Shell of X-ray tube and X-ray tube
By designing the inner and outer casing structures, and utilizing insulating liquids and phase change materials to transfer heat and noise, the thermal management and noise problems of X-ray tubes are solved, achieving efficient heat dissipation and low noise.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511879551.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing X-ray tubes present challenges in terms of thermal management and noise control. Forced circulation oil cooling systems are complex and costly, and solid lubricated bearings generate noise, affecting equipment operation and patient experience.
It adopts an inner and outer shell structure. The inner shell is filled with insulating liquid, and the outer shell is filled with phase change material. The heat and noise generated by the anode are transferred to the outside through the insulating liquid, inner shell, phase change material and outer shell, reducing noise and maintaining heat dissipation performance.
It effectively reduces the noise of the X-ray tube, maintains good heat dissipation performance, simplifies the structure, and reduces noise and cost.
Smart Images
Figure CN121617877A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical imaging systems, and more particularly to an X-ray tube housing, and an X-ray tube including the housing. Background Technology
[0002] As the core component of X-ray equipment, the performance of the X-ray tube directly determines the imaging quality and working efficiency of the equipment. In practical applications, the operational stability and lifespan of the X-ray tube face two major technical challenges: thermal management and noise.
[0003] In terms of thermal management, X-ray tubes in computed tomography (CT) equipment are typically equipped with a forced-circulation oil cooling system. This system uses an oil pump to drive insulating oil to circulate between the X-ray tube and an external heat sink (which may be air-cooled or water-cooled), thereby continuously removing heat. Although this approach is a significant improvement over natural heat dissipation, the system is complex, containing multiple components such as an oil pump, heat sink, fan, control unit, and connecting piping, resulting in high costs and additional noise.
[0004] In terms of noise control, noise level is a crucial indicator of the quality of X-ray tubes, especially rotating anode X-ray tubes. Currently, except for a few high-end X-ray tubes that use liquid metal bearings, most rotating anode X-ray tubes rely on solid-lubricated bearing units. During the operation of these bearings, collisions and friction inevitably occur between the balls and raceways, and between the balls themselves, generating operating noise. As the lubrication performance of the bearings deteriorates after prolonged operation, the noise gradually increases. Combined with the noise generated by the forced circulation oil cooling system, this creates an unpleasant experience for both the equipment operator and the patient. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an X-ray tube housing that can reduce the noise of the X-ray tube while ensuring heat dissipation.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray tube that can reduce the noise of the X-ray tube while ensuring heat dissipation.
[0007] This invention provides an outer casing for an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube including a cathode, an anode, and a vacuum enclosure for housing the cathode and anode. The outer casing includes an inner casing and an outer casing. The inner casing forms an inner cavity for housing the vacuum enclosure, the inner cavity being filled with an insulating liquid outside the vacuum enclosure. The outer casing is fitted over the inner casing, and an outer cavity is formed between the outer casing and the inner casing, the outer cavity being filled with a phase change material.
[0008] The X-ray tube housing provided by this invention includes an inner housing and an outer housing fitted together. The inner housing forms an inner cavity for accommodating a vacuum housing and is filled with an insulating liquid on the outside of the vacuum housing. The outer housing is fitted over the inner housing and forms an outer cavity filled with a phase change material. The heat generated by the anode is sequentially transferred to the outside of the X-ray tube through the insulating liquid, the inner housing, the phase change material, and the outer housing, ensuring heat dissipation performance. The noise generated by the anode is sequentially transferred to the outside of the X-ray tube through the insulating liquid, the inner housing, the phase change material, and the outer housing, and the noise is significantly reduced during the transfer process.
[0009] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube housing, the inner housing includes a first housing and a first cover. The first housing has a mounting port communicating with the inner cavity, located outside the outer housing. The first cover is secured to the first housing and seals the mounting port. This allows the inner housing to be opened directly from the outside for operation.
[0010] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube casing, a first expansion port communicating with the inner cavity is formed on the first casing. The inner casing also includes a first elastic expansion member, which can be fixed to the first casing and close the first expansion port. The first elastic expansion member can deform to expand or shrink the inner cavity. In this way, the space of the inner cavity can be adaptively adjusted to avoid excessive pressure in the inner cavity.
