connected by welding or crimping process.

[0019] Optionally, the pipeline portion includes a body, and the second connecting tube is integrally formed with the body or is sealed and connected to an end of the body.

[0020] Optionally, the X-ray device is suitable for connecting to a vacuum device, which evacuates the accommodating chamber via the pipe portion, and closes an end of the pipe portion away from the shell in response to the vacuum degree of the accommodating chamber decreasing to a preset threshold.

[0021] Optionally, in response to the vacuum degree of the accommodating chamber being reduced to a preset threshold value, at least a portion of the pipeline portion is removed and a fracture of the pipeline portion is sealed.

[0022] Optionally, the pipeline portion further includes an interface portion, which is arranged at an end of the pipeline portion away from the shell, and the interface portion is used to connect to a vacuum extraction device.

[0023] Optionally, the shell includes: a main body having an opening; a cover connected to a side of the main body having the opening and closing the opening, the main body and the cover jointly define the accommodating cavity, and the opening is opened in the cover; the X-ray device also includes: a cathode assembly connected to the cover, the cathode assembly is used to emit electrons; and an anode assembly is accommodated in the accommodating cavity, the anode assembly is used to receive the electrons and form X-rays.

[0024] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a maintenance method for an X-ray tube, the method comprising: providing the X-ray tube, the X-ray tube comprising: a shell, the shell defining a accommodating cavity, an opening connected to the accommodating cavity is formed on the wall of the shell, the wall of the shell having a first side facing away from the accommodating cavity and an opposite second side; a first connecting tube and a second connecting tube located on the first side, the second connecting tube being sealedly connected to the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube being sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube forming a channel connected to the accommodating cavity; removing the sealed connection area between the second connecting tube and the first connecting tube to decouple the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube; providing a pipeline portion, sealingly connecting the pipeline portion to the first connecting tube via the second connecting tube; connecting one end of the pipeline portion to a vacuum device to evacuate the accommodating cavity; and sealing the accommodating cavity.

[0025] Optionally, sealing the accommodating cavity includes: removing at least a portion of the pipeline portion and sealing a port of the pipeline portion.

[0026] Optionally, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube form an overlapping area in the radial direction of the channel, and the overlapping area includes an annular detachable area and an annular fixed connection area, and removing the sealed connection area between the second connecting tube and the first connecting tube includes: removing the fixed connection area.

[0027] Optionally, sealingly connecting the pipeline portion to the first connecting cylinder via the second connecting cylinder includes: sealingly connecting the separable areas of the first connecting cylinder and the second connecting cylinder to form a new fixed connection area to sealingly connect the pipeline portion to the first connecting cylinder via the second connecting cylinder.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention provides an X-ray device, comprising: a shell, which defines a accommodating cavity, an opening connected to the accommodating cavity is formed on the wall of the shell, and the wall of the shell has a first side facing away from the accommodating cavity and an opposite second side; a pipeline portion and a first connecting tube located on the first side, the pipeline portion includes a second connecting tube, the second connecting tube is sealedly connected to the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube is sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube together form a channel connected to the accommodating cavity, and the pipeline portion is connected to the accommodating cavity through the channel.

[0030] The welding position of the existing X-ray tube is located inside the tube, which is prone to internal defects such as undercut, weld nodules, arc quenching pits, and rough transition between the weld and the base material due to welding operations. These potential defects may cause sparks during the operation of the processed X-ray tube, thereby threatening the operating safety and stability of the X-ray device. In comparison, using the technical solution of the present application, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube are both arranged outside the accommodating cavity, so that after the main structure of the X-ray tube is assembled, the first connecting tube, the second connecting tube and the exhaust pipe assembly such as the pipeline part can be additionally connected, and the assembly process of the X-ray tube is simpler and easier to operate. Furthermore, the connection between the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube, and the welding points formed by welding on the components of the X-ray device that need to be connected by welding or other connection methods are basically located outside the accommodating cavity, so that the product quality of the X-ray tube prepared by the X-ray device is significantly improved, and the reliability is higher.

[0031] Furthermore, when the X-ray tube needs maintenance or replacement of parts, since the connection position of the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube is located outside, compared with the traditional method, there is no need to cut the welding position between the cathode bottom plate and the anode shell window, thereby greatly saving manpower and material costs and improving maintenance efficiency. For example, in the case that the pipeline part fails and needs to be replaced, it is only necessary to release the connection between the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube to quickly remove the pipeline part without disassembling the entire shell.

[0032] Furthermore, an overlapping area is formed between the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube, and the overlapping area includes a fixed connection area and a detachable area. By removing the fixed connection area, the decoupling between the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube can be achieved; and by forming a new fixed connection area in the detachable area, the sealed connection between the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube can be re-achieved. Thus, the assembly flexibility and maintainability of the X-ray tube can be improved.

