CN119132914A

CN119132914A - X-ray tube

Info

Publication number: CN119132914A
Application number: CN202411584931.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李青; 李勇; 刘聪
Original assignee: Kunshan Yiyuan Medical Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Kunshan Yiyuan Medical Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2024-11-07
Filing date: 2024-11-07
Publication date: 2024-12-13

Abstract

An X-ray tube includes: a shell having a first cavity and a second cavity connected to each other along a first direction, the shell having a first side and a second side opposite to each other along the first direction, the first cavity being closer to the first side than the second cavity; an anode target plate disposed in the second cavity; a first rotor, at least a part of the first rotor being disposed in the first cavity, the first rotor being directly or indirectly connected to the anode target plate, the anode target plate and the first rotor rotating synchronously; a central axis extending along the first direction and penetrating the first rotor, the first rotor rotating around the central axis, the first rotor being directly or indirectly supported by the central axis; a first magnetic suspension assembly including: a first induction portion disposed outside the first side of the shell; a first suspension portion disposed on the first rotor, the first suspension portion being used to cooperate with the first induction portion to keep the rotation axis of the first rotor coincident with the axis of the central axis. The technical solution of the present application can effectively extend the service life of the X-ray tube.

Description

X-ray tube

Technical Field

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of X-ray tubes, in particular to an X-ray tube.

Background

As an indispensable core component in modern medical imaging technology, the performance and stability of an X-ray tube are directly related to the accuracy of medical diagnosis and the safety of a patient.

The principle of X-ray generation in X-ray tube is that filament generates heat to generate electrons, a large amount of electrons bombard anode target disk by high voltage electric field between anode and cathode to generate X-ray, which is reflected by target surface and emitted from window, and then is received by CT detector for imaging. The process of electron bombardment of the anode target disk generates a great amount of heat, if the bombardment position is kept unchanged, the bombarded area of the anode target disk generates a great amount of heat, and the heat generation speed is far greater than the heat dissipation speed. When heat is accumulated to a critical value, the target surface is melted down by the bombardment area, and the anode is disabled. Therefore, in the prior art, the X-ray tube generally adopts a rotary anode, namely, the anode target disc is in a high-speed rotation state during working, so that the position of electron bombardment on the anode target disc continuously changes, and the phenomenon that the anode target disc is damaged due to local temperature rise is avoided.

Among the many X-ray tube types, CT bulbs play a significant role in CT scanning by their unique mechanism of operation. Taking a rotary anode CT bulb as an example, the CT bulb can be frequently started and stopped in the working process. In the process from static to rotation or from rotation to static, direct contact exists between the inner bearing and the outer bearing in the CT bulb tube, and the inner bearing and the outer bearing have larger eccentricity, so that one side of the inner bearing and one side of the outer bearing are worn more, and the service life of the X-ray tube is seriously influenced. For example, at rest, under the action of gravity, the inner bearing to which the anode target disk and the rotor are connected may come into contact with the outer bearing, and the inner bearing and the outer bearing are pressed against each other to a higher degree toward the side of the gravity direction. This results in uneven stress between the inner and outer bearings during the rotation of the rotating parts (e.g. rotor and anode target disk) from rest to movement, and the side facing the direction of gravity will wear more severely, ultimately affecting the service life of the CT bulb.

Disclosure of Invention

The technical problem solved by the invention is how to improve the stability and durability of an X-ray tube.

In order to solve the technical problems, the embodiment of the invention provides an X-ray tube, which comprises a shell, a first cavity, a second cavity, a first suspension part and a first assembly, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are communicated with each other along a first direction, the shell is provided with a first side and a second side which are opposite to each other along the first direction, the first cavity is closer to the first side than the second cavity, an anode target disc is arranged in the second cavity, at least one part of the first rotor is arranged in the first cavity, the first rotor is directly or indirectly connected with the anode target disc, the anode target disc and the first rotor synchronously rotate, a central shaft part extends along the first direction and penetrates through the first rotor, the first rotor is rotated by taking the central shaft part as an axis, and the first rotor is directly or indirectly supported on the central shaft part, and the first assembly comprises a first induction part and a first suspension part, the first suspension part is arranged outside the first side of the shell, and the first suspension part is arranged on the first rotor, and the first induction part and the first suspension part are used for keeping the central shaft part and the first suspension part to coincide with the axis.

Optionally, an installation groove is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor, and at least a part of the first suspension portion is embedded into the installation groove.

Optionally, the first suspension part is made of a magnetic material.

Optionally, the first suspension portion is annular, and the shape of the mounting groove is matched with the first suspension portion.

Optionally, the opening direction of the mounting groove is parallel to the first direction.

Optionally, the mounting groove is formed at an end of the first rotor facing the first side.

Optionally, along the radial direction of the first rotor, the projection of the first suspension portion and the projection of the first sensing portion at least partially coincide.

Optionally, a non-zero gap exists between the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor and the inner wall of the housing forming the first cavity.

Optionally, the X-ray tube further comprises an outer shaft part sleeved on the central shaft part and capable of rotating around the axis of the central shaft part, and the outer shaft part comprises a first connecting part and a second connecting part which are arranged at intervals, wherein the first connecting part is used for being connected with the first rotor, and the second connecting part is used for being connected with the anode target disk.

Optionally, the outer shaft portion includes a fitting hole extending in the first direction, at least a portion of the section of the middle shaft portion is accommodated in the fitting hole, and a filling cavity is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the section of the middle shaft portion accommodated in the fitting hole and an inner wall of the outer shaft portion forming the fitting hole.

