EP0198741B1 - High-voltage generator and x-ray apparatus - Google Patents

High-voltage generator and x-ray apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0198741B1
EP0198741B1 EP86400587A EP86400587A EP0198741B1 EP 0198741 B1 EP0198741 B1 EP 0198741B1 EP 86400587 A EP86400587 A EP 86400587A EP 86400587 A EP86400587 A EP 86400587A EP 0198741 B1 EP0198741 B1 EP 0198741B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
high voltage
voltage
transformer
assembly
multiplier device
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EP86400587A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0198741A1 (en
Inventor
Jean Bouglé
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General Electric CGR SA
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General Electric CGR SA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05G—X-RAY TECHNIQUE
    • H05G1/00—X-ray apparatus involving X-ray tubes; Circuits therefor
    • H05G1/08—Electrical details
    • H05G1/10—Power supply arrangements for feeding the X-ray tube
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05G—X-RAY TECHNIQUE
    • H05G1/00—X-ray apparatus involving X-ray tubes; Circuits therefor
    • H05G1/02—Constructional details
    • H05G1/04—Mounting the X-ray tube within a closed housing
    • H05G1/06—X-ray tube and at least part of the power supply apparatus being mounted within the same housing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a high voltage generator and radiogenic device assembly, usable in the general field of radiology.
  • a device according to the first part of claim 1 is known from SB-A 608 646.
  • an X-ray unit to produce X-rays.
  • an X-ray unit is understood to mean a device comprising, in the same enclosure or protective sheath, an X-ray tube producing X-radiation, and means for developing, on the one hand, the high supply voltage of the X-ray tube, applied at the anode and at the cathode of the latter, and on the other hand the heating voltages of the filament or filaments with which the cathode is provided.
  • High voltage is obtained from an alternating low voltage transported into the enclosure or sheath by low voltage wires, and applied to a high voltage transformer; the high alternating voltage developed by this transformer is applied to the anode and the cathode, either directly or via a rectifier device, depending on the type of operation provided.
  • the heating voltage of the cathode filament is obtained by one or two low voltage transformers, themselves supplied for example from the wires carrying the low AC voltage.
  • Such an arrangement generally applies for relatively low powers absorbed by the X-ray tube (substantially equal to or less than 50 KW).
  • the organization is generally different and consists of separating the means for developing the high voltage called high voltage generator, from the X-ray tube, that is to say to arrange the high voltage generator at the outside of the sheath.
  • the high voltage generator is then connected to the X-ray tube, via wires arranged in a pair of high voltage cables; at least one of these high-voltage cables being of the type with high electrical insulation, due to the high value that the high voltage applied between the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube (80 to 150 KV) can have.
  • the X-ray unit compared to the system constituted by a high voltage generator external to the sheath, is that it does not require a cable with high electrical insulation; a few insulated wires at low voltage sufficient for its supply.
  • the sheath containing the X-ray tube is a particularly mobile element, and the cable which is attached to it, such as the cable with high electrical insulation, constitutes a significant bulk due to a relatively rigid structure. required by its qualities of electrical insulation.
  • cables with high electrical insulation although commonly used in the radiological industry, are of a very high cost, this cost being further increased by particular connection means which it requires at the level of its passage. in the sheath.
  • the drawbacks of the X-ray unit lie in its weight and in its size, which are higher than those of the assembly constituted by the sheath containing only the X-ray tube; this poses in particular mechanical problems for the design of radiological tables or other systems to receive it.
  • the present invention relates to a high-voltage generator and X-ray device assembly, the new arrangement of which makes it possible to achieve a significant saving in weight and bulk of the X-ray device, while retaining the simplicity of the conventional X-ray unit, in particular because it does not require the use of a cable with high electrical insulation.
  • a high voltage generator and radiogenic device assembly comprising a protective sheath containing a radiogenic tube supplied with high voltage by said high voltage generator, said high voltage generator comprising an step-up transformer supplied by a low voltage source providing low voltage alternating, said high voltage generator further comprising at least one voltage multiplier device, disposed in said protective sheath and supplying said high voltage to said X-ray tube, said step-up transformer being disposed outside said protective sheath and generating a high alternating voltage intermediate, said step-up transformer being connected to said voltage multiplier device by means of a first and a second conductor carrying said intermediate alternating high voltage, and in that said first and second conductors are contained in an electric cable theinsulation voltage is less than the value of said high supply voltage of the X-ray type.
  • Figure 1 shows the diagram of a set 1 high voltage generator and X-ray device.
  • the assembly 1 comprises a protective sheath 2 in which is contained a conventional X-ray tube 3, symbolized by an envelope 4 containing an anode 5 and a cathode 6.
  • the protective sheath 2 and the X-ray tube 3 constitute an X-ray device by which is emitted an X-ray beam (not shown), produced by the anode 5, when the X-ray tube 3 is in operation; the anode 5 can be either of the fixed anode type or of the rotating anode type.
  • the protective sheath 2 also contains a voltage multiplier device 8, shown in a frame in dotted lines.
  • the voltage multiplier device constitutes an element of a high voltage generator 8-9, formed mainly by the voltage multiplier device 8 and by a step-up transformer 9 arranged outside the protective sheath 2.
  • the step-up transformer 9 comprises on the one hand a primary winding 10 each end of which is connected to a low-voltage input 11; and further comprises a secondary winding 12, the ends 13, 14 of which are respectively connected to a first and to a second outlet 15, 16.
  • the low voltage inputs 11 of the step-up transformer 9 are each connected to a low voltage output 17 of an alternating low voltage source 61.
  • the low voltage source 61 generates an alternating low voltage (not shown) which is applied to the primary winding 10 of the step-up transformer 9, which step-up transformer 9 delivers by its secondary winding 12 an intermediate intermediate high voltage HT1.
  • the intermediate high voltage HT1 is applied to a first and a second high voltage input 20, 21 of the voltage multiplier device 8.
  • the first output 15 is connected to the first high voltage input 20 by means of a first conductor 18 , via a first connection terminal 22 located at the protective sheath 2; the second output 16 being connected to the second high voltage input 21 by means of a second conductor 19, via a second connection terminal 23, this latter connection between the second output 16 and the second high voltage input 21 being, in the nonlimiting example described, referenced to the mass.
  • the ground or earth constitutes the positive polarity of the high supply voltage of the X-ray tube 3, and the anode 5 of the latter is connected to the second high input tension 21 itself brought to. ground potential.
  • the cathode 6 is of a conventional type, and comprises for example two filaments 25, one common point 26 of which is connected to a negative high voltage output 24 of the voltage multiplier device 8, delivering the negative polarity -HT of the high voltage.
  • the filaments 25 are each supplied with a first and second isolation transformer 30, 31, each comprising a secondary 33, a first side 34 of which is connected to the common point 26 or -HT; the second sides 35 of these secondary 33 being connected to the second ends 27 of the filaments 25.
  • the isolation transformers 30, 31 comprise primary windings 36, connected to connection terminals 37, by means of which they are supplied at low heating voltage, by conventional means (not shown) external to the protective sheath 2.
  • the voltage multiplier device 8 is of a type in itself known. In the nonlimiting example described, the voltage multiplier device 8 makes it possible to obtain between the second high voltage input 21, that is to say the ground, and the negative high voltage output 24 (-HT), a value high voltage substantially equal to four times a value of the peak voltage (not shown) of the intermediate high voltage HT1; the high voltage thus generated by the voltage multiplier device 8 being rectified and filtered.
