Cooling structure, X-ray bulb tube with same and cooling method of X-ray bulb tube

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of medical instruments, and discloses a cooling structure, an X-ray bulb tube with the same and a cooling method of the X-ray bulb tube, the cooling structure comprises a tube shell, and a tube core vacuum cavity is arranged in the tube shell; the tube shell is further provided with a first cooling flow channel, the first cooling flow channel is arranged to be annular, and the first cooling flow channel surrounds the tube core vacuum cavity. The first cooling flow channel is provided with a liquid inlet hole and a liquid outlet hole, the liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole are formed in a spaced mode in the first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the axis direction of the first cooling flow channel; the extending direction of the liquid inlet hole is perpendicular to the axis direction of the first cooling flow channel, or the included angle between the extending direction of the liquid inlet hole and the axial direction of the first cooling flow channel is an acute angle. According to the cooling structure, the X-ray bulb tube with the cooling structure and the cooling method of the X-ray bulb tube, the cooling efficiency of the X-ray bulb tube can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a cooling structure and an X-ray tube having the same, and a cooling method for the X-ray tube. Background Technology

[0002] An X-ray tube is an important component of a CT (Computed Tomography) scanner. Also known as an X-ray tube or emission tube, its function is to heat a cathode to emit an electron beam. This electron beam emits high-energy X-rays, which perform a tomographic scan of the human body, thus obtaining a three-dimensional image of its interior. Because the cathode has a very high temperature, it needs to be cooled.

[0003] In related technologies, gaps are typically created inside the windows, sleeves, and liquid metal bearing spindles of the X-ray tube. Cooling liquid is then introduced into these gaps along the axial direction of the X-ray tube to cool it. For areas requiring enhanced cooling, the flow rate of the cooling liquid is often increased by narrowing the gaps to achieve the same effect. However, this method has limited effectiveness in improving cooling efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a cooling structure and an X-ray tube having the same, as well as a cooling method for the X-ray tube, which can improve the cooling efficiency of the X-ray tube.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cooling structure for an X-ray tube. The cooling structure includes a tube shell, and a core vacuum cavity is disposed inside the tube shell. The tube shell also has a first cooling channel isolated from the core vacuum cavity. The first cooling channel is annular in shape and surrounds the core vacuum cavity. The first cooling channel has an inlet hole and an outlet hole, which are spaced apart along a first direction. The first direction is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel. The extension direction of the inlet hole is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first cooling channel, or the angle between the extension direction of the inlet hole and the axial direction of the first cooling channel is an acute angle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first cooling channel includes a first channel and a second channel that are sequentially distributed and connected along the first direction. The liquid inlet is disposed in the first channel, and the second channel is connected to the liquid outlet. Cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel through the liquid inlet along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel, so that the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the first channel along the first direction is less than the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the second channel along the first direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first cooling channel includes a third channel, the first channel, the second channel and the third channel are sequentially distributed and connected along the first direction, the third channel is connected to the liquid outlet, and the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the third channel along the first direction is less than the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the second channel along the first direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cooling structure includes a flow damper disposed within the first cooling channel; and / or,

[0009] The cooling structure includes a flow-suppressing element, which is disposed within the first cooling channel. Multiple flow-suppressing elements are provided, and the multiple flow-suppressing elements are spaced apart along the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first cooling channel has opposing first and second inner walls, and the flow-damping element includes a first flow-damping element and a second flow-damping element, the first flow-damping element being connected to the first inner wall and the second flow-damping element being connected to the second inner wall, with a gap between the first flow-damping element and the second flow-damping element for the flow of cooling liquid.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cooling structure includes a blocking member located within the first cooling channel and disposed on the side of the inlet near the outlet. The blocking member is used to contact the cooling liquid flowing into the first cooling channel from the inlet to prevent the cooling liquid from flowing in the first direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cooling structure includes a flow guide located within the first cooling channel and disposed on the side of the liquid inlet facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The flow guide includes an arc-shaped flow guide surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cooling structure further includes a mandrel for connection to the anode of the X-ray tube, the mandrel being disposed within the tube housing, the mandrel having a second cooling channel and an outlet channel, the second cooling channel being annular in shape, coaxially arranged with the first cooling channel and surrounding the outlet channel, the end of the second cooling channel away from the inlet being connected to the first cooling channel, the end of the second cooling channel near the inlet being connected to the outlet channel, and the end of the outlet channel away from the inlet being connected to the outlet.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an X-ray tube, which includes an anode, a cathode, and a cooling structure as described in the first aspect, wherein both the anode and the cathode are disposed within the vacuum cavity of the tube core.