Optionally, the assembly hole is a blind hole and has an opening towards the second side, and at least a portion of the central shaft portion extends into the assembly hole from the opening.

Optionally, a plurality of balls are disposed in the filling cavity, and the plurality of balls are disposed around the central shaft portion along a circumferential direction of the central shaft portion.

Optionally, the filling cavity is filled with liquid metal, and the middle shaft part, the outer shaft part and the liquid metal in the filling cavity are matched to form a liquid metal bearing.

Optionally, the X-ray tube further comprises a sealing structure arranged between the middle shaft part and the outer shaft part, and the sealing structure seals at least one end of the filling cavity along the first direction.

Optionally, the first rotor is provided with a first through hole extending along the first direction, the sealing structure comprises a first protruding part, the first protruding part is arranged on the middle shaft part and used for supporting the outer shaft part, the first protruding part is positioned in the first through hole, at least one part of the surface of the first protruding part facing the second side is in contact with the outer shaft part, and the first protruding part seals one end of the filling cavity facing the first side.

Optionally, the first protruding portion comprises a concave portion and a boss, wherein the concave portion is arranged on the surface, facing the second side, of the first protruding portion, the boss is arranged around the concave portion in a circle, and the end face, facing the second side, of the boss is attached to the surface, facing the first side, of the middle shaft portion.

Optionally, the sealing structure further comprises a second protruding portion, the second protruding portion is arranged on the middle shaft portion, the second protruding portion is located in the assembly hole, the second protruding portion is in contact with the inner wall of the assembly hole, and the second protruding portion seals one end, facing the second side, of the filling cavity.

Optionally, the assembly hole is a through hole, along the first direction, the central shaft portion has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end and the housing are connected to the first side, and the second end passes through the assembly hole and is connected to the second side with the housing.

Optionally, the shell is further provided with a third cavity, the third cavity is communicated with the second cavity, the third cavity is closer to the second side than the second cavity, the shell further comprises a second rotor, at least a part of the second rotor is accommodated in the third cavity, the second rotor is directly or indirectly connected with the anode target disc, and the first rotor, the second rotor and the anode target disc synchronously rotate.

Optionally, the X-ray tube further comprises a first stator closer to the second side than the first side and located outside the housing, a second stator opposite to the first stator along the first direction, the second stator being closer to the second side than the first stator, wherein at least a portion of the second rotor is located between the first stator and the second stator along the first direction, the first stator and the second stator cooperating to suspend the second rotor within the third cavity.

Compared with the prior art, the technical scheme of the embodiment of the invention has the following beneficial effects:

By adopting the technical scheme of the embodiment of the invention, the first rotor (and the anode target disk connected with the first rotor) can suspend and stably rotate through the arrangement of the first magnetic suspension assembly. Especially in the start-stop process of the X-ray tube, the first magnetic suspension assembly can enable the rotating shaft of a rotating part (such as a first rotor and an anode target disk) in the X-ray tube to always coincide with the axis of the middle shaft part, so that the phenomenon that the rotating part is deviated and extruded, collided and worn with the middle shaft part due to the influence of gravity in the start-stop process of the traditional X-ray tube is effectively avoided, and the service life and the stability of the X-ray tube are improved.

Further, the first suspension portion is made of magnetic materials, and can generate an effective magnetic force effect with the first induction portion, so that a suspension effect is achieved. The annular design enables the first suspension portion to uniformly distribute magnetic force, and local abrasion is avoided. The opening direction of the mounting groove is parallel to the first direction, so that the first suspension part is convenient to mount and dismount.

Further, a non-zero gap exists between the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor and the inner wall of the housing forming the first cavity, which is conducive to reducing friction, reducing wear, improving the operating efficiency and the service life of the X-ray tube.

Further, the filling cavity is filled with liquid metal to form the liquid metal bearing. The liquid metal bearing has excellent lubricating performance and heat dissipation performance, and can remarkably improve the operation efficiency and stability of the X-ray tube.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an X-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along the direction A-A;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of region B of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 5 taken along the direction C-C;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view of region D of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG. 5;

fig. 9 is an enlarged partial view of a filling chamber in a variation of the embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

As described in the background art, in the start-stop process of the existing X-ray tube, the initial position of the rotor may deviate from a predetermined rotation axis, resulting in serious abrasion inside the X-ray tube.

In order to solve the technical problem, the embodiment of the invention provides an X-ray tube, which comprises a shell, a first cavity, a second cavity, a first suspension part and a first suspension part, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are communicated with each other in the first direction, the shell is provided with a first side and a second side which are opposite to each other in the first direction, the first cavity is closer to the first side than the second cavity, an anode target disc is arranged in the second cavity, at least one part of the first rotor is arranged in the first cavity, the first rotor is directly or indirectly connected with the anode target disc, the anode target disc and the first rotor synchronously rotate, a central shaft part extends in the first direction and penetrates through the first rotor, the first rotor rotates around the central shaft part as an axis, and the first rotor is directly or indirectly supported on the central shaft part, and the first suspension part comprises a first induction part which is arranged outside the first side of the shell, and the first suspension part is arranged on the first rotor, and the first suspension part is used for keeping the first suspension part and the central shaft part to coincide with the first axis.

By adopting the technical scheme of the embodiment of the application, the first rotor (and the anode target disk connected with the first rotor) can suspend and stably rotate by introducing the first magnetic suspension assembly. Especially in the start-stop process of the X-ray tube, the first magnetic suspension assembly can enable the rotating shaft of the rotating component in the X-ray tube to always coincide with the axis of the middle shaft part, extrusion, collision and abrasion between the eccentric shaft and the middle shaft part of the rotating component (such as the first rotor and the anode target disc) caused by the influence of gravity in the start-stop process of the traditional X-ray tube are effectively avoided, and the service life and the stability of the X-ray tube are improved.

