Spectrometer for prolonging the life of an x-ray tube

Abstract

This utility model discloses a spectrometer for extending the service life of an X-ray tube, comprising a spectrometer body and an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube is further provided with a main heat dissipation structure and an auxiliary heat dissipation structure on both sides. The main heat dissipation structure includes a first heat sink and a first heat dissipation panel. The first heat sink has a first groove recessed on one side of the X-ray tube, and the first groove is filled with a first high thermal conductivity phase change material. The auxiliary heat dissipation structure includes a second heat sink and a second heat dissipation panel. The second heat sink has a second groove recessed on one side of the X-ray tube, and the second groove is filled with a second high thermal conductivity phase change material. Thus, when the X-ray tube temperature rises, the phase change material absorbs heat and melts, rapidly absorbing locally concentrated heat. The heat is then evenly diffused to the entire heat sink through the groove, preventing target or filament damage caused by localized overheating of the X-ray tube and effectively extending its service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of spectrometers, and in particular to a spectrometer that extends the service life of an X-ray tube. Background Technology

[0002] The main operating principle of an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer is that an X-ray tube generates incident X-rays (primary X-rays) to excite the sample being measured. Each element in the excited sample emits secondary X-rays (also called X-ray fluorescence), and different elements emit secondary X-rays with specific energy or wavelength characteristics. The detection system measures the energy and quantity or wavelength of these emitted secondary X-rays. Then, the instrument software converts the information collected by the detection system into the types and amounts of various elements in the sample. During operation, the X-ray tube releases a large amount of heat, which must be removed to ensure its normal operation.

[0003] In existing technologies, early cooling methods often used fan-driven air convection. However, this approach requires communication between the inside and outside of the instrument, which can easily lead to dust and impurities entering the instrument with the airflow, causing short circuits or component corrosion failures. Furthermore, fan operation generates noise, results in complex wiring, and is inconvenient to disassemble. To address these issues, the improved cooling device employs a fixed contact cooling structure. One end of an aluminum heat sink is attached to the X-ray tube, and the other end is connected to the external cooling panel of the instrument. Heat is dissipated through thermal conduction, while the enclosed structure prevents impurities from entering and affecting the spectrometer's lifespan.

[0004] Later, a fixed contact heat dissipation device appeared on the market, which relied on the direct contact between the heat sink and the X-ray tube to conduct heat. When the heat generated in a localized area of ​​the X-ray tube is concentrated, the simple metal heat conduction is prone to problems with the heat not dissipating in time, resulting in excessively high local temperatures. Moreover, during long-term use, the contact surface between the heat sink and the X-ray tube is prone to increased thermal resistance due to slight deformation or aging of the silicone grease, which further affects the heat dissipation efficiency and still cannot fully meet the needs of extending the service life of the X-ray tube.

[0005] Therefore, a new technical solution needs to be researched to address the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the present invention addresses the deficiencies of the existing technology, and its main objective is to provide a spectrometer that extends the service life of X-ray tubes. This is achieved by setting a first groove and a second groove on the first heat sink of the main heat dissipation structure and the second heat sink of the auxiliary heat dissipation structure, respectively, and filling them with a high thermal conductivity phase change material. When the temperature of the X-ray tube rises, the phase change material absorbs heat and melts, which can quickly absorb locally concentrated heat. Then, the heat is evenly diffused to the entire heat sink through the grooves, avoiding target material or filament damage caused by local overheating of the X-ray tube, and effectively extending its service life.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A spectrometer for extending the lifespan of an X-ray tube includes a spectrometer body and an X-ray tube disposed within the spectrometer body.

[0009] The X-ray tube is further provided with a main heat dissipation structure and an auxiliary heat dissipation structure on both sides. The main heat dissipation structure includes a first heat sink and a first heat dissipation panel. The side of the first heat sink away from the X-ray tube is connected to the first heat dissipation panel, and the other side of the first heat sink is attached to one outer wall surface of the X-ray tube. A first groove is recessed on the side of the first heat sink attached to the X-ray tube, and the first groove is filled with a first high thermal conductivity phase change material. The auxiliary heat dissipation structure includes a second heat sink and a second heat dissipation panel. The side of the second heat sink away from the X-ray tube is connected to the second heat dissipation panel, and the other side of the second heat sink is attached to one outer wall surface of the X-ray tube. A second groove is recessed on the side of the second heat sink attached to the X-ray tube, and the second groove is filled with a second high thermal conductivity phase change material.

