A CT tube cooling system
By introducing a directional delivery channel and an external heat dissipation device into the CT tube cooling system, the problem of heat concentration in the X-ray emission window was solved, achieving rapid heat dissipation and stable operation, thereby improving the lifespan of the tube and the imaging quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHUHAI NAIRUI PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing CT tube cooling systems are ineffective at dissipating heat, especially at the X-ray emission window where heat is concentrated, leading to excessively high temperatures that affect tube stability and lifespan.
A CT tube cooling system was designed, including a heat exchange device and a first heat dissipation device. The system delivers low-temperature insulating oil directly to the X-ray emission window for heat dissipation through a directional delivery channel. The system is combined with a second heat dissipation device to enhance the heat dissipation effect on the outer wall of the tube sleeve. The system is optimized using a shunt and a temperature detection device.
It effectively reduces the temperature at the X-ray emission window, prevents overheating, ensures stable operation of the X-ray tube, improves imaging quality, and extends its service life.
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Figure CN224319573U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of X-ray tube technology, and in particular to a CT tube cooling system. Background Technology
[0002] After the CT X-ray tube starts working, the tube core will generate a lot of heat, and cooling equipment is needed to cool the heat generated by the tube core.
[0003] In existing technologies, insulating oil is typically installed inside the X-ray tube, and a circulating pump is installed externally. After the X-ray tube starts working, the large amount of heat generated by the tube core is transferred to the insulating oil inside the X-ray tube through heat conduction. The hot oil is drawn out from the oil outlet by the circulating pump, and then cooled by an external cooling device before being reintroduced into the X-ray tube to achieve the purpose of heat dissipation.
[0004] However, the heat is highly concentrated around the anode target disk where cathode electrons bombard the area (at the X-ray emission window). Existing cooling systems cannot quickly and effectively remove the heat from this area, resulting in excessively high temperatures and making it difficult to meet heat dissipation requirements. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a CT tube cooling system capable of effectively dissipating heat at the X-ray emission window.
[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a CT tube cooling system includes a CT tube comprising a sleeve and a core, the core being disposed within the sleeve, and an oil cavity being provided between the sleeve and the core. The CT tube cooling system includes:
[0007] A heat exchange device configured to store insulating oil, the heat exchange device being connected to an oil chamber via an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, the inlet pipe being used to supply the insulating oil from the heat exchange device to the oil chamber, and the outlet pipe being used to discharge the insulating oil from the oil chamber back to the heat exchange device; and
[0008] A first heat dissipation device is disposed on the inner wall of the sleeve. The first heat dissipation device is connected to the heat exchange device through a first connecting pipe. The first heat dissipation device includes a directional delivery channel disposed inside the sleeve. One end of the directional delivery channel is connected to the first connecting pipe, and the other end of the directional delivery channel is disposed in the region of the X-ray emission window of the CT tube. The directional delivery channel is configured to deliver the insulating oil in the heat exchange device to the region of the X-ray emission window of the CT tube.
[0009] The CT tube cooling system according to the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: through the directional delivery channel of the first heat dissipation device, the insulating oil with a lower temperature in the heat exchange device can be directionally delivered to the area around the cathode electron bombardment anode target disk (at the X-ray emission window) of the tube core, so that the insulating oil can quickly remove the heat in the area and prevent the temperature in the area from being too high and damaging the tube core.
[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first heat dissipation device further includes a distributor, and multiple directional conveying channels are provided. The multiple directional conveying channels are respectively connected to the distributor. The first connecting pipe is connected to the directional conveying channels through the distributor, and the multiple directional conveying channels are arranged along the inner wall of the sleeve.
[0011] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the directional conveying channel is a plastic pipe.
[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second heat dissipation device is also included. The second heat dissipation device is disposed on the outer wall of the tube sleeve and is connected to the heat exchange device. The first heat dissipation device is located in the area of the X-ray emission window of the CT tube.
[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second heat dissipation device includes a heat dissipation block, the heat dissipation block is connected to the heat exchange device through a second connecting pipe, the beryllium window structure of the tube sleeve is disposed in the heat dissipation block, the heat dissipation block is provided with a heat dissipation channel inside, and the two ends of the heat dissipation channel are respectively connected to the second connecting pipe.