  • the voltage multiplier device 8 comprises a first, a second, third and fourth rectifiers D1, D2, D3, D4 symbolized by diodes, and a first, a second, a third and a fourth capacitance C1, C2, C3, C4.
  • the first rectifier D1 is connected by its cathode to the second high voltage input 21 and, by its anode to the cathode of the second rectifier D2, at a first junction point J1; the second rectifier D2 being by its anode connected to the cathode of the third rectifier D3 at a second junction point J2, the anode of the third rectifier D3 being connected at a third junction point J3 to the cathode of the fourth rectifier D4, of which the the anode is connected to the negative high voltage output 24 delivering the negative polarity -HT of the high voltage.
  • the first capacitor C1 is connected between the first high voltage input 20 and the first junction J1, the second capacitor C2 being connected between the first junction J1 and the third junction J3; the third capacitor C3 is connected between the second high voltage input 21 and the second junction point J2, and the fourth capacitor C4 is connected between the second junction point J2 and the negative high voltage output 24.
  • the second capacitor C2 we find in terminals of the second capacitor C2 a first voltage substantially equal to twice the value of the peak voltage of the intermediate alternating high voltage HT1, and there is at the terminals of the fourth capacitor C4 a second voltage substantially equal to twice this voltage value peak, and which is added to the first tension.
  • the high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 3 is thus substantially four times the peak voltage that comprises the intermediate high voltage HT1, delivered by the step-up transformer 9, as previously mentioned.
  • This allows, according to one of the aims of the invention, to connect the step-up transformer 9 to the voltage multiplier device 8 contained in the protective sheath 3, to use conductors 18, 19 contained in a cable 60 having qualities of electrical insulation much lower than those required in the prior art, to connect a high voltage generator outside the protective sheath to an X-ray tube contained in the protective sheath, when this high voltage generator directly delivers the necessary high voltage level to the supply of said X-ray tube.
  • the dimensions (not shown) of the protective sheath 2 must make it possible to accommodate the voltage multiplier device 8, which can give it a bulk greater than that of a sheath in an installation where the high voltage generator directly supplies the high voltage, but in return, the step-up transformer 8 itself has a smaller footprint than in the prior art.
  • the size presented by the voltage multiplier device 8 itself can, in the configuration of the invention, be considerably reduced by increasing the operating frequency, that is to say by increasing the frequency of the AC low voltage (not shown) delivered by the low voltage source 61.
  • This low voltage source 61 can either be the distribution network at 50 or 60 Hertz, or for example an inverter delivering the low voltage at a higher frequency, from 5 to 50 KHertz for example; such inverters are known and commonly used, and are often supplied from a DC voltage source, in a conventional manner not shown. It is thus possible to decrease the volume of a capacitor C1 to C4 in a manner substantially proportional to the increase in frequency of the low AC voltage.
  • This description of the first version of the invention relates to the high voltage supply of the X-ray tube 3, of the unipolar type, the anode 5 being grounded, as well as the second high voltage input 21 of the voltage multiplier device 8 and the second output 16 of the step-up transformer 9; the first output 15 of the step-up transformer 9 being connected via the first conductor 18, to the first high-voltage input 20 of the voltage multiplier device 8, which develops the high supply voltage from the intermediate alternating high voltage HT1 , and delivers the negative high voltage -HT which is applied to the cathode 6.
  • FIG. 2 represents the block diagram of a second version of the invention, in which the X-ray tube 3 is supplied with high voltage according to a bipolar mode.
  • the step-up transformer 9 delivers the intermediate high voltage HT1 through its first and second outputs 15, 16; the first output 15 is connected via the first conductor 18 to the first input 20 of the voltage multiplier device 8, which will be called in the following description the first voltage multiplier device 8.
  • the second output 16 of the step-up transformer 9 is connected to ground and to the second high voltage input 21 of the first voltage multiplier device 8.
  • the protective sheath 2 contains, in addition to the first voltage multiplier device 8 a second voltage multiplier device 8a , of a type similar to the first in the nonlimiting example described.
  • the high supply voltage of the X-ray tube 3 is produced by the two voltage multiplier devices 8, 8a, from the alternating high voltage HT1, the first voltage multiplier device 8 developing, with respect to the mass, the negative high voltage -HT applied to cathode 6; the second voltage multiplier device 8a, developing, with respect to the mass, the positive high voltage + HT which is applied to the anode 5.
  • the second voltage multiplier device 8a constitutes, with respect to the mass, an arrangement symmetrical to that of the first voltage multiplier device 8, the intermediate high alternating voltage HT1 being applied simultaneously to the two voltage multiplier devices 8, 8a.
  • the second voltage multiplier 8a has a third and a fourth high voltage input 40, 41 and a positive high voltage output 38, delivering the positive + HT polarity of the high supply voltage of the X-ray tube 3.
  • the third and fourth high inputs voltage 40, 41 correspond respectively to the first and second inputs 20, 21 of the first voltage multiplier device 8, of which they have the same function.
  • the third high voltage input 40 is connected to the first conductor 18 and to the first high voltage input 20, and the fourth high voltage input 41 is connected to ground and to the second input 21 of the first voltage multiplier device 8.
  • the second device voltage multiplier 8a comprises a fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rectifiers D5, D6, D7, D8, and a fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth capacitors C5, C6, C7, C8, the mounting of which is equivalent to that of the first device voltage multiplier 8, with the difference that the rectifiers D5, D6, D7, D8 are oriented, with respect to ground, according to reverse polarities of the rectifiers D1, ..., D4.
  • the rectifiers on the one hand D1 to D4 and on the other hand D5 to D8 are connected in series so as to conduct, with respect to ground, the negative half-waves for the rectifiers D1 to D4 of the first voltage multiplier device 8, and to conduct the positive half-waves for the rectifiers D5 to D8 of the second voltage multiplier device 8a.
  • the fifth rectifier D5 is connected by its anode to the fourth high voltage input 41 and, by its cathode to the anode of the sixth rectifier D6, at a fourth function point J4; the sixth rectifier D6 being by its cathode connected to the anode of the seventh rectifier D7 at a fifth junction point J5; the cathode of the seventh rectifier D7 is connected to a sixth junction point J6, to the anode of the eighth rectifier D8, the cathode of which is connected to the positive high voltage output 38.
  • the fifth capacitor C5 is connected between the third high voltage input 40 and the fourth junction J4; the sixth capacitor C6 is connected between the fourth junction J4 and the sixth junction J6; the seventh capacitor C7 is connected between the fourth high voltage input 41 and the fifth junction J5; the eighth capacitor C8 is connected between the fifth junction J5 and the positive high voltage output 38.
  • the peak voltage (not shown) of the intermediate intermediate high voltage HT1 is substantially eight times lower (1/8) than the high voltage applied between the anode 5 and the cathode 6 of the X-ray tube 3.
  • the cathode 6 is symbolized by a point, but may include a or two filaments (not shown), as in the example in FIG. 1, these filaments being able to be fed in the same way as in the previous example.
  • the voltage multiplier devices 8, 8a are in themselves of a known type, and each makes it possible to multiply in a ratio 4 the high alternating voltage HT1 applied to their inputs 20, 21 and 40, 41; this multiplication ratio can be modified according to the envisaged operation, and the technology used, by modifying the number of stages of these voltage multipliers 8, 8a; a stage being formed, for example in the first voltage multiplier device 8, by the fourth rectifier D4 cooperating with the fourth capacitor C4.
  • This description constitutes a nonlimiting example of an assembly 1 high voltage generator and radiogenic device, in which an electric cable 60 containing the first and the second conductor 18, 19 comprises an insulation voltage much lower than the high supply voltage. of the X-ray tube 3, that is to say a quarter of this high voltage with the example relating to FIG. 1, and an eighth of this high voltage in the example of this second version of the invention.

