Shaping collimation structure and electronic linear acceleration device

Abstract

The invention discloses a shaping collimation structure and an electron linear acceleration device, and relates to the field of electron linear accelerators. The shaping collimator is used for shaping and collimating rays emitted by the ray source assembly; the shaping collimation structure comprises a support and a plurality of collimators, and the plurality of collimators are arranged on the support and distributed around a preset axis; the plurality of collimation parts are enclosed around a preset axis to form a collimation channel, and the collimation channel is used for shaping and collimating rays emitted by the ray source assembly; and the plurality of collimation pieces can move relative to the bracket so as to change the size of the cross section of the collimation channel. By applying the shaping and collimating structure disclosed by the invention, the shape and the size of the section of the ray beam emitted by the collimating channel can be flexibly adjusted, so that the adaptability of the shaping and collimating structure is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electron linear accelerator technology, and in particular to a shaping and collimating structure and an electron linear accelerator device. Background Technology

[0002] Electron linear accelerators, used as X-ray sources, have been widely applied in the field of non-destructive testing, including industrial flaw detection, industrial CT, and customs inspection. In non-destructive testing, controlling the dose distribution and shape of the X-ray field is crucial; therefore, a collimator needs to be installed at the X-ray source to shape and collimate the radial cross-section of the X-ray beam.

[0003] Related technologies generally use fixed collimators. Taking conical collimators and slit collimators as examples, the front opening of the flaw detection collimator is generally conical, while the collimation opening of the industrial collimator is generally trapezoidal slit. Both require adjusting the distance between the X-ray source and the workpiece to adjust the size of the irradiation field, and the shape cannot be changed. They have weak adaptability and cannot meet the needs of more irradiation fields. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The shaping and collimating structure provided in this application can flexibly adjust the shape and size of the cross-section of the ray beam emitted through the collimating channel, thereby improving the adaptability of the shaping and collimating structure.

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a shaping and collimating structure for shaping and collimating rays emitted by a radiation source assembly; the shaping and collimating structure includes a support and a plurality of collimators, the plurality of collimators being disposed on the support and distributed around a preset axis; the plurality of collimators enclose a collimating channel around the preset axis, the collimating channel being used to shape and collimate rays emitted by the radiation source assembly; the plurality of collimators are movable relative to the support to change the cross-sectional size of the collimating channel.

[0006] The shaping and collimating structure provided in this application, due to the distribution of multiple collimating elements around a preset axis, forms a collimating channel around the preset axis, thus allowing the ray beam to pass through. The surfaces of other areas of the collimating elements and the inner wall of the collimating channel are used to shield the excess ray beam and filter out stray rays scattered at large angles. Therefore, the shape and size of the ray beam cross-section emitted through the collimating channel are affected by the shape and size of the collimating channel cross-section. That is, the shape of the ray beam cross-section emitted through the collimating channel can be adjusted by changing the shape of the multiple collimating elements. Since the multiple collimating elements can move relative to the support to change the cross-sectional size of the collimating channel, the cross-sectional size of the collimating channel can be adjusted by controlling the movement of the multiple collimating elements relative to the support, thereby adjusting the cross-sectional size of the ray beam emitted through the collimating channel. With this structure, by adjusting the shape and size of the collimating channel cross-section formed by the multiple collimating elements, the shape and size of the ray beam cross-section emitted through the collimating channel can be adjusted, making the ray beam more directional and flat, thereby shaping and collimating the ray beam.

[0007] In one possible implementation of this application, multiple collimators constitute at least two collimation groups, and each collimation group encloses a collimation channel; the collimation channels formed by the at least two collimation groups are coaxially distributed along a preset axis.

[0008] In one possible implementation of this application, the radial cross-sectional shapes of the collimation channels formed by the collimation groups are different, and the radial cross-section is the cross-section of the collimation channel perpendicular to the preset axis.

[0009] In one possible implementation of this application, each collimator includes a collimating surface for enclosing and forming a collimating channel; the collimating group includes a first collimating group and a second collimating group, wherein the collimating surface of each collimator in the first collimating group is a collimating plane, and the collimating plane is parallel to a preset axis; and the collimating surface of each collimator in the second collimating group is a collimating arc surface, and the generatrix of the collimating arc surface is parallel to the preset axis.

[0010] In one possible implementation of this application, at least a portion of the plurality of collimators form a first collimation group. Along a plane perpendicular to a preset axis, each first collimator in the first collimation group can move linearly relative to the support, and the movement directions of each first collimator are different.