[0011] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube casing, the outer casing includes a second housing and a second elastic expansion member. The second housing has a second expansion port communicating with an outer chamber. The second elastic expansion member can be fixed to the second housing and close the second expansion port, and the second elastic expansion member can deform to expand or shrink the outer chamber. This allows the space of the outer chamber to be adaptively adjusted, preventing excessive pressure within the outer chamber.
[0012] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube casing, both the first and second casings are cylindrical. The second casing is fitted over the first casing, and the axes of the first and second casings are parallel. An mounting opening is formed on the entire bottom surface of the first casing, extending beyond the second casing. A first expansion joint is formed on the other entire bottom surface of the first casing, located inside the second casing. A second expansion joint is formed on the entire bottom surface of the second casing, with the first expansion joint facing the second expansion joint. This reduces the volume of the casing, saving space.
[0013] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube housing, the first and second elastic expansion members are respectively cup-shaped, with the first elastic expansion member recessed into the interior of the first housing and the second elastic expansion member recessed into the interior of the second housing. This prevents the first and second elastic expansion members from being excessively stretched, thus avoiding the risk of leakage.
[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube housing, a first fixing groove is formed around the inner surface of the first housing. The circumferential edge of the first elastic expansion member is located within the first fixing groove. The inner housing also includes a limiting plate and a first elastic retaining ring. The limiting plate and the first elastic retaining ring are disposed within the first fixing groove and clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the first elastic expansion member along the axial direction of the first housing. The limiting plate can also prevent the first elastic expansion member from protruding from the first housing. This facilitates the manufacturing and assembly of the inner housing.
[0015] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube housing, a second fixing groove is formed around the inner surface of the second housing, and the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion member is located within the second fixing groove. The outer housing also includes two second elastic retaining rings, which are disposed within the second fixing groove and clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the second elastic retaining rings along the axial direction of the second housing. This facilitates the manufacturing and assembly of the outer housing.
[0016] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube housing, the outer casing further includes a support member, which comprises an annular clamping portion and an annular supporting portion. The annular clamping portion is disposed within a second fixing groove and is located between the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion member and the second elastic retaining ring. The annular supporting portion connects to the annular clamping portion and is located inside the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion member. The inner surfaces of the annular supporting portion and the second fixing groove clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion member radially along the second housing. This allows for a more secure installation of the second elastic expansion member.
[0017] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube housing, the outer casing further includes a second cover that can be fixed to the second housing and cover the second expansion opening outside the second elastic expansion member. This protects the second elastic expansion member.
[0018] In another illustrative embodiment of the X-ray tube casing, the insulating liquid is insulating oil and the phase change material is paraffin wax.
[0019] The present invention also provides an X-ray tube, comprising a shell, a vacuum chamber, a cathode, and an anode, wherein the inner shell forms an inner cavity. The vacuum chamber is located within a vacuum environment and is situated within the inner cavity. The cathode is disposed within the vacuum chamber. The anode is disposed within the vacuum chamber. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the housing of an X-ray tube.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram used to illustrate the outer casing of an X-ray tube.
[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of position III.
[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of position IV.
[0025] Label Explanation
[0026] 10 Inner casing
[0027] 11. Internal chambers
[0028] 12 First Shell
[0029] 121 Installation Port
[0030] 122 First expansion / contraction opening
[0031] 123 First fixing slot
[0032] 14 First cover
[0033] 16 First elastic expansion and contraction component
[0034] 18 Limiting plates
[0035] 19 First elastic retaining ring
[0036] 20 Outer casing
[0037] 21. External chamber
[0038] 22 Second shell
[0039] 222 Second expansion and contraction opening
[0040] 223 Second fixing slot
[0041] 24 Second cover
[0042] 26 Second elastic expansion and contraction component
[0043] 28 Second elastic retaining ring
[0044] 29 Support components
[0045] 291 Circular clamping part
[0046] 292 Circular support section
[0047] 30 Cathode
[0048] 40 Anode
[0049] 50 Vacuum Enclosure Detailed Implementation
[0050] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the invention, specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate components with the same or similar structures but the same function.
[0051] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.
[0052] In this document, "first" and "second" do not indicate their importance or order, but are only used to distinguish them to facilitate the description of the document.