In order to make the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an X-ray tube 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in fig. 1 taken along the direction A-A.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the X-ray tube 100 may include a housing 1 having a first cavity 101 and a second cavity 102 in communication with each other along a first direction D1, the housing 1 having a first side 11 and a second side 12 opposite to each other along the first direction D1, the first cavity 101 being closer to the first side 11 than the second cavity 102, an anode target disk 2 disposed in the second cavity 102, a first rotor 3, at least a portion of the first rotor 3 being disposed in the first cavity 101, the first rotor 3 being directly or indirectly connected to the anode target disk 2, the anode target disk 2 and the first rotor 3 rotating synchronously, a central shaft 4 extending along the first direction D1 and penetrating the first rotor 3, the first rotor 3 rotating about the central shaft 4, the first rotor 3 being directly or indirectly supported on the central shaft 4, a first assembly 5 including a first sensing portion 51 disposed in the housing 1, the first rotor 3 being disposed on the first side of the central shaft 4 and being coincident with the first rotor shaft 52, and the first sensing portion 52 being disposed on the outer side of the housing 52.

The X-ray tube 100 (also referred to as X-tube or CT tube) may be used in an X-ray apparatus in the medical field, for example, a disease detecting apparatus such as a CT apparatus. With the development of technology, CT machines are popularized with high resolution and visual and accurate diagnostic effects, and are widely used in the medical field. The X-ray tube 100 can be used as a core component in a CT machine, and is widely used in practice to generate X-rays, so that the technical perfection of the X-ray tube 100 directly affects the working effect of the CT machine.

In the X-ray tube 100, the principle of X-ray generation is that a filament in the cathode head 200 generates heat to generate electrons, a large amount of electrons bombard the anode target disk 2 through a high-voltage electric field between the cathode head 200 and the anode target disk 2 in an accelerating manner to generate X-rays, and the X-rays are reflected by a target surface of the anode target disk 2 and emitted from the electron emission window 13, and are received by a CT detector for imaging after passing through a patient. The process of electron bombardment of the anode target disk 2 generates a large amount of heat, and if the bombardment position is kept unchanged, the bombarded area of the anode target disk 2 generates a large amount of heat, and the heat generation speed is far greater than the heat dissipation speed. When heat is accumulated to a critical value, the target surface is melted down by the bombardment area, and the anode is disabled. Therefore, in the prior art, the X-ray tube 100 generally adopts a rotating anode, that is, the anode target disc 2 is in a rotating state during operation, so that the position of electron bombardment on the anode target disc 2 continuously changes, and the phenomenon that the anode target disc is damaged due to local temperature rise is avoided.

Further, the housing 1 defines a first cavity 101 and a second cavity 102 communicating with each other for accommodating part of the functional components of the X-ray tube 100.

Further, in operation of the X-ray tube 100, both the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 (and the third chamber 103 in fig. 5-8) are vacuum chambers.

Further, the housing 1 may include a main body portion 14 and a cover portion 15, the main body portion 14 being configured to define boundaries of the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102, the cover portion 15 being configured to close an opening of the main body portion 14 in the first direction D1 to ensure airtightness of the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102.

In some embodiments, an anode target disk 2 may be disposed within the second chamber 102. Further, the target surface of the anode target disk 2 faces the second side 12 of the housing 1. Further, at least a portion of the cathode head 200 protrudes from the outside of the housing 1 into the second chamber 102 and is capable of emitting an electron beam toward the target surface of the anode target disk 2 to generate X-rays.

Further, the X-ray tube 100 further comprises a first rotor 3, the first rotor 3 being adapted to drive the anode target disk 2 in rotation. Further, at least a portion of the first rotor 3 is disposed in the first chamber 101.

In some embodiments, another portion of the first rotor 3 extends from the first chamber 101 into the second chamber 102 and is directly or indirectly connected to the anode target disk 2 for driving the anode target disk 2 to rotate synchronously with the first rotor 3.

Further, the X-ray tube 100 may further include a stator part 33, which is sleeved outside the wall of the housing 1 forming the first cavity 101, and the stator part 33 is used to drive the rotor 3 to rotate.

In some embodiments, the stator part 33 may include a stator core 331 and a stator coil 332 wound on the stator core 331, and when the stator coil 332 is energized, a magnetic field is generated around the stator core 331, and the magnetic field interacts with the first rotor 3 to generate a driving force for driving the first rotor 3 to rotate by the principle of electromagnetic induction. Further, the stator core 331 is typically made of a magnetic material for enhancing and guiding the magnetic field.

In some embodiments, the first rotor 3 may be composed of an iron core and a copper sleeve structure.

Further, the central shaft portion 4 extends in the first direction D1, and the first rotor 3 is rotatable about the central shaft portion 4. In other words, the central shaft portion 4 provides a reference axis of rotation for the first rotor 3 to ensure smoothness of rotation of the first rotor 3.

Further, the first rotor 3 is directly or indirectly supported on the central shaft portion 4. A non-zero gap exists between one end of the first rotor 3, which is away from the direction of the first direction D1, and the bottom wall of the first cavity 101, so that sliding friction between the first rotor 3 and the bottom wall of the first cavity 101 is avoided, and the X-ray tube 100 is reduced.

