Forced oil circulation in x-ray tubes without external hose

Abstract

An X-ray tube housing (451) is disclosed having an oil passage (458, 459) integrated into (e.g., built into) the X-ray tube housing (451) that accommodates a flow of oil through an interior space of the X-ray tube housing (451). A first oil passage (458) from an intermediate housing portion (452) of the X-ray tube housing (451) to the pump housing inlet (470) is built into the intermediate housing portion, and a second oil passage (459) from the pump housing outlet (802, 1220) to the heat exchanger (1002) located in the anode side housing (456) is built into the anode side housing (456). The integrated oil passage (458, 459) reduces the number of sealing joints, which reduces the chance of leakage and allows for the assembly of the X-ray tube assembly with fewer components.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202441020352, titled “FORCED OIL CIRCULATION IN X-RAY TUBEWITHOUT EXTERNAL HOSE” and filed on March 19, 2024. The entire contents of the above application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to X-ray tubes, and in particular to housings for X-ray tubes. Background Art

[0004] An X-ray system may include an X-ray tube, a detector, and a support structure for the X-ray tube and the detector. In operation, an imaging table on which an object is positioned may be located between the X-ray tube and the detector. The X-ray tube typically emits radiation, such as X-rays, toward the object. The radiation passes through the object on the imaging table and impinges on the detector. As the radiation passes through the object, the internal structure of the object causes spatial differences in the radiation received at the detector. The detector then transmits the received data, and the system converts the radiation differences into an image that can be used to evaluate the internal structure of the object. The object may include, but is not limited to, a patient in a medical imaging procedure or an inanimate object, such as a package in an X-ray scanner or a computed tomography (CT) package scanner.

[0005] The X-ray tube assembly may include an X-ray tube insert, which may be enclosed in an X-ray tube housing. The X-ray tube insert includes functional components of an X-ray system that generates X-rays, and the X-ray tube housing surrounds, protects, and supports the insert. The X-ray tube housing may hermetically enclose and direct a coolant, such as insulating oil, around the X-ray tube insert within the X-ray tube housing. During operation, the vacuum vessel of the X-ray tube insert may generate heat, which may be removed by circulating a coolant through the vacuum vessel. The coolant may then be pumped to a heat exchanger before returning to the X-ray tube housing.

[0006] The X-ray tube assembly can use one or more external hoses to route coolant along a circulation path through and around the housing. For example, in some implementations, a first external hose can carry coolant from a middle housing portion of the X-ray tube housing to a pump housing inlet, and a second external hose can carry oil from the pump housing outlet to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be integrated into the end housings of the X-ray tube housing. External hoses can increase the overall size and weight of the X-ray tube assembly. Additionally, external hoses can rely on sealing joints at each end of each hose, which creates more opportunities for leaks and can increase the cost and labor of maintaining the external hoses. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure at least partially solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems by an X-ray tube housing comprising an intermediate housing portion, an anode-side end housing portion and a cathode-side end housing portion, wherein a first oil flow circulating around an X-ray insert enclosed in the X-ray tube housing is guided to an inlet of a housing of a pump of the anode-side end housing portion via a first oil channel integrated into the intermediate housing portion; and a second oil flow from an outlet of the pump housing is guided to a heat exchanger located in the anode-side end housing portion via a second oil channel integrated into the anode-side end housing portion.

[0008] The above advantages and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description when considered alone or in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the above summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts that are further described in the detailed description in a simplified form. It is not meant to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is solely defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any shortcomings noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Various aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood by reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 shows a pictorial view of an imaging system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary imaging system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary X-ray tube according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4Ashows a perspective view of a first X-ray tube assembly as a prior art;

[0014] Figure 4B shows a perspective view of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 shows a side view of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6A showing a first perspective view of the exterior of an intermediate housing portion of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6B a second perspective view illustrating an exterior of an intermediate housing portion of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 a second perspective view illustrating the interior of an intermediate housing portion of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 shows a side view of an end housing portion of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 9 showing a first perspective view of the exterior of an end housing portion of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 10 a second perspective view illustrating an interior of an end housing portion of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 11 a perspective view showing the coupling of the intermediate housing portion and the end housing portion of a second X-ray tube assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 12 A perspective view of an end housing portion of a second X-ray tube assembly including integrated coolant channels is shown, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figures 4A to 12 Drawn to scale, but other relative sizes may be used if desired.

[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific aspects of the described systems and methods. Together with the following description, the drawings illustrate and explain the structures, methods, and principles described herein. In the drawings, the dimensions of components may be exaggerated or otherwise modified for clarity. Well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the described components, systems, and methods. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present specification and the subject matter disclosed herein relate to an X-ray tube assembly for use with an X-ray imaging system. Typically, an X-ray tube assembly includes an X-ray source that emits a fan beam or cone beam toward an object, such as a patient. In some X-ray imaging systems, such as CT systems, the X-ray source and detector array rotate around a gantry within an imaging plane and around the patient, and an image is generated from projection data of multiple views at different viewing angles. In other X-ray imaging systems, the X-ray source and detector array may have fixed positions.

[0027] The beam, after being attenuated by the patient, impinges on a radiation detector array. An X-ray detector or detector array typically includes a collimator for collimating the X-ray beam received at the detector, a scintillator disposed adjacent to the collimator for converting the X-rays into light energy, and a photodiode for receiving light energy from an adjacent scintillator and generating an electrical signal therefrom. The intensity of the attenuated beam radiation received at the detector array typically depends on the attenuation of the X-ray beam by the patient. Each detector element of the detector array generates a separate electrical signal indicative of the attenuated beam received by each detector element. The electrical signals are transmitted to a data processing system for analysis. The data processing system processes the electrical signals to facilitate the generation of an image.

[0028] The X-ray source may include an X-ray tube, which may be implemented as a vacuum tube diode comprising a cathode and an anode. The interior of the X-ray tube may be set to a high vacuum state of approximately 10 mmHg. The cathode may include a filament, which is heated to a high temperature by applying a current (e.g., tube current) to a wire connected to the filament, generating thermal electrons. A voltage difference (e.g., tube voltage) may then be applied between the cathode and anode, causing the thermal electrons to accelerate toward the anode and collide with it, thereby generating X-rays. The electron beam may be focused using electrostatic control, electromagnetic control, or a combination of electrostatic and electromagnetic control. X-rays emitted by the electrons colliding with a target are focused on the patient. Increasing the tube voltage increases the speed of the thermal electrons, and thus, the energy of the X-rays (i.e., the energy of the photons) generated when the thermal electrons collide with the target increases. Increasing the tube current increases the number of thermal electrons emitted from the filament, and thus, the X-ray dose (i.e., the number of X-ray photons) generated when the thermal electrons collide with the target material increases. Therefore, the energy of the X-rays can be adjusted based on the tube voltage, and the intensity or dose of the X-rays can be adjusted based on the tube current and the X-ray exposure time.

[0029] As the tube voltage increases, the heat generated by the X-ray source increases. The cathode, anode, and other components used to generate X-rays may be contained within an X-ray tube insert enclosed by an X-ray tube housing. The X-ray tube housing may be hermetically sealed and may direct a coolant around the X-ray tube insert within the X-ray tube housing to cool the X-ray source. The X-ray tube housing may perform the following functions:

[0030] physically supporting the X-ray tube insert within the X-ray tube housing such that the first X-ray transmissive window of the X-ray tube insert is maintained in a position aligned with the second X-ray transmissive window of the X-ray tube housing such that X-rays generated in the X-ray tube insert exit the X-ray tube assembly and illuminate an object of interest;

[0031] shielding X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube insert from passing through the first X-ray transmission window and the second X-ray transmission window toward the object of interest;

[0032] a stator of a motor supporting the X-ray tube assembly relative to a rotor of a motor for rotating an anode of the X-ray tube insert;

[0033] ● Provide a high voltage electrical connection between the X-ray tube insert and the high voltage generator of the X-ray tube assembly, typically via a high voltage plug and socket or a high voltage connector removably secured to a high voltage insulator with a silicone gasket in between;

[0034] • operatively connecting the X-ray tube insert to a gantry or positioner of an X-ray imaging system;

[0035] as well as

[0036] • Insulating oil or a different suitable coolant is hermetically enclosed and guided around the X-ray tube insert within the X-ray tube housing to cool the vacuum vessel of the X-ray tube insert, which is subsequently pumped to the heat exchanger of the X-ray tube housing.