[0053] To keep the drawings simple, each drawing only schematically shows the parts related to the present invention, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product.
[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the housing of an X-ray tube. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the outer casing of the X-ray tube. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The X-ray tube includes a cathode 30, an anode 40, and a vacuum housing 50 for housing the cathode 30 and anode 40. The vacuum housing 50, cathode 30, and anode 40 constitute the core assembly of the X-ray tube. The outer casing includes an inner housing 10 and an outer housing 20.
[0055] The inner housing 10 has an inner chamber 11 for accommodating the vacuum housing 50, and the inner chamber 11 is filled with an insulating liquid outside the vacuum housing 50. The outer housing 20 is fitted over the inner housing 10, and an outer chamber 21 is formed between the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 10, and the outer chamber 21 is filled with a phase change material.
[0056] In the illustrative embodiment, both the inner casing 10 and the outer casing 20 are composed of metal components with good thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The insulating liquid filled in the inner chamber 11 is insulating oil, and the phase change material filled in the outer chamber 21 is paraffin wax. However, this is not a limitation; in other illustrative embodiments, the fillings in the inner chamber 11 and the outer chamber 21 can be replaced according to actual conditions.
[0057] The X-ray tube housing provided by this invention includes an inner housing 10 and an outer housing 20 fitted together. The inner housing 10 forms an inner chamber 11 for accommodating a vacuum housing 50 and is filled with an insulating liquid on the outside of the vacuum housing 50. The outer housing 20 is fitted over the inner housing 10 and forms an outer chamber 21, which is filled with a phase change material. The heat generated by the anode 40 is sequentially transferred to the outside of the X-ray tube through the insulating liquid, the inner housing 10, the phase change material, and the outer housing 20. The melting point of the phase change material, paraffin wax, is between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius, which is exactly the temperature range of the insulating liquid when the X-ray tube is working. The melting of paraffin wax absorbs a large amount of heat, controlling the temperature of the entire X-ray tube near the melting point of paraffin wax. Even after the paraffin wax has completely melted into a liquid, it still has a large specific heat capacity and can continue to transfer heat through convection in the form of a fluid, greatly increasing the heat capacity of the X-ray tube and effectively controlling the temperature of the insulating liquid. This prevents the liquid from becoming too hot and ensures good heat dissipation performance. The noise generated by the anode 40 passes sequentially through the insulating liquid, the inner casing 10, the phase change material, and the outer casing 20 to the outside of the X-ray tube, and the noise is greatly reduced during the transmission process.
[0058] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The inner casing 10 includes a first housing 12 and a first cover 14. The first housing 12 has a mounting port 121 communicating with the inner cavity 11, and the mounting port 121 is located outside the outer casing 20. The first cover 14 can be fixed to the first housing 12 and seal the mounting port 121. This allows the inner casing 10 to be opened directly from the outside for installation or maintenance of the X-ray tube core assembly.
[0059] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The first housing 12 also has a first expansion port 122 communicating with the inner cavity 11. The inner cover 10 also includes a first elastic expansion member 16, which can be fixed to the first housing 12 and close the first expansion port 122. The first elastic expansion member 16 can deform to expand or shrink the inner cavity 11. In this way, the space of the inner cavity 11 can be adaptively adjusted to avoid excessive pressure in the inner cavity 11 due to the expansion of the insulating oil.
[0060] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The outer casing 20 includes a second housing 22 and a second elastic expansion member 26. The second housing 22 has a second expansion port 222 communicating with the outer chamber 21. The second elastic expansion member 26 can be fixed to the second housing 22 and close the second expansion port 222. The second elastic expansion member 26 can deform to expand or shrink the outer chamber 21. In this way, the space of the outer chamber 21 can be adaptively adjusted to avoid excessive pressure inside the outer chamber 21 due to the expansion of insulating oil and paraffin.
[0061] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The outer casing 20 also includes a second cover 24, which can be fixed to the second housing 22 and cover the second expansion opening 222 outside the second elastic expansion member 26. This protects the second elastic expansion member 26.
