X-ray tube and X-ray machine

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an X-ray tube head comprising a metal housing (10), an X-ray tube (20), and a drive circuit (30). The metal housing is a closed structure filled with an insulating liquid. The X-ray tube is arranged within the metal housing and comprises a grounded anode target (21), an anode support (23), and a cathode wire (24). The anode support is connected to the anode target and an inner surface of the metal housing and can dissipate heat from the anode target to the metal housing. The cathode wire has a first cathode connection (25).The drive circuit is arranged in a metal housing and has a positive high-voltage terminal (33), which is grounded, and a negative high-voltage terminal (34), which is connected to the first terminal of the cathode and provides a negative DC high-voltage input to generate the tube voltage required for operation between the anode target and the cathode wire. This X-ray tube head can be operated continuously and stably for extended periods. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides an X-ray machine with the X-ray tube head described above.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to the field of medical X-ray devices, in particular to an X-ray tube head and an X-ray machine having this X-ray tube head. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] An X-ray tube head is an X-ray tube assembly that typically includes a metal casing, an X-ray tube, a drive circuit, and the like. The X-ray tube and the drive circuit are housed in a sealed metal casing filled with an insulating fluid. During operation of the X-ray tube head, the anode target and the anode support of the X-ray tube generate enormous amounts of heat. In a conventional X-ray tube head, a positive high voltage is applied to the anode of the X-ray tube through the drive circuit to generate a tube voltage between the anode and cathode of the X-ray tube. Therefore, the anode support should not be in direct contact with the metal casing. Instead, a radiator should be provided on the anode support to transfer the heat on the anode support to the metal casing via the insulating fluid for heat dissipation.

[0003] After extended operation of the X-ray tube head, heat accumulates heavily on the anode target, anode support, and cooler, leading to overheating and decomposition of the surrounding insulating fluid. This reduces safety and could, in turn, cause damage to the X-ray tube head or even accidental failure of the X-ray device. Therefore, conventional X-ray tube heads are unsuitable for continuous operation over long periods of time. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the disclosure is to provide an X-ray tube head that can be operated continuously and stably over a long period of time.

[0005] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an X-ray machine that can be operated continuously and stably over a long period of time.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an X-ray tube head comprising a metal housing, an X-ray tube, and a drive circuit. The metal housing is a closed structure filled with an insulating liquid, and the metal housing is grounded. The X-ray tube is disposed within the metal housing and includes an anode target, an anode support, and a cathode wire. The anode target is grounded. The anode support is connected to the anode target and an inner surface of the metal housing and can conduct heat from the anode target to the metal housing. The cathode wire has a first terminal of the cathode.The drive circuit is arranged in the metal housing and has a positive high-voltage terminal which is grounded and a negative high-voltage terminal which is connected to the first terminal of the cathode and provides the input of a negative DC voltage to generate a tube voltage required for operation between the anode target and the cathode wire.

[0007] In the X-ray tube head provided in the present disclosure, the positive high-voltage terminals of the anode target and the drive circuit are grounded, and the negative high-voltage terminal of the drive circuit inputs a sufficient negative high voltage to the cathode wire, so that a tube voltage required for operation is generated between the anode target and the cathode wire of the X-ray tube. Furthermore, the anode support is connected to the metal casing of the X-ray tube for heat transfer. In the X-ray tube head provided in the present disclosure, the heat generated at the anode target can be directly conducted to the metal casing through the anode support, which reduces the thermal resistance on the heat dissipation path, significantly improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the anode, and enables stable operation of the X-ray tube head over a long period of time.

[0008] In a further schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head, the drive circuit comprises a high-voltage transformer and a high-voltage rectifier module. The high-voltage transformer is connectable to a power supply outside the metal housing to obtain electrical energy and, after transformation, outputs an alternating high voltage. The high-voltage rectifier module has a positive high-voltage terminal and a negative high-voltage terminal. The high-voltage rectifier module is connected to the high-voltage transformer. The high-voltage rectifier module rectifies the alternating high voltage output by the high-voltage transformer to a negative direct high voltage and outputs it via the negative high-voltage terminal.

