X-ray generator and X-ray imaging device

Abstract

the first insulating part is disposed between the protrusion and the X-ray generating tube so as to be spaced apart from the X-ray generating tube and surrounds the X-ray generating tube; and a second insulating part is disposed in a spaced apart position from the first insulating part and surrounds the X-ray generating tube, the second insulating part having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the first insulating part and an outer diameter of the first insulating part.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray generating device and an X-ray imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] The magnification of an X-ray transmission image can increase as the distance between the X-ray generating unit formed on the target and the subject decreases. Therefore, in order to obtain a sufficient magnification even when the subject is located deep inside, an X-ray generating device is known in which a thin protrusion is provided on the main body of a storage container, and an X-ray generating unit is attached to the tip of the protrusion. Such an X-ray generating device is described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an X-ray generating device including an X-ray generating tube and a storage container that stores the X-ray generating tube. The X-ray generating tube includes an anode, a cathode having an electron emission source, and an insulating tube that forms a vacuum space between the anode and the cathode, and the anode is electrically connected to the storage container. The storage container has a rear storage section, a flange section that approaches the insulating tube of the X-ray generating tube from a section connected to the rear storage section and surrounds the insulating tube, and a protruding section that protrudes from the flange section, and the anode of the X-ray generating tube is fixed to the protruding section. An annular bend section is formed between the protruding section and the flange section. A protective member is disposed between the cathode of the X-ray generating tube and the annular bend section. The protective member is an annular member that is formed by rotating an L-shaped cross section.

[0004] When a protective member as in Patent Document 1 is provided, the gap between the protective member and the insulating tube of the X-ray tube becomes narrow. This narrows the gap between the protective member and the insulating tube of the X-ray tube. Experiments conducted by the applicant have revealed the problem that the electric field of the insulating oil present in the gap becomes stronger, and discharge may occur between the cathode and anode of the X-ray tube. In addition, a configuration in which the protective member is extended toward the cathode side of the X-ray tube to physically block the discharge path between the cathode and anode is inappropriate because it causes insufficient filling of the insulating oil at the tip of the protruding portion during the manufacture of the X-ray tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-73625 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides an advantageous technique for preventing discharge between the cathode and anode of an X-ray tube and for facilitating the application of insulating oil to the tip of a protrusion during manufacture.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an X-ray generating device, the X-ray generating device comprising: an X-ray generating tube having an insulating tube having a first opening end and a second opening end, a cathode arranged to close the first opening end and including an electron emitting portion which emits electrons in a first direction, and an anode arranged to close the second opening end and including a target which generates X-rays when electrons emitted from the electron emitting portion collide with the target; and an insulating tube having a first portion which forms a first space and a second portion which is arranged to surround at least a part of the X-ray generating tube and has a width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction smaller than that of the first space and which forms a second space. the first space and the second space are communicated to each other, and a connecting portion connecting the first part and the second part to each other so that an internal space is formed in which the first space and the second space are communicated, the connecting portion having a protrusion pointed toward the internal space; a first insulating part arranged between the protrusion and the X-ray generating tube so as to be spaced from the X-ray generating tube and surrounding the X-ray generating tube; and a second insulating part arranged in contact with at least a portion of the X-ray generating tube and spaced from the first insulating part and surrounding the X-ray generating tube, wherein an outer diameter of the second insulating part is larger than an inner diameter of the first insulating part.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention relates to an X-ray imaging device, comprising an X-ray generating device according to the first aspect, and an X-ray detection device that detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating device and transmitted through an object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray generating device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray generating device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray generating device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray generating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray generating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray generating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray generating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an X-ray generating device 100 of a first embodiment. The X-ray generating device 100 may include an X-ray generating tube 102, a voltage supply unit 110, a container 130, an insulating liquid 108, and an insulating structure 120. FIG. 1 shows a cross section of the X-ray generating tube 102 along a virtual plane including a tube axis AX. The X-ray generating tube 102 may have a cathode 104 including an electron emitting unit 23 that emits electrons in a first direction (Z direction) that is parallel to the tube axis AX, and an anode 103 including a target 1 that generates X-rays by collision with electrons emitted from the electron emitting unit 23. The X-ray generating tube 102 may also include an insulating tube 4 that constitutes a part of the outer surface of the X-ray generating tube 102. The insulating tube 4 may have a first opening end OP1 and a second opening end OP2. The cathode 104 may be disposed so as to close the first opening end OP1. The anode 103 may be disposed so as to close the second opening end OP2. The insulating tube 4 may have a tubular shape, such as a cylindrical shape. The insulating tube 4 may be configured to provide vacuum tightness and insulation for the internal space of the insulating tube 4. The insulating tube 4 may be made of a ceramic material, for example, containing alumina or zirconia as a main component. Alternatively, the insulating tube 4 may be made of a glass material, such as borosilicate glass. The voltage supply unit 110 supplies a voltage to the X-ray generating tube 102, more specifically, the cathode 104, via the conductive wire 109. The conductive wire 109 may include a conductive member and an insulating material that covers the conductive member, but may not have the insulating material.

