EP0314553B1 - Compact x-ray emitting device - Google Patents

Compact x-ray emitting device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0314553B1
EP0314553B1 EP88402663A EP88402663A EP0314553B1 EP 0314553 B1 EP0314553 B1 EP 0314553B1 EP 88402663 A EP88402663 A EP 88402663A EP 88402663 A EP88402663 A EP 88402663A EP 0314553 B1 EP0314553 B1 EP 0314553B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
enclosure
electrically insulating
sheath
ray
ray tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP88402663A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0314553A1 (en
Inventor
Emile Cabinet Ballot-Schmit Gabbay
Jacques Cabinet Ballot-Schmit Leguen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
General Electric CGR SA
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General Electric CGR SA
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Publication of EP0314553A1 publication Critical patent/EP0314553A1/en
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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
    • H05G1/02—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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J35/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J35/02—Details
    • H01J35/16—Vessels; Containers; Shields associated therewith
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an X-ray emitting device of the type in which an X-ray tube and, means for supplying the latter with high voltage and low voltage, are assembled to form a single block.
  • the invention particularly relates to means for facilitating the construction and maintenance of such a device.
  • Document US-A-1987790 discloses an X-ray emitting device which comprises a first enclosure containing an X-ray tube immersed in an electrical isolation fluid.
  • a second enclosure contains supply means for supplying the X-ray tube with high voltage and low voltage.
  • the supply means are also immersed in electrical insulation fluid.
  • the two enclosures are sealed relative to each other and made of an electrically insulating material.
  • the enclosures are formed so that the first enclosure is disposed in a cavity of the second enclosure.
  • the cavity is formed using partitions which constitute a means of guiding and holding the first enclosure.
  • Radiology installations in particular for medical diagnosis, include, to produce X-ray radiation, an X-ray tube and power supplies producing the different voltages necessary for the operation of the X-ray tube.
  • the X-ray tube and the power supplies can be arranged in two configurations which differ from each other, mainly in that, in the first configuration, the X-ray tube is separated from the power supplies and the electrical connection is made using cables with high electrical insulation; whereas in the second configuration, the X-ray tube and the power supplies are combined in a single block, which avoids the use of cables with high electrical insulation.
  • the high and low supply voltages of the X-ray tube are transported from the inside of the tank to the inside of the sheath, using two cables with high electrical insulation, the first of which brings high voltage negative and the supply of the filament (s), on the cathode side, and the second of which brings the positive high voltage and the low supply voltage of the anode motor to the anode side.
  • the X-ray unit is a particularly mobile element, and the cable or cables with high electrical insulation which are attached to it have significant discomfort due to their very high mechanical rigidity necessary to obtain the electrical insulation qualities required. It can be noted on this point, that for a supply of the X-ray tube with a relatively high high voltage, this supply is rarely of the monopolar type only because of the too great mechanical rigidity that the cable with high electrical insulation should include.
  • one of the concerns of manufacturers of radiological installations is to ensure that all the external surfaces of the sheath are metallic and brought to earth potential, and that there is electrical continuity the along this sheath, along the cable or cables with high electrical insulation and along the tank containing the generator.
  • the cables with high electrical insulation are wrapped in a metallic layer, and all the arrangements are made so that on the whole, and after connection of the cables with high electrical insulation, no non-metallic part can be reached from the accidentally outside.
  • An exception is however made for an exit window, formed in the protective sheath, and through which the useful beam, that is to say the X-rays used to produce a radiographic image, exits.
  • the X-ray emitter comprises a metal enclosure, so as to be isopotential also like the protective sheath of the X-ray unit of the first configuration.
  • This metallic enclosure or sheath is filled with an electrically insulating oil and contains the X-ray tube, as well as all the elements useful for its supply such as for example those described in the case of the first configuration; the different connections between the X-ray tube and the power supplies being made inside the sheath.
  • one of the main advantages of the X-ray unit compared to the arrangement described in the first configuration resides in that it does not require cables with high electrical insulation, and in that the cable or cables which it attached are cables that carry low voltage and are relatively flexible.
  • the X-ray unit has a significant drawback in terms of its maintenance, in particular for the replacement of an X-ray tube which, necessarily, requires the return of the entire X-ray unit to the factory.
  • the replacement of an X-ray tube requires intervention at the level of the connections between the latter and its power supplies, after having emptied the sheath of the oil which it contains. It is necessary then, after replacing the X-ray tube and before carrying out a functional check, fill the sheath again with insulating oil; this latter operation being particularly delicate owing in particular to the fact that the oil must not contain any air bubbles which could degrade the electrical insulation.
  • the invention relates to an X-ray emitting device of the type forming a single block similar in its form outside to an X-ray unit, but whose new arrangement makes it possible to avoid the drawbacks presented by the latter, in particular in terms of maintenance.
  • FIG. 1 shows, by way of nonlimiting example, an X-ray emitting device 1 according to the invention.
  • the emitting device 1 comprises a metal sheath 2, made of aluminum for example.
  • the inner walls of the sheath 2 are coated with a layer 3 of lead intended to form a shielding shielding against X-rays.
  • the sheath 2 has a substantially cubic shape, and constitutes a box closed by a cover 4.
  • the cover 4 is removable or, as in the nonlimiting example described, mounted on a hinge 5 secured to the sheath 2 so as to be able to be lifted in rotating around the hinge 5, as symbolized by an arrow 6 in order to allow access to the interior of the sheath 2.
  • the sheath 2 contains a first and a second enclosure 7, 8 each sealed and filled with an electrically insulating oil 9, the first enclosure 7 containing an X-ray tube 10, and the second enclosure 8 containing power supplies 11, 12 necessary to supply the supply voltages of the X-ray tube 10.
  • These power supplies are constituted, in the nonlimiting example described, on the one hand, by a high voltage generator 11, conventional, producing a rectified high voltage HT intended to be applied between an anode 30 and a cathode 31 of the X-ray tube 10, and on the other hand, by a transformer insulation 12 delivering a low voltage BTF intended to be applied to a filament 32 of the cathode 31.
  • the two enclosures 7,8 are applied one against the other in order to facilitate the electrical connections between these two enclosures 7,8, by means allowing them to be easily separated from one another.
  • the two enclosures 7, 8 are made of an electrically insulating material which, in a first version of the invention, is a material in itself conventional, such as for example epoxy resin.
  • the first and second enclosures 7, 8 respectively comprise first and second side walls 18, 19 of which only the two walls perpendicular to the plane of the figure are shown, and respectively comprise first and second bottom plates 20, 21, as well as first and second top plates 23,23; the first top plate 22 constitutes a cover of the first enclosure 7, and the second top plate 23 constitutes a cover of the second enclosure 8.
  • their side walls and bottom plates respectively 18,20 and 19, 21 can be made in one piece, for example by molding.
  • the first top plate 22 of the first enclosure 7 is fixed to the first walls 18 by conventional means (not shown), by means of seals 25, so as to ensure the sealing of the first enclosure 7.
  • the second top plate 23 seals the second enclosure 8, also using seals 25.
  • the second top plate 23 is fixed to internal flanges 26 with which the second walls 19 are provided, so as to facilitate the production of partitions 27 which extend the second walls 19 and project beyond the second top plate 23, and which thus form between them a housing 24 in which the first enclosure 7 is arranged.
  • the second enclosure 8 is disposed on a bottom 16 of the sheath 2, and the first enclosure 7 is located on the side of the cover 4 of the sheath 2, supported by its bottom plate 20 on the second top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8.
  • the high voltage generator 11 is supplied by a low voltage alternating power supply BTA which is transported in the second enclosure 8 by a low voltage cable 36.
  • the low voltage cable 36 passes through the sheath 2 and enters the second enclosure 8 by a crossing waterproof 37; the low voltage cable 36 being itself connected, outside the sheath 2, to a conventional low voltage power source (not shown), as constituted for example by the 50 or 60 Hertz distribution network.
  • the low voltage cable 36 has two wires 35 carrying the low supply voltage BTA, which are applied to inputs 33, 34 of the high voltage generator 11; a third wire 15 of the low voltage cable 36 carries the potential of the earth or mass.
  • the high voltage generator 11 delivers the negative polarity -HT of the high voltage by a first output terminal 40, and delivers the positive polarity + HT by a second output terminal 42.
  • the high voltage supply of the X-ray tube 10 is of the monopolar type, and the second output terminal 42 is connected to the third wire 15 of the low voltage cable 36, so that the positive + HT polarity is brought to the potential of the earth or ground, the sheath 2 also being at ground potential.
  • the high voltage supply could be different according to configurations in themselves well known to those skilled in the art, such as for example monopolar with the negative polarity of the high voltage -HT to ground, or else according to a symmetrical arrangement (not shown) where the negative and positive polarities -HT, + HT of the high voltage are respectively negative and positive with respect to ground.
  • the different voltages necessary for the operation of the X-ray tube 10 are transported from the second enclosure 8 to the first enclosure 7, using complementary connectors with which these speakers are provided.
  • the bottom plate 20 of the first enclosure 7 comprises male connectors M1, M2, ... M5
  • the top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8 comprises female connectors C1, C2, ..., C5 in the same number, to each corresponding male connector a female connector.
  • the male and female connectors M1 to M5 and C1 to C5 are mounted respectively in the bottom plate 20 and the top plate 23, in the thickness direction of the latter, at the possibly using conventional seals (not shown), so that the interlocking of these connectors is carried out in a simple manner when the bottom plate 20 of the first enclosure 7 is supported on the top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8; the first enclosure 7 being guided by the partitions 27.
  • the X-ray tube 10 comprises a vacuum-tight envelope 70 in a conventional manner.
