Self-cooling X-ray generator

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-cooling X-ray generator, and belongs to the technical field of X-ray generators, the self-cooling X-ray generator comprises a shell, a glass bulb arranged in the shell and an exit window installed on the shell and located at an X-ray exit position, a first limiting mechanism is assembled between the glass bulb and the shell, a cathode assembly is assembled on one side in the glass bulb, and a second limiting mechanism is assembled on the other side in the glass bulb. An anode assembly is assembled on the other side of the interior of the shell, and a controller is arranged in the shell. The anode assembly is composed of a liquid metal tank with an electric control valve, a liquid metal collecting cylinder, a flowing pipeline and a liquid pump, liquid metal circularly flows between the liquid metal tank with the electric control valve and the liquid metal collecting cylinder through the liquid pump to form liquid metal flow, and the liquid metal flow is matched with the cathode assembly to generate X rays, namely a liquid target. The liquid metal can be self-cooled in the flowing process, the problem that the X-ray output quantity is reduced due to the fact that the electron beam power range is limited and high-temperature damage is caused is solved, and the service life is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of X-ray generators, and particularly relates to a self-cooling X-ray generator. Background Art

[0002] An X-ray generator refers to a device that generates X-rays by high-speed electrons bombarding a metal target, and is widely used in fields such as medical diagnosis, industrial inspection, material analysis, and security inspection.

[0003] Chinese Patent Application No. 202120518635.6 discloses an X-ray generator, which includes a housing. Inside the housing, there is an X-ray generating assembly composed of an anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a glass shell encapsulating the anode assembly and the cathode assembly. The anode assembly is composed of an anode target disc, a rotor, and a stator. An exit window is provided on the housing corresponding to the position of the X-ray generating assembly. A heat dissipation assembly is also provided inside the housing. When the X-ray generator works, a high-energy electron beam is generated by the cathode assembly and bombards the anode target disc at high speed to generate X-rays. The X-rays pass through the glass shell and the exit window and are emitted. The heat dissipation assembly dissipates the heat generated during the above process.

[0004] The above technology has the following problems: The anode target disc in the anode assembly of the existing X-ray generator is a solid anode target, and there are the following problems: 1. The solid anode target has high requirements for target heat dissipation, which in turn limits the power range of the electron beam; 2. The solid anode target will be evaporated at high temperature during use, and even crack and melt severely in serious cases, resulting in a significant decrease in the X-ray output; 3. The target life of the solid anode target is short.

[0005] In view of this, a self-cooling X-ray generator is designed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the problems raised in the above background art, the present invention provides a self-cooling X-ray generator, which has the characteristics of reducing the problems of limited electron beam power range and decreased X-ray output caused by high-temperature damage, and extending the service life.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A self-cooling X-ray generator, including a housing, a glass shell disposed inside the housing, and an exit window installed on the housing at the X-ray exit position. A first limiting mechanism is assembled between the glass shell and the housing. On one side inside the glass shell, a cathode assembly is assembled, and on the other side inside, an anode assembly is assembled. A controller is provided inside the housing, and the cathode assembly and the anode assembly are electrically connected to the controller; The cathode assembly includes an electron gun disposed inside the glass shell. A second limiting mechanism is assembled between the electron gun and the inner wall of the glass shell, and the electron gun is electrically connected to a controller. The anode assembly includes a liquid metal tank with an electrically controlled valve disposed above the inside of the glass shell and a liquid metal collection cylinder installed at the bottom end inside the glass shell. A third limiting mechanism is assembled between the liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve and the inner wall of the glass shell, and the liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve is filled with a liquid target. The liquid metal collection cylinder is located directly below the liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve. A flow pipe is installed at the liquid inlet end of the liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve and the liquid outlet end of the liquid metal collection cylinder respectively. A liquid pump is installed between the two flow pipes. The flow pipe of the liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve is connected to the liquid outlet end of the liquid pump, and the flow pipe of the liquid metal collection cylinder is connected to the liquid inlet end of the liquid pump. The liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve and the liquid pump are electrically connected to the controller.

[0008] Further, the limiting mechanism includes two first mounting plates disposed on both sides of the glass shell inside the housing. The first mounting plates are connected to the housing by four first connecting screws, and the glass shell is limited inside the housing by being clamped by the two first mounting plates.

[0009] Further, the second limiting mechanism includes a first mounting frame installed on the inner wall of the glass shell, and the electron gun is installed inside the first mounting frame.