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Description

L'invention concerne un ensemble générateur haute tension et dispositif radiogène, utilisable dans le domaine général de la radiologie. Un dispositif selon la première partie de la revendication 1 est connu de SB-A 608 646.The invention relates to a high voltage generator and radiogenic device assembly, usable in the general field of radiology. A device according to the first part of claim 1 is known from SB-A 608 646.

Certaines installations de radiologie comportent, pour produire un rayonnement X, un bloc radiogène. On entend en général par bloc radiogène, un dispositif comportant, dans une même enceinte ou gaine de protection, un tube radiogène produisant un rayonnement X, et des moyens pour élaborer, d'une part la haute tension d'alimentation du tube radiogène, appliquée à l'anode et à la cathode de ce dernier, et d'autre part les tensions de chauffage du ou des filaments dont est munie la cathode. La haute tension est obtenue à partir d'une basse tension alternative transportée jusque dans l'enceinte ou gaine par des fils basse tension, et appliquée à un transformateur haute tension ; la haute tension alternative développée par ce transformateur est appliqué à l'anode et à la cathode, soit directement, soit par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif redresseur, selon le type de fonctionnement prévu. La tension de chauffage du filament de la cathode est obtenue par un ou deux transformateurs basse tension, eux-mêmes alimentés par exemple à partir des fils transportant la basse tension alternative.Some radiology facilities include an X-ray unit to produce X-rays. In general, an X-ray unit is understood to mean a device comprising, in the same enclosure or protective sheath, an X-ray tube producing X-radiation, and means for developing, on the one hand, the high supply voltage of the X-ray tube, applied at the anode and at the cathode of the latter, and on the other hand the heating voltages of the filament or filaments with which the cathode is provided. High voltage is obtained from an alternating low voltage transported into the enclosure or sheath by low voltage wires, and applied to a high voltage transformer; the high alternating voltage developed by this transformer is applied to the anode and the cathode, either directly or via a rectifier device, depending on the type of operation provided. The heating voltage of the cathode filament is obtained by one or two low voltage transformers, themselves supplied for example from the wires carrying the low AC voltage.

Une telle disposition s'applique en général pour des puissances relativement faibles absorsbées par le tube radiogène (sensiblement égale ou inférieure à 50 KW). Pour des ensembles de puissance plus élévée, l'organisation est généralement différente et consiste à séparer les moyens pour élaborer la haute tension appelés générateur haute tension, du tube radiogène, c'est-à-dire à disposer le générateur haute tension à l'extérieur de la gaine. Le générateur haute tension est alors relié au tube radiogène, par l'intermédiaire de fils disposés dans une paire de câbles haute tension ; au moins un de ces câbles haute tension étant du type à haute isolation électrique, du fait de la valeur élevée que peut comporter la haute tension appliquée entre la cathode et l'anode du tube radiogène (80 à 150 KV).Such an arrangement generally applies for relatively low powers absorbed by the X-ray tube (substantially equal to or less than 50 KW). For higher power assemblies, the organization is generally different and consists of separating the means for developing the high voltage called high voltage generator, from the X-ray tube, that is to say to arrange the high voltage generator at the outside of the sheath. The high voltage generator is then connected to the X-ray tube, via wires arranged in a pair of high voltage cables; at least one of these high-voltage cables being of the type with high electrical insulation, due to the high value that the high voltage applied between the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube (80 to 150 KV) can have.

L'un des avantages que présente le bloc radiogène par rapport au système constitué par un générateur haute tension extérieur à la gaine, réside en ce qu'il ne néccésite pas de câble à haute isolation électrique ; quelques fils isolés à basse tension suffisant à son alimentation. En effet, dans une installation de radiologie, la gaine contenant le tube radiogène est un élément particulièrement mobile, et le câble qui lui est attaché, tel que le câble à haute isolation électrique, constitue un encombrement important du fait d'une structure relativement rigide nécessitée par ses qualités d'isolation électrique. D'autre part, les câbles à haute isolation électrique, bien que couramment utilisés dans l'industrie radiologique, sont d'un coût très élevé, ce coût étant encore augmenté par des moyens de raccordement particuliers qu'il exige au niveau de son passage dans la gaine.One of the advantages of the X-ray unit compared to the system constituted by a high voltage generator external to the sheath, is that it does not require a cable with high electrical insulation; a few insulated wires at low voltage sufficient for its supply. In fact, in a radiology installation, the sheath containing the X-ray tube is a particularly mobile element, and the cable which is attached to it, such as the cable with high electrical insulation, constitutes a significant bulk due to a relatively rigid structure. required by its qualities of electrical insulation. On the other hand, cables with high electrical insulation, although commonly used in the radiological industry, are of a very high cost, this cost being further increased by particular connection means which it requires at the level of its passage. in the sheath.

