Out-of-focus ray aperture for x-ray radiator

Abstract

The utility model relates to a focus external ray aperture for an X-ray radiator and the X-ray radiator. According to the utility model, the out-of-focus ray aperture for the X-ray radiator is provided with a disc-shaped ray forming element made of a material which cannot be penetrated by X-rays, an X-ray effective beam is shaped from an X-ray beam incident on an out-of-focus ray aperture and an X-ray measurement beam is additionally shaped separately from the X-ray effective beam, the disk-shaped ray shaping element having two opposite end faces and a radial side surface between the end faces, wherein the cross-section of the radial side surface has approximately a trapezoidal shape, and wherein the disc-shaped radiation shaping element has at least one recess for shaping the X-ray measuring beam, and wherein the at least one recess has a tapered cross-section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an external ray aperture for an X-ray radiator and such an X-ray radiator. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional X-ray tubes typically have an anode and a cathode, which are housed within a vacuum-sealed housing. An electric accelerating field is typically applied between the anode and cathode to accelerate electrons emitted at the cathode. After acceleration in the accelerating field, the electrons are projected onto a focal spot at the anode, where an X-ray beam is generated through the interaction of the incident electrons with the anode.

[0003] The accelerating field is provided, in particular, by an accelerating unit. The accelerating unit is, in particular, an accelerating voltage source or a radio frequency source.

[0004] Based on the X-ray tube, the accelerating field can be designed relatively simply, especially when the distance between the anode and cathode is relatively small. In this case, the accelerating field can be generated and turned off essentially by switching the accelerating unit on and off. Generally, the more complex the X-ray tube, the more functional the accelerating unit.

[0005] For example, the acceleration unit may include a deflection unit and / or a focusing unit. The focusing unit may in particular be designed to influence the acceleration field, such that the size of the focal spot on the anode, i.e., its diameter, length, and / or width, can be changed.

[0006] The deflection unit is specifically designed to influence the accelerating field, allowing for changes in the position of the focal spot on the anode. In rotating anode X-ray tubes, the deflection region where the focal spot position is variable is typically significantly smaller than in rotating shell-and-tube X-ray tubes. This is because, in rotating anode X-ray tubes, the cathode is usually positioned directly above the focal spot or above the focal trajectory formed by the focal spot moving in a ring-like manner relative to the axis of rotation of the anode. Conversely, in rotating shell-and-tube X-ray tubes, the cathode is centrally positioned above the anode on the axis of rotation, requiring electrons emitted there to be deflected along a longer path to the dispersed focal trajectory compared to rotating anode X-ray tubes.

[0007] To allow adjustment of the focal spot position, a focal spot prediction unit and / or X-ray measuring equipment can be used. The X-ray measuring equipment is specifically aimed at the focal spot of the anode so that the focal spot can preferably be directly detected, or rather, seen. For the X-ray measuring equipment to detect the focal spot, the cross-section of the X-ray beam at the anode of such an X-ray tube is typically relatively large.

[0008] The larger the cross-section of the X-ray beam, the more X-rays are generated in the focal spot upon impact with the X-ray detector. Ideally, only the effective X-ray beam impacts the X-ray detector, which typically includes only the X-rays generated in the focal spot and / or no scattered rays. The effective X-ray beam specifically includes the imaging portion of the X-ray beam. In particular, these X-rays generated outside the focal spot by electrons randomly striking the anode and forming so-called out-of-focus rays generally negatively affect the image quality of the image reconstructed by means of X-rays detected at the X-ray detector. Reduction of the X-ray beam cross-section, typically achieved through a conventional frame aperture through which the X-ray beam passes, is generally not feasible or only partially feasible because the visibility of the focal spot for the X-ray measuring device must continue to be ensured. Utility Model Content

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an external beam aperture for an X-ray radiator and an X-ray radiator that can reduce the proportion of scattered radiation in the X-ray beam.

[0010] The stated objective is achieved by features according to embodiments of the present invention. Advantageous design solutions are described in embodiments according to the present invention.

[0011] Regardless of the grammatical part of speech of a particular term, people with male or female gender identities are included.

[0012] The external beam aperture for an X-ray radiator according to this invention has the following features:

[0013] - A disc-shaped radiation forming element made of a material impermeable to X-rays.

