X-ray tube with improved open tube vacuum degree and rotatable anode target surface

Abstract

The utility model provides an X-ray tube with improved open tube vacuum degree and a rotatable anode target surface, which comprises a cavity, the upper part of the cavity is respectively connected with a molecular pump and a vacuum gauge flange, one end of the cavity is connected with a penetration body assembly flange, the penetration body assembly is connected with a high-voltage cable fixing flange bolt, and the other end of the cavity is connected with a high-voltage cable fixing flange bolt. One end of the cavity is connected with a high-voltage cable fixing flange, the other end of the cavity is connected with an anode plate assembly flange, the anode plate assembly is provided with a water cooling system, a high-voltage cable socket is installed in the cavity, one end of the high-voltage cable socket is connected with the high-voltage cable fixing flange, a grid cap is installed at the other end of the high-voltage cable socket, and a cathode is installed in the grid cap. The utility model has the beneficial effects that the open tube transmission type X-ray source is adopted, and the whole structure is beneficial to improving the vacuum degree, so that the X-ray generation efficiency can be improved, and the service life of the X-ray tube is prolonged; and the rotary anode target surface is adopted, so that the rated power of the X-ray tube and the output intensity and stability of X-rays are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of X-rays, and in particular relates to an X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and a rotatable anode target surface. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main structure of an X-ray tube includes a cathode, anode, vacuum system, high-voltage power supply, and cooling system.

[0003] Cathode: Generally made of tungsten wire, it emits electrons when heated to a certain temperature by an electric current, forming an electron cloud. To better control the emission and focusing of electrons, the cathode is usually surrounded by a metal shield (gate) with a groove at the front end. The potential of the metal shield is equal to or lower than that of the cathode, which forces the electrons to focus.

[0004] Anode: Made of a metal with a high atomic number, such as tungsten or copper. Its function is to receive the bombardment of electrons emitted and accelerated from the cathode. When high-speed electrons collide with the anode target, X-rays are generated. The anode also needs to have good heat dissipation properties to dissipate a large amount of heat.

[0005] Vacuum system: The cathode and anode are encapsulated inside to maintain a high vacuum environment, ensuring that electrons do not collide with gas molecules during their movement from the cathode to the anode target, thus allowing them to accelerate freely and improving the energy of electrons and the efficiency of X-ray generation.

[0006] High-voltage power supply: Provides a high voltage between the cathode and anode, so that electrons emitted from the cathode can gain enough energy under the action of the electric field and accelerate towards the anode target.

[0007] Cooling system: Since a large amount of heat is generated when electrons bombard the anode target, the cooling system is used to force-cool the anode target material to prevent it from overheating and being damaged, and to ensure the normal operation of the X-ray tube.

[0008] Structurally, current open-tube X-ray tube vacuum systems have many leaks, making it impossible to maintain a high vacuum level for extended periods. Insufficient vacuum in X-ray tubes can cause numerous problems.

[0009] In principle, X-ray tubes require a high-vacuum environment. If the vacuum level is insufficient, the residual gas inside the tube will interact with the electrons when they collide with the anode target, causing electron scattering, which reduces the X-ray generation efficiency.

[0010] In practical applications, low output dose rates and degraded image quality may occur. Simultaneously, the positive ions generated by gas ionization can bombard the cathode filament, shortening its lifespan.

[0011] If the vacuum level of the X-ray tube is found to be insufficient, a professional needs to check its sealing condition to see if there are any leaks, or to repair the vacuum system and re-vacuum it. Utility Model Content

[0012] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide an X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface, in order to solve at least one of the problems existing in the prior art.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0014] An X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface includes a cavity. The cavity is connected to a molecular pump and a vacuum gauge flange at its top. One end of the cavity is connected to a through-body assembly flange, which is bolted to a high-voltage cable fixing flange. The other end of the cavity is connected to an anode plate assembly flange. The anode plate assembly is equipped with a water cooling system. A high-voltage cable socket is installed inside the cavity. One end of the high-voltage cable socket is connected to a high-voltage cable fixing flange, and the other end of the high-voltage cable socket is equipped with a grid cap. A cathode is installed inside the grid cap.

