Cooling structure for anode end of X-ray source ray tube

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of X-ray sources, and discloses a cooling structure for an anode end of a ray tube of an X-ray source, which comprises the ray tube, a voltage-multiplying module, a sealing cylinder, an external radiator, a filter, a circulating pump and a built-in hose, one end of an anode, which is far away from a tube shell of the ray tube, is provided with a hollow section, and the end part of the hollow section is provided with a metal connecting piece; an inner cavity of the metal connecting piece is communicated with an inner cavity of the hollow section, the sealing cylinder is provided with an oil outlet pipeline and an oil return pipeline which are communicated with the sealing space, the oil outlet pipeline is connected to an oil inlet of the circulating pump, the oil return pipeline is sequentially connected with the external radiator and the filter and then connected to an oil outlet of the circulating pump, and the built-in hose is arranged in the sealing space. The first end of the built-in hose is in butt joint with the oil return pipeline, and the second end of the built-in hose is communicated with an inner cavity of the metal connecting piece. According to the X-ray source ray tube anode end cooling structure, the anode is effectively cooled, and the temperature of insulating oil in the whole sealed space is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of X-ray source technology, and in particular to a cooling structure for the anode end of an X-ray source tube. Background Technology

[0002] Existing X-ray sources on the market all employ a tube structure consisting of a sealed space filled with insulating oil to enclose the X-ray tube, achieving insulation and heat dissipation protection. During X-ray generation, energy conversion primarily manifests as heat changes; the vast majority of the energy of high-speed electrons is converted into heat, which is then conducted to the insulating oil via the anode. The thermal conductivity of the anode target surface is a crucial parameter for measuring the limiting focal point and lifespan of an X-ray tube.

[0003] Traditional X-ray sources rely solely on DC fans to cool the oil seal area. However, this direct air-cooling method is limited by the thickness and material of the sealed wall, as well as the size of the heat dissipation area, making it unsuitable for prolonged continuous operation. Furthermore, the oil seal of an X-ray source is a relatively closed structure, with the internal insulating oil remaining static and stagnant, resulting in minimal heat exchange with the outside environment. This leads to uneven temperature distribution, with some areas experiencing excessively high temperatures and others lower temperatures, and the anode, which requires the most heat dissipation, is not adequately cooled. When the insulating oil temperature rises to near its flash point, conductive substances evaporate, significantly reducing its insulation properties. The insulation properties also decrease with cumulative X-ray irradiation. Additionally, the high temperature makes the anode tip, immersed in the insulating oil, more prone to oxidation, blackening, and impurity formation, thus affecting the performance and lifespan of the X-ray source. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on the above problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an X-ray source tube anode extreme cooling structure to effectively cool the anode and improve the heat dissipation effect of the overall insulating oil, ensuring reliable operation of the X-ray source and extending its service life.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An X-ray source tube anode cooling structure includes a ray tube, a voltage multiplier module, and a sealing cylinder. An anode electrically connected to the voltage multiplier module is disposed on the ray tube. The sealing cylinder is sleeved outside the anode, with both ends fixedly connected to the ray tube and the voltage multiplier module, respectively, thus forming a sealed space outside the anode. The sealed space is filled with insulating oil. The X-ray source tube anode cooling structure also includes an external radiator, a filter, a circulation pump, and an internal flexible hose. The end of the anode, away from the ray tube, is a hollow section. Several through holes are formed on the sidewall of the hollow section. A metal connector is disposed at the end of the hollow section, with its inner cavity communicating with the inner cavity of the hollow section. The sealing cylinder has an oil outlet pipe and an oil return pipe communicating with the sealed space. The oil outlet pipe is connected to the oil inlet of the circulation pump, and the oil return pipe is connected sequentially to the external radiator and the filter before connecting to the oil outlet of the circulation pump. The internal flexible hose is disposed in the sealed space, with its first end connected to the oil inlet pipe and its second end connected to the inner cavity of the metal connector.

[0007] As an optional solution, the voltage multiplier module includes an epoxy resin block, which internally encapsulates a high-voltage circuit board and a feedback circuit board. Conductive studs are pre-embedded on the surface of the epoxy resin block. The conductive studs are electrically connected to the high-voltage circuit board and the feedback circuit board through wires. A conductive spring is sandwiched between the conductive studs and the metal connector. The high-voltage circuit board is used to provide high-voltage electricity to the anode, and the feedback circuit board is used to ensure the output quality and stability of the high-voltage electricity.

