X-ray tube device

Abstract

To provide an X-ray tube device capable of suppressing a change of an internal pressure of a tube container, and reducing a size.SOLUTION: An X-ray tube device of an embodiment, comprises: a tube container having a cylinder shape; an X-ray tube that is provided to an inner part of the tube container, and is near from one end part of the tube container; a power conduction part that is provided to the inner part of the tube container, and is near from the end part that is opposite to the side where the X-ray tube is provided; an insulation oil that is sealed into a space defined by an inner wall of the tube container, the X-ray tube, and the power conduction part; at least one first seal that is provided between the X-ray tube and the inner wall of the tube container; and at least one second seal that is provided to between the power conduction part and the inner wall of the tube container. In a direction along a center shaft of the tube container, at least any one of the X-ray tube and the power conduction part can change a relative position against the tube container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an X-ray tube device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an X-ray tube assembly that includes a tube envelope and an X-ray tube disposed inside the tube envelope. In such an X-ray tube assembly, insulating oil is sealed inside the tube envelope to dissipate heat generated when the X-ray tube is operated and to insulate the X-ray tube and other components to which high voltage is applied.

[0003] Here, the temperature of the insulating oil changes, for example, due to heat generated when the X-ray tube is in operation or heat dissipated when the X-ray tube is stopped. Since the insulating oil is sealed inside the tube, the insulating oil expands or contracts as the temperature of the insulating oil changes, causing the internal pressure of the tube to change. In this case, if the internal pressure of the tube becomes too high, the insulating oil may leak out of the tube or the joint between the tube and the X-ray tube may be deformed.

[0004] For this reason, the tube vessel is provided with an empty box (a space with a diaphragm, etc.) or bellows. If an empty box, etc. is provided, the diaphragm, etc., can elastically deform to absorb the volumetric change of the insulating oil. If the volumetric change of the insulating oil can be absorbed, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the tube vessel from becoming too high.

[0005] However, providing an empty box or the like in the tube vessel makes it difficult to reduce the size of the tube vessel, and therefore makes it difficult to reduce the size of the X-ray tube device. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of an X-ray tube device that can suppress the change in the internal pressure of the tube vessel and can be made compact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-179087 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray tube assembly capable of suppressing changes in the internal pressure of a tube container and of being miniaturized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An X-ray tube assembly according to an embodiment includes a cylindrical tube container, an X-ray tube disposed inside the tube container near one end of the tube container, a current conductor disposed inside the tube container near an end of the tube container opposite to the end where the X-ray tube is disposed, insulating oil sealed in a space defined by an inner wall of the tube container, the X-ray tube, and the current conductor, at least one first seal disposed between the X-ray tube and the inner wall of the tube container, and at least one second seal disposed between the current conductor and the inner wall of the tube container, and the position of at least one of the X-ray tube and the current conductor is changeable relative to the tube container in a direction along a central axis of the tube container. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an X-ray tube assembly that can suppress changes in the internal pressure of the tube container and can be made compact. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an X-ray tube assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of an end portion of an X-ray tube opposite to a conductive portion side. FIG. [Diagram 3] 5A to 5C are schematic cross-sectional views for illustrating the action and effect of the guide. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are schematic cross-sectional views for illustrating the action and effect of the guide. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating an envelope according to another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating an envelope according to another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are schematic partial cross-sectional views for illustrating the arrangement of guides according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The X-ray tube device 1 according to the present embodiment can be used in, for example, an X-ray fluorescence analyzer. However, the use of the X-ray tube device 1 is not limited to an X-ray fluorescence analyzer.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an X-ray tube assembly 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray tube device 1 includes, for example, a tube container 10, a current-carrying section 20, and an X-ray tube 30.

[0013] The tube vessel 10 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and extends along the central axis 1a of the X-ray tube device 1. The tube vessel 10 may be, for example, a cylindrical tube. The central axis 10a of the tube vessel 10 may be coaxial with the central axis 1a of the X-ray tube device 1. Both ends of the tube vessel 10 in the direction along the central axis 10a of the tube vessel 10 are open. The tube vessel 10 is made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel.