[0015] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a cooling method for an X-ray tube, using the cooling structure described in the first aspect, the cooling method comprising:

[0016] Cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel through the liquid inlet, so that the cooling liquid in the first cooling channel flows along the first spiral path and flows out through the liquid outlet.

[0017] The cooling structure provided in this application embodiment has the following advantages: Since the tube shell is provided with a first cooling channel that is isolated from the tube core vacuum cavity, the first cooling channel is annular in shape, surrounds the tube core vacuum cavity, and has an inlet hole and an outlet hole. The inlet hole and the outlet hole are spaced apart along a first direction, which is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel. The extension direction of the inlet hole is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first cooling channel, or the angle between the extension direction of the inlet hole and the axial direction of the first cooling channel is acute. Therefore, by introducing cooling liquid into the first cooling channel through the inlet hole, the cooling liquid flows along a first spiral path in the first cooling channel and flows out through the outlet hole, thereby extending the length of the path in which the cooling liquid flows in the first cooling channel. At the same time, the flow velocity of the cooling liquid can be increased under the same flow rate, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the X-ray tube.

[0018] The advantages of the X-ray tube provided in this application compared to the prior art, and the advantages of the cooling method provided in this application compared to the prior art, can be found in the description of the advantages of the cooling structure provided in this application compared to the prior art, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an X-ray tube in related technologies;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow of cooling liquid in the shell of an X-ray tube along a cross section perpendicular to the tube's own axis.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the flow of cooling liquid along a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the tube in an X-ray tube.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the X-ray tube in the first embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the flow of cooling liquid in the shell of an X-ray tube along a cross section perpendicular to the tube's own axis.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the flow of cooling liquid along a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the tube in an X-ray tube.

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the velocity and acceleration of the cooling liquid flowing inside the shell of an X-ray tube.

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of the shell inside an X-ray tube;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of the shell in the second embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of the shell in the third embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure in the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the shell in the fifth embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The diagram shows the structure of the blocking and guiding components.

[0033] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The diagram shows the relative positions of the blocking and guiding components to the inlet hole;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a simulation diagram of the cooling structure in the X-ray tube in the first embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 16This is another simulation diagram of the cooling structure in the X-ray tube in the first embodiment of this application.

[0036] The markings in the diagram mean:

[0037] 001, Sleeve; 002, Sleeve Cooling Channel; 0021, Drain Hole; 003, Cathode; 004, Window; 005, Anode; 006, Stator Coil; 007, Mandrel; 008, Mandrel Cooling Channel; 009, Liquid Inlet Channel; 0091, Liquid Inlet Hole;

[0038] 100. X-ray tube;

[0039] 10. Tube shell; 101. Tube core vacuum chamber; 11. First cooling channel; 1101. First inner wall; 1102. Second inner wall; 111. First channel; 112. Second channel; 113. Third channel; 12. Liquid inlet; 13. Liquid outlet; 14. X-ray window;

[0040] 20. Flow suppression component; 21. First flow suppression component; 22. Second flow suppression component;

[0041] 30. Blocking component; 31. Blocking surface;

[0042] 40. Flow guide; 41. Flow guide surface;

[0043] 50. Mandrel; 51. Second cooling channel; 52. Liquid outlet channel;

[0044] 60. Anode;

[0045] 70. Cathode;

[0046] 80. Stator coil;

[0047] 200. Reference plane. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0049] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] In this specification, references to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or simply "embodiment" mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0052] To illustrate the technical solution of this application, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an X-ray tube in related technologies. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow of cooling liquid in the shell of an X-ray tube along a cross section perpendicular to the tube's own axis. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow of cooling liquid along a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the tube in the X-ray tube.

[0054] In related technologies, X-ray tubes generally have gaps inside the window 004, sleeve 001, and liquid metal bearing spindle 007 of the X-ray tube, and then cooling liquid is introduced into the gaps along the axial direction of the X-ray tube to cool the X-ray tube.