Par contre, les inconvénients que présente le bloc radiogène résident dans son poids et dans son encombrement qui sont plus élevés que ceux de l'ensemble constitué par la gaine contenant uniquement le tube radiogène ; ceci posant notamment des problèmes mécaniques pour la conception des tables radiologiques ou autres systèmes devant le recevoir.On the other hand, the drawbacks of the X-ray unit lie in its weight and in its size, which are higher than those of the assembly constituted by the sheath containing only the X-ray tube; this poses in particular mechanical problems for the design of radiological tables or other systems to receive it.

La présente invention concerne un ensemble générateur haute tension et dispositif radiogène, dont l'agencement nouveau permet de réaliser une économie de poids et d'encombrement importante du dispositif radiogène, tout en conservant la simplicité du bloc radiogène classique, du fait en particulier qu'il n'exige pas l'utilisation d'un câble à haute isolation électrique.The present invention relates to a high-voltage generator and X-ray device assembly, the new arrangement of which makes it possible to achieve a significant saving in weight and bulk of the X-ray device, while retaining the simplicity of the conventional X-ray unit, in particular because it does not require the use of a cable with high electrical insulation.

Selon l'invention, un ensemble générateur haute tension et dispositif radiogène, comportant une gaine protectrice contenant un tube radiogène alimenté en haute tension par ledit générateur haute tension, ledit générateur haute tension comportant un transformateur élévateur alimenté par une source basse tension fournissant une basse tension alternative, ledit générateur haute tension comportant en outre au moins un dispositif multiplicateur de tension, disposé dans ladite gaine protectrice et fournissant ladite haute tension audit tube radiogène, ledit transformateur élévateur étant disposé à l'extérieur de ladite gaine protectrice et générant une haute tension alternative intermédiaire, ledit transformateur élévateur étant relié audit dispositif multiplicateur de tension par l'intermédiaire d'un premier et d'un second conducteur transportant ladite haute tension alternative intermédiaire, et en ce que lesdits premier et second conducteurs sont contenus dans un cable électrique dont la tension d'isolement est inférieure à la valeur de ladite haute tension d'alimentation du type radiogène.According to the invention, a high voltage generator and radiogenic device assembly, comprising a protective sheath containing a radiogenic tube supplied with high voltage by said high voltage generator, said high voltage generator comprising an step-up transformer supplied by a low voltage source providing low voltage alternating, said high voltage generator further comprising at least one voltage multiplier device, disposed in said protective sheath and supplying said high voltage to said X-ray tube, said step-up transformer being disposed outside said protective sheath and generating a high alternating voltage intermediate, said step-up transformer being connected to said voltage multiplier device by means of a first and a second conductor carrying said intermediate alternating high voltage, and in that said first and second conductors are contained in an electric cable theinsulation voltage is less than the value of said high supply voltage of the X-ray type.

L'invention sera mieux comprise grâce à la description qui suit, faite à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et aux deux figures annexées parmi lesquelles :

  • - la figure 1 montre le schéma de principe d'une version préférée d'un ensemble générateur haute tension et dispositif radiogène selon l'invention ;
  • - la figure 2 montre le schéma de principe d'une deuxième version d'un ensemble générateur haute tension et dispositif radiogène, selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood thanks to the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example, and to the two appended figures among which:
  • - Figure 1 shows the block diagram of a preferred version of a high voltage generator and X-ray device according to the invention;
  • - Figure 2 shows the block diagram of a second version of a high voltage generator and X-ray device, according to the invention.

La figure 1 montre le schéma d'un ensemble 1 générateur haute tension et dispositif radiogène. L'ensemble 1 comporte une gaine protectrice 2 dans laquelle est contenu un tube radiogène 3 classique, symbolisé par une enveloppe 4 contenant une anode 5 et une cathode 6. La gaine protectrice 2 et le tube radiogène 3 constituent un dispositif radiogène par lequel est émis un faisceau de rayonnement X (non représenté), produit par l'anode 5, quand le tube radiogène 3 est en fonctionnement ; l'anode 5 pouvant être aussi bien du type anode fixe ou du type anode tournante.Figure 1 shows the diagram of a set 1 high voltage generator and X-ray device. The assembly 1 comprises a protective sheath 2 in which is contained a conventional X-ray tube 3, symbolized by an envelope 4 containing an anode 5 and a cathode 6. The protective sheath 2 and the X-ray tube 3 constitute an X-ray device by which is emitted an X-ray beam (not shown), produced by the anode 5, when the X-ray tube 3 is in operation; the anode 5 can be either of the fixed anode type or of the rotating anode type.

Selon l'invention, la gaine protectrice 2 contient en outre un dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, représenté dans un cadre en traits pointillés. Le dispositif multiplicateur de tension constitue un élément d'un générateur haute tension 8-9, formé principalement par le dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 et par un transformateur élévateur 9 disposé à l'extérieur de la gaine protectrice 2. Le transformateur élévateur 9 comporte d'une part un enroulement primaire 10 dont chaque extrémité est reliée à une entrée basse tension 11 ; et comporte d'autre part un enroulement secondaire 12 dont les extrémités 13, 14 sont respectivement reliées à une première et à une seconde sortie 15,16.According to the invention, the protective sheath 2 also contains a voltage multiplier device 8, shown in a frame in dotted lines. The voltage multiplier device constitutes an element of a high voltage generator 8-9, formed mainly by the voltage multiplier device 8 and by a step-up transformer 9 arranged outside the protective sheath 2. The step-up transformer 9 comprises on the one hand a primary winding 10 each end of which is connected to a low-voltage input 11; and further comprises a secondary winding 12, the ends 13, 14 of which are respectively connected to a first and to a second outlet 15, 16.