  • the envelope 70 contains the cathode 31, carried by a support 60 at a first end 71 of the envelope 70, and disposed opposite the anode 30.
  • the anode 30 is a rotating anode secured to a rotor 72 by means of a metal support axis 77; the rotor 72 is itself carried by a metal support shaft 73 which is fixed at a second end 74 of the casing 70.
  • the rotor 72 cooperates in a conventional manner with a stator 75 located outside the casing 70.
  • the casing 70 is entirely made of an insulating material, glass or ceramic for example, but it can also be metallic on the side of its second end 74, particularly when the high voltage supply is of the monopolar type with the anode 30 at ground potential.
  • the cathode 31 produces, using the filament 32, an electron beam (not shown) which bombards the anode 30 and forms on the latter a focus 80 which constitutes the source of X-radiation.
  • X-ray radiation leaves the sheath 2 through a window 81, in the form of a useful beam 82.
  • the lead layer 3 does not extend in front of the exit window 81.
  • the cathode 32 is shown in a simplified manner by a rectangle containing only the filament 32; but the cathode 31 can contain several filaments without departing from the scope of the invention, each additional filament requiring only an additional electrical connection because, generally, each filament has one end connected to the cathode itself.
  • a first and a second internal connection 92, 93 connect a first and a second end 90, 91 of the filament 32 respectively to a first and a second watertight electrical bushings 94.95 inserted in the casing 70, on the side of the first end 71 of the latter.
  • the first and second watertight electrical bushings 94.95 are connected respectively to second male connectors M1, M2, which are in contact respectively with a first and a second connector females C1, C2.
  • the first female connector C1 is connected, inside the second enclosure 8, to the first output 40 of the high voltage generator 11; the connection of the negative polarity -HT to the cathode 31 is thus achieved.
  • the heating of the filament 32 is obtained using the isolation transformer 12 as previously mentioned.
  • the isolation transformer 12 has a secondary winding 48, and a primary winding 47 which is supplied by the low supply voltage BTA, that is to say that the ends 45 of this primary winding 47 are connected to the wires. 35 of the low voltage cable 36.
  • a first end 46 of the secondary winding 48 is connected to the first output terminal 40 of the high voltage generator 11, that is to say to the negative polarity -HT.
  • a second end 50 of this secondary winding 48 is connected to the second female connector C2, which supplies the filament 32.
  • the second output terminal 42 of the high voltage generator 11 which is at earth or ground potential and which delivers the positive + HT polarity of the high voltage, is connected to a third female connector C3 in which a third male connector M3 is engaged which itself is connected, inside the first enclosure 7, to the metallic support shaft 73: so that the positive polarity + HT or mass is applied to the anode 30 via the shaft support 73, rotor 72 and support axis 77.
  • the stator 75 is supplied in a simple manner by applying to it the low supply voltage BTA, that is to say that inputs 96 , 97 of the stator 75 are connected respectively to a fourth and to a fifth male connectors M4, M5; the fourth and fifth male connectors M4, M5 are respectively engaged in a fourth and a fifth female connectors C4, C5 which are connected to the wires 35 of the low voltage power cable 36.
  • the enclosures 7,8 being electrically insulating, the problems of electrical insulation are limited to possible electrical breakdowns between the ground and the negative polarity -HT at the level of the first and second connectors M1, C1, M2, C2.
  • stator 75 can be supplied according to any other conventional configuration, with for example the stator 75 brought to a potential different from that of the rotor 72. It should also be noted that in the context of the invention , the rotor 72 can also be of the magnetic suspension type, this possibly having an influence only on the number of electrical connections that it is necessary to establish between the first and the second enclosures 7,8.
  • the new arrangement of the emitting device 1 according to the invention in which the X-ray tube 10 is mounted in an enclosure 7 filled with insulating oil 9 and in which the supply means 11,12 are mounted in a second enclosure 8 also filled with insulating oil, may worry the specialist and dissuade him from going towards such a solution because it requires two filling operations with isolation oil, while only one single filling operation d oil is necessary in the case of an X-ray unit according to the prior art.
  • this drawback is largely offset by the advantages that this solution brings, by the fact that the two enclosures 7,8 can easily be assembled and electrically connected to each other, and are easily separable from each other: which allows in particular, on the one hand, to easily replace a defective X-ray tube on the site, and which on the other hand facilitates manufacturing by making it possible to build and control separately, the enclosure 7 containing the X-ray tube and the enclosure 8 containing the supply means.
  • the enclosures 7, 8 where one or the other of these two enclosures is made at least partially from an electrically insulating material which is charged with a material with a high atomic number. This makes it possible to obtain a material which is both electrically insulating and absorbing X-rays, which can constitute an electrically insulating shielding material.
  • the first enclosure 7 By producing with such a material, for example the first enclosure 7, the latter can fulfill the function of protective shielding with respect to X-radiation, which makes it possible to remove the lead layer 3; hence, among other things, a considerable simplification in manufacturing. It should be noted that this also makes it possible to remove the various elements contained in the second enclosure 8 from the action of X-rays, and thus to avoid a relatively slow but certain degradation due to x-rays, of some of these elements such as for example polysulfone insulators.
  • the electrically insulating shielding material is obtained from an electrically insulating base material, an epoxy resin for example, which is loaded with a material with a high atomic number.
  • These high atomic number materials can be electrically insulating materials such as, for example, oxides of tungsten, uranium, thorium or even lead such as minium.
  • these materials with a high atomic number can also be electrically conductive materials such as in particular bismuth, tungsten, uranium, thorium, lead.
  • electrically conductive materials such as in particular bismuth, tungsten, uranium, thorium, lead.
  • the material which is both electrically insulating and absorbing X-ray or electrically insulating shielding material can be obtained for example by a process similar to that which it is known to use for reinforcing resins with light metals in powder form. , or by glass fibers.
  • the electrically insulating shielding material retains its insulating properties, for a very wide particle size range of the powder of the material with a high atomic number with which the base material, for example epoxy resin, must be loaded; specifically, this particle size is between 10 and 100 microns.
  • the assembly of the first enclosure 7 is made of a material which is both electrically insulating and absorbing X-rays, it is necessary to provide, in the first top plate 22 of the first enclosure 7, a second window 99 poorly absorbing X-rays. It is also possible to make the first enclosure 7 of this material which is both electrically insulating and absorbing X-rays, excluding the first top plate 22, and to keep a layer of lead 3a on the cover 4 of the sheath 2.
  • the first enclosure 7 is assembled with the second enclosure 8, that is to say placed in the housing 24, by a movement, symbolized by an arrow 102, which s performs in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation 103 of the rotary anode 30, and in such a configuration, it is simpler to arrange the stator 75 inside the first enclosure 7.
  • FIG. 2 schematically represents an embodiment of the first enclosure 7, in which the enclosure 7 differs from the version shown in FIG. 1 in that, on the side of the second end 74 of the envelope 70, the enclosure 7 substantially matches the shape of this second end 74, that is to say substantially matches the shape of the rotor 72, and constitutes around the rotor 72 a neck 104 around which the stator 75 is disposed.
  • the stator 75 being external to the first enclosure 7, it can be supplied directly by the second enclosure 8.
  • the support shaft 73 can be extended so as to leave the first enclosure 7 (using seals not shown), so as to be connected directly to the positive polarity + HT or ground without passing through the first pregnant te 7.
  • FIG. 3 shows by way of nonlimiting example, in a perspective view, the first and the second enclosures 7,8, intended to be assembled to one another in the case of the version of the invention where the stator 75 is outside the first enclosure 7.
  • the first enclosure 7 is extended, at one end 105, by the neck 104 previously mentioned, arranged along the axis of rotation 103 and containing the rotor 72 (not visible in Figure 3).
  • the second enclosure 8 is formed by a main block 106, containing the supplies 11, 12 (shown in FIG. 1), and a side wall 19 of which is extended by the partition 27 over a height H corresponding substantially to a thickness E of the first enclosure 7.
  • the partition 27 is then curved above the top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8 so as to produce the housing or cavity 24 intended to receive the first enclosure 7.
  • the first enclosure 7 is introduced into the cavity 24 by a movement which is carried out parallel to the axis of rotation 103, as shown in FIG. 3 by a second arrow 107.
  • the stator 75 (not shown in FIG. 3) is contained in a protective housing 108 of cylindrical or conical shape for example, which is fixed in the cavity 24.
  • the housing 108 is arranged so that the stator 75 is centered around the axis of rotation 102, that is to say disposed around the neck 104 and the rotor 72 contained therein, when the first enclosure 7 is fully engaged in the cavity 24.
  • the first and second male connectors M1, M2 are protruding with respect to the bottom plate 20 of the first enclosure 7, and are brought into contact with the first and second female connectors C1, C2 when the first enclosure 7 is fully engaged in the cavity 24; the female contacts C1, C2 being arranged in the top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8, at the end of grooves 110 made in the top plate 23 to allow the passage of the male connectors M1, M2.
  • the stator 75 being integral with the second enclosure 8, its supply can be achieved using two simple connecting wires 112 which pass through the top plate 23 by watertight crossings 111.
  • connection to the support shaft 73 where in other words to the anode 30, of the positive polarity + HT which also constitutes the ground or earth in the example shown in Figure 1, can be achieved for example using a contact device (not shown) in itself conventional, disposed in the protective housing 108, and which is brought into electrical contact with the support shaft 73 when the first enclosure is fully engaged in the cavity 24; this contact device being connected to a third connecting wire 113 which enters the second enclosure 8 by passing through the top plate 23 by a sealed passage 111.
  • the protective box 108 can be metallic, but it can also be made of an insulating material if the high voltage supply is of a different type , and also the cavity 24 can be entirely closed by an insulating material as in the example of FIG. 1.
  • One of the advantages of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3 resides in particular in that it makes it possible to reduce the number of plug-in connectors to the number necessary for supplying the cathode, and in that it allows on the other hand to reduce the number of elements contained in the first enclosure 7.