[0037] Regarding the hermetically sealed and directed insulating oil (also referred to herein as oil) within the X-ray tube housing, the oil can flow through one or more hoses external to the X-ray tube housing to complete a closed-loop fluid circulation path between a pump of the X-ray tube assembly and the interior space of the X-ray tube housing. The X-ray tube housing can include a plurality of housing portions that can be bolted, welded, or otherwise coupled together to form the X-ray tube housing during manufacturing. For example, the plurality of housing portions include end housing portions at each end of the X-ray tube housing, and intermediate housing portions coupled to the end housing portions at both sides of the intermediate housing portion.

[0038] In one example, a first external hose can carry oil from a first housing portion of the X-ray tube housing (such as an intermediate housing portion) to a housing inlet of a pump. A second external hose can carry oil from an outlet of the pump to a heat exchanger, which can be located in a second housing portion of the X-ray tube housing, such as an end housing portion on the anode side of the X-ray housing. It should be understood that while the systems and methods described herein are described with respect to insulating oil, other types of coolants can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] One problem with including an external hose is that, as an additional component, the hose increases the complexity of manufacturing and assembling the X-ray tube assembly and creates additional opportunities for component failure. Another disadvantage of the external hose is that including a sealing joint at the end of the external hose may create additional opportunities for leaks and may increase the cost and maintenance of the X-ray tube assembly.

[0040] To address this issue, an X-ray tube housing is disclosed that has an oil passage integrated into the X-ray tube housing that accommodates the flow of oil through the interior space of the X-ray tube housing. As used herein, an integrated passage is a passage built into the X-ray tube housing, wherein the passage is formed from a single, continuous material of the X-ray tube housing, without comprising different parts that are glued, welded, bolted, attached, or coupled in different ways. A first oil passage is built into the intermediate housing portion of the X-ray tube housing from the pump housing inlet, and a second oil passage is built into the anode-side end housing from the pump housing outlet to a heat exchanger located in the anode-side end housing. The integrated oil passage reduces the number of sealing joints, which reduces the chance of leaks and allows the X-ray tube assembly to be assembled with fewer parts. The integrated passage also reduces the size of the X-ray tube assembly because there is no longer an external hose extending out of the housing.

[0041] Figure 1 An exemplary X-ray system 100 configured for computed tomography (CT) imaging is shown. Although a CT imaging system is described herein, it should be understood that the system described herein can be used with other types of X-ray imaging systems without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The X-ray system 100 is configured to image a subject 112 (such as a patient, an inanimate object, one or more manufactured parts) and / or a foreign object (such as a dental implant, a stent, and / or a contrast agent present in the body). In one embodiment, the X-ray system 100 includes a gantry 102, which in turn may further include at least one X-ray source 104 configured to project an X-ray radiation beam 106 (see Figure 2 ) for imaging a subject 112 lying on an examination table 114. Specifically, the X-ray source 104 is configured to project an X-ray radiation beam 106 toward a detector array 108 positioned on an opposite side of the gantry 102. Figure 1 A single X-ray source 104 is depicted, but in certain embodiments, multiple X-ray sources and detectors may be employed to project multiple X-ray radiation beams for acquiring projection data at different energy levels corresponding to the patient.

[0042] The X-ray system 100 also includes an image processor unit 110 configured to reconstruct an image of a target volume of the subject 112 using an iterative or analytical image reconstruction method. For example, the image processor unit 110 can use an analytical image reconstruction method such as filtered back projection (FBP) to reconstruct an image of the target volume of the patient. For another example, the image processor unit 110 can use an iterative image reconstruction method (such as advanced statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), conjugate gradient (CG), maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), etc.) to reconstruct an image of the target volume of the subject 112.

[0043] In some CT imaging system configurations, an X-ray source projects a cone-shaped X-ray radiation beam that is collimated to lie in the XYZ plane of a Cartesian coordinate system and is often referred to as the "imaging plane." The X-ray radiation beam passes through an object being imaged, such as a patient or subject. The X-ray radiation beam, after being attenuated by the object, strikes an array of detector elements. The intensity of the attenuated X-ray radiation beam received at the detector array depends on the attenuation of the X-ray radiation beam by the object. Each detector element of the array generates a separate electrical signal that is a measure of the X-ray beam attenuation at that detector location. The attenuation measurements from all detector elements are acquired individually to produce a transmit profile.

[0044] In some CT systems, a gantry is used to rotate the X-ray source and detector array around the object being imaged within the imaging plane, resulting in a continuously changing angle at which the X-ray beam intersects the object. A set of X-ray radiation attenuation measurements (e.g., projection data) from the detector array at one gantry angle is referred to as a "view." A "scan" of the object includes a set of views produced at different gantry angles or viewing angles during one rotation of the X-ray source and detectors.

[0045] X-ray source 104 includes an anode and a cathode. Electrons emitted by the cathode (e.g., resulting from energization of the cathode) may be intercepted by a target disposed at or near the anode. Electrons intercepted by the target may release energy in the form of X-rays, which are directed toward detector array 108.

[0046] Figure 2 Shows something like Figure 1 An exemplary X-ray imaging system 200 of the X-ray system 100 is shown. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the X-ray imaging system 200 is configured to image a subject 204 (e.g., Figure 1 In one embodiment, the X-ray imaging system 200 includes a detector array 108 (see Figure 1 ). The detector array 108 also includes a plurality of detector elements 202 that together sense the X-ray radiation beam 106 that passes through a subject 204 (such as a patient) (see Figure 2 ) to acquire corresponding projection data. In some embodiments, the detector array 108 can be fabricated into a multi-slice configuration including multiple rows of cells or detector elements 202, wherein one or more additional rows of detector elements 202 are arranged in a parallel configuration for acquiring projection data.

[0047] In some embodiments, the X-ray imaging system 200 is configured to traverse different angular positions around the subject 204 to acquire desired projection data. Thus, the gantry 102 and components mounted thereon can be configured to rotate about a rotation center 206 to acquire, for example, projection data at different energy levels. Alternatively, in embodiments where the projection angle relative to the subject 204 changes over time, the mounted components can be configured to move along a generally curved line rather than along a circular segment.

[0048] Thus, as the X-ray source 104 and the detector array 108 rotate, the detector array 108 collects data on the attenuation of the X-ray beam. The data collected by the detector array 108 then undergoes preprocessing and calibration to adjust the data to represent the line integral of the attenuation coefficient of the scanned subject 204. The processed data is often referred to as a projection. In some examples, the individual detectors or detector elements 202 in the detector array 108 may include photon counting detectors that register the interaction of individual photons into one or more energy bins.

[0049] In one embodiment, the X-ray imaging system 200 includes a control mechanism 208 to control movement of components, such as rotation of the gantry 102 and operation of the X-ray source 104. In certain embodiments, the control mechanism 208 also includes an X-ray controller 210 configured to provide power and timing signals to the X-ray source 104. Additionally, the control mechanism 208 includes a gantry motor controller 212 configured to control the rotational speed and / or position of the gantry 102 based on imaging requirements.

