Liquid metal bearing with spiral heat dissipation channel and X-ray tube

Abstract

The utility model relates to a liquid metal bearing with a spiral heat dissipation channel. The liquid metal bearing comprises a shaft, a rotating assembly and a guide pipe. A gap is formed between the shaft and the rotating assembly; the shaft comprises a shaft body and a shaft bulge annularly arranged on the shaft body, and the rotating assembly can rotate around the shaft body; the shaft body is arranged on the outer side of the guide pipe in a sleeving mode. The inner surface, close to the guide pipe, of the shaft body is provided with at least one spiral channel, and the spiral channel abuts against the outer surface of the guide pipe. A coolant inflow channel is arranged in the guide pipe, and the coolant inflow channel penetrates through the guide pipe; and the spiral channel is communicated with the coolant inflow channel. The utility model also relates to an X-ray tube. The temperature of the bearing assembly can be rapidly reduced, and the reliability of the liquid metal bearing and the X-ray tube is effectively improved. The structure has high practicability and economical efficiency, and can be produced and used as a general product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of X-ray tube technology, and in particular to a liquid metal bearing with a spiral heat dissipation channel and an X-ray tube. Background Technology

[0002] The rotating anode X-ray tube is one of the core components of a CT imaging diagnostic system, and its performance parameters directly affect the accuracy and imaging rate of CT images. The X-ray tube mainly consists of several parts, including the electron gun assembly, the anode target disk assembly, and the tube shell assembly. Among these, the bearing in the anode target disk assembly is a critical component, directly affecting the performance parameters, reliability, and lifespan of the X-ray tube.

[0003] Currently, high-performance X-ray tubes typically utilize liquid metal sliding bearing structures. Liquid metal sliding bearings mainly consist of a rotating assembly and a fixed shaft component, with liquid metal serving as the lubricating medium filling the gap between them. The liquid metal is generally composed of gallium, indium, tin, or alloys of these metals. These alloys are typically liquid at room temperature and have a relatively low saturated vapor pressure at operating temperatures, making them suitable for X-ray tubes requiring a high vacuum environment. During X-ray generation, the anode target disk is struck by the electron beam, and the portion along the circular path is heated to extremely high temperatures. X-ray generation typically results in the anode assembly being heated to temperatures of 1200°C to 1400°C. During X-ray tube operation, the anode assembly is passively cooled using oil or other coolants flowing within the casing. However, some of the heat radiated from the anode assembly is also absorbed by the rotor and bearing assembly, subjecting the bearing assembly to extremely high temperatures, leading to significant thermal deformation and increased corrosion of the contact metal by the liquid metal, thus affecting the bearing's lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, the present invention provides a liquid metal bearing and an X-ray tube with a spiral heat dissipation channel, aiming to solve the problem that existing liquid metal bearings absorb some of the heat radiated from the anode assembly during operation, resulting in thermal deformation and metal corrosion, which affects the service life of the bearing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, on the one hand, this utility model provides a liquid metal bearing with a spiral heat dissipation channel, including a shaft, a rotating assembly, and a conduit; a gap is provided between the shaft and the rotating assembly; the shaft includes a shaft body and a shaft protrusion annularly disposed on the shaft body, and the rotating assembly is rotatable around the shaft body; the shaft body is sleeved on the outside of the conduit;

[0006] At least one spiral channel is provided on the inner surface of the shaft body near the conduit, and the spiral channel abuts against the outer surface of the conduit; a coolant inflow channel is provided inside the conduit, and the coolant inflow channel extends through the conduit; the spiral channel is connected to the coolant inflow channel.