[0010] Further, the third limiting mechanism includes a second mounting frame installed on the inner wall of the glass shell, and the liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve is installed inside the second mounting frame.

[0011] Further, the electron gun is disposed at a position above and perpendicular to the falling trajectories of the liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve and the liquid metal collection cylinder.

[0012] Further, the liquid metal collection cylinder is configured to be able to receive the liquid target falling from the liquid metal tank with the electrically controlled valve and at the same time be able to receive the splashing liquid of the falling liquid target, that is, no splashing liquid of the liquid target falls inside the glass shell.

[0013] Further, the liquid pump is installed at a position on one first mounting plate away from the side wall of the glass shell. The flow pipe passes through the glass shell and the aforementioned first mounting plate on the same side and is connected to the liquid pump. The penetrating section of the flow pipe through the glass shell is provided with a sealed structure.

[0014] Further, a second mounting plate is disposed inside the housing on the side of the liquid pump away from the first mounting plate on the installation side. The second mounting plate is connected to the housing by four second screws, and the controller is installed on the second mounting plate.

[0015] Further, heat sinks are respectively arranged inside the housing at the top and bottom of the glass shell and inside the second mounting plate. An installation opening is installed inside the heat sink. The installation opening on the housing does not contact the glass shell, and the installation opening on the second mounting plate contacts the flow pipeline.

[0016] Further, support feet are respectively installed at the four corners of the bottom end of the housing.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The anode assembly of the present invention is composed of a liquid metal tank with an electric control valve, a liquid metal collection cylinder, a flow pipeline and a liquid pump. The liquid pump circulates the liquid metal between the liquid metal tank with an electric control valve and the liquid metal collection cylinder to form a liquid metal flow, which cooperates with the cathode assembly to generate X-rays, that is, a liquid target. The liquid metal can achieve self-cooling during the flowing process, reducing the problems of limited electron beam power range and decreased X-ray output caused by high-temperature damage, and extending the service life.

[0018] 2. The present invention is provided with heat sinks, which can assist the liquid metal flow to perform self-cooling, accelerate the cooling speed, further reduce the problems of limited electron beam power range and decreased X-ray output caused by high-temperature damage, and extend the service life.

[0019] 3. The structure of the present invention is set as a detachable structure, which is convenient for later maintenance, repair or replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of the present invention; Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the present invention; In the figure: 1. Housing; 2. Exit window; 3. Glass shell; 4. Controller; 101. Electron gun; 201. Liquid metal tank with an electric control valve; 202. Liquid metal collection cylinder; 203. Liquid pump; 204. Flow pipeline; 301. First connecting screw; 302. First mounting plate; 401. First mounting bracket; 501. Second mounting bracket; 601. Second mounting plate; 602. Second screw; 701. Installation opening; 702. Heat sink; 801. Support foot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0022] The present invention provides the following technical solution: a self-cooling X-ray generator, including a housing 1, a glass bulb 3 disposed inside the housing 1, and an exit window 2 mounted on the housing 1 at the X-ray exit position. A first limiting mechanism is assembled between the glass bulb 3 and the housing 1. On one side inside the glass bulb 3, a cathode assembly is assembled, and on the other side inside, an anode assembly is assembled. A controller 4 is disposed inside the housing 1. The cathode assembly and the anode assembly are electrically connected to the controller 4. The cathode assembly includes an electron gun 101 disposed inside the glass bulb 3. A second limiting mechanism is assembled between the electron gun 101 and the inner wall of the glass bulb 3. The electron gun 101 is electrically connected to the controller 4. The anode assembly includes a liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve disposed above inside the glass bulb 3 and a liquid metal collection cylinder 202 mounted at the bottom end inside the glass bulb 3. A third limiting mechanism is assembled between the liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve and the inner wall of the glass bulb 3. The liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve is filled with a liquid target. The liquid metal collection cylinder 202 is located directly below the liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve. Flow pipes 204 are respectively installed at the liquid inlet end of the liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve and the liquid outlet end of the liquid metal collection cylinder 202. A liquid pump 203 is installed between the two flow pipes 204. The flow pipe 204 of the liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve is connected to the liquid outlet end of the liquid pump 203, and the flow pipe 204 of the liquid metal collection cylinder 202 is connected to the liquid inlet end of the liquid pump 203. The liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve and the liquid pump 203 are electrically connected to the controller 4.