[0050] In some embodiments, the control mechanism 208 also includes a data acquisition system (DAS) 214 that is configured to sample analog data received from the detector elements 202 and convert the analog data into digital signals for subsequent processing. The data sampled and digitized by the DAS 214 is sent to a computer or computing device 216. In one example, the computing device 216 stores the data in a storage device or mass storage device 218. For example, the storage device 218 can be any type of non-volatile memory and can include a hard drive, a floppy disk drive, a compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W) drive, a digital versatile disc (DVD) drive, a flash drive, and / or a solid-state storage drive.

[0051] In addition, the computing device 216 provides commands and parameters to one or more of the DAS 214, the X-ray controller 210, and the gantry motor controller 212 for controlling system operations, such as data acquisition and / or processing. In certain embodiments, the computing device 216 controls system operations based on operator input. The computing device 216 receives operator input, which may include, for example, commands and / or scan parameters, via an operator console 220 operatively coupled to the computing device 216. The operator console 220 may include a keyboard (not shown) or a touch screen to allow the operator to specify commands and / or scan parameters.

[0052] In one embodiment, for example, the X-ray imaging system 200 includes or is coupled to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) 224. In one exemplary implementation, the PACS 224 is further coupled to a remote system (such as a radiology department information system, a hospital information system) and / or to an internal or external network (not shown) to allow operators at different locations to supply commands and parameters and / or obtain access to image data.

[0053] The computing device 216 uses operator-provided and / or system-defined commands and parameters to operate a table motor controller 226, which in turn can control the table 114, which can be a motorized table. Specifically, the table motor controller 226 can move the table 114 to properly position the subject 204 in the gantry 102 to acquire projection data corresponding to a target volume of the subject 204.

[0054] As previously described, the DAS 214 samples and digitizes the projection data collected by the detector elements 202. The image reconstructor 230 then uses the sampled and digitized X-ray data to perform high-speed reconstruction. Figure 2 The image reconstructor 230 is illustrated as a separate entity, but in certain embodiments, the image reconstructor 230 may form part of the computing device 216. Alternatively, the image reconstructor 230 may not be present in the X-ray imaging system 200, but rather the computing device 216 may perform one or more functions of the image reconstructor 230. In addition, the image reconstructor 230 may be located locally or remotely and may be operatively connected to the X-ray imaging system 200 using a wired network or a wireless network. In particular, one exemplary embodiment may use computing resources in a "cloud" network cluster for the image reconstructor 230.

[0055] In one embodiment, the image reconstructor 230 stores the reconstructed image in the storage device 218. Alternatively, the image reconstructor 230 can send the reconstructed image to the computing device 216 to generate usable patient information for diagnosis and evaluation. In certain embodiments, the computing device 216 can transmit the reconstructed image and / or the patient information to a display or display device 232 that is communicatively coupled to the computing device 216 and / or the image reconstructor 230. In some embodiments, the reconstructed image can be transmitted from the computing device 216 or the image reconstructor 230 to the storage device 218 for short-term or long-term storage.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 3 , shows an exemplary X-ray tube 300 of an X-ray system. In one embodiment, the X-ray tube 300 may be Figures 1 to 21 and 2. The X-ray source 104 of the X-ray systems 100 and 200 of the present invention can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the X-ray tube 300 includes an exemplary cathode 302 and an anode 303 disposed within a tube housing 306. The cathode can include a filament 308. The cathode 302, and in particular the filament 308, can be directly heated by passing an electric current through the filament 308, which can be supplied by a voltage source 310. In one embodiment, a current of approximately 10 amperes (A) can be passed through the filament 308. The filament 308 can emit an electron beam 312 as a result of being heated by the electric current supplied by the voltage source 310. As used herein, the term "electron beam" can be used to refer to a stream of electrons having substantially similar velocities.

[0057] The electron beam 312 can be directed toward the target 304 to generate X-rays 314. More specifically, the electron beam 312 can be accelerated from the filament 308 toward the target 304 by applying a potential difference between the filament 308 and the anode 303. In one embodiment, a high voltage in a range from about 40 kV to about 450 kV can be applied to establish a potential difference between the filament 308 and the anode 303, thereby generating one or more electric fields 320 in the X-ray tube 300. In one embodiment, a high voltage difference of about 140 kV can be applied between the filament 308 and the anode 303 to accelerate electrons in the electron beam 312 toward the target 304. As an example, the filament 308 can be at a potential of about -140 kV, and the anode 303 and the target 304 can be at ground potential or about zero volts.

[0058] The electron beam 312 may strike the target 304 at a focal spot 332. When the electron beam 312 strikes the target 304, heat may be generated in the target 304 at the location of the focal spot 332, which may be sufficient to melt the target 304. In various embodiments, a rotating target may be used to alleviate the problem of heat generation in the target 304. For example, the target 304 may be configured to rotate so that the focal spot 332 generated by the electron beam 312 striking the target 304 does not always strike the target 304 at the same location, so that the target 304 may not melt. In various embodiments, the target 304 may include a material such as, but not limited to, tungsten or molybdenum.

[0059] The heat generated in the target 304 can also be reduced by adjusting the size of the focal spot on the target 304, where a smaller focal spot can generate a greater amount of heat at a particular location. The electron collector 329, maintained at the same electrical potential as the target 304, acts as a sink for electrons that bounce off the surface of the target 304 during the initial impact, which reduces the chance of those same electrons re-impacting the target. Collecting backscattered electrons in this manner can further reduce target heating. However, during operation of the X-ray tube 300, heat can accumulate within the X-ray tube 300. As described in more detail below, this heat can be reduced via a cooling system that directs oil flow around the portion of the X-ray tube assembly that includes the X-ray tube 300.

[0060] The X-ray tube 300 can include one or more focusing electrodes 316 that can be positioned adjacent to the filament 308 such that the one or more focusing electrodes 316 focus the electron beam 312 toward the target 304. As used herein, the term "adjacent" means close in space or position. To focus the electron beam 312, a voltage can be applied to the one or more focusing electrodes 316 to generate one or more electric fields 321. The voltage can be different for each of the one or more focusing electrodes 316.

[0061] Furthermore, the X-ray tube 300 can include one or more extractor electrodes 318 that can be used to additionally control and focus the electron beam 312 toward the anode 303. The one or more extractor electrodes 318 can be located between the anode 303 and the filament 308. In some embodiments, the one or more extractor electrodes 318 can be positively biased by supplying a desired voltage to the one or more extractor electrodes 318.

[0062] The energy of electron beam 312 can be controlled in various ways. For example, the energy of electron beam 312 can be controlled by varying the potential difference (e.g., accelerating voltage) between cathode 302 and anode 303. As used herein, the term "beam current" refers to the flow of electrons per second between cathode 302 and anode 303. The current of electron beam 312 can be controlled by adjusting the filament voltage to change the temperature of filament 308. The beam current can be controlled by varying the voltage applied to one or more extraction electrodes 318. Note that filament 308 can be considered an infinite electron source.

[0063] Due to the potential difference between the one or more focusing electrodes 316 and the one or more extracting electrodes 318, one or more electric fields 321 can be generated between the one or more extracting electrodes 318 and the one or more focusing electrodes 316. The strength of the one or more electric fields 320 can be used to control the intensity of the electron beam 312 generated by the filament 308 toward the anode 303. More specifically, the one or more electric fields 320 can accelerate electrons emitted by the filament 308 toward the anode 303. The stronger the one or more electric fields 320, the stronger the acceleration of the electrons from the filament 308 toward the anode 303. Alternatively, the weaker the one or more electric fields 320, the weaker the acceleration of the electrons from the filament 308 toward the anode 303. Thus, the intensity of the electron beam 312 that strikes the target 304 can be controlled by the one or more electric fields 320 and 321.

