CT tube with self-cooling function and control method

Abstract

This application provides a CT tube with self-cooling function and a control method thereof, relating to the field of medical diagnostic equipment technology. The CT tube with self-cooling function includes a tube shell, a temperature detection element, an anode target plate, a cathode electron gun, and a bearing assembly. The cathode electron gun is positioned with its emitting surface facing the anode target plate. The bearing assembly has independent lubrication gaps and cooling channels. A liquid lubricating medium is disposed within the lubrication gap, and a lubricating coating is provided on the inner wall of the lubrication gap. The cooling channels are used to transport coolant, and at least a portion of the cooling channels is disposed within the anode target plate or on the side of the anode target plate opposite to the cathode electron gun. When the temperature detection data exceeds a preset threshold, coolant flows through the cooling channels to cool the anode target plate and solidify the liquid lubricating medium. The technical solution of this application can solve the technical problem that the anode target plate is easily damaged when the temperature is too high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of medical diagnostic equipment technology, and in particular relates to a CT tube with self-cooling function and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] CT (Computed Tomography) is a medical imaging technology that uses X-rays to scan the human body from multiple angles and obtain cross-sectional images through computer reconstruction. It can provide clearer and more detailed anatomical information than ordinary X-rays and is widely used to detect lesions such as tumors, fractures, hemorrhages or infections in the brain, chest, abdomen and bones. It is an important tool for rapid clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.

[0003] The CT tube, as one of the core components of a CT scanner, primarily functions to generate and emit X-rays. A CT tube consists of a casing, a cathode electron gun, and an anode target disk. The cathode electron gun emits a high-speed electron beam, while the anode target disk receives the electron beam and generates the X-rays required for CT scans. To meet the varying needs of patients of different body types and for complex clinical examinations in terms of image quality and radiation dose, CT tubes typically switch between high-power and low-power modes. High-power mode is suitable for challenging examinations requiring strong penetration and a high signal-to-noise ratio (such as obese patients, thick anatomical regions, and vascular imaging); low-power mode is suitable for patients of average body size, radiation-sensitive populations, and routine screening scenarios. However, in high-power mode, the anode target disk experiences a rapid temperature increase due to the intense bombardment of the electron beam, which can easily damage the anode target disk and affect the normal operation of the CT tube. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a CT tube with self-cooling function and a control method, which aims to solve the technical problem that the anode target plate is easily damaged in high power mode.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes a CT tube with a self-cooling function, comprising: Tube shell; An anode target disk is disposed inside the tube shell; A cathode electron gun, the cathode electron gun having an emitting surface, is disposed within the tube housing with the emitting surface facing the anode target disk; A bearing assembly is disposed within the housing and connected to the anode target disk. The bearing assembly has independent lubrication gaps and cooling channels. A liquid lubricating medium is disposed within the lubrication gaps, and a lubrication coating is disposed on the inner wall of the lubrication gaps. The lubrication coating is used to lubricate the liquid lubricating medium when it solidifies. The cooling channels are used to transport coolant. At least a portion of the cooling channels is disposed within the anode target disk or on the side of the anode target disk opposite to the cathode electron gun. A temperature sensing element, used to detect the internal temperature of the tube shell in real time; When the temperature detection data exceeds a preset threshold, the coolant flows through the cooling channel to cool the anode target plate.

[0006] In one embodiment, the bearing assembly includes a bearing body and a conveying assembly. The bearing body has a receiving cavity, which is independent of the lubrication gap. The conveying assembly has an input flow channel and an output surface. The conveying assembly is disposed in the receiving cavity with the output surface facing the anode target. The conveying assembly and the inner wall of the receiving cavity form an output flow channel. The input flow channel communicates with the output flow channel to form the cooling flow channel. When the detection data of the temperature sensor exceeds a preset threshold, the coolant flows through the input channel and is sprayed out from the exit surface to cool the anode target plate; after cooling the anode target plate, the coolant flows through the output channel to solidify the liquid lubricating medium.

[0007] In one embodiment, the conveying assembly includes a conveying pipe, a storage block, and a diverter plate. The conveying pipe is provided with a conveying channel. The storage block is connected to the conveying pipe. The diverter plate is disposed on the storage block and surrounds the storage block to form a receiving cavity. The receiving cavity communicates with the conveying channel to form the input channel. The diverter plate has an exit surface on the side opposite to the receiving cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, the conveying assembly further includes an inner tube disposed inside the conveying pipe, a heat insulation cavity being provided between the inner tube and the conveying pipe, and the inner tube communicating with the receiving cavity to form the input flow channel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inner wall or outer wall of the inner tube is provided with a heat-insulating coating.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flow divider is uniformly arranged with a plurality of injection holes, which are gradually narrowed from the side away from the exit surface to the side closer to the exit surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, a guide groove is provided between any two adjacent injection holes or between two partially adjacent injection holes, and the guide groove extends to the outer side of the flow divider plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lubricating coating includes a bonding layer, a wear-resistant layer, and a lubricating layer, wherein the bonding layer, the wear-resistant layer, and the lubricating layer are sequentially disposed on the inner wall of the lubrication gap.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bearing body includes a spindle and a bearing bush. The spindle is disposed inside the housing, and the bearing bush is rotatably disposed on the spindle and surrounds the spindle to form the lubrication gap. The surfaces of both the spindle and the bearing bush that surround the lubrication gap are provided with the lubrication coating. The mandrel is provided with a shaft hole, the anode target disk is disposed on the bearing and surrounds the bearing to form a cavity, and the shaft hole communicates with the cavity to form the receiving cavity.