[0014] The disc-shaped X-ray shaping element is designed to shape an effective X-ray beam from the X-ray beam incident on the external X-ray aperture and additionally shape an X-ray measuring beam in a manner separate from the effective X-ray beam.

[0015] The disc-shaped ray forming element has two opposing end faces and a radial side surface between the end faces.

[0016] The cross-section of the radial side surface is approximately trapezoidal in shape.

[0017] The disc-shaped X-ray shaping element has at least one empty space for shaping the X-ray measurement beam.

[0018] At least one of the blank sections has a tapered cross section.

[0019] The X-ray radiator according to this utility model has the following features:

[0020] - An X-ray tube used to generate an X-ray beam.

[0021] -According to the focal outer ray aperture of this utility model,

[0022] The X-ray tube has an X-ray exit window for the X-ray beam.

[0023] The external X-ray aperture is set perpendicular to the X-ray exit window, so that the end face of the disc-shaped X-ray forming element is approximately parallel to the X-ray beam orientation.

[0024] The advantage of the external-focus X-ray aperture according to this invention is that the X-ray beam can be segmented by separating the effective X-ray beam from the X-ray measurement beam. This segmentation of the X-ray beam is particularly advantageous because it significantly improves image quality. In short, it can especially reduce scattered radiation that negatively impacts image quality. Particularly advantageous is the reduction of external-focus radiation using the external-focus X-ray aperture according to this invention.

[0025] The disc-shaped radiation forming element is constructed particularly thinly in the thickness direction of the radiation forming element. It is advantageous to construct the radiation forming element as thin as possible. In particular, the dimensions in the thickness direction of the radiation forming element, especially one of the two dimensions perpendicular to the thickness direction, are at least twice as large, preferably five times as large, or greater than a multiple of 10. The dimensions perpendicular to the thickness direction can be the same or can be different, and especially in the longitudinal direction. The dimensions in the corresponding spatial direction can be at least partially constant or can be varied.

[0026] The disc-shaped radiation shaping element is made of an X-ray impermeable material. This X-ray impermeable material can be particularly used to separate the effective X-ray beam from the X-ray measuring beam in a manner whereby the X-ray beam is attenuated in sections through the X-ray impermeable material in a region, and said region separates the effective X-ray beam from the X-ray measuring beam.

[0027] The shaping of the effective X-ray beam and the X-ray measuring beam particularly includes dividing the X-ray beam into two separate parts, specifically the effective X-ray beam and the X-ray measuring beam. The shaping of the effective X-ray beam and the X-ray measuring beam particularly includes dividing the X-ray beam such that the effective X-ray beam can be detected by means of an X-ray detector, and the X-ray measuring beam can be detected by means of an X-ray measuring device.

[0028] In addition to the effective X-ray beam, forming an X-ray measurement beam separately from the effective X-ray beam specifically means that the effective X-ray beam is a first sub-X-ray beam and the X-ray measurement beam is a second sub-X-ray beam, wherein the first sub-X-ray beam and the second sub-X-ray beam are unrelated, detectable and / or detectable to each other.

[0029] In particular, no X-ray radiation is added during the shaping of the X-ray beam. The shaping of the effective X-ray beam and the X-ray measurement beam specifically includes attenuating a portion of the X-ray beam.

[0030] Shaping of the effective X-ray beam and the X-ray and / or measurement beam does not, in particular, involve fading the effective X-ray beam or the measurement beam. Fading of X-rays typically corresponds to complete absorption.

[0031] The X-ray beam can be divided one-to-one using a disc-shaped beam-shaping element. Alternatively, it can be envisioned that the effective X-ray beam contains more X-rays than the X-ray measurement beam.

[0032] Materials that are impermeable to X-rays can be, in particular, metallic. Metals can be, in particular, brass, tungsten, lead, and / or molybdenum. Besides metallic materials, materials that are impermeable to X-rays can also be, in particular, plastics. Materials that are impermeable to X-rays can also be, in particular, additively manufactured materials and / or solid materials.

[0033] The X-ray beam is specifically directed onto the radial side surface of the disc-shaped X-ray forming element. This radial side surface has a constant dimension, particularly in the thickness direction, such that the X-ray forming element has a substantially constant thickness even with the void portion. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the radial side surface has an increased dimension in the thickness direction, such that the disc-shaped X-ray forming element has, for example, a wedge shape with an angle of less than 10°. This angle can be related, in particular, to the distance between the external X-ray aperture and the focal spot that generates the X-ray beam.