[0064] Additionally, the X-ray tube 300 may also include one or more magnets 324 for focusing and / or positioning and deflecting the electron beam 312 onto the target 304. In various embodiments, the one or more magnets 324 may be disposed between the cathode 302 and the target 304. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets 324 may include one or more multipole magnets for affecting the focusing of the electron beam 312 by forming one or more magnetic fields 323 that shape the electron beam 312 onto the target 304. The one or more multipole magnets may include one or more quadrupole magnets, one or more dipole magnets, or a combination thereof.

[0065] As the properties of the electron beam current and voltage change, the electrostatic focusing of the electron beam 312 will change accordingly. When the electron beam 312 has been focused and positioned, the electron beam 312 strikes the target 304 at a focal spot 332 to generate x-rays 314. The x-rays 314 generated by the collision of the electron beam 312 with the target 304 can be directed from the x-ray tube 300 through an opening in the tube housing 306 at an x-ray window 337 toward the object 328.

[0066] As electron beam 312 collides with target 304 at focal spot 332, a set of x-rays 336 may be generated and directed out of x-ray window 337 toward object 328. Set of x-rays 336 may intersect object 328 at an effective focal spot 340. The configuration of x-ray tube 300 and the effective focal spot is indicated by a set of reference coordinate axes 348.

[0067] As described above, the heat generated at the various components of the X-ray tube 300 can be reduced by enclosing the X-ray tube 300 within a container, referred to herein as an X-ray insert, which is surrounded by a housing so that oil flow can be routed between portions of the X-ray insert and the housing. The oil can be directed along an oil path by a pump coupled to the housing. The oil path can include a heat exchanger that extracts heat and transfers it to the external environment of the X-ray system.

[0068] Figure 4A A perspective view of a conventional housing 401 of a first X-ray tube assembly 400 of a prior art X-ray system is shown. The housing 401 generally comprises various separately formed components, which in the depicted embodiment include an intermediate housing portion 402, a cathode-side end housing portion 404, an anode-side end housing portion 406, and end caps 408. The separately formed components are subsequently joined together by welding, bolting, and / or brazing processes to enclose the X-ray tube insert positioned therein.

[0069] The intermediate housing portion 402 has a first side 440 and a second side 442. The first side 441 of the cathode-side end housing portion 404 is coupled to the first side 440 of the intermediate housing portion 402. The anode-side end housing portion 406 has a first side 444 and a second side 446, wherein the second side 442 of the intermediate housing portion 402 is coupled to the first side 444 of the anode-side end housing portion 406.

[0070] Heat may be generated by the X-ray tube components inside the X-ray plug-in, such as the cathode, anode and target of the X-ray tube, and / or the shaft and bearings of the stator of the X-ray tube assembly. The heat generated by the X-ray tube may be dissipated by flowing insulating oil or a similar suitable coolant around the X-ray plug-in via a cooling system disposed external to the housing 401. The heat may be transferred to a secondary coolant, such as water, a water / glycol mixture or any other suitable fluid having the desired heat exchange properties, for example, at a dedicated oil-to-water heat exchanger positioned within the anode-side end housing 406. The cooling system may include a pump 410 that circulates oil through the dedicated oil-to-water heat exchanger to thermally cool the oil. The water or secondary coolant may then be transferred to the X-ray plug-in via a separate coolant circuit ( Figure 4A The oil can also support the X-ray tube insert within the housing and remove heat from the X-ray tube insert.

[0071] In the conventional housing 401, the oil circuit through which oil can circulate through the pump 410 includes two external hoses. Specifically, the first external hose 412 can carry oil from the cathode-side end housing portion 404 of the housing 401 to the pump housing inlet 420, and the second external hose 414 can carry oil from the pump housing outlet 422 to the heat exchanger integrated into the anode-side end housing portion 406. Figure 4A In the embodiment, the first portion 414a of the second outer hose 414 is Figure 4A The top of the second outer hose 414 is shown, and the second portion 414b of the second outer hose 414 is shown. Figure 4A 4 is shown at the bottom of the anode-side housing 406, where the external hose 414 is shielded by the anode-side end housing portion 406. A disadvantage of the conventional housing 401 is that the external hose 414 may increase the size, weight, and complexity of the first X-ray tube assembly 400. The increased size and weight may limit the degree of oblique imaging angles around the patient that the X-ray tube assembly can utilize, thereby potentially compromising the quality of the examination performed.

[0072] The first external hose 412 can be attached to the pump housing inlet 420 via a first elbow 430, which can include sealing joints at both ends of the first elbow 430. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first elbow 430 can be coupled to a first adapter positioned at the pump housing inlet 420, and sealing joints can be included between the first adapter and the pump housing inlet 420. Similarly, the first external hose 412 can be attached to the cathode-side end housing portion 404 via a second elbow 431 and a second adapter, which can include three additional sealing joints. The second external hose 414 can be attached to the pump housing outlet 422 via a coupling 432, which can include multiple sealing joints, and can be attached to the anode-side end housing portion 406 at the inlet of the heat exchanger via a coupling 433, which can include a second plurality of sealing joints. The sealing joints can be formed from O-rings or gaskets made of rubber or a different suitable material. The sealing material used can have the disadvantage of degrading over time if it is incompatible with the oil used within the X-ray tube or X-ray radiation system. At each sealing joint, there is also the possibility that the clamping force created by twisting the bolts or crimping the clamps may loosen over time. As a result, the sealing joint may degrade over time, leading to oil leaks. The oil leaks may reduce the oil's ability to reduce heat generated within the X-ray housing and reduce the functionality and / or efficiency of the X-ray housing. Because repairing the sealing joint may not be feasible, the X-ray tube may have to be replaced, which can be expensive and may cause the X-ray system to be shut down and unusable until the replacement is completed.

[0073] on the contrary, Figure 4B A perspective view of a proposed alternative second X-ray tube assembly 450 is shown that does not include the external hose 414. The second X-ray tube assembly 450 includes a housing 451 that includes an intermediate housing portion 452, a cathode-side end housing portion 454, and an anode-side end housing portion 456, similar to Figure 4A The second X-ray tube assembly 450 further includes a pump 460, which can be connected to the middle housing portion 402, the cathode side end housing portion 404 and the anode side end housing portion 406. Figure 4A The cathode-side end casing portion 454 has a first side 490 and a second side 491 ; the intermediate casing portion 452 has a first side 492 and a second side 493 ; and the anode-side end casing portion 456 has a first side 494 and a second side 496 .

[0074] The intermediate housing portion 452 may be a generally cylindrical housing portion having a central axis 499, which is open at each of the first side 492 and the second side 493, within which the cathode, anode, and other parts of the X-ray tube are disposed. The anode-side end housing portion 456 may also be generally cylindrical about the central axis 499 and may surround the shaft and bearing assembly ( Figure 4B 452 and the cathode side end housing portion 454. The stator is operably connected to a voltage source (not shown) via a suitable connector (not shown) that extends through an aperture in the anode side end housing portion 456 to supply current to the stator so that the stator can interact with and rotate the shaft during operation of the X-ray tube insert. The anode side end housing portion 456 can be fixed to the intermediate housing portion 452 to seal the anode side end housing portion 456 to the intermediate housing portion 452. When sealed, the space formed by the anode side end housing portion 456, the intermediate housing portion 452 and the cathode side end housing portion 454 can be filled with a certain amount of insulating oil to provide cooling for the operation of the X-ray insert.