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a maintenance method for an X-ray tube, comprising: providing the X-ray tube, the X-ray tube comprising: a shell, the shell defining a accommodating cavity, an opening connected to the accommodating cavity is formed on the wall of the shell, the wall of the shell having a first side facing away from the accommodating cavity and an opposite second side; a first connecting tube and a second connecting tube located on the first side, the second connecting tube being sealedly connected to the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube being sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube forming a channel connected to the accommodating cavity; removing the sealed connection area between the second connecting tube and the first connecting tube to decouple the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube; providing a pipeline portion, sealingly connecting the pipeline portion to the first connecting tube via the second connecting tube; connecting one end of the pipeline portion to a vacuum pumping device to vacuum the accommodating cavity; and sealing the accommodating cavity.

[0034] By adopting the technical solution of the present application, by removing the sealed connection area between the second connecting tube and the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube can be smoothly decoupled without destroying the overall structure of the shell, and then the pipeline part and the second connecting tube can be smoothly removed for maintenance or replacement. In addition, after removing the pipeline part and the second connecting tube, the interior of the accommodating chamber can be exposed through the first connecting tube and the opening, and maintenance of the local structure in the accommodating chamber can be performed through the opening. Furthermore, by re-sealing and connecting the second connecting tube and the first connecting tube on the new pipeline part and evacuating the pipeline part, the pipeline part is sealed again to complete the maintenance process of the X-ray tube. As a result, the process of maintaining the X-ray tube can be made simpler and more convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1It is a schematic diagram of the installation area of ​​the pipeline part in an X-ray device in the prior art;

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the middle area A along the BB direction;

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another variation of the structure shown in region A;

[0039] Figure 5 is through Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an X-ray tube prepared by the X-ray device shown;

[0040] Figure 6 The invention discloses a maintenance method for an X-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] An X-ray tube connected to an exhaust pipe assembly is called an X-ray device. As mentioned in the background art, in existing X-ray devices, the connection between the exhaust pipe and the cathode base plate is located in the accommodating cavity, which easily causes the risk of ignition in a high-voltage working environment. At the same time, the replacement of the exhaust pipe is also very troublesome.

[0042] Specifically, refer to Figure 1In the prior art, an opening for connecting the exhaust pipe P1 is provided on the shell P3 of the X-ray device, and the exhaust pipe P1 can be connected to the shell P3 of the X-ray device through the connecting pipe P2. A portion of the connecting pipe P2 extends from the opening into the accommodation cavity of the X-ray device, and the wall of the shell P3 forming the opening extends toward the accommodation cavity to form an extension wall (or a weld edge), and the extension wall and the outer wall of the partial section of the connecting pipe P2 extending into the accommodation cavity are in contact. Further, a sealed connection area P4 is formed between the connecting pipe P2 and the shell P3 by welding or the like. The exhaust pipe P1 is used to be connected to a vacuum device to evacuate the accommodation cavity. When the vacuum degree is drawn to the high vacuum state required for the operation of the X-ray tube, most of the sections of the exhaust pipe P1 will be cut off, and only the section where the exhaust pipe P1 and the connecting pipe P2 are sealed and sealed will be retained, which will cause a partial section of the exhaust pipe P1 to remain on the shell P3 of the prepared X-ray tube. During daily operation of the X-ray tube, since the sealing connection area P4 is located inside the accommodating chamber, when the exhaust pipe P1 fails (for example, a leak occurs at the seal of the exhaust pipe P1, affecting the vacuum degree of the accommodating chamber) and needs to be replaced, the entire shell P3 needs to be disassembled first to expose the sealing connection area P4 located inside the accommodating chamber (i.e., on the side facing the accommodating chamber), resulting in a waste of manpower and material resources and low efficiency. In addition, during the disassembly process, debris may fall into the X-ray tube, affecting the quality and life of the completed X-ray tube.

[0043] On the other hand, the conventional method of decoupling the shell P3 and the exhaust pipe P1 is usually to cut off the sealed connection area P4. The extended wall on the shell P3 that is welded to the exhaust pipe P1 is processed on the shell P3 and has a limited length, so the number of times the exhaust pipe P1 can be replaced is also limited. Taking the connection method using argon arc welding as an example, currently, according to the conventional materials and thickness of the exhaust pipe P1 and the shell P3, the welding depth of argon arc welding is usually 1~2mm, and the length of the extended wall on the shell P3 that is welded to the exhaust pipe P1 is 3.18mm, so the exhaust pipe P1 can be disassembled and replaced twice at most. When the exhaust pipe P1 cannot be replaced again, the entire cathode and even the X-ray tube will be scrapped.

