X-ray tube

Abstract

An X-ray tube comprises a housing having a receiving cavity, an anode target arranged in the receiving cavity, a cathode at least partially accommodated in the receiving cavity, the cathode being configured to emit an electron beam towards the anode target, and a cooling bin containing a cooling medium and being thermally coupled with the anode target, the anode target being hollow to form a hollow structure, and the cooling bin being accommodated in the hollow structure. The technical solution can effectively improve the heat dissipation effect of the X-ray tube.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] X-ray tubes are core components in medical imaging diagnosis, industrial non-destructive testing, and safety inspections. Their core function is to generate X-rays by bombarding a metal anode target with a high-speed electron beam. In the medical field, X-ray tubes are widely used in equipment such as X-ray photography and CT scanning, providing basic imaging support for bone structure observation and disease diagnosis. In industrial scenarios, they undertake key tasks such as welding defect detection and internal material structure analysis to ensure product quality and safety. Traditional X-ray tubes use a rotating anode design, which achieves heat dispersion through high-speed rotation of the anode target surface. When the electron beam bombards the target material, the rotational motion distributes the heat over a larger area, avoiding local overheating that could cause the target material to melt or even break down. This design significantly improves the device's ability to withstand high-power loads.

[0003] Although rotating anode X-ray tubes optimize heat distribution through mechanical motion, their heat dissipation mechanism still has fundamental limitations. Therefore, an X-ray tube with better heat dissipation is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide an X-ray tube with better heat dissipation effect.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an X-ray tube comprising: a housing having a housing cavity; an anode target disposed in the housing cavity; a cathode at least partially housed in the housing cavity, the cathode being configured to emit an electron beam toward the anode target; and a cooling chamber containing a cooling medium and thermally coupled to the anode target, the anode target being hollow to form a hollow structure, the cooling chamber being housed in the hollow structure.

[0006] Optionally, the anode target includes an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion covering each other, and the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion jointly define the hollow structure.

[0007] Optionally, at least one of the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion is provided with a groove portion open toward the other one, and the groove portion is suitable for forming at least a part of the hollow structure.

[0008] Optionally, at least a portion of the upper cover portion and at least a portion of the lower cover portion are welded together.

[0009] Optionally, at least one of the two opposite surfaces of the cooling chamber is provided with a plurality of nested annular protrusions, and the wall of the hollow structure formed by the anode target is provided with a plurality of nested annular grooves adapted to the plurality of annular protrusions, and the annular protrusions are suitable for being inserted into the corresponding annular grooves, and there is a non-zero gap between the annular protrusions and the inner walls of the corresponding annular grooves.

[0010] Optionally, as the anode target rotates, the annular protrusion rotates along the corresponding annular groove.

[0011] Optionally, a non-zero gap exists between the cooling chamber and the wall of the anode target forming the hollow structure, the cooling chamber is connected to the shell, and the anode target can rotate relative to the cooling chamber.

[0012] Optionally, a drainage channel for the cooling medium to flow is formed inside the cooling chamber.

[0013] Optionally, the X-ray tube further comprises: a central axis portion extending in a first direction and having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, wherein the first end is connected to the shell, the anode target rotates about the central axis portion, the cooling chamber is connected to the central axis portion, the central axis portion is hollow to form a cooling channel for the flow of cooling medium, and the cooling channel is connected to the drainage channel.

[0014] Optionally, the cooling channel includes: a liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet channel, which are separated by a partition, and a liquid inlet connected to the liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet connected to the liquid outlet channel are provided on the wall of the central axis, the liquid inlet is connected to the inlet of the drainage channel, and the liquid outlet is connected to the outlet of the drainage channel.

[0015] Optionally, the cooling medium flows unidirectionally in the drainage channel.

[0016] Optionally, the cooling bin is disc-shaped, and the drainage channel is laid in a winding and extending manner in the disc-shaped cooling bin.

[0017] Optionally, the volume of the drainage channel relative to the total volume of the cooling chamber exceeds a preset threshold.

[0018] Optionally, along the first direction, the shell has a first side and a second side relative to each other, and the cathode further includes: a first cathode, arranged on the first side; a second cathode, arranged on the second side; wherein the anode target includes a first target surface facing the first side and a second target surface facing the second side, the first target surface is used to receive the first electron beam from the first cathode, and the second target surface is used to receive the second electron beam from the second cathode.

[0019] Optionally, the landing point of the first electron beam on the first target surface and the landing point of the second electron beam on the second target surface are symmetrical about a first plane, and the first plane is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] Optionally, the coverage range of the X-rays generated by the first electron beam and the coverage range of the X-rays generated by the second electron beam are connected in the first direction.

[0021] Optionally, the X-ray tube further comprises: a heat storage structure, arranged on at least one of the two sides of the anode target along the first direction, the first target surface and the second target surface both comprising a bombarded area and a thermal coupling area, the bombarded area being located outside the thermal coupling area, the thermal coupling area of ​​at least one of the first target surface and the second target surface being used for thermal coupling with the heat storage structure, and the heat storage structure avoids the bombarded area along the first direction.