[0014] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the heat dissipation channel is a serpentine flow channel.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first connecting pipe and the input pipe are both connected to the sleeve near the anode end of the tube core, and the output pipe is connected to the sleeve near the cathode end of the tube core.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a temperature detection device is also included, which is disposed on the sleeve.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange device includes an oil storage tank and a heat exchange component. The heat exchange component is disposed on one side of the oil storage tank and is used to cool the insulating oil in the oil storage tank.
[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the CT tube in the CT tube cooling system of this utility model embodiment;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of a CT tube explosion.
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a half-section of a CT tube.
[0023] Icon labels:
[0024] CT tube 10; tube sleeve 11; input tube 111; output tube 112; core 12; oil chamber 13; beryllium window structure 14; X-ray emission window area 15;
[0025] First heat dissipation device 20; directional delivery pipe 21; first connecting pipe 22; distributor 23;
[0026] Second heat dissipation device 30; heat dissipation block 31; second connecting pipe 32;
[0027] Temperature detection device 40. Detailed Implementation
[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0029] In the description of this utility model, the use of "first" and "second" is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or the order of the technical features.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 3According to an embodiment of the present invention, the CT tube 10 cooling system includes a sleeve 11 and a core 12. The core 12 is disposed in the sleeve 11, and an oil cavity 13 is provided between the sleeve 11 and the core 12. The CT tube 10 cooling system includes a heat exchange device (not shown in the figure) and a first heat dissipation device 20. The heat exchange device is configured to store insulating oil. The heat exchange device is connected to the oil chamber 13 through an input pipe 111 and an output pipe 112. The input pipe 111 is used to transport insulating oil from the heat exchange device to the oil chamber 13, and the output pipe 112 is used to output insulating oil from the oil chamber 13 to the heat exchange device. The first heat dissipation device 20 is disposed on the inner wall of the sleeve 11. The first heat dissipation device 20 is connected to the heat exchange device through a first connecting pipe 22. The first heat dissipation device 20 includes a directional conveying channel, which is disposed inside the sleeve 11. One end of the directional conveying channel is connected to the first connecting pipe 22, and the other end of the directional conveying channel is disposed on the X-ray emission window area 15 of the CT tube 10. The directional conveying channel is configured to transport the insulating oil in the heat exchange device to the X-ray emission window area 15 of the CT tube 10.
[0032] From an overall heat dissipation perspective, this CT tube cooling system, by connecting a heat exchange device to the oil chamber 13 to form a circulating loop for insulating oil, continuously cools the core 12, effectively reducing its temperature. This prevents problems such as unstable electron emission and shortened target plate life caused by overheating of the core 12, ensuring long-term stable operation of the CT tube and extending its service life. It is important to emphasize that this system includes a dedicated first heat dissipation device 20 for the heat-concentrated area of the CT tube, namely the X-ray emission window area. This device precisely delivers the cooled insulating oil from the heat exchange device to the X-ray emission window area via a directional delivery channel, providing targeted heat dissipation to this heat-concentrated area. This effectively solves the problem of insufficient heat dissipation in this area by existing cooling systems, quickly removing a large amount of heat and maintaining the temperature within a reasonable range. This ensures stable performance of the CT tube during X-ray emission and improves imaging quality. The first heat dissipation device 20 is installed on the inner wall of the sleeve 11 and is connected to the heat exchange device through the first connecting pipe 22. This structural design is compact and reasonable, making full use of the internal space of the CT tube. Without increasing the volume too much, it achieves enhanced heat dissipation of key parts, improves space utilization, and reduces the complexity and cost of the overall cooling system.
[0033] Specifically, in some embodiments, this embodiment provides a CT tube cooling system. The CT tube includes a sleeve 11 and a core 12, with the core 12 disposed within the sleeve 11, forming an oil cavity 13 between the sleeve 11 and the core 12. The heat exchange device employs a common oil-cooled heat exchanger, which stores insulating oil internally. The heat exchange device is connected to the oil cavity 13 via an input pipe 111 and an output pipe 112. A small pump is installed on the input pipe 111 to deliver insulating oil from the heat exchange device to the oil cavity 13. The output pipe 112, relying on gravity and the natural flow of oil, outputs insulating oil from the oil cavity 13 back to the heat exchange device, forming a circulating flow of insulating oil. The heat exchange device is also connected to an external cooling water source to cool the internal insulating oil using water cooling. A first heat dissipation device 20 is disposed on the inner wall of the sleeve 11 and is connected to the heat exchange device via a first connecting pipe 22, which is a flexible metal pipe for easy installation and position adjustment. The first heat dissipation device 20 has a directional delivery channel inside. This directional delivery channel is a pipe with a circular cross-section, and its inner diameter and length are rationally designed according to the internal space of the sleeve 11. One end of the directional delivery channel is connected to the first connecting pipe 22, and the other end extends to the X-ray emission window area of the CT tube. In the X-ray emission window area, the outlet of the directional delivery channel is set with multiple small nozzles, which can evenly spray insulating oil into the X-ray emission window area for efficient heat dissipation.