[0014] In addition, this application also proposes a control method for use in a CT tube with self-cooling function as described above, the control method comprising: Acquire the detection data of the temperature detection device and compare the detection data of the temperature detection device with the value of a first preset threshold. If the temperature detection data is greater than the first preset threshold, the controller controls the pump to run and deliver coolant to the cooling channel to cool the anode target plate and solidify the liquid lubricating medium. The detection data of the temperature detection device is acquired again, and the detection data of the temperature detection device is compared with the second preset threshold. The second preset threshold is less than the first preset threshold. If the temperature detection data is less than the second preset threshold, the controller controls the pump to stop running and stops delivering the coolant to the cooling channel to stop cooling the anode target plate. At this time, the liquid lubricating medium is liquefied by heat.

[0015] The technical solution of this application, by setting a cooling channel within the bearing assembly and applying a lubricating coating to the inner wall of the lubrication gap, can cool the anode target plate when its temperature is too high or the CT tube is in high-power mode, preventing damage to the anode target plate due to high temperature and extending its service life. Specifically, when the detection data of the temperature sensor exceeds a preset threshold, liquid nitrogen or other coolant is introduced into the cooling channel to reduce the temperature of the anode target plate, thereby cooling it and preventing damage due to high temperature, thus extending its service life. During this process, the liquid lubricating medium solidifies due to the low temperature of the coolant. At this time, the lubricating coating provides lubrication for the rotation of the anode target plate, allowing it to rotate continuously during CT tube operation, thus ensuring the reliable operation of the CT tube. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0017] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a CT tube with self-cooling function in one embodiment provided in this application; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the lubrication gap in one embodiment provided in this application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of coolant flow in a cooling channel in one embodiment provided in this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the conveying component in one embodiment provided in this application; Figure 5 A partial structural schematic diagram of the diverter plate in one embodiment provided in this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the bearing body in one embodiment provided in this application; Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the control method in one embodiment provided in this application.

[0018] In the picture: 100, Tube shell; 200, Anode target plate; 300, Cathode electron gun; 310, Emitting surface; 400, Bearing assembly; 410, Bearing body; 411, Mandrel; 411a, Shaft hole; 412, Bearing bush; 412a, Cavity; 413, Lubrication gap; 413a, Liquid lubricating medium; 413b, Lubricating coating; 413c, Bonding layer; 413d, Wear-resistant layer; 413e, Lubricating layer; 414, Receiving cavity; 420, Conveying assembly; 421, Conveying pipe; 422, Storage block; 422a, Receiving cavity; 423, Diverter plate; 423a, Injection hole; 423b, Guide channel; 423c, Emission surface; 424, Inner tube; 424a, Insulation cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component present. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component present.

[0021] It should also be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., these directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly. Furthermore, if the embodiments of the present invention involve descriptions such as "first," "second," "S1," "S2," "step one," "step two," etc., these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of method execution. Those skilled in the art will understand that anything that does not violate the inventive concept and does not contradict the inventive points should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] This application provides a CT tube with self-cooling function and a control method thereon, which aims to solve the technical problem that the anode target plate is easily damaged in high power mode.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 3This application proposes a CT tube with self-cooling function. The CT tube includes a shell 100, an anode target disk 200, a cathode electron gun 300, and a bearing assembly 400, all housed within the shell 100. The shell 100 serves as the outer casing of the CT tube and primarily functions to create a vacuum environment to meet the actual operational requirements of the CT tube. In this embodiment, the shell 100 is composed of two cylindrical sections of unequal diameter, connected to form a T-shaped cavity. The smaller diameter cylindrical section accommodates the mandrel 411 and part of the bearing bush 412 of the bearing assembly 400, while the larger diameter cylindrical section accommodates another portion of the bearing bush 412, the anode target disk 200, and the cathode electron gun 300. In one specific embodiment, to make the shell 100 more aesthetically pleasing, the corners of the cylindrical tube with a larger diameter can be designed as arcs. It is only necessary to ensure that the shell 100 does not interfere with components such as the anode target plate 200 and the cathode electron gun 300.

[0024] When the CT tube is in operation, a high-speed electron beam emitted by the cathode electron gun 300 bombards the focal orbit of the anode target disk 200, thereby generating X-rays and emitting them outward. In this embodiment, the cathode electron gun 300 has an emitting surface 310 for emitting the high-speed electron beam, and the anode target disk 200 is provided with a focal orbit. The cathode electron gun 300 is disposed within the tube housing 100 with its emitting surface 310 facing the focal orbit of the anode target disk 200. The anode target disk 200 has a track surface inclined relative to its central axis, and a portion of the annular area of ​​the track surface serves as the focal orbit to receive the bombardment of the high-speed electron beam.