[0075] and Figure 4A In contrast, intermediate housing portion 452 includes a first integrated oil passage 458 that can carry oil from intermediate housing portion 452 of housing 451 to pump housing inlet 470. First integrated oil passage 458 may have two portions: a first portion 480 and a second portion 482. First portion 480 may be aligned with a first diameter region 487 of intermediate housing portion 452, and second portion 482 may be aligned with a second diameter region 489 of intermediate housing portion 452, where second diameter region 489 has a smaller diameter than first diameter region 487. Second portion 482 has a second length 486 that may be less than first length 484 of first portion 480. In one example, first length 484 is 144 mm, and second length 486 is 35 mm.

[0076] The first integrated oil channel 458 can replace Figure 4A The first external hose 412 of the first integrated oil passage 458 can be coupled to the pump housing 462 of the anode-side end housing portion 456 between the second side 493 of the intermediate housing portion 452 and the first side 494 of the anode-side end housing portion 456, such that the interior of the second portion 482 of the first integrated oil passage 458 is connected to the interior passage of the pump housing inlet 470. For example, in one example, the total distance from the end of the first portion 480 and the beginning of the second portion 482 to the end of the pump housing inlet 470 at the pump 460 can be 82 mm.

[0077] The anode side end housing portion 456 comprises a second integrated oil channel 459 which can carry the oil leaving the pump 460 via its outlet 464 to a heat exchanger integrated into the portion 465 of the anode side end housing portion 456. The second integrated oil channel 459 can replace Figure 4A The second external hose 414 is provided.

[0078] Therefore, rather than relying on Figure 4A Instead of requiring external hoses 412 and 414, oil can be advantageously directed through first and second integrated oil passages 458 and 459 that are directly integrated into the housing portion of the second X-ray tube assembly 450. As a result, external hoses 412 and 414 can be eliminated, thereby reducing the complexity of assembling the second X-ray tube assembly 450. Additionally, the cost of the second X-ray tube assembly 450 can be reduced by eliminating external hoses 412 and 414, elbows 430 and 431, and associated adapters, clamps, etc.

[0079] Additionally, because the first integrated oil passage 458 can be formed during casting of the intermediate housing portion 452 rather than using additive manufacturing, the cost of manufacturing the second X-ray tube assembly 450 can be lower than manufacturing the second X-ray tube assembly 450. Figure 4A Additionally, the cost of manufacturing the second X-ray tube assembly 450 can be lower than the cost of manufacturing other X-ray tube assemblies that rely on expensive additive manufacturing techniques to manufacture the intermediate housing portion 452.

[0080] As used herein, the term "additive manufacturing technology" includes, but is not limited to, various known 3D printing manufacturing methods, such as extrusion deposition, wire, granular material bonding, powder bed and inkjet head 3D printing, lamination, photopolymerization and direct metal laser melting (DMLM). DMLM is a known manufacturing process that uses three-dimensional information to manufacture metal parts, such as a three-dimensional computer model of a housing. The three-dimensional information is converted into a plurality of slices, where each slice defines the cross-section of the part for a predetermined height of the slice. The housing is then "built" piece by piece or layer by layer until it is completed. Each layer of the housing is formed by melting or fusing layers of metal powder (such as aluminum powder) or other materials / metals (such as stainless steel) to each other using a laser.

[0081] Although DMLM may be a preferred method for additive manufacturing, those skilled in the art of manufacturing will recognize that any other suitable rapid manufacturing method using layer-by-layer construction or additive manufacturing may also be used. These alternative rapid manufacturing methods include, but are not limited to, binder jet printing, selective laser sintering (SLS), 3D printing (such as by inkjet and laser inkjet), stereolithography (SLS), direct selective laser sintering (DSLS), electron beam sintering (EBS), electron beam melting (EBM), laser engineered net shape (LENS), laser net shape manufacturing (LNSM), and direct metal deposition (DMD).

[0082] Furthermore, because the second X-ray tube assembly 450 does not include a sealed joint, the likelihood of oil leaks in the second X-ray tube assembly 450 may be lower than that of the first X-ray tube assembly 400, and the cost and effort of maintaining the second X-ray tube assembly 450 may be lower than that of the first X-ray tube assembly 400. Figure 4A The first X-ray tube assembly 400 can be reduced in size. The second X-ray tube assembly 450 can have a smaller footprint and / or weight than the first X-ray tube assembly 400, which can increase the range of tilt scanning angles around the patient that can be utilized by the X-ray tube assembly 450. The integrated channel design also enables a reduction in the volume of oil used inside the X-ray tube because the length of the first integrated oil channel 458 and the second integrated oil channel 459 can be less than the length of the external hoses 412 and 414 of the first X-ray tube assembly 400. The second X-ray tube assembly 450 can also have the advantage of increased heat dissipation relative to the external hoses 412 and 414 because the walls of the first integrated oil channel 458 and the second integrated oil channel 459 are made of a thermally conductive metal, which can transfer heat from the hot oil inside the first integrated oil channel 458 and the second integrated oil channel 459 to the relatively cooler air outside more efficiently than the external hoses 412 and 414.

[0083] Regarding the configuration of the first integrated oil passage 458 and the second integrated oil passage 459 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450, Figure 5 Shown in more detail in .

[0084] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view 500 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450 is shown, including Figure 4B The sectional view 500 is from the Figure 4B The side perspective view of FIG. 500 depicts the intermediate housing portion 452, the cathode side end housing portion 454, and the anode side end housing portion 456. Additionally, the cross-sectional view 500 shows a cross-section of an X-ray insert 520 housed within the intermediate housing portion 452, which encloses various components of the X-ray tube of the X-ray system. The various components may be Figure 3The components of the X-ray tube 300 are the same or similar and may be similarly oriented, as shown with reference to axis 348 .

[0085] The various components include a cathode assembly 523 (e.g., Figure 3 302) is configured to generate an electron beam directed toward an anode 532 (e.g., anode 303) due to a voltage difference introduced between the cathode assembly 523 and the anode 532. The cathode assembly 523 can be composed of various components, including a cover 522, an arm 524, a cup 528, and a filament having a connection 526. The voltage difference can be generated by applying a high voltage to the cathode assembly 523 while maintaining the anode 532 at ground potential, or by applying a negative high voltage and a positive high voltage of equal value to the cathode assembly 523 and the anode 532. The electron beam can be generated by applying a current to the connection 526. The electron beam can be directed to a target 530 (e.g., target 304), which can be positioned on a disk rotating about an axis 534 so that the electron beam can impinge on different locations on a face 539 of the target 530. When the electron beam impinges on the target 530, X-rays can be generated. Electrons scattered after impinging on the target can be captured by a collector 536 to reduce focal radiation. X-rays can be directed out of X-ray window 538 (eg, X-ray window 337 ) toward a patient of the X-ray system.

[0086] Additionally, cross-sectional view 500 illustrates a series of arrows 510 indicating the direction of oil flow through first integrated oil passage 458. A first portion 480 of first integrated oil passage 458 traverses intermediate housing portion 452 through X-ray insert 520. A second portion 482 leads from first portion 480 to coupling with pump housing inlet 470. A first diameter 507 of first portion 480 can be different from a second diameter 509 of second portion 482. In various embodiments, second diameter 509 is greater than first diameter 507. In one example, first diameter 507 is 9 mm and second diameter 509 is 15 mm.

[0087] As indicated by arrow 510, oil enters the first integrated oil passage 458 from the space 540 between the X-ray insert 520, the intermediate housing 452, and the cathode-side end housing portion 454 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450. From the first integrated oil passage 458, the oil flows into the pump housing inlet 470. The second side 493 of the intermediate housing portion 452 can be coupled to the first side 494 of the anode-side end housing 456 using threaded fasteners such as bolts or other methods such as circlips or welding, such that the first integrated oil passage 458 and the pump housing inlet 470 are coaxially aligned along the same central axis 542. In this way, oil can flow directly from the first integrated oil passage 458 into the pump housing inlet 470 without being obstructed and without changing the direction of the oil flow. The central axis 542 can be parallel to the central axis 499 of the intermediate housing portion.