[0007] The spiral channel is connected to the coolant inflow channel, and the spiral channel is used as the coolant outflow channel (i.e. heat dissipation channel). This can greatly increase the heat exchange area of ​​the coolant and reduce the flow rate of the coolant. It can also effectively increase the residence time of the coolant inside the shaft, thereby better absorbing heat and reducing the temperature of the liquid metal bearing, especially its bearing load area, thus effectively improving the reliability of the bearing.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, multiple spiral channels are provided, and the multiple spiral channels are equally spaced on the inner surface of the shaft body; the multiple spiral channels are arranged parallel to each other; the spiral channels are coolant outflow channels.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the conduit is configured to be interference-fitted with the shaft body; one end of the conduit protrudes from the shaft body.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, along the axial direction of the shaft body, the gap includes a bearing bearing area, a thrust sealing area, and a leakage suppression area that are connected in sequence; both the bearing bearing area and the thrust sealing area are filled with liquid metal.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of herringbone grooves are provided on the surface of the shaft body near the bearing bearing area; the plurality of herringbone grooves are arranged at equal intervals and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating assembly includes a bushing fitted onto one end of the shaft body, a sealing partition disposed at one end of the bushing, and a sealing flange disposed on one side of the sealing partition; the bushing and the sealing flange respectively abut against the shaft protrusion, and the sealing partition is fitted onto the outer side of the shaft protrusion; the inner surface of the sealing flange is provided with a liquid storage tank communicating with the leakage suppression zone.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing bearing area is disposed between the bushing and the shaft body; the thrust sealing area is disposed between the shaft protrusion and the bushing, between the shaft protrusion and the sealing partition, and between the shaft protrusion and the sealing flange; and the leakage suppression area is disposed between the sealing flange and the shaft body.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the bushing and the sealing partition, as well as the sealing partition and the sealing flange, are fixedly connected by screws.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid metal bearing further includes a motor rotor, which is sleeved on the outside of the rotating assembly near the shaft end, and one end of the motor rotor is fixed to the bushing.

[0016] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube including the liquid metal bearing with a spiral heat dissipation channel.

[0017] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: By setting a conduit inside the shaft body, a coolant inflow channel on the conduit, and a spiral channel on the inner surface of the shaft body as a coolant outflow channel, the coolant enters the conduit through the coolant inflow channel and then flows out through the spiral channel of the shaft body. During the process of entering the conduit and flowing out of the shaft body, the heat of the bearing assembly can be effectively absorbed, thereby rapidly reducing the temperature of the bearing assembly and effectively improving the reliability of the liquid metal bearing and the X-ray tube. The structure of this application has high practicality and economy, and can be produced and used as a general-purpose product. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a liquid metal bearing with a spiral heat dissipation channel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a liquid metal bearing with a spiral heat dissipation channel;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a liquid metal bearing (connected to an anode target disk) with a spiral heat dissipation channel;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the shaft along the axial direction;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the axis from another angle.

[0024] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0029] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0030] Specifically, on the one hand, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a liquid metal bearing with a spiral heat dissipation channel, including a shaft 10, a rotating assembly 20, and a conduit 30; a gap 40 is provided between the shaft 10 and the rotating assembly 20; the shaft 10 includes a shaft body 11 and a shaft protrusion 12 circumferentially disposed on the shaft body 11, and the rotating assembly 20 is rotatable around the shaft body 11; the shaft body 11 is sleeved on the outside of the conduit 30;

[0031] At least one spiral channel 111 is provided on the inner surface of the shaft body 11 near the conduit 30, and the spiral channel 111 abuts against the outer surface of the conduit 30; a coolant inflow channel 31 is provided inside the conduit 30, and the coolant inflow channel 31 is provided through the conduit 30; the spiral channel 111 is connected to the coolant inflow channel 31.

[0032] The spiral channel 111 is connected to the coolant inflow channel 31. Using the spiral channel 111 as the coolant outflow channel (i.e. heat dissipation channel) can significantly increase the heat exchange area of ​​the coolant and reduce the flow rate of the coolant. It can also effectively increase the residence time of the coolant inside the shaft, thereby better absorbing heat and reducing the temperature of the liquid metal bearing, especially its bearing bearing area, thus effectively improving the reliability of the bearing.