[0011] In one possible implementation of this application, the first collimation group includes at least two first collimators connected in sequence; each first collimator includes a matching groove and a protrusion, the protrusion of one first collimator is connected to the groove of the adjacent first collimator, and the two adjacent first collimators slide relative to each other through the cooperation of the groove and the protrusion to change the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel.

[0012] In one possible implementation of this application, at least a portion of a plurality of collimators forms a second collimation group. Along a plane perpendicular to a preset axis, each second collimator in the second collimation group is rotatable relative to the support, so that at least a portion of each second collimator moves closer to or further away from the preset axis in a plane perpendicular to the preset axis, thereby changing the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel.

[0013] In one possible implementation of this application, the shaping and aligning structure further includes a connector and a transmission component. Both the transmission component and the connector are provided with multiple sliding grooves, which extend radially along a direction perpendicular to a preset axis. Each second aligning component includes two sliding rods respectively disposed at both ends of the second aligning component. One sliding rod extends along the preset axis toward the connector and is connected to the sliding groove of the connector. The other sliding rod extends along the preset axis toward the transmission component and is connected to the sliding groove of the transmission component. The transmission component can rotate around the preset axis to drive the sliding rods of each second aligning component to move along the sliding groove, thereby changing the cross-sectional size of the alignment channel.

[0014] In one possible implementation of this application, the shaping and collimating structure further includes a driving component disposed on the support. The driving component is connected to multiple collimating elements in a transmission manner, and the driving component is capable of driving multiple collimating elements in the same collimating group to move synchronously.

[0015] On the other hand, this application provides an electron linear accelerator, which includes a radiation source assembly and a shaping and collimating structure as described above; the radiation source assembly includes a beam outlet, and the radiation emitted by the radiation source assembly exits the radiation source assembly through the beam outlet; the shaping and collimating structure is disposed on one side of the beam outlet, and the preset axis is coaxial with the axis of the beam outlet, and the collimating channel is used for shaping and collimating the radiation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams showing the electronic linear accelerator provided in the embodiments of this application having two collimation groups; Figure 2 A second schematic diagram of an electronic linear accelerator device provided in this application embodiment, which has two collimation groups; Figure 3 A front view of the first collimation group of the shaping and collimating device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 An isometric view of the first collimation group of the shaping and collimating device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the first collimator of the shaping and collimating structure provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 An isometric view of the second collimation group of the shaping and collimating structure provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7A schematic diagram of a transmission group of the second collimation group of the shaping and collimating structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 One of the front views of the second collimation group of the shaping and collimating structure provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9 A second front view of the second collimation group of the shaping and collimating structure provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 10 An exploded view of the second collimation group of the shaping and collimating structure provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of another embodiment of the second collimation group of the shaping and collimating structure provided in this application.

[0017] Figure label: 1-Bracket; 2-Collider; 21-Collider surface; 211-Collider plane; 212-Collider arc surface; 2a-First collider; 2b-Second collider; 22-Groove; 23-Protrusion; 24-Slide rod; 25-First end; 26-Second end; A-Collider group; A1-First collider group; A2-Second collider group; 3-Connector; 31-Slide groove; 4-Transmission component; 5-Drive gear; 6-Adapter plate; 7-X-ray source assembly; S-Collider channel; L-Preset axis. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the specific technical solutions of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0019] In the embodiments of this application, 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 indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0020] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are defined relative to the positions in which the components are schematically placed in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the position of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0021] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0022] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0023] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0024] The step numbers in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the execution order of each step. The step numbers are only for ease of description. Different execution orders of steps can be combined in a logical order to solve the same technical problem.

[0025] Electron linear accelerators, used as X-ray sources, have been widely applied in the field of non-destructive testing, including industrial flaw detection, industrial CT, and customs inspection. In non-destructive testing, controlling the dose distribution and shape of the X-ray field is crucial; therefore, a collimator needs to be installed at the X-ray source to shape and collimate the radial cross-section of the X-ray beam.

[0026] Unrestrained X-rays not only reduce image resolution and affect image quality, but also place higher demands on shielding systems and pose potential radiation damage to the human body. Furthermore, different non-destructive testing systems often require different collimators to control the shape and size of the X-ray beam.