[0015] Furthermore, the flange of the molecular pump is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity, and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges for compression sealing.

[0016] Furthermore, the flange of the vacuum gauge is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity, and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges for compression sealing.

[0017] Furthermore, the through-body assembly includes a through-body flange and a through-body, with the through-body flange internally connected to the through-body, and the connection between the high-voltage cable socket and the high-voltage cable fixing flange located inside the through-body.

[0018] Furthermore, the through-body flange is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity, and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges for compression sealing.

[0019] Furthermore, the penetrating body assembly also includes an O-ring, with the O-ring installed inside the penetrating body, and the penetrating body connected to the high-voltage cable socket via the O-ring.

[0020] Furthermore, the high-voltage cable fixing flange is connected to the high-voltage cable via threads, and the high-voltage cable socket is used to connect the high-voltage cable plug.

[0021] Furthermore, the anode plate assembly includes an anode plate flange, which is a CF flange, and is bolted to the flange on the cavity. A copper gasket is provided between the two flanges for compression sealing.

[0022] Furthermore, the anode plate assembly also includes an anode plate and a copper tube. The anode plate is welded to the anode plate flange, one end of the copper tube is welded to the anode plate, the other end of the copper tube is provided with a focusing hole, and the other end of the copper tube is also provided with a target seat. The target seat is connected to an anode target, and the target seat is connected to the rotating disk by bolts.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface described in this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] (1) This utility model adopts an open-tube transmission type X-ray source and is equipped with a molecular pump and a vacuum gauge in one piece. The overall structure helps to improve the vacuum level, thereby improving the efficiency of X-ray generation, extending the service life of the X-ray tube, and improving the imaging quality of the X-ray tube.

[0025] (2) The rotating anode target surface described in this utility model can improve the heat dissipation performance of the X-ray tube, increase the rated power of the X-ray tube, improve the output intensity and stability of X-rays, and reduce the noise and artifacts of X-ray tube imaging. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front view of the overall structure described in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an internal schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a side view of the overall structure as described in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the through-body assembly described in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the anode plate assembly described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 1. Molecular pump; 2. Chamber; 3. Water cooling system; 4. High-voltage cable fixing flange; 5. Penetrator assembly; 51. Penetrator flange; 52. Penetrator; 53. O-ring; 6. Vacuum gauge; 7. Grid cap; 8. Anode plate assembly; 81. Anode plate flange; 82. Anode plate; 83. Copper tube; 84. Focusing orifice; 9. Target holder; 10. Rotary disk; 11. High-voltage cable socket; 12. Cathode. Detailed Implementation

[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of 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.

[0037] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, an X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface includes a cavity 2. The upper part of the cavity 2 is connected to a molecular pump 1 and a vacuum gauge 6 via flanges. One end of the cavity 2 is connected to a through-body assembly 5 via a flange. The through-body assembly 5 is bolted to a high-voltage cable fixing flange 4. The other end of the cavity 2 is connected to an anode plate assembly 8 via a flange. The anode plate assembly 8 is equipped with a water cooling system 3. A high-voltage cable socket 11 is installed inside the cavity 2. One end of the high-voltage cable socket 11 is connected to the high-voltage cable fixing flange 4, and the other end of the high-voltage cable socket 11 is equipped with a grid cap 7. A cathode 12 is installed inside the grid cap 7.

[0039] Advantages of this X-ray tube:

[0040] 1. Enhance X-ray output intensity:

[0041] In medical X-ray equipment, higher X-ray output intensity can reduce exposure time. This is highly advantageous for examining patients who cannot maintain a fixed posture for extended periods, allowing for the acquisition of clear images in a shorter time.

[0042] 2. Extend equipment lifespan:

[0043] In industrial X-ray flaw detection equipment, the cathode filament of the X-ray tube is protected from damage by ion bombardment in a high vacuum environment, thus extending the service life of the equipment and reducing the frequency of equipment replacement and operating costs.