In some embodiments, the X-ray tube 100 further comprises a first suspension assembly 5, the first suspension assembly 5 being adapted to keep the rotational axis of the first rotor 3 coincident with the axis of the central shaft portion 4. Thus, during start-up and shut-down of the X-ray tube 100, the first levitation assembly 5 can prevent the first rotor 3 from deviating from the rotation axis in a stable rotation state, resulting in collision or friction with other structures (e.g., the middle shaft portion 4) of the X-ray tube 100.

More specifically, the first magnetic levitation assembly 5 may include a first sensing part 51 and a first levitation part 52. Wherein the first sensing part 51 is arranged outside the first side 11 of the housing 1, the first sensing part 51 being means for generating a magnetic field suspending the first suspending part 52 in the first cavity 101.

In some embodiments, the first sensing part 51 may further include a first sensing core 511 and a first sensing coil 512 wound around the first sensing core 511. Thus, the first induction coil 512 can generate a magnetic field after being energized, and the strength and direction of the magnetic field can be precisely controlled by adjusting the direction and magnitude of the current in the first induction coil 512. The magnetic field interacts with the first levitation portion 52 to generate a force that keeps the first rotor 3 levitated.

Further, the first levitation part 52 is provided on the first rotor 3 corresponding to the first induction part 51 and is capable of responding to a magnetic field generated by the first induction part 51. When the first induction part 51 is energized to generate a magnetic field, the magnetic field can suspend the first suspension part 52 in the first cavity 101 and further drive the rotor 3 to suspend.

Further, a non-zero gap exists between the first rotor 3 in the suspended state and the inner wall of the housing 1 forming the first chamber 101, and the rotation axis of the first rotor 3 coincides with the axis of the central shaft portion 4.

In some embodiments, the levitation state of the first rotor 3 may be dynamically adjusted by adjusting parameters such as the direction, magnitude, etc. of the current input to the first induction coil 512 to ensure that the first rotor 3 remains stably levitated throughout the rotation process.

In some embodiments, the first levitation portion 52 can be, for example, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or other component capable of interacting with a magnetic field.

In some embodiments, the relative positions of the first levitation assembly 5 and the stator portion 33 are adjustable along the first direction D1. For example, the first suspension assembly 5 may be closer to or in principle the second cavity 102 than the stator portion 33.

By the arrangement of the first magnetic levitation component 5, the first rotor 3 (and the anode target disk 2 connected with the first rotor) can suspend and stably rotate. Especially in the process of starting and stopping the X-ray tube 100, the first magnetic suspension assembly 5 can enable the rotation shafts of the rotation parts (such as the first rotor 3 and the anode target disc 2) in the X-ray tube 100 to always coincide with the axis of the central shaft part 4, so that the phenomenon that the rotation parts are deviated and extruded, collided and worn with the central shaft part due to the influence of gravity in the starting and stopping process of the X-ray tube 100 is effectively avoided, and the service life and stability of the X-ray tube 100 are improved.

With continued reference to fig. 2, the outer circumferential surface of the first rotor 3 is provided with a mounting groove 31, and at least a portion of the first suspending portion 52 is fitted into the mounting groove 31. Thus, at least a part of the first suspending portion 52 is fitted into the mounting groove 31, so that the first suspending portion 52 and the first rotor 3 can be stably connected together, and the magnetic force received by the first suspending portion 52 can be stably transmitted to the first rotor 3 to stably suspend the first rotor 3.

In some embodiments, the first suspension 52 is made of a magnetic material. Thereby, the first levitation part 52 made of a magnetic material can effectively interact with the magnetic field generated by the first induction part 51.

In some embodiments, the magnetic material is generally selected based on the magnetic permeability, saturation induction, etc. characteristics of the material to ensure that the first levitation portion 52 is capable of generating sufficient levitation force to enable the first rotor 3 to levitate stably.

In some embodiments, the first suspension portion 52 is annular, and the shape of the mounting groove 31 is adapted to the first suspension portion 52.

Specifically, the annular first suspending portion 52 can uniformly and symmetrically surround the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor 3, thereby ensuring that the suspending forces applied to the first rotor 3 in each radial direction are balanced, and further enabling the first rotor 3 to maintain a stable suspending state during rotation. At the same time, the annular first suspension part 52 is also easier to cooperate with the mounting groove 31, simplifying the mounting process.

Further, the shape of the mounting groove 31 is adapted to the first suspending portion 52. For example, the contour, size and depth of the mounting groove 31 may be tailored to the specific shape and size of the first suspension portion 52. This ensures that the first suspended portion 52 can be accurately fitted into the mounting groove 31, and a tight and stable connection can be formed.

In some embodiments, the opening direction of the mounting groove 31 may be parallel to the first direction D1, for example, the opening direction may be the same direction as or opposite to the first direction D1.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the opening direction of the mounting groove 31 may be directed in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. Further, the first rotor 3 may include a first section 301 and a second section 302 connected to each other in the first direction D1, and the second section 302 is closer to the anode target disk 2 than the first section 301. Along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1, an area surrounded by an outer contour projected by the second section 302 is larger than an area surrounded by an outer contour projected by the first section 301, and the mounting groove 31 is formed in a portion of the second section 302 protruding from the first section 301. In this case, the annular first suspending portion 52 can be first sleeved at the end of the first section 301 away from the second section 302, and moved in the first direction D1 until inserted into the mounting groove 31. Thereby, the first suspending portion 52 mounting flow can be further simplified. Furthermore, the first suspending portion 52 can be tightly connected to the first rotor 3.

In some embodiments, the mounting groove 31 may be provided at an end of the first rotor 3 facing the first side 11. Further, the opening of the mounting groove 31 may be opened in the end surface of the first rotor 3 facing the first side 11 and opened in the opposite direction D1 of the first direction. Thus, the first suspending portion 52 can be easily inserted into the mounting groove 31, and the assembling process of the X-ray tube 100 is simplified.