[0044] At the same time, when the X-ray tube is working, the interior of the accommodating cavity is in a high voltage environment. Since the sealed connection area P4 protrudes from the shell P3 toward the accommodating cavity, it is easy to cause risks such as fire, which seriously affects the safety of the use of the X-ray tube.

[0045] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an X-ray device, comprising: a shell, which defines a accommodating cavity, an opening connected to the accommodating cavity is opened on the wall of the shell, and the wall of the shell has a first side facing away from the accommodating cavity and an opposite second side; a pipeline portion and a first connecting tube located on the first side, the pipeline portion includes a second connecting tube, the second connecting tube is sealedly connected to the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube is sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube together form a channel connected to the accommodating cavity, and the pipeline portion is connected to the accommodating cavity through the channel.

[0046] The welding position of the existing X-ray tube is located inside the tube, which is prone to internal defects such as undercut, weld nodules, arc quenching pits, and rough transition between the weld and the base material due to welding operations. These potential defects may cause sparks during the operation of the processed X-ray tube, thereby threatening the operating safety and stability of the X-ray device. In comparison, using the technical solution of the present application, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube are both arranged outside the accommodating cavity, so that after the main structure of the X-ray tube is assembled, the first connecting tube, the second connecting tube and the exhaust pipe assembly such as the pipeline part can be additionally connected, and the assembly process of the X-ray tube is simpler and easier to operate. Furthermore, the connection between the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube, and the welding points formed by welding on the components of the X-ray device that need to be connected by welding or other connection methods are basically located outside the accommodating cavity, so that the product quality of the X-ray tube prepared by the X-ray device is significantly improved, and the reliability is higher.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an X-ray device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a specific embodiment of the present application, an X-ray device 100 may include: a shell 1, which defines a accommodating cavity 101, an opening 102 connected to the accommodating cavity 101 is opened on the wall of the shell 1, and the wall of the shell 1 has a first side 11 away from the accommodating cavity 101 and an opposite second side 12; a pipeline portion 2 and a first connecting tube 3 located on the first side 11, the pipeline portion 2 includes a second connecting tube 4, the second connecting tube 4 is sealedly connected to the first connecting tube 3, the first connecting tube 3 is sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening 102, the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 jointly form a channel 103 connected to the accommodating cavity 101, and the pipeline portion 2 is connected to the accommodating cavity 101 through the channel 103.

[0050] Specifically, the X-ray device 100 may be as follows Figure 2 The pre-assembled part shown in FIG. 1 specifically includes an X-ray tube 10 and an exhaust pipe assembly 20 connected thereto. The X-ray device 100 is an intermediate form obtained during the processing of the X-ray tube 10. Figure 2 Based on the X-ray device 100 shown in FIG. 1 , after the accommodating chamber 101 is evacuated via the exhaust pipe assembly 20, at least a portion of the exhaust pipe assembly 20 is removed, and the following can be obtained: Figure 5 The X-ray tube 10 shown. Further, Figure 5 The X-ray tube 10 (also called X-ray tube, CT tube) shown 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 can be used as a core component in a CT machine and is widely used to generate X-rays in practice. Therefore, the technical perfection of the X-ray tube directly affects the working effect of the CT machine. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the other structures of the X-ray tube 10 except the cover 105 are simplified. For the exemplary construction of other structures, please refer to Figure 2 Related presentation in .

[0051] In the X-ray tube 10, the principle of generating X-rays is that the filament in the cathode assembly generates heat to generate electrons. A large number of electrons are accelerated by the high-voltage electric field between the cathode assembly and the anode assembly to bombard the anode assembly to generate X-rays. The X-rays are reflected and emitted from the electron emission window. After passing through the patient, they are received by the CT detector to form an image. 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 assembly 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, X-ray devices generally use rotating anodes, that is, the anode assembly is in a rotating state during operation, so that the position of the electron bombardment on the anode assembly continues to change, avoiding the phenomenon of local temperature increase and damage to the anode assembly.

[0052] In some embodiments, the accommodating chamber 101 is a vacuum chamber, that is, under normal working conditions, the air pressure inside the accommodating chamber 101 is reduced to a level far below the atmospheric pressure to create a high vacuum environment. Thus, the high vacuum environment can ensure the stable transmission of the electron beam, reduce scattering and energy loss, and thus improve the efficiency and quality of X-ray generation.

[0053] Furthermore, the opening 102 may be formed in the wall of the housing 1 and communicate with the accommodating chamber 101. The opening 102 may be used to evacuate the accommodating chamber 101.

[0054] Furthermore, the wall of the housing 1 where the opening 102 is formed has a first side 11 and a second side 12 opposite to each other, wherein the first side 11 faces away from the accommodating cavity 101 , and the second side 12 points toward the accommodating cavity 101 .