[0055] Optionally, the sleeve 001 is provided with a receiving cavity and a sleeve cooling channel 002. The receiving cavity contains a cathode 003, an anode 005, and a liquid metal bearing mandrel 007. The liquid metal bearing mandrel 007 has a connected mandrel cooling channel 008 and a liquid inlet channel 009, which are connected to the sleeve cooling channel 002. The sleeve 001 also contains a stator coil 006. The sleeve cooling channel 002 has a drain hole 0021, and the liquid inlet channel 009 has a liquid inlet hole 0091. The axial direction of the X-ray tube is parallel to... Figure 1 The direction indicated by the large arrow J.

[0056] When using the above-mentioned X-ray tube, cooling liquid is introduced through the liquid inlet 0091, and the cooling liquid flows along... Figure 1 The liquid flows sequentially through the inlet channel 009, the spindle cooling channel 008, and the tube sleeve cooling channel 002, as indicated by the small and medium arrows, and finally flows out through the drain hole 0021, carrying away the heat inside the tube sleeve 001 and achieving the purpose of cooling the X-ray tube.

[0057] For parts that require enhanced cooling, the flow rate of the cooling liquid is often increased by narrowing the gaps (such as the liquid inlet channel 009, the mandrel cooling channel 008, and the tube sleeve cooling channel 002, etc.), but the effect of improving cooling efficiency in this way is limited.

[0058] The cooling structure and X-ray tube with the same provided in this application embodiment, as well as the cooling method of the X-ray tube, have a first cooling channel in the tube shell that is isolated from the vacuum cavity of the tube core. The first cooling channel is annular in shape and surrounds the vacuum cavity of the tube core. The first cooling channel has an inlet hole and an outlet hole, which are spaced apart along a first direction. The first direction is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel. The extension direction of the inlet hole is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first cooling channel, or the angle between the extension direction of the inlet hole and the axial direction of the first cooling channel is acute. Therefore, by introducing cooling liquid into the first cooling channel through the inlet hole, the cooling liquid flows along a first spiral path in the first cooling channel and flows out through the outlet hole, thereby extending the length of the path in which the cooling liquid flows in the first cooling channel. At the same flow rate, the flow velocity of the cooling liquid can be increased, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the X-ray tube.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the X-ray tube 100 in the first embodiment of this application. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the flow of cooling liquid in the shell 10 (shell) of the X-ray tube 100 along a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the shell 10 (shell). Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the flow of cooling liquid along a cross section of the mandrel 50 in the X-ray tube 100, perpendicular to the axis of the tube shell 10 itself.

[0060] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cooling structure for an X-ray tube 100. The cooling structure includes a tube shell 10 (housing shell), and a core vacuum cavity 101 (accommodating cavity) is provided inside the tube shell 10 (housing shell).

[0061] The die vacuum chamber 101 (accommodation chamber) is used to house components such as the cathode 70 and the anode 60.

[0062] The shell 10 is also provided with a first cooling channel 11 that is isolated from the core vacuum chamber 101. The first cooling channel 11 is annular in shape and surrounds the core vacuum chamber 101. The first cooling channel 11 has an inlet hole 12 and an outlet hole 13. The inlet hole 12 and the outlet hole 13 are spaced apart along a first direction, which is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11.

[0063] The first direction is as follows: Figure 4 The direction indicated by the middle arrow K.

[0064] Wherein, the extending direction of the liquid inlet hole 12 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11, or the angle between the extending direction of the liquid inlet hole 12 and the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11 is an acute angle.

[0065] Cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the liquid inlet 12, which allows the cooling liquid to flow along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11 and flow out through the liquid outlet 13.

[0066] The cooling liquid can be insulating oil, water-based antifreeze, or liquid metal, etc.

[0067] For example, the extension direction of the liquid inlet hole 12 is along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11 (e.g., Figure 5 (In the direction indicated by the middle arrow M), cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the liquid inlet 12 along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11, so that the cooling liquid flows along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11 and flows out through the liquid outlet 13.

[0068] Please refer to this as well. Figure 7 , Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the velocity and acceleration of the cooling liquid flowing inside the shell 10 of the X-ray tube 100.

[0069] When cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the inlet hole 12 along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11, the flow velocity V of the cooling liquid is the velocity V2 of the cooling liquid along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11, and the velocity V1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction is equal to 0.

[0070] After the cooling liquid enters the first cooling channel 11 from the inlet hole 12 along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11, there is no acceleration source for the cooling liquid along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11. Therefore, the acceleration a2 of the cooling liquid along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11 is equal to 0 (ignoring friction and other factors). So the acceleration a of the cooling liquid is equal to the acceleration a1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction.