[0034] When the CT tube starts working, the core 12 generates heat. Hot oil flows from the oil chamber 13 into the heat exchanger through the output pipe 112. After being cooled by the cooling water source, it is pumped back to the oil chamber 13 through the input pipe 111 by the pump body, providing initial cooling for the core 12. Simultaneously, some of the insulating oil in the heat exchanger flows through the first connecting pipe 22 into the directional delivery channel of the first heat dissipation device 20, and is sprayed out from the nozzle to provide concentrated heat dissipation to the X-ray emission window area, ensuring temperature stability in that area.
[0035] Therefore, it is understood that the CT tube 10 cooling system according to the present utility model embodiment has at least the following beneficial effects: through the directional delivery channel of the first heat dissipation device 20, the insulating oil with a lower temperature in the heat exchange device can be directionally delivered to the area around the cathode electron bombardment anode target disk (at the X-ray emission window) of the tube core 12, so that the insulating oil can quickly carry away the heat in the area and prevent the temperature in the area from being too high and damaging the tube core 12.
[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments of this utility model, the first heat dissipation device 20 further includes a diverter 23, and multiple directional conveying channels are provided. The multiple directional conveying channels are respectively connected to the diverter 23. The first connecting pipe 22 is connected to the directional conveying channels through the diverter 23. The multiple directional conveying channels are arranged along the inner wall of the sleeve 11.
[0037] To further optimize heat dissipation in the X-ray emission window area of the CT tube, a diverter 23 is added to the first heat dissipation device 20 in this embodiment, and a design with multiple directional delivery channels is adopted. The diverter 23, as a key component, is located inside the sleeve 11. Its structure can evenly distribute the insulating oil flowing in from the first connecting pipe 22 into multiple directional delivery channels. The diverter 23 has multiple flow channels inside, each corresponding to one directional delivery channel. The size and shape of the flow channels are precisely calculated to ensure that the insulating oil flows evenly and stably into each directional delivery channel, avoiding heat dissipation differences caused by uneven flow. These directional delivery channels are arranged along the inner wall of the sleeve 11. The arrangement can be flexibly adjusted according to the internal space of the sleeve 11 and heat dissipation requirements; for example, they can be arranged at equal intervals or non-uniformly according to the heat distribution. In practical applications, when the insulating oil flows into the diverter 23 from the first connecting pipe 22, it is evenly distributed by the diverter 23 and enters the multiple directional delivery channels. Each directional delivery channel delivers insulating oil to the X-ray emission window area of the CT tube. Because multiple channels operate simultaneously, the cooling area and intensity of the X-ray emission window area are significantly increased, thus more effectively removing a large amount of heat from this area. For example, in a specific embodiment of the CT tube cooling system, the distributor 23 adopts a cylindrical structure with six evenly distributed flow channels inside, corresponding to the six directional delivery channels. These six directional delivery channels are arranged in a ring along the inner wall of the sleeve 11. When the CT tube is working, the insulating oil flows into the distributor 23 from the first connecting pipe 22, and after being evenly distributed, enters the six directional delivery channels respectively. It is then evenly sprayed from the outlet of each channel onto the X-ray emission window area, providing comprehensive and efficient heat dissipation. In some embodiments of this invention, the directional delivery channels are made of plastic tubing, which further improves the adaptability of the directional delivery channels in complex spatial environments and the convenience of installation and maintenance. They can be silicone rubber hoses or flexible tubes, etc., and are not specifically limited in this embodiment.
[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the cooling system of the CT tube 10 further includes a second heat dissipation device 30, which is disposed on the outer wall of the tube sleeve 11 and is connected to the heat exchange device. The first heat dissipation device 20 is located in the area of the X-ray emission window of the CT tube 10.