[0022] Optionally, the X-ray tube further includes: a rotor fixedly connected to the anode target, the rotor being used to drive the anode target to rotate; a central axis extending along the first direction and passing through the rotor and the anode target, the rotor and the anode target rotating around the central axis.

[0023] Optionally, the X-ray tube further comprises: a connecting tube, through which the rotor and the anode target are connected, and the connecting tube is sleeved on the central axis and rotatably connected to the central axis via a bearing structure.

[0024] Optionally, the rotor includes: a first rotor, arranged on a side of the anode target close to the first target surface; a second rotor, arranged on a side of the anode target close to the second target surface; the first rotor, the anode target and the second rotor rotate synchronously.

[0025] Optionally, the anode target includes: a first target plate, including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first surface being suitable for forming the first target surface; a second target plate, including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other, the fourth surface being suitable for forming the second target surface; the first target plate and the second target plate are overlapped along the first direction, the second surface and the third surface are opposite to each other and have a non-zero distance therebetween to form the hollow structure.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] The technical solution of the present application is adopted, which optimizes the heat conduction path by placing the cooling chamber in a hollow structure inside the anode target. The cooling system of a traditional X-ray tube usually adopts external contact heat dissipation or indirect heat conduction. The contact area between the cooling medium and the anode target is limited, resulting in high thermal resistance and the heat needs to be conducted through a long path of the target body. In the present application, the cooling chamber and the anode target form an embedded structure with direct thermal coupling, so that the cooling medium can exchange heat from the core area inside the anode target, and the contact area is significantly expanded to the inner wall of the entire hollow structure, and the heat conduction efficiency is significantly improved. In addition, the built-in cooling chamber significantly reduces the discharge risk in a high-voltage electric field environment through physical isolation, and significantly improves the operating reliability of the equipment under continuous high-power conditions.

[0028] Furthermore, a split design in which an upper cover and a lower cover are combined to form a hollow structure not only ensures the structural integrity of the anode target, but also facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the cooling chamber, while avoiding the process difficulties brought by the overall processing, and improving production efficiency and reliability through a modular structure.

[0029] Furthermore, the annular protrusions arranged on the surface of the cooling chamber cooperate with the annular grooves arranged on the inner wall of the hollow structure formed by the anode target, thereby enhancing the heat conduction efficiency by increasing the contact area. At the same time, the non-zero gap design allows the anode target to rotate freely relative to the cooling chamber, avoiding wear caused by mechanical friction and achieving compatibility between thermal coupling and mechanical movement.

[0030] Furthermore, the cathode includes a first cathode and a second cathode, and adopts a double-cathode symmetrical bombardment double-target surface design, which can effectively improve the output efficiency of X-rays through double-sided X-ray generation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an X-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown along the AA direction;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the anode target of the X-ray tube shown;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the middle cooling chamber along the BB direction;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a variation of the structure shown;

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another variation of the structure shown;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the mid-axial section;

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Exploded view of the anode target;

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of X-rays generated by an X-ray tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] As mentioned in the background art, the heat dissipation effect of the existing X-ray tube is relatively low, which affects the service life and operation stability of the X-ray tube.

[0041] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an X-ray tube comprising: a housing having a housing cavity; an anode target disposed in the housing cavity; a cathode at least partially housed in the housing cavity, the cathode being configured to emit an electron beam toward the anode target; and a cooling chamber containing a cooling medium and thermally coupled to the anode target, the anode target being hollow to form a hollow structure, the cooling chamber being housed in the hollow structure.

[0042] The technical solution of the present application is adopted, which optimizes the heat conduction path by placing the cooling chamber in a hollow structure inside the anode target. The cooling system of a traditional X-ray tube usually adopts external contact heat dissipation or indirect heat conduction. The contact area between the cooling medium and the anode target is limited, resulting in high thermal resistance and the heat needs to be conducted through a long path of the target body. In the present application, the cooling chamber and the anode target form an embedded structure with direct thermal coupling, so that the cooling medium can exchange heat from the core area inside the anode target, and the contact area is significantly expanded to the inner wall of the entire hollow structure, and the heat conduction efficiency is significantly improved. In addition, the built-in cooling chamber significantly reduces the discharge risk in a high-voltage electric field environment through physical isolation, and significantly improves the operating reliability of the equipment under continuous high-power conditions.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray tube 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The structure is shown in a cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0045] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 2X-ray tube 100 can include a housing 10 having a receiving cavity, an anode target 2 disposed within the receiving cavity, a cathode 1 at least partially housed within the receiving cavity, the cathode 1 configured to emit an electron beam toward the anode target 2, a cooling reservoir 6 containing a cooling medium and thermally coupled to the anode target 2, the anode target 2 being hollow to form a hollow structure 23, and the cooling reservoir 6 being housed within the hollow structure 23.