[0012] The container 130 may include a first portion 131, a second portion 132, and a connecting portion 133. The first portion 131 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the side surface of the X-ray generating tube 102, and may form a first space SP1. The first portion 131 may also accommodate the voltage supply unit 110. The second portion 132 may be disposed so as to surround another portion of the side surface of the X-ray generating tube 102, and may form a second space SP2. The connecting portion 133 may connect the first portion 131 and the second portion 132 to each other so as to form an internal space ISP in which the first space SP1 formed by the first portion 131 and the second space SP2 formed by the second portion 132 communicate with each other. The second portion 132 has a smaller width in a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction) than the first portion 131. Moreover, the second space SP2 has a smaller width in a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction) than the first space SP1.

[0013] The connecting portion 133 may have a convex portion 135 pointed toward the internal space ISP of the container 130 in a cross section taken along a virtual plane including the tube axis AX of the X-ray generating tube 102. The second portion 132 may have a tube shape such as a cylindrical shape. In a cross section taken along a virtual plane including the tube axis AX of the X-ray generating tube 102 as shown in FIG. 1, the convex portion 135 may have an interior angle of 90 degrees, an acute interior angle, or an obtuse interior angle. In the first direction (Z direction), the convex portion 135 has a structure in which it is disposed between the cathode 104 and the anode 103. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the length of the second portion 132 in the first direction is shorter than the length of the X-ray generating tube 102 in the first direction.

[0014] The insulating liquid 108 may be filled in the internal space ISP of the storage container 130 so as to contact the cathode 104 and surround the conductive wire 109. The insulating structure 120 may be disposed in the internal space ISP of the storage container 130 so as to surround at least a portion of the insulating tube 4. The insulating structure 120 may also be disposed in the internal space ISP of the storage container 130 so as to surround at least a portion of the cathode 104. The insulating structure 120 may include a first insulating portion 121 and a second insulating portion 122. The first insulating portion 121 and the second insulating portion 122 may be disposed spaced apart from each other in a first direction (Z direction).

[0015] The first insulating portion 121 is disposed between the protruding portion 135 and the X-ray generating tube 102 so as to be in contact with the protruding portion 135 and be separated from the X-ray generating tube 102, and surrounds the X-ray generating tube 102. The first insulating portion 121 may be disposed so as to block at least the shortest path between the insulating tube 4 and the protruding portion 135 of the connecting portion 133. The first insulating portion 121 may be disposed so as to block a straight path between the insulating tube 4 and the protruding portion 135 of the connecting portion 133 over the entire insulating tube 4. When the first insulating portion 121 is disposed so as to block a straight path between the insulating tube 4 and the protruding portion 135 of the connecting portion 133 over the entire insulating tube 4, the first insulating portion 121 and the protruding portion 135 may be in non-contact with each other. The first insulating portion 121 may be disposed so as to block a straight path between the cathode member 21 constituting a part of the outer surface of the X-ray generating tube 102 in the cathode 104 and the protruding portion 135 of the connecting portion 133. At least a portion of the insulating tube 4 can be disposed so as to face the first insulating portion 121 in a plane (a cross-sectional view in the plane) perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction).