[0008] As an alternative, the surface of the anode is encapsulated with a glass shell. One end of the glass shell is connected to the tube shell of the X-ray tube via a first sealing Kovar, and the other end of the glass shell is connected to the anode via a second sealing Kovar. The hollow section is located outside the second sealing Kovar, and several through holes are circumferentially distributed in the hollow section near the second sealing Kovar.

[0009] As an alternative, the surface of the epoxy resin block is provided with an annular boss that extends between the sealing cylinder and the second sealing Koval to improve the insulation between the sealing cylinder and the second sealing Koval, and the built-in hose passes through the gap between the annular boss and the second sealing Koval.

[0010] As an alternative, the inner cavity of the metal connector is L-shaped, and an upper hole and a side hole are formed on the top and side wall of the metal connector, respectively. The hollow section is threaded to the upper hole, and a plastic grease nipple is provided at the second end of the built-in hose. The plastic grease nipple is threaded to the side hole.

[0011] As an alternative, a pipe joint is provided on the wall of the sealing cylinder. The part of the pipe joint located outside the sealing cylinder is connected to the return oil pipe, and the part of the pipe joint located inside the sealing cylinder is connected to the first end of the built-in hose.

[0012] As an optional solution, both the oil outlet and return pipes are made of transparent PU material, and the filter housing is transparent or has a viewing window to facilitate observation of the insulating oil and the condition of the filter element inside the filter.

[0013] As an alternative, the surface of the external radiator is equipped with heat dissipation fins and a fan that blows cool air onto the heat dissipation fins to reduce the temperature of the insulating oil entering the external radiator.

[0014] As an alternative, the external radiator is made of copper, and a temperature sensor is installed on the outer surface of the external radiator. The temperature sensor is used to detect the surface temperature of the external radiator and thus reflect the temperature of the internal insulating oil.

[0015] As an optional solution, the voltage multiplier module is equipped with a lead-bonded bracket, on which the external radiator and circulation pump are fixed respectively. The external radiator and circulation pump are separated from the X-ray tube by the lead-bonded bracket to isolate the radiation from the X-ray tube.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The cooling structure of the anode end of the X-ray source tube realizes the circulation of insulating oil through a circulating pump. After the insulating oil is drawn out from the sealed space, it is cooled by an external cooling radiator, then flows through an internal hose to the hollow section of the anode, and finally flows back to the sealed space. This effectively cools the anode and reduces the temperature of the insulating oil in the entire sealed space, improving the reliability of the X-ray source and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling structure of the anode end of the X-ray source tube provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the cooling structure of the anode end of the X-ray source tube provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a front view of the cooling structure of the anode end of the X-ray source tube provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0020] In the attached image:

[0021] 1. X-ray tube; 11. Anode; 111. Hollow section; 112. Through hole; 12. Glass shell; 13. First sealing Kovar; 14. Second sealing Kovar;

[0022] 2. Voltage multiplier module; 21. Epoxy resin block; 211. Annular boss; 22. High voltage circuit board; 23. Feedback circuit board; 24. Conductive stud; 25. Conductive spring;

[0023] 3. Sealing cylinder; 31. Sealed space; 32. Oil outlet pipe; 33. Oil return pipe; 34. Pipe joint;

[0024] 4. External radiator; 41. Fan;

[0025] 5. Filter;

[0026] 6. Circulating pump;

[0027] 7. Built-in flexible hose; 71. Plastic grease fitting;

[0028] 8. Metal connectors; 81. Top hole; 82. Side hole;

[0029] 9. Attach lead supports. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this preferred embodiment provides an X-ray source tube anode cooling structure, including a X-ray tube 1, a voltage multiplier module 2, and a sealing cylinder 3. An anode 11 electrically connected to the voltage multiplier module 2 is disposed on the X-ray tube 1. The sealing cylinder 3 is sleeved around the anode 11, and its two ends are fixedly connected to the X-ray tube 1 and the voltage multiplier module 2, respectively, thereby forming a sealed space 31 outside the anode 11. The sealed space 31 is filled with insulating oil. The insulating oil protects the X-ray tube 1. When the X-ray tube 1 is energized, the anode 11 heats up, and the temperature of the insulating oil in the sealed space 31 also rises accordingly, especially near the anode 11 where the temperature of the insulating oil is highest.