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

[0047] In the X-ray tube 100, the principle of generating X-rays is that the filament in the cathode 1 generates an electron beam, the electron beam is accelerated by the high-voltage electric field between the cathode assembly and the anode target 2 to bombard the anode target 2, and X-rays are generated. The X-rays are reflected by the target surface of the anode target 2 and are emitted from the electron emission window, pass through the patient, and are received by the CT detector to form an image. The process of electron bombardment of the anode target 2 generates a large amount of heat. If the bombardment position remains unchanged, the bombarded area of the anode target 2 will generate a large amount of heat, and the heat generation rate is much higher than the heat dissipation rate. When the heat accumulates to a critical value, the bombarded area of the target surface is melted, causing the anode to fail. Therefore, the X-ray tube 100 in the prior art generally uses a rotating anode, i.e., the anode target 2 is in a rotating state during operation. In this way, the position of the electron beam bombarding the anode target 2 continuously changes, avoiding the phenomenon of local temperature rise damaging the anode target 2.

[0048] Further, the housing 10 can provide a basic support structure for the X-ray tube 100. The housing 10 provides mounting space and a vacuum environment for other internal components, such as the cathode 1 and the anode target 2, to ensure the stability and sealing of the overall structure of the X-ray tube 100, preventing the internal components from being affected by the external environment.

[0049] In some embodiments, along a first direction D1, the housing 10 can have a first side 101 and a second side 102 opposite to each other.

[0050] Further, the cathode 1 can emit an electron beam toward the anode target 2 to form X-rays.

[0051] Furthermore, the interior of the anode target 2 is hollow, forming a hollow structure 23. The hollow structure 23 is used to accommodate the cooling chamber 6. As a result, the outer wall (or outer surface) of the cooling chamber 6 and the wall of the anode target 2 forming the hollow structure 23 are thermally coupled, significantly increasing the heat transfer area between the anode target 2 and the cooling chamber 6, shortening the heat conduction path, and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0052] Furthermore, the cooling chamber 6 is entirely encapsulated within the anode target 2, placing it within the electrostatic shielding area of ​​the metal structure of the anode target 2. This effectively prevents the cooling chamber 6 from being directly exposed to the high-voltage electric field, reduces the risk of partial discharge and sparking due to electric field distortion or dielectric ionization, and improves the operational reliability of the X-ray tube 100.

[0053] In some embodiments, the thermal coupling refers to the ability to exchange heat between the anode target 2 and the cooling chamber 6 , and is not limited to physical bonding or connection.

[0054] In practice, the electron beam emitted by cathode 1 bombards the surface of anode target 2, generating X-rays. Simultaneously, the heat generated by the electron beam bombardment rapidly heats anode target 2. Because cooling chamber 6 is embedded directly within anode target 2, heat is directly transferred to the outer wall of cooling chamber 6 and then to the cooling medium within cooling chamber 6. Furthermore, as the cooling medium flows, it carries heat away from anode target 2, achieving efficient heat dissipation.

[0055] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The anode target 2 includes an upper cover 25 and a lower cover 26 that overlap each other, and the upper cover 25 and the lower cover 26 together define the hollow structure 23. Thus, the split design of the hollow structure formed by the upper cover 25 and the lower cover 26 not only ensures the structural integrity of the anode target 2, but also facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the cooling chamber 6. It also avoids the process difficulties associated with integral processing, and improves production efficiency and reliability through a modular structure.

[0056] Furthermore, at least one of the upper cover 25 and the lower cover 26 is provided with a groove that is open toward the other, and the groove is adapted to form at least a portion of the hollow structure 23. When the upper cover 25 and the lower cover 26 are covered, the groove cooperates with the surface of the other component to form the hollow structure 23 inside the anode target 2.

[0057] In some embodiments, the groove is formed in the upper cover 25, while the lower cover 26 is flat. Alternatively, the groove is formed in the lower cover 26, while the upper cover 25 is flat. Alternatively, both the upper cover 25 and the lower cover 26 have grooves. When the upper cover 25 and the lower cover 26 are closed, the two grooves are connected and spliced ​​to form a complete hollow structure 23.

[0058] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the upper cover portion 25 is welded to at least a portion of the lower cover portion 26. Thus, the welded joint has high mechanical strength and can withstand the centrifugal force generated during high-speed rotation of the anode target 2 and the thermal stress during thermal cycling, thereby preventing the anode target 2 from disintegrating due to mechanical fatigue or thermal stress.

[0059] In some embodiments, outer edges of the upper cover portion 25 and the lower cover portion 26 may be welded.

[0060] In some embodiments, a non-zero gap exists between the cooling chamber 6 and the wall of the anode target 2 forming the hollow structure 23 , the cooling chamber 6 is connected to the housing 10 , and the anode target 2 can rotate relative to the cooling chamber 6 .

