X-ray tube packaging structure and packaging method

Abstract

The application discloses an X-ray light tube packaging structure and a packaging method, relates to the field of X-ray light tube packaging, and comprises an insulating tube and two packaging mechanisms symmetrically arranged at two ends of the insulating tube, wherein the packaging mechanism comprises a metal tube, an end cover, a sealing ring and a locking piece, two metal tubes are respectively and sealingly connected to the two ends of the insulating tube, two end covers are respectively used for fixing an anode heat dissipation module and a cathode interface module, an outer thread is arranged on the outer wall of the metal tube, the end cover is arranged at the end of the metal tube away from the insulating tube, the sealing ring is arranged between the end cover and the metal tube, the sealing ring is made of a metal material capable of being plastically deformed, an inner thread matched with the outer thread structure is arranged on the inner wall of the locking piece, the locking piece is threadedly connected to the outside of the metal tube, and the sealing ring can be extruded by extruding the end cover. The X-ray light tube packaging structure and the packaging method improve the light tube packaging efficiency and the sealing reliability, improve the vacuum quality and purity, and reduce the maintenance cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of X-ray tube packaging, and in particular to an X-ray tube packaging structure and packaging method. Background Technology

[0002] X-ray tubes are used in medicine for diagnosis and treatment, and in industrial technology for non-destructive testing of materials, structural analysis, and spectral analysis. An X-ray tube is a vacuum diode operating at high voltage, containing two electrodes, a cathode and an anode, both sealed within a high-vacuum glass or metal-ceramic casing.

[0003] Currently, there are two main packaging technologies: glass packaging and metal-ceramic packaging. Glass-packaged X-ray tubes have the advantages of simple structure and low cost, but their power is generally lower, and they are mostly used in fluorescence analysis instruments. The anode of a glass-packaged tube is usually welded to the glass bowl and shell using a Kovar ring. However, because the anode is relatively heavy, the glass bowl becomes a stress concentration point, making it prone to breakage and resulting in lower mechanical strength. Metal-ceramic packaged X-ray tubes, on the other hand, generally use brazing of the anode body to ceramic to achieve a sealed connection with the X-ray machine. This allows the anode body to protrude outside the X-ray machine housing and be directly fixed to the heat sink for heat dissipation, thus greatly improving mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. After the welding is completed, a vacuum is applied.

[0004] The above two packaging methods have many drawbacks in terms of packaging efficiency, sealing reliability, vacuum quality and purity, and maintenance cost. Specifically, (1) Low packaging efficiency of the optical tube: The traditional optical tube process is complex, and it takes a long time for glass fusion or brazing, vacuuming and degassing. (2) Low sealing reliability: The sealing reliability of the traditional optical tube is highly dependent on the quality of the final sealing step (such as glass fusion and brazing). Any slight defect may lead to slow leakage. (3) Low vacuum quality and purity: When assembled in an atmospheric environment, the inner surface of the tube shell and the components will adsorb gases such as water vapor, nitrogen, and oxygen. During the vacuuming process, these adsorbed gases are gradually released (i.e., "venting"), which may lead to a decrease or fluctuation in the vacuum level. Even after a long period of degassing and baking, trace amounts of gas may still remain, affecting the performance and lifespan of the X-ray tube. (4) High maintenance cost: Once the traditional method is packaged, if the internal cathode or anode is damaged, it is usually very difficult to repair and often requires the replacement of the entire X-ray tube, which is costly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the above technical problems, this invention provides an X-ray tube packaging structure and packaging method, which improves the packaging efficiency and sealing reliability of the tube, enhances vacuum quality and purity, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides an X-ray tube packaging structure, including an insulating tube and two packaging mechanisms symmetrically arranged at both ends of the insulating tube. Each packaging mechanism includes a metal tube, end caps, sealing rings, and locking components. The two metal tubes are respectively sealed to both ends of the insulating tube. The two end caps are respectively used to fix an anode heat dissipation module and a cathode interface module. The outer wall of the metal tube is provided with external threads. The end caps are located at the end of the metal tube furthest from the insulating tube. The sealing ring is provided between the end caps and the metal tube. The sealing ring is made of a metal material capable of plastic deformation. The inner wall of the locking component is provided with internal threads matching the external thread structure. The locking component is threaded to the outside of the metal tube and can compress the sealing ring by pressing the end caps.