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  • X-Ray Techniques (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif émetteur de rayons X du type dans lequel un tube radiogène et, des moyens pour alimenter ce dernier en haute tension et en basse tension, sont assemblés pour former un unique bloc. L'invention concerne particulièrement des moyens pour faciliter la construction et la maintenance d'un tel dispositif.The invention relates to an X-ray emitting device of the type in which an X-ray tube and, means for supplying the latter with high voltage and low voltage, are assembled to form a single block. The invention particularly relates to means for facilitating the construction and maintenance of such a device.

Du document US-A-1987790 est connu un dispositif émetteur de rayons X qui comprend une première enceinte contenant un tube radiogène immergé dans un fluide d'isolation électrique. Une deuxième enceinte contient des moyens d'alimentation pour alimenter le tube radiogène en haute tension et en basse tension. Les moyens d'alimentation sont également immergés dans du fluide d'isolation électrique. Les deux enceintes sont étanches l'une par rapport à l'autre et réalisées en un matériau électriquement isolant. Les enceintes sont formées de manière que la première enceinte est disposée dans une cavité de la deuxième enceinte. La cavité est formée à l'aide de cloisons qui constituent un moyen de guidage et de maintien de la première enceinte.Document US-A-1987790 discloses an X-ray emitting device which comprises a first enclosure containing an X-ray tube immersed in an electrical isolation fluid. A second enclosure contains supply means for supplying the X-ray tube with high voltage and low voltage. The supply means are also immersed in electrical insulation fluid. The two enclosures are sealed relative to each other and made of an electrically insulating material. The enclosures are formed so that the first enclosure is disposed in a cavity of the second enclosure. The cavity is formed using partitions which constitute a means of guiding and holding the first enclosure.

Les installations de radiologie notamment pour le diagnostic médical comportent, pour produire un rayonnement X, un tube radiogène et des alimentations produisant les différentes tensions nécessaires au fonctionnement du tube radiogène. Le tube radiogène et les alimentations peuvent être disposés selon deux configurations qui diffèrent, l'une de l'autre, principalement en ce que, dans la première configuration, le tube radiogène est séparé des alimentations et la liaison électrique est réalisée à l'aide de câbles à haute isolation électrique ; alors que dans la seconde configuration, le tube radiogène et les alimentations sont réunis en un bloc unique, ce qui évite l'utilisation de câbles à haute isolation électrique.Radiology installations, in particular for medical diagnosis, include, to produce X-ray radiation, an X-ray tube and power supplies producing the different voltages necessary for the operation of the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube and the power supplies can be arranged in two configurations which differ from each other, mainly in that, in the first configuration, the X-ray tube is separated from the power supplies and the electrical connection is made using cables with high electrical insulation; whereas in the second configuration, the X-ray tube and the power supplies are combined in a single block, which avoids the use of cables with high electrical insulation.

Dans la première configuration, le tube radiogène est contenu dans une enveloppe métallique appelée gaine, et qui assure la protection contre les chocs électriques et les rayonnements X ; la gaine étant remplie d'un fluide électriquement isolant, de l'huile par exemple, dans laquelle le tube radiogène est immergé. On trouve d'autre part, une cuve également remplie d'huile isolante et contenant les différentes alimentations telles que par exemple :

  • le générateur haute tension qui élabore la haute tension d'alimentation du tube radiogène, et qui comporte par exemple un transformateur élévateur de tension dont l'enroulement primaire est raccordé à une basse tension alternative, et dont l'enroulement secondaire, qui généralement a un point milieu à la terre, délivre une haute tension alternative ; la haute tension alternative peut ête appliquée à un dispositif redresseur ou multiplicateur de tension, également disposé dans la cuve, et qui délivre les polarités positives et négatives de la haute tension destinées respectivement à être appliquées à l'anode et à la cathode du tube radiogène ;
  • la cuve contient en outre, un ou plusieurs transformateurs d'isolation destinés à délivrer une basse tension alternative pour l'alimentation du ou des filaments de la cathode et, dans le cas d'une anode tournante, des moyens pour alimenter le moteur servant à obtenir la rotation de l'anode.
In the first configuration, the X-ray tube is contained in a metal envelope called a sheath, which provides protection against electric shock and X-rays; the sheath being filled with an electrically insulating fluid, oil for example, in which the X-ray tube is immersed. On the other hand, there is a tank also filled with insulating oil and containing the various supplies such as for example:
  • the high voltage generator which develops the high supply voltage of the X-ray tube, and which comprises for example a step-up transformer whose primary winding is connected to a low AC voltage, and whose secondary winding, which generally has a midpoint at the earth, delivers an alternating high voltage; the alternating high voltage can be applied to a voltage rectifier or multiplier device, also placed in the tank, and which delivers the positive and negative polarities of the high voltage intended respectively to be applied to the anode and to the cathode of the X-ray tube ;
  • the tank also contains one or more isolation transformers intended to deliver an alternating low voltage for supplying the cathode filament (s) and, in the case of a rotating anode, means for supplying the motor serving to get the rotation of the anode.

Les hautes et basses tensions d'alimentation du tube radiogène sont transportées, depuis l'intérieur de la cuve jusqu'à l'intérieur de la gaine, à l'aide de deux câbles à haute isolation électrique, dont le premier amène la haute tension négative et l'alimentation du ou des filaments, du côté de la cathode, et dont le second amène la haute tension positive et la basse tension d'alimentation du moteur d'anode du côté de l'anode.The high and low supply voltages of the X-ray tube are transported from the inside of the tank to the inside of the sheath, using two cables with high electrical insulation, the first of which brings high voltage negative and the supply of the filament (s), on the cathode side, and the second of which brings the positive high voltage and the low supply voltage of the anode motor to the anode side.

Il est à signaler que dans une installation de radiodiagnostic, l'ensemble radiogène est un élément particulièrement mobile, et le ou les câbles à haute isolation électrique qui lui sont attachés présentent une gêne importante du fait de leur très grande rigidité mécanique nécessaire à obtenir les qualités d'isolation électrique requises. On peut noter sur ce point, que pour une alimentation du tube radiogène avec une haute tension relativement élevée, cette alimentation est rarement du type monopolaire uniquement à cause de la trop grande rigidité mécanique que devrait comporter le câble à haute isolation électrique.It should be noted that in a radiodiagnostic installation, the X-ray unit is a particularly mobile element, and the cable or cables with high electrical insulation which are attached to it have significant discomfort due to their very high mechanical rigidity necessary to obtain the electrical insulation qualities required. It can be noted on this point, that for a supply of the X-ray tube with a relatively high high voltage, this supply is rarely of the monopolar type only because of the too great mechanical rigidity that the cable with high electrical insulation should include.

Dans un but de protection des utilisateurs contre les chocs électriques, un des soucis des constructeurs d'installations radiologiques est de s'assurer que toutes les surfaces extérieures de la gaine sont métalliques et portées au potentiel de la terre, et qu'il y a continuité électrique le long de cette gaine, le long du ou des câbles à haute isolation électrique et le long de la cuve contenant le générateur. Les câbles à haute isolation électrique sont enveloppés d'une couche métallique, et toutes les dispositions sont prises de façon que sur tout l'ensemble, et après connection des câbles à haute isolation électrique, aucune partie non métallique ne puisse être atteinte de l'extérieur accidentellement. Une exception se présente toutefois pour une fenêtre de sortie, formée dans la gaine protectrice, et par laquelle sort le faisceau utile, c'est-à-dire les rayons X servant à réaliser une image radiographique.In order to protect users against electric shock, one of the concerns of manufacturers of radiological installations is to ensure that all the external surfaces of the sheath are metallic and brought to earth potential, and that there is electrical continuity the along this sheath, along the cable or cables with high electrical insulation and along the tank containing the generator. The cables with high electrical insulation are wrapped in a metallic layer, and all the arrangements are made so that on the whole, and after connection of the cables with high electrical insulation, no non-metallic part can be reached from the accidentally outside. An exception is however made for an exit window, formed in the protective sheath, and through which the useful beam, that is to say the X-rays used to produce a radiographic image, exits.

Dans le cas du bloc radiogène, c'est-à-dire dans le cas de la seconde configuration, l'émetteur de rayons X comporte une enceinte métallique, de sorte à être isopotentielle également comme la gaine protectrice de l'ensemble radiogène de la première configuration. Cette enceinte métallique ou gaine est remplie d'une huile électriquement isolante et contient le tube radiogène, ainsi que tous les éléments utiles à son alimentation tels que par exemple ceux décrits dans le cas de la première configuration ; les différentes connexions entre le tube radiogène et les alimentations étant réalisées à l'intérieur de la gaine.In the case of the X-ray unit, that is to say in the case of the second configuration, the X-ray emitter comprises a metal enclosure, so as to be isopotential also like the protective sheath of the X-ray unit of the first configuration. This metallic enclosure or sheath is filled with an electrically insulating oil and contains the X-ray tube, as well as all the elements useful for its supply such as for example those described in the case of the first configuration; the different connections between the X-ray tube and the power supplies being made inside the sheath.

Ainsi l'un des principaux avantages que présente le bloc radiogène par rapport à l'agencement décrit dans la première configuration, réside en ce qu'il ne nécessite pas de câbles à haute isolation électrique, et en ce que le ou les câbles qui lui sont attachés sont des câbles qui transportent de la basse tension et sont relativement souples.Thus one of the main advantages of the X-ray unit compared to the arrangement described in the first configuration, resides in that it does not require cables with high electrical insulation, and in that the cable or cables which it attached are cables that carry low voltage and are relatively flexible.