[0071] Since the first cooling channel 11 has an inlet hole 12 and an outlet hole 13, and the inlet hole 12 and the outlet hole 13 are spaced apart along the first direction, the cooling liquid has an acceleration a1 in the first direction. The existence of the acceleration a1 causes the speed V1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction to gradually increase. Therefore, the cooling liquid will make a spiral rotational motion, that is, the cooling liquid flows along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11. The first spiral path can be coaxially arranged with the first cooling channel 11.

[0072] As can be seen from the above, the cooling structure provided in this application embodiment has a first cooling channel 11 that is isolated from the core vacuum cavity 101 in the tube shell 10. The first cooling channel 11 is annular in shape and surrounds the core vacuum cavity 101. The first cooling channel 11 has an inlet hole 12 and an outlet hole 13. The inlet hole 12 and the outlet hole 13 are spaced apart along a first direction, which is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11. The extending direction of the inlet hole 12 is opposite to the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11. The angle between the vertical or inlet hole 12 and the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11 is acute. Therefore, by introducing cooling liquid into the first cooling channel 11 through the inlet hole 12, the cooling liquid can flow along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11 and flow out through the outlet hole 13. This extends the length of the path in the first cooling channel 11 and allows the cooling liquid to flow at a higher speed under the same flow rate, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the X-ray tube 100.

[0073] It should be noted that in existing cooling structures, since the cooling liquid flows axially along the X-ray tube 100, the cross-sectional shape of the cooling liquid in the channel perpendicular to the flow direction is annular. In the cooling structure provided in this embodiment, the cooling liquid flows along a first spiral path within the first cooling channel 11, so the cross-sectional shape of the cooling liquid in the channel perpendicular to the flow direction is rectangular. Since the area of ​​a rectangle is much smaller than that of an annulus, under the same flow rate conditions, the cooling liquid velocity is greatly increased, and the path traveled by the cooling liquid is longer, significantly improving its heat removal capacity.

[0074] It should also be noted that, under a constant flow rate, the smaller the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet hole 12, the faster the coolant flow rate. Furthermore, to ensure the coolant rotates completely along the first spiral path, the design of the inlet hole 12 can be achieved by controlling two variables: its width and height. Controlling the width and height of the inlet hole 12 controls the speed and cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant entering the first cooling channel 11, as well as the angle between the coolant and the tangent direction of the first cooling channel 11 when the coolant enters through the inlet hole 12. For example, the angle when the coolant enters the first cooling channel 11 can be controlled by adjusting the speed V2 of the coolant along the tangent direction of the first cooling channel 11 and the speed V1 of the coolant along the first direction. If a negative speed V1 is artificially applied to the angle, the rate of increase of speed V1 can be reduced, making the increase of speed V1 as slow as possible, thus allowing the coolant to rotate more completely along the first spiral path within the first cooling channel 11.

[0075] Compared with existing cooling structures, the cooling structure provided in this application embodiment has a smaller cross-sectional area and a longer flow path for the cooling liquid under the same conditions. It also has several times the surface flow velocity for the same flow rate of heat dissipation, which greatly improves the cooling performance of the X-ray tube 100.

[0076] Optionally, the cooling structure also includes a cooling liquid circulation device (not shown in the figure), with the inlet hole 12 and the outlet hole 13 both connected to the cooling liquid circulation device. The cooling liquid circulation device is used to reduce the temperature of the cooling liquid flowing out of the outlet hole 13 and to pass the cooled cooling liquid into the outlet hole 13.

[0077] This setup allows for the recycling of cooling liquid, saving energy.

[0078] Optionally, the cooling liquid circulation device may include a chiller or a heat exchanger, and may also include a circulation pump, etc. The circulation pump is used to draw cooling liquid from the outlet 13 into the chiller or heat exchanger, and the circulation pump is also used to draw cooling liquid from the chiller or heat exchanger into the inlet 12.

[0079] Please refer to this as well. Figure 8 ,refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the shell 10 in the X-ray tube 100 shown.