[0033] In this embodiment, the spiral channel 111 is disposed on the inner surface of the shaft body, which greatly increases the contact area between the coolant and the shaft body, making the contact between the coolant and the bearing deeper and more sufficient, and the heat dissipation faster, thus achieving a better heat dissipation effect.

[0034] In this application, the coolant inflow channel is adapted to the spiral channel (including the depth, width and volume of coolant contained in the channel are adapted to each other), and the conduit and the shaft body are uniform (i.e. the size and aperture of the entire conduit (or shaft body) are the same). In this way, the temperature drop of the entire bearing can be kept consistent, effectively avoiding the impact of local high temperature on the performance of the entire bearing.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, multiple spiral channels 111 are provided, and these spiral channels 111 are equally spaced on the inner surface of the shaft body 11; the multiple spiral channels 111 are arranged parallel to each other; the spiral channels 111 serve as coolant outflow channels. This arrangement can further increase the heat exchange area of ​​the coolant and reduce the coolant flow rate, and can effectively increase the residence time of the coolant inside the shaft, thereby better absorbing heat and reducing the temperature of the liquid metal bearing, especially its bearing load area, thus effectively improving the reliability of the bearing.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the conduit 30 is interference-fitted with the shaft body 11; one end of the conduit 30 protrudes from the shaft body 11. This facilitates the installation and removal of the conduit 30, making the installation and removal of the conduit 30 convenient and quick.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, along the axial direction of the shaft body 11, the gap 40 includes a bearing bearing area 41, a thrust sealing area 42, and a leakage suppression area 43 connected in sequence; both the bearing bearing area 41 and the thrust sealing area 42 are filled with liquid metal 50.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of herringbone grooves 112 are provided on the surface of the shaft body 11 near the bearing bearing area 41; the plurality of herringbone grooves 112 are arranged at equal intervals and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0039] The number of herringbone grooves 112 (one, two, or more), the shape of the herringbone grooves 112, and the depth of the herringbone grooves 112 can be set according to actual needs. By setting the herringbone grooves 112 here, radial bearing capacity is provided during rotation, ensuring rotational stability.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the rotating assembly 20 includes a bushing 21 sleeved on one end of the shaft body 11, a sealing partition 22 disposed on one end of the bushing 21, and a sealing flange 23 disposed on one side of the sealing partition 22; the bushing 21 and the sealing flange 23 respectively abut against the shaft protrusion 12, and the sealing partition 22 is sleeved on the outside of the shaft protrusion 12; the inner surface of the sealing flange 23 is provided with a liquid storage tank 231 communicating with the leakage suppression zone 43.

[0041] The number of liquid storage tanks 231 (one, two, or more), the shape of the liquid storage tanks 231, and the depth of the liquid storage tanks 231 can be set according to actual needs to facilitate the storage of liquid metal. The liquid storage tanks 231 facilitate the storage of liquid metal flowing from the thrust sealing area into the leakage suppression area, preventing liquid metal from leaking into the vacuum environment outside the bearing.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing bearing area 41 is disposed between the bushing 21 and the shaft body 11; the thrust sealing area 42 is disposed between the shaft protrusion 12 and the bushing 21, between the shaft protrusion 12 and the sealing partition 22, and between the shaft protrusion 12 and the sealing flange 23; and the leakage suppression area 43 is disposed between the sealing flange 23 and the shaft body 11.

[0043] When the bushing 21 rotates relative to the shaft body 11, a high hydrodynamic pressure is generated in the middle area (i.e., the geometric center) of each herringbone groove 112. The pressure in several areas of the thrust sealing zone is approximately equal, so the entire rotating assembly is basically balanced in the axial direction.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the bushing 21 and the sealing partition 22, as well as the sealing partition 22 and the sealing flange 23, are fixedly connected by screws 60. The sealing partition 22 is disposed between the bushing 21 and the sealing flange 23, and the sealing partition 22 abuts against the bushing 21 and the sealing flange 23 respectively to form a rotating assembly.

