Spectrometer adapted to high power end window x-ray tube

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of X-ray tubes, specifically to a high-power end-window X-ray tube adapted for spectrometers, comprising a tube, an anode target, a cathode filament, and a cooling mechanism. The anode target is coaxially disposed at one end inside the tube, the cathode filament is annular, the tube has an end-window for X-rays to pass through, and insulating oil is injected inside the tube. A power socket is also disposed at the end of the tube away from the end-window. The cooling mechanism is disposed inside the tube and is capable of cooling the anode target. The cooling mechanism includes two anode cooling tubes spirally wound around the power socket. A circulation chamber is disposed inside the anode target, and the ends of the two anode cooling tubes extending into the tube are connected to the circulation chamber. This invention can uniformly cool multiple parts of the tube, and the annular cathode filament ensures uniform loss, guaranteeing the consistency and uniformity of electron emission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of X-ray tubes, and more specifically, to a high-power end-window X-ray tube adapted for a spectrometer. Background Technology

[0002] An X-ray tube is a vacuum diode operating at high voltage and is the core device for generating X-rays. Its core principle is to convert some of the kinetic energy of a target material into X-ray radiation energy by using a high-speed electron beam to strike it. It is widely used in medical imaging (X-rays, CT scans), industrial non-destructive testing, and materials analysis (XRD).

[0003] Chinese Patent CN217983258U: A high-power X-ray tube. This high-power X-ray tube includes an X-ray tube body, which is composed of a glass shell, a cathode, and an anode. The cathode and anode are respectively disposed inside the glass shell. The glass shell adopts a vacuum design and is composed of a glass core column, an anode cover, and a cathode cover. A flipping assembly is connected to the surface of the cathode cover, and a heat dissipation assembly is connected to the surface of the anode cover. The heat dissipation assembly includes an anode cover sleeve, which is fitted onto the surface of the anode cover. A hollow groove is opened inside the anode cover sleeve, and a spiral tube is spirally wound inside the hollow groove. The beginning and end of the spiral tube are respectively connected to an external pipe and a return pipe.

[0004] In this patent, the anode is cooled by a spiral tube, but the cathode inside the tube also generates heat, resulting in a high temperature inside the tube, which affects the safety of the equipment. Furthermore, the utilization rate of electrons generated by the filament and delivered to the anode is low, which affects the accuracy of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a spectrometer-compatible high-power end-window X-ray tube. Through the spirally arranged anode cooling tube, the tube can be uniformly cooled in multiple locations. Furthermore, the annular cathode filament ensures uniform loss and guarantees the consistency and uniformity of electron emission.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a high-power end-window X-ray tube adapted for a spectrometer is provided, comprising a tube, an anode target, a cathode filament, and a cooling mechanism. The anode target is coaxially disposed at one end inside the tube, and a vacuum glass shell is also disposed on the anode target. The cathode filament is annular in shape and is coaxially disposed inside the tube, located between the anode target and the inner wall of the tube. An X-ray end window for X-rays to pass through is disposed at the end of the tube near the anode target. A power socket is disposed at the end of the tube away from the end window. The cooling mechanism is disposed inside the tube and is capable of cooling the anode target. The cooling mechanism includes two anode cooling tubes spirally wound around the power socket. The ends of the tube are respectively provided with inlets and outlets connecting to the corresponding anode cooling tubes. A circulation chamber is disposed inside the anode target, and the ends of the two anode cooling tubes extending into the tube are connected to the circulation chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the pipe fitting also has an annular cavity inside, and two cathode cooling pipes are provided on the outer wall of the pipe fitting. Both cathode cooling pipes are connected to the annular cavity, and insulating oil is injected into the pipe fitting.

[0008] Preferably, the material of the ray end window is beryllium alloy.

[0009] Preferably, a reflective grid is also provided between the cathode filament and the anode target.

[0010] Preferably, the tube is also equipped with a positioning mechanism for fixing the cathode filament.