[0061] In some embodiments, along the first direction D1, at least one of the two opposite surfaces of the cooling chamber 6 is provided with a plurality of nested annular protrusions 61, and the wall of the anode target 2 forming the hollow structure 23 is provided with a plurality of nested annular grooves 24 adapted to the plurality of annular protrusions 61, and the annular protrusions 61 are suitable for being inserted into the corresponding annular grooves 24, and there is a non-zero gap between the annular protrusions 61 and the inner wall of the corresponding annular groove 24.

[0062] The multiple nested annular grooves 24 may be concentrically arranged to form a concentric circle pattern, wherein the centers of the multiple concentric circles are located on the rotation axis of the anode target 2 .

[0063] Furthermore, an annular groove 24 is formed on the wall of the hollow structure 23 of the anode target 2, and its position and size are adapted to the annular protrusion 61 on the surface of the cooling chamber 6, and are also arranged in a nested manner. Furthermore, the annular protrusion 61 is suitable for being inserted into the corresponding annular groove 24 to form a nested fit. However, the annular protrusion 61 is not tightly fitted to the inner wall of the corresponding annular groove 24, but there is a non-zero gap to ensure that there is enough space between the anode target 2 and the cooling chamber 6 for relative movement. As a result, the cooling chamber 6 does not rotate with the anode target 2, and can effectively prevent the centrifugal force generated by the rotation from affecting the flow of the cooling medium in the cooling chamber 6. In addition, it can also avoid excessively increasing the load on the first rotor 31 and the second rotor 32.

[0064] Furthermore, the nested cooperation of the annular protrusion 61 and the annular groove 24 significantly increases the contact area between the cooling chamber 6 and the anode target 2, optimizes the heat conduction path, and enables heat to be transferred from the anode target 2 to the cooling medium in the cooling chamber 6 more quickly and efficiently, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance.

[0065] Furthermore, as the anode target 2 rotates, the annular protrusion 61 rotates along the corresponding annular groove 24. The non-zero gap between the annular protrusion 61 and the annular groove 24 provides necessary space for relative rotation, avoiding friction and wear caused by direct contact.

[0066] In some embodiments, a non-zero gap exists between the cooling chamber 6 and the wall of the anode target 2 forming the hollow structure 23 , the cooling chamber 6 is connected to the housing 10 , and the anode target 2 can rotate relative to the cooling chamber 6 .

[0067] In some embodiments, combined Figures 2 to 4 The cooling chamber 6 has a drainage channel 62 formed inside for the cooling medium to flow. Thus, the drainage channel 62 can guide the cooling medium to flow to the high heat load area of ​​the anode target 2, so that the cooling medium can more directly and effectively absorb the heat generated by the anode target 2, significantly improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, the X-ray tube 100 may further include a central axis portion 4, extending along the first direction D1 and having a first end 41 and a second end 42 opposite to each other, wherein the first end 41 is connected to the housing 10 (for example, the first side 101), the anode target 2 rotates around the central axis portion 4, the cooling chamber 6 is connected to the central axis portion 4, the central axis portion 4 is hollow to form a cooling channel 43 for the flow of cooling medium, and the cooling channel 43 is connected to the drainage channel 62.

[0069] Specifically, in Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the first end 41 of the central shaft portion 4 is fixedly connected to the first side 101 of the housing 10 . The anode target 2 and the cooling chamber 6 are supported on the second end 42 of the central shaft portion 4 .

[0070] In some embodiments, the cooling chamber 6 may be annular as a whole and sleeved on the second end 42 of the central shaft portion 4 .

[0071] In some embodiments, continued binding Figures 2 to 4 The connection between the cooling channels 43 of the central axis 4 and the drainage channels 62 of the cooling chamber 6 expands the heat dissipation path of the anode target 2 from a localized path to the entire system, creating a complete heat dissipation network that runs through the anode target 2, the cooling chamber 6, and the central axis 4. The cooling medium can flow through this network, rapidly transferring the heat generated by the anode target 2 to the entire heat dissipation system and ultimately dissipating it to the external environment, significantly enhancing the overall heat dissipation performance of the X-ray tube 100.

[0072] Furthermore, the central axis 4 serves as both a supporting axis and a cooling tube, making the internal structure of the X-ray tube more compact.

[0073] Furthermore, the cooling channel 43 may include: a liquid inlet channel 431 and a liquid outlet channel 432, which are separated by a partition 433. A liquid inlet (marked as "in" in the figure) connected to the liquid inlet channel 431 and a liquid outlet (marked as "out" in the figure) connected to the liquid outlet channel 432 are provided on the wall of the central axis portion 4. The liquid inlet is connected to the inlet of the drainage channel 62, and the liquid outlet is connected to the outlet of the drainage channel 62.

[0074] Specifically, in Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 433 extends along a first direction. The partition 433 divides the cooling channel 43 into two independent channels: an inlet channel 431 and an outlet channel 432. The inlet channel 431 is used to deliver low-temperature cooling medium to the cooling chamber 6, while the outlet channel 432 is used to return high-temperature cooling medium from the cooling chamber 6.