[0088] The support plate 506 can form a portion of the inner surface of the first integrated oil channel 458. In some embodiments, a lead lining 508 can be included between the support plate 506 and components of the X-ray tube insert positioned within the intermediate housing portion 452. The lead lining 508 can be thicker than the support plate 506. For example, the support plate 506 can have a thickness of 1 mm, and the lead lining can have a thickness of 3 mm. The lead lining 508 can act as a shield to prevent leakage of X-rays exceeding a threshold amount through the intermediate housing portion 452 or the cathode-side end housing portion 454. The support plate 506 serves as the first portion of the wall of the first integrated oil channel 458 and provides structural support for the lead lining 508, as the lead lining 508 can be relatively soft and can deform without support during manufacturing. Thus, the first integrated oil channel 458 is formed by the outer wall 503 of the intermediate housing portion 452, the lead lining 508, and the support plate 506.

[0089] Figure 6A A first perspective view 600 of the exterior of the intermediate housing portion 452 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450 is shown, wherein the first integrated oil passage 458 is integrated into the exterior of the intermediate housing portion 452. An aperture 602 at the second side 493 of the intermediate housing portion 452 can connect the interior of the first integrated oil passage 458 to the pump housing inlet 470 (not shown in FIG. 6 ). A second aperture ( Figure 6A 4. (not shown) The interior of the first integrated oil channel 458 can be connected to the oil-containing space 540 between the X-ray plug-in 520, the intermediate housing portion 452 and the cathode-side end housing portion 454. Figure 6B A second perspective view 650 of the exterior of the intermediate housing portion 452 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450 is shown, further illustrating a first integrated oil passage 458 integrated into the exterior of the intermediate housing portion 452. In the depicted embodiment, the first integrated oil passage 458 is positioned at a first distance 652 (e.g., along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system 348) from a reinforced upper portion 653 of the intermediate housing portion 452 and at a second distance 654 from a lower portion 655 of the intermediate housing portion 452, where the second distance 654 can be greater than the first distance 652. Positioning the first integrated oil passage 458 at the first distance 652 (e.g., closer to the reinforced upper portion 653 than to the lower portion 655) can increase the structural rigidity of the intermediate housing portion 452. In other words, positioning the first integrated oil passage 458 can take advantage of the greater structural support and mass of the reinforced upper portion 653 relative to the lower portion 655, which can increase the overall strength of the intermediate housing portion 452.

[0090] Figure 7A perspective view 700 of the interior of the intermediate housing portion 452 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450 is shown. The perspective view 700 shows the alignment of the first integrated oil passage 458 along the wall 705 of the intermediate housing portion 452. The first integrated oil passage 458 is connected to the space 540 through an aperture 708 at the second side 493 of the intermediate housing portion 452. A second end 706 of the first integrated oil passage 458 opens into the pump housing 462. Figure 7 As can be seen in the figure, the first integrated oil channel 458 can be integrated into the intermediate housing portion 452 so that the central axis 704 of the first integrated oil channel 458 is aligned with the wall 705 of the intermediate housing portion 452, wherein a first circumferential portion of the first integrated oil channel 458 extends outward from the outer surface of the intermediate housing portion 452 along a direction 709, and a second circumferential portion of the first oil channel extends inward from the inner surface of the intermediate housing portion 452 along a direction 707.

[0091] Figure 8 A side view 800 of the anode-side end housing 456 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450 is shown. The side view 800 shows the second integrated oil passage 459 extending from the pump housing 462. Specifically, the second integrated oil passage 459 extends from the pump outlet 802 (e.g., the pump housing outlet 422) (which is located at the bottom of the pump housing 462). Figure 8 ) extends to the inlet 804 of the heat exchanger (also Figure 8 The heat exchanger may be arranged around the inner portion of the anode side end shell 456, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown. The anode side end housing portion 456 may also include an aperture 814 through which current may be applied to the stator of the X-ray tube assembly to enable the stator to interact with and rotate the stator axis when the X-ray tube is in operation. The anode side end housing portion 456 may also include a bellows ( Figure 8 8 (not shown). Portion 810 may include an orifice 812 that acts as an air exhaust passage connected to the outer surface of the bellows, which may be used to maintain the pressure of the oil inside the X-ray tube.

[0092] Figure 9 A perspective view 900 is shown of the exterior of the anode-side end housing 456 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450. The perspective view 900 illustrates the full extent of the second integrated oil passage 459 extending from the pump outlet 802 of the pump housing 462 to the inlet 804 of the heat exchanger, which may be disposed around the inner circumference of the anode-side end housing 456 at the location indicated by arrow 902. Thus, oil may be directed from the pump to the heat exchanger via the second integrated oil passage 459, as indicated by dashed arrow 904. Oil may also be directed through the heat exchanger and around the inner circumference of the anode-side end housing 456 in a circumferential direction indicated by arrow 906.

[0093] The path of oil through the heat exchanger is Figure 10 More clearly described in. Figure 10 A perspective view 1000 is shown of the interior of the anode-side end housing 456 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450. The perspective view 1000 shows a second integrated oil passage 459 extending from the outlet 802 of the pump housing 462 to the inlet 804 of the heat exchanger 1002, the second integrated oil passage being included along the inner circumferential surface 1004 of the anode-side end housing 456. A first arrow 1020 shows a first flow of oil from the volute 1010 of the pump 460 through the second integrated oil passage 459, corresponding to Figure 9 Arrow 904. A second arrow 1022 shows a second flow of oil circulating through the heat exchanger 1002, corresponding to Figure 9 Arrow 906. A third arrow 1024 shows a third flow of oil exiting the heat exchanger 1002 via outlet 1012 into the interior of the anode-side end housing 456, where the oil can flow around components of the X-ray tube (e.g., Figure 5 Thus, as the oil flows around the components of the X-ray tube, heat generated in the X-ray tube can be extracted by the oil. As the oil flows through the heat exchanger, heat can be transferred from the oil to a separate coolant circuit ( Figure 10 The coolant may be circulated through an external cooling unit (not shown) (such as water) to reduce the temperature of the oil and cool the X-ray tube. Figure 10 ), which is not shown in the figure, cools the coolant before returning it to the heat exchanger.

[0094] Figure 11 A perspective view 1100 of the housing 451 is shown illustrating the coupling of the intermediate housing portion 452 to the anode side end housing 456 and cathode side end housing portion 454 of the second X-ray tube assembly 450. The second side 491 of the cathode portion 454 can be bolted or welded to the first side 492 of the intermediate housing portion 452 such that oil circulating around the X-ray insert within the intermediate housing portion 452 can be directed into the first end 1102 of the first integrated oil passage 458, as indicated by arrow 1104. The second side 493 of the intermediate housing portion 452 can be bolted or welded to the first side 494 of the anode side end housing 456 such that oil is directed from the second end 1106 of the first integrated oil passage 458 into the inlet of the pump housing 462, as described above. The oil can then be directed by the pump out of the outlet of the pump housing 462 and into the second integrated oil passage 459. The oil passes through the second integrated oil passage 459 into the heat exchanger located in the anode side end housing 456, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 shown.

[0095] Figure 12A perspective view 1200 of the anode-side end housing 456, and in particular, of the second integrated oil passage 459, is shown. As described above, the second integrated oil passage 459 directs oil from the pump 460 to the heat exchanger positioned within the anode-side end housing 456. The second integrated oil passage 459 has a first end 1202 proximate the pump 460 and a second end 1204 at the inlet of the heat exchanger. In contrast to the first integrated oil passage 458, the second integrated oil passage 459 may not be symmetrical between the first end 1202 and the second end 1204. Instead, one or more walls of the second integrated oil passage 459 may be angled such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the second integrated oil passage 459 gradually increases between the first end 1202 and the second end 1204.