[0014] A lead plate 11 may also be provided on the inner wall of the tube container 10. Insulating oil 12 is filled in the space defined by the inner wall of the tube container 10, the X-ray tube 30, and the current-carrying part 20. The insulating oil 12 serves, for example, to dissipate heat generated during operation of the X-ray tube 30, and to insulate the parts inside the tube container 10 to which high voltage is applied.

[0015] The current-carrying unit 20 is provided inside the tubular container 10 near the end of the tubular container 10 opposite to the end where the X-ray tube 30 is provided. The current-carrying portion 20 includes, for example, a receptacle 21 and a flange 22 .

[0016] The receptacle 21 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The receptacle 21 extends along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10. The central axis of the receptacle 21 is arranged, for example, coaxial with the central axis 10a of the tube container 10. An end of the receptacle 21 on the X-ray tube 30 side is arranged inside the tube container 10. An end of the receptacle 21 on the opposite side to the X-ray tube 30 side is arranged outside the tube container 10.

[0017] A hole 21a extending along the central axis of the receptacle 21 is provided inside the receptacle 21. One end of the hole 21a opens to the end of the receptacle 21 opposite the X-ray tube 30 side. The other end of the hole 21a is provided inside the receptacle 21. A plug is inserted into the hole 21a of the receptacle 21. The plug is electrically connected to the anode of a power supply provided outside the X-ray tube device 1.

[0018] The flange 22 is, for example, disk-shaped and provided on the side of the receptacle 21. The central axis of the flange 22 is, for example, coaxial with the central axis 10a of the tube container 10. The flange 22 is provided at the opening of the tube container 10 on the side opposite to the X-ray tube 30. In this case, the side of the flange 22 may be in contact with the inner wall of the tube container 10, or there may be a small gap between the side of the flange 22 and the inner wall of the tube container 10. The flange 22 is detachably provided on the tube container 10 using a fastening member 24 such as a screw.

[0019] The receptacle 21 and the flange 22 can be formed by combining an insulating material such as resin and a conductive material such as metal.

[0020] Further, a seal 23 is provided between the conductive part 20 (flange 22) and the inner wall of the tube vessel 10. The seal 23 can be provided on the side surface of the flange 22 or inside a groove provided on the inner wall of the tube vessel 10. At least one seal 23 can be provided. When a plurality of seals 23 are provided, a plurality of grooves can be arranged in a direction along the central axis 10a of the tube vessel 10, and a seal 23 can be provided in each of the plurality of grooves. In the case of the X-ray tube device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, one groove is provided on the side surface of the flange 22, and the seal 23 is provided inside the groove.

[0021] The seal 23 seals the insulating oil 12 inside the tube vessel 10 so as to be liquid-tight. In this case, if a plurality of seals 23 are provided, the insulating oil 12 can be sealed more reliably. If only one seal 23 is provided, the X-ray tube device 1 can be made more compact. There are no particular limitations on the type of seal 23, and any seal that can seal the insulating oil 12 may be used. The seal 23 may be, for example, an O-ring, a square ring, a gasket, an omni-seal, or the like.

[0022] At least one of the tubular vessel 10 and the flange 22 may be provided with a hole for supplying the insulating oil 12 to the inside of the tubular vessel 10 and for discharging the insulating oil 12 from the inside of the tubular vessel 10. The hole may be made openable and closable with a lid or the like.

[0023] The X-ray tube 30 is provided inside the tube container 10 near the end of the tube container 10 opposite to the electric current conductor 20 side. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of the end of the X-ray tube 30 opposite to the power supply unit 20 side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the X-ray tube 30 irradiates X-rays in a direction along the central axis 1a of the X-ray tube device 1 (the central axis 10a of the tube container 10). The X-ray tube 30 includes, for example, a target 31, a support 32, a filament 33, a Wehnelt electrode 34, a window 35, and an envelope 36.