[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The bearing assembly 400 is disposed within the housing 100 and connected to the anode target disk 200. The bearing assembly 400 has independent lubrication gaps 413 and cooling channels. Liquid lubricating medium 413a is disposed within the lubrication gaps 413, and a lubrication coating 413b is disposed on the inner wall of the lubrication gaps 413. The cooling channels are used to transport coolant, and at least a portion of the cooling channels is disposed within the anode target disk 200 or on the side of the anode target disk 200 opposite to the cathode electron gun 300. In a specific embodiment, the coolant can be liquid nitrogen, liquid argon, etc. Liquid nitrogen is optimized as the coolant because it has advantages such as low cost, good cooling effect, and high safety. The liquid lubricating medium 413a can be liquid metal. It should be noted that when designing the cooling channel within the bearing assembly 400, part of the cooling channel can be located within the anode target plate 200, or the cooling channel can be located on the side of the anode target plate 200 away from the cathode electron gun 300 (i.e., the back side of the anode target plate 200). It is only necessary to ensure that the coolant delivered through the cooling channel can cool the anode target plate 200.

[0026] In this embodiment, the bearing assembly 400 provides support for the anode target disk 200 and drives it to rotate at high speed. By designing the anode target disk 200 to rotate at high speed, the enormous heat generated by the electron beam bombardment can be dispersed, thereby protecting the anode target disk 200. The lubrication gap 413 provided within the bearing assembly 400 is used to accommodate the liquid lubricating medium 413a and the lubricating coating 413b. The liquid lubricating medium 413a provides lubrication when the internal temperature of the tube shell 100 has not reached a preset threshold (at which point the CT tube can be considered to be in low-power mode). The lubricating coating 413b provides lubrication when the internal temperature of the tube shell 100 reaches the preset threshold (at which point the CT tube can be considered to be in high-power mode) and the liquid lubricating medium 413a has solidified. In this embodiment, when the CT tube is working, the bearing assembly 400 is driven to rotate using electromagnetic principles, which in turn drives the anode target disk 200 to rotate. In this embodiment, the bearing assembly 400 includes a bearing body 410, which includes a spindle 411 and a bearing bush 412. The spindle 411 is fixedly installed inside a cylindrical shell 100 with a smaller diameter, and the bearing bush 412 is rotatably installed on the spindle 411. A rotor is provided on the bearing bush 412, and a stator is installed outside the cylindrical shell 100 with a smaller diameter. When the CT tube is working, by energizing the stator, the bearing bush 412 can be driven to rotate using electromagnetic principles, thereby driving the anode target disk 200 to rotate.

[0027] It should be noted that the liquid lubricating medium 413a injected into the lubrication gap 413 needs to maintain a certain level of purity in order to provide sufficient lubrication for the bearing assembly 400. Therefore, no large particles of impurities will be mixed into the liquid lubricating medium 413a. When the liquid lubricating medium 413a solidifies, it will not cause the bearing assembly 400 to seize due to large particles of impurities. Even if particulate impurities are mixed into the liquid lubricating medium 413a, the particle size of these impurities is on the micrometer scale, which will not cause the bearing assembly 400 to seize or be damaged.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2The lubricating coating 413b includes a bonding layer 413c, a wear-resistant layer 413d, and a lubricating layer 413e, which are sequentially disposed on the inner wall of the lubrication gap 413. In this embodiment, the bonding layer 413c is directly attached to the inner wall of the lubrication gap 413 to enhance the bonding force between the coating and the inner wall of the lubrication gap 413; the wear-resistant layer 413d is disposed on the bonding layer 413c to withstand mechanical loads and resist wear; and the lubricating layer 413e is disposed on the wear-resistant layer 413d and in contact with the liquid lubricating medium 413a to provide lubrication when the liquid lubricating medium 413a solidifies. In one specific embodiment, the bonding layer 413c can be a Ni-P layer (chemical nickel-phosphorus plating layer) with a thickness of 5μm to 10μm, the wear-resistant layer 413d can be a CrN layer (chromium oxide layer) with a thickness of 2μm to 5μm, and the lubrication layer 413e can be a graphite layer with a thickness of 1μm to 3μm.

[0029] In this embodiment, the bonding layer 413c, wear-resistant layer 413d, and lubrication layer 413e of the lubrication coating 413b are all micron-sized coatings. When the lubrication layer 413e is a graphite layer of 1μm to 3μm, the reason why the lubrication layer 413e can provide sufficient lubrication for the rotation of the anode target disk 200 when the liquid lubrication medium 413a is cured is that when the liquid lubrication medium 413a is cured due to the low temperature of the coolant, the temperature of its surrounding area is about 10°C. In the range of -170°C to 26°C, the micron-sized graphite layer can always maintain an extremely low coefficient of friction (below 0.001), and it still has good lubrication ability. Therefore, when the liquid metal is cured, the outermost graphite layer of the lubrication coating 413b can provide sufficient lubrication for the rotation of the anode target disk 200.