[0011] Preferably, the positioning mechanism includes a mounting ring, a mounting plate, and vertical bars. The mounting ring is coaxially disposed inside the tube and located between the reflective grid and the anode target. The mounting ring has multiple mounting grooves arranged circumferentially and radially. There are multiple mounting plates, which are slidably disposed in their respective mounting grooves. Each mounting plate has guide grooves at both ends, and a vertical bar is slidably disposed in each guide groove. The vertical bar is perpendicular to the surface of the corresponding mounting plate. An arc-shaped contact plate for contacting the cathode filament is disposed on the side of two vertical bars that are close to each other. The mounting ring also has an annular groove for avoiding the cathode filament, and the annular groove communicates with the corresponding multiple mounting grooves. A guide bar is inclinedly disposed at the end of each vertical bar away from the arc-shaped contact plate. The guide bar is set at an acute angle with the corresponding vertical bar. A strip-shaped through-groove for avoiding the guide bar is disposed at the center of the mounting plate. Triangular guide blocks that cooperate with the corresponding guide bars are disposed at both ends of the strip-shaped through-groove.

[0012] Preferably, each mounting slot is provided with an extension plate at the end away from the center of the mounting ring, and a threaded hole is provided at the center of the extension plate, with a threaded rod connected to the threaded hole.

[0013] Preferably, a return spring is also provided between each mounting plate and the inner wall of the bottom of the corresponding mounting groove.

[0014] Preferably, each guide bar is further provided with a longitudinal bar at the end away from the vertical bar, and the end of the longitudinal bar away from the guide bar is provided with a first arc-shaped surface that contacts the cathode filament. Each mounting plate is provided with an abutment post at its center, and the end of the abutment post corresponding to the mounting plate is provided with a second arc-shaped surface that contacts the cathode filament.

[0015] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are:

[0016] 1. This application achieves uniform temperature distribution of the cathode filament by using a ring-shaped cathode filament in conjunction with the anode target, thus ensuring consistent electron emission and uniform electron emission, resulting in clearer and more accurate detection images.

[0017] 2. This application utilizes the cooperation of an anode cooling tube and a cathode cooling tube. The two spirally wound anode cooling tubes allow high-purity deionized water to circulate inside the anode cooling tubes, thereby cooling the power socket. Furthermore, the anode cooling tubes introduce high-purity deionized water into the circulation chamber to absorb the heat generated during the operation of the anode target, thus preventing overheating and equipment damage. This extends the service life of key components of the X-ray tube and ensures long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0018] 3. This application utilizes a combination of mounting rings, mounting plates, and vertical bars. Each mounting plate is equipped with two vertical bars that move closer to and further away from each other as the mounting plate moves. Each vertical bar has an arc-shaped contact plate that contacts the cathode filament. The arrangement of multiple arc-shaped contact plates not only allows for multi-point fixation of the cathode filament but also corrects its shape, ensuring that the cathode filament maintains its annular shape and improving the overall performance of the X-ray tube. Furthermore, the combination of the vertical bars and contact bars allows for multi-position fixation of the cathode filament located on the mounting plate, preventing the cathode filament from shaking during use and thus affecting the performance. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention, making other features, objects, and advantages of the invention more apparent. The illustrative embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is the three-dimensional representation of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 2 This is the three-dimensional representation of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial three-dimensional representation of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a partial three-dimensional representation of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0028] The numbers in the above figure are:

[0029] 1-Fitting; 11-Radiation end window; 12-Power socket; 13-Water inlet; 14-Water outlet; 15-Annular cavity; 16-Cathode cooling tube;

[0030] 2-Anode target; 21-Vacuum glass shell; 22-Circulation chamber;

[0031] 3-Cathode filament; 31-Reflector grid;

[0032] 4-Cooling mechanism; 41-Anode cooling pipe;