[0075] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet channel 431 and the liquid outlet channel 342 can be Figure 2 They are arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the first direction D1) under the viewing angle.

[0076] Furthermore, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet are formed on the wall of the central axis portion 4. The liquid inlet communicates with the liquid inlet channel 431 and the inlet of the drainage channel 62 of the cooling chamber 6, allowing low-temperature cooling medium to enter the cooling chamber 6 from the central axis portion 4. The liquid outlet communicates with the liquid outlet channel 432 and the outlet of the drainage channel 62 of the cooling chamber 6, allowing high-temperature cooling medium to flow back from the cooling chamber 6 to the central axis portion 4. Thus, the cooling channel 43 and the drainage channel 62 are connected, ensuring the smooth flow of the cooling medium.

[0077] Continue to refer Figure 4 In some embodiments, the cooling medium flows unidirectionally within the drainage channel 62. This unidirectional flow design optimizes the cooling medium's flow path, ensuring that the cooling medium flows through the high-heat-load areas of the anode target 2 in the most efficient way. This helps improve heat dissipation efficiency because the cooling medium can more directly and quickly remove heat generated by the anode target 2, preventing heat accumulation in localized areas.

[0078] In some embodiments, the cooling chamber 6 may be disc-shaped, and the drainage channel 62 is laid in the disc-shaped cooling chamber 6 in a winding manner.

[0079] For example, reference Figure 4 The drainage channel 62 can be bent from the entrance at the center of the cooling chamber 6 along the inner circle near the central axis 4. Then, it can bend back along the outer edge of the inner circle and continue to meander until it is laid to the extension area near the cooling chamber 6, and finally extend to the outlet at the center of the cooling chamber 6.

[0080] In other embodiments, the drainage channel 62 may also be laid along different trajectories in the cooling chamber.

[0081] In some embodiments, the volume of the drainage channel 62 relative to the total volume of the cooling chamber 6 exceeds a preset threshold. Consequently, a larger volume of the drainage channel 62 means more space within the cooling chamber 6 for accommodating and directing the cooling medium. This not only increases heat dissipation capacity, accommodating more cooling medium to cope with high heat loads, but also helps optimize the cooling medium's flow path, reducing flow resistance and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0082] In some embodiments, the preset threshold may be, for example, 80%.

[0083] In some embodiments, the X-ray tube 100 may further include a rotor 3 for driving the anode target 2 to rotate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the rotor 3 is connected to the anode target 2 via a connecting tube 5 , thereby driving the anode target 2 to rotate.

[0085] In some embodiments, the connecting tube 5 can be fixedly connected to the lower cover portion 26 or formed integrally therewith.

[0086] In some embodiments, the connecting cylinder 5 can be sleeved on the middle shaft portion 4 and supported on the middle shaft portion 4 through the bearing structure 7. In other words, the middle shaft portion 4 passes through the rotor 3, the connecting cylinder 5 and the cooling chamber 6.

[0087] Figure 5 Shown Figures 1 to 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of an X-ray tube 100 according to a variation of the embodiment is shown.

[0088] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 The rotor 3 may include: a first rotor 31, disposed on the side of the anode target 2 near the first target surface 201; and a second rotor 32, disposed on the side of the anode target 2 near the second target surface 202. The first rotor 31, the anode target 2, and the second rotor 32 rotate synchronously. Thus, the dual-rotor structure provides driving force from both sides of the anode target 2, creating a torque balance. This significantly enhances the stability of the rotation system, effectively reduces vibration and noise during rotation, avoids image artifacts caused by vibration, and improves imaging quality. Furthermore, the dual-rotor structure may help transfer the heat generated by the anode target 2 more evenly to the rotors on both sides, thereby dissipating the heat through the rotors. This design optimizes heat distribution, improves overall heat dissipation efficiency, and reduces the operating temperature of the anode target 2.

[0089] Furthermore, the two ends of the central axis portion 4 along its extension direction are respectively fixedly connected to the first side 101 and the second side 102 of the housing 10. Thus, firmly fixing the central axis portion 4 to the housing 10 can provide a stable and reliable support foundation for the rotation of the rotor 3 and the anode target 2, ensuring the coaxiality and stability of the entire rotating system.

[0090] In this scenario, there may be two connecting tubes 5 located on both sides of the anode target 2 along the first direction D1 and respectively connecting the upper cover 25 and the second rotor 32 and the lower cover 26 and the first rotor 31 .

[0091] Figure 6 Shown Figures 1 to 4 A schematic diagram of another variation of the illustrated embodiment.

[0092] refer to Figure 6 The shell 10 has a first side 101 and a second side 102 relative to each other, and the cathode 1 also includes: a first cathode 11, arranged on the first side 101; a second cathode 12, arranged on the second side 102; wherein the anode target 2 includes a first target surface 201 facing the first side 101 and a second target surface 202 facing the second side 102, the first target surface 201 is used to receive the first electron beam from the first cathode 11, and the second target surface 202 is used to receive the second electron beam from the second cathode 12.