[0009] In another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head, the cathode wire further comprises at least one second terminal of the cathode. The drive circuit further comprises a transformer for the wire. The transformer for the wire is connected to the second terminal of the cathode. The transformer for the wire is connectable to a power supply outside the metal housing to receive electrical energy and, after transformation, applies a high DC voltage to the second terminal of the cathode in order to generate a voltage between the second terminal of the cathode and the first terminal of the cathode required for heating the cathode wire.

[0010] In yet another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head, the X-ray tube head further comprises a heat-conducting plate. The heat-conducting plate has a heat-conducting surface. The heat-conducting plate is connected to the anode support. The heat-conducting surface rests against the inner surface of the metal housing.

[0011] In yet another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head, the heat-conducting plate is attached to the inner surface of the metal housing by welding.

[0012] In yet another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head, the X-ray tube head further comprises a cooling assembly arranged on an outer surface of the metal housing and in contact with a connecting portion between the metal housing and the heat-conducting plate. The cooling assembly can dissipate heat from the metal housing to the air. This further improves the efficiency of heat dissipation.

[0013] In yet another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head, the cooling arrangement comprises a water cooler, a heat exchanger, two circulation pipes, and a pump. The water cooler rests against the outer surface of the metal housing and covers the portion where the metal housing and the heat-conducting surface abut each other. The heat exchanger can be attached to a C-shaped arm of an X-ray machine using the C-shaped arm. The two circulation pipes can be attached to the C-shaped arm and communicate with the water cooler and the heat exchanger, respectively, to form a circulation channel filled with a cooling fluid. The pump can be attached to the C-shaped arm and drives the circulating flow of the cooling fluid between the water cooler and the heat exchanger.

[0014] In yet another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head, the X-ray tube head further comprises a current sensing resistor connected between the positive high-voltage terminal and ground. This allows information about the X-ray tube's current to be recorded in real time.

[0015] In yet another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head, the X-ray tube head further comprises a first voltage sensing resistor and a second voltage sensing resistor connected in series between the negative high-voltage terminal and ground. This allows information about the X-ray tube voltage to be acquired in real time.

[0016] In the present disclosure, an X-ray machine having the X-ray tube head described above is provided.

[0017] Compared with conventional X-ray machines, the X-ray tube head can conduct the heat generated at the anode target directly to the metal shell through the anode support, which reduces the thermal resistance on the heat dissipation path, greatly improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the anode target, and enables the stable operation of the X-ray tube for a long time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0018] The following figures serve only to schematically describe and explain the disclosure without limiting its scope. Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a schematic embodiment of an X-ray tube head. Fig. 2 is a schematic structural view of another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of the X-ray tube head during use. DETAILED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] For a better understanding of the technical features, objects and effects of the disclosure, the specific embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the figures, wherein the same reference numerals in the figures represent the structurally identical parts or the structurally similar but functionally identical parts.

[0020] Herein, the term “schematic” means “as an example or illustration”, and the figures or embodiments referred to as “schematic” in the description are not to be regarded as more preferred or advantageous technical solutions.

[0021] Herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used merely to distinguish elements from one another and in no way indicate their importance, order, or the like, in order to simplify the description of the document.

[0022] For the sake of clarity of illustration, only parts related to the present disclosure are shown schematically in the respective drawings, which do not represent the actual structure of the respective product.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a schematic embodiment of an X-ray tube head. Referring to Fig. 1, an X-ray tube head includes a metal casing 10, an X-ray tube 20, and a drive circuit 30. The metal casing 10 is a closed structure filled with an insulating liquid, and the metal casing 10 is also grounded to meet the requirement of safety.