[0080] Optionally, the shell 10 is provided with a ray window 14 (observation window), through which the flow of cooling liquid in the first cooling channel 11 can be viewed.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the cooling structure further includes a mandrel 50 for connecting to the anode 60 of the X-ray tube 100. The mandrel 50 is disposed inside the tube shell 10. The mandrel 50 is provided with a second cooling channel 51 and a liquid outlet channel 52. The second cooling channel 51 is annular in shape and is coaxially arranged with the first cooling channel 11. The second cooling channel 51 surrounds the liquid outlet channel 52. The end of the second cooling channel 51 away from the liquid inlet 12 is connected to the first cooling channel 11. The end of the second cooling channel 51 near the liquid inlet 12 is connected to the liquid outlet channel 52. The end of the liquid outlet channel 52 away from the liquid inlet 12 is connected to the liquid outlet 13.

[0082] By adopting the above scheme, the cooling liquid can continue to flow in the second cooling channel 51 and the outlet channel 52 after flowing in the first cooling channel 11, so as to better cool the X-ray tube 100.

[0083] The cooling liquid in the first cooling channel 11 can flow along the tangential direction of the second cooling channel 51 (e.g., Figure 6 The liquid flows into the second cooling channel 51 in the direction indicated by the middle arrow N and flows along the second spiral path, and flows out through the outlet hole 13.

[0084] This configuration allows the cooling liquid to flow along a longer path in the second cooling channel 51, and after flowing along the second spiral path, it flows out through the outlet channel 52 and the outlet hole 13 in the first direction. At the same flow rate, it also allows the cooling liquid to flow at a higher speed, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the X-ray tube 100.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shell 10 in the second embodiment of this application.

[0086] Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the first cooling channel 11 includes a first channel 111 and a second channel 112 that are sequentially distributed and connected along a first direction. The liquid inlet 12 is provided in the first channel 111, and the second channel 112 is connected to the liquid outlet 13. Cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the liquid inlet 12 along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11, so that the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the first channel 111 along the first direction is less than the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the second channel 112 along the first direction.

[0087] By adopting the above scheme, the acceleration a1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction can be made smaller, thereby making the increase of the speed V1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction as slow as possible, so that the cooling liquid can achieve a more complete rotation along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11.

[0088] It is understandable that the thickness (radial dimension) of the flow channel is inversely proportional to the flow resistance of the coolant; the smaller the thickness of the flow channel, the greater the flow resistance of the coolant. Therefore, when the flow velocity of the coolant in the first flow channel 111 along the first direction is less than the flow velocity of the coolant in the second flow channel 112 along the first direction, the thickness e of the first flow channel 111 is greater than the thickness f of the second flow channel 112.

[0089] Optionally, the first cooling channel 11 includes a third channel 113. The first channel 111, the second channel 112 and the third channel 113 are distributed sequentially and connected along the first direction. The third channel 113 is connected to the liquid outlet 13. The flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the third channel 113 along the first direction is less than the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the second channel 112 along the first direction.

[0090] By adopting the above scheme, the cooling liquid can flow from the second flow channel 112 to the third flow channel 113 at a relatively high speed.

[0091] It is understandable that the thickness g of the third flow channel 113 is greater than the thickness f of the second flow channel 112.

[0092] Optionally, the outlet hole 13 is closer to the central axis of the cooling structure than the inlet hole 12. With this arrangement, cooling liquid can be introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the inlet hole 12, causing the cooling liquid to flow along a first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11 and flow out through the outlet hole 13.

[0093] The central axis of the cooling structure can be collinear with the axis of the first cooling channel 11.

[0094] Optionally, the extension direction of the liquid outlet 13 may be along the first direction.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the shell 10 in the third embodiment of this application.

[0096] Unlike the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, the cooling structure includes a flow suppressor 20, which is disposed in the first cooling channel 11 and is used to suppress the flow of cooling liquid in the first direction.

[0097] By adopting the above scheme, the acceleration a1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction can be made smaller, thereby making the increase of the speed V1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction as slow as possible, so that the cooling liquid can achieve a more complete rotation along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11.

[0098] Optionally, multiple flow suppressors 20 are provided, and the multiple flow suppressors 20 are spaced apart along the first direction.

[0099] This configuration allows the acceleration a1 of the coolant along the first direction to be smaller, which in turn makes the velocity V1 of the coolant along the first direction increase more slowly, allowing the coolant to rotate more completely along the first spiral path within the first cooling channel 11.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a partial structural diagram of the shell 10 in the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0101] Unlike the third embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the first cooling channel 11 has a first inner wall 1101 and a second inner wall 1102, and the flow-suppressing member 20 includes a first flow-suppressing member 21 (first member) and a second flow-suppressing member 22 (second member). The first flow-suppressing member 21 (first member) is connected to the first inner wall 1101, and the second flow-suppressing member 22 (second member) is connected to the second inner wall 1102. There is a gap between the first flow-suppressing member 21 and the second flow-suppressing member 22 for the flow of cooling liquid.