[0027] Related technologies generally employ fixed collimators. Taking conical collimators and slit collimators as examples, the front opening of flaw detection collimators is typically conical, while the collimation orifice of industrial collimators is generally a trapezoidal slit. Both require adjusting the distance between the X-ray source and the workpiece to regulate the size of the irradiation field, and their shape cannot be changed, resulting in limited adaptability and an inability to meet the needs of more irradiation fields. Multi-leaf collimators, which can flexibly form various irradiation field shapes, are more expensive and are currently only widely used in the medical field.

[0028] This application provides an electron linear accelerator, which includes a radiation source assembly and a shaping and collimating structure. The radiation source assembly includes a beam outlet, through which the radiation emitted by the radiation source assembly exits the radiation source assembly. The shaping and collimating structure is disposed on one side of the beam outlet, with its preset axis coaxial with the axis of the beam outlet. The collimating channel is used for shaping and collimating the radiation.

[0029] In this embodiment, the X-ray source assembly is used to generate and accelerate electrons to ultimately produce X-rays. The X-ray source assembly may include components such as an electron gun, an accelerating tube, a focusing coil, and a target.

[0030] In this embodiment, the shaping and collimating structure is used to shape and collimate the rays emitted by the ray source assembly. It is located on the side of the ray source assembly with the beam outlet, which can be understood as being located on the ray emission path or downstream of the ray source assembly.

[0031] The collimation channel of the shaping and collimating structure is used to shape and collimate the rays. The preset axis is the axis of the collimation channel, that is, the center line of the collimation channel. The axis of the collimation channel is set to be coaxial with the axis of the rays emitted from the ray source assembly.

[0032] This structure can improve the accuracy of collimation and shaping of the beam by the collimator channel, and reduce the beam from being accidentally blocked by the edge of the collimator or producing an asymmetric irradiation field.

[0033] This application provides a shaping and collimating structure, referring to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure is used to shape and collimate the rays emitted by the X-ray source assembly 7. The shaping and collimating structure includes a support 1 and multiple collimating elements 2. The multiple collimating elements 2 are disposed on the support 1 and distributed around a preset axis L. The multiple collimating elements 2 enclose a collimation channel S around the preset axis L. The collimation channel S is used to shape and collimate the rays emitted by the X-ray source assembly 7. The multiple collimating elements 2 can move relative to the support 1 to change the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel S.

[0034] In this embodiment, the bracket 1 provides support and mounting base for multiple collimators 2 to keep the beam channel and the ray coaxial. The bracket 1 can be connected to the ray source assembly 7, or it can be disconnected from the ray source assembly 7. The structure of the bracket 1 can be adjusted and configured according to requirements, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0035] In this embodiment, the number of collimators 2 can be adjusted according to the shape and / or collimation size of the X-ray beam as needed. To improve the shielding effect on the X-ray beam, the collimators 2 can be made of materials such as tungsten, lead, or tungsten alloys. In this application, the collimators 2 are made of alloy materials. The thickness of the collimator 2 needs to shield the X-ray beam of the non-destructive testing system on which it is installed. For example, by adjusting the thickness of the collimator 2, the maximum leakage rate of the X-ray beam on the spherical surface at one meter can be reduced to 0.1% of the original radiation intensity.

[0036] In this embodiment, the preset axis L refers to the axis of the collimated ray beam. The irradiation area of ​​the shaped and collimated ray beam can be preset according to the requirements of the irradiation field's location, shape, and size. The virtual axis extending from the center point of this area along the irradiation direction of the ray beam is the preset axis L.

[0037] In this embodiment, multiple collimators 2 are disposed on the support 1 and arranged in a ring or circumferential manner with the preset axis L as the axis of symmetry. It can be understood that the plane formed by the arrangement of the multiple collimators 2 is perpendicular to the preset axis L.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 Multiple collimators 2 are distributed around a preset axis L. The surfaces of the collimators 2 facing the preset axis L can enclose a space extending along the preset axis L, which is the collimation channel S.

[0039] Understandably, shaping refers to molding the original, approximately conical beam into a specific shape (such as a circle, rectangle, or slit) to match the effective area of ​​the detector or the contour of the workpiece being inspected.