[0024] The target 31, the support 32, the filament 33, and the Wehnelt electrode 34 are provided inside an envelope 36 (a cylindrical portion 36a). The target 31 has, for example, a disk shape. The central axis of the target 31 is arranged coaxially with the central axis 10a of the tubular container 10. The target 31 is arranged at the end of the support part 32 opposite to the electric current conducting part 20. The target 31 contains a material that generates X-rays when collided with the thermoelectrons 33a. The target 31 contains, for example, at least one of Rh (rhodium), W (tungsten), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), and copper (Cu).

[0025] The support part 32 is columnar and supports the target 31 in the vicinity of the window 35. The support part 32 extends along the central axis 10a of the tubular vessel 10. The central axis of the support part 32 is arranged, for example, coaxial with the central axis 10a of the tubular vessel 10. The end of the support part 32 opposite to the target 31 side is electrically connected to the current-carrying part 20 (receptacle 21) via a connection part 37. The support part 32 can be formed from a conductive material such as copper.

[0026] The filament 33 has, for example, a C-shape and surrounds the target 31. The filament 33 includes a conductive material and is electrically connected to the negative electrode of a power source provided outside the X-ray tube device 1 via a terminal provided on the side surface of the envelope 36 or the like.

[0027] The Wehnelt electrode 34 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and surrounds the target 31. The Wehnelt electrode 34 can be provided, for example, between the target 31 and the filament 33. The Wehnelt electrode 34 can be made of a conductive material such as iron (Fe) or stainless steel.

[0028] The Wehnelt electrode 34 is electrically connected to a power source provided outside the X-ray tube device 1 via a terminal provided on a side surface or the like of the envelope 36. The voltage applied to the Wehnelt electrode 34 is higher than the voltage applied to the filament 33 and lower than the voltage applied to the support portion 32.

[0029] The window 35 has, for example, a disk shape and is provided at an end of the envelope 36 (the cylindrical portion 36a) opposite to the electric current conducting portion 20. The window 35 faces the target 31. The central axis of the window 35 is, for example, coaxial with the central axis 10a of the tubular vessel 10.

[0030] The window 35 contains a material that attenuates X-rays little. The window 35 can be made of, for example, Be (beryllium). The window 35 has a small thickness in order to suppress attenuation of X-rays. The window 35 can have a thickness of, for example, about several tens of μm to several hundreds of μm.

[0031] The envelope 36 has, for example, a cylindrical portion 36a and a flange 36b. The tube portion 36a has an airtight structure, and the internal pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure. The tube portion 36a has, for example, a cylindrical appearance. The tube portion 36a extends along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10. The central axis of the tube portion 36a is, for example, coaxial with the central axis 10a of the tube container 10. The end of the tube portion 36a opposite to the conductive portion 20 gradually decreases in dimension in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 10a toward the tip. The tube portion 36a can be formed from a dielectric material, for example, glass or ceramics.

[0032] The X-ray tube device 1 can be provided, for example, in an X-ray fluorescence analyzer, etc. In this case, as shown in Fig. 1, an end of the envelope 36 (cylinder portion 36a) opposite to the electric current conducting portion 20 can be held by a holder 100 provided in the X-ray fluorescence analyzer, etc.

[0033] The flange 36b is, for example, disk-shaped and provided on the side of the tubular portion 36a. The central axis of the flange 36b is, for example, coaxial with the central axis 10a of the tubular container 10. The flange 36b is provided at the opening of the tubular container 10 on the side opposite to the conductive portion 20. In this case, a gap of a predetermined dimension can be provided between the side of the flange 36b and the inner wall of the tubular container 10. The flange 36b is, for example, made of a dielectric material such as glass or ceramics, or a metal such as stainless steel.