[0016] The arrangement in which the first insulating portion 121 contacts the protruding portion 135 or the container 130 is advantageous for increasing the gap G1 between the first insulating portion 121 and the insulating tube 4 and the gap G2 between the first insulating portion 121 and the second insulating portion 122. Increasing the gaps G1 and G2 increases the conductance of the insulating liquid 108 from the first space SP1 to the second space SP2 when the insulating liquid 108 is filled, so that the insulating liquid 108 can be filled in the entire second space SP2. It is desirable that the gap G1 is larger than the gap G2. In addition, increasing the gaps G1 and G2 can reduce the electric field in the gaps G1 and G2.

[0017] The second insulating portion 122 is disposed in contact with at least a portion of the cathode 104 and spaced apart from the first insulating portion 121, and surrounds the cathode 104. Here, at least a portion of the cathode 104, for example, the cathode member 21, can be disposed so as to be in contact with the second insulating portion 122. The second insulating portion 122 can be disposed so as to be in contact with both at least a portion of the cathode member 21 and at least a portion of the insulating tube 4. From another perspective, the second insulating portion 122 can be disposed so as to be in contact with the boundary surface (contact portion) between the cathode member 21 and the insulating tube 4. Furthermore, it is desirable that the second insulating portion 122 be in contact with the entire boundary surface (contact portion) between the cathode member 21 and the insulating tube 4 and surround the boundary surface (contact portion).

[0018] The first insulating portion 121 has an opening S1 with an inner diameter R1. The second insulating portion 122 has an outer diameter R2. R2 is preferably larger than R1. This increases the discharge distance between the portion of the negative electrode member 21 that is not covered by the second insulating portion 122 and the portion of the second portion 132 that is not covered by the first insulating portion 121, thereby preventing abnormal discharge. At least a portion of the X-ray generating tube 102 may be disposed within the opening S1. From another perspective, the X-ray generating tube 102 may be disposed so as to penetrate the opening S1. From yet another perspective, the insulating tube 4 of the X-ray generating tube 102 may be disposed so as to penetrate the opening S1.

[0019] The first insulating portion 121 may include a cylindrical portion 141 having an inner diameter R1 and a ring portion 142 extending radially from a portion (e.g., one end) of the cylindrical portion 141. The central axis of the cylindrical portion 141 and the central axis of the ring portion 142 may coincide with each other. In another aspect, the central axis of the cylindrical portion 141 and the central axis of the ring portion 142 may coincide with the tube axis AX of the X-ray generating tube 102. The second insulating portion 121 may be composed of a ring portion arranged in parallel to the ring portion 142 of the first insulating portion 121. The central axis of the second insulating portion 121 may coincide with the central axis of the cylindrical portion 141 and the central axis of the ring portion 142. In another aspect, the central axis of the second insulating portion 121 may coincide with the tube axis AX of the X-ray generating tube 102.

[0020] The first insulating section 121 and the second insulating section 122 may be made of any insulating solid material, such as ceramic, glass material, and resin material using glass epoxy or polycarbonate. The first insulating section 121 and the second insulating section 122 have a volume resistivity of 1×10 5 It is preferable that the insulating property is Ωm or more.

[0021] The target 1 of the X-ray generating tube 102 housed in the second portion 132 may be located at the tip portion (upper end portion in FIG. 1) of the second portion 132. The X-ray generating tube 102 may be a transmission type X-ray generating tube. In the X-ray generating tube 102, the anode 103, the cathode member 21, and the insulating tube 4 form a vacuum airtight container. The insulating tube 4 has a tube shape, for example, a cylindrical shape, and connects the anode 103 and the cathode 104 while insulating them from each other. The anode 103 may include the target 1 and the anode member 2. The target 1 may include a target layer 1a and a support window 1b that supports the target layer 1a. The anode member 2 may have a ring shape. The anode member 2 supports the target 1. The anode member 2 may be electrically connected to the target layer 1a. The anode member 2 and the support window 1b may be joined by, for example, a brazing material. 1, the target 1 and the tip of the second portion 132 are disposed on the same plane. However, as long as the target 1 is at the same potential as the second portion 132 (i.e., grounded), the target 1 may be disposed so as to protrude outward from the tip of the second portion 132, or may be disposed so as to be recessed from the tip of the second portion 132. The form in which the target 1 is located at the tip of the second portion 132 may include such a form.