[0033] 5-Positioning mechanism; 51-Mounting ring; 511-Mounting groove; 512-Annular groove; 513-Extension plate; 514-Threaded hole; 515-Threaded rod; 52-Mounting plate; 521-Guide groove; 522-Strip through groove; 523-Triangular guide block; 524-Reset spring; 525-Abutting post; 5251-Second arc surface; 53-Vertical bar; 531-Arc-shaped abutting plate; 532-Guide bar; 533-Longitudinal bar; 5331-First arc surface. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] See Figures 1 to 8As shown, a spectrometer adapted to a high-power end-window X-ray tube includes a tube 1, an anode target 2, a cathode filament 3, and a cooling mechanism 4. The anode target 2 is coaxially disposed at one end inside the tube 1, and a vacuum glass shell 21 is also disposed on the anode target 2. The cathode filament 3 is annular in shape and is coaxially disposed inside the tube 1 and located between the anode target 2 and the inner wall of the tube 1. An X-ray end window 11 for X-rays to pass through is disposed at the end of the tube 1 near the anode target 2. A power socket 12 is disposed at the end of the tube 1 away from the end window. The cooling mechanism 4 is disposed inside the tube 1 and can cool the anode target 2. The cooling mechanism 4 includes two anode cooling tubes 41 spirally wound on the power socket 12. An inlet 13 and an outlet 14 connected to the corresponding anode cooling tubes 41 are respectively disposed at the end of the tube 1. A circulation chamber 22 is disposed inside the anode target 2, and the ends of the two anode cooling tubes 41 extending into the tube 1 are connected to the circulation chamber 22.

[0036] The vacuum glass shell 21 eliminates the scattering and collision of electrons by gas molecules, reducing electron energy loss, beam instability, and gas ionization discharge; it also prevents oxidation and burnout of the high-temperature filament (cathode), extending its lifespan; it reduces gas corrosion on the anode target surface, ensuring the intensity and energy spectrum stability of the X-ray output; the cathode filament 3 is annular in shape, and the annular structure has symmetry, thus ensuring uniform temperature distribution of the cathode filament 3, ensuring the consistency of electron emission. Uniform electron emission makes the detection image clearer and more accurate; the electron cloud generated by the annular filament is more easily focused under the action of the electric field; and the annular filament has more uniform heat dissipation and uniform loss in all parts, thus effectively extending its lifespan. The lifespan of the filament; the power socket 12 can supply power to the anode target 2 and the cathode filament 3. The anode target 2 generates a lot of heat during operation. By setting a cooling mechanism 4 inside the fitting 1, and two spirally wound anode cooling tubes 41, high-purity deionized water can circulate in the anode cooling tubes 41 through the water inlet 13 and the water outlet 14. This not only cools the power socket 12, but also introduces high-purity deionized water into the circulation chamber 22 to absorb the heat generated by the anode target 2 during operation, thereby avoiding overheating and equipment damage; extending the lifespan of key components of the X-ray tube and ensuring long-term stable operation of the equipment;

[0037] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pipe fitting 1 is also provided with an annular cavity 15 inside, and two cathode cooling pipes 16 are also provided on the outer wall of the pipe fitting 1. Both cathode cooling pipes 16 are connected to the annular cavity 15, and insulating oil is also injected into the pipe fitting 1.

[0038] To further improve the cooling effect and ensure the stability of equipment operation, a cathode cooling pipe 16 is installed on the outside of the tube 1. The annular cavity 15 dissipates heat from the cathode filament 3 and the anode target 2. In addition, the tube 1 is filled with insulating oil with high insulation and heat dissipation performance. The insulating oil not only provides good electrical insulation performance to prevent short circuits between internal components, but also acts as a heat conduction medium to help dissipate the heat generated when the X-ray tube is working.

[0039] See Figure 1 As shown, the material of the ray end window 11 is beryllium alloy.

[0040] The end window is made of ultra-thin beryllium alloy material (75μm thick). This effectively reduces the energy loss of X-rays when passing through the end window. The surface of the beryllium is polished, and the roughness is controlled between Ra0.05-0.1μm to reduce X-ray scattering.

[0041] See Figure 3 As shown, a reflective grid 31 is also provided between the cathode filament 3 and the anode target 2.

[0042] The end of the anode target 2 is close to the X-ray end window 11. The grid reflects the low-energy electrons emitted by the cathode back to the cathode region. Furthermore, the electric field of the grid can further "compress" the electron beam, making the beam spot finer. This not only makes the X-ray imaging clearer, but also reduces the local overheating of the anode target 2.