[0034] In addition, a connection part 37 is provided between the current-carrying part 20 (receptacle 21) and the X-ray tube 30 (support part 32) inside the tube vessel 10. One end of the connection part 37 is electrically connected to the receptacle 21, and the other end of the connection part 37 is electrically connected to the support part 32. The connection part 37 can be, for example, a conductive wiring material. As shown in FIG. 1, the connection part 37 has, for example, a spiral or bellows shape. The connection part 37 may be bent in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 10a of the tube vessel 10. In this way, when the distance between the current-carrying part 20 (receptacle 21) and the X-ray tube 30 (support part 32) changes, the connection part 37 can be elastically deformed. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the current between the current-carrying part 20 (receptacle 21) and the X-ray tube 30 (support part 32).

[0035] Furthermore, inside the tube container 10, a guide 38 (corresponding to an example of a first guide) is provided between the X-ray tube 30 and the inner wall of the tube container 10. The guide 38 guides the direction of the change in the relative position between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube container 10 in the direction along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10. At least one guide 38 can be provided. In this case, if multiple guides 38 are provided, the attitude of the X-ray tube 30 can be stabilized. However, if the number of guides 38 is increased, the resistance increases when the relative position between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube container 10 changes. Therefore, the number of guides 38 is preferably, for example, about two to four.

[0036] When multiple guides 38 are provided, it is preferable that the multiple guides 38 are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 10a when viewed from a direction along the central axis 10a of the tubular container 10.

[0037] The guide 38 has, for example, a columnar shape. One end of the guide 38 can be provided on the flange 36b, for example. The other end of the guide 38 can be provided inside a hole 10a or a groove provided in the tube container 10. One end of the guide 38 can also be provided on the tube container 10, for example. In this case, the other end of the guide 38 can be provided inside a hole or a groove provided in the flange 36b. In the direction along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10, the vicinity of the end of the guide 38 can move inside the hole 10a or the groove. The guide 38 and the hole 10a or the groove cooperate to slide at least one of the X-ray tube 30 and the tube container 10 in the direction along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10.

[0038] There is no particular limitation on the fixing of the guide 38. For example, the end of the guide 38 may be press-fitted into the object to be fixed (the flange 36b or the tube container 10), may be screwed into a screw hole provided in the object to be fixed, or may be glued to the object to be fixed.

[0039] In addition, when one end of the guide 38 is provided on the flange 36b, a guide 38a can be provided on the other end of the guide 38 as shown in FIG. 1. The guide 38a is, for example, plate-shaped. In a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the guide 38, the dimension of the guide 38a is larger than the dimension of the guide 38. The guide 38a is provided outside the tube vessel 10. There may be a small gap between the guide 38a and the tube vessel 10, or the guide 38a and the tube vessel 10 may contact each other. If the guide 38a is provided, the relative positions between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube vessel 10 can be determined in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 10a of the tube vessel 10.

[0040] Moreover, a seal 39 is provided inside the tube vessel 10 between the X-ray tube 30 and the inner wall of the tube vessel 10. The seal 39 can be provided inside a groove provided on at least one of the side surface of the flange 36b and the inner wall of the tube vessel 10. At least one seal 39 can be provided. When a plurality of seals 39 are provided, a plurality of grooves can be arranged in a direction along the central axis 10a of the tube vessel 10, and a seal 39 can be provided in each of the plurality of grooves. In the case of the X-ray tube device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, one groove is provided on the inner wall of the tube vessel 10, and the seal 39 is provided inside the groove.

[0041] The seal 39 seals the insulating oil 12 inside the tube vessel 10 so as to be liquid-tight. In this case, if a plurality of seals 39 are provided, the insulating oil 12 can be sealed more reliably. If one seal 39 is provided, the X-ray tube assembly 1 can be made more compact, and resistance when the relative position between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube vessel 10 changes can be reduced. There is no particular limitation on the type of seal 39, and any type that can seal the insulating oil 12 can be used. The seal 39 can be, for example, an O-ring, a square ring, a gasket, an omni-seal, or the like.