[0039] To further enhance the overall heat dissipation effect of the CT tube, this embodiment adds a second heat dissipation device 30. This device is connected to the heat exchange device and works in conjunction with the first heat dissipation device 20 to achieve all-round and efficient heat dissipation of the CT tube. Specifically, the second heat dissipation device 30 is specifically disposed on the outer wall of the tube sleeve 11, and its structure can be flexibly designed according to actual heat dissipation requirements and spatial layout. In some embodiments, the second heat dissipation device 30 can adopt a combination of heat dissipation fins (not shown in the figure) and heat dissipation pipes (not shown in the figure). The heat dissipation fins are evenly and densely distributed on the outer wall of the tube sleeve 11. The heat dissipation fins are made of high thermal conductivity materials, such as aluminum alloy, and their surfaces are specially treated, such as anodizing, to improve their corrosion resistance and heat dissipation performance. The shape and size of the heat dissipation fins are optimized to increase the contact area with the surrounding air and promote rapid heat dissipation. The heat dissipation pipes are arranged in a spiral or ring shape along the outer wall of the tube sleeve 11, cooperating with the heat dissipation fins. One end of the heat dissipation pipe is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange device, and the other end forms a circulation loop with the inlet of the heat exchange device, so that the insulating oil can continuously circulate between the second heat dissipation device 30 and the heat exchange device.
[0040] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the second heat dissipation device 30 includes a heat dissipation block 31. The heat dissipation block 31 is connected to the heat exchange device through a second connecting pipe 32. The beryllium window structure 14 of the sleeve 11 is disposed in the heat dissipation block 31. A heat dissipation channel (not shown in the figure) is provided inside the heat dissipation block 31, and the two ends of the heat dissipation channel are respectively connected to the second connecting pipe 32. In order to further improve the heat dissipation effect on specific key areas (beryllium window structure 14) of the CT tube and optimize the overall heat dissipation performance of the second heat dissipation device 30, this embodiment introduces the key component of the heat dissipation block 31 into the second heat dissipation device 30. The heat dissipation block 31 is made of a high thermal conductivity material, such as copper alloy, and its shape and size are customized according to the beryllium window structure 14 of the sleeve 11 and the overall heat dissipation requirements. The heat dissipation block 31 is connected to the heat exchange device through the second connecting pipe 32. The second connecting pipe 32 is made of metal pipe, such as stainless steel pipe, which has good sealing and pressure resistance performance, ensuring that the insulating oil can flow stably and smoothly between the heat exchange device and the heat dissipation block 31. In the installation position, the beryllium window structure 14 of the sleeve 11 is disposed within the heat sink 31. A heat dissipation channel is provided inside the heat sink 31; the direction and layout of this channel have been designed and optimized through thermodynamic simulation to maximize heat dissipation efficiency. Both ends of the heat dissipation channel are connected to the second connecting pipe 32, forming a complete insulating oil circulation loop. In some embodiments of this invention, the heat dissipation channel is a serpentine flow path.
[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments of this utility model, the first connecting pipe 22 and the input pipe 111 are both connected to the sleeve 11 near the anode end of the core 12, and the output pipe 112 is connected to the sleeve 11 near the cathode end of the core 12.
[0042] In practical applications, both the first connecting pipe 22 and the input pipe 111 are connected to the sleeve 11 near the anode end of the core 12. The anode end of the core 12 is one of the areas where heat generation is relatively concentrated. During operation, the electron beam bombards the anode target surface, generating a large amount of heat. Placing the first connecting pipe 22 and the input pipe 111 here allows the insulating oil to quickly exchange heat with the heat at the anode end after entering the sleeve 11. The first connecting pipe 22, as an important channel connecting the heat exchange device and the first heat dissipation device 20, has a crucial connection position that is vital to the performance of the entire cooling system. By placing it near the anode end, the temperature entering the first heat dissipation device 20 is reduced, improving the heat dissipation effect of the first heat dissipation device 20 on the X-ray emission window area. The input pipe 111 is responsible for introducing the insulating oil cooled by the heat exchange device into the sleeve 11. Its connection position is close to that of the first connecting pipe 22, ensuring that the cooled insulating oil can be replenished to the vicinity of the anode end in a timely manner, maintaining the stable operation of the cooling system. The output pipe 112 is connected to the sleeve 11 near the cathode end of the core 12. As the insulating oil circulates continuously within the sleeve 11, it absorbs heat from various areas of the core 12, causing its temperature to gradually rise. Positioning the output pipe 112 near the cathode end allows the high-temperature insulating oil to drain smoothly from the sleeve 11, preventing heat accumulation within it. Simultaneously, this connection method facilitates a reasonable insulating oil circulation path, ensuring the oil flows effectively through all parts of the core 12 and improving overall heat dissipation efficiency.