[0040] In the shaping and collimating structure of this application embodiment, since multiple collimating elements 2 are distributed around a preset axis L, and the multiple collimating elements 2 enclose a collimation channel S around the preset axis L, the collimation channel S allows the ray beam to pass through. The surfaces of other areas of the collimating elements 2 and the inner wall of the collimation channel S are used to shield the excess of the ray beam and filter out stray rays scattered at large angles. Therefore, the shape and size of the ray beam cross-section emitted through the collimation channel S will be affected by the shape and size of the collimation channel S cross-section. That is, the shape of the ray beam cross-section emitted through the collimation channel S can be adjusted by changing the shape of the multiple collimating elements 2. Since the multiple collimating elements 2 can move relative to the support 1 to change the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel S, the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel S can be adjusted by controlling the movement of the multiple collimating elements 2 relative to the support 1, thereby adjusting the cross-sectional size of the ray beam emitted through the collimation channel S. With this structure, by adjusting the shape and size of the cross-section of the collimation channel S formed by multiple collimating elements 2, the shape and size of the cross-section of the ray beam emitted through the collimation channel S can be flexibly adjusted, thereby improving the adaptability of the shaping and collimating structure.

[0041] In some possible embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Multiple collimators 2 constitute at least two collimation groups A, and each collimation group A encloses a collimation channel S; the collimation channels S formed by the at least two collimation groups A are coaxially distributed along a preset axis L.

[0042] In this embodiment, one collimation group A, or two or more, can be set for the same X-ray source component 7. Since each collimation group A corresponds to multiple collimating elements 2 and has a collimation channel S, each collimation group A can independently and completely form a channel for X-rays to pass through. The collimation channel S formed by each collimation group A is independent and can have different shapes and adjustment methods.

[0043] Therefore, the same X-ray source assembly 7 can correspond to one or more collimation channels S, so that the collimation group A can be changed according to the different requirements of the X-ray beam after alignment.

[0044] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The X-ray source assembly 7 is equipped with a first collimation group A1 and a second collimation group A2. Figure 1 The diagram shows the collimation of the X-ray beam by the first collimation group A1. At this time, the collimation channel S of the second collimation group A2 is enlarged to avoid the X-ray beam collimated by the first collimation group A1. Figure 2The diagram shows the collimation of the X-ray beam by the second collimation group A2. At this time, the collimation channel S of the first collimation group A1 is enlarged to avoid the X-ray beam, so that the X-ray beam irradiates the second collimation group A2, and the second collimation group A2 collimates the X-ray beam.

[0045] In some possible embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 8 The radial cross-sectional shapes of the collimation channels S formed by the collimation groups A are different. The radial cross-section is the cross-section of the collimation channel S perpendicular to the preset axis L.

[0046] This structure enables flexible switching of the radial cross-sectional shape of the X-ray beam to adapt to the inspection requirements of different workpieces, thus improving versatility and adjustment efficiency.

[0047] For example, the same X-ray source assembly 7 is provided with two collimation groups A. The collimation channel S of one collimation group A has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the collimation channel S of the other collimation group A has a circular cross-sectional shape. In this way, the cross-section of the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source assembly 7 can be shaped into a rectangle or a circle as needed.

[0048] Since the collimation channels S of the two collimation groups A are arranged coaxially along the preset axis L, when it is necessary to shape the ray beam into a rectangle, the collimation group A with a rectangular cross-section is adjusted so that the size of the rectangular collimation channel S is adjusted to the required value. At the same time, the multiple collimation components 2 of the collimation group A with a circular cross-section are adjusted so that the size of the circular collimation channel S is increased to avoid the rectangular collimation channel S. In this way, the ray beam can be collimated into a rectangle.

[0049] Similarly, when it is necessary to shape the X-ray beam into a circle, the collimation group A with a circular cross-section is adjusted so that the size of the circular collimation channel S is adjusted to the required value. At the same time, the multiple collimation components 2 of the collimation group A with a rectangular cross-section are adjusted so that the size of the rectangular collimation channel S is increased to avoid the circular collimation channel S. In this way, the X-ray beam can be collimated into a circle.

[0050] It is understandable that, when at least two collimation groups A are each enclosed by a collimation channel S that is coaxially distributed along a preset axis L, at least two collimation groups A are arranged along the preset axis L, and the collimation channel S of each collimation group A is coaxial with the preset axis L.

[0051] The shaping and collimating structure of this application embodiment, by forming at least two collimating groups A from multiple collimating elements 2, and each group forming an independent collimating channel S, can integrate multiple beam shaping functions (such as shaping the ray beam into a circle or rectangle) within a single device. Since the collimating channels S formed by the at least two collimating groups A are coaxially distributed along the same preset axis L, the geometric center of the collimated ray beam can be maintained at the preset axis L regardless of which collimating group A is used or how the size of the collimating channel S is adjusted. Furthermore, the corresponding collimating group A can be adjusted according to different needs to achieve shaping of the ray beam into different shapes, improving the adaptability of the shaping and collimating structure and increasing operational efficiency.