[0024] The X-ray tube 20 is arranged in the metal housing 10. The X-ray tube 20 comprises an anode target 21, an anode support 23, and a cathode wire 24. The anode target 21 is grounded. The anode support 23 is connected not only to the anode target 21 but also directly or indirectly in contact with an inner surface of the metal housing 10. The anode support 23 can dissipate heat from the anode target 21 to the metal housing 10.

[0025] The cathode wire 24 has a first terminal of the cathode 25. The drive circuit 30 is arranged in the metal housing 10. In the schematic embodiment, the drive circuit 30 comprises a high-voltage transformer 31 and a high-voltage rectifier module 32. The high-voltage transformer 31 is connectable to a power supply outside the metal housing 10 to obtain electrical energy and outputs an alternating high voltage after transformation. The high-voltage rectifier module 32 has a positive high-voltage terminal 33 and a negative high-voltage terminal 34. The positive high-voltage terminal 33 is grounded, and the negative high-voltage terminal 34 is connected to the first terminal of the cathode 25. The high-voltage rectifier module 32 is connected to the high-voltage transformer 31.The high-voltage rectifier module 32 rectifies the AC high voltage output by the high-voltage transformer 31 to a negative DC high voltage and outputs it via the negative high-voltage terminal 34 to the first terminal of the cathode 25, so that a tube voltage required for operation is generated between the anode target 21 and the cathode wire 24.

[0026] In a conventional X-ray tube head, the negative high-voltage terminal of the high-voltage rectifier module is connected to ground or the cathode wire to output a negative high voltage, and the positive high-voltage terminal of the high-voltage rectifier module is connected to the anode target to output a positive high voltage. Therefore, the anode target and the anode support cannot touch the metal housing due to the need for their insulation. Thus, the heat generated by the anode target can only be dissipated through the insulating fluid. This results in high thermal resistance and thus low heat dissipation efficiency.In the X-ray tube head provided in the present disclosure, the positive high-voltage terminals 33 of the anode target 21 and the drive circuit 30 are grounded, and the negative high-voltage terminal 34 of the drive circuit 30 applies a sufficient negative high voltage to the cathode wire 24 to generate a tube voltage required for operation between the anode target 21 and the cathode wire 24 of the X-ray tube. Since no positive high voltage is applied to the anode target 21, the anode support 23 is connectable to the metal housing 10 of the X-ray tube for heat transfer.In the X-ray tube head provided in the present disclosure, the heat generated at the anode target 21 can be directly conducted to the metal case 10 through the anode support 23, which reduces the thermal resistance on the heat dissipating path, significantly improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the anode, and enables the stable operation of the X-ray tube head for a long period of time.

[0027] In the schematic embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the cathode wire 24 further has two second terminals of the cathode 26. The drive circuit 30 further comprises a transformer for the wire 35. The transformer for the wire 35 is connected to the two second terminals of the cathode 26. The transformer for the wire 35 is connectable to a power supply outside the metal housing 10 to receive electrical energy and, after transformation, applies a high DC voltage to the second terminal of the cathode 26 in order to generate a voltage required for heating the cathode wire 24 between the second terminal of the cathode 26 and the first terminal of the cathode 25.