[0096] Specifically, first end 1202 of second integrated oil channel 459 may have a first cross-section with a first height 1206 and a first width 1205. Second end 1204 of second integrated oil channel 459 may have a second cross-section with a second height 1208 and a second width 1207. When oil is directed out of outlet 1210 of pump housing 462 and into first end 1202 of second integrated oil channel 459, the oil passes through a first area defined by the first cross-section. For example, first height 1206 may be 10 mm, and first width 10 mm, resulting in a first area of ​​10 x 10 mm. As oil flows through second integrated oil channel 459 and reaches second end 1204, the cross-section of second integrated oil channel 459 increases until reaching a second cross-section at second end 1204. For example, second height 1208 may be 30 mm, and second width 1207 may be 10 mm, resulting in a second cross-section of 30 x 10 mm. In one example, the length of the second integrated oil passage 459 from the first end 1202 to the second end 1204 can be 50 mm. By gradually increasing the height of the second integrated oil passage 459 at the second end 1204, oil spraying as the oil enters the heat exchanger can be advantageously reduced, thereby ensuring consistent oil flow into the heat exchanger. In other words, compared to alternative X-ray tube assemblies that include an integrated passage entering the heat exchanger but do not include a gradual increase in the cross-section of the integrated passage, the X-ray tube assembly 450 can deliver hot oil to the heat exchanger in a more uniform and consistent manner, which can result in heat being transferred from the oil to the coolant of the coolant circuit.

[0097] It should be understood that the example dimensions included herein are for illustrative and exemplary purposes, and that in other embodiments, the dimensions of the second integrated oil passage 459 may differ without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0098] Thus, an X-ray tube housing having an integrated oil passage is disclosed, wherein the integrated oil passage can direct oil flow through the interior space of the X-ray tube housing to cool the X-ray tube enclosed by the X-ray tube housing. The disclosed X-ray tube housing may include a cathode-side end housing portion, an anode-side end housing portion, and an intermediate housing portion coupled to the cathode-side end housing portion at a first end and to the anode-side end housing portion at a second end of the intermediate housing portion. A first oil passage directing oil from the interior space to a pump housing inlet can be constructed into the intermediate housing portion, and a second oil passage from the pump housing outlet to a heat exchanger located in the anode-side end housing can be constructed into the anode-side end housing. By integrating the oil passage into the corresponding housing portion of the X-ray tube housing, rather than using external hoses as in conventional X-ray tube housing designs, the X-ray tube assembly can be assembled with fewer components, and the size, complexity, and manufacturing cost of the X-ray tube housing can be reduced. Because the oil passage is created during the casting process of the housing portion, the oil passage may not degrade as quickly as external hoses. Additionally, by eliminating the external hoses, the number of sealing joints can be reduced, which can reduce oil leakage from the X-ray tube housing. The technical benefit of integrating the oil passages into the housing of the X-ray tube assembly is that the size, cost, and maintenance of the X-ray tube assembly can be reduced compared to conventional X-ray tube housing designs that rely on external hoses to direct oil throughout the X-ray tube assembly. Due to the smaller size of the disclosed X-ray tube assembly, the X-ray tube assembly can be brought closer and more flexibly to the patient and the gantry in which the X-ray tube assembly is mounted can have faster rotation speeds and lower costs.

[0099] The present disclosure also provides support for an X-ray tube housing, comprising: an intermediate housing portion, an anode-side end housing portion, and a cathode-side end housing portion, wherein: a first oil flow circulating around an X-ray insert enclosed within the X-ray tube housing is directed to an inlet of a pump housing in the anode-side end housing portion via a first oil channel integrated into the intermediate housing portion, and a second oil flow from an outlet of the pump housing is directed to a heat exchanger located in the anode-side end housing portion via a second oil channel integrated into the anode-side end housing portion. In a first example of this system, no external hose for circulating oil is coupled to the exterior of the X-ray tube housing. In a second example of this system, which optionally includes the first example, the walls of the first and second oil channels are made of a thermally conductive metal. In a third example of this system, which optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, the first oil channel is aligned parallel to the central axis of the intermediate housing portion. In a fourth example of the system, which optionally includes one or more or each of the first through third examples, a first side of the anode-side end casing portion is coupled to a second side of the intermediate casing portion, wherein the first oil passage is linearly aligned with the pump housing inlet such that oil flowing through the first oil passage enters the pump directly without changing the direction of the oil flow. In a fifth example of the system, which optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, the first oil passage is integrated into the intermediate casing portion such that a central axis of the first oil passage is aligned with a wall of the intermediate casing portion, wherein a first circumferential portion of the first oil passage extends outward from an outer surface of the intermediate casing portion, and a second circumferential portion of the first oil passage extends inward from an inner surface of the intermediate casing portion. In a sixth example of the system, which optionally includes one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, the first oil passage includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first length corresponding to a first diameter region of the intermediate casing portion, and the second portion having a second length corresponding to a second diameter region of the intermediate casing portion, the second diameter region having a smaller diameter than the first diameter region. In a seventh example of the system that optionally includes one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, the first length is greater than the second length. In an eighth example of the system that optionally includes one or more or each of the first to seventh examples, the first portion leads from a space between the X-ray plug-in and the intermediate housing portion to a second portion, the second portion leading from the first portion to a coupling with an inlet of the pump housing. In a ninth example of the system that optionally includes one or more or each of the first to eighth examples, the first portion of the first oil channel has a first diameter, and the second portion of the first oil channel has a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. In a tenth example of the system that optionally includes one or more or each of the first to ninth examples, a portion of an inner surface of the first oil channel is formed by a support plate of the X-ray tube housing.In an eleventh example of the system, which optionally includes one or more or each of the first through tenth examples, the first oil passage is formed by casting rather than by additive manufacturing. In a twelfth example of the system, which optionally includes one or more or each of the first through eleventh examples, the second oil passage is integrated into the anode-side end casing portion, wherein a first end of the second oil passage is coupled to an outlet of the pump housing and a second end of the second oil passage is coupled to a heat exchanger, such that a second oil flow is directed from the outlet of the pump housing to the heat exchanger. In a thirteenth example of the system, which optionally includes one or more or each of the first through twelfth examples, one or more walls of the second oil passage are angled such that a first end of the second oil passage has a first cross-sectional area and a second end of the second oil passage has a larger second cross-sectional area, and a size of the second oil passage gradually increases between the first and second ends.

[0100] The present disclosure also provides support for a method for cooling insulating oil disposed within an X-ray tube assembly, the method comprising: manufacturing an intermediate housing portion of a housing for the X-ray tube assembly, the intermediate housing portion including a first oil channel integrated into a first wall of the intermediate housing portion; manufacturing an anode-side end housing portion of the housing, the anode-side end housing portion including a second oil channel integrated into a second wall of the anode-side end housing portion; placing a quantity of insulating oil in a space between the housing and an X-ray insert of the X-ray tube assembly; and circulating a flow of the insulating oil between the space and a heat exchanger of the X-ray tube assembly via the first oil channel and the second oil channel using a pump of the X-ray tube assembly. In a first example of the method, one or more walls of the second oil channel are angled such that the second oil channel has a first cross-sectional area at a first end at an outlet of the pump and has a second, larger cross-sectional area at a second end at the heat exchanger, and the size of the second oil channel gradually increases between the first end and the second end. In a second example of the method, which optionally includes the first example, the intermediate housing portion includes a first diameter area having a first diameter and a second diameter area having a smaller second diameter, and the first oil channel is integrated into the intermediate housing portion so that a central axis of the first oil channel is aligned parallel to a central axis of the intermediate housing portion, the first oil channel includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion has a first length corresponding to the first diameter area, and the second portion has a shorter second length corresponding to the second diameter area, the first portion of the first oil channel has a first diameter, and the second portion of the first oil channel has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter.