[0055] Further, the exhaust pipe assembly 20 includes a pipe portion 2, which is located outside the accommodating chamber 101 and is indirectly connected to the wall of the housing 1 having the opening 102 through the first connecting tube 3. Further, the pipe portion 2 is connected to the accommodating chamber 101 through the opening 102, and the pipe portion 2 can be connected to a vacuum device, which can vacuum the accommodating chamber 101 through the pipe portion 2. The vacuum device can be, for example, a vacuum pump.

[0056] Furthermore, one end of the first connecting tube 3 along the extension direction is connected to the wall of the housing 1 forming the opening 102, and the other end is connected to the second connecting tube 4 of the pipeline portion 2. The first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 together form a channel 103 communicating with the accommodating cavity 101.

[0057] In some embodiments, one end of the first connecting tube 3 facing the accommodating cavity 101 can be sealed and connected to the wall of the housing 1 forming the opening 102. Figure 3 The first connecting tube 3 is connected to the first side 11 of the wall of the housing 1 forming the opening 102 . In other words, any part of the first connecting tube 3 will not extend into the accommodating cavity 101 .

[0058] Furthermore, a second connecting tube 4 is provided on one side of the pipeline portion 2 close to the accommodating chamber 101, and the second connecting tube 4 is sealedly connected to at least a portion of the first connecting tube 3. Thus, the airtightness of the accommodating chamber 101 and the channel 103 can be ensured.

[0059] In some embodiments, the sealed connection can be achieved, for example, by welding such as brazing. Thus, the sealing of the connection between the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4, and between the first connecting tube 3 and the housing 1 can be ensured. In addition, the welding connection method can also increase the overall structural stability of the X-ray device 100.

[0060] In some embodiments, one of the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 is sleeved in the other one, and the radially overlapping area of ​​the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 along the channel 103 is at least partially sealed and connected in the axial direction of the channel 103 .

[0061] For example, in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting tube 3 is sleeved on the second connecting tube 4 , and the outer wall of the second connecting tube 4 and the inner wall of the first connecting tube 3 are at least partially sealed and connected.

[0062] In a specific embodiment, continue with reference to Figure 3 , the second connecting tube 4 includes a first tube 401 and a second tube 402 sleeved on the first tube 401, and the pipeline portion 2 can be connected to the first tube 401. Further, there is a gap between the first tube 401 and the second tube 402 in the radial direction, and the side of the first tube 401 facing the opening 102 and the side of the second tube facing the opening 102 are connected by a connecting portion 403. Further, the connecting portion 403 can be, for example, an annular sheet structure. Further, at least a portion of the first connecting tube 3 is sleeved on the second tube 402. For example, the first tube 401 and the second tube 402 are spaced apart in the radial direction, and the connecting portion 403 is used to connect the first tube 401 and the second tube 402 at their ends facing the opening 102.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first tube 401 , the connecting portion 403 , and the second tube 402 may be integrally formed.

[0064] In another variation, reference Figure 4 The first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 may not be mutually nested, and the ends of the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 facing each other are butted and sealed. Thus, the sealing of the channel 103 can be ensured, and the connection and separation of the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 are also easy to operate.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first connecting tube 3 includes a first connecting surface, the second connecting tube 4 includes a second connecting surface, and the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are attached to each other and sealed. Thus, the stability and sealing of the connection between the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 can be further ensured through the surface-to-surface connection.

[0066] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 , the second connection surface can be formed on the surface of the connection part 403 and the second tube 402 facing the first connection tube 3, and the first connection surface can be formed on the inner wall of the first connection tube 3 facing the second tube 402 and the inner wall facing the connection part 403. In other words, the second connection surface includes two surfaces with non-zero angles, and correspondingly, the first connection surface also has two surfaces with non-zero angles. In this scenario, both the first connection surface and the second connection surface are non-planar, and the sealing of the contact and connection between the first connection surface and the second connection surface can be further increased by the mutual cooperation of the zigzag planes.

[0067] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting tube 3 includes a first annular wall extending outward along the tube wall, and the second connecting tube 4 includes a second annular wall extending outward along the tube wall, and the annular walls are formed at the ends of the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 that are close to each other. In this scenario, the first connecting surface is formed on the surface of the first annular wall facing the second connecting tube 4, and the second connecting surface is formed on the surface of the second annular wall facing the first connecting tube 3. In other words, Figure 4 The first connection surface and the second connection surface extend in the radial direction of the connection tube where they are located, and are both arranged circumferentially around the connection tube where they are located to ensure a comprehensive and reliable airtight effect.

[0068] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the edge of the first connection surface away from the channel 103 is flush with the edge of the second connection surface away from the channel 103. Thus, by sealingly connecting the edges of the first connection surface and the second connection surface away from the channel 103, the sealed connection between the first connection tube 3 and the second connection tube 4 can be achieved.