[0010] When the temperature of the X-ray tube rises, the first high thermal conductivity phase change material and the second high thermal conductivity phase change material absorb heat and melt, and diffuse the heat to the first heat sink and the second heat sink through the first groove and the second groove.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the first heat dissipation panel includes a first main body and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins, the plurality of first heat dissipation fins being arranged at longitudinal intervals along the first main body; the second heat dissipation panel includes a second main body and a plurality of second heat dissipation fins, the plurality of second heat dissipation fins being arranged at transverse intervals along the second main body, so that the fins of the two heat dissipation panels form heat dissipation channels in different directions, which can adapt to environmental airflow in different directions (such as longitudinal natural convection and transverse ventilation), avoid the dependence of fins in a single direction on a specific airflow, improve the heat exchange efficiency between the heat dissipation panel and the air, thereby dissipating the heat transferred by the heat dissipation fins to the outside more quickly, further reducing the working temperature of the X-ray tube, and enhancing the environmental adaptability of the heat dissipation system.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the first heat sink has a first arc-shaped surface and a first connecting surface, the first arc-shaped surface is in contact with one side of the outer wall of the X-ray tube, and the first connecting surface is connected to the first heat dissipation panel;

[0013] The second heat sink has a second arc-shaped surface and a second connecting surface. The second arc-shaped surface is in contact with the outer wall of the other side of the X-ray tube, and the second connecting surface is connected to the second heat dissipation panel, so that the arc-shaped surface is in close contact with the outer wall of the X-ray tube, maximizing the contact area between the heat sink and the X-ray tube, reducing the contact thermal resistance, and ensuring that heat is efficiently conducted to the heat sink. At the same time, the connecting surface is connected to the heat dissipation panel to ensure stable heat transfer from the heat sink to the heat dissipation panel.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the first groove is recessed from the outer end of the first arc-shaped surface, and the second groove is recessed from the second arc-shaped surface inward.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, both the first and second high thermal conductivity phase change materials are made of paraffin wax.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the first heat dissipation panel and the first heat sink are made of the same material as the second heat dissipation panel and the second heat sink.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the first heat dissipation panel, the first heat sink, the second heat dissipation panel, and the second heat sink are all made of aluminum or copper.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has obvious advantages and beneficial effects. Specifically, as can be seen from the above technical solution, it mainly involves setting a first groove and a second groove on the first heat sink of the main heat dissipation structure and the second heat sink of the auxiliary heat dissipation structure, and filling them with a high thermal conductivity phase change material. When the temperature of the X-ray tube rises, the phase change material absorbs heat and melts, which can quickly absorb the local concentrated heat. Then, the heat is evenly diffused to the entire heat sink through the groove, avoiding the loss of the target material or filament due to local overheating of the X-ray tube, and effectively extending the service life.

[0019] Secondly, the main heat dissipation structure and the auxiliary heat dissipation structure are respectively set on two opposite sides of the X-ray tube to form a bidirectional heat conduction path. Compared with a single heat dissipation path, this significantly increases the heat dissipation area and heat removal efficiency, and can more quickly transfer the heat generated by the X-ray tube to the first heat dissipation panel and the second heat dissipation panel to dissipate, thereby reducing the overall working temperature.

[0020] It also continues the existing closed design of fixed contact heat dissipation, eliminating the need for fans or airflow exchange, avoiding the risk of dust and impurities entering the instrument and reducing malfunctions caused by contamination; at the same time, the phase change material filled in the groove can compensate for the tiny gaps in the contact surface through its own deformation, reducing the problem of increased thermal resistance during long-term use and maintaining stable heat dissipation efficiency.

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the structural features and effects of this utility model, the following detailed description of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the second heat dissipation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the first heat dissipation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0026] 10. Spectrometer main body; 20. X-ray tube

[0027] 30. Main heat dissipation structure; 31. First heat sink

[0028] 32. First heat dissipation panel; 33. First high thermal conductivity phase change material

[0029] 311. First groove; 312. First arc-shaped surface

[0030] 313. First connecting surface

[0031] 321. First main body; 322. First heat dissipation fins

[0032] 40. Auxiliary heat dissipation structure 41. Second heat sink

[0033] 42. Second heat dissipation panel; 43. Second high thermal conductivity phase change material

[0034] 411. Second groove; 412. Second arc-shaped surface

[0035] 413. Second connecting surface

[0036] 421. Second main body 422. Second heat dissipation fins. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it illustrates the specific structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the directional terms such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", and "right" indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the accompanying drawings or the orientation or positional relationship shown when wearing and using the device normally. 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. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this utility model.

[0039] A spectrometer for extending the lifespan of an X-ray tube includes a spectrometer body 10 and an X-ray tube 20.