[0101] The present disclosure also provides support for an X-ray tube housing, comprising: an anode-side end housing portion manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, a cathode-side end housing portion manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, and an intermediate housing portion manufactured using a casting process, wherein the intermediate housing portion is configured to include a first oil passage integrated into the intermediate housing portion, the first oil passage connecting the interior space of the X-ray tube housing to a pump inlet portion of the anode-side end housing portion, and the anode-side end housing portion is configured to include a second oil passage integrated into the anode-side end housing portion, the second oil passage connecting the pump outlet portion of the anode-side end housing portion to an inlet of a heat exchanger positioned in the anode-side end housing portion. In a first example of the system, one or more walls of the second oil passage are angled such that the second oil passage has a first cross-sectional area at a first end at the pump outlet and a second cross-sectional area that is larger at a second end at the heat exchanger, and the size of the second oil passage gradually increases between the first end and the second end. In a second example of the system that optionally includes the first example, the intermediate housing portion includes a first diameter area having a first diameter and a second diameter area having a smaller second diameter, and the first oil passage is integrated into the intermediate housing portion so that a central axis of the first oil passage is aligned parallel to a central axis of the intermediate housing portion, the first oil passage includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion has a first length corresponding to the first diameter area, and the second portion has a shorter second length corresponding to the second diameter area, the first portion of the first oil passage has a first diameter, and the second portion of the first oil passage has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter.

[0102] Figures 4A to 12 Shown are exemplary configurations of the relative positioning of various components. In at least one example, if shown as being in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, such elements may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively. Similarly, in at least one example, elements shown as being adjacent or adjacent to each other may be adjacent or adjacent to each other, respectively. For example, components placed in coplanar contact with each other may be referred to as being in coplanar contact. For another example, in at least one example, elements positioned to be spaced apart from each other and having only space therebetween without other components may be described and referenced as such. For another example, elements shown as being above / below each other, on opposite sides, or on the left / right sides of each other may be described and referenced as such relative to each other. In addition, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or the point of the element may be referred to as the "top" of the component, and the bottommost element or the point of the element may be referred to as the "bottom" of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may be relative to the vertical axis of the figure, and may be used to describe the position of the elements relative to each other in the figure. Thus, in one example, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements.

[0103] When introducing the elements of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more such elements. The terms "first", "second" etc. do not represent any order, amount or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms "comprise", "comprising" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that in addition to the listed elements, additional elements may also be present. As used herein, the terms "connected to", "coupled to" etc., an object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) may be connected to or coupled to another object, regardless of whether the object is directly connected or coupled to another object, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the object and another object. In addition, it should be understood that reference to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also combine the cited features.

[0104] In addition to any modifications previously indicated, those skilled in the art may devise numerous other variations and alternative arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification, and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, although the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, including but not limited to form, function, mode of operation, and use, may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Likewise, as used herein, the examples and embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects only and should not be construed as limiting in any way.

Claims

1. An X-ray tube housing (451), comprising: An intermediate casing portion (452), an anode-side end casing portion (456), and a cathode-side end casing portion (454), wherein: A first oil flow circulating around an X-ray plug-in (520) enclosed in the X-ray tube housing (451) is guided to an inlet (804) of the housing (451) of the pump (460) of the anode-side end housing part (456) via a first oil channel (458) integrated into the intermediate housing part (452); and A second oil flow from the outlet (802, 1210) of the pump housing (451) is directed to a heat exchanger (1002) located in the anode-side end housing part (456) via a second oil channel (459) integrated into the anode-side end housing part (456).

2. The X-ray tube housing (451) according to claim 1, wherein the first oil channel (458) is integrated into the intermediate housing part (452) and the second oil channel (459) is integrated into the anode-side end housing part (456), so that no external hoses (414, 412) are relied upon for circulating the oil.

3. The X-ray tube housing (451) according to claim 1, wherein walls of the first oil channel (458) and the second oil channel (459) are made of heat-conductive metal.

4. The X-ray tube housing (451) of claim 1, wherein the first oil channel (458) is aligned parallel to a central axis (499, 542) of the intermediate housing portion (452).

5. The X-ray tube housing (451) according to claim 4, wherein the first side (494) of the anode-side end housing portion (456) is coupled to the second side (493) of the intermediate housing portion (452), and wherein the first oil channel (458) is linearly aligned with the pump housing inlet (470) so that oil flowing through the first oil channel (458) directly enters the pump (460) without changing the flow direction of the oil.

6. The X-ray tube housing (451) of claim 1 , wherein the first oil channel (458) is integrated into the intermediate housing portion (452) such that a central axis (704) of the first oil channel (458) is aligned with a wall (705) of the intermediate housing portion (452), wherein a first circumferential portion of the first oil channel (458) extends outwardly from an outer surface of the intermediate housing portion (452), and a second circumferential portion of the first oil channel (458) extends inwardly from an inner surface of the intermediate housing portion (452).

7. The X-ray tube housing (451) of claim 1, wherein the first oil channel (458) comprises a first portion (480) and a second portion (482), the first portion (480) having a first length (484) corresponding to a first diameter region (487) of the intermediate housing portion (452), and the second portion (482) having a second length (486) corresponding to a second diameter region (489) of the intermediate housing portion (452), the second diameter region (489) having a smaller diameter than the first diameter region (487).

8. The X-ray tube housing (451) of claim 7, wherein the first length (484) is greater than the second length (486).

9. The X-ray tube housing (451) according to claim 7, wherein the first portion (480) leads from the space (540) between the X-ray plug-in (520) and the intermediate housing portion (452) to the second portion (482), and the second portion (482) leads from the first portion (480) to a coupling (432) to an inlet (420, 470) of the pump housing (451).

10. The X-ray tube housing (451) of claim 9, wherein the first portion (480) of the first oil channel (458) has a first diameter (507), and the second portion (482) of the first oil channel (458) has a second diameter (509), the second diameter (509) being larger than the first diameter (507).

11. The X-ray tube housing (451) according to claim 1, wherein a portion of an inner surface of the first oil channel (458) is formed by a support plate (506) of the X-ray tube housing (451).

12. The X-ray tube housing (451) of claim 1, wherein the first oil channel (458) is formed by casting rather than by additive manufacturing.

13. The X-ray tube housing (451) according to claim 1, wherein the second oil channel (459) is integrated into the anode-side end housing part (456), wherein a first end (1202) of the second oil channel (459) is coupled to the outlet (802, 1210) of the pump housing (451) and a second end (1204) of the second oil channel (459) is coupled to the heat exchanger (1002), so that the second oil flow is guided from the outlet (802, 1210) of the pump housing (451) to the heat exchanger (1002).

14. The X-ray tube housing (451) of claim 13, wherein one or more walls of the second oil channel (459) are angled such that the first end (1202) of the second oil channel (459) has a first cross-sectional area and the second end (1204) of the second oil channel (459) has a larger second cross-sectional area, and a size of the second oil channel (459) gradually increases between the first end (1202) and the second end (1204).

15. A method for cooling insulating oil disposed within an X-ray tube assembly, the method comprising: manufacturing an intermediate housing portion of an enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly, the intermediate housing portion comprising a first oil channel integrated into a first wall of the intermediate housing portion; manufacturing an anode-side end casing part of the housing, the anode-side end casing part comprising a second oil channel integrated into a second wall of the anode-side end casing part; placing a certain amount of the insulating oil in a space between the housing and the X-ray insert of the X-ray tube assembly; A flow of the insulating oil is circulated between the space and a heat exchanger of the X-ray tube assembly via the first oil passage and the second oil passage using a pump of the X-ray tube assembly.

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