In some embodiments, the projection of the first levitation part 52 and the projection of the first sensing part 51 at least partially overlap along the radial direction of the first rotor 3. Thus, the interaction between the first suspending portion 52 and the first sensing portion 51 is more direct and efficient, which contributes to a reduction in energy loss and an improvement in the overall operating efficiency of the X-ray tube 100.

In some embodiments, with continued reference to fig. 2, a non-zero gap exists between the outer circumferential surface of the first rotor 3 and the inner wall of the housing 1 forming the first cavity 101. Thereby, the first rotor 3 is not in direct contact with the inner wall of the housing 1 when rotating, thereby avoiding abrasion, noise and energy loss due to friction.

Referring to fig. 2 to 4, the X-ray tube 100 may further include an outer shaft portion 6 sleeved on the central shaft portion 4 and rotatable about an axis of the central shaft portion 4, wherein the outer shaft portion 6 includes a first connection portion 61 and a second connection portion 62 disposed at intervals, the first connection portion 61 is configured to be connected to the first rotor 3, and the second connection portion 62 is configured to be connected to the anode target disk 2.

Specifically, the first and second connection parts 61 and 62 may be formed to protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the outer shaft part 6.

Further, the first rotor 3 and the anode target disk 2 are connected and rotated synchronously by the outer shaft portion 6. Wherein the first connection portion 61 is connected to the first rotor 3. The first rotor 3 may further include a coupling portion 34 formed at one end of the rotor 3 toward the first direction D1. The coupling portion 34 protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first rotor 3 and forms a mounting platform so as to be connected with the first connection portion 61.

In some embodiments, the first rotor 3 and the first connection portion 61 may be connected by a fixing member such as a screw.

In some embodiments, the anode target 2 and the second connection portion 62 may be connected by a fixing member such as a screw.

In some embodiments, the anode target disk 2 may have a through-hole structure 21 extending in the first direction D1, through which through-hole structure 21 at least a portion of the outer shaft portion 6 is capable of passing.

In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the outer shaft portion 6 may be in close contact with the inner wall of the through-hole structure 21 to increase the degree of securement of the connection between the outer shaft portion 6 and the anode target disk 2.

In some embodiments, a non-zero gap may exist between the outer peripheral surface of the outer shaft portion 6 and the inner wall of the through-hole structure 21 to reduce heat transfer from the anode target disk 2 to the first rotor 3.

Further, the outer shaft portion 6 includes a fitting hole 63 extending in the first direction D1, at least a portion of the section of the central shaft portion 4 is accommodated in the fitting hole 63, and a filling cavity is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the section of the central shaft portion 4 accommodated in the fitting hole 63 and an inner wall of the outer shaft portion 6 forming the fitting hole 63.

In some embodiments, referring to fig. 2-4, the mounting hole 63 may be a blind hole and have an opening towards the second side 12, from which at least a portion of the central shaft portion 4 protrudes into the mounting hole 63.

Further, there is a non-zero gap between the outer surface of the section of the central shaft portion 4 accommodated in the fitting hole 63 and the inner wall of the fitting hole 63 to form a filling cavity. This can further reduce the contact area between the intermediate shaft portion 4 and the outer shaft portion 6, and avoid excessive wear between the intermediate shaft portion 4 and the outer shaft portion 6.

In some embodiments, referring to fig. 9, a plurality of balls 107 may be disposed within the filling chamber. This reduces friction between the intermediate shaft portion 4 and the outer shaft portion 6, and improves the stability of rotation of the outer shaft portion 6.

Further, the balls 107 are distributed along the circumference of the central shaft portion 4, and the plurality of balls 107 form an annular or approximately annular arrangement around the central shaft portion 4, which helps to ensure that the outer shaft portion 6 is uniformly supported and lubricated when rotating relative to the central shaft portion 4, thereby reducing friction and wear, improving the overall operating efficiency of the X-ray tube 100 and prolonging the life of the X-ray tube 100. In this scenario, the first levitation assembly 5 can also avoid damage caused by the large pressure to the single-sided ball 107 during start-up and shut-down of the X-ray tube 100.

In some embodiments, the filling cavity is filled with a liquid metal 106, and the central shaft portion 4, the outer shaft portion 6, and the liquid metal 106 in the filling cavity cooperate to form a liquid metal bearing.

Specifically, the liquid metal 106 is filled in the filling cavity between the outer peripheral surface of the central shaft portion 4 and the inner wall of the fitting hole 63, and when the central shaft portion 4 rotates relative to the outer shaft portion 6, the liquid metal 106 acts as a lubricant and a supporting medium, friction and wear therebetween can be remarkably reduced, and the smoothness of rotation can be improved.

In some embodiments, the X-ray tube may further comprise a sealing structure 7, the sealing structure 7 being arranged between the central shaft portion 4 and the outer shaft portion 6, the sealing structure 7 closing at least one end of the filling chamber in the first direction D1. The sealing structure 7 thus prevents accidental leakage of the lubrication structure (e.g. the liquid metal 106 or the balls 107 described above) contained in the filling chamber, which could cause damage to the X-ray tube 100.

Further, the first rotor 3 is provided with a first through hole 32 extending along the first direction D1, the sealing structure 7 includes a first protrusion 71 provided on the central shaft portion 4 for supporting the outer shaft portion 6, the first protrusion 71 is located in the first through hole 32, at least a portion of a surface of the first protrusion 71 facing the second side 12 is in contact with the outer shaft portion 6, and the first protrusion 71 closes an end of the filling chamber facing the first side 11.