[0052] In some possible embodiments of this application, the shaping and collimating structure further includes a driving component, which is disposed on the support 1 and is connected to a plurality of collimating elements 2 in a transmission manner. The driving component is capable of driving the plurality of collimating elements 2 in the same collimating group A to move synchronously.

[0053] In this embodiment, the drive assembly can be mounted on the bracket 1. For example, the drive assembly is fixed to the bracket 1 base by a flange and bolts. The drive assembly is connected to multiple collimators 2. There can be multiple drive assemblies, each connected to one collimator 2, or each drive assembly can be connected to multiple collimators 2 respectively; alternatively, there can be a single drive assembly connected to all collimators 2. The drive assembly can be a motor, lead screw, gear set, etc., and this application does not limit its application to these components.

[0054] In this embodiment of the application, the driving component can drive multiple collimators 2 in the same collimation group A to move synchronously. That is, multiple collimators 2 in the collimation group A that are used to enclose and form the same collimation channel S can move synchronously relative to the support 1 under the drive of the driving component.

[0055] This structure reduces the errors and offsets that occur during the movement of the collimator 2, and can stabilize the center of the collimation channel S on the preset axis L, thereby improving the stability of the shape and size of the ray after beam channel shaping and collimation, and also improving the accuracy of the irradiation position.

[0056] Meanwhile, the drive component can remotely adjust the movement of multiple collimators 2, which facilitates the adjustment of the size and shape of the collimation channel S, reduces manual intervention, and lowers operational risks.

[0057] In some possible embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 7Each collimator 2 includes a collimation surface 21 for enclosing and forming a collimation channel S; the collimation group A includes a first collimation group A1 and a second collimation group A2. In the first collimation group A1, the collimation surface 21 of each collimator 2 is a collimation plane 211, which is parallel to the preset axis L. In the second collimation group A2, the collimation surface 21 of each collimator 2 is a collimation arc surface 212, and the generatrix of the collimation arc surface 212 is parallel to the preset axis L.

[0058] In this embodiment, the collimation surface 21 is the surface on the collimator 2 used to enclose and form the collimation channel S, and the shape of the collimation surface 21 can affect the shape of the collimation channel S.

[0059] Understandably, referring to Figure 4 The collimation plane 211 is a planar structure and is parallel to the preset axis L, which can make the cross-sectional shape of the collimation channel S a cylindrical channel such as a rectangle, polygon, or triangle.

[0060] Reference Figure 7 The collimated arc surface 212 is an arc-shaped structure, and its generatrix is ​​parallel to the preset axis L. It can be understood that the collimated arc surface 212 can extend to form a cylindrical structure surrounding the preset axis L; that is, the collimated arc surface 212 can be understood as a part of the annular curved surface formed around the preset axis L. Thus, multiple collimated arc surfaces 212 can enclose a cylindrical channel with an approximately circular cross-section.

[0061] This structure allows for the acquisition of different cross-sectional shapes of the shaped beams by adjusting the characteristics of the collimating surface 21 of the collimating element 2. This enables the same shaped collimating device to efficiently and accurately generate two distinct beam profiles, enhancing the functional versatility of the shaped collimating structure and the geometric quality of the output beam.

[0062] In some possible embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 4 At least a portion of the multiple collimators 2 form a first collimation group A1. Along a plane perpendicular to the preset axis L, each first collimator 2a in the first collimation group A1 can move linearly relative to the support 1, and the movement directions of each first collimator 2a are different.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first collimation group A1 is an independent structure capable of shaping and collimating the ray beam. Along the plane perpendicular to the preset axis L, which is the plane of the radial section of the collimation channel S, each first collimator 2a can move linearly relative to the support 1, and each first collimator 2a moves synchronously.

[0064] In this embodiment, the linear motion of the first collimator 2a can be achieved by a motor driving a ball screw or a servo motor in conjunction with a linear guide. Each first collimator 2a can be mounted on a slider, which is driven by a screw nut and moves along the guide rail on the bracket 1.

[0065] In this embodiment, the movement directions of each first collimator 2a are different. For example, a first collimation group A1 is composed of four first collimators 2a. These four first collimators 2a are divided into two pairs. The movement directions of the first pair (such as the first collimators 2a arranged on the upper and lower sides) are parallel but opposite to each other (e.g., moving towards or in opposite directions along the Y-axis); the movement direction of the second pair (such as the first collimators 2a arranged on the left and right sides) is perpendicular to the first pair (e.g., moving towards or in opposite directions along the X-axis).