Cependant, le bloc radiogène présente un inconvénient important au niveau de sa maintenance, notamment pour le remplacement d'un tube radiogène qui, obligatoirement, exige le retour à l'usine du bloc radiogène entier. En effet, le remplacement d'un tube radiogène exige d'intervenir au niveau des connexions entre ce dernier et ses alimentations, après avoir vidé la gaine de l'huile qu'elle contient. Il est nécessaire ensuite, après remplacement du tube radiogène et avant d'effectuer un contrôle du fonctionnement, de remplir à nouveau la gaine par l'huile isolante; cette dernière opération étant particulièrement délicate du fait notamment que l'huile ne doit contenir aucune bulle d'air qui pourrait dégrader l'isolation électrique.However, the X-ray unit has a significant drawback in terms of its maintenance, in particular for the replacement of an X-ray tube which, necessarily, requires the return of the entire X-ray unit to the factory. Indeed, the replacement of an X-ray tube requires intervention at the level of the connections between the latter and its power supplies, after having emptied the sheath of the oil which it contains. It is necessary then, after replacing the X-ray tube and before carrying out a functional check, fill the sheath again with insulating oil; this latter operation being particularly delicate owing in particular to the fact that the oil must not contain any air bubbles which could degrade the electrical insulation.

Cet inconvénient, au niveau de la maintenance d'un bloc radiogène, est d'autant plus important que son fonctionnement est plus intensif et conduit à une usure plus rapide du tube radiogène. Ainsi par exemple, dans des installations de radiodiagnostic du type scanner qui fonctionnent de manière intensive, un remplacement du tube tenu de la difficulté présentée au niveau de la maintenance d'un bloc radiogène, certains constructeurs préfèrent utiliser, dans des installations de type scanner, l'agencement de la première configuration malgré les inconvénients dus à la présence des câbles à haute isolation électrique, inconvénients qui sont particulièrement ressentis dans un appareil de type scanner où l'ensemble radiogène doit tourner autour d'un patient parfois de plus de 360°.This drawback, in terms of maintenance of an X-ray unit, is all the more important as its operation is more intensive and leads to faster wear of the X-ray tube. For example, in scanner-type radiodiagnostic installations which operate intensively, a replacement of the tube due to the difficulty presented in the maintenance of an X-ray unit, certain manufacturers prefer to use, in scanner-type installations, the arrangement of the first configuration despite the drawbacks due to the presence of cables with high electrical insulation, drawbacks which are particularly felt in a scanner type device where the X-ray unit must rotate around a patient sometimes more than 360 ° .

L'invention concerne un dispositif émetteur de rayons X du type formant un bloc unique semblable dans sa forme extérieure à un bloc radiogène, mais dont l'agencement nouveau permet d'éviter les inconvénients présentés par ce dernier, notamment au niveau de la maintenance.The invention relates to an X-ray emitting device of the type forming a single block similar in its form outside to an X-ray unit, but whose new arrangement makes it possible to avoid the drawbacks presented by the latter, in particular in terms of maintenance.

Selon l'invention, un dispositif émetteur de rayons X de type bloc radiogène comprenant à l'intérieur d'une gaine de protection métallique, un tube radiogène placé dans une première enceinte étanche remplie d'un fluide d'isolation électrique, des moyens d'alimentation du tube en haute tension et basse tension placés dans une seconde enceinte étanche remplie d'un fluide d'isolation électrique, et des moyens de blindage vis à vis du rayonnement X excepté devant une fenêtre de sortie du faisceau utile, caractérisé en ce que :

  • l'enceinte, réalisée en matériau isolant électriquement, est placée au fond de la gaine, sa plaque de dessus servant de couvercle étanche doté de connecteurs électriques (Ci) et au moins une de ses parois latérales qui se prolonge au delà de ladite plaque par une cloison réalisant un logement;
  • l'enceinte, réalisée en matériau isolant électriquement, est placée contre la plaque de dessus de l'enceinte dans le logement, de telle sorte que des connecteurs électriques (Mi) dotant la plaque de fond de ladite enceinte s'emboîtent dans les connecteurs (Ci) de l'enceinte, les nombres de connecteurs (Mi) et (Ci) étant égaux; les deux enceintes étant séparables l'une de l'autre;
  • un câble basse tension traverse la gaine métallique et pénètre dans l'enceinte par une traversée étanche pratiquée dans sa plaque de fond;
  • et en ce que au moins une des deux plaques des enceintes respectivement, placées l'une contre l'autre dans la gaine, est réalisée en matériau isolant électriquement chargé par un matériau à haut numéro atomique.
According to the invention, an X-ray emitting device of the X-ray unit type comprising, inside a metal protective sheath, an X-ray tube placed in a first sealed enclosure filled with an electrical insulation fluid, means for 'high voltage and low voltage tube supply placed in a second sealed enclosure filled with an electrical insulation fluid, and shielding means with respect to the X-ray except in front of a useful beam exit window, characterized in that:
  • the enclosure, made of electrically insulating material, is placed at the bottom of the sheath, its top plate serving as a sealed cover provided with electrical connectors (Ci) and at least one of its side walls which extends beyond said plate by a partition providing accommodation;
  • the enclosure, made of electrically insulating material, is placed against the top plate of the enclosure in the housing, so that electrical connectors (Mi) endowing the bottom plate of said enclosure fit into the connectors ( Ci) of the enclosure, the numbers of connectors (Mi) and (Ci) being equal; the two enclosures being separable from each other;
  • a low-voltage cable passes through the metal sheath and enters the enclosure by a watertight crossing made in its bottom plate;
  • and in that at least one of the two speaker plates respectively, placed one against the other in the sheath, is made of insulating material electrically charged with a material with a high atomic number.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit, faite à tire d'exemple non limitatif, et des deux figures annexées parmi lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 montre de manière schématique un dispositif émetteur de rayons X conforme à l'invention;
  • la figure 2 montre schématiquement une première enceinte montrée à la figure 1 et réalisée selon une variante de l'invention;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective représentant l'enceinte montrée à la figure 2 et destinée à être assemblée à une seconde enceinte.
The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example, and of the two appended figures among which:
  • Figure 1 shows schematically an X-ray emitting device according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 schematically shows a first enclosure shown in Figure 1 and produced according to a variant of the invention;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the enclosure shown in Figure 2 and intended to be assembled with a second enclosure.

La figure 1 montre, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, un dispositif émetteur 1 de rayons X conforme à l'invention. Le dispositif émetteur 1 comporte une gaine 2 métallique, en aluminium par exemple. Dans un premier exemple de réalisation, les parois intérieures de la gaine 2 sont revêtues d'une couche 3 de plomb destinée à former un blindage de protection vis-à-vis des rayonnements X. Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, la gaine 2 a une forme sensiblement cubique, et constitue une boîte fermée par un couvercle 4. Le couvercle 4 est amovible ou, ainsi que dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, monté sur une charnière 5 solidaire de la gaine 2 de manière à pouvoir être soulevé en tournant autour de la charnière 5, comme symbolisé par une flèche 6 afin de permettre l'accès à l'intérieur de la gaine 2.FIG. 1 shows, by way of nonlimiting example, an X-ray emitting device 1 according to the invention. The emitting device 1 comprises a metal sheath 2, made of aluminum for example. In a first embodiment, the inner walls of the sheath 2 are coated with a layer 3 of lead intended to form a shielding shielding against X-rays. In the nonlimiting example described, the sheath 2 has a substantially cubic shape, and constitutes a box closed by a cover 4. The cover 4 is removable or, as in the nonlimiting example described, mounted on a hinge 5 secured to the sheath 2 so as to be able to be lifted in rotating around the hinge 5, as symbolized by an arrow 6 in order to allow access to the interior of the sheath 2.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, la gaine 2 contient une première et une seconde enceinte 7, 8 chacune étanche et remplie d'une huile électriquement isolante 9, la première enceinte 7 contenant un tube radiogène 10, et la seconde enceinte 8 contenant des alimentations 11, 12 nécessaires à fournir les tensions d'alimentation du tube radiogène 10. Ces alimentations sont constituées, dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, d'une part, par un générateur haute tension 11, classique, produisant une haute tension redressée HT destinée à être appliquée entre une anode 30 et une cathode 31 du tube radiogène 10, et d'autre part, par un transformateur d'isolement 12 délivrant une basse tension BTF destinée à être appliquée à un filament 32 de la cathode 31.According to a characteristic of the invention, the sheath 2 contains a first and a second enclosure 7, 8 each sealed and filled with an electrically insulating oil 9, the first enclosure 7 containing an X-ray tube 10, and the second enclosure 8 containing power supplies 11, 12 necessary to supply the supply voltages of the X-ray tube 10. These power supplies are constituted, in the nonlimiting example described, on the one hand, by a high voltage generator 11, conventional, producing a rectified high voltage HT intended to be applied between an anode 30 and a cathode 31 of the X-ray tube 10, and on the other hand, by a transformer insulation 12 delivering a low voltage BTF intended to be applied to a filament 32 of the cathode 31.

Les deux enceintes 7,8 sont appliquées l'une contre l'autre en vue de faciliter les liaisons électriques entre ces deux enceintes 7,8, par des moyens permettant des les séparer facilement l'une de l'autre.The two enclosures 7,8 are applied one against the other in order to facilitate the electrical connections between these two enclosures 7,8, by means allowing them to be easily separated from one another.

Pour mieux discerner sur la figure 1 les unes des autres la gaine 2, la couche de plomb 3 et les deux enceintes 7,8, qui sont montrées sur la figure 1 par une vue en coupe c'est-à-dire par leurs parois, ces parois portent des hâchures différentes.To better discern in Figure 1 from each other the sheath 2, the lead layer 3 and the two enclosures 7,8, which are shown in Figure 1 by a sectional view that is to say by their walls , these walls have different hatches.

Les deux enceintes 7,8 sont réalisées en un matériau électriquement isolant qui, dans une première version de l'invention, est un matériau en lui-même classique, tel que par exemple de la résine époxy.The two enclosures 7, 8 are made of an electrically insulating material which, in a first version of the invention, is a material in itself conventional, such as for example epoxy resin.