[0034] The end faces of the disc-shaped radiation forming element extend particularly in the longitudinal direction of the disc-shaped radiation forming element. The end faces are oriented parallel to each other, particularly when the thickness of the radiation forming element is constant. Alternatively, when the disc-shaped radiation forming element is wedge-shaped, the end faces are oriented converging towards each other at a wedge-shaped angle. These two opposing end faces and the radial side surface between them particularly limit the volume of the disc-shaped radiation forming element.

[0035] The fact that the cross-section of the radial side surface has an approximately trapezoidal shape particularly indicates that the dimension increases or decreases in one longitudinal direction of the yarn-forming element, while the dimension in the other longitudinal direction remains constant. "Approximately" specifically refers to the corner points of the yarn-forming element in these two longitudinal directions. "Approximately" particularly indicates that the increase or decrease can be performed segmentally and / or that the increase or decrease can be performed segmentally without occurring. The cross-section of the radial side surface is particularly perpendicular to the thickness direction of the yarn-forming element.

[0036] Increase or decrease can be interrupted, particularly by a lateral fracture in the X-ray forming element. The lateral fracture in the X-ray forming element differs from at least one void, especially in its location and / or function. The lateral fracture is particularly positioned for securing the external X-ray aperture. The lateral fracture is particularly not subjected to X-rays from the X-ray beam. In contrast to the lateral fracture, at least one void is subjected to the X-ray beam and / or has no effect on the increase or decrease of the X-ray forming element in one of the two longitudinal directions. The lateral fracture is particularly stepped.

[0037] At least one void typically interrupts the volume of the disc-shaped ray forming element. The volume of the disc-shaped ray forming element is particularly reduced by at least one void. At least one void forms a cavity, particularly within a cover defined by the two opposing end faces and the radial side surface. The volume of at least one void is particularly enclosed by at least one void and the cover.

[0038] In addition to the section with a tapered cross-section, at least one void may have another section with a constant cross-section. The tapering of the cross-section typically occurs parallel to the direction of X-ray beam propagation. The tapering of the cross-section of at least one void may occur in or against the direction in which the trapezoidal shape of the cross-section of the side surface tapers.

[0039] The tapering cross-section of at least one open section particularly relates to the cavity within the enclosure. The cavity may particularly have a wedge-shaped section. Additionally, the cavity may have a cuboid-shaped section.

[0040] The cross-section of at least one open portion can be angular or circular. In particular, the cross-section can be rectangular, trapezoidal, or parallelogram-shaped.

[0041] At least one blank portion is adjacent to the boundary surface of the disc-shaped ray forming element. The at least one blank portion can be designed such that the boundary surface of the disc-shaped ray forming element is rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0042] In addition to shaping using a disc-shaped X-ray shaping element, the X-ray measuring beam is also shaped using at least one void. Approximately, shaping using a disc-shaped X-ray shaping element can be considered as dividing the X-ray beam into an effective X-ray beam and an X-ray measuring beam, and shaping using at least one void to further confine the X-ray measuring beam. Shaping the X-ray measuring beam using at least one void can include attenuating the proportion of the X-ray measuring beam. At least one void shapes the X-ray measuring beam, particularly by confining it.

[0043] One embodiment proposes that at least one blanking portion divides the disc-shaped ray forming element into two separate parts. These two separate parts are not physically connected to each other. In this embodiment, the disc-shaped ray forming element is particularly implemented as a two-piece unit.

[0044] If at least one blanking portion does not divide the disc-shaped radiation forming element into at least two separate parts, the disc-shaped radiation forming element is particularly constructed as a single piece. In this case, the stability of the disc-shaped radiation forming element can be advantageously improved.

[0045] One embodiment proposes that the disc-shaped X-ray forming element is constructed as a segment of a block made of the same X-ray impermeable material.

[0046] The block has a tapered outer shape, wherein the radial side surface of the disc-shaped ray forming element is part of the outer shape of the block.

[0047] The block encloses a tapered through-hole for the effective X-ray beam.

[0048] The at least one void in the through-well for the effective X-ray beam and the disk-shaped beam-forming element for shaping the X-ray measurement beam is separated by the disk-shaped beam-forming element, and

[0049] The volume enclosed by the through-hole is at least twice the size of the volume enclosed by at least one empty section.