[0066] In this embodiment of the shaping and collimating structure, because the movement directions of each first collimator 2a are different, each first collimator 2a can independently approach or move away from the preset axis L from different directions in a plane perpendicular to the preset axis L, thereby collectively enclosing a geometrically stable rectangular (or square) collimating channel S with independently adjustable length and width ratios. Through simple linear motion combinations, a rectangular beam cross-section adapts to workpieces of different sizes or detection requirements, simplifying the structure of the device and improving the efficiency of adjusting the collimating channel S.

[0067] In some possible embodiments of this application, references are made to 4 and Figure 5 The first collimation group A1 includes at least two first collimation members 2a, which are connected in sequence. Each first collimation member 2a includes a matching groove 22 and a protrusion 23. The protrusion 23 of one first collimation member 2a is connected to the groove 22 of the adjacent first collimation member 2a. The two adjacent first collimation members 2a slide relative to each other through the cooperation of the groove 22 and the protrusion 23 to change the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel S.

[0068] In this embodiment, the matching of the groove 22 and the protrusion 23 refers to their matching in shape and size; the shape of the groove 22 and the protrusion 23 is not limited in this application. For example, the cross-section of the protrusion 23 provided in this application is similar to a T-shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the groove 22 is also correspondingly T-shaped. When the protrusion 23 and the groove 22 are connected, the two sides of the T-shape can abut against each other, forming a limit, reducing rotation and other issues that occur during the movement of the protrusion 23 and the groove 22, thus improving stability. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 23 can also be spherical, rectangular, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first collimation group A1 includes at least two first collimating elements 2a. For example, the collimation surface 21 of each first collimating element 2a is composed of two planes with a 90-degree angle. When the first collimation group A1 includes two first collimating elements 2a, the two first collimating elements 2a are connected to each other via grooves 22 and protrusions 23. The two collimating surfaces 21 are arranged opposite each other, thus forming a rectangular collimation channel S. The relative sliding of the two first collimating elements 2a can change the size of the rectangular collimation channel S. In another example, the first collimation group A1 may include three first collimating elements 2a. The three first collimating elements 2a are connected sequentially via grooves 22 and protrusions 23. The three collimating surfaces 21 can form a triangular collimation channel S. For example, the grooves 22 and protrusions 23 of the three first collimating elements 2a can be mutually matching spherical structures. The grooves 22 and protrusions 23 are interconnected, enabling the formation of a triangular collimation channel S whose shape and size are adjustable.

[0070] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first collimation group A1 includes four first collimating elements 2a. Each first collimating element 2a includes a matching groove 22 and a protrusion 23. The protrusion 23 of one first collimating element 2a is connected to the groove 22 of an adjacent first collimating element 2a, so that the four first collimating elements 2a are connected sequentially through the groove 22 and the protrusion 23. The extending directions of the grooves 22 of two adjacent first collimating elements 2a are perpendicular to each other (e.g., horizontal and vertical directions). With this structure, two of the four first collimating elements 2a can move in the vertical direction, and the other two adjacent collimating elements 2a can move in the horizontal direction, thus forming a rectangular beam channel.

[0071] The first collimation group A1 can be connected to the adapter plate 6 by fastening screws. The first collimation component 2a of the first collimation group A1 can be connected to the drive component through the adapter plate 6. The drive component can be a servo motor in conjunction with a ball screw to realize the longitudinal movement of the first collimation component 2a.

[0072] Since the four first collimators 2a are connected by grooves 22 and protrusions 23, there is no rotational freedom between adjacent first collimators 2a. Therefore, each of the four first collimators 2a can be driven by a separate motor. Alternatively, two adjacent first collimators 2a can be connected to drive assemblies. For example, a first collimator 2a moving horizontally under the drive of a drive assembly can drive its adjacent first collimator 2a to move horizontally. This reduces the complexity of the structure, facilitates installation and driving, and saves resources.

[0073] In the shaping and collimating structure of this application embodiment, since the first collimating members 2a are connected to each other by protrusions 23 and grooves 22, the structure of the protrusions 23 can block the gaps connecting the first collimating members 2a, so that the first set of collimating blocks connected to each other fit tightly, reducing the leakage of the X-ray beam along the gap, improving the imaging quality, while reducing the requirements for the shielding system and enhancing the safety of equipment and personnel.