[0022] The target layer 1a contains a heavy metal such as tungsten or tantalum, and generates X-rays when irradiated with electrons. The thickness of the target layer 1a can be determined based on the balance between the electron penetration length that contributes to the generation of X-rays and the amount of self-attenuation of the generated X-rays when they pass through the support window 1b. The thickness of the target layer 1a can be within the range of, for example, 1 μm to several tens of μm.

[0023] The support window 1b has a function of transmitting X-rays generated in the target layer 1a and emitting them to the outside of the X-ray generating tube 102. The support window 1b can be made of a material that transmits X-rays, such as beryllium, aluminum, silicon nitride, or an allotrope of carbon. In order to effectively transmit heat generated in the target layer 1a to the anode member 2, the support window 1b can be made of, for example, diamond, which has high thermal conductivity.

[0024] The insulating tube 4 may be made of a ceramic material such as alumina or zirconia, or a glass material such as soda lime or quartz, having vacuum tightness and insulating properties. The cathode member 21 and the anode member 2 may be made of materials having linear expansion coefficients αc (ppm / °C) and αa (ppm / °C) close to the linear expansion coefficient αi (ppm / °C) of the insulating tube 4, in order to reduce thermal stress between them. The cathode member 21 and the anode member 2 may be made of an alloy such as Kovar or Monel, for example.

[0025] The cathode 104 may include an electron emitter 23, a cathode member 21 constituting a part of the outer surface of the X-ray generating tube 102, and a fixing part 22 for fixing the electron emitter 23 to the cathode member 21. The electron emitter 23 may be connected to the cathode member 21, for example, via a brazing material, may be thermally fused by laser welding or the like, or may be electrically connected by other methods. The electron emitter 23 may include an electron source such as an impregnated type thermionic electron source, a filament type thermionic electron source, or a cold cathode electron source. The electron emitter 23 may include an electrostatic lens electrode (not shown) that defines an electrostatic field such as an extraction grid electrode and a focusing lens electrode. The fixing part 22 may have a tubular shape through which a conductive wire 109 electrically connected to the electron source and the electrostatic lens electrode passes. The conductive wire 109 may include a plurality of conductive members insulated from each other.

[0026] The X-ray generating device 100 may be configured as an anode-grounded type in which the anode 103 is grounded. In the anode-grounded type, the anode 103 may be electrically connected to a container 130. The container 130 may be electrically connected to a ground terminal 105. The cathode 104 may be electrically connected to a voltage supply unit 110 via a conductive wire 109.

[0027] The voltage supply unit 110 may include a power supply circuit 111 and a drive circuit 112 that receives power supplied from the power supply circuit 111 via a power line 107 and drives the X-ray generating tube 102 via a conductive line 109. The drive circuit 112 may be electrically connected to the container 130 via the power line 107, the power supply circuit 111, and a ground line 106. The drive circuit 112 may control the amount of electrons emitted from the electron source and the diameter of the electron beam by controlling the voltages supplied to the electron source, the extraction grid electrode, the focusing lens electrode, and the like. The positive terminal of the power supply circuit 111 is grounded via the ground line 106 and the container 130, and the negative terminal of the power supply circuit 111 is connected to the drive circuit 112 via the power line 107 and supplies a negative voltage to the drive circuit 112. A control signal may be supplied to the drive circuit 112 from a control unit (not shown) disposed outside the container 130 via a cable such as an optical fiber cable.