[0030] Furthermore, the outermost graphite layer meets the high-speed lubrication requirements of the anode target disk 200, primarily due to the synergistic effect of self-lubrication, appropriate microstructure, and impregnation reinforcement. Graphite, with its layered crystal structure, readily forms a stable, low-shear transfer film on the grinding surface during friction and shearing, effectively isolating the friction pair and reducing the friction coefficient. To meet the high-speed rotation requirements of the CT tube's anode target disk 200, the graphite layer requires special treatment. Specifically, it first undergoes semi-graphitization to form a favorable layered structure while retaining sufficient interlayer bonding. Subsequently, a phenolic resin impregnation process fills the surface micropores of the graphite layer, making its structure denser. This enhances the hardness, flexural strength, and compressive strength of the graphite layer, resisting stress and centrifugal force at high speeds.

[0031] It should be noted that when the liquid lubricating medium 413a is not solidified, the lubricating layer 413e on the surface will not react with the liquid lubricating medium 413a. Even if a small amount of lubricating layer 413e is mixed into the liquid lubricating medium 413a during lubrication, since the lubricating layer 413e is made of lubricating materials such as graphite, it will not only not affect the lubrication of the liquid lubricating medium 413a, but will also improve the lubrication capacity of the liquid lubricating medium 413a to a certain extent.

[0032] The CT tube with self-cooling function also includes a temperature detection element, which is disposed outside the tube housing 100 and used to detect the internal temperature of the tube housing 100 in real time. When the detection data of the temperature detection element exceeds a preset threshold, coolant flows through the cooling channel to cool the anode target plate 200 and solidify the liquid lubricating medium 413a. In a specific embodiment, the temperature detection element can be a dual-color infrared thermometer.

[0033] In this embodiment, the CT tube with self-cooling function also includes a controller. The controller is electrically connected to a temperature detection device, which is used to detect the internal temperature of the tube housing 100 in real time. It should be noted that the temperature detection device is installed outside the tube housing 100 to detect the internal temperature of the tube housing 100 in real time. Although the temperature detected by the temperature detection device is only the internal temperature of the tube housing 100, since the CT tube is mainly generated by the high-speed electron beam bombarding the focal orbit of the anode target disk 200, the temperature of the anode target disk 200 can be determined based on the detection threshold of the temperature detection device. The controller is used to acquire the detection data of the temperature detection device and control the operation of the pump installed in the CT equipment according to the detection data to deliver coolant to the cooling channel or stop delivering coolant to the cooling channel. Specifically, when the detection data of the temperature detection device is greater than a preset threshold, the controller will control the operation of the pump installed in the CT equipment to deliver coolant to the cooling channel to cool the anode target disk 200 and solidify the liquid lubricating medium 413a.

[0034] The technical solution of this application, by setting a cooling channel within the bearing assembly 400 and a lubricating coating 413b on the inner wall of the lubrication gap 413, can cool the anode target plate 200 when its temperature is too high, preventing damage due to high temperature and extending its service life. Specifically, when the detection data of the temperature sensor exceeds a preset threshold, liquid nitrogen or other coolant is introduced into the cooling channel to reduce the temperature of the anode target plate 200, thereby cooling it and preventing damage due to high temperature, thus extending its service life. During this process, the liquid lubricating medium 413a solidifies due to the low temperature of the coolant. At this time, the lubricating coating 413b provides lubrication for the rotation of the anode target plate 200, allowing it to rotate continuously during CT tube operation, thus ensuring the reliable operation of the CT tube. This self-cooling CT tube is applied in the fields of CT equipment, medical diagnostic equipment, etc.

[0035] It should be noted that, to prevent surface cracking, warping, or even explosion of the anode target plate 200, and to prevent damage to the CT tube, when supplying liquid nitrogen or other coolants into the cooling channel to lower the temperature of the anode target plate 200, a small amount of liquid nitrogen or other coolant should first be supplied to the cooling channel at a low speed to pre-cool the anode target plate 200. After the temperature of the anode target plate 200 drops (i.e., the temperature difference between the anode target plate 200 and the liquid nitrogen or other coolant decreases), the supply speed and amount of liquid nitrogen or other coolant supplied to the cooling channel should be increased in stages. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cooling channel within the bearing assembly 400 is a circulating channel with an inlet and an outlet. When the coolant is liquid nitrogen, to achieve the recovery and supply of liquid nitrogen or other coolants, a liquid nitrogen regeneration device can be added to the CT equipment to recompress the vaporized nitrogen gas to form liquid nitrogen. Specifically, after the liquid nitrogen delivered to the cooling channel vaporizes due to cooling the anode target 200, the vaporized nitrogen flows along the cooling channel and enters the liquid nitrogen regeneration device from the outlet of the cooling channel. There, it is recompressed into liquid to form liquid nitrogen again. This newly formed liquid nitrogen is then transported back into the cooling channel from the inlet by the liquid nitrogen regeneration device and cools the anode target 200. Thus, the liquid nitrogen can be recycled. This design allows for the recycling of liquid nitrogen without the need for periodic replenishment; only periodic maintenance of the liquid nitrogen regeneration device is required, meeting the daily operating needs of medical equipment.