In one particular embodiment, referring to fig. 2 and 3, the filling chamber is filled with liquid metal 106. The first protrusion 71 is provided on a side of the outer shaft portion 3 facing away from the first direction D1. Further, the first protrusion 71 closes off the end of the filling chamber facing said first side 11 (e.g. in the opposite direction to the first direction D1) to avoid accidental leakage of the liquid metal 106.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion 34 and the first protruding portion 71 of the first rotor 3 are both connected to a face of the first connection portion 61 facing the opposite direction of the first direction D1. Wherein the coupling part 34 and the first connection part 61 are fixedly connected to ensure a synchronous rotation between the first rotor 3 and the outer shaft part 6. The first connection portion 61 and the first protrusion portion 71 are movably connected, and when the first rotor 3 drives the outer shaft portion 6 and the anode target plate 2 to rotate around the central shaft portion 4, the first connection portion 61 also rotates relative to the first protrusion portion 71, and sliding friction exists between the two.

In other words, when the X-ray tube 100 is in the operating state, the central shaft portion 4 and the first protruding portion 71 provided on the central shaft portion 4 are fixed in structure so as not to rotate with the rotation of the first rotor 3, and the outer shaft portion 6 supported on the first protruding portion 71 rotates with the rotation of the first rotor 3. The liquid metal 106 filled in the filling cavity in this scenario can reduce the sliding friction between the first protruding portion 71 and the outer shaft portion 6 to a great extent.

Further, the first protrusion 71 includes a recess 711 provided on a surface of the first protrusion 71 facing the second side 12, and a boss 712 provided around the recess 711, wherein an end surface of the boss 712 facing the second side 12 is bonded to a surface of the central shaft 4 facing the first side 11.

In some embodiments, the recess 711 is annular and disposed around a section of the middle shaft portion 4 that is received in the fitting hole 63, and an opening of the recess 711 faces the first direction D1 and communicates with the filling cavity. Further, the liquid metal 106 filled in the filling cavity is also filled in the recess 711. This can further reduce the contact area where sliding friction occurs between the first projection 71 and the outer shaft portion 6, which is advantageous in prolonging the service life of the X-ray tube 100.

Further, the boss 712 may be annular, and the boss 712 is disposed around the periphery of the recess 711. Further, the boss 712 is adapted to form a wall of the recess 711. In this case, the central shaft portion 4 is supported on the end surface of the boss 712 facing the first direction D1. Thus, the area of the physical connection between the outer shaft portion 6 and the central shaft portion 4 is reduced through the concave portion 711 and the boss 712, sliding friction between the two is reduced, abrasion between internal components of the X-ray tube 100 is further relieved, and the service life of the X-ray tube 100 is prolonged.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of another X-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The same structure and features of the embodiment of fig. 5 as those of the embodiment of fig. 1 to 4 may be referred to in the above-mentioned related description, and only the structure and features of the embodiment of fig. 5 different from or added to those of the embodiment of fig. 1 to 4 will be described below.

Referring to fig. 5-8, in some embodiments, the mounting hole 63 is a through hole, and along the first direction D1, the central shaft portion 4 has a first end 41 and a second end 42 opposite to each other, the first end 41 is connected to the first side 11 with the housing 1, and the second end 42 is connected to the second side 12 with the housing 1 through the mounting hole 63. By connecting both ends of the central shaft portion 4 to the housing 1, the structural stability of the entire X-ray tube 100 can be enhanced, and vibration and noise can be reduced.

Specifically, the first end 41 is connected to the first side 11 with the housing 1. Further, the connection between the first end 41 and the housing 1 may be achieved by bolts, welding, press fitting or other mechanical connection means.

Further, the second end 42 passes through the fitting hole 63 and is connected to the second side 12 with the housing 1. In this case, the central shaft portion 4 extends from the first side 11 to the second side 12 of the housing 1, and its second end 42 is also fixedly connected to the housing 1. Thus, the central shaft portion 4 can provide a more stable rotation axis for the rotating components (e.g., the first rotor 3, the anode disk 2, and the outer shaft portion 6, etc.) in the X-ray tube, so that the operation of the X-ray tube 100 is more stable.

In some embodiments, referring to fig. 6 and 7, the sealing structure 7 further includes a second protrusion 72 disposed on the central shaft portion 4, the second protrusion 72 is located in the assembly hole 63, the second protrusion 72 contacts with an inner wall of the assembly hole 63, and the second protrusion 72 closes an end of the filling cavity toward the second side 12. Thereby, the second protrusion 72 can prevent the liquid metal 106 filled in the filling chamber from leaking from one end of the filling chamber in the first direction D1. In this scenario, the first and second protrusions 71 and 72 respectively form boundaries of the filling cavity along both ends of the first direction D1 to ensure that the liquid metal 106 can be accommodated in the filling cavity without leakage.

Further, referring to fig. 5, 6 and 8, the housing 1 further has a third cavity 103, the third cavity 103 is in communication with the second cavity 102, the third cavity 103 is closer to the second side 12 than the second cavity 102, the X-ray tube 100 further includes a second rotor 8, at least a portion of the second rotor 8 is accommodated in the third cavity 103, the second rotor 8 is directly or indirectly connected to the anode target disk 2, and the first rotor 3, the second rotor 8 and the anode target disk 2 synchronously rotate.