[0007] Preferably, a first annular CF cutter is provided on the side of the metal tube near the end cap, and a second annular CF cutter is provided on the side of the end cap near the metal tube. The first annular CF cutter and the second annular CF cutter have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged. The sealing ring is pressed into the first annular CF cutter and the second annular CF cutter.

[0008] Preferably, the locking component includes a locking nut and an annular pressure plate disposed at one end of the locking nut. The inner wall of the locking nut has the internal thread. The locking nut is threaded to the outside of the metal tube. The annular pressure plate can compress the sealing ring by pressing the end cap.

[0009] Preferably, the locking nut is a hexagonal nut.

[0010] Preferably, the sealing ring is an oxygen-free copper sealing ring.

[0011] Preferably, the insulating tube is a ceramic tube.

[0012] Preferably, the metal tube is a Kovar alloy tube.

[0013] Preferably, the ceramic tube and the Kovar alloy tube are connected by an active brazing process.

[0014] Preferably, the ceramic tube is made of high-purity alumina ceramic, and the Kovar alloy tube is made of 4J33 Kovar alloy.

[0015] The present invention also provides a packaging method for an X-ray tube packaging structure, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Fix the anode heat dissipation module to one of the end caps, fix the cathode interface module to the other end cap, and seal the two metal tubes to both ends of the insulating tube respectively. Step 2: Assemble the end cap, a sealing ring, and a locking member that are fixed to the anode heat dissipation module in a vacuum environment, such that the sealing ring is located between the metal tube and the end cap, and the locking member is threaded to the outside of the metal tube. Step 3: Assemble the end cap, another sealing ring, and another locking member with the cathode interface module fixed thereon in a vacuum environment, such that the sealing ring is located between the metal tube and the end cap, and the locking member is threaded to the outside of the metal tube. Step 4: Using a vacuum manipulator, one of the locking components is turned in a vacuum environment, so that the locking component compresses the sealing ring by pressing the end cap, thus completing the fastening and sealing of one end; using a vacuum manipulator, the other locking component is turned in a vacuum environment, so that the other locking component compresses the sealing ring by pressing the other end cap, thus completing the fastening and sealing of the other end.

[0016] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: The X-ray tube packaging structure of this invention includes an insulating tube and two packaging mechanisms symmetrically arranged at both ends of the insulating tube. Each packaging mechanism includes a metal tube, end caps, sealing rings, and locking components. The two end caps are respectively used to fix the anode heat dissipation module and the cathode interface module. This application uses a vacuum robot to tighten the locking components in a vacuum environment for secure packaging, eliminating the need for additional vacuuming, resulting in higher assembly efficiency and improved tube packaging efficiency. A sealing ring is provided between the end caps and the metal tube. The sealing ring is made of a metal material capable of plastic deformation; after being compressed and deformed, it forms an effective seal, improving sealing reliability. Direct assembly and packaging in a vacuum environment greatly avoids the introduction of pollutants such as moisture and oxygen from the atmosphere, significantly reducing the outgassing of the internal components. This facilitates obtaining a purer and more stable high-vacuum environment, laying the foundation for the long-term stable operation of the X-ray tube and improving vacuum quality and purity. The packaging method of this application allows for individual disassembly and replacement of the anode or cathode assembly after damage, eliminating the need to scrap the entire X-ray tube and significantly reducing maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of the X-ray tube packaging structure provided by the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view along the middle AA direction; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the upper middle section.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Insulating tube; 2. Metal tube; 3. Sealing ring; 4. End cap; 5. Locking nut; 6. Annular pressure plate; 7. First annular CF blade edge; 8. Second annular CF blade edge; 9. Anode heat dissipation module; 10. Cathode interface module. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] The purpose of this invention is to provide an X-ray tube packaging structure and packaging method that improves the packaging efficiency and sealing reliability of the tube, enhances vacuum quality and purity, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides an X-ray tube packaging structure, including an insulating tube 1 and two packaging mechanisms symmetrically arranged at both ends of the insulating tube 1. The packaging mechanism includes a metal tube 2, an end cap 4, a sealing ring 3, and a locking member. The two metal tubes 2 are respectively sealed and connected to both ends of the insulating tube 1. The two end caps 4 are respectively used to fix the anode heat dissipation module 9 and the cathode interface module 10. The outer wall of the metal tube 2 is provided with external threads. The end cap 4 is located at the end of the metal tube 2 away from the insulating tube 1. A sealing ring 3 is provided between the end cap 4 and the metal tube 2. The sealing ring 3 is made of a metal material that can undergo plastic deformation. The inner wall of the locking member is provided with internal threads that match the external thread structure. The locking member is threaded to the outside of the metal tube 2 and can compress the sealing ring 3 by squeezing the end cap 4. After the sealing ring 3 is squeezed and deformed, it can form an effective seal, improving the sealing reliability.