[0062] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and reference Figure 2 Both the first housing 12 and the second housing 22 are cylindrical. The second housing 22 is fitted over the first housing 12, and the axes of the first housing 12 and the second housing 22 are parallel. One axial end of the first housing 12 extends out of the second housing 22, and one bottom surface of the second housing 22 connects to the side surface of the first housing 12 to form an outer cavity 21. A mounting opening 121 is formed on the entire bottom surface of the first housing 12, and this bottom surface extends out of the second housing 22. A first expansion joint 122 is formed on the other entire bottom surface of the first housing 12, and this bottom surface is located inside the second housing 22. A second expansion joint 222 is formed on the entire bottom surface of the second housing 22, and the first expansion joint 122 faces the second expansion joint 222. This allows for a reduction in the volume of the outer casing, saving space.
[0063] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The first elastic expansion member 16 and the second elastic expansion member 26 are both bowl-shaped, with the first elastic expansion member 16 recessed into the interior of the first housing 12 and the second elastic expansion member 26 recessed into the interior of the second housing 22. When the insulating oil and paraffin expand due to heat, the first elastic expansion member 16 and the second elastic expansion member 26 can change from a recessed state to a convex state, using deformation instead of stretching, thereby avoiding the risk of leakage caused by excessive stretching of the first elastic expansion member 16 and the second elastic expansion member 26.
[0064] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at position III. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrative embodiment, a first fixing groove 123 is formed around the inner surface of the first housing 12, and the circumferential edge of the first elastic expansion member 16 is located within the first fixing groove 123. The inner cover 10 also includes a limiting plate 18 and a first elastic retaining ring 19. The limiting plate 18 and the first elastic retaining ring 19 are disposed within the first fixing groove 123 and clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the first elastic expansion member 16 along the axial direction of the first housing 12. The limiting plate 18 can also prevent the first elastic expansion member 16 from protruding from the first housing 12. This facilitates the manufacturing and assembly of the inner cover 10, and the limiting plate 18 can prevent the first elastic retaining ring 19 from excessively intruding into the outer cavity 21 and compressing the paraffin wax.
[0065] Figure 4 for Figure 2A magnified view of position IV in the middle. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the illustrative embodiment, a second fixing groove 223 is formed around the inner surface of the second housing 22. The circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion member 26 is located within the second fixing groove 223. The outer housing 20 also includes two second elastic retaining rings 28, which are disposed within the second fixing groove 223 and clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the second elastic retaining rings 28 along the axial direction of the second housing 22. This facilitates the manufacturing and assembly of the outer housing 20.
[0066] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 4 The outer casing 20 also includes a support member 29, which includes an annular clamping portion 291 and an annular support portion 292. The annular clamping portion 291 is disposed within the second fixing groove 223 and is located between the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion member 26 and the second elastic retaining ring 28, thereby fixing the support member 29. The annular support portion 292 connects to the annular clamping portion 291 and is located inside the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion member 26. The annular support portion 292 and the inner surface of the second fixing groove 223 clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion member 26 along the radial direction of the second casing 22. Because the second elastic retaining ring 28 is larger, the annular support portion 292 of the support member 29 can support the second elastic expansion member 26, making the installation of the second elastic expansion member 26 more secure.
[0067] The present invention also provides an X-ray tube. (See reference...) Figure 2 The X-ray tube includes the aforementioned outer casing, vacuum housing 50, cathode 30, and anode 40. The inner housing 10 forms an inner chamber 11. The vacuum housing 50 is a vacuum environment and is disposed within the inner chamber 11. The cathode 30 is disposed within the vacuum housing 50. The anode 40 is disposed within the vacuum housing 50.
[0068] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only independent technical solutions. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0069] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent implementation schemes or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. Housing of an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube comprising a cathode (30), an anode (40) and a vacuum envelope (50) for accommodating the cathode (30) and the anode (40), characterized in that The housing comprises: an inner housing (10) formed with an inner chamber (11) for accommodating the vacuum housing (50), the inner chamber (11) being filled with an insulating liquid outside the vacuum housing (50); and an outer housing (20) sleeved outside the inner housing (10) and formed with an outer chamber (21) between the outer housing (20) and the inner housing (10), the outer chamber (21) being filled with a phase change material.
2. The envelope of an X-ray tube as defined in claim 1, characterized in that The inner housing (10) comprises: a first housing (12) formed with a mounting port (121) communicating with the inner chamber (11), the mounting port (121) being located outside the outer housing (20); and a first cover (14) capable of being fixed to the first housing (12) and sealing the mounting port (121).