[0035] In response, the anode cooling structure of the X-ray source tube also includes an external cooling radiator 4, a filter 5, a circulation pump 6, and an internal flexible hose 7. The end of the tube shell of the anode 11 away from the X-ray tube 1 is set as a hollow section 111. Several through holes 112 are opened on the side wall of the hollow section 111. A metal connector 8 is provided at the end of the hollow section 111. The inner cavity of the metal connector 8 is connected to the inner cavity of the hollow section 111. The sealing cylinder 3 is provided with an oil outlet pipe 32 and an oil return pipe 33 that are connected to the sealing space 31. The oil outlet pipe 32 is connected to the oil inlet of the circulation pump 6. The oil return pipe 33 is connected to the external cooling radiator 4 and the filter 5 in sequence and then connected to the oil outlet of the circulation pump 6. The internal flexible hose 7 is set in the sealing space 31, and the first end of the internal flexible hose 7 is connected to the oil return pipe 33. The second end of the internal flexible hose 7 is connected to the inner cavity of the metal connector 8.

[0036] Driven by the circulating pump 6, the high-temperature insulating oil inside the sealed cylinder 3 is drawn out through the oil outlet pipe 32, filtered by the filter 5 to remove large impurities, cooled by the external cooling radiator 4, and then flows through the return oil pipe 33 to the internal hose 7. From there, it flows to the hollow section 111 of the anode 11, directly cooling the anode 11. Finally, it flows back to the sealed space 31 through the through hole 112 on the hollow section 111, thus achieving the circulation of the insulating oil. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dashed line indicates the direction of the insulating oil flow.

[0037] Thus, the circulating pump 6 realizes the circulation of insulating oil. After the insulating oil is drawn out from the sealed space 31, it is cooled by the external cooling radiator 4, and then flows through the built-in hose 7 to the hollow section 111 of the anode 11. Finally, it flows back to the sealed space 31, thereby effectively cooling the anode 11 and reducing the temperature of the insulating oil in the entire sealed space 31. This improves the reliability of the X-ray source and extends its service life.

[0038] Optionally, the voltage multiplier module 2 includes an epoxy resin block 21, which internally encapsulates a high-voltage circuit board 22 and a feedback circuit board 23. Conductive studs 24 are embedded in the surface of the epoxy resin block 21. The conductive studs 24 are electrically connected to the high-voltage circuit board 22 and the feedback circuit board 23 via wires. A conductive spring 25 is sandwiched between the conductive studs 24 and the metal connector 8. The high-voltage circuit board 22 provides high-voltage electricity to the anode 11, and the feedback circuit board 23 ensures the output quality and stability of the high-voltage electricity. The conductive spring 25 ensures a reliable electrical connection between the conductive studs 24 and the metal connector 8.

[0039] Specifically, one end of the sealing cylinder 3 is fixed to the ray tube 1 via a flange, and the other end of the sealing cylinder 3 is glued to the epoxy resin block 21.

[0040] Furthermore, the surface of the anode 11 is encapsulated with a glass shell 12. One end of the glass shell 12 is connected to the tube shell of the ray tube 1 through a first sealing Kovar 13, and the other end of the glass shell 12 is connected to the anode 11 through a second sealing Kovar 14. The hollow section 111 is located outside the second sealing Kovar 14, and several through holes 112 are circumferentially distributed in the hollow section 111 near the second sealing Kovar 14.

[0041] The shell of the X-ray tube 1 is made of stainless steel. The first end of the first sealing Kovar 13 is welded and fixed to the shell of the X-ray tube 1, and the second end of the first sealing Kovar 13 is sintered and fixed to the glass shell 12. The anode 11 is made of copper. The first end of the second sealing Kovar 14 is welded and fixed to the anode 11, and the second end of the second sealing Kovar 14 is sintered and fixed to the glass shell 12. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of glass, copper, and stainless steel, stress caused by different expansion rates at the joint may lead to cracking. Both the first sealing Kovar 13 and the second sealing Kovar 14 are made of Kovar alloy. Kovar alloy is a nickel-based alloy with a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of glass in the temperature range of 20℃ to 450℃, a high Curie point, and good low-temperature structural stability. Therefore, Kovar alloy is selected as the transition material between glass and copper / stainless steel. The glass at the joint with the Kovar alloy transitions from thick to thin, and the glass at the end of the joint is relatively thin, making it easily damaged by high pressure. Therefore, it requires particularly good insulation to protect it and avoid affecting the sealing performance of the X-ray tube 1.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first sealing Kovar 13 is in direct metal contact with the tube shell of the X-ray tube 1 and the sealing cylinder 3, and is at the same potential when energized. The glass at this position is not easily broken down by high voltage. However, the second sealing Kovar 14 and the sealing cylinder 3 are not at the same potential (the glass is an insulator), and the glass at this joint needs to be insulated.