[0102] By adopting the above scheme, the acceleration a1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction can be made smaller, thereby making the increase of the speed V1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction as slow as possible, so that the cooling liquid can achieve a more complete rotation along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11.

[0103] The first flow-damping element 21 and the second flow-damping element 22 are spaced apart along the first direction. This arrangement allows the first flow-damping element 21 and the second flow-damping element 22 to reduce the acceleration of the cooling liquid along the first direction, so that the velocity V1 of the cooling liquid along the first direction increases as slowly as possible.

[0104] It is understandable that the first flow suppressor 21 and the second flow suppressor 22 are staggered, that is, the first flow suppressor 21 and the second flow suppressor 22 do not overlap in the first direction.

[0105] Optionally, a plane parallel to the first direction is used as the reference plane 200 (e.g., Figure 11 (The plane in which the view is located), the projection of the first flow suppressor 21 on the reference plane 200 is the first projection, and the projection of the second flow suppressor 22 on the reference plane 200 is the second projection. The first projection and the second projection have overlapping parts in the arrangement direction of the first inner wall 1101 and the second inner wall 1102.

[0106] This configuration allows the acceleration a1 of the coolant along the first direction to be smaller, which in turn makes the velocity V1 of the coolant along the first direction increase more slowly, allowing the coolant to rotate more completely along the first spiral path within the first cooling channel 11.

[0107] For example, Figure 11 If the plane containing the view is the reference plane 200, then in Figure 11 The first flow-suppressing element 21 observed in the image is the first projection. Figure 11 The second flow-damping element 22 observed in the image is the second projection. The arrangement direction of the first inner wall 1101 and the second inner wall 1102 is from the upper right to the lower left (e.g., Figure 11 (In the direction indicated by the middle arrow P), the first projection and the second projection have an overlapping portion in the direction from the upper right to the lower left.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 12 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the shell 10 in the fifth embodiment of this application. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The schematic diagram of the structure of the blocking member 30 and the guide member 40 shown is as follows. Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The diagram shows the relative positions of the blocking element 30 and the flow guide 40 with the liquid inlet hole 12.

[0109] Unlike the first embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the cooling structure includes a blocking member 30, which is located in the first cooling channel 11 and is disposed on the side of the liquid inlet 12 near the liquid outlet 13. The blocking member 30 is used to contact the cooling liquid introduced into the first cooling channel 11 from the liquid inlet 12 to prevent the cooling liquid from flowing in the first direction.

[0110] By adopting the above solution, it is possible to avoid the cooling liquid entering the first cooling channel 11 from the inlet hole 12 having a non-zero velocity in the first direction, which would prevent it from flowing along the first spiral path.

[0111] Optionally, the blocking member 30 includes a blocking surface 31, which is coplanar with the wall of the liquid inlet 12 facing away from the liquid outlet 13. This arrangement facilitates the placement of the blocking member 30.

[0112] It is understandable that the blocking component 30 can be welded or bonded to the shell 10, or the blocking component 30 can be integrally cast or integrally machined with the shell 10.

[0113] Optionally, the blocking member 30 protrudes from the wall of the liquid inlet hole 12 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0114] This configuration can block the cooling liquid flowing into the first cooling channel 11 from the inlet hole 12 over a larger area, preventing the cooling liquid flowing into the first cooling channel 11 from having a non-zero velocity in the first direction, thus preventing it from flowing along the first spiral path.

[0115] For example, please refer to the specific details. Figure 14The first direction is perpendicular to Figure 14 In the view of the inlet and inward direction, the blocking member 30 protrudes from the wall of the inlet hole 12 in the left direction. In other embodiments, the blocking member 30 may also protrude from the wall of the inlet hole 12 in the right direction.

[0116] In the fifth embodiment, the cooling structure includes a flow guide 40 located within the first cooling channel 11 and disposed on the side of the liquid inlet hole 12 facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The flow guide 40 includes an arc-shaped flow guide surface 41 for contacting the cooling liquid introduced into the first cooling channel 11 from the liquid inlet hole 12, so that the cooling liquid flows along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11. The second direction can be... Figure 14 The direction indicated by the middle arrow L.