[0069] In some embodiments, the portion of the first connecting tube 3 that forms the first connecting surface and the portion of the second connecting tube 4 that forms the second connecting surface form an overlapping area A1 at least along the radial direction of the channel 103, and the overlapping area A1 is arranged around the channel 103, and the overlapping area A1 includes an annular separable area A11 and an annular fixed connection area A12, and the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are sealed and connected in the fixed connection area A12, wherein the separable area A11 is closer to the channel 103 than the fixed connection area A12.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first connection surface and the second connection surface are in contact or have a non-zero gap in the separable area A11. Alternatively, a portion of the first connection surface and a portion of the second connection surface may be closely attached in the separable area A11, and a non-zero gap exists between the other portions of the first connection surface and the second connection surface.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are tightly fitted in the separable area A11.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first connection surface and the second connection surface are inseparable in the fixed connection area A12. That is, in the fixed connection area A12, the first connection surface and the second connection surface are fixedly connected, and the fixed connection may be, for example, a welding connection.

[0073] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4, along the radial direction of the channel 103, the separable area A11 and the fixed connection area A12 are distributed in concentric circular rings. Further, the fixed connection area A12 is arranged around the separable area A11. Thus, by removing the fixed connection area A12 through annular cutting, the first connection cylinder 3 and the second connection cylinder 4 of the non-fixedly connected separable area A11 can be decoupled more easily.

[0074] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 , the detachable area A11 may include a first portion formed on the side of the second cylinder 402 close to the housing 1, and a second portion formed on the connecting portion 403. In this scenario, the fixed connection area A12 may be formed on the periphery of the second portion along the radial direction of the channel 103. Along the axial direction of the channel 103, the fixed connection area A12 and the first portion are adjacently arranged, wherein the first portion is closer to the housing 1 than the fixed connection area A12.

[0075] In some embodiments, along the direction from the fixed connection area A12 to the separable area A11, the ratio between the width of the fixed connection area A12 and the width of the overlapping area A1 is less than a preset threshold. The width of the overlapping area A1 is the dimension extending along the surface of the overlapping area A1. Figure 3 , the width of the overlapping area A1 is the sum of the width of the fixed connection area A12 along the axial direction of the channel 103, the width of the first part along the axial direction of the channel 103, and the width of the second part along the radial direction of the channel 103. In this scenario, the ratio of the sum of the width of the fixed connection area A12 along the axial direction of the channel 103 and the width of the first part along the axial direction of the channel 103 and the width of the second part along the radial direction of the channel 103 is less than the preset threshold.

[0076] In some embodiments, the preset threshold may be, for example, 1:5.

[0077] In some embodiments, in response to the fixed connection area A12 being removed, the first connection cylinder 3 and the second connection cylinder 4 may be decoupled.

[0078] In some embodiments, in response to the fixed connection area A12 being removed, the first connection tube 3 and the second connection tube 4 are at least partially sealed and connected in the detachable area A11 to form a new fixed connection area A12.

[0079] In an actual application scenario, when the X-ray tube 10 is maintained, the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 can be decoupled after removing the fixed connection area A12, and then the pipe part 2 can be removed. After replacing and installing the new pipe part 2, it can be fixedly connected on the side of the first part away from the shell 1 to form a new fixed connection area A12. By removing the old fixed connection area A12 and then forming a new fixed connection area A12, the replacement of the tube part 2 can be completed without disassembling the entire shell 1. As a result, the maintenance and disassembly of the X-ray tube 10 are more convenient and the number of repetitions is increased. By adjusting the preset threshold of the ratio, the length of the detachable area A11 can be increased, thereby increasing the number of times the first connecting tube 3 can form the fixed connection area A12, thereby increasing the number of times the pipe part 2 can be replaced, and extending the service life of the X-ray tube 10.

[0080] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 3 A portion of the wall of the first connecting tube 3 on a side close to the second connecting tube 4 is bent outwardly to form a first flange 31, and a portion of the wall of the second connecting tube 4 on a side close to the first connecting tube 3 is bent outwardly to form a second flange 41.

[0081] Furthermore, the first flange 31 includes a first edge 311 closer to the channel 103 and a second edge 312 farther from the channel 103 than the first edge 311, the second flange 41 includes a third edge 411 closer to the channel 103 and a fourth edge 412 farther from the channel 103 than the third edge 411, the first edge 311 and the third edge 411 are in contact or there is a non-zero gap, and the second edge 312 and the fourth edge 412 are sealed and connected.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the first connection surface is formed on the first flange 31 , and the second connection surface is formed on the second flange 41 . The fourth edge 412 is suitable for forming the second tube 402 , and the third edge 411 is suitable for forming the connection portion 403 .

[0083] In some embodiments, the first edge 311 and the second edge 312 are parallel, that is, the first edge 311 and the second edge 312 are located in the same plane. In other words, in this scenario, the first flange 31 and the second flange 41 extend along the plane, for example Figure 4 .