Les entrées basse tension 11 du transformateur élévateur 9 sont chacune reliée à une sortie basse tension 17 d'une source basse tension alternative 61. La source basse tension 61 génère une basse tension alternative (non représentée) qui est appliquée à l'enroulement primaire 10 du transformateur élévateur 9, lequel transformateur élévateur 9 délivre par son enroulement secondaire 12 une haute tension alternative intermédiaire HT1. La haute tension intermédiaire HT1 est appliquée à une première et à une seconde entrée haute tension 20, 21 du dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8. A cet effet, la première sortie 15 est reliée à la première entrée haute tension 20 grâce à un premier conducteur 18, par l'intermédiaire d'une première borne de connection 22 située au niveau de la gaine protectrice 2 ; la seconde sortie 16 étant reliée à la seconde entrée haute tension 21 grâce à un second conducteur 19, par l'intermédiaire d'une seconde borne de connection 23, cette dernière liaison entre la seconde sortie 16 et la seconde entrée haute tension 21 étant, dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, référencée à la masse.The low voltage inputs 11 of the step-up transformer 9 are each connected to a low voltage output 17 of an alternating low voltage source 61. The low voltage source 61 generates an alternating low voltage (not shown) which is applied to the primary winding 10 of the step-up transformer 9, which step-up transformer 9 delivers by its secondary winding 12 an intermediate intermediate high voltage HT1. The intermediate high voltage HT1 is applied to a first and a second high voltage input 20, 21 of the voltage multiplier device 8. For this purpose, the first output 15 is connected to the first high voltage input 20 by means of a first conductor 18 , via a first connection terminal 22 located at the protective sheath 2; the second output 16 being connected to the second high voltage input 21 by means of a second conductor 19, via a second connection terminal 23, this latter connection between the second output 16 and the second high voltage input 21 being, in the nonlimiting example described, referenced to the mass.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif de cette première version de l'invention, la masse ou terre constitue la polarité positive de la haute tension d'alimentation du tube radiogène 3, et l'anode 5 de ce dernier est reliée à la seconde entrée haute tension 21 elle-même portée au. potentiel de la masse. La cathode 6 est d'un type classique, et comporte par exemple deux filaments 25, dont un point commun 26 est relié à une sortie haute tension négative 24 du dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, délivrant la polarité négative -HT de la haute tension. Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, les filaments 25 sont chacun alimentés grâce à un premier et second transformateur d'isolement 30, 31, comportant chacun un secondaire 33 dont un premier côté 34 est relié au point commun 26 ou -HT ; les seconds côtés 35 de ces secondaires 33 étant reliés aux secondes extrémités 27 des filaments 25. Les transformateurs d'isolement 30, 31 comportent des enroulements primaires 36, reliés à des bornes de connection 37, par l'intermédiaire desquels ils sont alimentés en basse tension de chauffage, par des moyens classiques (non représentés) extérieurs à la gaine protectrice 2.In the nonlimiting example of this first version of the invention, the ground or earth constitutes the positive polarity of the high supply voltage of the X-ray tube 3, and the anode 5 of the latter is connected to the second high input tension 21 itself brought to. ground potential. The cathode 6 is of a conventional type, and comprises for example two filaments 25, one common point 26 of which is connected to a negative high voltage output 24 of the voltage multiplier device 8, delivering the negative polarity -HT of the high voltage. In the nonlimiting example described, the filaments 25 are each supplied with a first and second isolation transformer 30, 31, each comprising a secondary 33, a first side 34 of which is connected to the common point 26 or -HT; the second sides 35 of these secondary 33 being connected to the second ends 27 of the filaments 25. The isolation transformers 30, 31 comprise primary windings 36, connected to connection terminals 37, by means of which they are supplied at low heating voltage, by conventional means (not shown) external to the protective sheath 2.

Le dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 est d'un type en lui-même connu. Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, le dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 permet d'obtenir entre la seconde entrée haute tension 21, c'est-à-dire la masse, et la sortie haute tension négative 24 (-HT), une valeur de la haute tension égale sensiblement à quatre fois une valeur de la tension crête (non représentée) de la haute tension intermédiaire HT1 ; la haute tension ainsi générée par le dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 étant redressée et filtrée.The voltage multiplier device 8 is of a type in itself known. In the nonlimiting example described, the voltage multiplier device 8 makes it possible to obtain between the second high voltage input 21, that is to say the ground, and the negative high voltage output 24 (-HT), a value high voltage substantially equal to four times a value of the peak voltage (not shown) of the intermediate high voltage HT1; the high voltage thus generated by the voltage multiplier device 8 being rectified and filtered.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, le dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 comporte un premier, un second, troisième et quatrième redresseurs D1, D2, D3, D4 symbolisés selon des diodes, et une première, une seconde, une troisième et une quatrième capacités C1, C2, C3, C4. Le premier redresseur D1 est relié par sa cathode à la seconde entrée haute tension 21 et, par son anode à la cathode du second redresseur D2, en un premier point de jonction J1 ; le second redresseur D2 étant par son anode relié à la cathode du troisième redresseur D3 en un second point de jonction J2, l'anode du troisième redresseur D3 étant reliée en un troisième point de jonction J3 à la cathode du quatrième redresseur D4, dont l'anode est reliée à la sortie haute tension négative 24 délivrant la polarité négative -HT de la haute tension. La première capacité C1 est connectée entre la première entrée haute tension 20 et la première jonction J1, la seconde capacité C2 étant connectée entre la première jonction J1 et la troisième jonction J3 ; la troisième capacité C3 est connectée entre la deuxième entrée haute tension 21 et le deuxième point de jonction J2, et la quatrième capacité C4 est connectée entre le second point de jonction J2 et la sortie haute tension négative 24. Dans ces conditions, on trouve aux bornes de la seconde capacité C2 une première tension sensiblement égale à deux fois la valeur de la tension crête de la haute tension alternative intermédiaire HT1, et on trouve aux bornes de la quatrième capacité C4 une seconde tension sensiblement égale à deux fois cette valeur de tension crête, et qui s'ajoute à la première tension. La haute tension appliquée au tube radiogène 3 est ainsi sensiblement à quatre fois la tension crête que comporte la haute tension intermédiaire HT1, délivrée par le transformateur élévateur 9, ainsi qu'il a été précédemment mentionné. Ceci permet, selon l'un des buts de l'invention, pour relier le transformateur élévateur 9 au dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 contenu dans la gaine protectrice 3, d'utiliser des conducteurs 18, 19 contenus dans un câble 60 ayant des qualités d'isolation électrique très inférieure à celles qui sont exigées dans l'art antérieur, pour relier un générateur haute tension extérieur à la gaine protectrice à un tube radiogène contenu dans la gaine protectrice, quand ce générateur haute tension délivre directement le niveau de haute tension nécessaire à l'alimentation dudit tube radiogène.In the nonlimiting example described, the voltage multiplier device 8 comprises a first, a second, third and fourth rectifiers D1, D2, D3, D4 symbolized by diodes, and a first, a second, a third and a fourth capacitance C1, C2, C3, C4. The first rectifier D1 is connected by its cathode to the second high voltage input 21 and, by its anode to the cathode of the second rectifier D2, at a first junction point J1; the second rectifier D2 being by its anode connected to the cathode of the third rectifier D3 at a second junction point J2, the anode of the third rectifier D3 being connected at a third junction point J3 to the cathode of the fourth rectifier D4, of which the the anode is connected to the negative high voltage output 24 delivering the negative polarity -HT of the high voltage. The first capacitor C1 is connected between the first high voltage input 20 and the first junction J1, the second capacitor C2 being connected between the first junction J1 and the third junction J3; the third capacitor C3 is connected between the second high voltage input 21 and the second junction point J2, and the fourth capacitor C4 is connected between the second junction point J2 and the negative high voltage output 24. Under these conditions, we find in terminals of the second capacitor C2 a first voltage substantially equal to twice the value of the peak voltage of the intermediate alternating high voltage HT1, and there is at the terminals of the fourth capacitor C4 a second voltage substantially equal to twice this voltage value peak, and which is added to the first tension. The high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 3 is thus substantially four times the peak voltage that comprises the intermediate high voltage HT1, delivered by the step-up transformer 9, as previously mentioned. This allows, according to one of the aims of the invention, to connect the step-up transformer 9 to the voltage multiplier device 8 contained in the protective sheath 3, to use conductors 18, 19 contained in a cable 60 having qualities of electrical insulation much lower than those required in the prior art, to connect a high voltage generator outside the protective sheath to an X-ray tube contained in the protective sheath, when this high voltage generator directly delivers the necessary high voltage level to the supply of said X-ray tube.