La première et la seconde enceinte 7,8 comportent respectivement des premières et des secondes parois latérales 18,19 dont seulement les deux parois perpendiculaires au plan de la figure sont représentées, et comportent respectivement une première et une seconde plaques de fond 20,21, ainsi qu'une première et une seconde plaques de dessus 23,23 ; la première plaque de dessus 22 constitue un couvercle de la première enceinte 7, et la seconde plaque de dessus 23 constitue un couvercle de la seconde enceinte 8. Pour les deux enceintes 7,8, leurs parois latérales et plaques de fond respectivement 18,20 et 19,21 peuvent être réalisées d'une seule pièce, par moulage par exemple. La première plaque de dessus 22 de la première enceinte 7 est fixée sur les premières parois 18 par des moyens classiques (non représentés), par l'intermédiaire de joints 25, de manière à assurer l'étanchéïté de la première enceinte 7. La seconde plaque de dessus 23 ferme de manière étanche la seconde enceinte 8, à l'aide également de joints 25. Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, la seconde plaque de dessus 23 est fixée sur des rebords intérieurs 26 dont sont munies les secondes parois 19, de manière à faciliter la réalisation de cloisons 27 qui prolongent les secondes parois 19 et sont en dépassement par rapport à la seconde plaque de dessus 23, et qui forment ainsi entre elles un logement 24 dans lequel est disposée la première enceinte 7.The first and second enclosures 7, 8 respectively comprise first and second side walls 18, 19 of which only the two walls perpendicular to the plane of the figure are shown, and respectively comprise first and second bottom plates 20, 21, as well as first and second top plates 23,23; the first top plate 22 constitutes a cover of the first enclosure 7, and the second top plate 23 constitutes a cover of the second enclosure 8. For the two enclosures 7,8, their side walls and bottom plates respectively 18,20 and 19, 21 can be made in one piece, for example by molding. The first top plate 22 of the first enclosure 7 is fixed to the first walls 18 by conventional means (not shown), by means of seals 25, so as to ensure the sealing of the first enclosure 7. The second top plate 23 seals the second enclosure 8, also using seals 25. In the nonlimiting example described, the second top plate 23 is fixed to internal flanges 26 with which the second walls 19 are provided, so as to facilitate the production of partitions 27 which extend the second walls 19 and project beyond the second top plate 23, and which thus form between them a housing 24 in which the first enclosure 7 is arranged.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif de la description, la seconde enceinte 8 est disposée sur un fond 16 de la gaine 2, et la première enceinte 7 se trouve du côté du couvercle 4 de la gaine 2, en appui par sa plaque de fond 20 sur la seconde plaque de dessus 23 de la seconde enceinte 8.In the nonlimiting example of the description, the second enclosure 8 is disposed on a bottom 16 of the sheath 2, and the first enclosure 7 is located on the side of the cover 4 of the sheath 2, supported by its bottom plate 20 on the second top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8.

Le générateur haute tension 11 est alimenté par une basse tension alternative d'alimentation BTA qui est transportée dans la seconde enceinte 8 par un câble basse tension 36. Le câble basse tension 36 traverse la gaine 2 et pénètre dans la seconde enceinte 8 par une traversée étanche 37 ; le câble basse tension 36 étant lui-même raccordé, à l'extérieur de la gaine 2, à une source d'alimentation basse tension classique (non représentée), telle que constituée par exemple par le réseau de distribution en 50 ou 60 Hertz. Le câble basse tension 36 comporte deux fils 35 transportant la basse tension d'alimentation BTA, qui sont appliqués à des entrées 33,34 du générateur haute tension 11 ; un troisième fil 15 du câble basse tension 36 transporte le potentiel de la terre ou masse. Le générateur haute tension 11 délivre la polarité négative -HT de la haute tension par une première borne de sortie 40, et délivre la polarité positive +HT par une seconde borne de sortie 42. Dans l'exemple non limitatif de la description, l'alimentation en haute tension du tube radiogène 10 est du type monopolaire, et la seconde borne de sortie 42 est reliée au troisième fil 15 du câble basse tension 36, afin que la polarité positive +HT soit portée au potentiel de la terre ou masse, la gaine 2 étant également au potentiel de la masse. Bien entendu, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, l'alimentation en haute tension pourrait être différente selon des configurations en elles-mêmes bien connues de l'homme du métier, telles que par exemple monopolaire avec la polarité négative de la haute tension -HT à la masse, ou encore selon un montage symétrique (non représenté) où les polarités négative et positive -HT, +HT de la haute tension sont respectivement négative et positive par rapport à la masse.The high voltage generator 11 is supplied by a low voltage alternating power supply BTA which is transported in the second enclosure 8 by a low voltage cable 36. The low voltage cable 36 passes through the sheath 2 and enters the second enclosure 8 by a crossing waterproof 37; the low voltage cable 36 being itself connected, outside the sheath 2, to a conventional low voltage power source (not shown), as constituted for example by the 50 or 60 Hertz distribution network. The low voltage cable 36 has two wires 35 carrying the low supply voltage BTA, which are applied to inputs 33, 34 of the high voltage generator 11; a third wire 15 of the low voltage cable 36 carries the potential of the earth or mass. The high voltage generator 11 delivers the negative polarity -HT of the high voltage by a first output terminal 40, and delivers the positive polarity + HT by a second output terminal 42. In the nonlimiting example of the description, the high voltage supply of the X-ray tube 10 is of the monopolar type, and the second output terminal 42 is connected to the third wire 15 of the low voltage cable 36, so that the positive + HT polarity is brought to the potential of the earth or ground, the sheath 2 also being at ground potential. Of course, without leaving the within the framework of the invention, the high voltage supply could be different according to configurations in themselves well known to those skilled in the art, such as for example monopolar with the negative polarity of the high voltage -HT to ground, or else according to a symmetrical arrangement (not shown) where the negative and positive polarities -HT, + HT of the high voltage are respectively negative and positive with respect to ground.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, les différentes tensions nécessaires au fonctionnement du tube radiogène 10 sont transportées, depuis la seconde enceinte 8 jusque dans la première enceinte 7, à l'aide de connecteurs complémentaires dont sont munies ces enceintes. Ainsi par exemple, la plaque de fond 20 de la première enceinte 7 comporte des connecteurs mâles M1, M2,...M5, et la plaque de dessus 23 de la seconde enceinte 8 comporte des connecteurs femelles C1,C2, ..., C5 en même nombre, à chaque connecteur mâle correspondant un connecteur femelle. Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, les connecteurs mâles et femelles M1 à M5 et C1 à C5 sont montés respectivement dans la plaque de fond 20 et la plaque de dessus 23, dans le sens de l'épaisseur de ces dernières, à l'aide éventuellement de joints d'étanchéïté classiques (non représentés), de sorte que l'emboitement de ces connecteurs est réalisé de manière simple quand la plaque de fond 20 de la première enceinte 7 est en appui sur la plaque de dessus 23 de la seconde enceinte 8 ; la première enceinte 7 étant guidée par les cloisons 27.According to a characteristic of the invention, the different voltages necessary for the operation of the X-ray tube 10 are transported from the second enclosure 8 to the first enclosure 7, using complementary connectors with which these speakers are provided. Thus, for example, the bottom plate 20 of the first enclosure 7 comprises male connectors M1, M2, ... M5, and the top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8 comprises female connectors C1, C2, ..., C5 in the same number, to each corresponding male connector a female connector. In the nonlimiting example described, the male and female connectors M1 to M5 and C1 to C5 are mounted respectively in the bottom plate 20 and the top plate 23, in the thickness direction of the latter, at the possibly using conventional seals (not shown), so that the interlocking of these connectors is carried out in a simple manner when the bottom plate 20 of the first enclosure 7 is supported on the top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8; the first enclosure 7 being guided by the partitions 27.

Le tube radiogène 10 comporte une enveloppe 70 étanche au vide de manière classique. L'enveloppe 70 contient la cathode 31, portée par un support 60 à une première extrémité 71 de l'enveloppe 70, et disposée en vis à vis de l'anode 30. Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, l'anode 30 est une anode tournante solidaire d'un rotor 72 par l'intermédiaire d'un axe support métallique 77 ; le rotor 72 est lui-même porté par un arbre support métallique 73 qui est fixé à une seconde extrémité 74 de l'enveloppe 70. Le rotor 72 coopère de manière classique avec un stator 75 situé à l'extérieur de l'enveloppe 70. Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, l'enveloppe 70 est entièrement en un matériau isolant, verre ou céramique par exemple, mais elle peut également être métallique du côté de sa seconde extrémité 74, particulièrement quand l'alimentation en haute tension est du type monopolaire avec l'anode 30 au potentiel de la masse.The X-ray tube 10 comprises a vacuum-tight envelope 70 in a conventional manner. The envelope 70 contains the cathode 31, carried by a support 60 at a first end 71 of the envelope 70, and disposed opposite the anode 30. In the nonlimiting example described, the anode 30 is a rotating anode secured to a rotor 72 by means of a metal support axis 77; the rotor 72 is itself carried by a metal support shaft 73 which is fixed at a second end 74 of the casing 70. The rotor 72 cooperates in a conventional manner with a stator 75 located outside the casing 70. In the nonlimiting example described, the casing 70 is entirely made of an insulating material, glass or ceramic for example, but it can also be metallic on the side of its second end 74, particularly when the high voltage supply is of the monopolar type with the anode 30 at ground potential.

