Cabinet type x-ray system with chamber door driven by electric motor through electromagnetic clutch
By using electromagnetic clutch and limit switch in cabinet X-ray system, the problem of chamber door stuck is solved, and the reliable control and safe operation of chamber doors are achieved, and the damage to system components is avoided.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380085792.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-22
AI Technical Summary
In cabinet X-ray systems, the chamber door is prone to jamming after the motor is powered off, resulting in damage to system components, and there is a risk when the operator opens or closes the door manually.
An electromagnetic clutch is used to transmit power from the motor to the chamber door, combining a reducer and a conveyor belt to realize automatic or manual control of the chamber door, avoiding damage to system components by the electromagnetic clutch when disconnected, and controlling the switch position of the door and the activation of the X-ray source through limit switches.
Reliable opening and closing of chamber doors is achieved, damage to system components is avoided, operation is ensured, and manual operation is allowed to avoid damage in the case of jamming when necessary.
Smart Images
Figure CN120359408A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001] Cabinet X-ray systems typically include an X-ray source mounted within a shielded chamber or housing. The chamber is made of a material (e.g., lead) that prevents X-rays generated by the X-ray source from leaving the chamber. The chamber has a chamber door that can be driven by an electric motor. If the electric motor shuts off, the chamber door can become stuck. If an operator attempts to manually open or close the chamber door, some components of the cabinet X-ray system may be damaged. Summary of the Invention
[0002] Disclosed herein is a system that includes: a chamber having a chamber door; an X-ray source; an X-ray detector configured to take an image of a specimen based on an interaction between the specimen located within the chamber and an X-ray beam from the X-ray source; an electric motor; and an electromagnetic clutch configured to, when engaged, transfer power from the electric motor to the chamber door to open or close the chamber door.
[0003] In one embodiment, the X-ray source is fixed relative to the chamber.
[0004] In one embodiment, the X-ray source is not located within the chamber.
[0005] In one embodiment, the walls of the chamber and the chamber door are configured to block X-rays.
[0006] In one embodiment, the electric motor is a stepper motor.
[0007] In one embodiment, the system further includes a speed reducer configured to transfer power from the electric motor to the electromagnetic clutch through the speed reducer.
[0008] In one embodiment, the speed reducer is a planetary speed reducer.
[0009] In one embodiment, the system further includes a conveyor belt configured to transfer power from the electric motor to the electromagnetic clutch through the conveyor belt and a first clutch gear of the electromagnetic clutch.
[0010] In one embodiment, the system further includes: a door shaft fixed to the chamber door, wherein the chamber door is configured to rotate about an axis of the door shaft when opening or closing; and a door shaft gear fixed to the door shaft. The electromagnetic clutch includes a second clutch gear that (A) engages with the door shaft gear and (B) is configured to transfer power from the electromagnetic clutch to the chamber door through the second clutch gear and the door shaft gear.
[0011] In one embodiment, the chamber includes a door shaft gear stopper configured to limit the rotation of the door shaft gear.
[0012] In one embodiment, the door shaft gear includes a radial surface configured to engage with the door shaft gear stopper.
[0013] In one embodiment, the system further includes a door open limit switch configured to be triggered when the chamber door is opened beyond a pre-specified angle.
[0014] In one embodiment, the system is configured to stop the motor when the door open limit switch is triggered.
[0015] In one embodiment, the door open limit switch is a mechanical limit switch or a photoelectric limit switch.
[0016] In one embodiment, the system further includes a door close limit switch configured to be triggered when the chamber door is closed.
[0017] In one embodiment, the system is configured to (A) stop the motor and (B) enable the X-ray source when the door close limit switch is triggered.
[0018] In one embodiment, the system is configured to deactivate the X-ray source when the door close limit switch is open.
[0019] In one embodiment, the door close limit switch is a mechanical limit switch or a photoelectric limit switch.
[0020] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic clutch is configured to separate the movement of the chamber door from the motor when disengaged.
[0021] In one embodiment, when the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch slide against each other, the frictional force between the rotor and the armature does not exceed a pre-specified maximum value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically showing a cabinet-type X-ray system according to an embodiment.
[0023] Figure 2 Schematically showing according to an embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cabinet-type X-ray system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Cabinet-type X-ray system Figure 1A perspective view of a cabinet-type X-ray system 100 according to an embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cabinet-type X-ray system 100 along plane 2.