3. The envelope of an X-ray tube as defined in claim 2, characterized in that The first housing (12) is further formed with a first expansion port (122) communicating with the inner chamber (11), and the inner housing (10) further comprises a first elastic expansion member (16) capable of being fixed to the first housing (12) and closing the first expansion port (122), the first elastic expansion member (16) being capable of deforming to expand or reduce the inner chamber (11).
4. The envelope of an X-ray tube as defined in claim 3, characterized in that The outer housing (20) comprises: a second housing (22) formed with a second expansion port (222) communicating with the outer chamber (21); and a second elastic expansion member (26) capable of being fixed to the second housing (22) and closing the second expansion port (222), the second elastic expansion member (26) being capable of deforming to expand or reduce the outer chamber (21).
5. The envelope of an X-ray tube as defined in claim 4, characterized in that The first housing (12) and the second housing (22) are both cylindrical, the second housing (22) is sleeved outside the first housing (12), and the axes of the first housing (12) and the second housing (22) are parallel, the mounting port (121) is formed on an entire bottom surface of the first housing (12) and protrudes out of the second housing (22), the first expansion port (122) is formed on another entire bottom surface of the first housing (12) and is located inside the second housing (22), and the second expansion port (222) is formed on an entire bottom surface of the second housing (22) and the first expansion port (122) faces the second expansion port (222).
6. The envelope of an X-ray tube as defined in claim 5, characterized in that The first elastic expansion member (16) and the second elastic expansion member (26) are both circular bowl-shaped, the first elastic expansion member (16) is recessed towards the inside of the first housing (12), and the second elastic expansion member (26) is recessed towards the inside of the second housing (22).
7. The envelope of an X-ray tube as defined in claim 6, characterized in that The inner surface of the first shell (12) is formed with a first fixing groove (123) surrounding a circle, and the circumferential edge of the first elastic expansion piece (16) is located in the first fixing groove (123), and the inner cover (10) further comprises a limiting plate (18) and a first elastic retaining ring (19), the limiting plate (18) and the first elastic retaining ring (19) are arranged in the first fixing groove (123) and clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the first elastic expansion piece (16) along the axial direction of the first shell (12), and the limiting plate (18) can also block the first elastic expansion piece (16) from protruding out of the first shell (12).
8. The envelope of an X-ray tube as defined in claim 6, characterized in that The inner surface of the second shell (22) is formed with a second fixing groove (223) surrounding a circle, and the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion piece (26) is located in the second fixing groove (223), and the outer cover (20) further comprises two second elastic retaining rings (28), and the two second elastic retaining rings (28) are arranged in the second fixing groove (223) and clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion piece (26) along the axial direction of the second shell (22).
9. The envelope of an X-ray tube as defined in claim 8, characterized in that The outer cover (20) further comprises a support (29), and the support (29) comprises: a ring-shaped clamping portion (291) arranged in the second fixing groove (223), and the ring-shaped clamping portion (291) is located between the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion piece (26) and the second elastic retaining ring (28); and a ring-shaped supporting portion (292) connected to the ring-shaped clamping portion (291), and the ring-shaped supporting portion (292) is located on the inner side of the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion piece (26), and the ring-shaped supporting portion (292) and the inner surface of the second fixing groove (223) clamp and fix the circumferential edge of the second elastic expansion piece (26) along the radial direction of the second shell (22).
10. The envelope of an x-ray tube as defined in claim 6, wherein, The outer cover (20) further comprises a second cover body (24) capable of being fixed to the second shell (22) and covering the second expansion opening (222) outside the second elastic expansion piece (26).
11. The envelope of an x-ray tube as defined in claim 1, wherein, The insulating liquid is insulating oil, and the phase change material is paraffin.
12. An X-ray tube, characterized by It comprises: the outer shell of the X-ray tube according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the inner cover (10) is formed with an inner chamber (11); a vacuum cover (50) inside which is a vacuum environment, and the vacuum cover (50) is arranged in the inner chamber (11); a cathode (30) arranged in the vacuum cover (50); and an anode (40) arranged in the vacuum cover (50).