[0036] CT tubes typically have high-power and low-power modes. In high-power mode, the anode target plate 200 experiences a rapid temperature increase due to intense electron beam bombardment, which can easily damage it, affecting the normal operation and lifespan of the CT tube. It also limits the high-power capability, preventing the tube from reaching the higher power required for more penetrating and high signal-to-noise ratio examinations. In low-power mode, while the anode target plate 200 is not subjected to intense electron beam bombardment, its temperature still rises over time, potentially leading to damage. Therefore, when the temperature of the anode target plate 200 exceeds a preset threshold, the CT scanner usually needs to be shut down for maintenance or repair. This makes the CT tube unsuitable for prolonged hospital operations, impacting the efficiency of CT examinations. The technical solution of this application creatively proposes a CT tube with self-cooling function. The core of its structure is: 1. A combination structure design of multiple lubricating media, that is, a liquid lubricating medium 413a is set in the lubrication gap 413 and a lubricating coating 413b is set on the inner wall of the lubrication gap 413; 2. A cooling channel is at least partially set in the anode target plate 200 or on the back of the anode target plate 200. Through the above structural design, the CT tube with self-cooling function proposed in this application, regardless of whether it is in high power mode or low power mode, will have coolant flowing through the cooling channel to cool the anode target plate 200 when the detection data of the temperature detection device exceeds the preset threshold, thereby reducing the temperature of the anode target plate 200 and thus better protecting the anode target plate 200. At the same time as cooling the anode target plate 200, the liquid lubricating medium 413a will solidify due to the low temperature of the coolant. At this time, the lubricating coating 413b will provide lubrication for the rotation of the anode target plate 200, so that the anode target plate 200 can continue to rotate during the operation of the CT tube, thereby ensuring the reliable operation of the CT tube.

[0037] It should be noted that traditional CT tubes primarily rely on liquid lubricating medium 413a for lubrication. At the outset of this application's design, researchers creatively discovered that using conventional coolants to cool the anode target disk 200 only slightly reduces its temperature, and the anode target disk 200 may still be damaged due to high temperatures. Using cryogenic coolants such as liquid nitrogen to cool the anode target disk 200 causes the liquid lubricating medium 413a to solidify, rendering it unable to provide lubrication. This not only causes significant damage to the bearing assembly 400 but also affects the normal operation of the CT tube. This application creatively adds a lubricating coating 413b to the inner wall of the lubrication gap 413 to provide lubrication for the rotation of the anode target disk 200 when the liquid lubricating medium 413a solidifies. This allows the bearing assembly 400 to operate reliably even when the liquid lubricating medium 413a solidifies, ensuring the normal operation of the CT tube. This is the key to the self-cooling CT tube proposed in this application. In summary, this application creatively sets up a cooling channel inside the CT tube and sets a lubricating coating 413b on the inner wall of the lubrication gap 413, which can cool the anode target plate 200 when the temperature is too high, so as to prevent the anode target plate 200 from being damaged due to high temperature, thereby extending the service life of the CT tube.

[0038] Furthermore, this self-cooling CT tube uses cryogenic coolants such as liquid nitrogen to cool the anode target plate 200, which significantly reduces the temperature of the anode target plate 200, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the CT tube. Specifically, when cryogenic coolants such as liquid nitrogen are supplied to the cooling channel to cool the anode target plate 200, the temperature of the anode target plate 200 drops significantly. At this time, the operating power of the CT tube can be further increased to enhance the penetration capability of the X-rays produced by the CT tube and meet the actual usage requirements of CT equipment.

[0039] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6The bearing assembly 400 includes a bearing body 410 and a conveying assembly 420. The bearing body 410 has a receiving cavity 414, which is independent of the lubrication gap 413. The conveying assembly 420 has an input flow channel and an exit surface 423c. The conveying assembly 420 is disposed in the receiving cavity 414 with the exit surface 423c facing the anode target disk 200. The conveying assembly 420 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 414 form an output flow channel. The input flow channel and the output flow channel are connected to form a cooling flow channel. In this embodiment, the cooling flow channel is designed on the back side of the anode target disk 200, and cooling is achieved by spraying coolant onto the back side of the anode target disk 200 through the exit surface 423c of the conveying assembly 420. This can improve the cooling efficiency of the coolant when cooling the anode target disk 200 and ensure the cooling effect. In a specific embodiment, the central axis of the conveying assembly 420, the central axis of the bearing assembly 400, and the central axis of the shell 100 coincide with each other. Furthermore, to ensure cooling effect, the exit surface 423c of the input channel covers most of the back area of ​​the anode target plate 200, that is, the exit surface 423c of the input channel faces the back of the anode target plate 200, and the ratio of the area of ​​the exit surface 423c to the area of ​​the back of the anode target plate 200 is greater than 80%.