[0023] In this embodiment, referring to the attached Figure 1 and 2 , when the self-cooling X-ray generator works, the controller 4 controls the electron gun 101 and the liquid pump 203 to start, and at the same time controls the electrically controlled valve of the liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve to open. At this time, the liquid metal in the liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve falls into the liquid metal collection cylinder 202, and then flows back into the liquid metal tank 201 with an electrically controlled valve through the liquid pump 203 and the flow pipes 204, and so on, forming a circulating liquid metal flow. The electron gun 101 generates a high-energy electron beam, which bombards the liquid metal flow at a high speed to generate X-rays. The X-rays pass through the glass bulb 3 and the exit window 2 and are emitted to realize the X-ray generation function. Since the circulating liquid metal flow can quickly dissipate heat during the falling process, self-cooling can be achieved. The material of the liquid metal flow in the above process is not limited, and any metal that can meet the conditions for generating X-rays can be used.

[0024] Specifically, the limiting mechanism includes two first mounting plates 302 arranged inside the shell 1 on both sides of the glass shell 3. The first mounting plates 302 are connected to the shell 1 via four first connecting screws 301. The glass shell 3 is clamped within the shell 1 by the two first mounting plates 302.

[0025] In this embodiment, see the attached Figure 2 The limiting mechanism limits the glass shell 3 inside the housing 1 by clamping the two first mounting plates 302, so that the glass shell 3 can be disassembled and assembled, so as to maintain or repair and replace the internal structure.

[0026] Specifically, the second limiting mechanism includes a first mounting frame 401 mounted on the inner wall of the glass shell 3 , and the electron gun 101 is mounted inside the first mounting frame 401 .

[0027] In this embodiment, see the attached Figure 2 The first mounting frame 401 meets the installation and fixing effect while having a simple structure and low manufacturing cost.

[0028] Specifically, the third limiting mechanism includes a second mounting frame 501 mounted on the inner wall of the glass shell 3 , and the liquid metal tank 201 with the electric control valve is mounted inside the second mounting frame 501 .

[0029] In this embodiment, see the attached Figure 2 The second mounting frame 501 meets the installation and fixing effect while having a simple structure and low manufacturing cost.

[0030] Specifically, the electron gun 101 is disposed at an upper position perpendicular to the falling trajectory of the liquid metal tank 201 with the electric control valve and the liquid metal collecting tube 202 .

[0031] In this embodiment, see the attached Figure 2 , so that the high-energy electron beam generated by the electron gun 101 can accurately bombard the liquid metal flow at high speed to generate X-rays.

[0032] Specifically, the liquid metal collecting cylinder 202 is configured to receive the liquid target falling from the liquid metal tank 201 with an electric control valve and the splashing liquid of the falling liquid target, that is, no splashing liquid of the liquid target falls into the glass shell 3 .

[0033] In this embodiment, see the attached Figure 2 , which can prevent the falling liquid metal from splashing into the glass bulb 3.

[0034] Specifically, the liquid pump 203 is installed at a position on the first mounting plate 302 on one side away from the side wall of the glass shell 3. The flow pipe 204 passes through the glass shell 3 and the first mounting plate 302 on the same side and is connected to the liquid pump 203. The penetrating section of the flow pipe 204 through the glass shell 3 is provided with a sealing structure.

[0035] In this embodiment, referring to the appendix Figure 2 , the liquid pump 203 can be maintained or overhauled without disassembling the glass shell 3, avoiding affecting the sealing performance of the glass shell 3.

[0036] Specifically, a second mounting plate 601 is provided inside the housing 1 on the side of the liquid pump 203 away from the first mounting plate 302 on the mounting side. The second mounting plate 601 is connected to the housing 1 by four second screws 602, and the controller 4 is installed on the second mounting plate 601.

[0037] In this embodiment, referring to the appendix Figure 2 , it can provide protection for the liquid pump 203 to prevent moisture and dust from entering.

[0038] Specifically, heat sinks 702 are respectively provided inside the housing 1 at the top and bottom of the glass shell 3 and inside the second mounting plate 601. Mounting openings 701 are installed inside the heat sinks 702. The mounting openings 701 on the housing 1 do not contact the glass shell 3, and the mounting openings 701 on the second mounting plate 601 contact the flow pipe 204.

[0039] In this embodiment, referring to the appendix Figure 2 , it can dissipate the heat generated during the X-ray generation process and accelerate the self-cooling speed.