Specifically, the second rotor 8 is directly or indirectly connected to the anode target disk 2 to ensure that rotation of the second rotor 8 drives rotation of the anode target disk 2. Further, the first rotor 3, the second rotor 8 and the anode target disk 2 are rotated in synchronization. Thereby, the first rotor 3 and the second rotor 8 are respectively connected to both sides of the anode handle 2 directly or indirectly in the first direction D1, which can make the rotation of the anode handle 2 smoother and can also avoid the abrasion between parts caused by the rotation of the anode handle 2 deviating from the predetermined axis.

Further, the first rotor 3 and the second rotor 8 are connected to the anode disk 2 via the outer shaft portion 5, respectively.

In some embodiments, referring to fig. 6 and 7, the second rotor 8 is connected to an end of the outer shaft portion 6 facing the first direction D1. Further, the second rotor 8 and the outer shaft portion 6 may be fixedly connected by a threaded connection, welding, or the like, so as to ensure that the outer shaft portion 6 can rotate synchronously with the second rotor 8.

In some embodiments, the second rotor 8 may itself rotate at the same speed as the first rotor 3, in which case the first rotor 3 and the second rotor 8 may simultaneously input torque to the anode target disk 2 in the first direction D1, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the anode target disk 2.

In some embodiments, the second rotor 8 may also serve to suspend the rotating components (e.g., the anode target disk 2, the first rotor 3, the outer shaft portion 6, and the second rotor 8) in the X-ray tube 100, thereby minimizing contact area with the stationary components (e.g., the middle shaft portion 4 and the housing 1), thereby reducing wear and extending the service life of the X-ray tube 100.

Specifically, the X-ray tube may further comprise a second magnetic levitation assembly 9, which comprises a second induction part 91 arranged outside the second side 12 of the housing 1, and a second levitation part 92 arranged on the second rotor 8, wherein the second levitation part 92 is used for being matched with the second induction part 91 to keep the rotation axis of the second rotor 8 coincident with the central axis of the housing 1. Thereby, the second levitation assembly 9 can levitate the second rotor 8 in the radial direction in the third chamber 103.

Regarding the structural features and the working principle of the second magnetic levitation component 9, reference may be made to the related description of the first magnetic levitation component 5 in the description of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 4, which is not repeated here.

Further, referring to fig. 6 and 8, the X-ray tube 100 may further include a first stator 104 closer to the second side 12 than the first side 11, and the first stator 104 is located outside the housing 1, a second stator 105 disposed opposite to the first stator 104 along the first direction D1, and the second stator 105 closer to the second side 12 than the first stator 104, wherein the second rotor 8 further includes a third suspending portion 81 located between the first stator 104 and the second stator 105 along the first direction D1, and the first stator 104, the second stator 105, and the third suspending portion 81 cooperate to suspend the second rotor 8 within the third cavity 103. Thus, the second rotor 8 can be suspended in the third chamber 103 at least in the first direction D1 by the engagement of the first stator 104, the second stator 105, and the third suspending portion 81.

In some embodiments, the housing 1 may further comprise an extension 16, the extension 16 being adapted to define a boundary of the third cavity 103. Further, the extension 16 and the side of the extension 16 facing the first direction D1 are adapted to form the second side 12 of the housing 1. Further, the shape of the extension 16 may be adapted to the shape of the second rotor 8, and a non-zero gap exists between the inner wall of the extension 16 forming the third cavity 103 and the second rotor 8 to avoid mutual friction.

By adopting the technical scheme of the application, the first rotor 3 (and the anode target disc 2 connected with the first rotor) can suspend and stably rotate through the arrangement of the first magnetic suspension assembly 5. Especially in the process of starting and stopping the X-ray tube 100, the first magnetic suspension assembly 5 can enable the rotation shafts of the rotation parts (such as the first rotor 3 and the anode target disc 2) in the X-ray tube 100 to always coincide with the axis of the central shaft part 4, so that the phenomenon that the rotation parts are deviated and extruded, collided and worn with the central shaft part 4 due to the influence of gravity in the starting and stopping process of the X-ray tube 100 is effectively avoided, and the service life and stability of the X-ray tube 100 are improved.

Further, the first suspending portion 52 is made of a magnetic material, and can generate an effective magnetic force with the first sensing portion 51, thereby achieving a suspending effect. The annular design enables the first suspension 52 to evenly distribute the magnetic force, avoiding localized wear. The opening direction of the mounting groove 31 is parallel to the first direction D1, facilitating the mounting and dismounting of the first suspended portion 52.

Further, there is a non-zero gap between the outer circumferential surface of the first rotor 3 and the inner wall of the housing 1 forming the first cavity 101, which helps to reduce friction, reduce wear, improve the operating efficiency and the service life of the X-ray tube 100.

Further, the filling cavity is filled with liquid metal 106 to form a liquid metal bearing. The liquid metal bearing has excellent lubrication performance and heat dissipation performance, and can significantly improve the operation efficiency and stability of the X-ray tube 100.

It should be understood that the term "and/or" is merely an association relationship describing the associated object, and means that three relationships may exist, for example, a and/or B, and that three cases, a alone, a and B together, and B alone, may exist. In this context, the character "/" indicates that the front and rear associated objects are an "or" relationship. As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "or" encompasses all possible combinations unless not possible. For example, if it is stated that a component may include a or B, the component may include a, or B, or a and B unless explicitly stated otherwise or not possible. As a second example, if it is stated that a component may include A, B or C, the component may include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C, unless explicitly stated otherwise or not possible. The term "plurality" as used in the embodiments of the present application means two or more.