[0045] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the liquid metal bearing also includes a motor rotor 70, which is sleeved on the outer side of the rotating assembly 20 near the shaft protrusion 12, and one end of the motor rotor 70 is fixed to the bushing 21.

[0046] In this embodiment, the shaft body 11 and the axle protrusion 12 are integrally formed. The bushing 21, the sealing partition 22, and the sealing flange 23 are all fitted onto the shaft body 11, that is, the rotating assembly 20 is fitted onto the shaft body 11. In use, the anode target disk 80 is fitted and fixed to the end of the bushing 21 away from the axle protrusion 12.

[0047] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube including the liquid metal bearing with a spiral heat dissipation channel.

[0048] When the X-ray tube is working, the anode target disk 80 generates a large amount of heat, which is transferred to the bushing and liquid metal through radiation or heat conduction. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the coolant at a lower temperature enters the conduit through the coolant inflow channel and then flows out through the spiral channel of the shaft body (i.e., the coolant outflow channel), thereby carrying away the heat from the bushing and the liquid metal and achieving an effective cooling effect.

[0049] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid metal bearing having helical heat dissipation channels, characterized in that, The shaft, the rotating assembly and the catheter are provided with a gap; the shaft comprises a shaft body and a shaft protrusion arranged on the shaft body, and the rotating assembly is rotatable around the shaft body; the shaft body is sleeved outside the catheter; The shaft body is provided with at least one spiral channel near the inner surface of the catheter, the spiral channel is in abutment with the outer surface of the catheter; the catheter is provided with a coolant inflow channel, and the coolant inflow channel is arranged through the catheter; the spiral channel is in communication with the coolant inflow channel.

2. The liquid metal bearing with helical heat dissipation channels of claim 1, wherein, The spiral channels are arranged on the inner surface of the shaft body at equal intervals; the spiral channels are coolant outflow channels.

3. The liquid metal bearing with helical heat dissipation channels of claim 2, wherein, The spiral channels are arranged in parallel with each other; the catheter is arranged in an interference fit with the shaft body; one end of the catheter protrudes from the shaft body.

4. The liquid metal bearing with helical heat dissipation channels of claim 1, wherein, In the axial direction of the shaft body, the gap comprises a bearing carrying area, a thrust sealing area and a leakage suppression area which are sequentially in communication; the bearing carrying area and the thrust sealing area are both filled with liquid metal.

5. A liquid metal bearing having helical heat dissipation channels as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The shaft body is provided with a plurality of herringbone grooves on the surface near the bearing carrying area; the herringbone grooves are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel with each other.

6. The liquid metal bearing with helical heat dissipation channels of claim 4, wherein, The rotating assembly comprises a shaft sleeve sleeved on one end of the shaft body, a sealing partition plate arranged on one end of the shaft sleeve and a sealing flange arranged on one side of the sealing partition plate; the shaft sleeve and the sealing flange are in abutment with the shaft protrusion, and the sealing partition plate is sleeved outside the shaft protrusion; the inner surface of the sealing flange is provided with a liquid storage groove in communication with the leakage suppression area.

7. A liquid metal bearing having helical heat dissipation channels as claimed in claim 6 wherein, The bearing carrying area is arranged between the shaft sleeve and the shaft body; the thrust sealing area is arranged between the shaft protrusion and the shaft sleeve, between the shaft protrusion and the sealing partition plate, and between the shaft protrusion and the sealing flange; the leakage suppression area is arranged between the sealing flange and the shaft body.

8. The liquid metal bearing with helical heat dissipation channels of claim 6, wherein, The shaft sleeve and the sealing partition plate, and the sealing partition plate and the sealing flange are fixedly connected by screws.

9. The liquid metal bearing with helical heat dissipation channels of claim 6, wherein, The liquid metal bearing further comprises a motor rotor, the motor rotor is sleeved outside one end of the rotating assembly near the shaft protrusion, and one end of the motor rotor is fixed to the shaft sleeve.

10. An X-ray tube, characterized by The X-ray tube comprises the liquid metal bearing with spiral heat dissipation channels according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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