[0050] This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it enables better matching of the external focal ray aperture to the X-ray radiator. In particular, the bulk of the external focal ray aperture can be precisely matched to the X-ray radiator. Furthermore, the well walls of the through-hole allow for more precise definition of the effective X-ray beam.

[0051] The external X-ray aperture particularly has a bulk component. This bulk component particularly has a disc-shaped X-ray forming element. In addition to the disc-shaped X-ray forming element, the bulk component typically has another section. In particular, the other section and the disc-shaped X-ray forming element are confined to a through-hole. The bulk component, i.e., the disc-shaped X-ray forming element and the other section of the bulk component, are particularly constructed as a single piece and / or made of the same X-ray impermeable material. The disc-shaped X-ray forming element and the other section are constructed as a single piece, for example, by means of an additive manufacturing method. Alternative methods for constructing the bulk component as a single piece include molding or modification.

[0052] The radial side surface of the disc-shaped ray-forming element forms part of the outer shape of the block. The trapezoidal shape of the cross-section of the radial side surface of the disc-shaped ray-forming element is also part of the outer shape of the block. The trapezoidal shape of the cross-section of the radial side surface of the disc-shaped ray-forming element preferably substantially coincides with the tapered outer shape of the block. In other words, the trapezoidal shape of the cross-section of the radial side surface of the disc-shaped ray-forming element preferably presupposes an increase or decrease in the tapered outer shape.

[0053] The tapered through-hole particularly has a tapered cross-section. The tapered through-hole is particularly fully embedded in the block. The tapered through-hole essentially has a straight extension. The block particularly has two opposing openings for the through-hole, said openings being arranged along a spatial direction, particularly one of these two longitudinal directions. The openings particularly have a circular or angular shape. The openings particularly can be configured as grooves.

[0054] The separation of the through-well and at least one empty portion by means of a disc-shaped ray forming element is particularly illustrated by the fact that the through-well and at least one empty portion are disposed on opposite sides of the ray forming element. The disc-shaped ray forming element is particularly disposed between at least one empty portion and the through-well.

[0055] If at least one blank divides the disc-shaped ray forming element into two separate parts, the block is particularly C-shaped. In this case, the end faces of the C-shaped block are preferably oriented toward each other in the direction of the through-well, such that in a particular configuration, the ray forming element separates the through-well from at least one blank. In this case, the cross-section of at least one blank is particularly trapezoidal or parallelogram-shaped.

[0056] The volume enclosed by the through-hole, especially the volume of the through-hole itself. The volume of the through-hole is particularly enclosed by the well walls and the opening of the through-hole. The volume enclosed by at least one empty portion, especially the volume of at least one empty portion, preferably the volume of a cavity formed by at least one empty portion. The volume of the through-hole can be several times larger than the volume of at least one empty portion. The multiple can be, in particular, 5, 10, or 50.

[0057] One embodiment proposes that the outer shape of the block is a truncated pyramid shape. In the case of a truncated pyramid shape, the cross-section of the block extending perpendicular to the length of the through-well is substantially angular, for example, rectangular. Alternatively, the outer shape of the block can be a truncated cone shape. In the case of a truncated cone shape, the cross-section of the block extending perpendicular to the length of the through-well is substantially circular.

[0058] One embodiment proposes that the block has a recess for holding an X-ray measuring device. Advantageously, a disc-shaped radiation forming element is disposed between the recess and the through-hole. In other words, the recess for holding the X-ray measuring device and the through-hole are disposed on opposite sides of the disc-shaped radiation forming element. The recess for holding the X-ray measuring device is particularly cylindrical. The disc-shaped radiation forming element may form the side surface of the recess for holding the X-ray measuring device in a circumferential direction of at least 22.5°, preferably at least 90° or 360°. In the latter case, the recess for holding the X-ray measuring device is completely embedded in the disc-shaped radiation forming element and is essentially closed. Otherwise, at less than 360°, the recess for holding the X-ray measuring device is open. The recess for holding the X-ray measuring device may be composed of a plurality of cylindrical segments, wherein at least two of the cylindrical segments have different diameters.

[0059] One embodiment proposes that the block has a tapered additional through-well for X-ray measurement beams, wherein the additional through-well is defined by at least one opening in a disc-shaped beam-forming element. The additional through-well is particularly fully embedded in the block. At least one opening forms at least one well wall of the additional through-well. The additional through-well has substantially a straight extension. The block particularly has two opposing additional openings for the additional through-well, said additional openings being arranged along a spatial direction, particularly one of the two longitudinal directions. The additional openings may particularly have a circular or angular shape. The additional openings may particularly be configured in a groove shape. The tapered through-well particularly has a tapered cross-section.