[0040] When the temperature detection data exceeds the preset threshold, the coolant flows through the input channel and is sprayed out from the exit surface 423c. When the coolant sprayed from the exit surface 423c collides with the back of the anode target disk 200, the coolant absorbs the heat of the anode target disk 200 and rapidly vaporizes, thereby cooling the anode target disk 200. The coolant after cooling the anode target disk 200 is still at a low temperature. When the coolant after cooling the anode target disk 200 flows through the output channel, since the output channel is close to the lubrication gap 413, the coolant absorbs the heat of the liquid lubricating medium 413a, so that the liquid lubricating medium 413a solidifies.

[0041] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4The conveying assembly 420 includes a conveying pipe 421, a storage block 422, and a diverter plate 423. The conveying pipe 421 is provided with a conveying channel. The storage block 422 is connected to the conveying pipe 421. The diverter plate 423 is disposed on the storage block 422 and surrounds the storage block 422 to form a receiving cavity 422a. The receiving cavity 422a is connected to the conveying channel to form an input channel. The diverter plate 423 is provided with an exit surface 423c on the side away from the receiving cavity 422a. In this embodiment, the delivery pipe 421 is a hollow straight pipe, and a delivery channel for delivering coolant is provided in the center of the delivery pipe 421; the storage block 422 is connected to the delivery pipe 421, and the diverter plate 423 is disposed on the side of the storage block 422 near the anode target disk 200 and surrounds the storage block 422 to form a receiving cavity 422a that communicates with the delivery channel. The receiving cavity 422a is cylindrical, and the coolant that the receiving cavity 422a can hold is greater than the coolant that the delivery pipe 421 can hold.

[0042] In this embodiment, the receiving cavity 422a is used to store coolant, and the diverter plate 423 is used to divert the coolant. Through the cooperation of the receiving cavity 422a and the diverter plate 423, the coolant can be evenly sprayed onto the back of the anode target plate 200 to improve the cooling effect. Specifically, when the coolant enters the receiving cavity 422a through the conveying channel, the volume of the receiving cavity 422a increases instantaneously, and the coolant is no longer restricted by the pipe wall of the conveying pipe 421. At this time, the coolant will first enter the receiving cavity 422a. After the coolant completely fills the receiving cavity 422a, as the coolant continues to enter, the coolant stored in the receiving cavity 422a is squeezed and will pass through the diverter plate 423. Under the diversion action of the diverter plate 423, it is evenly sprayed onto the back of the anode target plate 200 to absorb the heat of the anode target plate 200 and cool the anode target plate 200. In one specific embodiment, to prevent the coolant from directly impacting the diverter plate 423 when it enters the receiving cavity 422a through the delivery channel, a diverter block can be provided at the connection between the delivery channel and the receiving cavity 422a, wherein the diverter block can be a conical block.

[0043] Please see Figure 4 The conveying assembly 420 also includes an inner tube 424, which is disposed inside the conveying pipe 421. A heat insulation cavity 424a is provided between the inner tube 424 and the conveying pipe 421. The inner tube 424 communicates with the receiving cavity 422a to form an input flow channel. In this embodiment, the heat insulation cavity 424a is a vacuum cavity 412a, and sealing blocks should be provided at both ends of the heat insulation cavity 424a to ensure its sealing. In a specific embodiment, when the inner tube 424 is installed into the conveying pipe 421, a connecting rib can be provided between the inner tube 424 and the conveying pipe 421 to ensure the reliability and stability of the inner tube 424 installed into the conveying pipe 421.

[0044] In this embodiment, the delivery channel and the output channel of the delivery pipe 421 are adjacent. When the coolant is input through the delivery channel, the coolant in the delivery channel will exchange heat with the coolant in the output channel. This will cause the temperature of the coolant sprayed onto the back of the anode target disk 200 through the delivery channel, the receiving cavity 422a, and the distributor plate 423 to decrease, affecting the cooling effect. By providing an inner tube 424 inside the delivery pipe 421 and constructing a vacuum heat-insulating cavity 424a between the inner tube 424 and the delivery pipe 421, heat exchange between the coolant in the delivery channel and the coolant in the output channel can be effectively prevented, thereby ensuring the cooling effect.

[0045] A heat-insulating coating is provided on the inner or outer wall of the inner tube 424. In this embodiment, by providing a heat-insulating coating on the inner or outer wall of the inner tube 424, heat exchange between the coolant in the delivery channel and the coolant in the output channel can be further prevented, ensuring the cooling effect. In a specific embodiment, the heat-insulating coating can be a ceramic coating with extremely low thermal conductivity and good temperature resistance, and the heat-insulating coating is provided on the inner wall of the inner tube 424. In addition, the heat-insulating coating can also be provided on the inner wall of the delivery pipe 421.