Relational terms such as first, second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "having," and "including," and other similar forms, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended, and that one or more items following any one of these terms are not intended to be an exhaustive list of such one or more items, or to be limited to only the one or more items listed. In the drawings and specification, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed. However, many variations and modifications may be made to these embodiments. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Although the present invention is disclosed above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various changes and modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the scope of the invention should be assessed accordingly to that of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An X-ray tube, comprising:

A housing having a first cavity and a second cavity connected to each other along a first direction, the housing having a first side and a second side opposite to each other along the first direction, the first cavity being closer to the first side than the second cavity;

an anode target plate, disposed in the second cavity;

A first rotor, at least a portion of which is disposed in the first cavity, the first rotor is directly or indirectly connected to the anode target disk, and the anode target disk and the first rotor rotate synchronously;

a middle shaft portion extending along the first direction and penetrating the first rotor, the first rotor rotating around the middle shaft portion as an axis, and the first rotor being directly or indirectly supported by the middle shaft portion;

The first magnetic suspension assembly comprises:

A first sensing portion, disposed outside the first side of the housing;

The first suspension part is arranged on the first rotor, and the first suspension part is used to cooperate with the first sensing part to keep the rotation axis of the first rotor coincident with the axis of the middle shaft part.

2 . The X-ray tube according to claim 1 , wherein a mounting groove is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the first rotor, and at least a portion of the first suspension portion is embedded in the mounting groove.

3. The X-ray tube according to claim 2, characterized in that

The first suspension part is made of magnetic material; and/or

The first suspension portion is annular, and the shape of the mounting groove is adapted to the first suspension portion; and/or

The opening direction of the mounting groove is parallel to the first direction; and/or

The mounting groove is formed at an end portion of the first rotor facing the first side.

4 . The X-ray tube according to claim 1 , wherein along the radial direction of the first rotor, a projection of the first suspension portion and a projection of the first sensing portion at least partially overlap.

5 . The X-ray tube according to claim 1 , wherein a non-zero gap exists between an outer circumferential surface of the first rotor and an inner wall of the housing forming the first cavity.

6. The X-ray tube according to claim 1, further comprising:

The outer shaft portion is sleeved on the middle shaft portion and can rotate around the axis of the middle shaft portion. The outer shaft portion includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion that are spaced apart, wherein the first connecting portion is used to connect with the first rotor, and the second connecting portion is used to connect with the anode target plate.

7. The X-ray tube according to claim 6 is characterized in that the outer shaft portion includes an assembly hole extending along the first direction, at least a portion of the middle shaft portion is accommodated in the assembly hole, and a filling cavity is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the section of the middle shaft portion accommodated in the assembly hole and the inner wall of the outer shaft portion forming the assembly hole.

8 . The X-ray tube according to claim 7 , wherein the assembly hole is a blind hole and has an opening facing the second side, and at least a portion of the central axis extends into the assembly hole from the opening.

9 . The X-ray tube according to claim 7 , wherein a plurality of balls are arranged in the filling cavity, and the plurality of balls are arranged around the central axis portion along a circumferential direction of the central axis portion.

10 . The X-ray tube according to claim 7 , wherein the filling cavity is filled with liquid metal, and the middle shaft portion, the outer shaft portion and the liquid metal in the filling cavity cooperate to form a liquid metal bearing.

11. The X-ray tube according to claim 7, further comprising:

A sealing structure is provided between the middle shaft portion and the outer shaft portion, and along the first direction, the sealing structure closes at least one end of the filling cavity.

12. The X-ray tube according to claim 11, wherein the first rotor is provided with a first through hole extending along the first direction, and the sealing structure comprises:

A first protrusion is arranged on the middle shaft portion and is used to support the outer shaft portion. The first protrusion is located in the first through hole. At least a portion of the surface of the first protrusion facing the second side is in contact with the outer shaft portion, and the first protrusion closes one end of the filling cavity facing the first side.

13. The X-ray tube according to claim 12, wherein the first protrusion comprises:

a recessed portion, disposed on a surface of the first protrusion facing the second side;

The boss is arranged around the recessed portion, and the end surface of the boss facing the second side is in contact with the surface of the central axis portion facing the first side.

14. The X-ray tube according to claim 11, wherein the sealing structure further comprises:

The second protrusion is arranged on the central axis, the second protrusion is located in the assembly hole, the second protrusion contacts the inner wall of the assembly hole, and the second protrusion closes one end of the filling cavity toward the second side.

15. The X-ray tube according to claim 7, characterized in that the assembly hole is a through hole, and along the first direction, the central axis portion has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end is connected to the shell at the first side, and the second end is connected to the shell at the second side through the assembly hole.

16. The X-ray tube according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a third cavity, the third cavity is connected to the second cavity, and the third cavity is closer to the second side than the second cavity, and further comprises:

A second rotor, at least a portion of which is accommodated in the third cavity, the second rotor is directly or indirectly connected to the anode target disk, and the first rotor, the second rotor and the anode target disk rotate synchronously.

17. The X-ray tube according to claim 16, further comprising:

The second magnetic suspension assembly comprises:

a second sensing portion, disposed outside the second side of the housing;

The second suspension part is arranged on the second rotor, and the second suspension part is used to cooperate with the second induction part to keep the rotation axis of the second rotor coincident with the central axis of the shell.

18. The X-ray tube according to claim 16, further comprising:

a first stator, which is closer to the second side than the first side and is located outside the housing;

a second stator, along the first direction, the second stator and the first stator are arranged opposite to each other, and the second stator is closer to the second side than the first stator;

Wherein, along the first direction, the second rotor further includes a third suspension portion, the third suspension portion is located between the first stator and the second stator, and the first stator, the second stator and the third suspension portion cooperate to suspend the second rotor in the third cavity.