[0025] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 And Figure 2 , the cabinet-type X-ray system 100 may include a chamber 112 (having a chamber door 109), an X-ray source 105, and an X-ray detector 113.
[0026] In one embodiment, the walls of the chamber 112 and the chamber door 109 may be configured to block X-rays. Thus, the chamber 112 (including the chamber door 109 when closed) prevents the X-rays generated by the X-ray source 105 from leaving the chamber 112.
[0027] For simplicity,[[]] Figure 2 The chamber door 109 is closed, rather than being in a semi-open state as shown in Figure 1 .
[0028] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 And Figure 2 , the X-ray source 105 may be fixed relative to the chamber 112.
[0029] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 And Figure 2 , the X-ray source 105 may not be located in the chamber 112 (as shown).
[0030] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 2 , the cabinet-type X-ray system 100 may operate as follows. Open the chamber door 109, and place the specimen 112s inside the chamber 112 (e.g., on a specimen holder (not shown)). Then, the chamber door 109 can be closed, thereby enabling the X-ray source 105. Then, the X-ray source 105 can send an X-ray beam 105b toward the specimen 112s. Then, the X-ray detector 113 can capture an image of the specimen 112s based on the interaction between the X-ray beam 105b and the specimen 112s.
[0031] The interaction between the X-ray beam 105b and the specimen 112s may include, for example, the following scenarios: (A) Some of the radiation particles of the X-ray beam 105b incident on the specimen 112s are blocked by the specimen 112s; (B) Some of the radiation particles of the X-ray beam 105b incident on the specimen 112s travel through the specimen 112s without changing their direction; (C) Some of the radiation particles of the X-ray beam 105b incident on the specimen 112s collide with the atoms of the specimen 112s and thus change their direction; and (D) Some of the radiation particles of the X-ray beam 105b cause secondary emission (e.g., fluorescence) from the specimen 112s.
[0032] The term "image" in this patent application is not limited to the spatial distribution of radiation properties (e.g., intensity). For example, the term "image" may also include the spatial distribution of the density of a substance or an element.
[0033] Door system In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the cabinet X-ray system 100 may include a motor 106 (e.g., a stepper motor), a speed reducer 104 (e.g., a planetary speed reducer), a conveyor belt 102, an electromagnetic clutch 107, a door shaft gear 108, and a door shaft 110. These components of the cabinet X-ray system 100 together with the chamber door 109 constitute a door system 190 that operates to open and close the chamber door 109.
[0034] In one embodiment, the motor 106 may be configured to provide power (e.g., rotational power) to the speed reducer 104.
[0035] In one embodiment, the conveyor belt 102 may be configured to transfer power (e.g., rotational power) from the motor 106 to the electromagnetic clutch 107 through the speed reducer 104, the conveyor belt 102, and the first clutch gear 107a of the electromagnetic clutch 107 (as shown in the figure). Alternatively, the speed reducer 104 may be omitted such that the conveyor belt 102 directly couples the motor 106 to the first clutch gear 107a of the electromagnetic clutch 107.
[0036] It should be noted that if X transfers power from A to B alone or together with other devices, then X is said to transfer power from A to B. For example, the conveyor belt 102 is configured to transfer power from the motor 106 to the electromagnetic clutch 107 (because the conveyor belt 102 together with the speed reducer 104 is configured to transfer power from the motor 106 to the electromagnetic clutch 107).
[0037] In one embodiment, the first clutch gear 107a of the electromagnetic clutch 107 may be configured to provide power (e.g., rotational power) to the rotor (not shown) of the electromagnetic clutch 107. Thus, rotation of the first clutch gear 107a causes the rotor of the electromagnetic clutch 107 to rotate.
[0038] In one embodiment, when the electromagnetic clutch 107 is engaged, the rotor of the electromagnetic clutch 107 may be attached to the armature (not shown) of the electromagnetic clutch 107.
[0039] In one embodiment, the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 may be configured to provide power (e.g., rotational power) to the second clutch gear 107b of the electromagnetic clutch 107. Thus, rotation of the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 causes the second clutch gear 107b to rotate.
[0040] In one embodiment, the second clutch gear 107b of the electromagnetic clutch 107 may be engaged with the door shaft gear 108 (as shown).
[0041] In one embodiment, the door shaft gear 108 may be fixed to the door shaft 110.
[0042] In one embodiment, the door shaft 110 may be fixed to the chamber door 109.