[0093] Specifically, a first cathode 11 is disposed on a first side 101 of the housing 10 and is configured to emit a first electron beam. A second cathode 12 is disposed on a second side 102 of the housing 10, opposite the first cathode 11. The second cathode 12 is configured to emit a second electron beam and, in conjunction with the first cathode 11, provides electrons to the anode target 2 from two directions, thereby achieving dual-sided emission of the X-ray tube 100 in the first direction D1.

[0094] Furthermore, the anode target 2 includes a first target surface 201 facing the first side 101 and a second target surface 202 facing the second side 102. The first target surface 201 receives the first electron beam from the first cathode 11, and the second target surface 202 receives the second electron beam from the second cathode 12. When the electron beam bombards the target surface of the anode target 2, X-rays are generated.

[0095] Thus, the X-ray tube 100 achieves the function of generating X-rays from two directions by respectively providing the first cathode 11 and the second cathode 12 on the first side 101 and the second side 102 of the shell 10, and providing the corresponding first target surface 201 and the second target surface 202 on the anode target 2. Compared with the traditional single-cathode, single-target surface X-ray tube, this design significantly increases the longitudinal coverage of X-rays. In practical applications, for example, when performing human body tomography imaging in a CT machine, the need for multiple segmented scans can be met to meet large-scale scanning requirements, greatly shortening the examination time and reducing the discomfort caused by the patient maintaining a static posture for a long time. At the same time, since the number of scans is reduced, the possibility of errors introduced by splicing multiple scan data is also reduced, thereby improving the accuracy and quality of imaging. This innovative design effectively solves the problem of limited longitudinal coverage of existing X-ray tubes, providing a more efficient and accurate imaging method for medical imaging technology.

[0096] In some embodiments, combined Figure 6 and Figure 9 The coverage range E1 of the X-rays generated by the first electron beam and the coverage range E2 of the X-rays generated by the second electron beam are connected in the first direction D1. The connection means that the X-rays generated by the first electron beam emitted from the first cathode 11 bombarding the first target surface 201 and the X-rays generated by the second electron beam emitted from the second cathode 12 bombarding the second target surface 202 can be connected end to end in the longitudinal direction (first direction D1), forming a continuous scanning area without obvious gaps or overlaps.

[0097] Therefore, compared to traditional single-beam X-rays, which have limited longitudinal coverage and require multiple segmented scans to scan a large area, this embodiment combines two X-ray beams longitudinally, significantly expanding the longitudinal coverage of a single scan, reducing the number of segmented scans, and even enabling a single, large-scale scan. The combined X-ray coverage avoids blind spots and ensures the longitudinal continuity and integrity of the scanned area. This facilitates the acquisition of more comprehensive and accurate medical imaging information, reducing image loss or misinterpretation due to discontinuous scanning.

[0098] In some embodiments, combined Figure 6 and Figure 8 The X-ray tube 100 may further include a heat storage structure 103 disposed on at least one of the two sides of the anode target 2 along the first direction D1. For example, the heat storage structure 103 is disposed on both sides of the anode target 2 along the first direction D1.

[0099] In some embodiments, the heat storage structure 103 may be, for example, a graphite ring.

[0100] Both the first target surface 201 and the second target surface 202 include a bombarded region and a thermal coupling region. The bombarded region is located outside the thermal coupling region. The thermal coupling region of at least one of the first target surface 201 and the second target surface 202 is used to thermally couple with the heat storage structure 103. Along the first direction D1, the heat storage structure 103 avoids the bombarded region. As a result, the heat storage structure 103 can quickly absorb and store the heat generated by the anode target 2, preventing local overheating and deformation or damage of the anode target 2 due to thermal stress, thereby significantly extending the service life of the X-ray tube 100. In addition, the design of the heat storage structure 103 avoiding the bombarded region prevents interference of the heat dissipation structure with electron beam bombardment and X-ray generation, ensuring the normal implementation of the core functions of the X-ray tube 100.

[0101] In some embodiments, the X-ray tube 100 may further include: a rotor 3, fixedly connected to the anode target 2, the rotor 3 being used to drive the anode target 2 to rotate; a central axis 4, extending along the first direction D1 and passing through the rotor 3 and the anode target 2, the rotor 3 and the anode target 2 rotating around the central axis 4.

[0102] In some embodiments, the X-ray tube 100 may further include: a rotor 3, fixedly connected to the anode target 2, the rotor 3 being used to drive the anode target 2 to rotate; a central axis 4, extending along the first direction D1 and passing through the rotor 3 and the anode target 2, the rotor 3 and the anode target 2 rotating around the central axis 4.

[0103] Furthermore, the X-ray tube 100 may further include: a connecting tube 5 , through which the rotor 3 and the anode target 2 are connected. The connecting tube 5 is sleeved on the central axis 4 and rotatably connected to the central axis 4 via a bearing structure.