[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, the cooling system of the CT tube 10 further includes a temperature detection device 40, which is disposed on the tube sleeve 11. In order to achieve real-time and accurate monitoring of the temperature inside the tube sleeve 11, so as to promptly grasp the working status of the CT tube and adjust the cooling strategy, this embodiment adds a temperature detection device 40 to the cooling system and reasonably places it on the tube sleeve 11.
[0044] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heat exchange device (not shown in the figure) includes an oil storage tank and a heat exchange component. The heat exchange component is disposed on one side of the oil storage tank and is used to cool the insulating oil in the oil storage tank.
[0045] The oil storage tank is an important component of the heat exchange device, used to store the insulating oil whose temperature rises after absorbing heat through the first heat dissipation device 20. The volume of the oil storage tank is rationally designed according to the power of the CT tube, heat dissipation requirements, and the circulation flow rate of the insulating oil to ensure sufficient insulating oil reserves during the operation of the cooling system and to avoid a decrease in cooling effect due to insufficient insulating oil. An oil inlet and an oil outlet are provided on the top of the oil storage tank. The oil inlet is connected to the output pipe 112 and the second connecting pipe 32, respectively, to receive the high-temperature insulating oil flowing out of the sleeve 11. The oil outlet is connected to the first connecting pipe 22, the second connecting pipe 32, the input pipe 111, and the circulation pump, respectively, to transport the insulating oil cooled by the heat exchanger to the sleeve 11, the first heat dissipation device 20, or the second heat dissipation device 30.
[0046] The heat exchanger, located on one side of the oil tank, is a key component for cooling the insulating oil within. It employs a plate heat exchanger structure, which offers advantages such as high heat exchange efficiency, compact structure, and small footprint. The plate heat exchanger consists of a series of corrugated metal plates stacked together, with narrow flow channels formed between adjacent plates. The insulating oil and the cooling medium (such as water or air) flow within their respective channels, exchanging heat through the metal plates.
[0047] Furthermore, to further improve the performance of the heat exchanger, temperature and flow sensors can be installed on the heat exchange components to monitor the temperature and flow rate of the insulating oil and cooling medium in real time. By adopting the above-described structure for the oil tank and heat exchange components, this heat exchanger provides a reliable insulating oil cooling solution for the CT tube cooling system. It features high heat exchange efficiency, compact structure, and stable operation, meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the CT tube under different operating conditions.
[0048] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0049] Of course, this utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this utility model. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A CT tube cooling system, characterized by, The CT tube comprises a tube sleeve and a tube core arranged in the tube sleeve, and an oil cavity is arranged between the tube sleeve and the tube core. The heat exchange device is configured to store insulating oil, and the heat exchange device is connected to the oil cavity through an input pipe and an output pipe. The first heat dissipation device is arranged on the inner wall of the tube sleeve and is connected to the heat exchange device through a first connecting pipe.
2. The CT tube cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The first heat dissipation device comprises a plurality of directional conveying channels arranged in the tube sleeve.
3. The CT tube cooling system of claim 2, wherein, The directional conveying channels are plastic pipes.
4. The CT tube cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The second heat dissipation device is arranged on the outer wall of the tube sleeve and is connected to the heat exchange device.
5. The CT tube cooling system of claim 4, wherein, The second heat dissipation device comprises a heat dissipation block connected to the heat exchange device through a second connecting pipe.
6. The CT tube cooling system of claim 5, wherein, The heat dissipation block is internally provided with a heat dissipation channel connected to the second connecting pipe at both ends.
7. The CT tube cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The heat dissipation channel is a serpentine flow channel.
8. The CT tube cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The first connecting pipe and the input pipe are connected to the tube sleeve near the anode end of the tube core, and the output pipe is connected to the tube sleeve near the cathode end of the tube core.
9. The CT tube cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The temperature detection device is arranged on the tube sleeve. The heat exchange device comprises an oil storage tank and a heat exchange element arranged on one side of the oil storage tank.