[0044] 3. Improve image quality:

[0045] In non-destructive testing of electronic chips, high-precision X-ray imaging is required to observe the minute structures and defects inside the chip. Increasing the vacuum level of the X-ray tube provides a purer X-ray beam, which is beneficial for detecting smaller chip defects and improving the accuracy of the inspection.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the flange of the molecular pump 1 is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity 2, and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges for compression sealing. The flange of the vacuum gauge 6 is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity 2, and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges for compression sealing. The through-body assembly 5 includes a through-body flange 51 and a through-body 52. ​​The through-body flange 51 is internally connected to the through-body 52, and the connection between the high-voltage cable socket 11 and the high-voltage cable fixing flange 4 is located inside the through-body 52. ​​The through-body flange 51 is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity 2, and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges for compression sealing. The through-body assembly 5 also includes an O-ring 53, which is installed inside the through-body 52, and the through-body 52 is connected to the high-voltage cable socket 11 through the O-ring 53. The high-voltage cable fixing flange 4 is connected to the high-voltage cable through threads, and the high-voltage cable socket 11 is used to connect the high-voltage cable plug. The anode plate assembly 8 includes an anode plate flange 81, which is a CF flange, bolted to the flange on the cavity 2, with a copper gasket for compression sealing between the two flanges. The anode plate assembly 8 also includes an anode plate 82 and a copper tube 83. The anode plate 82 is welded to the anode plate flange 81, and one end of the copper tube 83 is welded to the anode plate 82. The other end of the copper tube 83 has a focusing hole 84 and a target holder 9, which is connected to an anode target and bolted to the rotating disk 10. In this embodiment, the high-voltage cable plug passes through the through-body assembly 5 and is inserted into the high-voltage cable socket 11 to provide power to the X-ray tube. The molecular pump 1 is a vacuum pump that uses a high-speed rotating rotor to transfer momentum to gas molecules, giving them directional velocity, thus compressing them and driving them towards the exhaust port for pre-pumping. The molecular pump 1 is used to control the vacuum level of the X-ray tube in real time. The vacuum gauge 6 is an instrument for measuring vacuum level and is used to monitor the vacuum level in real time. After being powered on, the cathode 12 emits an electron cloud, which forms an electron beam through the grid cap 7. The electron beam passes through the anode plate assembly 8 and forms a high-speed electron bombardment of the anode target. At the same time, the rotating disk 10 drives the target holder 9 to rotate rapidly, thereby generating stable X-rays. The water cooling system 3 is used to forcibly cool the X-ray tube to prevent it from overheating and being damaged.

[0047] The working principle of this utility model:

[0048] Electron emission: When a sufficient current is passed through the tungsten filament of the cathode, the filament is heated to a high temperature, and the electrons inside it gain enough energy to overcome the binding of the metal surface and escape from the surface of the tungsten filament, forming an electron cloud.

[0049] Electron acceleration: A high voltage is applied between the cathode and anode, creating a strong electric field. Under the influence of the electric field, electrons are accelerated from the cathode to the anode, gaining very high speeds and energy.

[0050] X-ray generation: When high-speed electrons collide with the anode target, their motion is suddenly halted. Most of the electron's kinetic energy is converted into heat energy, with only a small portion (about 1%) converted into radiation energy, emitted in the form of X-rays. Specifically, high-speed electrons collide with inner-shell electrons in the target atoms, knocking them out and creating vacancies. Outer-shell electrons then jump to these vacancies, releasing energy, which is radiated out in the form of X-rays.

[0051] The working process of this utility model is as follows: The high-voltage cable fixing flange is connected to the high-voltage cable through threads. When installing the high-voltage cable, the high-voltage cable fixing flange is fixed to the through body assembly by bolts. The plug at the front of the high-voltage cable is inserted into the high-voltage cable socket. After power is turned on, the cathode emits electrons. Under the action of electric field force, the electrons accelerate from the cathode to the anode. The high-speed electrons collide with the anode target and emit X-rays.