[0104] Furthermore, the rotor 3 includes: a first rotor 31, which is arranged on the side of the anode target 2 close to the first target surface 201; a second rotor 32, which is arranged on the side of the anode target 2 close to the second target surface 202; the first rotor 31, the anode target 2 and the second rotor 32 rotate synchronously.

[0105] exist Figures 6 to 9 In the embodiment shown, the coordination between the rotor 3, the middle shaft 4 and the connecting tube 5 can refer to the above description. Figures 1 to 4 The embodiment shown or Figure 5 The relevant description of the illustrated embodiment is not repeated here.

[0106] It is worth noting that Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, the liquid inlet channel 431 and the liquid outlet channel 342 can be Figure 2The two 3D images are arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the first direction D1) under the viewing angle. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment and Figures 6 to 9 In the embodiment shown, the structure of the middle shaft portion 4 can be as follows Figure 7 As shown, the liquid inlet channel 431 and the liquid outlet channel 342 can be arranged to be connected (but not connected) along the first direction D1.

[0107] In some embodiments, reference Figure 8 The anode target 2 may include: a first target plate 21, including a first surface 211 and a second surface 212 opposite to each other, wherein the first surface 211 is suitable for forming the first target surface 201; a second target plate 22, including a third surface 221 and a fourth surface 222 opposite to each other, wherein the fourth surface 222 is suitable for forming the second target surface 202; the first target plate 21 and the second target plate 22 are overlapped along the first direction D1, and the second surface 212 and the third surface 221 are opposite to each other and have a non-zero distance therebetween to form the hollow structure 23.

[0108] Furthermore, the second surface 212 of the first target disk 21 and the third surface 221 of the second target disk 22 are opposite to each other.

[0109] In some embodiments, at least one side of the second surface 212 and the third surface 221 may be provided with a groove to form at least a portion of the hollow structure 23 .

[0110] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first target plate 21 and at least a portion of the second target plate 22 are connected by welding.

[0111] In practical applications, the welding connection may only weld the outer edges of the first target disk 21 and the second target disk 22 together.

[0112] From the above, the technical solution of the present application is adopted, and the solution optimizes the heat conduction path by accommodating the cooling chamber 6 in the hollow structure 23 inside the anode target 2. The cooling system of a traditional X-ray tube usually adopts external contact heat dissipation or indirect heat conduction. The contact area between the cooling medium and the anode target 2 is limited, resulting in high thermal resistance and the heat needs to be conducted through a long path of the target body. In the present application, the cooling chamber 6 and the anode target 2 form an embedded structure with direct thermal coupling, so that the cooling medium can exchange heat from the core area inside the anode target 2, and the contact area is significantly expanded to the inner wall of the entire hollow structure 23, and the heat conduction efficiency is significantly improved. In addition, the built-in cooling chamber 6 significantly reduces the discharge risk in a high-voltage electric field environment through physical isolation, and significantly improves the operating reliability of the equipment under continuous high-power conditions.

[0113] Furthermore, a split design in which the upper cover 25 and the lower cover 26 are combined to form the hollow structure 23 not only ensures the structural integrity of the anode target 2, but also facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the cooling chamber 6, while avoiding the process difficulty caused by the overall processing, and improving production efficiency and reliability through the modular structure.

[0114] Furthermore, the annular protrusion 61 provided on the surface of the cooling chamber 6 cooperates with the annular groove 24 provided on the inner wall of the hollow structure 23 formed by the anode target 2, thereby enhancing the heat conduction efficiency by increasing the contact area. At the same time, the non-zero gap design allows the anode target 2 to rotate freely relative to the cooling chamber 6, avoiding wear caused by mechanical friction and achieving compatibility between thermal coupling and mechanical movement.

[0115] Furthermore, the cathode includes a first cathode 11 and a second cathode 12, and adopts a dual-cathode symmetrical bombardment dual target surface design, that is, the first cathode 11 emits a first electron beam toward the first target surface 201 of the anode target 2, and the second cathode 12 emits a second electron beam toward the second target surface 202 of the anode target 2. The double-sided X-ray generation can effectively improve the output efficiency of X-rays.

[0116] It should be understood that the term "and / or" herein is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "or" covers all possible combinations unless 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.

[0117] The term "plurality" used in the present disclosure refers to two or more than two.

[0118] The relational terms appearing in the embodiments of the present disclosure, 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 following any of these words are not meant to be an exhaustive list of such one or more items, or to be limited to the one or more items listed. In the drawings and description, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed. However, many variations and modifications may be made to these embodiments. Therefore, although specific terms are employed, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limitation.