[0028] The first portion 131, the second portion 132, and the connecting portion 133 constituting the container 130 may be made of a conductive material, electrically connected to each other, and grounded. Such a configuration is advantageous for ensuring electrical safety. The first portion 131, the second portion 132, and the connecting portion 133 may be made of a metal material. The container 130 may be vacuum-filled with the insulating liquid 108. This is because, if air bubbles exist in the insulating liquid 108, a region having a lower dielectric constant than the surrounding insulating liquid 108 is formed, which may cause discharge.

[0029] The insulating liquid 108 also has a function of suppressing discharge between the X-ray generating tube 102 and the container 130 and discharge between the voltage supply unit 110 (power supply circuit 111, drive circuit 112) and the container 130. As the insulating liquid 108, a liquid having excellent heat resistance, fluidity, and electrical insulation in the operating temperature range of the X-ray generating device 100, such as silicone oil, chemically synthesized oil such as fluororesin oil, mineral oil, etc., can be used.

[0030] The X-ray generating tube 102 may be fixed to the second portion 132 of the container 130 by being joined to an opening provided at the tip end (the lower end in FIG. 1 ) of the second portion 132. An insulating liquid 108 may be filled between the X-ray generating tube 102 and the inner surface of the second portion 132. The power supply circuit 111 and the drive circuit 112 may be fixed to the first portion 131 of the container 130 by a fixing member (not shown). The power supply circuit 111 and the drive circuit 112 may be surrounded by the insulating liquid 108. The conductive wires 109 may be surrounded by the insulating liquid 108.

[0031] The connection portion 133 of the container 130 has, for example, a plate portion that spreads in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction), and the plate portion has an opening through which the X-ray generating tube 102 passes. The plate portion can be abutted against a mounting surface of a structure (for example, a housing) that supports the X-ray generating device 100. Alternatively, the plate portion can be fitted into an opening of the structure that supports the X-ray generating device 100. In the container 130, the side surface of the opening of the plate portion and the inner side surface of the second portion 132 can form a continuous surface without a step. In one example, the opening of the plate portion is a circular opening, and the inner side surface of the second portion 132 can be a cylindrical surface. The protrusion 135 can be formed at the end of the opening of the plate portion.

[0032] Although there is a method of increasing the distance between the convex portion 135 and the cathode 104 by increasing the size of the opening that defines the convex portion 135, such a method results in an increase in the size of the X-ray generating device 100, and is therefore not preferable.

[0033] 2 shows a configuration of an X-ray imaging device 200 according to an embodiment. The X-ray imaging device 200 may include an X-ray generating device 100 and an X-ray detecting device 210 that detects X-rays 192 emitted from the X-ray generating device 100 and transmitted through an object 191. The X-ray imaging device 200 may further include a control device 220 and a display device 230. The X-ray detecting device 210 may include an X-ray detector 212 and a signal processing unit 214. The control device 220 may control the X-ray generating device 100 and the X-ray detecting device 210. The X-ray detector 212 detects or captures the X-rays 192 emitted from the X-ray generating device 100 and transmitted through the object 191. The signal processing unit 214 may process a signal output from the X-ray detector 212 and supply the processed signal to the control device 220. The control device 220 may cause the display device 230 to display an image based on the signal supplied from the signal processing unit 214.

[0034] FIG. 3 exemplarily and typically illustrates the configuration of the X-ray generating device 100 of the second embodiment. Matters not mentioned in the description of the second embodiment may follow the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the second insulating part 122 may be a ring-shaped part or may have a shape including a ring-shaped part. In another aspect, the cross section of the second insulating part 122 may be circular. The ring-shaped part may surround a part of the cathode 104 (a part in the direction along the tube axis AX) over the entire circumference. The second insulating part 122 may be made of a rubber material such as nitrile rubber, fluororubber, synthetic rubber, etc. Also, the second insulating part 122 may be made of an O-ring. In the second embodiment, it is also desirable that the outer diameter R2 of the second insulating part 122 is larger than the inner diameter R1 of the first insulating part 121. The second insulating part 122 may be arranged in the first space SP1. The first insulating part 121 and the second insulating part 122 are arranged so as not to contact each other.