[0040] The X-ray tube 20 is disposed inside the spectrometer body 10. A main heat dissipation structure 30 and an auxiliary heat dissipation structure 40 are also provided on two opposite sides of the X-ray tube 20. The main heat dissipation structure 30 includes a first heat sink 31 and a first heat dissipation panel 32. The side of the first heat sink 31 away from the X-ray tube 20 is connected to the first heat dissipation panel 32, and the other side of the first heat sink 31 is attached to one outer wall surface of the X-ray tube 20. A first groove 31 is recessed on the side of the first heat sink 31 that is attached to the X-ray tube 20. 1. The first groove 311 is filled with a first high thermal conductivity phase change material 33; the auxiliary heat dissipation structure 40 includes a second heat sink 41 and a second heat dissipation panel 42, the side of the second heat sink 41 away from the X-ray tube 20 is connected to the second heat dissipation panel 42, and the other side of the second heat sink 41 is attached to one side of the outer wall of the X-ray tube 20; a second groove 411 is recessed on the side of the second heat sink 41 attached to the X-ray tube 20, and the second groove 411 is filled with a second high thermal conductivity phase change material 43.

[0041] When the temperature of the X-ray tube 20 rises, the first high thermal conductivity phase change material 33 and the second high thermal conductivity phase change material 43 absorb heat and melt, and diffuse the heat to the first heat sink 31 and the second heat sink 41 through the first groove 311 and the second groove 411.

[0042] Preferably, both the first high thermal conductivity phase change material 33 and the second high thermal conductivity phase change material 43 are made of paraffin wax. Paraffin wax has the characteristics of large latent heat of phase change, suitable melting point (which can match the working temperature range of X-ray tubes), good chemical stability and low cost. During the endothermic melting process, it can absorb a large amount of heat, effectively buffering the temperature fluctuation of X-ray tubes. At the same time, paraffin wax has good compatibility with the aluminum / copper material of the heat sink, does not cause corrosion reaction, and is widely available and easy to process, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of spectrometers and is suitable for large-scale production applications.

[0043] When the X-ray tube temperature rises, the phase change material absorbs heat and melts, rapidly diffusing the heat to the entire heat sink through the grooves. When the temperature drops, the material solidifies and stores heat, reducing heat fluctuations and enhancing the stability of heat transfer. At the junction of the heat sink and the X-ray tube, the phase change material undergoes a phase change when it absorbs heat and reaches its melting point, changing from a solid to a liquid state and absorbing a large amount of latent heat, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. When the temperature drops, the phase change material changes from a liquid to a solid state, releasing the stored heat. By selecting phase change materials such as paraffin wax, encapsulating them in a special container, and then installing them in the heat sink, the properties of the phase change material are utilized to achieve efficient heat storage and release. Compared with traditional heat dissipation methods, this method can more effectively reduce the temperature fluctuation of the X-ray tube and reduce the impact of temperature changes on the spectrometer performance.

[0044] Preferably, the first heat dissipation panel 32, the first heat sink 31, and the second heat dissipation panel 42 and the second heat sink 41 are made of the same material. Preferably, the first heat dissipation panel 32, the first heat sink 31, the second heat dissipation panel 42, and the second heat sink 41 are all made of aluminum or copper. Aluminum has the advantages of being lightweight, low-cost, and easy to process, which can reduce the overall weight of the spectrometer and lower manufacturing costs. Copper has a higher thermal conductivity, which can further improve heat transfer efficiency and is suitable for scenarios with higher requirements for heat dissipation performance. Both materials have good thermal conductivity and chemical stability, which are compatible with the closed heat dissipation design of the spectrometer. This ensures heat dissipation efficiency and meets the cost and performance requirements of different application scenarios, enhancing the practicality and adaptability of the product.

[0045] Preferably, the first heat dissipation panel 32 includes a first main body 321 and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins 322, the plurality of first heat dissipation fins 322 being arranged at longitudinal intervals along the first main body 321; the second heat dissipation panel 42 includes a second main body 421 and a plurality of second heat dissipation fins 422, the plurality of second heat dissipation fins 422 being arranged at transverse intervals along the second main body 421, so that the fins of the two heat dissipation panels form heat dissipation channels in different directions, which can adapt to the ambient airflow in different directions (such as longitudinal natural convection and transverse ventilation), avoid the dependence of fins in a single direction on a specific airflow, improve the heat exchange efficiency between the heat dissipation panel and the air, thereby dissipating the heat transferred by the heat dissipation fins to the outside more quickly, further reducing the working temperature of the X-ray tube, and enhancing the environmental adaptability of the heat dissipation system.

[0046] Preferably, the first heat sink 31 has a first arc-shaped surface 312 and a first connecting surface 313, the first arc-shaped surface 312 is attached to one side of the outer wall of the X-ray tube 20, and the first connecting surface 313 is connected to the first heat dissipation panel 32.