On peut remarquer en effet, qu'au delà de certaines valeurs de la tension d'isolation que doivent tenir les câbles électriques, par exemple 20 KV, ces câbles sont réalisés selon des procédés et avec des matières différentes qui conduisent d'une part à des coûts très importants, et qui conduisent d'autre part à obtenir des câbles ayant une forte section et une grande rigidité mécanique, c'est-à-dire peu de souplesse ; cette rigidité n'étant pas compatibles avec la mobilité dont doit être capable une gaine protectrice contenant un tube radiogène, dans une installation de radiodiagnostic classique. Il est à remarquer en outre que quand la haute tension d'un tube radiogène est délivré directement par un générateur haute tension à une valeur élevée, les moyens de connexion entre les câbles haute tension et la gaine protectrice sont eux-mêmes très encombrant et très coûteux.It can be noted, in fact, that beyond certain values of the insulation voltage which the electric cables must hold, for example 20 KV, these cables are produced according to methods and with different materials which lead on the one hand to very high costs, and which lead on the other hand to obtain cables having a large section and a high mechanical rigidity, that is to say little flexibility; this rigidity is not compatible with the mobility of which a protective sheath containing an X-ray tube must be capable, in a conventional radiodiagnostic installation. It should also be noted that when the high voltage of an X-ray tube is supplied directly by a high voltage generator to a high value, the means of connection between the high voltage cables and the protective sheath are themselves very bulky and very expensive.

Dans le cas de la présente invention, les dimensions (non représentées) de la gaine protectrice 2, doivent permettre de loger le dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, ce qui peut lui conférer un encombrement supérieur à celui d'une gaine dans une installation où le générateur haute tension fournit directement la haute tension, mais en contre partie, le transformateur élévateur 8 comporte lui-même un encombrement plus faible que dans l'art antérieur. D'autre part, l'encombrement présenté par le dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 lui-même, peut, dans la configuration de l'invention, être considérablement réduit en élevant la fréquence de fonctionnement, c'est-à-dire en élevant la fréquence de la basse tension alternative (non représentée) délivrée par la source basse tension 61. Cette source basse tension 61 peut être soit le réseau de distribution à 50 ou 60 Hertz, soit par exemple un onduleur délivrant la basse tension à une fréquence supérieure, de 5 à 50 KHertz par exemple ; de tels onduleurs sont connus et couramment utilisés, et sont souvent alimentés à partir d'une source de tension continue, d'une manière classique non représentée. Il est ainsi possible de diminuer le volume d'une capacité C1 à C4 d'une manière sensiblement proportionnelle à l'augmentation de fréquence de la basse tension alternative.In the case of the present invention, the dimensions (not shown) of the protective sheath 2, must make it possible to accommodate the voltage multiplier device 8, which can give it a bulk greater than that of a sheath in an installation where the high voltage generator directly supplies the high voltage, but in return, the step-up transformer 8 itself has a smaller footprint than in the prior art. On the other hand, the size presented by the voltage multiplier device 8 itself, can, in the configuration of the invention, be considerably reduced by increasing the operating frequency, that is to say by increasing the frequency of the AC low voltage (not shown) delivered by the low voltage source 61. This low voltage source 61 can either be the distribution network at 50 or 60 Hertz, or for example an inverter delivering the low voltage at a higher frequency, from 5 to 50 KHertz for example; such inverters are known and commonly used, and are often supplied from a DC voltage source, in a conventional manner not shown. It is thus possible to decrease the volume of a capacitor C1 to C4 in a manner substantially proportional to the increase in frequency of the low AC voltage.

Cette description de la première version de l'invention concerne l'alimentation en haute tension du tube radiogène 3, de type unipolaire, l'anode 5 étant à la masse ainsi que la seconde entrée haute tension 21 du dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 et la seconde sortie 16 du transformateur élévateur 9 ; la première sortie 15 du transformateur élévateur 9 étant relié par l'intermédiaire du premire conducteur 18, à la première entrée haute tension 20 du dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, lequel élabore la haute tension d'alimentation à partir de la haute tension alternative intermédiaire HT1, et délivre la haute tension négative -HT qui est appliquée à la cathode 6.This description of the first version of the invention relates to the high voltage supply of the X-ray tube 3, of the unipolar type, the anode 5 being grounded, as well as the second high voltage input 21 of the voltage multiplier device 8 and the second output 16 of the step-up transformer 9; the first output 15 of the step-up transformer 9 being connected via the first conductor 18, to the first high-voltage input 20 of the voltage multiplier device 8, which develops the high supply voltage from the intermediate alternating high voltage HT1 , and delivers the negative high voltage -HT which is applied to the cathode 6.