[0043] See Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the tube 1 is also equipped with a positioning mechanism 5 for fixing the cathode filament 3. The positioning mechanism 5 includes a mounting ring 51, a mounting plate 52, and a vertical bar 53. The mounting ring 51 is coaxially arranged inside the tube 1 and located between the reflective grid 31 and the anode target 2. The mounting ring 51 has multiple mounting grooves 511 arranged circumferentially and radially. There are multiple mounting plates 52, which are slidably arranged in the corresponding mounting grooves 511. Each mounting plate 52 has guide grooves 521 at both ends, and a vertical bar 53 is slidably arranged in each guide groove 521. The vertical bar 53 is perpendicular to the corresponding mounting plate. On the surface of the mounting plate 52, an arc-shaped contact plate 531 for contacting the cathode filament 3 is provided on one side of the two vertical bars 53 that are close to each other; an annular groove 512 for avoiding the cathode filament 3 is also provided on the mounting ring 51, and the annular groove 512 is connected to a plurality of corresponding mounting slots 511; a guide bar 532 is inclinedly provided at the end of each vertical bar 53 away from the arc-shaped contact plate 531, and the guide bar 532 is set at an acute angle with the corresponding vertical bar 53; a strip-shaped through groove 522 for avoiding the guide bar 532 is provided at the center of the mounting plate 52, and triangular guide blocks 523 that cooperate with the corresponding guide bar 532 are provided at both ends of the strip-shaped through groove 522.

[0044] Precise positioning of the filament in an end-window X-ray tube is challenging: as a core component, the accuracy of its installation position and the degree of deformation directly determine the accuracy and stability of electron emission. Even a slight deviation can lead to problems such as substandard focal spot size, inability to pull up high milliamperes under low kilovolt conditions, and fluctuations in emission current, severely affecting the overall performance of the X-ray tube. Furthermore, end-window X-ray tubes employ a ring-shaped filament design, requiring stringent dimensional tolerances in assembly.

[0045] Based on this, an installation ring 51 is provided, which is coaxially arranged with the tube 1. Multiple installation plates 52 are arranged circumferentially on the installation ring 51. The operator places the cathode filament 3 onto the installation plate 52 in sequence. As the installation plate 52 moves, the triangular guide blocks 523 located at both ends of the corresponding strip groove 522 can contact the inclined surface of the corresponding guide strip 532, so that the two vertical strips 53 on the same installation plate 52 can move closer to each other as the installation plate 52 moves. Each vertical strip 53 is provided with an arc-shaped contact plate 531 that contacts the cathode filament 3. The arc-shaped contact plates 531 on the multiple installation plates 52 can not only fix the cathode filament 3 at multiple points, but also correct the shape of the cathode filament 3, thereby ensuring that the cathode filament 3 maintains its annular shape and improving the overall performance of the X-ray tube.

[0046] See Figures 3 to 8 As shown, each mounting slot 511 is provided with an extension plate 513 at the end away from the center of the mounting ring 51. A threaded hole 514 is provided at the center of the extension plate 513, and a threaded rod 515 is connected to the threaded hole 514 by an internal thread.

[0047] By providing a threaded rod 515, after the cathode filament 3 contacts the two arc-shaped contact plates 531, the threaded rod 515 is rotated along the threaded hole 514, thereby allowing the threaded rod 515 to contact the mounting plate 52. This restricts the position of the mounting plate 52 and ensures the contact force of the arc-shaped contact plates 531 on the cathode filament 3. Through the contact of multiple arc-shaped contact plates 531, deformation of the cathode filament 3 is avoided, ensuring the installation accuracy of the X-ray tube.

[0048] See Figure 8 As shown, a return spring 524 is also provided between each mounting plate 52 and the bottom inner wall of the corresponding mounting groove 511.

[0049] To facilitate the installation of the cathode filament 3, a reset spring 524 is provided. When the cathode filament 3 is installed incorrectly, the threaded rod 515 contacts and locks the mounting plate 52. Subsequently, under the elastic force of the reset spring 524, the mounting plate 52 can be reset. At the same time, the two arc-shaped contact plates 531 can release the fixation of the cathode filament 3, thereby making it easier for the staff to adjust the cathode filament 3.