[0047] The second heat sink 41 has a second arc-shaped surface 412 and a second connecting surface 413. The second arc-shaped surface 412 is in contact with the outer wall of the other side of the X-ray tube 20, and the second connecting surface 413 is connected to the second heat dissipation panel 42, so that the arc-shaped surface is in close contact with the outer wall of the X-ray tube, maximizing the contact area between the heat sink and the X-ray tube, reducing the contact thermal resistance, and ensuring that heat is efficiently conducted to the heat sink. At the same time, the connecting surface is connected to the heat dissipation panel to ensure stable heat transfer from the heat sink to the heat dissipation panel.

[0048] Preferably, the first groove 311 is recessed from the outer side of the first arc-shaped surface 312, and the second groove 411 is recessed from the second arc-shaped surface 412 inward.

[0049] The key design feature of this invention is that it mainly involves setting a first groove and a second groove on the first heat sink of the main heat dissipation structure and the second heat sink of the auxiliary heat dissipation structure, and filling them with a high thermal conductivity phase change material. When the temperature of the X-ray tube rises, the phase change material absorbs heat and melts, which can quickly absorb the local concentrated heat. Then, the heat is evenly diffused to the entire heat sink through the grooves, avoiding the loss of the target material or filament due to local overheating of the X-ray tube and effectively extending its service life.

[0050] Secondly, the main heat dissipation structure and the auxiliary heat dissipation structure are respectively set on two opposite sides of the X-ray tube to form a bidirectional heat conduction path. Compared with a single heat dissipation path, this significantly increases the heat dissipation area and heat removal efficiency, and can more quickly transfer the heat generated by the X-ray tube to the first heat dissipation panel and the second heat dissipation panel to dissipate, thereby reducing the overall working temperature.

[0051] It also continues the existing closed design of fixed contact heat dissipation, eliminating the need for fans or airflow exchange, avoiding the risk of dust and impurities entering the instrument and reducing malfunctions caused by contamination; at the same time, the phase change material filled in the groove can compensate for the tiny gaps in the contact surface through its own deformation, reducing the problem of increased thermal resistance during long-term use and maintaining stable heat dissipation efficiency.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A spectrometer for extending the service life of an X-ray tube, comprising a spectrometer body and an X-ray tube disposed within the spectrometer body, characterized in that: The X-ray tube is further provided with a main heat dissipation structure and an auxiliary heat dissipation structure on both sides. The main heat dissipation structure includes a first heat sink and a first heat dissipation panel. The side of the first heat sink away from the X-ray tube is connected to the first heat dissipation panel, and the other side of the first heat sink is attached to one outer wall surface of the X-ray tube. A first groove is recessed on the side of the first heat sink attached to the X-ray tube, and the first groove is filled with a first high thermal conductivity phase change material. The auxiliary heat dissipation structure includes a second heat sink and a second heat dissipation panel. The side of the second heat sink away from the X-ray tube is connected to the second heat dissipation panel, and the other side of the second heat sink is attached to one outer wall surface of the X-ray tube. A second groove is recessed on the side of the second heat sink attached to the X-ray tube, and the second groove is filled with a second high thermal conductivity phase change material. When the temperature of the X-ray tube rises, the first high thermal conductivity phase change material and the second high thermal conductivity phase change material absorb heat and melt, and diffuse the heat to the first heat sink and the second heat sink through the first groove and the second groove.

2. The spectrometer for extending the service life of an X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heat dissipation panel includes a first main body and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins, the plurality of first heat dissipation fins being arranged at longitudinal intervals along the first main body; the second heat dissipation panel includes a second main body and a plurality of second heat dissipation fins, the plurality of second heat dissipation fins being arranged at transverse intervals along the second main body.

3. The spectrometer for extending the service life of an X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heat sink has a first arc-shaped surface and a first connecting surface. The first arc-shaped surface is in contact with one side of the outer wall of the X-ray tube, and the first connecting surface is connected to the first heat dissipation panel. The second heat sink has a second arc-shaped surface and a second connecting surface. The second arc-shaped surface is in contact with the outer wall of the other side of the X-ray tube, and the second connecting surface is connected to the second heat dissipation panel.

4. The spectrometer for extending the service life of an X-ray tube according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first groove is recessed from the outer end of the first arc-shaped surface, and the second groove is recessed from the second arc-shaped surface inward.

5. The spectrometer for extending the service life of an X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and second high thermal conductivity phase change materials are made of paraffin wax.

6. The spectrometer for extending the service life of an X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heat dissipation panel and the first heat sink are made of the same material as the second heat dissipation panel and the second heat sink.

7. The spectrometer for extending the service life of an X-ray tube according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first heat dissipation panel, the first heat sink, the second heat dissipation panel, and the second heat sink are all made of aluminum or copper.

Images