En fonctionnement, la cathode 31 produit, à l'aide du filament 32, un faisceau d'électrons (non représenté) qui bombarde l'anode 30 et forme sur cette dernière un foyer 80 qui constitue la source d'un rayonnement X. Le rayonnement X sort de la gaine 2 par une fenêtre 81, sous la forme d'un faisceau utile 82. Bien entendu la couche de plomb 3 ne s'étend pas devant la fenêtre de sortie 81.In operation, the cathode 31 produces, using the filament 32, an electron beam (not shown) which bombards the anode 30 and forms on the latter a focus 80 which constitutes the source of X-radiation. X-ray radiation leaves the sheath 2 through a window 81, in the form of a useful beam 82. Of course, the lead layer 3 does not extend in front of the exit window 81.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif représenté à la figure 1 et pour plus de clarté de cette dernière, la cathode 32 est représentée de manière simplifiée par un rectangle contenant seulement le filament 32 ; mais la cathode 31 peut contenir plusieurs filaments sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention, chaque filament supplémentaire exigeant seulement une liaison électrique supplémentaire du fait que, généralement, chaque filament a une extrémité reliée à la cathode elle-même.In the nonlimiting example shown in Figure 1 and for clarity thereof, the cathode 32 is shown in a simplified manner by a rectangle containing only the filament 32; but the cathode 31 can contain several filaments without departing from the scope of the invention, each additional filament requiring only an additional electrical connection because, generally, each filament has one end connected to the cathode itself.

Il suffit ainsi de seulement deux liaisons électriques pour à la fois alimenter le filament 32 et porter la cathode à la polarité négative de la haute tension : une première et une seconde liaisons intérieures 92,93 relient une première et une seconde extrémités 90,91 du filament 32 respectivement à une première et à une seconde traversées électriques étanches 94,95 insérées dans l'enveloppe 70, du côté de la première extrémité 71 de cette dernière. La première et la seconde traversées électriques étanches 94,95 sont reliées respectivement, à second connecteurs mâles M1, M2, qui sont en contact respectivement avec un premier et un second connecteurs femelles C1,C2. Le premier connecteur femelle C1 est relié, à l'intérieur de la seconde enceinte 8, à la première sortie 40 du générateur haute tension 11 ; la connexion de la polarité négative -HT à la cathode 31 est ainsi réalisée. Le chauffage du filament 32 est obtenu à l'aide du transformateur d'isolement 12 ainsi qu'il a été précédemment mentionné.Only two electrical connections are enough to supply both the filament 32 and bring the cathode to the negative polarity of the high voltage: a first and a second internal connection 92, 93 connect a first and a second end 90, 91 of the filament 32 respectively to a first and a second watertight electrical bushings 94.95 inserted in the casing 70, on the side of the first end 71 of the latter. The first and second watertight electrical bushings 94.95 are connected respectively to second male connectors M1, M2, which are in contact respectively with a first and a second connector females C1, C2. The first female connector C1 is connected, inside the second enclosure 8, to the first output 40 of the high voltage generator 11; the connection of the negative polarity -HT to the cathode 31 is thus achieved. The heating of the filament 32 is obtained using the isolation transformer 12 as previously mentioned.

Le transformateur d'isolement 12 comporte un enroulement secondaire 48, et un enroulement primaire 47 qui est alimenté par la basse tension d'alimentation BTA, c'est-à-dire que des extrémités 45, de cet enroulement primaire 47 sont reliées aux fils 35 du câble basse tension 36.Une première extrémité 46 de l'enroulement secondaire 48 est reliée à la première borne de sortie 40 du générateur haute tension 11, c'est-à-dire à la polarité négative -HT. Une seconde extrémité 50 de cet enroulement secondaire 48 est reliée au second connecteur femelle C2, ce qui réalise l'alimentation du filament 32.The isolation transformer 12 has a secondary winding 48, and a primary winding 47 which is supplied by the low supply voltage BTA, that is to say that the ends 45 of this primary winding 47 are connected to the wires. 35 of the low voltage cable 36. A first end 46 of the secondary winding 48 is connected to the first output terminal 40 of the high voltage generator 11, that is to say to the negative polarity -HT. A second end 50 of this secondary winding 48 is connected to the second female connector C2, which supplies the filament 32.

La seconde borne de sortie 42 du générateur haute tension 11 qui est au potentiel de la terre ou masse et qui délivre la polarité positive +HT de la haute tension, est reliée à un troisième connecteur femelle C3 dans lequel est engagé un troisième connecteur mâle M3 qui lui-même est relié, à l'intérieur de la première enceinte 7, à l'arbre support 73 métallique : de sorte que la polarité positive +HT ou masse est appliquée à l'anode 30 par l'intermédiaire de l'arbre support 73, du rotor 72 et de l'axe support 77.The second output terminal 42 of the high voltage generator 11 which is at earth or ground potential and which delivers the positive + HT polarity of the high voltage, is connected to a third female connector C3 in which a third male connector M3 is engaged which itself is connected, inside the first enclosure 7, to the metallic support shaft 73: so that the positive polarity + HT or mass is applied to the anode 30 via the shaft support 73, rotor 72 and support axis 77.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit où l'anode 30 est à la masse, l'alimentation du stator 75 est réalisée de manière simple en lui appliquant la basse tension d'alimentation BTA, c'est-à-dire que des entrées 96,97 du stator 75 sont reliées respectivement à un quatrième et à un cinquième connecteurs mâles M4,M5 ; le quatrième et le cinquième connecteurs mâles M4,M5 sont engagés respectivement dans un quatrième et un cinquième connecteurs femelles C4,C5 qui sont reliés aux fils 35 du câble d'alimentation basse tension 36. Dans une telle configuration, les enceintes 7,8 étant électriquement isolantes, les problèmes d'isolation électriques sont limitées à des éventuels claquages électriques entre la masse et la polarité négative -HT au niveau des premiers et seconds connecteurs M1,C1,M2,C2. Ces claquages peuvent se produire particulièrement le long d'une jonction 41 entre la première plaque de fond 20 et la seconde plaque de dessus 23, mais ils sont facilement évités si une distance D1 entre ces premiers et secondes connecteurs M1,C1,M2,C2 et les troisièmes connecteurs M3,C3 est suffisamment grande, de l'ordre de... cm par exemple. D'autre part, les cloisons 27 ont pour effet d'augmenter la longueur des lignes de fuite entre la polarité négative -HT et la gaine 2 qui est à la masse, mais ces cloisons 27 pourraient être supprimées en plaçant les premiers et seconds connecteurs M1,C1,M2,C2 a une seconde distance D2 de la gaine 2 suffisamment grande, c'est-à-dire sensiblement égale à la première distance D1. Bien entendu, l'alimentation du stator 75 peut être réalisée selon toutes autres configurations classiques, avec par exemple le stator 75 porté à un potentiel différent de celui du rotor 72. Il est à noter en outre, que dans la cadre de l'invention, le rotor 72 peut également être du type à suspension magnétique, ceci n'ayant d'influence éventuellement que sur le nombre de liaisons électriques qu'il est nécessaire d'établir entre la première et la seconde enceintes 7,8.In the nonlimiting example described where the anode 30 is grounded, the stator 75 is supplied in a simple manner by applying to it the low supply voltage BTA, that is to say that inputs 96 , 97 of the stator 75 are connected respectively to a fourth and to a fifth male connectors M4, M5; the fourth and fifth male connectors M4, M5 are respectively engaged in a fourth and a fifth female connectors C4, C5 which are connected to the wires 35 of the low voltage power cable 36. In such a configuration, the enclosures 7,8 being electrically insulating, the problems of electrical insulation are limited to possible electrical breakdowns between the ground and the negative polarity -HT at the level of the first and second connectors M1, C1, M2, C2. These breakdowns can occur particularly along a junction 41 between the first bottom plate 20 and the second top plate 23, but they are easily avoided if a distance D1 between these first and second connectors M1, C1, M2, C2 and the third connectors M3, C3 is sufficiently large, of the order of ... cm for example. On the other hand, the partitions 27 have the effect of increasing the length of the creepage distances between the negative polarity -HT and the sheath 2 which is grounded, but these partitions 27 could be eliminated by placing the first and second connectors. M1, C1, M2, C2 has a second distance D2 from the sheath 2 which is sufficiently large, that is to say substantially equal to the first distance D1. Of course, the stator 75 can be supplied according to any other conventional configuration, with for example the stator 75 brought to a potential different from that of the rotor 72. It should also be noted that in the context of the invention , the rotor 72 can also be of the magnetic suspension type, this possibly having an influence only on the number of electrical connections that it is necessary to establish between the first and the second enclosures 7,8.

Il faut noter que l'agencement nouveau du dispositif émetteur 1 conforme à l'invention, dans lequel le tube radiogène 10 est monté dans une enceinte 7 remplie d'huile isolante 9 et dans lequel les moyens d'alimentation 11,12 sont montés dans une seconde enceinte 8 également remplie d'huile isolante, peut inquiéter le spécialiste et le dissuader d'aller vers une telle solution du fait qu'elle exige deux opérations de remplissage en huile d'isolement, alors que seulement une unique opération de remplissage d'huile est nécessaire dans le cas d'un bloc radiogène selon l'art antérieur. Cependant, cet inconvénient est largement compensé par les avantages qu'apporte cette solution, par le fait que les deux enceintes 7,8 peuvent aisément être assemblées et connectées électriquement l'une à l'autre, et sont facilement séparables l'une de l'autre : ce qui permet notamment, d'une part, de remplacer facilement un tube radiogène défectueux sur le site, et ce qui d'autre part facilite la fabrication en permettant de construire et de contrôler séparément, l'enceinte 7 contenant le tube radiogène et l'enceinte 8 contenant les moyens d'alimentation.It should be noted that the new arrangement of the emitting device 1 according to the invention, in which the X-ray tube 10 is mounted in an enclosure 7 filled with insulating oil 9 and in which the supply means 11,12 are mounted in a second enclosure 8 also filled with insulating oil, may worry the specialist and dissuade him from going towards such a solution because it requires two filling operations with isolation oil, while only one single filling operation d oil is necessary in the case of an X-ray unit according to the prior art. However, this drawback is largely offset by the advantages that this solution brings, by the fact that the two enclosures 7,8 can easily be assembled and electrically connected to each other, and are easily separable from each other: which allows in particular, on the one hand, to easily replace a defective X-ray tube on the site, and which on the other hand facilitates manufacturing by making it possible to build and control separately, the enclosure 7 containing the X-ray tube and the enclosure 8 containing the supply means.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, les enceintes 7,8 où l'une ou l'autre de ces deux enceintes, est réalisée au moins partiellement en un matériau électriquement isolant qui est chargé par un matériau à haut numéro atomique. Ceci permet d'obtenir un matériau à la fois électriquement isolant et absorbant du rayonnement X, pouvant constituer un matériau de blindage électriquement isolant.According to another characteristic of the invention, the enclosures 7, 8 where one or the other of these two enclosures is made at least partially from an electrically insulating material which is charged with a material with a high atomic number. This makes it possible to obtain a material which is both electrically insulating and absorbing X-rays, which can constitute an electrically insulating shielding material.