[0042] Next, the actions and effects of the X-ray tube assembly 1 according to the present embodiment will be illustrated. When a negative voltage is applied to the filament 33 from a power source provided outside the X-ray tube device 1, the filament 33 is heated and generates thermoelectrons 33a, as shown in FIG.

[0043] Moreover, a positive voltage (tube voltage) is applied to the target 31 from a power source provided outside the X-ray tube device 1 via the receptacle 21, the connection portion 37, and the support portion 32. Furthermore, a voltage is applied to the Wehnelt electrode 34 from a power source provided outside the X-ray tube device 1.

[0044] Thermoelectrons 33a generated in the filament 33 are accelerated by the potential difference between the filament 33 and the target 31. The thermoelectrons 33a are converged by the Wehnelt electrode 34. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the accelerated thermoelectrons 33a move toward the target 31 and collide with the target 31. X-rays are generated by the thermoelectrons 33a colliding with the target 31. The generated X-rays pass through a window 35 and are irradiated onto, for example, a sample surface for X-ray fluorescence analysis.

[0045] Furthermore, when the X-ray tube 30 is operated, heat is generated along with X-rays. The generated heat is released to the outside of the X-ray tube assembly 1 (tube housing 10) via the insulating oil 12. Therefore, the temperature of the insulating oil 12 changes with the operation and stoppage of the X-ray tube 30. The temperature of the insulating oil 12 also changes with the temperature change of the atmosphere in which the X-ray tube assembly 1 is installed.

[0046] When the temperature of the insulating oil 12 changes, the volume of the insulating oil 12 expands or contracts. In this case, since the insulating oil 12 is sealed inside the tubular vessel 10, if the internal volume of the tubular vessel 10 (the volume of the area in which the insulating oil 12 is sealed) does not change, the internal pressure of the tubular vessel 10 changes. In this case, if the internal pressure of the tubular vessel 10 becomes too high, the insulating oil 12 may leak out of the tubular vessel 10, or the joint between the X-ray tube 30 and the tubular vessel 10, the joint between the current-carrying part 20 and the tubular vessel 10, or the X-ray tube 30 itself may be deformed or damaged.

[0047] As described above, the X-ray tube assembly 1 according to this embodiment is provided with the guide 38, so that the relative position between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube envelope 10 can be changed according to the expansion or contraction of the insulating oil 12. Therefore, the change in the internal pressure of the tube envelope 10 can be suppressed.

[0048] When the relative position between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube container 10 changes, the distance between the current conductor 20 (receptacle 21) and the X-ray tube 30 (enclosure 36) changes. As described above, the length of the connection part 37 in the direction along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10 is variable. Therefore, even if the relative position between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube container 10 changes, it is possible to maintain the current flow between the current conductor 20 (receptacle 21) and the X-ray tube 30 (support part 32).

[0049] 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the action and effect of the guide 38. FIG. When the temperature of the insulating oil 12 rises (the volume of the insulating oil 12 expands), the pressure of the insulating oil 12 increases. At this time, if a guide 38 is provided, the X-ray tube 30 can be pushed out in a direction along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the change in the internal pressure of the tubular vessel 10 can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, when the temperature of the insulating oil 12 decreases (the volume of the insulating oil 12 contracts), the pressure of the insulating oil 12 decreases. At this time, if a guide 38 is provided, the X-ray tube 30 can be retracted in a direction along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the change in the internal pressure of the tubular vessel 10 can be suppressed.

[0051] Here, if an empty box or bellows is provided in the tube vessel 10 to suppress the change in the internal pressure of the tube vessel 10, it becomes difficult to reduce the size of the X-ray tube device 1. Since the guide 38 is provided between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube vessel 10, the X-ray tube device 1 can be reduced in size. That is, according to the X-ray tube assembly 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the change in the internal pressure of the tube container 10, and also to achieve miniaturization.