[0040] Specifically, support feet 801 are respectively installed at the four corners of the bottom end of the housing 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, referring to the appendix Figure 1 , while playing a supporting role, it can distinguish the correct placement direction to avoid affecting the use.

[0042] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A self-cooling X-ray generator, comprising a housing (1), a glass shell (3) arranged inside the housing (1), and an exit window (2) mounted on the housing (1) at an X-ray exit position, characterized in that: A first limiting mechanism is installed between the glass shell (3) and the shell (1); a cathode assembly is installed on one side of the interior of the glass shell (3), and an anode assembly is installed on the other side of the interior; a controller (4) is arranged inside the shell (1); the cathode assembly and the anode assembly are electrically connected to the controller (4); The cathode assembly comprises an electron gun (101) arranged inside the glass shell (3), a second limiting mechanism is arranged between the electron gun (101) and the inner wall of the glass shell (3), and the electron gun (101) is electrically connected to the controller (4); The anode assembly comprises a liquid metal tank (201) with an electric control valve arranged above the interior of the glass shell (3) and a liquid metal collecting cylinder (202) installed at the bottom of the interior of the glass shell (3); a third limiting mechanism is arranged between the liquid metal tank (201) with the electric control valve and the inner wall of the glass shell (3); a liquid target is poured into the interior of the liquid metal tank (201) with the electric control valve; the liquid metal collecting cylinder (202) is located directly below the liquid metal tank (201) with the electric control valve; and the liquid metal tank (201) with the electric control valve is provided with a liquid target. A flow pipe (204) is installed at the liquid inlet end of the liquid metal tank (201) and the liquid outlet end of the liquid metal collecting cylinder (202), respectively; a liquid pump (203) is installed between the two flow pipes (204); the flow pipe (204) of the liquid metal tank (201) with an electric control valve is connected to the liquid outlet end of the liquid pump (203); the flow pipe (204) of the liquid metal collecting cylinder (202) is connected to the liquid inlet end of the liquid pump (203); the liquid metal tank (201) with an electric control valve and the liquid pump (203) are electrically connected to a controller (4).

2. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting mechanism comprises two first mounting plates (302) arranged inside the housing (1) and located on both sides of the glass shell (3); the first mounting plates (302) are connected to the housing (1) via four first connecting screws (301); and the glass shell (3) is clamped and limited inside the housing (1) by the two first mounting plates (302).

3. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second limiting mechanism comprises a first mounting frame (401) mounted on the inner wall of the glass shell (3), and the electron gun (101) is mounted inside the first mounting frame (401).

4. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third limiting mechanism comprises a second mounting frame (501) mounted on the inner wall of the glass shell (3), and the liquid metal tank (201) with the electric control valve is mounted inside the second mounting frame (501).

5. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electron gun (101) is arranged at an upper position perpendicular to the falling trajectory of the liquid metal tank (201) with the electric control valve and the liquid metal collecting cylinder (202).

6. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid metal collecting cylinder (202) is configured to be a structure capable of receiving the liquid target falling from the liquid metal tank (201) with an electric control valve and at the same time receiving the splashing liquid of the falling liquid target, that is, no splashing liquid of the liquid target falls into the glass shell (3).

7. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid pump (203) is mounted on a first mounting plate (302) on one side, away from the side wall of the glass shell (3); the flow pipe (204) penetrates the glass shell (3) and the first mounting plate (302) on the same side and is connected to the liquid pump (203); the flow pipe (204) and the glass shell (3) penetration section are arranged in a sealed structure.

8. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 7, characterized in that: A second mounting plate (601) is arranged inside the housing (1) on the side of the liquid pump (203) away from the first mounting plate (302) on the mounting side; the second mounting plate (601) is connected to the housing (1) via four second screws (602); and the controller (4) is mounted on the second mounting plate (601).

9. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 8, characterized in that: Heat sinks (702) are respectively provided inside the shell (1) at the top and bottom of the glass shell (3) and inside the second mounting plate (601), and mounting openings (701) are installed inside the heat sink (702). The mounting openings (701) on the shell (1) are not in contact with the glass shell (3), and the mounting openings (701) on the second mounting plate (601) are in contact with the flow duct (204).

10. A self-cooling X-ray generator according to claim 9, characterized in that: Support feet (801) are respectively installed at the four corners of the bottom end of the shell (1).

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