[0060] In principle, it is conceivable that the taper direction of a through-hole is different from that of another through-hole, and in particular, is essentially antiparallel. Alternatively, the taper direction of a through-hole can be consistent with that of another through-hole, and in particular, essentially parallel.

[0061] One embodiment proposes that, in addition to the disc-shaped ray forming element, the block also has at least one shell-shaped portion, and the shell-shaped portion and the disc-shaped ray forming element define an additional through-hole. In this embodiment, the extrafocal ray aperture is constructed in at least two parts. The shell-shaped portion may in particular have a protrusion that is reduced, but typically does not completely fill, the volume enclosed by at least one empty portion. The protrusion and the at least one empty portion may in particular be complementary.

[0062] X-ray tubes typically have an anode and a cathode disposed within a vacuum-sealed housing. An electric accelerating field is typically applied between the anode and cathode to accelerate electrons emitted at the cathode. After acceleration in the accelerating field, the electrons preferably strike the anode in a focal spot, where an X-ray beam can be generated through the interaction of the incident electrons with the anode. The accelerating field is provided, in particular, by an accelerating unit. The accelerating unit is, in particular, an accelerating voltage source or a radio frequency source. The electron emitter can, in particular, be a thermionic emitter or a field-effect emitter.

[0063] An X-ray exit window is typically part of a vacuum-sealed housing. It is conceivable that the boundary region of the vacuum-sealed housing forms the X-ray exit window, especially when the housing is made of an X-ray-transparent material, such as glass. Alternatively, an X-ray-transparent component can be integrated as the X-ray exit window into the vacuum-sealed housing.

[0064] The extrafocal irradiation aperture is preferably perpendicular to or relative to the X-ray exit window. The extrafocal irradiation aperture is particularly fixedly connected to the X-ray tube. Typically, the arrangement of the extrafocal irradiation aperture relative to the X-ray tube is rigid. In this case, the extrafocal irradiation aperture is particularly immovable relative to the X-ray beam. Consequently, the proportional division of the X-ray beam into the effective X-ray beam and the X-ray measurement beam is typically immutable.

[0065] One embodiment proposes that the X-ray tube is rotatably supported relative to the external beam aperture. In this case, in particular, the vacuum-sealed housing of the X-ray tube is rotatably supported relative to the external beam aperture. If the X-ray tube, especially the vacuum-sealed housing, is rotatably supported relative to the external beam aperture, then the X-ray tube is particularly a rotating shell X-ray tube.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the vacuum-sealed housing can be configured to resist torsion relative to the external beam aperture. In this case, in particular, the anode can be rotatably supported relative to the external beam aperture, and the X-ray tube is typically a rotating anode X-ray tube.

[0067] One embodiment proposes that the X-ray source further includes a collimator, wherein an external focal ray aperture is disposed between the X-ray tube and the collimator, wherein the collimator is oriented to collimate the effective X-ray beam. Collimation of the effective X-ray beam particularly does not affect the X-ray measurement beam. The collimator may particularly include a rigid, i.e., immovable, and / or a dynamic, i.e., movable, collimator aperture. Attached Figure Description

[0068] The present invention will now be described and illustrated in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In principle, the same structures and units are maintained in the following description of the drawings, indicated by the same reference numerals as when the corresponding structure or unit first appears.

[0069] The attached diagram shows:

[0070] Figure 1 This illustrates the focal outer ray aperture according to the present invention.

[0071] Figure 2 This illustrates the focal outer ray aperture according to the present invention.

[0072] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the external ray aperture is shown.

[0073] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the external ray aperture is shown.

[0074] Figure 5 An X-ray radiator according to the present invention is shown.

[0075] Figure 6 A first embodiment of an X-ray radiator is shown.

[0076] Figure 7 A third embodiment of the external ray aperture is shown.

[0077] Figure 8 A fourth embodiment of the external ray aperture is shown.

[0078] Figure 9 The fifth embodiment of the external ray aperture is shown.