[0074] In some possible embodiments of this application, at least a portion of the plurality of collimators 2 form a second collimation group A2. Along a plane perpendicular to the preset axis L, each of the second collimators 2b in the second collimation group A2 is rotatable relative to the support 1 so that at least a portion of each second collimator 2b moves closer to or further away from the preset axis L in a plane perpendicular to the preset axis L, thereby changing the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel S.

[0075] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 The alignment structure also includes a connector 3 and a transmission component 4. Both the transmission component 4 and the connector 3 are provided with multiple sliding grooves 31, which extend radially along a direction perpendicular to the preset axis L. Each second alignment component 2b includes two sliding rods 24 respectively disposed at both ends of the second alignment component 2b. One sliding rod 24 extends along the preset axis L toward the connector 3 and is connected to the sliding groove 31 of the connector 3. The other sliding rod 24 extends along the preset axis L toward the transmission component 4 and is connected to the sliding groove 31 of the transmission component 4. The transmission component 4 can rotate around the preset axis L to drive the sliding rods 24 of each second alignment component 2b to move along the sliding groove 31, thereby changing the cross-sectional size of the alignment channel S.

[0076] In this embodiment, the connector 3 is connected to the bracket 1, and the drive assembly is connected to the transmission component 4. Under the drive of the drive assembly, the transmission component 4 moves, causing the second collimator 2b to move. Since the second collimator 2b is connected to both the transmission component 4 and the connector 3, and the slide rod 24 can move along the slide groove 31, the second collimator 2b can move along the slide groove 31 in the drive frame of the drive assembly. This structure allows multiple second sliding components to be driven by one drive assembly, reducing production costs and making it applicable to scenarios such as industrial CT and flaw detection.

[0077] For example, see Figure 6 and Figure 10 The transmission component 4 is a transmission gear, and the drive assembly includes a motor and a drive gear 5. The drive gear 5 meshes with the transmission gear, so that the rotation of the drive gear 5 can drive the rotation of the transmission gear. The transmission gear and the connecting component 3 work together to realize the movement of multiple second collimators 2b.

[0078] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6 and Figure 10The second collimation group A2 includes eight second collimation elements 2b. Every four second collimation elements 2b are respectively equipped with a connector 3 and a transmission element 4 to form a transmission group (see reference). Figure 7 The four second collimators 2b are disposed between the connector 3 and the transmission component 4. In one transmission group, the four second collimators 2b are arranged around a preset axis L. The four second collimators 2b are stacked sequentially along the direction of the preset axis L, and the collimating surface 21 forms at least part of the collimating channel S. Each second collimator 2b has a slide rod 24 at both ends. Two slide rods 24 are disposed on opposite sides of the second collimator 2b. One slide rod 24 is connected to the slide groove 31 of the connector 3, and the other slide rod 24 is connected to the slide groove 31 of the transmission component 4, so that the second collimator 2b can move along the extension direction of the slide groove 31.

[0079] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 10 The eight second collimating elements 2b of the second collimating group A2 form two transmission groups. The transmission elements 4 of the two transmission groups are arranged adjacent to each other, and the four second collimating elements 2b corresponding to the two transmission groups are arranged symmetrically around the preset axis L, so that the four second collimating elements 2b corresponding to the two transmission groups enclose and form a collimation channel S around the preset axis L. Since the transmission elements 4 of the two transmission groups are arranged adjacent to each other, one drive gear 5 can drive two transmission elements 4 (transmission gears) simultaneously, reducing the complexity of the structure.

[0080] Each of the multiple second collimators 2b is provided with a slide rod 24. Each second collimator 2b has two slide rods 24 at both ends. One slide rod 24 extends along the preset axis L toward the connector 3 and is connected to the slide groove 31 of the connector 3. The other slide rod 24 extends along the preset axis L toward the transmission member 4 and is connected to the slide groove 31 of the transmission member 4. With this structure, a transmission connection is formed between the transmission member 4, the second collimator 2b and the connector 3. The transmission member 4 drives the second collimator 2b to move, and the connector 3 limits the movement of the second collimator 2b. Therefore, the slide rod 24 of the second collimator 2b can move along the slide groove 31. Since the slide groove 31 extends radially in a direction perpendicular to the preset axis L, the second collimator 2b can move in a direction perpendicular to the preset axis L.

[0081] Reference Figure 9 When the second aligning member 2b moves along the slide groove 31 toward the preset axis L, the cross-sectional area of ​​the aligning channel S formed by the multiple second aligning members 2b decreases; refer to Figure 8 When the second aligner 2b moves along the slide groove 31 in a direction away from the preset axis L, the cross-sectional area of ​​the aligning channel S formed by the enclosed space of the multiple second aligners 2b increases.