[0035] When the second insulating portion 122 is an O-ring, the O-ring has a circular cross section, so that the contact area between the second insulating portion 122 and the cathode 104 may be small. In that case, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the insulating structure 120 may include a third insulating portion 123 between the second insulating portion 122 and the first insulating portion 121 in a direction parallel to the tube axis AX of the X-ray generating tube. The third insulating portion 123 may be disposed between the cathode 104 and the first insulating portion 121 and around the insulating tube 4. The third insulating portion 123 may have the same configuration as the second insulating portion 122, or may have a different configuration from the second insulating portion 122. It is desirable that the outer diameter of the third insulating portion 123 is larger than the inner diameter R1 of the first insulating portion 121.

[0036] FIG. 5 exemplarily and typically illustrates the configuration of the X-ray generating device 100 of the third embodiment. The third embodiment is a modified example of the second embodiment, and matters not mentioned as the third embodiment may follow the first or second embodiment. In the third embodiment, it is intended to increase the dimension of the second space SP2 in the second direction (Y direction) in order to improve the dielectric strength. In order to satisfy R2>R1, the first insulating portion 121 may be disposed away from the convex portion 135. The third embodiment is more advantageous for achieving a higher dielectric strength than the second embodiment. Since the first insulating portion 121 and the convex portion 135 are separated from each other, the insulating liquid 108 easily flows between the first space SP1 and the second space SP2. This allows the heat generated by the X-ray generating tube 102 to be efficiently discharged to the outside of the X-ray generating device 100 through the insulating liquid 108.

[0037] 6A and 6B, a third insulating section 123 may be provided as in the second embodiment. The third insulating section 123 reduces the amount of the insulating liquid 108 moving through the gap between the first insulating section 121 and the X-ray generating tube 102, but this problem can be alleviated by the insulating liquid 108 moving through the gap between the first insulating section 121 and the container 130. In the example shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the charge caused by friction between the insulating liquid 108 and the insulating tube 4 is reduced, so that abnormal discharge between the insulating tube 4 and the container 130 or between the insulating tube 4 and the first insulating section 121 can be suppressed. Such suppression of abnormal discharge is expected even in a structure in which the second insulating section 122 is not provided. Therefore, in a configuration in which the first insulating portion 121 and the convex portion 135 are spaced apart, while the third insulating portion 123 is provided between the cathode 104 and the first insulating portion 121 and around the insulating tube 4, it is not necessary to provide the second insulating portion 122. It is desirable that the shortest distance D4 between the third insulating portion 123 and the first insulating portion 121 is smaller than the shortest distance D3 between the first insulating portion 121 and the storage container 130.

[0038] The third insulating portion 123 may be disposed as illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. The first insulating portion 121 may include a cylindrical portion 141 and a ring portion 142. The third insulating portion 123 may be disposed between the cylindrical portion 141 and the insulating tube 4. In other words, the insulating tube 4 has a region facing the cylindrical portion 141 in the second direction, and the third insulating portion 123 may be disposed around the region. From another perspective, the third insulating portion 123 may be disposed around the region facing the cylindrical portion 141 in the second direction. Here, the meaning of being disposed around the region includes the third insulating portion 123 being disposed so as to be in contact with the region. In order to realize a configuration in which the outer diameter R3 of the third insulating portion 123 is larger than the inner diameter (minimum inner diameter) R1 of the first insulating portion 121, the inner diameter of the ring portion 142 may be made smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 141. Such a structure makes it difficult for the insulating liquid 108 to move through the gap between the first insulating part 121 and the X-ray generating tube 102. This reduces charging due to friction between the insulating liquid 108 and the insulating tube 4, and can suppress abnormal discharge between the insulating tube 4 and the container 130 or between the insulating tube 4 and the first insulating part 121.