[0043] To address this, an annular boss 211 is provided on the surface of the epoxy resin block 21, extending between the sealing cylinder 3 and the second sealing Koval 14 to improve the insulation between the sealing cylinder 3 and the second sealing Koval 14. The built-in flexible tube 7 passes through the gap between the annular boss 211 and the second sealing Koval 14. Since the insulation coefficient of solid epoxy resin is higher than that of insulating oil, it can effectively protect the glass part on the second sealing Koval 14 from being damaged by high voltage.

[0044] It should be noted that while the presence of the annular protrusion 211 ensures insulation, it also leads to a "sealed-in" effect. The annular protrusion 211 structure resembles a bowl, and the lower end of the ray tube 1 acts like a lid, trapping some of the insulating oil inside the "bowl," leaving only a small gap. This results in poor fluidity of the insulating oil inside the "bowl," hindering exchange with the insulating oil outside the "bowl," and also impeding heat exchange. To enhance insulating oil and heat exchange, a circulating pump 6 and its series-connected circulating system are used to circulate the insulating oil in the sealed cylinder 3, thereby avoiding the "sealed-in" effect. Experimental analysis shows that compared to the structure without a circulating system, the overall insulating oil temperature in this embodiment with the circulating system is 60°C to 70°C lower, and the cooling effect at the anode 11 end is significant.

[0045] Optionally, the inner cavity of the metal connector 8 is L-shaped, and an upper hole 81 and a side hole 82 are formed on the top and side wall of the metal connector 8, respectively. The hollow section 111 is threaded to the upper hole 81, and a plastic oil nozzle 71 is provided at the second end of the built-in hose 7. The plastic oil nozzle 71 is threaded to the side hole 82.

[0046] Optionally, a pipe joint 34 is provided on the wall of the sealing cylinder 3. The part of the pipe joint 34 located outside the sealing cylinder 3 is connected to the return oil pipe 33, and the part of the pipe joint 34 located inside the sealing cylinder 3 is connected to the first end of the built-in hose 7.

[0047] Optionally, both the oil outlet pipe 32 and the oil return pipe 33 are made of transparent PU material, and the outer shell of the filter 5 is transparent or has a viewing window to facilitate observation of the insulating oil and the condition of the internal filter element of the filter 5. When the quality of the insulating oil is observed to deteriorate, the insulating oil can be replaced in advance to avoid affecting the normal operation of the X-ray source.

[0048] Optionally, the surface of the external radiator 4 is provided with heat dissipation fins and a fan 41 that blows cool air onto the heat dissipation fins to reduce the temperature of the insulating oil entering the external radiator 4.

[0049] Furthermore, the external radiator 4 is made of copper, and a temperature sensor is installed on the outer surface of the external radiator 4. The temperature sensor is used to detect the surface temperature of the external radiator 4 and thus reflect the temperature of the internal insulating oil. The data from the temperature sensor can be used to adjust the power of the circulation pump 6 and the speed of the fan 41 so that the insulating oil inside the ray tube 1 is maintained at the ideal working temperature.

[0050] Optionally, the voltage multiplier module 2 is provided with a lead-bonded bracket 9, and the external cooling radiator 4 and the circulation pump 6 are respectively fixed on the lead-bonded bracket 9. The external cooling radiator 4 and the circulation pump 6 are separated from the X-ray tube 1 by the lead-bonded bracket 9 to isolate the radiation of the X-ray tube 1.

[0051] Since X-ray irradiation can damage the rotors of fan 41 and circulation pump 6, and lead is a commonly used metal material in industry to protect against high-energy radiation, it can effectively block X-ray radiation. The lead-bonded bracket 9 is made of sheet metal, and the thickness of the lead sheet glued to the surface of the lead-bonded bracket 9 needs to be calculated and selected according to parameters such as the radiation energy of X-ray tube 1 and the absorption rate of lead, so as to avoid the influence of radiation and extend the service life of fan 41 and circulation pump 6.