[0084] In some embodiments, a non-zero angle exists between the first side 311 and the second side 312 .

[0085] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 , the non-zero angle may be, for example, 90°.

[0086] In other embodiments, the non-zero angle may be greater than 90°.

[0087] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first connecting tube 3 is sealed and connected to the second connecting tube 4 by welding or crimping. In other words, the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 in the fixed connection area A12 are sealed and connected by welding or crimping.

[0088] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pipeline portion 2 includes a body 21 , and the second connecting tube 4 is integrally formed with the body 21 or is sealed and connected to the end of the body 21 .

[0089] Further, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 5 The X-ray device 100 is suitable for connecting to a vacuum pumping device, which evacuates the accommodating chamber 101 via the pipe portion 2, and in response to the vacuum degree of the accommodating chamber 101 decreasing to a preset threshold value, closes the end of the pipe portion 2 away from the shell 1; and / or, in response to the vacuum degree of the accommodating chamber 101 decreasing to a preset threshold value, removes at least a portion of the pipe portion 2 and closes the break 22 of the pipe portion 2.

[0090] In some embodiments, the combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pipeline part 2 further includes an interface part 23, which is arranged at one end of the pipeline part 2 away from the housing 1, and the interface part 23 is used to connect a vacuum device. When at least a portion of the pipeline part 2 is removed and the port 22 of the pipeline part 2 is closed, the interface part 23 is also removed.

[0091] Furthermore, the interface portion 23 may be, for example, a connecting flange.

[0092] The housing 1 may include: a main body 104 having an opening; a cover 105 connected to one side of the main body 104 having the opening and closing the opening, the main body 104 and the cover 105 jointly defining the accommodating chamber 101, and the opening 102 being provided in the cover 105. In other words, the first connecting tube 3 is connected to the cover 105, and the pipeline 2 is indirectly connected to the cover 105 via the first connecting tube 3.

[0093] Furthermore, the X-ray device 100 may also include: a cathode assembly connected to the cover 105, the cathode assembly being used to emit electrons; and an anode assembly accommodated in the accommodating cavity 101, the anode assembly being used to receive the electrons and form X-rays.

[0094] From the above, by adopting the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 are both arranged outside the accommodating cavity 101, so that after the main structure of the X-ray tube 10 is assembled, the first connecting tube 3, the second connecting tube 4 and the exhaust pipe assembly 20 such as the pipeline part 2 can be additionally connected, and the assembly process of the X-ray tube 10 is simpler and easier to operate. Furthermore, the connection between the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4, and the welding points formed by welding on the parts on the X-ray device 100 that need to be connected by welding or other connection methods are basically located outside the accommodating cavity 101, so that the product quality of the X-ray tube 10 prepared by the X-ray device 100 is significantly improved, and the reliability is higher.

[0095] Furthermore, when the X-ray tube 10 needs maintenance or replacement of parts, since the connection position of the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 is located outside, compared with the traditional method, there is no need to cut the welding position between the cathode bottom plate and the anode shell window, thereby greatly saving manpower and material costs and improving maintenance efficiency. For example, in the case where the pipeline part 2 fails and needs to be replaced, it is only necessary to release the connection between the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 to quickly remove the pipeline part 2 without disassembling the entire shell 1.

[0096] Furthermore, an overlapping area is formed between the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4, and the overlapping area includes a fixed connection area A12 and a detachable area A11. By removing the fixed connection area A12, the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 can be decoupled; and by forming a new fixed connection area A12 in the detachable area A11, the sealed connection between the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 can be re-realized. Thus, the assembly flexibility and maintainability of the X-ray tube 10 can be improved.

[0097] Figure 6 This is a flow chart of a maintenance method for an X-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment can be applied to the daily maintenance application scenario of an X-ray tube. For example, the X-ray tube can be Figures 2 to 4 The X-ray device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 5 The X-ray tube 10 is shown.

[0098] Specifically, combined Figures 2 to 5 , the method comprises the following steps:

[0099] Step S1, providing the X-ray tube. Specifically, the X-ray tube 10 may include: a shell 1, the shell 1 defines a housing 101, an opening 102 communicating with the housing 101 is formed on the wall of the shell 1, the wall of the shell 1 has a first side 11 away from the housing 101 and an opposite second side 12; a first connecting tube 3 and a second connecting tube 4 located on the first side 11, the second connecting tube 4 is sealedly connected to the first connecting tube 3, the first connecting tube 3 is sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening 102, and the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 form a channel communicating with the housing 101.