En réalisant avec un tel matériau, par exemple la première enceinte 7, cette dernière peut remplir la fonction de blindage de protection vis à vis du rayonnement X, ce qui permet de supprimer la couche de plomb 3 ; d'où il résulte, en autres, une simplification considérable à la fabrication. Il est à noter que ceci permet, en outre, de soustraire à l'action du rayonnement X les différents éléments contenus dans la seconde enceinte 8, et d'éviter ainsi une dégradation relativement lente mais certaine due au rayonnement x, de certains de ces éléments tels que par exemple les isolants en polysulfone. Il est à remarquer que ce dernier résultat, rendu possible par l'utilisation de ce matériau de blindage électriquement isolant et par la séparation en deux enceintes 7,8 du tube radiogène 10 et des alimentations 11,12, justifie à lui seul de réaliser, au moins partiellement, l'une ou l'autre des enceintes 7,8 en un tel matériau, c'est-à-dire même si l'on conserve la couche de plomb 3.By producing with such a material, for example the first enclosure 7, the latter can fulfill the function of protective shielding with respect to X-radiation, which makes it possible to remove the lead layer 3; hence, among other things, a considerable simplification in manufacturing. It should be noted that this also makes it possible to remove the various elements contained in the second enclosure 8 from the action of X-rays, and thus to avoid a relatively slow but certain degradation due to x-rays, of some of these elements such as for example polysulfone insulators. It should be noted that this last result, made possible by the use of this electrically insulating shielding material and by the separation into two enclosures 7.8 of the X-ray tube 10 and of the power supplies 11.12, alone justifies achieving, at least partially, one or other of the enclosures 7, 8 made of such a material, that is to say even if the lead layer 3 is preserved.

Le matériau de blindage électriquement isolant est obtenu à partir d'un matériau de base électriquement isolant, une résine époxy par exemple, qui est chargé par un matériau à haut numéro atomique.The electrically insulating shielding material is obtained from an electrically insulating base material, an epoxy resin for example, which is loaded with a material with a high atomic number.

Ces matériaux à haut numéro atomique peuvent être des matériaux électriquement isolants comme par exemple des oxydes de tungstène, d'uranium, de thorium ou même de plomb tel le minium.These high atomic number materials can be electrically insulating materials such as, for example, oxides of tungsten, uranium, thorium or even lead such as minium.

Mais ces matériaux à haut numéro atomique peuvent également être des matériaux conducteurs électriques tels que notamment le bismuth, le tungstène, l'uranium, le thorium, le plomb. En effet, des essais ont montrés qu'une résine époxy chargée jusqu'à environ 50% en plomb ou en tungstène, d'une part conserve des propriétés d'isolant électrique largement suffisantes vis à vis des valeurs de tensions alternatives ou continues qui sont nécessaires au fonctionnement d'un tube radiogène classique ; il a été observé, d'autre part, que la résine époxy ainsi chargée par un matériau à haut numéro atomique, et ayant une épaisseur de l'ordre de 7 à 8 mm, absorbe le rayonnement X sensiblement d'une même manière que la couche de plomb ayant une épaisseur de l'ordre de 3 mm.But these materials with a high atomic number can also be electrically conductive materials such as in particular bismuth, tungsten, uranium, thorium, lead. Indeed, tests have shown that an epoxy resin loaded up to about 50% lead or tungsten, on the one hand retains largely sufficient electrical insulating properties with respect to the values of alternating or direct voltages which are necessary for the operation of a conventional X-ray tube; it has been observed, on the other hand, that the epoxy resin thus loaded with a material with a high atomic number, and having a thickness of the order of 7 to 8 mm, absorbs X-radiation in substantially the same way as the lead layer having a thickness of the order of 3 mm.

Le matériau à la fois électriquement isolant et absorbant du rayonnement X ou matériau de blindage électriquement isolant, peut être obtenu par exemple par un procédé semblable à celui qu'il est connu d'utiliser pour renforcer des résines par des métaux légers sous forme de poudre, ou par des fibres de verre.The material which is both electrically insulating and absorbing X-ray or electrically insulating shielding material, can be obtained for example by a process similar to that which it is known to use for reinforcing resins with light metals in powder form. , or by glass fibers.

Le matériau de blindage électriquement isolant conserve ses propriétés isolantes, pour une très large gamme de granulométrie de la poudre du matériau à haut numéro atomique avec laquelle doit être chargé le matériau de base, la résine époxy par exemple ; de manière spécifique, cette granulométrie est comprise entre 10 et 100 microns.The electrically insulating shielding material retains its insulating properties, for a very wide particle size range of the powder of the material with a high atomic number with which the base material, for example epoxy resin, must be loaded; specifically, this particle size is between 10 and 100 microns.

Si l'ensemble de la première enceinte 7 est réalisée en un matériau à la fois électriquement isolant et absorbant du rayonnement X, il est nécessaire de prévoir, dans la première plaque de dessus 22 de la première enceinte 7, une seconde fenêtre 99 peu absorbante du rayonnement X. Il est possible également de réaliser la première enceinte 7 en ce matériau à la fois électriquement isolant et absorbant du rayonnement X, à l'exclusion de la première plaque de dessus 22, et de conserver une couche de plomb 3a sur le couvercle 4 de la gaine 2.If the assembly of the first enclosure 7 is made of a material which is both electrically insulating and absorbing X-rays, it is necessary to provide, in the first top plate 22 of the first enclosure 7, a second window 99 poorly absorbing X-rays. It is also possible to make the first enclosure 7 of this material which is both electrically insulating and absorbing X-rays, excluding the first top plate 22, and to keep a layer of lead 3a on the cover 4 of the sheath 2.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif représenté à la figure 1, la première enceinte 7 est assemblée à la seconde enceinte 8, c'est-à-dire placée dans le logement 24, par un mouvement, symbolisé par une flèche 102, qui s'effectue dans une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à un axe de rotation 103 de l'anode tournante 30, et dans une telle configuration, il est plus simple de disposer le stator 75 à l'intérieur de la première enceinte 7.In the nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 1, the first enclosure 7 is assembled with the second enclosure 8, that is to say placed in the housing 24, by a movement, symbolized by an arrow 102, which s performs in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation 103 of the rotary anode 30, and in such a configuration, it is simpler to arrange the stator 75 inside the first enclosure 7.

La figure 2 représente schématiquement un mode de réalisation de la première enceinte 7, dans lequel l'enceinte 7 diffère de la version montrée à la figure 1 en ce que, du côté de la seconde extrémité 74 de l'enveloppe 70, l'enceinte 7 épouse sensiblement la forme de cette seconde extrémité 74, c'est-à-dire épouse sensiblement la forme du rotor 72, et constitue autour du rotor 72 un col 104 autour duquel est disposé le stator 75. Le stator 75 étant extérieur à la première enceinte 7, il peut être alimenté directement par la seconde enceinte 8. Il est à signaler en outre que si l'alimentation en haute tension est du type monopolaire avec rotor à la masse comme il a été décrit en référence à la figure 1, l'arbre support 73 peut être prolongé de manière à sortir de la première enceinte 7 (à l'aide de joints d'étanchéité non représentés), de façon à être relié directement à la polarité positive +HT ou masse sans passer par la première enceinte 7.FIG. 2 schematically represents an embodiment of the first enclosure 7, in which the enclosure 7 differs from the version shown in FIG. 1 in that, on the side of the second end 74 of the envelope 70, the enclosure 7 substantially matches the shape of this second end 74, that is to say substantially matches the shape of the rotor 72, and constitutes around the rotor 72 a neck 104 around which the stator 75 is disposed. The stator 75 being external to the first enclosure 7, it can be supplied directly by the second enclosure 8. It should also be noted that if the high-voltage supply is of the monopolar type with ground rotor as has been described with reference to FIG. 1, the support shaft 73 can be extended so as to leave the first enclosure 7 (using seals not shown), so as to be connected directly to the positive polarity + HT or ground without passing through the first pregnant te 7.