[0052] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An X-ray source tube anode cooling structure, comprising a tube (1), a voltage multiplier module (2), and a sealing cylinder (3), wherein the tube (1) is provided with an anode (11) electrically connected to the voltage multiplier module (2), the sealing cylinder (3) is sleeved outside the anode (11), and both ends of the sealing cylinder (3) are fixedly connected to the tube (1) and the voltage multiplier module (2) respectively, thereby forming a sealed space (31) outside the anode (11), the sealed space (31) being filled with insulating oil, characterized in that, The X-ray source tube anode end cooling structure also includes an external cooling radiator (4), a filter (5), a circulation pump (6), and an internal flexible tube (7). The end of the anode (11) away from the tube shell of the X-ray tube (1) is set as a hollow section (111). Several through holes (112) are opened on the side wall of the hollow section (111). A metal connector (8) is provided at the end of the hollow section (111). The inner cavity of the metal connector (8) is connected to the inner cavity of the hollow section (111). The sealing cylinder (3) is provided with a connection to the sealing tube. The sealed space (31) is connected to the oil outlet pipe (32) and the oil return pipe (33). The oil outlet pipe (32) is connected to the oil inlet of the circulation pump (6). The oil return pipe (33) is connected to the external radiator (4) and the filter (5) in sequence and then connected to the oil outlet of the circulation pump (6). The built-in hose (7) is set in the sealed space (31), and the first end of the built-in hose (7) is connected to the oil return pipe (33). The second end of the built-in hose (7) is connected to the inner cavity of the metal connector (8).

2. The X-ray source tube anode cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage multiplier module (2) includes an epoxy resin block (21), which encapsulates a high-voltage circuit board (22) and a feedback circuit board (23). A conductive stud (24) is embedded on the surface of the epoxy resin block (21). The conductive stud (24) is electrically connected to the high-voltage circuit board (22) and the feedback circuit board (23) through wires. A conductive spring (25) is sandwiched between the conductive stud (24) and the metal connector (8). The high-voltage circuit board (22) is used to provide high-voltage electricity to the anode (11), and the feedback circuit board (23) is used to ensure the output quality and stability of the high-voltage electricity.

3. The X-ray source tube anode end cooling structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the anode (11) is encapsulated with a glass shell (12). One end of the glass shell (12) is connected to the tube shell of the ray tube (1) through a first sealing Kovar (13). The other end of the glass shell (12) is connected to the anode (11) through a second sealing Kovar (14). The hollow section (111) is located outside the second sealing Kovar (14). A plurality of through holes (112) are circumferentially distributed in the hollow section (111) near the second sealing Kovar (14).

4. The X-ray source tube anode end cooling structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The epoxy resin block (21) has an annular boss (211) on its surface. The annular boss (211) extends between the sealing cylinder (3) and the second sealing Kovar (14) to improve the insulation between the sealing cylinder (3) and the second sealing Kovar (14). The built-in hose (7) passes through the gap between the annular boss (211) and the second sealing Kovar (14).

5. The X-ray source tube anode end cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the metal connector (8) is L-shaped, and an upper hole (81) and a side hole (82) are formed on the top and side wall of the metal connector (8), respectively. The hollow section (111) is threaded to the upper hole (81). The second end of the built-in hose (7) is provided with a plastic oil nozzle (71), and the plastic oil nozzle (71) is threaded to the side hole (82).

6. The X-ray source tube anode end cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing cylinder (3) has a pipe joint (34) on its wall. The part of the pipe joint (34) located outside the sealing cylinder (3) is connected to the return oil pipe (33), and the part of the pipe joint (34) located inside the sealing cylinder (3) is connected to the first end of the built-in hose (7).

7. The X-ray source tube anode cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the oil outlet pipe (32) and the oil return pipe (33) are made of transparent PU material. The outer shell of the filter (5) is transparent or has a viewing window to facilitate observation of the insulating oil and the internal filter element of the filter (5).

8. The X-ray source tube anode end cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the external radiator (4) is provided with heat dissipation fins and a fan (41) that blows cold air onto the heat dissipation fins to reduce the temperature of the insulating oil entering the external radiator (4).

9. The X-ray source tube anode cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external cold radiator (4) is made of copper, and a temperature sensor is provided on the outer surface of the external cold radiator (4). The temperature sensor is used to detect the surface temperature of the external cold radiator (4) and thus reflect the temperature of the internal insulating oil.

10. The X-ray source tube anode end cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage multiplier module (2) is provided with a lead-bonded bracket (9). The external radiator (4) and the circulation pump (6) are respectively fixed on the lead-bonded bracket (9). The external radiator (4) and the circulation pump (6) are separated from the X-ray tube (1) by the lead-bonded bracket (9) to isolate the radiation of the X-ray tube (1).

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