[0024] like Figure 3As shown, a first annular CF cutter 7 is provided on the side of the metal tube 2 near the end cap 4, and a second annular CF cutter 8 is provided on the side of the end cap 4 near the metal tube 2. The first annular CF cutter 7 and the second annular CF cutter 8 have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged. The sealing ring 3 is pressed between the first annular CF cutter 7 and the second annular CF cutter 8.

[0025] In this embodiment, a sealing ring 3 made of a metal material capable of plastic deformation is used in conjunction with a first annular CF cutter edge 7 and a second annular CF cutter edge 8. This structure has extremely low leakage and escaping rates. When the locking element is tightened, the end cap 4 presses against the sealing ring 3 to achieve a high-vacuum seal.

[0026] The locking component includes a locking nut 5 and an annular pressure plate 6 disposed at one end of the locking nut 5. The inner wall of the locking nut 5 has internal threads. The locking nut 5 is threaded to the outside of the metal tube 2. The annular pressure plate 6 can compress the sealing ring 3 by compressing the end cap 4.

[0027] To facilitate tightening the locking nut 5, the locking nut 5 in this embodiment is a hexagonal nut.

[0028] In this embodiment, the end cap 4 is made of stainless steel.

[0029] In this embodiment, the sealing ring 3 is an oxygen-free copper sealing ring. When the end cap 4 is tightened with the locking device, the sealing surface of the end cap 4 will compress the oxygen-free copper sealing ring, causing it to undergo plastic deformation and fill all microscopic unevenness, forming an excellent vacuum seal. The excellent plasticity of oxygen-free copper ensures that this seal can be reused multiple times. When replacement is required, only a new oxygen-free copper sealing ring needs to be replaced after maintenance.

[0030] In this specific embodiment, the insulating tube 1 is a ceramic tube. The ceramic tube is compatible with both hot cathode phototubes and cold cathode phototubes.

[0031] In this specific embodiment, the metal tube 2 is a Kovar alloy tube. The linear expansion coefficient of the ceramic tube matches that of the Kovar alloy tube, which is the basis for achieving vacuum-sealed brazing.

[0032] Specifically, the ceramic tube and the Kovar alloy tube are connected using an active brazing process. During brazing, the active elements in the brazing filler metal react with the ceramic surface to form a composite reaction layer, thereby achieving good wetting and metallurgical bonding between the brazing filler metal and the ceramic, resulting in a permanent joint with high strength and high airtightness. This connection is non-removable, ensuring the vacuum seal and mechanical strength of the main structure.

[0033] In this specific embodiment, the ceramic tube is made of high-purity alumina ceramic, and the Kovar alloy tube is made of 4J33 Kovar alloy. The linear expansion coefficient of the high-purity alumina ceramic matches that of the 4J33 Kovar alloy, which facilitates the permanent, high-strength, and highly airtight connection between the ceramic tube and the Kovar alloy tube through an active brazing process.

[0034] This embodiment also provides a packaging method for an X-ray tube packaging structure, including the following steps: Step 1: Fix the anode heat dissipation module 9 to one end cap 4, and fix the cathode interface module 10 to the other end cap 4. Seal and connect the two metal tubes 2 to both ends of the insulating tube 1 respectively. Specifically, the metal tube 2 made of Kovar alloy and the insulating tube 1 made of ceramic are connected by active brazing. Specifically, the anode heat dissipation module 9 is fixed to one end cap 4 by brazing, and the cathode interface module 10 is fixed to the other end cap 4 by brazing.

[0035] Step 2: Assemble the end cap 4, a sealing ring 3, and a locking component that are fixed to the anode heat dissipation module 9 in a vacuum environment, so that the sealing ring 3 is located between the metal tube 2 and the end cap 4, and the locking component is threaded to the outside of the metal tube 2; the anode heat dissipation module 9 extends through the metal tube 2 into the insulating tube 1.

[0036] Step 3: Assemble the end cap 4, another sealing ring 3, and another locking component that are fixed to the cathode interface module 10 in a vacuum environment, so that the sealing ring 3 is located between the metal tube 2 and the end cap 4, and the locking component is threaded to the outside of the metal tube 2; the cathode interface module 10 is located in the metal tube 2.