La figure 2 représente le schéma de principe d'une seconde version de l'invention, dans laquelle le tube radiogène 3 est alimenté en haute tension selon un mode bipolaire.FIG. 2 represents the block diagram of a second version of the invention, in which the X-ray tube 3 is supplied with high voltage according to a bipolar mode.

Ainsi que dans l'exemple précédent, le transformateur élévateur 9 délivre la haute tension intermédiaire HT1 par ses première et seconde sorties 15, 16 ; la première sortie 15 est reliée par l'intermédiaire du premier conducteur 18 à la première entrée 20 du dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, lequel sera appelé dans la suite de la description premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8. La seconde sortie 16 du transformateur élévateur 9 est reliée à la masse et à la seconde entrée haute tension 21 du premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8. Dans cette version de l'invention, la gaine protectrice 2 contient, outre le premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 un second dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8a, d'un type semblable au premier dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit. La haute tension d'alimentation du tube radiogène 3 est élaborée par les deux dispositifs multiplicateur de tension 8, 8a, à partir de la haute tension alternative HT1, le premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8 élaborant, par rapport à la masse la haute tension négative -HT appliquée à la cathode 6 ; le second dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8a, élaborant, par rapport à la masse la haute tension positive +HT qui est appliquée à l'anode 5.As in the previous example, the step-up transformer 9 delivers the intermediate high voltage HT1 through its first and second outputs 15, 16; the first output 15 is connected via the first conductor 18 to the first input 20 of the voltage multiplier device 8, which will be called in the following description the first voltage multiplier device 8. The second output 16 of the step-up transformer 9 is connected to ground and to the second high voltage input 21 of the first voltage multiplier device 8. In this version of the invention, the protective sheath 2 contains, in addition to the first voltage multiplier device 8 a second voltage multiplier device 8a , of a type similar to the first in the nonlimiting example described. The high supply voltage of the X-ray tube 3 is produced by the two voltage multiplier devices 8, 8a, from the alternating high voltage HT1, the first voltage multiplier device 8 developing, with respect to the mass, the negative high voltage -HT applied to cathode 6; the second voltage multiplier device 8a, developing, with respect to the mass, the positive high voltage + HT which is applied to the anode 5.

Le second dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8a constitue, par rapport à la masse, un montage symétrique à celui du premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, la haute tension alternative intermédiaire HT1 étant appliquée simultanément aux deux dispositifs multiplicateur de tension 8, 8a. Le second multiplicateur de tension 8a comporte une troisième et une quatrième entrée haute tension 40, 41 et une sortie haute tension positive 38, délivrant la polarité positive +HT de la haute tension d'alimentation du tube radiogène 3. Les troisième et quatrième entrées haute tension 40, 41 correspondent respectivement aux première et seconde entrées 20, 21 du premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, dont elles ont la même fonction. La troisième entrée haute tension 40 est reliée au premier conducteur 18 et à la première entrée haute tension 20, et la quatrième entrée haute tension 41 est reliée à la masse et à la seconde entrée 21 du premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8. Le second dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8a comporte un cinquième, sixième, septième et huitième redresseurs D5, D6, D7, D8, et une cinquième, sixième, septième et huitième capacités C5, C6, C7, C8, dont le montage est équivalent à celui du premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, à la différence que les redresseurs D5, D6, D7, D8 sont orientés, par rapport à la masse, selon des polarités inverses des redresseurs D1, ..., D4. En effet, les redresseurs d'une part D1 à D4 et d'autre part D5 à D8 sont montés en série de manière à conduire, par rapport à la masse, les alternances négatives pour les redresseurs D1 à D4 du premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, et à conduire les alternances positives pour les redresseurs D5 à D8 du second dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8a. Dans ce dernier, le cinquième redresseur D5 est relié par son anode à la quatrième entrée haute tension 41 et, par sa cathode à l'anode du sixième redresseur D6, en un quatrième point de fonction J4 ; le sixième redresseur D6 étant par sa cathode relié à l'anode du septième redresseur D7 en un cinquième point de jonction J5 ; la cathode du septième redresseur D7 est reliée à un sixième point de jonction J6, à l'anode du huitième redresseur D8, dont la cathode est reliée à la sortie haute tension positive 38. La cinquième capacité C5 est connectée entre la troisième entrée haute tension 40 et la quatrième jonction J4 ; la sixième capacité C6 est connectée entre la quatrième jonction J4 et la sixième jonction J6 ; la septième capacité C7 est connectée entre la quatrième entrée haute tension 41 et la cinquième jonction J5 ; la huitième capacité C8 est connectée entre la cinquième jonction J5 et la sortie haute tension positive 38.The second voltage multiplier device 8a constitutes, with respect to the mass, an arrangement symmetrical to that of the first voltage multiplier device 8, the intermediate high alternating voltage HT1 being applied simultaneously to the two voltage multiplier devices 8, 8a. The second voltage multiplier 8a has a third and a fourth high voltage input 40, 41 and a positive high voltage output 38, delivering the positive + HT polarity of the high supply voltage of the X-ray tube 3. The third and fourth high inputs voltage 40, 41 correspond respectively to the first and second inputs 20, 21 of the first voltage multiplier device 8, of which they have the same function. The third high voltage input 40 is connected to the first conductor 18 and to the first high voltage input 20, and the fourth high voltage input 41 is connected to ground and to the second input 21 of the first voltage multiplier device 8. The second device voltage multiplier 8a comprises a fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rectifiers D5, D6, D7, D8, and a fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth capacitors C5, C6, C7, C8, the mounting of which is equivalent to that of the first device voltage multiplier 8, with the difference that the rectifiers D5, D6, D7, D8 are oriented, with respect to ground, according to reverse polarities of the rectifiers D1, ..., D4. In fact, the rectifiers on the one hand D1 to D4 and on the other hand D5 to D8 are connected in series so as to conduct, with respect to ground, the negative half-waves for the rectifiers D1 to D4 of the first voltage multiplier device 8, and to conduct the positive half-waves for the rectifiers D5 to D8 of the second voltage multiplier device 8a. In the latter, the fifth rectifier D5 is connected by its anode to the fourth high voltage input 41 and, by its cathode to the anode of the sixth rectifier D6, at a fourth function point J4; the sixth rectifier D6 being by its cathode connected to the anode of the seventh rectifier D7 at a fifth junction point J5; the cathode of the seventh rectifier D7 is connected to a sixth junction point J6, to the anode of the eighth rectifier D8, the cathode of which is connected to the positive high voltage output 38. The fifth capacitor C5 is connected between the third high voltage input 40 and the fourth junction J4; the sixth capacitor C6 is connected between the fourth junction J4 and the sixth junction J6; the seventh capacitor C7 is connected between the fourth high voltage input 41 and the fifth junction J5; the eighth capacitor C8 is connected between the fifth junction J5 and the positive high voltage output 38.