[0079] Figure 10 A sixth embodiment of the external-focus ray aperture is shown, and

[0080] Figure 11 The seventh embodiment of the external ray aperture is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0081] Figure 1 The focal ray aperture 10 according to the present invention is shown from a first-person perspective.

[0082] Used for not in Figure 1The X-ray radiator 20 shown has an external focal beam aperture 10 with a disc-shaped beam-forming element 11 made of an X-ray impermeable material. The disc-shaped beam-forming element 11 is designed to shape an effective X-ray beam from the X-ray beam incident on the external focal beam aperture and to separately attach a shaped X-ray measurement beam from the effective X-ray beam. The disc-shaped beam-forming element 11 has two opposing end faces 12, 13 and a radial side surface 14 between the end faces 12, 13. The cross-section of the radial side surface 14 is approximately trapezoidal. The disc-shaped beam-forming element 11 has at least one empty portion 15 for shaping the X-ray measurement beam. The at least one empty portion 15 has a tapered cross-section.

[0083] X-ray impermeable materials may contain metals, particularly brass, tungsten, lead, and / or molybdenum. X-ray impermeable materials may alternatively or additionally contain plastics. X-ray impermeable materials can be additively manufactured materials. Alternatively or additionally, X-ray impermeable materials can be solid materials.

[0084] Figure 2 Shown from a second perspective, different from the first. Figure 1 The focal ray aperture is 10.

[0085] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the external ray aperture 10 is shown.

[0086] Figure 3 The design of at least one empty section 15 in the middle and Figure 1 and Figure 2 At least one of the blanking portions 15 is designed differently. At least one blanking portion 15 divides the disc-shaped ray forming element 11 into two separate parts.

[0087] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the external ray aperture 10 is shown.

[0088] Figure 4 The disc-shaped X-ray forming element 11 has a first empty portion 15 for forming a first X-ray measuring beam and a second empty portion 15 for forming a second X-ray measuring beam. Figure 4 The embodiments are basically combined Figure 2 and Figure 3 The design scheme of at least one empty part 15 in the middle.

[0089] Figure 5 The X-ray radiator 20 according to the present invention is shown in sections in a perspective view.

[0090] The X-ray radiator 20 has an X-ray tube 21 for generating an X-ray beam and an external focal radius aperture 10. The X-ray tube 21 has an X-ray exit window 22 for the X-ray beam. The external focal radius aperture 10 is arranged perpendicular to the X-ray exit window 22, such that the end faces 12, 13 of the disc-shaped beam forming element 11 are approximately parallel to the X-ray beam orientation. In the embodiment described, the X-ray radiator 20 has a truncated conical receiving portion.

[0091] Figure 6 A first embodiment of the X-ray radiator 20 is shown in a longitudinal section.

[0092] The X-ray radiator also includes a collimator 23. An external focal ray diaphragm is disposed between the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 23. The collimator 23 is oriented to collimate the effective X-ray beam. In the embodiment described, the X-ray tube 21 is configured as a rotating shell X-ray tube in such a way that the X-ray tube 21 is rotatably supported relative to the external focal ray diaphragm 10.

[0093] Figure 7 A third embodiment of the external ray aperture 10 is shown.

[0094] The disc-shaped X-ray forming element 11 is integrally constructed as a segment of a block 16 made of the same X-ray impermeable material. The block 16 has a tapered outer shape. The radial side surfaces of the disc-shaped X-ray forming element are part of the outer shape of the block. The block 16 surrounds a tapered through-well 17 for the effective X-ray beam. The through-well 17 for the effective X-ray beam and at least one void 15 of the disc-shaped X-ray forming element 11 for forming the X-ray measurement beam are separated by the disc-shaped X-ray forming element 11. The volume enclosed by the through-well 17 is at least twice the volume enclosed by the at least one void 15.

[0095] In the described embodiment, the external shape of block 16 is a truncated pyramid shape. In an alternative embodiment, the external shape of block 16 may be a truncated cone shape.

[0096] Figure 8 A fourth embodiment of the external X-ray aperture 10 is shown. The block 16 has a recess 18 for a holder for an X-ray measuring device.

[0097] Figure 9 The fifth embodiment of the external ray aperture 10 is shown.

[0098] The block 16 has an additional through-well 19 for the tapered X-ray measurement beam. The additional through-well 19 is limited by at least one recess 15 of the disc-shaped ray forming element 11.

[0099] Figure 10A sixth embodiment of the external ray aperture 10 is shown as an alternative to the fifth embodiment.