[0043] Thus, the second clutch gear 107b is configured to transfer power from the electromagnetic clutch 107 to the chamber door 109 through the second clutch gear 107b and the door shaft gear 108.
[0044] Operation of the door system In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the door system 190 may operate as follows.
[0045] The motor 106 may operate to provide power to the speed reducer 104.
[0046] The speed reducer 104 transfers power from the operating motor 106 to the first clutch gear 107a of the electromagnetic clutch 107 through the conveyor belt 102.
[0047] Rotation of the first clutch gear 107a causes the rotor of the electromagnetic clutch 107 to rotate.
[0048] Assuming the electromagnetic clutch 107 is engaged (such that the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 are attached to each other), the rotating rotor of the electromagnetic clutch 107 causes the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 to rotate.
[0049] The rotating armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 causes the second clutch gear 107b of the electromagnetic clutch 107 to rotate.
[0050] Rotation of the second clutch gear 107b causes the door shaft gear 108 to rotate.
[0051] The rotating door shaft gear 108 causes the door shaft 110 to rotate.
[0052] The rotating door shaft 110 causes the chamber door 109 to rotate about the axis of the door shaft 110, thereby opening or closing the chamber door 109. In one embodiment, the axis of the door shaft 110 may be fixed relative to the chamber 112.
[0053] In short, when the electromagnetic clutch 107 is engaged, the operating motor 106 provides power to the chamber door 109 through the speed reducer 104, the conveyor belt 102, the electromagnetic clutch 107, the door shaft gear 108, and the door shaft 110. In other words, the electromagnetic clutch 107 is configured to transfer power (e.g., rotational power) from the motor 106 to the chamber door 109 when engaged.
[0054] The electromagnetic clutch disengages In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , when the electromagnetic clutch 107 disengages, the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 are not attached to each other. Thus, when the electromagnetic clutch 107 disengages, the electromagnetic clutch 107 is configured not to transfer power from the motor 106 to the chamber door 109 and is configured to separate the movement of the chamber door from the motor. That is, when the electromagnetic clutch 107 disengages, the movement of the motor is not coupled to any component (e.g., the first clutch gear 107a, the conveyor belt 102, the speed reducer 104, the motor 106) on the side opposite to the side connected to the chamber door 109 and connected to the electromagnetic clutch 107. Disengaging the electromagnetic clutch 107 allows the chamber door 109 to be manually opened or closed without forcing any component on the side opposite to the side connected to the chamber door 109 and connected to the electromagnetic clutch 107 to move.
[0055] The electromagnetic clutch slides frictionally In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , when the electromagnetic clutch engages, the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 may slide against each other, and there is some friction between the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107. In one embodiment, when the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 slide against each other, the frictional force between the rotor and the armature may not exceed a pre-specified maximum value.
[0056] Therefore, when the motor 106 rotates the chamber door 109, if the chamber door 109 stops rotating (e.g., the chamber door 109 jams or gets blocked), when the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 stops together with the chamber door 109, the rotor of the electromagnetic clutch 107 can continue to rotate due to the rotational power from the motor 106, thereby avoiding damage to the components of the door system 190.
[0057] Chamber door drive electromagnetic clutch Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , although the rotation of the chamber door 109 provides rotational power to the second clutch gear 107b of the electromagnetic clutch 107 (through the door shaft 110 and the door shaft gear 108), however, regardless of whether the motor 106 is operating and regardless of whether the electromagnetic clutch 107 is engaged or disengaged, the operator of the cabinet X-ray system 100 can manually rotate (i.e., open or close) the chamber door 109 without causing damage to the door system 190.
[0058] For example, assume that with the electromagnetic clutch 107 engaged, the motor 106 opens the chamber door 109. The operator can manually close the chamber door 109 without causing damage to the door system 190. This action of the operator simply causes the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 to slide against the rotor of the electromagnetic clutch 107. In this case, the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 rotate in two opposite directions.
[0059] Door shaft gear stopper In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the chamber 112 may include a door shaft gear stopper 108s (as shown in the figure) configured to limit the rotation of the door shaft gear 108. Therefore, the door shaft gear stopper 108s limits the width to which the chamber door 109 can be opened.
[0060] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the door shaft gear 108 may include a radial surface 108' (as shown in the figure) configured to engage with the door shaft gear stopper 108s.
[0061] Door open limit switch In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the cabinet X-ray system 100 may include a door open limit switch (not shown), which is configured to be triggered when the chamber door 109 is opened beyond a pre-specified angle (relative to the door closed position).