Dans cette configuration, pour une haute tension d'alimentation donnée du tube radiogène 3, la tension crête (non représentée) de la haute tension alternative intermédiaire HT1 est sensiblement huit fois plus faible (1/8) que la haute tension appliquée entre l'anode 5 et à la cathode 6 du tube radiogène 3. Dans l'exemple de la figure 2, la cathode 6 est symbolisée par un point, mais peut comporter un ou deux filaments (non représentés), ainsi que dans l'exemple de la figure 1, ces filaments pouvant être alimentés d'une même manière que dans l'exemple précédent.In this configuration, for a given high supply voltage of the X-ray tube 3, the peak voltage (not shown) of the intermediate intermediate high voltage HT1 is substantially eight times lower (1/8) than the high voltage applied between the anode 5 and the cathode 6 of the X-ray tube 3. In the example of Figure 2, the cathode 6 is symbolized by a point, but may include a or two filaments (not shown), as in the example in FIG. 1, these filaments being able to be fed in the same way as in the previous example.

Les dispositifs multiplicateurs de tension 8, 8a sont en eux-mêmes d'un type connu, et permettent chacun de multiplier dans un rapport 4 la haute tension alternative HT1 appliquée à leurs entrées 20, 21 et 40, 41 ; ce rapport de multiplication pouvant être modifié selon le fonctionnement envisagé, et la technologie utilisée, en modifiant le nombre d'étages de ces multiplicateurs de tension 8, 8a ; un étage étant formé, par exemple dans le premier dispositif multiplicateur de tension 8, par le quatrième redresseur D4 coopérant avec la quatrième capacité C4.The voltage multiplier devices 8, 8a are in themselves of a known type, and each makes it possible to multiply in a ratio 4 the high alternating voltage HT1 applied to their inputs 20, 21 and 40, 41; this multiplication ratio can be modified according to the envisaged operation, and the technology used, by modifying the number of stages of these voltage multipliers 8, 8a; a stage being formed, for example in the first voltage multiplier device 8, by the fourth rectifier D4 cooperating with the fourth capacitor C4.

Cette description constitue un exemple non limitatif d'un ensemble 1 générateur haute tension et dispositif radiogène, dans lequel un câble électrique 60 contenant le premier et le second conducteur 18, 19 comporte une tension d'isolement très inférieure à la haute tension d'alimentation du tube radiogène 3, c'est-à-dire au quart de cette haute tension avec l'exemple relatif à la figure 1, et au huitième de cette haute tension dans l'exemple de cette seconde version de l'invention.This description constitutes a nonlimiting example of an assembly 1 high voltage generator and radiogenic device, in which an electric cable 60 containing the first and the second conductor 18, 19 comprises an insulation voltage much lower than the high supply voltage. of the X-ray tube 3, that is to say a quarter of this high voltage with the example relating to FIG. 1, and an eighth of this high voltage in the example of this second version of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. An assembly of a high voltage generator and a radiogenic device comprising a protective shield (2) defining the enclosure of the said radiogenic device, the said protective shield (2) containing a radiogenic tube (3) comprising an anode (5) and a cathode (6), the said radiogenic tube (3) being supplied with high voltage by the said high voltage generator (8 and 9), the said high voltage generator comprising a step-up transformer (61) furnishing a low alternating voltage, the said high voltage generator (8 and 9) furthermore comprising at least one voltage multiplier device (8) placed in the said protective shield (2) and furnishing the said high voltage to the said radiogenic tube (3), characterized in that the said step-up transformer (9) is placed outside the said protective shield (2) and generates an intermediate alternating high voltage (HT1), the said step-up transformer (9) being connected with the said voltage multiplier device (8) by the intermediary of a first and of a second conductor (18 and 19) transferring the said alternating intermediate high voltage (HT1), and in that the said first and second conductors (18 and 19) are contained in an electric cable (60) whose breakdown voltage is less than the value of the said high voltage for supplying the said radiogenic tube (3).
2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the said low voltage source (61) is an inverter.
3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the said step-up transformer (9) supplies the intermediate alternating high voltage (HT1) via first and second outputs (15 and 16) respectively connected with a first and with a second high voltage input (20 and 21) of the said voltage multiplier device (8) comprising a first high voltage output connected with the said cathode (6) and supplying the negative polarity (-HT) of the said high voltage.
4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the said voltage generator (8 and 9) furthermore comprises a second voltage multiplier (8a) placed in the said protective shield (2) and cooperating with the first voltage multiplier device (8) in order to generate the said high voltage from the intermediate alternating high voltage (HT1).
5. The assembly as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the said first voltage multiplier device (8) supplies, via a negative high voltage output (24), a negative polarity (-HT) of the said high voltage, applied to the said cathode (6) the said second voltage multiplier device (8a) supplying via a positive high voltage output (38) a positive polarity (+HT) of the said voltage, applied to the said anode (5).
6. The assembly as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the said step-up transformer (9) supplies the said intermediate alternating high voltage (HT1) via a first and a second output (15 and 16) respectively connected with a first and a second high voltage input (20, 40-21 and 41) of each of the said voltage multiplier devices (8 and 8a).
7. The assembly as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the said second inputs (21 and 41) of the said first and of the said second voltage multiplier devices (8 and 8a) are connected with ground.
EP86400587A 1985-03-22 1986-03-19 High-voltage generator and x-ray apparatus Expired EP0198741B1 (en)

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FR8504337 1985-03-22
FR8504337A FR2579401B1 (en) 1985-03-22 1985-03-22 HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATOR ASSEMBLY AND RADIOGENIC DEVICE

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EP0198741A1 EP0198741A1 (en) 1986-10-22
EP0198741B1 true EP0198741B1 (en) 1989-12-13

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FR2579401A1 (en) 1986-09-26
EP0198741A1 (en) 1986-10-22
FR2579401B1 (en) 1987-05-15
DE3667582D1 (en) 1990-01-18
US4720844A (en) 1988-01-19

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