[0100] In addition to the disc-shaped ray forming element 11, the block 16 also has at least one shell-shaped portion 16.S. The shell-shaped portion 16.S and the disc-shaped ray forming element 11 define an additional through-hole 19.

[0101] Figure 11 The seventh embodiment of the external ray aperture 10 is shown in cross-section.

[0102] The disc-shaped X-ray forming element 11 has two open portions 15. The block 16 is constructed in a truncated pyramidal shape and precisely fits into the X-ray radiator 20, shown only in partial view. In this embodiment, the X-ray radiator 20 has a truncated pyramidal receiving portion for precisely fitting the extrafocal X-ray aperture 10. The extrafocal X-ray aperture 10 can be detachably fastened in the receiving portion by means of a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may in particular include a plug-in connection device, a screwing mechanism, and / or an adhesive mechanism.

[0103] Although the details of this utility model have been described and illustrated in detail through preferred embodiments, this utility model is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An external beam aperture (10) for an X-ray radiator (20), comprising: - A disc-shaped ray forming element (11) made of an X-ray impermeable material. The disc-shaped X-ray shaping element (11) is designed to shape an effective X-ray beam from the X-ray beam incident on the external X-ray aperture and to separately attach a shaped X-ray measuring beam from the effective X-ray beam. The disc-shaped ray forming element (11) has two opposing end faces (12, 13) and a radial side surface (14) between the end faces (12, 13). The cross-section of the radial side surface (14) is approximately trapezoidal in shape. The disc-shaped X-ray shaping element (11) has at least one empty portion (15) for shaping the X-ray measurement beam. The at least one blank portion (15) therein has a tapered cross section.

2. The focal outer ray aperture (10) according to claim 1. The at least one blanking portion (15) divides the disc-shaped ray forming element (11) into two separate parts.

3. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 1 or 2. The material that is impermeable to X-rays is metallic.

4. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 1 or 2. The material that is impermeable to X-rays is a plastic.

5. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 1 or 2. The X-ray-impenetrable material is an additively manufactured material.

6. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 1 or 2. The material that X-rays cannot penetrate is a solid material.

7. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 1 or 2. The disc-shaped X-ray forming element (11) is constructed as a segment of a block (16) made of the same X-ray impermeable material. The block (16) has a tapered outer shape, and the radial side surface of the disc-shaped ray forming element is part of the outer shape of the block. The block (16) therein surrounds a tapered through-hole (17) for the effective X-ray beam. At least one gap (15) in the through-hole (17) for the effective X-ray beam and the disk-shaped ray forming element (11) for forming the X-ray measuring beam is separated by means of the disk-shaped ray forming element (11), and The volume enclosed by the through-hole (17) is at least twice the volume enclosed by the at least one empty portion (15).

8. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 7. The outer shape of the block (16) is a truncated pyramid shape.

9. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 7. The outer shape of the block (16) is a truncated cone shape.

10. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 7. The block (16) has a recess for holding the X-ray measuring device.

11. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 7. The block (16) has an additional through-well for the tapering of the X-ray measurement beam, wherein the additional through-well is limited by at least one empty portion (15) of the disc-shaped ray forming element (11).

12. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 11. In addition to the disc-shaped ray forming element (11), the block (16) also has at least one shell-shaped portion (16.S), wherein the shell-shaped portion (16.S) and the disc-shaped ray forming element (11) define the additional through-hole.

13. The focal ray aperture (10) according to claim 1 or 2. The X-ray-impenetrable material is brass, tungsten, lead, or molybdenum.

14. An X-ray radiator (20) comprising: - An X-ray tube (21) for generating an X-ray beam, and - The focal ray aperture (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The X-ray tube (21) has an X-ray exit window (22) for the X-ray beam. The external ray aperture (10) is positioned perpendicular to the X-ray exit window (22), such that the end faces (12, 13) of the disc-shaped ray forming element (11) are approximately parallel to the X-ray beam orientation.

15. The X-ray radiator (20) according to claim 14. It also has a collimator (23), wherein the external focal ray aperture (10) is disposed between the X-ray tube (21) and the collimator (23), wherein the collimator (23) is oriented for collimating the effective X-ray beam.

16. The X-ray radiator (20) according to claim 14 or 15. The X-ray tube (21) is rotatably supported relative to the focal outer ray aperture (10).

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