[0100] Further, if Figure 5 The outside of the accommodating cavity 101 of the X-ray tube 10 may also be connected to at least a part of the structure of the pipeline portion 2, such as the second connecting tube 4 of the pipeline portion 2 for sealing connection with the first connecting tube 3 and a part of the pipeline portion 2 extending outward from the second connecting tube 4, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0101] Further reference Figure 6 The maintenance method of this embodiment may further include step S2 of removing the sealing connection area between the second connecting tube 4 and the first connecting tube 3 to decouple the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 .

[0102] Further, the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 form an overlapping area A1 in the radial direction along the channel 103, and the overlapping area A1 includes an annular detachable area A11 and an annular fixed connection area A12, and removing the sealed connection area between the second connecting tube 4 and the first connecting tube 3 includes: removing the fixed connection area A12.

[0103] For example, by cutting off or circumferentially sealing the connection area (e.g. Figures 2 to 4 The fixed connection area A12 shown in FIG. 1 is used to decouple the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 .

[0104] In some embodiments, the pipeline portion 2 and the second connecting tube 4 can be an integral piece. Figure 5 The pipe part 2 with only a partial section left can be removed from the X-ray tube 10 together with the second connecting tube 4.

[0105] Further reference Figure 6 The maintenance method of this embodiment may further include step S3, providing a pipeline portion 2, and sealingly connecting the pipeline portion 2 to the first connecting tube 3 via the second connecting tube 4. The pipeline portion 2 provided in this step may be as follows Figure 2The full length of the pipe section 2 is shown. Moreover, the pipe section 2 may be a new structure for replacing the old pipe section 2. Thus, the new pipe section 2 can be used for subsequent vacuuming and sealing operations, ensuring the effectiveness of the maintenance of the X-ray tube 10.

[0106] In some embodiments, the sealing connection of the pipeline portion 2 to the first connecting tube 3 via the second connecting tube 4 includes: sealingly connecting the detachable area A11 of the first connecting tube 3 and the second connecting tube 4 to form a new fixed connection area A12 to seal the pipeline portion 2 to the first connecting tube 3 via the second connecting tube 4.

[0107] In some embodiments, the sealed connection can be achieved by welding methods such as brazing, argon arc welding, etc.

[0108] Furthermore, the maintenance method of this embodiment may further include step S4, connecting one end of the pipeline portion 2 to a vacuum device to vacuum the containing chamber 101. The pipeline portion 2 is the new pipeline portion 2 mentioned above, that is, Figure 2 A relatively more complete pipe section 2 is shown.

[0109] Furthermore, the maintenance method of this embodiment may further include step S5 of sealing the accommodating cavity 101 .

[0110] Further, step S5 may include: removing at least a portion of the pipeline portion and sealing the port of the pipeline portion. The state of the pipeline portion after step S5 is completed can be referred to Figure 5 The pipeline section 2 shown in FIG.

[0111] The structures, arrangement positions and matching methods of the first connecting tube 3, the second connecting tube 4, the overlapping area A1, the separable area A11 and the fixed connection area A12 can be referred to in the previous description. Figures 1 to 5 The detailed description of the illustrated embodiment is not repeated here.

[0112] In a typical application scenario, the first connecting cylinder 3 can be pre-sealed and connected to the wall of the shell 1 forming the opening 102. The first connecting cylinder 3 can be connected to the first side 11 of the shell 1 by welding (for example, brazing or argon arc welding). Furthermore, the connection position (for example, the welding area) between the first connecting cylinder 3 and the shell 1 is located outside the accommodating cavity 101.

[0113] Furthermore, the second connecting tube 4 , the main body 21 , the interface portion 23 and other structures or components (such as a sealing ring) of the pipeline portion 2 are connected by brazing or the like to form the exhaust pipe assembly 20 .

[0114] Further, the second connecting tube 4 and the first connecting tube 3 are matched and welded together by argon arc welding, and the welding area of ​​argon arc welding forms the fixed connection area A12.

[0115] Furthermore, when replacing the exhaust pipe assembly 20, the fixed connection area A12 is cut and the welding area is removed, and the entire exhaust pipe assembly 20 can be removed for full or partial replacement.

[0116] Further, the new exhaust pipe assembly 20 is installed on the first connecting tube 3. In this process, the remaining second side 312 (reference Figure 3 ) along the axial width of the pipe 103 to adjust the fourth edge 412 (reference Figure 3 ), so that the outer edges of the second side 312 and the fourth side 412 are flush, and then argon arc welding is performed. In this way, a better sealing effect can be achieved.

[0117] Furthermore, when the accommodating chamber 101 is evacuated, the interface portion 23 may be connected to a vacuuming device.

[0118] Furthermore, after the vacuuming is completed, the jaws 21 of the pipeline portion 2 may be sealed at a position close to the second connecting tube 4 .