[0052] 1, if the vicinity of the end of the envelope 36 (tubular portion 36a) opposite to the conductive portion 20 is held by a holder 100 provided in an X-ray fluorescence analyzer or the like, when the relative position between the X-ray tube 30 and the tube container 10 changes, for example, the distance between the surface of the sample to be analyzed by X-ray fluorescence analysis and the X-ray tube device 1 (window 35) can be kept constant, thereby improving measurement accuracy, etc.

[0053] 5 and 6 are schematic partial cross-sectional views illustrating an envelope 136 according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the envelope 136 has, for example, a cylindrical portion 36a and a flange 136b. The flange 136b may further include a recess 136b1 (corresponding to an example of a first recess) on the side surface of the flange 36b. The recess 136b1 opens on the side surface of the flange 136b. The recess 136b1 extends in the circumferential direction (direction around the central axis) of the envelope 136 (flange 136b). In the direction along the central axis 10a of the tube container 10, the recess 136b1 is provided on the opposite side to the insulating oil 12 side across the seal 39. For example, the recess 136b1 may be provided on the side surface of the flange 36b between the position where the seal 39 comes into contact and the position where the guide 38 is provided.

[0054] As described above, if the seal 39 is provided, the insulating oil 12 inside the tube container 10 can be sealed liquid-tight. However, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the insulating oil 12 may seep out from the seal 39 over time. In this case, if the recess 136b1 is provided, the seeped insulating oil 12 can be captured. The insulating oil 12 captured inside the recess 136b1 can be held by, for example, capillary force. Therefore, the insulating oil 12 can be prevented from seeping out of the X-ray tube device 1.

[0055] 6, a seal 39 can be further provided on the end side of the tube vessel 10 from the recess 136b1 in the direction along the central axis 10a of the tube vessel 10. That is, a plurality of seals 39 can be provided. In addition, the recess 136b1 can be provided between the seals 39 in the direction along the central axis 10a of the tube vessel 10. In this way, the insulating oil 12 leaking from the recess 136b1 can be prevented from seeping out to the outside of the X-ray tube device 1. Therefore, the insulating oil 12 can be more effectively prevented from seeping out to the outside of the X-ray tube device 1.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of a guide 38 according to another embodiment. The guide 38 and seal 39 illustrated in Fig. 1 are provided for the X-ray tube 30 (the flange 36b of the envelope 36). In contrast, the guide 38 (corresponding to an example of a second guide) and seal 39 (corresponding to an example of a second seal) illustrated in Fig. 7 are provided for the current-carrying part 20 (the flange 22). In this case, the flange 36b of the envelope 36 can be attached to the tube container 10 using fastening members 24 such as screws. The guide 38 and the seal 39 may also be provided for the X-ray tube 30 and the current-carrying portion 20 . That is, the guide 38 and the seal 39 can be provided for at least one of the X-ray tube 30 and the current-carrying unit 20 . In this way, at least one of the X-ray tube 30 and the current-carrying unit 20 can change the position relative to the tubular container 10 in the direction along the central axis 10a of the tubular container 10.

[0057] When the guide 38 and the seal 39 are provided for the current-carrying part 20, a recess 136b1 (corresponding to an example of a second recess) can be provided on the side surface of the current-carrying part 20 (flange 22). The arrangement of the recess 136b1 and the number and arrangement of the guides 38 and the seals 39 can be the same as those described above.

[0058] In the above, the recess 136b1 is provided on the side surface of the X-ray tube 10 or the side surface of the current-carrying unit 20, but the recess 136b1 can also be provided on the inner wall of the tube container 10. That is, the recess 136b1 can be provided on at least one of the side surface of the X-ray tube 30, the side surface of the current-carrying unit 20, and the inner wall of the tube container 10. Even in these cases, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0059] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0060] For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the X-ray tube device 1 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the greatest extent possible, and combinations of these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0061] Below, supplementary notes regarding the above-described embodiment are given.