[0028] In the schematic embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1, the X-ray tube head further includes a heat-conducting plate 40. The heat-conducting plate 40 has a heat-conducting surface 42. The heat-conducting plate 40 is connected to the anode support 23, and the heat-conducting plate 40 is welded to the inner surface of the metal casing 10, so that the heat-conducting surface 42 rests against the inner surface of the metal casing 10. This allows the heat to be absorbed by the anode support 23 via the heat-conducting plate 40, and the contact area with the metal casing 10 is increased to increase heat conduction efficiency.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a schematic structural view of another schematic embodiment of the X-ray tube head. Fig. The X-ray tube head shown in Figure 2 differs from the one shown in Fig. 1 by an additional cooling arrangement 50. Identical or similar elements will not be discussed further. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of the X-ray tube head during use. Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the cooling assembly 50 comprises a water cooler 52, a heat exchanger 54, two circulation pipes 56, and a pump. The water cooler 52 rests against the outer surface of the metal housing 10 and covers the portion where the heat-conducting surface 42 rests. The heat exchanger 54 can be attached to a C-shaped arm 62 of an X-ray machine 62. The two circulation pipes 56 can be attached to the C-shaped arm 62, and the two circulation pipes 56 communicate with the water cooler 52 and the heat exchanger 54, respectively, to form a circulation channel filled with a cooling fluid. The pump is attachable to the C-shaped arm 62 and drives the circulating flow of the cooling liquid between the water cooler 52 and the heat exchanger 54. The cooling liquid can convey the heat from the metal housing 10 to the heat exchanger 54 and then dissipate it to the air via the heat exchanger 54.However, it should not be limited thereto. In other schematic embodiments, the cooling arrangement 50 may also be a cooling device in contact with the metal housing 10, for example, an air-cooled heat sink consisting of cooling fins and fans.

[0030] In the schematic embodiment, with reference to Fig. 2, the X-ray tube head further includes a current sensing resistor R1. The current sensing resistor R1 is connected between the positive high-voltage terminal 33 and ground. This allows information about the current of the X-ray tube 20 to be recorded in real time. The current sensing resistor R1 can be used to record the operating current of the X-ray tube 20 for the purpose of safety monitoring or assisted control.

[0031] In the schematic embodiment, with reference to Fig. 2, the X-ray tube head further includes a first voltage sensing resistor R2 and a second voltage sensing resistor R3. The first voltage sensing resistor R2 and the second voltage sensing resistor R3 are connected in series between the negative high-voltage terminal 34 and ground to form a voltage divider circuit. The voltage sensing resistors R2 and R3 allow the operating voltage of the X-ray tube 20 to be sensed for safety monitoring or assisted control purposes.

[0032] In the present disclosure, an X-ray machine is provided. With reference to Fig. 3, the X-ray machine may be an X-ray machine 62 with a C-shaped arm, which includes an X-ray tube head described above and in which the metal housing 10 is arranged on the C-shaped arm 62 of the X-ray machine 62 with a C-shaped arm.

[0033] Compared with the conventional X-ray machines, in the X-ray tube head, the heat generated at the anode target 21 can be directly conducted to the metal case 10 through the anode support 23, which reduces the thermal resistance on the heat dissipation path, greatly improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the anode target 21, and enables the stable operation of the X-ray tube over a long period of time.

[0034] It should be understood that each embodiment does not comprise a single independent technical solution, although the description has been explained using individual embodiments. This description is explained in this manner to make the explanation clear. Those skilled in the art should consider the description as a whole, and the technical solutions in the respective embodiments can be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that those skilled in the art can understand.

[0035] The above detailed description is merely a specific illustration of possible embodiments of the disclosure, which is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Equivalent embodiments or modifications, such as specific combinations, subdivisions, or repetitions, produced without departing from the spirit of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 metal housings 20 X-ray tubes 21 Anode target 23 anode supports 24 cathode wire 25 first connection of the cathode 26 second connection of the cathode 30 drive circuit 31 High-voltage transformer 32 high-voltage rectifier module 33 positive high-voltage terminal 34 negative high-voltage terminal 35 Transformer for the wire 40 heat-conducting plate 42 heat-conducting surface 50 Cooling arrangement 52 water coolers 54 heat exchangers 56 Circulation pipe 60 X-ray machine with a C-shaped arm 62 C-shaped arm R1 resistor for current detection R2 first resistor for voltage detection R3 second resistor for voltage detection