[0046] Please see Figure 5 The flow divider 423 has a plurality of injection holes 423a evenly arranged thereon, which are tapered from the side away from the exit surface 423c to the side closer to the exit surface 423c. In this embodiment, by evenly arranging a plurality of injection holes 423a on the flow divider 423, the coolant passing through the receiving cavity 422a through the flow divider 423 can be evenly sprayed onto the back side of the anode target disk 200, absorbing the heat of the anode target disk 200 and cooling the anode target disk 200. Designing the injection holes 423a as tapering from the side away from the exit surface 423c to the side closer to the exit surface 423c increases the flow velocity of the coolant ejected from the injection holes 423a, thereby improving the cooling effect. Specifically, when the coolant is ejected at high speed through the tapered injection hole 423a and impacts the anode target disk 200, the coolant rapidly diffuses in all directions to cover the back of the anode target disk 200, thereby more efficiently absorbing the heat of the anode target disk 200 and cooling the anode target disk 200. In a specific embodiment, the tapering angle of the injection hole 423a can be 5°~30°, preferably 10°~20°.

[0047] Please see Figure 5A guide groove 423b is provided between any two adjacent injection holes 423a or between two partially adjacent injection holes 423a, and the guide groove 423b extends to the outer side of the flow divider plate 423. In this embodiment, the guide groove 423b is used to provide an exhaust channel for the gas formed after the liquid nitrogen or other coolant vaporizes, so as to prevent the gas formed after the liquid nitrogen or other coolant vaporizes from accumulating between the exit surface 423c of the flow divider plate 423 and the back side of the anode target disk 200. Specifically, when liquid nitrogen or other coolant is sprayed onto the back of the anode target plate 200 to absorb its heat, the liquid nitrogen or other coolant will rapidly vaporize. At this time, the vaporized liquid nitrogen or other coolant will accumulate between the outlet surface 423c of the splitter plate 423 and the back of the anode target plate 200 to form an air cushion layer. This will hinder the direct contact between the subsequent coolant and the back of the anode target plate 200, and may even affect the normal ejection of the coolant from the injection hole 423a. By setting a guide groove 423b between adjacent injection holes 423a, the gas formed after the liquid nitrogen or other coolant vaporizes can be guided to be discharged into the subsequent output channel. Thus, the gas formed after the liquid nitrogen or other coolant vaporizes can be prevented from accumulating between the outlet surface 423c of the splitter plate 423 and the back of the anode target plate 200, ensuring the normal ejection of the coolant from the injection hole 423a.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the flow divider 423 is provided with a plurality of injection holes 423a in a rectangular array, wherein the injection holes 423a are divided into multiple groups arranged laterally and multiple groups arranged longitudinally; in the CT tube of this application, the guide grooves 423b are provided between the multiple groups of injection holes 423a arranged laterally. Correspondingly, in order to facilitate the smooth discharge of the gas formed after the liquid nitrogen or other coolant vaporizes, the guide grooves 423b can also be provided between the multiple groups of injection holes 423a arranged longitudinally.

[0049] Please see Figure 6 The bearing body 410 includes a spindle 411 and a bearing bush 412. The spindle 411 is disposed inside the housing 100. The bearing bush 412 is rotatably disposed on the spindle 411 and surrounds the spindle 411 to form a lubrication gap 413. Both the surfaces of the spindle 411 and the bearing bush 412 that surround the lubrication gap 413 are provided with a lubrication coating 413b. The spindle 411 is provided with a shaft hole 411a. The anode target disk 200 is disposed on the bearing bush 412 and surrounds the bearing bush 412 to form a cavity 412a. The shaft hole 411a communicates with the cavity 412a to form a receiving cavity 414. In this embodiment, the shaft hole 411a provided in the spindle 411 is used to accommodate the delivery pipe 421, and the cavity 412a formed by the anode target disk 200 and the bearing 412 is used to accommodate the storage block 422 and the diverter block. Furthermore, the accommodating cavity 414 formed by the connection between the shaft hole 411a and the cavity 412a is T-shaped.

[0050] When the CT tube is working, the bearing assembly 400 is driven to rotate using electromagnetic principles, which in turn drives the anode target disk 200 to rotate. In this embodiment, the bearing body 410 includes a spindle 411 and a bearing bush 412. The spindle 411 is fixedly installed inside a cylindrical shell 100 with a smaller diameter, and the bearing bush 412 is rotatably installed on the spindle 411. A rotor is provided on the bearing bush 412, and a stator is installed outside the cylindrical shell 100 with a smaller diameter. When the CT tube is working, by energizing the stator, the bearing bush 412 can be driven to rotate using electromagnetic principles, which in turn drives the anode target disk 200 to rotate.

[0051] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control method is applied to the aforementioned CT tube with self-cooling function, and includes: S100: Obtain the detection data of the temperature detection device and compare the detection data of the temperature detection device with the value of the first preset threshold. If the temperature detection data exceeds the first preset threshold, the controller controls the pump to run in order to deliver coolant to the cooling channel. S200: Acquire the detection data of the temperature detection device again, and compare the detection data of the temperature detection device with the second preset threshold. The second preset threshold is less than the first preset threshold. If the temperature detection data is less than the second preset threshold, the controller controls the pump to stop running, so as to stop delivering coolant to the cooling channel.