[0039] 8A and 8B exemplarily and typically show the configuration of the X-ray generating device 100 of the fourth embodiment. Matters not mentioned as the fourth embodiment may follow the first to third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the entire X-ray generating tube 102 is surrounded by the second portion 132. Alternatively, in the fourth embodiment, the entire insulating tube 4 is surrounded by the second portion 132. In such a configuration, it is preferable that the second insulating portion 122 is provided between the first insulating portion 121 and the anode 103. The second insulating portion 122 can be disposed so as to contact the insulating tube 122. It is preferable that the outer diameter R2 of the second insulating portion 122 is larger than the inner diameter R1 of the first insulating portion 121. It is preferable that the shortest distance D5 between the second insulating portion 122 and the first insulating portion 121 is smaller than the shortest distance D3 between the first insulating portion 121 and the container 130.

[0040] 4, 6A, and 7A, both the second insulating part 122 and the third insulating part 123 are provided. However, it is not essential to provide the second insulating part 122. In other words, the effect of reducing the conductance between the first insulating part 121 and the X-ray generating tube 102, that is, reducing the flow of the insulating liquid 108 in the gap between the first insulating part 121 and the X-ray generating tube 102, reducing electrification due to friction between the insulating liquid 108 and the insulating tube 4, and suppressing abnormal discharge between the insulating tube 4 and the container 130 or between the insulating tube 4 and the first insulating part 121, can be provided even by a configuration in which the second insulating part 122 is not provided. The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. an X-ray generating tube including: an insulating tube having a first open end and a second open end; a cathode arranged to close the first open end and including an electron emitting portion that emits electrons in a first direction; and an anode arranged to close the second open end and including a target that generates X-rays when struck by electrons emitted from the electron emitting portion; a container having a first portion that forms a first space, a second portion that has a width in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction smaller than that of the first space and is disposed so as to surround at least a part of the X-ray generating tube and forms a second space, and a connecting portion that connects the first portion and the second portion to each other so as to form an internal space in which the first space and the second space communicate with each other, the connecting portion having a protrusion that is pointed toward the internal space; a first insulating portion that is disposed between the protrusion and the X-ray generating tube so as to be spaced apart from the X-ray generating tube and surrounds the X-ray generating tube; a second insulating portion that is in contact with at least a portion of the X-ray generating tube and is disposed apart from the first insulating portion, and surrounds the X-ray generating tube; The outer diameter of the second insulating portion is larger than the inner diameter of the first insulating portion. An X-ray generating device characterized by:

2. The first insulating portion is disposed so as to block a linear path between the insulating tube and the protruding portion throughout the insulating tube.

2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

3. a length of the second portion in the first direction is shorter than a length of the X-ray generating tube in the first direction; 2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

4. a length of the second portion in the first direction is longer than a length of the X-ray generating tube in the first direction; 2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

5. The second insulating portion is made of a rubber material.

2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

6. the X-ray generating tube has a cathode member that forms a part of an outer surface of the X-ray generating tube; The second insulating portion is provided between the first insulating portion and the negative electrode member and around the insulating tube.

4. The X-ray generating device according to claim 3.

7. the insulating tube has a region facing the first insulating portion in the second direction, The second insulating portion is disposed around the region.

2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

8. the second insulating portion is disposed between the first insulating portion and the anode; The second insulating portion is in contact with the insulating tube.

2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

9. The first insulating portion includes a cylindrical portion and a ring portion extending radially from a part of the cylindrical portion.

2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

10. The cross section of the second insulating portion is circular.

2. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

11. The X-ray generating tube is a transmission type X-ray generating tube.

11. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

12. The first insulating portion and the protruding portion are in a non-contact relationship.

11. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

13. the shortest distance between the first insulating portion and the second insulating portion is shorter than the shortest distance between the first insulating portion and the container; 11. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

14. a third insulating portion disposed around the cathode; 4. The X-ray generating device according to claim 3.

15. Further comprising an insulating liquid filled in the internal space.

11. The X-ray generating device according to claim 1.

16. An X-ray generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10; an X-ray detection device that detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation device and transmitted through an object; An X-ray imaging device comprising:

Images