[0119] 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 scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An X-ray tube, characterized in that: include: A housing having a receiving cavity; an anode target, disposed in the accommodating cavity; a cathode, at least partially accommodated in the accommodating cavity, the cathode being configured to emit an electron beam toward the anode target; a cooling chamber containing a cooling medium and thermally coupled to the anode target, wherein the anode target is hollow to form a hollow structure, and the cooling chamber is accommodated in the hollow structure; A drainage channel for the flow of cooling medium is formed inside the cooling bin. The drainage channel bends along the inner circle from the entrance located at the center of the cooling bin, then turns back along the outer edge of the inner circle and continues to meander and extend, repeatedly bending, turning back and extending until it is laid to the outer extension area closer to the cooling bin, and finally extends to the outlet located at the center of the cooling bin; a middle shaft portion, one end of which along the extension direction is connected to the shell, the middle shaft portion being hollow to form a cooling channel for the flow of cooling medium, the cooling channel being connected to the drainage channel; The cooling channel further includes a liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet channel, the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel are separated by a partition, and a liquid inlet communicating with the inlet and a liquid outlet communicating with the outlet are opened on the wall of the central axis; The cooling bin is annular and is sleeved on the central axis, with the liquid inlet aligned with the inlet and the liquid outlet aligned with the outlet. The cooling medium enters the drainage channel from the liquid inlet channel of the cooling channel through the liquid inlet and the inlet, then flows along the drainage channel to the outlet, and flows back to the liquid outlet channel of the cooling channel through the liquid outlet.

2. The X-ray tube according to claim 1, wherein The anode target includes an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion covering each other, and the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion jointly define the hollow structure.

3. The X-ray tube according to claim 2, wherein At least one of the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion is provided with a groove portion open toward the other, wherein the groove portion is adapted to form at least a portion of the hollow structure; and / or At least a portion of the upper cover portion and at least a portion of the lower cover portion are welded together.

4. The X-ray tube according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the two opposite surfaces of the cooling chamber is provided with a plurality of nested annular protrusions, and the wall of the anode target forming the hollow structure is provided with a plurality of nested annular grooves adapted to the plurality of annular protrusions, and the annular protrusions are suitable for being inserted into the corresponding annular grooves, and there is a non-zero gap between the annular protrusions and the inner wall of the corresponding annular groove.

5. The X-ray tube according to claim 4, characterized in that As the anode target rotates, the annular protrusion rotates along the corresponding annular groove.

6. The X-ray tube according to claim 1, wherein A non-zero gap exists between the cooling chamber and a wall of the anode target forming the hollow structure. The cooling chamber is connected to the shell. The anode target is rotatable relative to the cooling chamber.

7. The X-ray tube according to claim 1, wherein The cooling medium flows unidirectionally in the drainage channel; and / or The cooling chamber is disc-shaped; and / or The proportion of the volume of the drainage channel to the total volume of the cooling chamber exceeds a preset threshold.

8. The X-ray tube according to claim 1, wherein The housing has a first side and a second side opposite to each other along a first direction, and the cathode further comprises: a first cathode disposed on the first side; a second cathode disposed on the second side; The anode target includes a first target surface facing the first side and a second target surface facing the second side. The first target surface is used to receive the first electron beam from the first cathode, and the second target surface is used to receive the second electron beam from the second cathode.

9. The X-ray tube according to claim 8, wherein The landing point of the first electron beam on the first target surface and the landing point of the second electron beam on the second target surface are symmetrical about a first plane, and the first plane is perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The X-ray tube according to claim 8, wherein The coverage range of the X-rays generated by the first electron beam and the coverage range of the X-rays generated by the second electron beam are connected in the first direction.

11. The X-ray tube according to claim 8, wherein Also includes: A heat storage structure is arranged on at least one of the two sides of the anode target along the first direction, the first target surface and the second target surface both include a bombarded area and a thermal coupling area, the bombarded area is located outside the thermal coupling area, and the thermal coupling area of ​​at least one of the first target surface and the second target surface is used to thermally couple with the heat storage structure, and along the first direction, the heat storage structure avoids the bombarded area.

12. The X-ray tube according to claim 8, wherein Also includes: a rotor fixedly connected to the anode target, and configured to drive the anode target to rotate; A central axis portion extends along the first direction and passes through the rotor and the anode target. The rotor and the anode target rotate around the central axis portion.

13. The X-ray tube according to claim 12, wherein Also includes: A connecting cylinder is used to connect the rotor and the anode target. The connecting cylinder is sleeved on the central shaft and rotatably connected to the central shaft through a bearing structure.

14. The X-ray tube according to claim 13, wherein The rotor comprises: a first rotor, disposed on a side of the anode target close to the first target surface; a second rotor, disposed on a side of the anode target close to the second target surface; The first rotor, the anode target and the second rotor rotate synchronously.

15. The X-ray tube according to claim 8, wherein The anode target comprises: a first target plate comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, wherein the first surface is adapted to form the first target surface; a second target plate comprising a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other, wherein the fourth surface is suitable for forming the second target surface; The first target disk and the second target disk overlap along the first direction, and the second surface and the third surface are opposite to each other and have a non-zero distance therebetween to form the hollow structure.

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