[0052] In the above steps, by setting a first preset threshold as the start threshold and a second start threshold as the stop threshold, and the second preset threshold being less than the first preset threshold, a hysteresis control logic can be formed to prevent the pump body from frequently starting and stopping when the detection data of the temperature detection device fluctuates around the first preset threshold, thereby protecting the pump body and preventing excessive cooling or unnecessary coolant consumption. Specifically, when the temperature sensor reading exceeds the first preset threshold, the controller will control the pump to run, delivering coolant to the cooling channel, thereby cooling the anode target plate 200 and solidifying the liquid lubricating medium 413a. At this time, the lubricating coating 413b will provide lubrication for the rotation of the anode target plate 200. After the CT tube has been running for a period of time, when the temperature sensor reading is less than the second preset threshold, the controller will control the pump to stop running, stopping the delivery of coolant to the cooling channel. At this time, the anode target plate 200 is no longer cooled by the coolant. Correspondingly, the heat generated by the anode target plate 200 will be conducted to the lubrication gap 413 through the bearing 412. The liquid lubricating medium in the lubrication gap 413 will be converted into liquid after being heated, thereby providing lubrication for the rotation of the anode target plate 200 again.

[0053] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A CT tube with self-cooling function, characterized in that, include: Tube shell; An anode target disk is disposed inside the tube shell; A cathode electron gun, the cathode electron gun having an emitting surface, is disposed within the tube housing with the emitting surface facing the anode target disk; A bearing assembly is disposed within the housing and connected to the anode target disk. The bearing assembly has independent lubrication gaps and cooling channels. A liquid lubricating medium is disposed within the lubrication gaps, and a lubrication coating is disposed on the inner wall of the lubrication gaps. The lubrication coating is used to lubricate the liquid lubricating medium when it solidifies. The cooling channels are used to transport coolant. At least a portion of the cooling channels is disposed within the anode target disk or on the side of the anode target disk opposite to the cathode electron gun. A temperature sensing element, used to detect the internal temperature of the tube shell in real time; When the temperature detection data exceeds a preset threshold, the coolant flows through the cooling channel to cool the anode target plate.

2. The CT tube with self-cooling function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bearing assembly includes a bearing body and a conveying assembly. The bearing body is provided with a receiving cavity, which is independent of the lubrication gap. The conveying assembly is provided with an input flow channel and has an exit surface. The conveying assembly is disposed in the receiving cavity with the exit surface facing the anode target disk. The conveying assembly and the inner wall of the receiving cavity form an output flow channel. The input flow channel and the output flow channel communicate to form the cooling flow channel. When the detection data of the temperature sensor exceeds a preset threshold, the coolant flows through the input channel and is sprayed out from the exit surface to cool the anode target plate; after cooling the anode target plate, the coolant flows through the output channel to solidify the liquid lubricating medium.

3. The CT tube with self-cooling function as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying assembly includes a conveying pipe, a storage block, and a diverter plate. The conveying pipe is provided with a conveying channel. The storage block is connected to the conveying pipe. The diverter plate is disposed on the storage block and surrounds the storage block to form a receiving cavity. The receiving cavity is connected to the conveying channel to form the input channel. The diverter plate has an exit surface on the side opposite to the receiving cavity.

4. The CT tube with self-cooling function as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying assembly further includes an inner tube disposed inside the conveying pipe, and a heat insulation cavity is provided between the inner tube and the conveying pipe. The inner tube communicates with the receiving cavity to form the input flow channel.

5. The CT tube with self-cooling function as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The inner wall or outer wall of the inner tube is provided with a heat-insulating coating.

6. The CT tube with self-cooling function as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The flow divider plate is evenly arranged with multiple injection holes, which are gradually narrowed from the side away from the emission surface to the side closer to the emission surface.

7. The CT tube with self-cooling function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A guide groove is provided between any two adjacent injection holes or between two partially adjacent injection holes, and the guide groove extends to the outer side of the flow divider plate.

8. The CT tube with self-cooling function as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The lubricating coating includes a bonding layer, a wear-resistant layer, and a lubricating layer, which are sequentially disposed on the inner wall of the lubrication gap.

9. The CT tube with self-cooling function as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bearing body includes a spindle and a bearing bush. The spindle is disposed inside the tube housing. The bearing bush is rotatably disposed on the spindle and surrounds the spindle to form the lubrication gap. The surfaces of the spindle and the bearing bush that surround the lubrication gap are both provided with the lubrication coating. The mandrel is provided with a shaft hole, the anode target disk is disposed on the bearing and surrounds the bearing to form a cavity, and the shaft hole communicates with the cavity to form the receiving cavity.

10. A control method applied to a CT tube with self-cooling function as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The control method includes: Acquire the detection data of the temperature detection device and compare the detection data of the temperature detection device with the value of a first preset threshold. If the temperature detection data is greater than the first preset threshold, the controller controls the pump to run and deliver coolant to the cooling channel to cool the anode target plate and solidify the liquid lubricating medium. The detection data of the temperature detection device is acquired again, and the detection data of the temperature detection device is compared with the second preset threshold. The second preset threshold is less than the first preset threshold. If the temperature detection data is less than the second preset threshold, the controller controls the pump to stop running and stops delivering the coolant to the cooling channel to stop cooling the anode target plate. At this time, the liquid lubricating medium is liquefied by heat.

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