[0062] (Appendix 1) A tube container having a cylindrical shape; an X-ray tube disposed inside the tube near one end of the tube; a current-carrying part provided inside the tube container near an end of the tube container opposite to an end where the X-ray tube is provided; an insulating oil sealed in a space defined by an inner wall of the tube container, the X-ray tube, and the current-carrying part; at least one first seal disposed between the X-ray tube and an inner wall of the tube housing; At least one second seal provided between the current-carrying portion and an inner wall of the tube; The X-ray tube device, wherein at least one of the X-ray tube and the current conductor is capable of changing a position relative to the tube housing in a direction along a central axis of the tube housing.

[0063] (Appendix 2) 2. The X-ray tube assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first guide provided between the X-ray tube and an inner wall of the tube housing, the first guide guiding a direction of the change in relative position along a central axis of the tube housing.

[0064] (Appendix 3) 3. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second guide provided between the current-carrying part and an inner wall of the tube housing, the second guide guiding a direction of the change in the relative position along a central axis of the tube housing.

[0065] (Appendix 4) The X-ray tube further includes a first recess provided on at least one of a side surface of the X-ray tube and an inner wall of the tube container, 4. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first recess is provided on an opposite side to the insulating oil side across the first seal in a direction along a central axis of the tube container.

[0066] (Appendix 5) The X-ray tube further includes a first recess provided on at least one of a side surface of the X-ray tube and an inner wall of the tube container, 5. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the first seals are provided, and the first recess is provided between the first seals in a direction along a central axis of the tube container.

[0067] (Appendix 6) Further, a second recess is provided on at least one of a side surface of the conductive portion and an inner wall of the tube container, 6. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second recess is provided on an opposite side to the insulating oil side across the second seal in a direction along a central axis of the tube container.

[0068] (Appendix 7) Further, a second recess is provided on at least one of a side surface of the conductive portion and an inner wall of the tube container, 7. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the second seals are provided, and the second recess is provided between the second seals in a direction along a central axis of the tube container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 X-ray tube assembly, 1a central axis, 10 tube container, 10a central axis, 12 insulating oil, 20 current-carrying portion, 21 receptacle, 22 flange, 23 seal, 30 X-ray tube, 31 target, 32 support portion, 33 filament, 34 Wehnelt electrode, 35 window, 36 envelope, 36a tube portion, 36b flange, 38 guide, 39 seal, 136 envelope, 136b1 recess

Claims

1. A tube container having a cylindrical shape; an X-ray tube disposed inside the tube near one end of the tube; a current-carrying portion provided inside the tube container near an end of the tube container opposite to an end where the X-ray tube is provided; an insulating oil sealed in a space defined by an inner wall of the tube container, the X-ray tube, and the current-carrying part; at least one first seal disposed between the X-ray tube and an inner wall of the tube housing; At least one second seal provided between the current-carrying portion and an inner wall of the tube; An X-ray tube device, wherein at least one of the X-ray tube and the current conductor is capable of changing a position relative to the tube housing in a direction along a central axis of the tube housing.

2. 2. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first guide provided between the X-ray tube and an inner wall of the tube housing for guiding a direction of the change in the relative position along a central axis of the tube housing.

3. 3. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second guide provided between the current-carrying portion and an inner wall of the tubular container, the second guide guiding a direction of the change in the relative position along a central axis of the tubular container.

4. a first recess provided on at least one of a side surface of the X-ray tube and an inner wall of the tube container; 3. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first recess is provided on an opposite side to the insulating oil side across the first seal in a direction along a central axis of the tube container.

5. a first recess provided on at least one of a side surface of the X-ray tube and an inner wall of the tube container; 3. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the first seals are provided, and the first recess is provided between the first seals in a direction along a central axis of the tube container.

6. A second recess is provided on at least one of a side surface of the conductive portion and an inner wall of the tube container, 2. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second recess is provided on an opposite side of the second seal from the insulating oil side in a direction along a central axis of the tube container.

7. A second recess is provided on at least one of a side surface of the conductive portion and an inner wall of the tube container, 2. The X-ray tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the second seals are provided, and the second recess is provided between the second seals in a direction along a central axis of the tube container.

Images