La figure 3 montre à titre d'exemple non limitatif, par une vue en perspective, la première et la seconde enceintes 7,8, destinées à être assemblées l'une à l'autre dans le cas de la version de l'invention où le stator 75 est extérieur à la première enceinte 7. La première enceinte 7 est prolongée, à une extrémité 105, par le col 104 précédemment mentionné, disposé selon l'axe de rotation 103 et contenant le rotor 72 (non visible sur la figure 3). La seconde enceinte 8 est formée par un bloc principal 106, contenant les alimentations 11, 12 (montrées à la figure 1), et dont une paroi latérale 19 est prolongée par la cloison 27 sur une hauteur H correspondant sensiblement à une épaisseur E de la première enceinte 7. La cloison 27 est ensuite courbée au-dessus de la plaque de dessus 23 de la seconde enceinte 8 de sorte à réaliser le logement ou cavité 24 destinée à recevoir la première enceinte 7. La première enceinte 7 est introduite dans la cavité 24 par un mouvement qui est effectué parallèlement à l'axe de rotation 103, comme représenté sur la figure 3 par une seconde flèche 107.FIG. 3 shows by way of nonlimiting example, in a perspective view, the first and the second enclosures 7,8, intended to be assembled to one another in the case of the version of the invention where the stator 75 is outside the first enclosure 7. The first enclosure 7 is extended, at one end 105, by the neck 104 previously mentioned, arranged along the axis of rotation 103 and containing the rotor 72 (not visible in Figure 3). The second enclosure 8 is formed by a main block 106, containing the supplies 11, 12 (shown in FIG. 1), and a side wall 19 of which is extended by the partition 27 over a height H corresponding substantially to a thickness E of the first enclosure 7. The partition 27 is then curved above the top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8 so as to produce the housing or cavity 24 intended to receive the first enclosure 7. The first enclosure 7 is introduced into the cavity 24 by a movement which is carried out parallel to the axis of rotation 103, as shown in FIG. 3 by a second arrow 107.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, le stator 75 (non représenté sur la figure 3) est contenu dans un boîtier de protection 108 de forme cylindrique ou cônique par exemple, qui est fixé dans la cavité 24. Le boîtier 108 est disposé de manière que le stator 75 soit centré autour de l'axe de rotation 102, c'est-à-dire disposé autour du col 104 et du rotor 72 contenu dans ce dernier, quand la première enceinte 7 est entièrement engagée dans la cavité 24. Les premier et second connecteurs mâles M1, M2 sont en dépassement par rapport à la plaque de fond 20 de la première enceinte 7, et sont mis en contact avec les premier et second connecteurs femelles C1, C2 quand la première enceinte 7 est entièrement engagée dans la cavité 24 ; les contacts femelles C1,C2 étant disposés dans la plaque de dessus 23 de la seconde enceinte 8, à l'extrémité de rainures 110 réalisées dans la plaque de dessus 23 pour permettre le passage des connecteurs mâles M1,M2. Dans cette version de l'invention, le stator 75 étant solidaire de la seconde enceinte 8, son alimentation peut être réalisée à l'aide de deux simples fils de liaison 112 qui traversent la plaque de dessus 23 par des traversées étanches 111. La connexion à l'arbre support 73, où autrement dit à l'anode 30, de la polarité positive +HT qui constitue également la masse ou terre dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 1, peut être réalisée par exemple à l'aide d'un dispositif de contact (non représenté) en lui-même classique, disposé dans le boîtier de protection 108, et qui est mis en contact électrique avec l'arbre support 73 quand la première enceinte est entièrement engagée dans la cavité 24 ; ce dispositif de contact étant relié à un troisième fil de liaison 113 qui pénètre dans la second enceinte 8 en traversant la plaque de dessus 23 par une traversée étanche 111.In the nonlimiting example described, the stator 75 (not shown in FIG. 3) is contained in a protective housing 108 of cylindrical or conical shape for example, which is fixed in the cavity 24. The housing 108 is arranged so that the stator 75 is centered around the axis of rotation 102, that is to say disposed around the neck 104 and the rotor 72 contained therein, when the first enclosure 7 is fully engaged in the cavity 24. The first and second male connectors M1, M2 are protruding with respect to the bottom plate 20 of the first enclosure 7, and are brought into contact with the first and second female connectors C1, C2 when the first enclosure 7 is fully engaged in the cavity 24; the female contacts C1, C2 being arranged in the top plate 23 of the second enclosure 8, at the end of grooves 110 made in the top plate 23 to allow the passage of the male connectors M1, M2. In this version of the invention, the stator 75 being integral with the second enclosure 8, its supply can be achieved using two simple connecting wires 112 which pass through the top plate 23 by watertight crossings 111. The connection to the support shaft 73, where in other words to the anode 30, of the positive polarity + HT which also constitutes the ground or earth in the example shown in Figure 1, can be achieved for example using a contact device (not shown) in itself conventional, disposed in the protective housing 108, and which is brought into electrical contact with the support shaft 73 when the first enclosure is fully engaged in the cavity 24; this contact device being connected to a third connecting wire 113 which enters the second enclosure 8 by passing through the top plate 23 by a sealed passage 111.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif décrit, où la polarité +HT est à la masse, le boîtier de protection 108 peut être métallique, mais il peut être également réalisé en un matériau isolant si l'alimentation en haute tension est d'un type différent, et également la cavité 24 peut être entièrement fermée par un matériau isolant comme dans l'exemple de la figure 1.In the nonlimiting example described, where the polarity + HT is grounded, the protective box 108 can be metallic, but it can also be made of an insulating material if the high voltage supply is of a different type , and also the cavity 24 can be entirely closed by an insulating material as in the example of FIG. 1.

L'un des avantages de la réalisation décrite en référence à la figure 3, réside notamment en ce qu'elle permet de diminuer le nombre des connecteurs enfichables au nombre nécessaire à l'alimentation de la cathode, et en ce qu'elle permet d'autre part de réduire le nombre des éléments contenus dans la première enceinte 7.One of the advantages of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3 resides in particular in that it makes it possible to reduce the number of plug-in connectors to the number necessary for supplying the cathode, and in that it allows on the other hand to reduce the number of elements contained in the first enclosure 7.

Claims (5)

  1. An x-ray emitting device of the x-ray generating block type comprising, in the interior of a metal protective sheath (2), an x-ray tube (10) arranged in a first sealed enclosure (7) filled with an electrically insulating fluid (9), means (11 and 12) for the supply to the tube (10) of high tension and low tension arranged in a second sealed enclosure (8) filled with an electrically insulating fluid (9), and x-ray shielding means not covering an output window (81) for the working beam, characterized in that:
    - the enclosure (8), manufactured of an electrically insulating material, is arranged at the bottom of the sheath (2), its top plate (23) functioning as a sealing cover furnished with electrical connectors (Ci) and at least one of its lateral walls (19) is prolonged past the said plate (23) in the form of a partition (27) constituting a socket (24);
    - the enclosure (7), manufactured of an electrically insulating material, is arranged against the top plate (23) of the enclosure (8) in the socket (24) in such a manner that electrical connectors (Mi) fitted to the bottom plate (20) of the said enclosure (7) plug into the connectors (Ci) of the enclosure (8), the numbers of connectors (Mi) and (Ci) being equal; the two enclosures (7 and 8) being able to be separated from each other;
    - a low tension cable (36) extends through the metal sheath (2) and extends into the enclosure (8) through a sealing joint (37) produced in the bottom plate (21) thereof;
    - and in that at least one of the two plates (20, 23) of the enclosures (7, 8), respectively, arranged against each other in the sheath (2), is manufactured of an electrically insulating material charged with a material having a high atomic number.
  2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the x-ray tube (10) comprises a rotary anode (30) whose rotation is caused by a rotor (72) and a stator (75), both of which are arranged in the enclosure (7), and in that the four lateral walls (19) of the enclosure (8) are furnished with inner rims (26) on which the top plate (23) is secured hermetically but in a removable manner, and they are prolonged by partitions (27) past the said plate (23).
  3. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the x-ray tube (10) comprises a rotary anode (30) whose rotation is caused by a rotor (72) and a stator (75) arranged exterior to the enclosure (7) and secured to the enclosure (8), in that the said enclosure (7) is constituted by a block having a thickness (E) and forms a neck (104) around the rotor (72), and in that the said enclosure (8) is constituted by a principal block (106) containing supply means (11, 12), one of the lateral walls (19) thereof being extended by a partition (27) for a height (H) equal to the thickness (E) which is then bent above the plate (23) in order to produce a socket (24) into which the enclosure (7) is completely introduced, the neck (104) of the enclosure being placed at the center of the stator (75) arranged in the a protective casing (108).
  4. The device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 through 3, characterized in that the x-ray shielding means are constituted by a layer of lead (3) covering the interior-walls of the metal sheath (2).
  5. The device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 through 3, characterized in that the x-ray shielding means are constituted by the enclosure (7) manufactured of an electrically insulating material charged with a material having a high atomic number.
EP88402663A 1987-10-30 1988-10-21 Compact x-ray emitting device Expired - Lifetime EP0314553B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8715054 1987-10-30
FR8715054A FR2622757B1 (en) 1987-10-30 1987-10-30 COMPACT X-RAY EMITTING DEVICE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0314553A1 EP0314553A1 (en) 1989-05-03
EP0314553B1 true EP0314553B1 (en) 1993-03-24

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ID=9356333

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88402663A Expired - Lifetime EP0314553B1 (en) 1987-10-30 1988-10-21 Compact x-ray emitting device

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US4920554A (en)
EP (1) EP0314553B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2740797B2 (en)
DE (1) DE3879620T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2622757B1 (en)

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FR2687842B1 (en) * 1992-02-26 1994-04-08 General Electric Cgr IMPROVEMENTS ON X-RAY SOURCES.
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FR2700657B1 (en) * 1993-01-15 1995-02-17 Gen Electric Cgr X-ray unit.
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US6619842B1 (en) * 1997-08-29 2003-09-16 Varian Medical Systems, Inc. X-ray tube and method of manufacture
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WO2000019781A2 (en) * 1998-09-28 2000-04-06 Fluoroscan Imaging Systems, Inc. Miniature c-arm apparatus with c-arm mounted compact oil immersion power supply
US6749337B1 (en) * 2000-01-26 2004-06-15 Varian Medical Systems, Inc. X-ray tube and method of manufacture
AU2001296611A1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2002-05-06 Varian Medical Systems, Inc. X-ray tube and method of manufacture
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US7448802B2 (en) * 2002-02-20 2008-11-11 Newton Scientific, Inc. Integrated X-ray source module
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CN1868024A (en) * 2003-10-17 2006-11-22 株式会社东芝 X-ray apparatus
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2740797B2 (en) 1998-04-15
FR2622757A1 (en) 1989-05-05
EP0314553A1 (en) 1989-05-03
US4920554A (en) 1990-04-24
JPH01194299A (en) 1989-08-04
DE3879620D1 (en) 1993-04-29
FR2622757B1 (en) 1989-12-08
DE3879620T2 (en) 1993-08-12

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