[0052] This X-ray tube improves the efficiency of X-ray generation. In a high-vacuum environment, electrons fly from the cathode to the anode with almost no collisions with other gas molecules. This ensures that more of the electrons' energy is used to bombard the anode target and generate X-rays, rather than being wasted on collisions and scattering with gas molecules, thus producing X-rays with higher intensity and better quality.

[0053] This X-ray tube helps extend its lifespan. When the vacuum level is low, the positive ions generated by the ionization of the gas inside the tube bombard the cathode filament, causing it to be easily damaged. A high vacuum level reduces this ion bombardment phenomenon, thereby reducing the wear and tear on the cathode filament and extending the overall lifespan of the X-ray tube.

[0054] This X-ray tube improves image quality. The X-ray energy generated in a high-vacuum environment is more concentrated and stable, reducing scattering and attenuation caused by gas interference, resulting in clearer and more accurate images. This is crucial in fields such as medical diagnostics and industrial non-destructive testing.

[0055] The rotatable anode target of this X-ray tube improves heat dissipation. Electron beam bombardment of the target generates a significant amount of heat; rotating the target disperses this heat over a larger area, preventing localized overheating. This helps prevent the target from deforming, melting, or being damaged due to overheating, extending the target's lifespan. It also allows the X-ray tube to operate stably at higher power levels, improving the output intensity and stability of X-rays.

[0056] The anode target surface of this X-ray tube can be rotated to improve imaging quality. Rotating the target surface allows the electron beam to bombard the target surface uniformly, reducing X-ray emission inhomogeneities caused by localized damage or contamination, thereby improving X-ray image quality, reducing image noise and artifacts, and making imaging clearer and more accurate.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface, characterized in that: The device includes a cavity (2), which is connected to the flanges of a molecular pump (1) and a vacuum gauge (6) at the top. One end of the cavity (2) is connected to the flange of a penetrating body assembly (5), which is bolted to a high-voltage cable fixing flange (4). The other end of the cavity (2) is connected to the flange of an anode plate assembly (8), which is equipped with a water cooling system (3). A high-voltage cable socket (11) is installed inside the cavity (2), and one end of the high-voltage cable socket (11) is connected to the high-voltage cable fixing flange (4). A grid cap (7) is installed at the other end of the high-voltage cable socket (11), and a cathode (12) is installed inside the grid cap (7).

2. The X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange of the molecular pump (1) is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity (2), and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges to press and seal.

3. The X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange of the vacuum gauge (6) is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity (2), and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges to press and seal.

4. The X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The through-body assembly (5) includes a through-body flange (51) and a through-body (52). The through-body flange (51) is internally connected to the through-body (52). The connection between the high-voltage cable socket (11) and the high-voltage cable fixing flange (4) is located inside the through-body (52).

5. An X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 4, characterized in that: The through-body flange (51) is a CF flange, which is bolted to the flange on the cavity (2), and a copper gasket is provided between the two flanges for compression sealing.

6. An X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 4, characterized in that: The penetrating body assembly (5) also includes an O-ring (53), the O-ring (53) is installed inside the penetrating body (52), and the penetrating body (52) is connected to the high-voltage cable socket (11) through the O-ring (53).

7. An X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 4, characterized in that: The through-body (52) is connected to the high-voltage cable socket (11) by a casting process.

8. An X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-voltage cable fixing flange (4) is connected to the high-voltage cable via threads, and the high-voltage cable socket (11) is used to connect the high-voltage cable plug.

9. An X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode plate assembly (8) includes an anode plate flange (81), which is a CF flange and is bolted to the flange on the cavity (2). A copper gasket is provided between the two flanges to press and seal them.

10. An X-ray tube with improved open-tube vacuum and rotatable anode target surface according to claim 9, characterized in that: The anode plate assembly (8) further includes an anode plate (82) and a copper tube (83). The anode plate (82) is welded to the anode plate flange (81). One end of the copper tube (83) is welded to the anode plate (82). The other end of the copper tube (83) is provided with a focusing hole (84). The other end of the copper tube (83) is also provided with a target seat (9). The target seat (9) is connected to an anode target. The target seat (9) is connected to the rotating disk (10) by bolts.

Images