[0117] By adopting the above scheme, the cooling liquid introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the liquid inlet hole 12 can flow along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11 as long as it comes into contact with the guide member 40.

[0118] Optionally, the flow guiding surface 41 is tangent to the hole wall of the core vacuum cavity 101, and the flow guiding surface 41 is tangent to the hole wall of the liquid inlet 12 facing away from the second direction.

[0119] This design makes it easy to position the flow guide 40.

[0120] It is understood that the flow guide 40 can be welded or bonded to the tube shell 10, or the flow guide 40 can be integrally cast or integrally machined with the tube shell 10. The flow guide 40 can also be welded or bonded to the blocking member 30, or the flow guide 40 can be integrally cast or integrally machined with the blocking member 30.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 , Figure 15 This is a simulation diagram of the cooling structure in the X-ray tube 100 in the first embodiment of this application. Figure 16 This is another simulation diagram of the cooling structure in the X-ray tube 100 in the first embodiment of this application.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the cooling liquid flows in the second cooling channel 51 along the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11.

[0123] By adopting the above scheme, the cooling liquid can continue to flow in the second cooling channel 51 and the outlet channel 52 after flowing in the first cooling channel 11, so as to better cool the X-ray tube 100.

[0124] Please refer to the following for details. Figure 15 and Figure 16 ,from Figure 15 and Figure 16 As can be seen, after the cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the inlet hole 12 along the tangential direction, the cooling liquid flows along the first spiral path within the first cooling channel 11, and continues to flow along the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11 within the second cooling channel 51 and the outlet channel 52, before flowing out through the outlet hole 13. The initial velocity of the cooling liquid is relatively high. Under the same design cooling liquid flow rate, simulation calculations show that the flow velocity on the wall surface of the shell 10 in key areas increases by about ten times. Therefore, the convective heat transfer coefficient of this wall surface is improved, and the heat dissipation power of the convective heat transfer on this wall surface is increased by about three times.

[0125] Secondly, this application provides an X-ray tube 100, which includes an anode 60, a cathode 70, and a cooling structure as described in the first aspect. Both the anode 60 and the cathode 70 are disposed within the core vacuum cavity 101.

[0126] The X-ray tube 100 provided in this embodiment has a first cooling channel 11 that is isolated from the core vacuum cavity 101. The first cooling channel 11 is annular in shape and surrounds the core vacuum cavity 101. The first cooling channel 11 has an inlet hole 12 and an outlet hole 13. The inlet hole 12 and the outlet hole 13 are spaced apart along a first direction, which is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11. The extension direction of the inlet hole 12 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11, or the angle between the extension direction of the inlet hole 12 and the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11 is acute. Therefore, by introducing cooling liquid into the first cooling channel 11 through the inlet hole 12, the cooling liquid flows along a first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11 and flows out through the outlet hole 13. This extends the length of the path in which the cooling liquid flows in the first cooling channel 11 and also increases the flow velocity of the cooling liquid at the same flow rate, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the X-ray tube 100.

[0127] It is understandable that the X-ray tube 100 may also include the stator coil 80, etc.

[0128] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a cooling method for an X-ray tube 100, using the cooling structure as described in the first aspect, the cooling method comprising:

[0129] Cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the inlet hole 12 along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11, so that the cooling liquid in the first cooling channel 11 flows along the first spiral path and flows out through the outlet hole 13.

[0130] The cooling method for the X-ray tube 100 provided in this application embodiment involves a first cooling channel 11 isolated from the core vacuum cavity 101 in the tube shell 10. The first cooling channel 11 is annular in shape, surrounds the core vacuum cavity 101, and has an inlet hole 12 and an outlet hole 13. The inlet hole 12 and the outlet hole 13 are spaced apart along a first direction, which is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11. The extending direction of the inlet hole 12 is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11. The angle between the extension direction of the liquid inlet 12 and the axial direction of the first cooling channel 11 is acute, so the length of the path of the cooling liquid in the first cooling channel 11 can be extended by introducing cooling liquid into the first cooling channel 11 through the liquid inlet 12, so that the cooling liquid flows along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11 and flows out through the liquid outlet 13. At the same time, the flow velocity of the cooling liquid can be increased, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the X-ray tube 100.