Claims

[1] X-ray tube head, characterized by that it includes: a metal housing (10) which is a closed structure filled with an insulating liquid, the metal housing (10) being grounded; an X-ray tube (20) arranged in the metal housing (10), the X-ray tube (20) comprising: an anode target (21), wherein the anode target (21) is grounded, an anode support (23) connected to the anode target (21) and an inner surface of the metal housing (10), wherein the anode support (23) can dissipate heat from the anode target (21) to the metal housing (10), and a cathode wire (24) having a first terminal of the cathode (25); and a drive circuit (30) arranged in the metal housing (10), the drive circuit (30) having a positive high-voltage terminal (33) and a negative high-voltage terminal (34), the positive high-voltage terminal (33) being grounded, and the negative high-voltage terminal (34) being connected to the first terminal of the cathode (25) to generate a tube voltage required for operation between the anode target (21) and the cathode wire (24). [2] X-ray tube head according to claim 1, characterized by that the drive circuit (30) comprises: a high-voltage transformer (31) which can be connected to a power supply outside the metal housing (10) to receive electrical energy and which, after transformation, outputs an alternating high voltage; and a high-voltage rectifier module (32) having a positive high-voltage terminal (33) and a negative high-voltage terminal (34), wherein the high-voltage rectifier module (32) is connected to the high-voltage transformer (31), and wherein the high-voltage rectifier module (32) rectifies the AC high voltage output by the high-voltage transformer (31) to a negative DC high voltage and outputs it via the negative high-voltage terminal (34). [3] X-ray tube head according to claim 1, characterized byin that the cathode wire (24) further has at least one second terminal of the cathode (26); and in that the drive circuit (30) further comprises a transformer for the wire (35), wherein the transformer for the wire (35) is connected to the second terminal of the cathode (26) and the transformer for the wire (35) is connectable to a power supply outside the metal housing (10) for obtaining electrical energy and, after transformation, inputs a DC high voltage to the second terminal of the cathode (26) in order to generate a voltage required for heating the cathode wire (24) between the second terminal of the cathode (26) and the first terminal of the cathode (25). [4] X-ray tube head according to claim 1, characterized byin that the X-ray tube head further comprises a heat-conducting plate (40), wherein the heat-conducting plate (40) has a heat-conducting surface (42), wherein the heat-conducting plate (40) is connected to the anode carrier (23), and wherein the heat-conducting surface (42) bears against the inner surface of the metal housing (10). [5] X-ray tube head according to claim 4, characterized by that the heat-conducting plate (40) is fixed to the inner surface of the metal housing (10) by welding. [6] X-ray tube head according to claim 4, characterized by in that the X-ray tube head further comprises a cooling arrangement (50) which is arranged on an outer surface of the metal housing (10) and is in contact with a connecting portion between the metal housing (10) and the heat-conducting plate (40), and wherein the cooling arrangement (50) can dissipate the heat from the metal housing (10) to the air. [7] X-ray tube head according to claim 6, characterized bythat the cooling arrangement (50) comprises: a water cooler (52) which abuts the outer surface of the metal casing (10) and covers the portion where the metal casing (10) and the heat-conducting surface (42) abut each other; a heat exchanger (54) attachable to a C-shaped arm of an X-ray machine having the C-shaped arm; two circulation pipes (56), wherein the two circulation pipes (56) are attachable to the C-shaped arm, and wherein the two circulation pipes (56) are in communication with the water cooler (52) and the heat exchanger (54) respectively and form a circulation channel filled with a cooling liquid; and a pump attachable to the C-shaped arm and driving the circulating flow of cooling fluid between the water cooler (52) and the heat exchanger (54). [8] X-ray tube head according to claim 1, characterized bythat the X-ray tube head further comprises a current detection resistor (R1), the current detection resistor (R1) being connected between the positive high-voltage terminal (33) and ground. [9] X-ray tube head according to claim 1, characterized by in that the X-ray tube head further comprises a first voltage sensing resistor (R2) and a second voltage sensing resistor (R3), the first voltage sensing resistor (R2) and the second voltage sensing resistor (R3) being connected in series between the negative high voltage terminal (34) and ground. [10] X-ray machine, characterized by that it comprises an X-ray tube head according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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