[0082] In another embodiment, each of the second collimators 2b is rotatable relative to the support 1. The rotational motion can be achieved by setting a bearing or bushing on the support 1 as a fulcrum for rotation. The driving method can be that a single motor drives all the second collimators 2b to rotate synchronously through a gear train or linkage mechanism. The rotation axis of each second collimator 2b is not on the preset axis L, but is circumferentially distributed around the preset axis L.

[0083] Driven by a shared linkage ring or gear disk, all the second collimators 2b can rotate synchronously around their respective axes. The rotation of the second collimators 2b can change the diameter of the cylindrical collimation channel S formed by the enclosure.

[0084] For example, refer to Figure 11 Multiple second collimators 2b are disposed inside an annular bushing. The multiple collimators 2b are wound around a preset axis L inside the bushing. The collimation surfaces 21 of each second collimator 2b enclose a collimation channel S. The first end 25 of each second collimator 2b is rotatably connected to the annular bushing, and the second end 26 can rotate around a rotation axis to make the size of the collimation channel S formed by the enclosed parts of the second collimators 2b larger or smaller.

[0085] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A shaping and collimating structure for shaping and collimating rays emitted by a ray source assembly, characterized in that, The shaping and collimation structure includes: support; Multiple collimators are disposed on the support and distributed around a preset axis; the multiple collimators surround the preset axis to form a collimation channel, which is used to shape and collimate the rays emitted by the ray source assembly; the multiple collimators are movable relative to the support to change the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel.

2. The shaping and collimating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of collimating elements constitute at least two collimating groups, and each collimating group encloses a collimating channel; the collimating channels formed by the at least two collimating groups are coaxially distributed along the preset axis.

3. The shaping and collimating structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radial cross-sectional shapes of the collimation channels formed by the collimation groups are different, and the radial cross-section is the cross-section of the collimation channel perpendicular to the preset axis.

4. The shaping and collimating structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the collimating elements includes a collimating surface for enclosing and forming the collimating channel; the collimating group includes a first collimating group and a second collimating group, wherein the collimating surface of each of the collimating elements in the first collimating group is a collimating plane, and the collimating plane is parallel to the preset axis; wherein the collimating surface of each of the collimating elements in the second collimating group is a collimating arc surface, and the generatrix of the collimating arc surface is parallel to the preset axis.

5. The shaping and collimating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least a portion of the plurality of collimators form a first collimation group. Along a plane perpendicular to the preset axis, each first collimator in the first collimation group is capable of linear movement relative to the support, and the movement directions of each first collimator are different.

6. The shaping and collimating structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first collimation group includes at least two first collimating elements, which are connected in sequence. Each first collimating element includes a matching groove and a protrusion. The protrusion of one first collimating element is connected to the groove of another adjacent first collimating element. The two adjacent first collimating elements slide relative to each other through the cooperation of the groove and the protrusion to change the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel.

7. The shaping and collimating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least a portion of the plurality of collimators form a second collimation group along a plane perpendicular to the preset axis. Each second collimator in the second collimation group is rotatable relative to the support so that at least a portion of each second collimator moves closer to or further away from the preset axis in a plane perpendicular to the preset axis, thereby changing the cross-sectional size of the collimation channel.

8. The shaping and collimating structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a connector and a transmission component, both of which are provided with multiple sliding grooves, which extend radially along a direction perpendicular to the preset axis. Each of the second collimating members includes two slide rods respectively disposed at both ends of the second collimating member. One slide rod extends along the preset axis toward the connecting member and is connected to the slide groove of the connecting member; the other slide rod extends along the preset axis toward the transmission member and is connected to the slide groove of the transmission member; the transmission member is rotatable around the preset axis to drive the slide rod of each of the second collimating members to move along the slide groove, thereby changing the cross-sectional size of the collimating channel.

9. The shaping and collimating structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a drive assembly disposed on the bracket, the drive assembly being connected to the plurality of collimators in a transmission manner, the drive assembly being capable of driving the plurality of collimators in the same collimator group to move synchronously.

10. An electron linear accelerator, characterized in that, include: A radiation source assembly, including a beam outlet, wherein the radiation emitted by the radiation source assembly exits the radiation source assembly through the beam outlet; The shaping and collimating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The shaping and collimating structure is disposed on one side of the beam outlet, the preset axis is coaxial with the axis of the beam outlet, and the collimating channel is used to shape and collimate the ray.

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