[0131] Optionally, cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the liquid inlet 12 along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11.

[0132] This configuration allows cooling liquid to be introduced into the first cooling channel 11 through the inlet hole 12 along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel 11, so that the cooling liquid flows along the first spiral path in the first cooling channel 11 and flows out through the outlet hole 13. This extends the length of the path in which the cooling liquid flows in the first cooling channel 11, and at the same flow rate, the flow speed of the cooling liquid can be increased.

[0133] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A cooling structure, characterized in that, For an X-ray tube (100), the cooling structure includes a tube shell (10), and a core vacuum cavity (101) is provided inside the tube shell (10). The tube shell (10) is also provided with a first cooling channel (11) that is isolated from the core vacuum cavity (101). The first cooling channel (11) is annular in shape and surrounds the core vacuum cavity (101). The first cooling channel (11) has a liquid inlet (12) and a liquid outlet (13). The liquid inlet (12) and the liquid outlet (13) are spaced apart along a first direction, which is parallel to the axial direction of the first cooling channel (11). The extension direction of the liquid inlet (12) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first cooling channel (11) or the angle between the extension direction of the liquid inlet (12) and the axial direction of the first cooling channel (11) is an acute angle.

2. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cooling channel (11) includes a first channel (111) and a second channel (112) that are sequentially distributed and connected along the first direction. The liquid inlet (12) is located in the first channel (111), and the second channel (112) is connected to the liquid outlet (13). Cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel (11) through the liquid inlet (12) along the tangential direction of the first cooling channel (11), so that the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the first channel (111) along the first direction is less than the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the second channel (112) along the first direction.

3. The cooling structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cooling channel (11) includes a third channel (113). The first channel (111), the second channel (112) and the third channel (113) are distributed sequentially and connected along the first direction. The third channel (113) is connected to the liquid outlet (13). The flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the third channel (113) along the first direction is less than the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the second channel (112) along the first direction.

4. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling structure includes a flow-damping element (20) disposed within the first cooling channel (11); and / or, The cooling structure includes a flow suppressor (20), which is disposed in the first cooling channel (11). Multiple flow suppressors (20) are provided, and the multiple flow suppressors (20) are spaced apart along the first direction.

5. The cooling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first cooling channel (11) has a first inner wall (1101) and a second inner wall (1102) opposite to each other. The flow-suppressing element (20) includes a first flow-suppressing element (21) and a second flow-suppressing element (22). The first flow-suppressing element (21) is connected to the first inner wall (1101), and the second flow-suppressing element (22) is connected to the second inner wall (1102). There is a gap between the first flow-suppressing element (21) and the second flow-suppressing element (22) for the flow of cooling liquid.

6. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling structure includes a blocking member (30) located within the first cooling channel (11) and disposed on the side of the liquid inlet (12) near the liquid outlet (13). The blocking member (30) is used to contact the cooling liquid introduced into the first cooling channel (11) through the liquid inlet (12) to prevent the cooling liquid from flowing along the first direction.

7. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling structure includes a flow guide (40) located within the first cooling channel (11) and disposed on the side of the liquid inlet hole (12) facing a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The flow guide (40) includes an arc-shaped flow guide surface (41).

8. The cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The cooling structure also includes a mandrel (50) for connecting to the anode (60) of the X-ray tube (100). The mandrel (50) is disposed inside the tube shell (10). The mandrel (50) is provided with a second cooling channel (51) and a liquid outlet channel (52). The second cooling channel (51) is annular in shape. The second cooling channel (51) is coaxially arranged with the first cooling channel (11) and surrounds the liquid outlet channel (52). The end of the second cooling channel (51) away from the liquid inlet (12) is connected to the first cooling channel (11). The end of the second cooling channel (51) near the liquid inlet (12) is connected to the liquid outlet channel (52). The end of the liquid outlet channel (52) away from the liquid inlet (12) is connected to the liquid outlet (13).

9. An X-ray tube, characterized in that, The X-ray tube (100) includes an anode (60), a cathode (70), and a cooling structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the anode (60) and the cathode (70) are both disposed within the core vacuum chamber (101).

10. A cooling method for an X-ray tube, characterized in that, Using the cooling structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the cooling method includes: Cooling liquid is introduced into the first cooling channel (11) through the liquid inlet (12), so that the cooling liquid in the first cooling channel (11) flows along the first spiral path and flows out through the liquid outlet (13).

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