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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. An X-ray device, characterized in that: include: A shell defines a receiving cavity, an opening communicating with the receiving cavity is formed on a wall of the shell, and the wall of the shell has a first side facing away from the receiving cavity and an opposite second side; a pipeline portion and a first connecting tube located on the first side, the pipeline portion including a second connecting tube, the second connecting tube being sealedly connected to the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube being sealedly connected to a wall forming the opening, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube jointly forming a channel communicating with the accommodating cavity, the pipeline portion communicating with the accommodating cavity through the channel; The first connecting tube includes a first connecting surface, the second connecting tube includes a second connecting surface, the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are in contact with each other and are sealed and connected; The portion of the first connecting tube that forms the first connecting surface and the portion of the second connecting tube that forms the second connecting surface form an overlapping area along the radial direction of the channel, and the overlapping area is arranged around the channel, and the overlapping area includes an annular detachable area and an annular fixed connection area, and the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are sealingly connected in the fixed connection area, wherein the detachable area is closer to the channel than the fixed connection area.

2. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that One of the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube is sleeved in the other one, and the radially overlapping area of ​​the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube along the passage is at least partially sealed and connected in the axial direction of the passage.

3. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that An edge of the first connecting surface away from the channel is flush with an edge of the second connecting surface away from the channel.

4. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that Along the radial direction of the channel, the separable area and the fixed connection area are distributed in concentric circular rings.

5. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that Along the direction from the fixed connection area to the separable area, a ratio between a width of the fixed connection area and a width of the overlapping area is less than a preset threshold.

6. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that In response to the fixed connection area being removed, the first connection cylinder and the second connection cylinder may be decoupled.

7. The X-ray device according to claim 6, characterized in that In response to the fixed connection area being removed, the first connection tube and the second connection tube are at least partially sealed and connected at the separable area to form a new fixed connection area.

8. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that A portion of the tube wall of the first connecting tube on a side close to the second connecting tube is bent outwardly away from the first connecting tube to form a first flange, and a portion of the tube wall of the second connecting tube on a side close to the first connecting tube is bent outwardly to form a second flange.

9. The X-ray device according to claim 8, characterized in that The first flange includes a first edge closer to the channel and a second edge farther from the channel than the first edge, the second flange includes a third edge closer to the channel and a fourth edge farther from the channel than the third edge, the first edge and the third edge are in contact or there is a non-zero gap, and the second edge and the fourth edge are sealed and connected.

10. The X-ray device according to claim 9, characterized in that The first side is parallel to the second side; or there is a non-zero angle between the first side and the second side.

11. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that At least a portion of the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube are sealed and connected by welding or crimping process.

12. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that The pipeline portion includes a body, and the second connecting tube is integrally formed with the body or is sealed and connected to an end of the body.

13. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that The X-ray device is suitable for connecting to a vacuum pumping device, which evacuates the accommodating chamber via the pipe portion, and in response to the vacuum degree of the accommodating chamber being reduced to a preset threshold value, closes the end of the pipe portion away from the shell; and / or, in response to the vacuum degree of the accommodating chamber being reduced to a preset threshold value, removes at least a portion of the pipe portion and closes the break of the pipe portion.

14. The X-ray device according to claim 13, characterized in that The pipeline part also includes an interface part, which is arranged at one end of the pipeline part away from the shell, and the interface part is used to connect a vacuum extraction device.

15. The X-ray device according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing comprises: A main body having an open opening; A cover portion connected to a side of the main body portion where an opening is formed and closes the opening, the main body portion and the cover portion jointly define the accommodating cavity, and the opening is formed in the cover portion; The X-ray device further comprises: A cathode assembly connected to the cover, the cathode assembly being used to emit electrons; An anode assembly is accommodated in the accommodating cavity, and the anode assembly is used to receive the electrons and form X-rays.

16. A method for maintaining an X-ray tube, characterized in that: include: Provided is an X-ray tube, comprising: a shell, the shell defining a receiving cavity, an opening communicating with the receiving cavity is formed on a wall of the shell, the wall of the shell having a first side away from the receiving cavity and an opposite second side; a first connecting tube and a second connecting tube located on the first side, the second connecting tube being sealedly connected to the first connecting tube, the first connecting tube being sealedly connected to the wall forming the opening, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube forming a channel communicating with the receiving cavity; The first connecting tube and the second connecting tube form an overlapping area in the radial direction of the channel, and the overlapping area includes an annular separable area and an annular fixed connection area. The fixed connection area is removed to decouple the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube. Providing a pipeline portion, sealingly connecting the detachable area of ​​the first connecting cylinder and the second connecting cylinder to form a new fixed connection area, so as to seally connect the pipeline portion to the first connecting cylinder via the second connecting cylinder; Connecting one end of the pipeline portion to a vacuum device to evacuate the containing chamber; The accommodating cavity is sealed.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The sealing of the accommodating cavity comprises: At least a portion of the tubing portion is removed and a port of the tubing portion is sealed.

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