[0062] In one embodiment, the door open limit switch can be a mechanical limit switch or a photoelectric limit switch.
[0063] In one embodiment, the cabinet X-ray system 100 may stop the motor 106 when the door open limit switch is triggered.
[0064] Door closing limit switch In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cabinet-type X-ray system 100 may include a door closing limit switch (not shown) configured to be triggered when the chamber door 109 is closed.
[0065] In one embodiment, when the door closing limit switch is triggered, the cabinet X-ray system 100 may (A) stop the motor 106 and (B) enable the X-ray source 105. It should be noted that enabling the X-ray source 105 means allowing the X-ray source 105 to generate X-rays (e.g., X-ray beam 105b), but does not mean causing the X-ray source 105 to generate X-rays (e.g., X-ray beam 105b).
[0066] In one embodiment, the cabinet X-ray system 100 can disable the X-ray source 105 when the door closing limit switch is open. It should be noted that disabling the X-ray source 105 means not allowing the X-ray source 105 to generate X-rays, and does not mean turning off the X-ray source 105.
[0067] In one embodiment, the door closing limit switch may be a mechanical limit switch or a photoelectric limit switch.
[0068] Alternative Embodiments Flip the electromagnetic clutch In the above-mentioned embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the power flow from the motor 106 to the chamber door 109, a first combination of the first clutch gear 107a of the electromagnetic clutch 107 and the rotor is located upstream relative to a second combination of the second clutch gear 107b of the electromagnetic clutch 107 and the armature.
[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the first combination of the first clutch gear 107a of the electromagnetic clutch 107 and the rotor may be located downstream relative to the second combination of the second clutch gear 107b of the electromagnetic clutch 107 and the armature. Figure 1 The electromagnetic clutch 107 is reversed so that the second clutch gear 107 b is engaged with the conveyor belt 102 and the first clutch gear 107 a is engaged with the door shaft gear 108 .
[0070] Generally speaking, the electromagnetic clutch 107 may be arranged such that the motor 106 is configured to provide power to one of the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 , and the other of the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch 107 is configured to provide power to the chamber door 109 .
[0071] Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and gist are indicated by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system, comprising: A chamber having a chamber door; An X-ray source; An X-ray detector configured to take an image of a specimen based on an interaction between the specimen located in the chamber and an X-ray beam from the X-ray source; A motor; And An electromagnetic clutch configured to transfer power from the motor to the chamber door when engaged, thereby opening or closing the chamber door.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The X-ray source is fixed relative to the chamber.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein The X-ray source is not located in the chamber.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The walls of the chamber and the chamber door are configured to block X-rays.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein The motor is a stepper motor.
6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a speed reducer configured to transfer power from the motor to the electromagnetic clutch through the speed reducer.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The speed reducer is a planetary speed reducer.
8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a conveyor belt configured to transfer power from the motor to the electromagnetic clutch through the conveyor belt and a first clutch gear of the electromagnetic clutch.
9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A door shaft fixed to the chamber door, wherein the chamber door is configured to rotate about an axis of the door shaft when opening or closing; and A door shaft gear fixed to the door shaft, Wherein the electromagnetic clutch includes a second clutch gear that (A) meshes with the door shaft gear and (B) is configured to transfer power from the electromagnetic clutch to the chamber door through the second clutch gear and the door shaft gear.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The chamber includes a door shaft gear stopper configured to limit rotation of the door shaft gear.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The door shaft gear includes a radial surface configured to engage with the door shaft gear stopper.
12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a door open limit switch configured to be triggered when the chamber door is opened by more than a pre-specified angle.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The system is configured to stop the motor when the door open limit switch is triggered.
14. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The door open limit switch is a mechanical limit switch or an optoelectronic limit switch.
15. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a door close limit switch configured to be triggered when the chamber door is closed.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The system is configured to (A) stop the motor and (B) enable the X-ray source when the door close limit switch is triggered.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The system is configured to deactivate the X-ray source when the door close limit switch is opened.
18. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The door close limit switch is a mechanical limit switch or an optoelectronic limit switch.
19. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electromagnetic clutch is configured to separate the movement of the chamber door from the motor when disengaged.
20. The system according to claim 1, wherein, When the rotor and the armature of the electromagnetic clutch slide against each other, the frictional force between the rotor and the armature does not exceed a pre-specified maximum value.