[0037] Step 4: Using a vacuum manipulator, tighten one locking component in a vacuum environment. This tightening component compresses a sealing ring 3 by pressing an end cap 4. An oxygen-free copper sealing ring is compressed into a first annular CF cutting edge 7 and a second annular CF cutting edge 8, completing the fastening and sealing of one end. Using the same vacuum manipulator, tighten another locking component in a vacuum environment. This other locking component compresses another sealing ring 3 by pressing another end cap 4. Another oxygen-free copper sealing ring is compressed into another first annular CF cutting edge 7 and another second annular CF cutting edge 8, completing the fastening and sealing of the other end.

[0038] When maintenance is required, unscrew the locking mechanism and remove it, then remove end cap 4 to remove the anode or cathode assembly from the tube body for replacement.

[0039] This application utilizes a vacuum robotic arm to tighten and seal the components in a vacuum environment, eliminating the need for additional vacuuming and resulting in higher assembly efficiency and improved X-ray tube packaging efficiency. Direct assembly and packaging in a vacuum environment significantly reduces the introduction of atmospheric contaminants such as moisture and oxygen, substantially decreasing the outgassing of internal components. This facilitates a purer and more stable high-vacuum environment, laying the foundation for long-term stable operation of the X-ray tube and improving vacuum quality and purity. Furthermore, this packaging method allows for individual disassembly and replacement of the anode or cathode assembly in case of damage, eliminating the need to scrap the entire X-ray tube and significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0040] This specification uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. An X-ray tube packaging structure, characterized in that, The device includes an insulating tube and two encapsulation mechanisms symmetrically arranged at both ends of the insulating tube. Each encapsulation mechanism includes a metal tube, end caps, sealing rings, and locking components. The two metal tubes are respectively sealed and connected to both ends of the insulating tube. The two end caps are respectively used to fix an anode heat dissipation module and a cathode interface module. The outer wall of the metal tube is provided with external threads. The end caps are located at the end of the metal tube away from the insulating tube. The sealing ring is provided between the end caps and the metal tube. The sealing ring is made of a metal material that can undergo plastic deformation. The inner wall of the locking component is provided with internal threads that match the external thread structure. The locking component is threaded to the outside of the metal tube and can compress the sealing ring by pressing the end caps.

2. The X-ray tube packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal tube has a first annular CF cutter on the side near the end cap, and the end cap has a second annular CF cutter on the side near the metal tube. The first and second annular CF cutters have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged. The sealing ring is pressed between the first and second annular CF cutters.

3. The X-ray tube packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking component includes a locking nut and an annular pressure plate disposed at one end of the locking nut. The inner wall of the locking nut has internal threads. The locking nut is threaded to the outside of the metal tube. The annular pressure plate can compress the sealing ring by pressing the end cap.

4. The X-ray tube packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking nut is a hexagonal nut.

5. The X-ray tube packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing ring is an oxygen-free copper sealing ring.

6. The X-ray tube packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating tube is a ceramic tube.

7. The X-ray tube packaging structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The metal pipe is made of Kovar alloy.

8. The X-ray tube packaging structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ceramic tube and the Kovar alloy tube are connected by an active brazing process.

9. The X-ray tube packaging structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ceramic tube is made of high-purity alumina ceramic, and the Kovar alloy tube is made of 4J33 Kovar alloy.

10. A packaging method for an X-ray tube packaging structure as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Fix the anode heat dissipation module to one of the end caps, fix the cathode interface module to the other end cap, and seal the two metal tubes to both ends of the insulating tube respectively. Step 2: Assemble the end cap, a sealing ring, and a locking member that are fixed to the anode heat dissipation module in a vacuum environment, such that the sealing ring is located between the metal tube and the end cap, and the locking member is threaded to the outside of the metal tube. Step 3: Assemble the end cap, another sealing ring, and another locking member with the cathode interface module fixed thereon in a vacuum environment, such that the sealing ring is located between the metal tube and the end cap, and the locking member is threaded to the outside of the metal tube. Step 4: Using a vacuum manipulator, one of the locking components is turned in a vacuum environment, so that the locking component compresses the sealing ring by pressing the end cap, thus completing the fastening and sealing of one end; using a vacuum manipulator, the other locking component is turned in a vacuum environment, so that the other locking component compresses the sealing ring by pressing the other end cap, thus completing the fastening and sealing of the other end.

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