[0050] See Figure 8 As shown, each guide bar 532 is provided with a longitudinal bar 533 at the end away from the vertical bar 53. The longitudinal bar 533 is provided with a first arc-shaped surface 5331 that contacts the cathode filament 3 at the end away from the guide bar 532. Each mounting plate 52 is provided with an abutment post 525 at the center. The abutment post 525 is provided with a second arc-shaped surface 5251 that contacts the cathode filament 3 at the end of the mounting plate 52.

[0051] To further secure the cathode filament 3, a contact post 525 is provided, with a second arc surface 5251 at its end. During installation, the second arc surface 5251 contacts the annular cathode filament 3, thereby moving the mounting plate 52. As the mounting plate 52 moves, the guide strip 532 contacts the corresponding triangular guide block 523, allowing the arc-shaped contact plate 531 on the vertical strip 53 to contact the cathode filament 3. At the same time, the first arc surface on the longitudinal strip 533 also contacts the cathode filament 3, thus providing multi-directional contact and further securing the cathode filament 3, preventing it from shaking during use and affecting its performance.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spectrometer adapted to a high-power end-window X-ray tube, characterized in that, This includes pipe fittings, anode targets, cathode filaments, and cooling mechanisms; The anode target is coaxially arranged inside one end of the tube, and a vacuum glass shell is also provided on the anode target; the cathode filament is in the shape of a ring, and the cathode filament is coaxially arranged inside the tube and located between the anode target and the inner wall of the tube; the end of the tube near the anode target is provided with a radiation end window for the radiation to pass through. A power socket is provided at the end of the pipe fitting away from the end window. The cooling mechanism is located inside the pipe fitting and can cool the anode target material. The cooling mechanism includes two anode cooling pipes spirally wound on the power socket. The ends of the pipe fitting are respectively provided with inlet and outlet water outlets that connect to the corresponding anode cooling pipes. The anode target has a circulation chamber inside, and the ends of the two anode cooling tubes that extend into the fitting are connected to the circulation chamber; the fitting also has a positioning mechanism for fixing the cathode filament; the positioning mechanism includes a mounting ring, a mounting plate and a vertical bar; The mounting ring is coaxially disposed inside the tube and located between the reflective grid and the anode target. The mounting ring has multiple mounting grooves circumferentially arranged and radially arranged. There are multiple mounting plates, which are slidably disposed in the corresponding mounting grooves. Each mounting plate has guide grooves at both ends, and a vertical strip is slidably disposed in each guide groove. The vertical strip is perpendicular to the surface of the corresponding mounting plate. An arc-shaped contact plate for contacting the cathode filament is disposed on the side of two vertical strips that are close to each other. The mounting ring is also provided with an annular groove for avoiding the cathode filament, and the annular groove is connected to multiple corresponding mounting slots; Each vertical bar has a guide bar at an angle at the end away from the curved contact plate. The guide bar and the corresponding vertical bar are set at an acute angle. The center of the mounting plate has a strip groove for avoiding the guide bar. The two ends of the strip groove have triangular guide blocks that cooperate with the corresponding guide bar.

2. The spectrometer-adapted high-power end-window X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fitting also has an annular cavity inside, and two cathode cooling pipes are installed on the outer wall of the fitting. Both cathode cooling pipes are connected to the annular cavity, and insulating oil is injected into the fitting.

3. The spectrometer adapted for a high-power end-window X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ray end window is made of beryllium alloy.

4. The spectrometer adapter for a high-power end-window X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reflective grid is also provided between the cathode filament and the anode target.

5. A spectrometer adapted for a high-power end-window X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each mounting slot has an extension plate at the end furthest from the center of the mounting ring. The extension plate has a threaded hole at its center, and a threaded rod is connected to the threaded rod inside the threaded hole.

6. A spectrometer adapted for a high-power end-window X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each mounting plate is also equipped with a return spring between it and the inner wall of the bottom of the corresponding mounting slot.

7. A spectrometer adapted for a high-power end-window X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each guide bar also has a longitudinal bar at the end away from the vertical bar, and the end of the longitudinal bar away from the guide bar has a first arc-shaped surface that contacts the cathode filament. Each mounting plate has an abutment post at its center, and the end of the abutment post corresponding to the mounting plate has a second arc-shaped surface that contacts the cathode filament.

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