JP6162432B2 - X-ray tube device - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray tube apparatus including a vibration isolation member that elastically supports a rotating anode X-ray tube.

  Conventionally, for example, in an X-ray CT apparatus, electrons generated from a cathode electron source collide with a rotating anode target, and rotation that generates X-rays from an X-ray focal point formed by the collision of electrons on the anode target. An anode type X-ray tube apparatus is used. And as a method of fixing such a rotating anode type X-ray tube inside the tube container while isolating and attenuating vibration, a structure for connecting the anti-vibration rubber between the X-ray tube and the inner wall of the tube container or connecting them And an X-ray tube and a tube container.

JP 2002-252099 A

  However, for example, in the case of a structure that sandwiches vibration-proof rubber, it is necessary to select a material that does not deteriorate due to the insulating oil that is an insulating medium filled in the tube container, so that usable materials are limited, and an appropriate elastic modulus ( It is not easy to obtain an elastic modulus) and a damping rate. In particular, the space between the X-ray tube and the inner wall of the tube container is generally narrow, and it is not easy to obtain sufficient thickness of the anti-vibration rubber simply by pushing in the anti-vibration rubber, and the compression allowance becomes small, and the sufficient elastic modulus It is not easy to obtain an attenuation factor. In addition, since the vibration damping coefficient of the vibration isolating rubber itself is small, in order to adjust the elastic modulus, it is necessary to use it together with the vibration isolating rubber through a separate structure connecting the X-ray tube and the inside of the tube container. There is a risk of increasing the cost of the entire apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an X-ray tube apparatus that can effectively suppress vibrations caused by rotation of a rotary anode X-ray tube without incurring an unnecessary cost increase. Objective.

The X-ray tube apparatus of the embodiment has a rotary anode type X-ray tube. Further, this X-ray tube apparatus has a tube container that houses a rotating anode X-ray tube. Further, the X-ray tube apparatus has a fluid-like insulating medium filled in the tube container. The X-ray tube apparatus includes a vibration isolating member that is interposed between the tube container and the rotary anode X-ray tube and elastically supports the rotary anode X-ray tube with respect to the tube container. The vibration isolation member includes a vibration isolation member main body having a through hole . In addition, the vibration isolating member is divided into the interior of the vibration isolating member main body by closing both end portions of the through-holes on the rotating anode X-ray tube side and the tube container side, and a space portion in which the fluid is accommodated. Is provided. The vibration isolating member communicates the space portion with the inside of the tube container that is outside the space portion, and the volume portion of the space portion due to elastic deformation of the vibration isolating member body causes the space portion and the space portion to A communication unit that allows fluid to enter and exit from the outside is provided.

The X-ray tube apparatus of the embodiment has a rotating anode type X-ray tube. Further, this X-ray tube apparatus has a tube container that houses a rotating anode X-ray tube. Further, the X-ray tube apparatus has a fluid-like insulating medium filled in the tube container. The X-ray tube apparatus includes a vibration isolating member that is interposed between the tube container and the rotary anode X-ray tube and elastically supports the rotary anode X-ray tube with respect to the tube container. The vibration isolating member includes a vibration isolating member main body. In addition, the vibration isolating member is provided with a space portion that penetrates the inside of the vibration isolating member main body and is partitioned inside the vibration isolating member main body and contains a fluid. The vibration isolating member communicates the space portion with the inside of the tube container that is outside the space portion, and the volume portion of the space portion due to elastic deformation of the vibration isolating member body causes the space portion and the space portion to A communication unit that allows fluid to enter and exit from the outside is provided.

It is sectional drawing which shows a part of X-ray tube apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (a) shows the normal state of a vibration proof member, (b) shows the compression deformation state of a vibration proof member, (c) Indicates a tensile deformation state of the vibration-proof member. (a) is a plan view of the vibration isolating member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vibration isolating member. It is explanatory drawing which shows a part of X-ray tube apparatus same as the above. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of X-ray tube apparatus of 1st reference technology , (a) shows the normal state of a vibration isolator, (b) shows the compression deformation state of a vibration isolator, (c) Indicates a tensile deformation state of the vibration-proof member. (a) is a plan view of the vibration isolating member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vibration isolating member. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of X-ray tube apparatus of 2nd Embodiment, (a) shows the normal state of a vibration proof member, (b) shows the compression deformation state of a vibration proof member, (c) Indicates a tensile deformation state of the vibration-proof member. (a) is a plan view of the vibration isolating member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vibration isolating member. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of X-ray tube apparatus of 2nd reference technology , (a) shows the normal state of a vibration isolator, (b) shows the compression deformation state of a vibration isolator, (c) Indicates a tensile deformation state of the vibration-proof member. (a) is a plan view of the vibration isolating member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vibration isolating member. It is a side view which shows typically a part of X-ray tube apparatus of 3rd Embodiment.

  The configuration of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 3, 11 is an X-ray tube device (rotary anode type X-ray tube device), and this X-ray tube device 11 is used for medical purposes, for example. The X-ray tube apparatus 11 has a tube container 12, and inside the tube container 12, a cathode that emits electrons and an anode that emits X-rays when the electrons emitted from the cathode collide. A rotating anode type X-ray tube 14 (hereinafter simply referred to as an X-ray tube 14) composed of a vacuum envelope 13 accommodated in a vacuum state, a stator coil 15 for rotating the anode of the X-ray tube 14 and the like are accommodated. In addition, for example, a cooling medium 16 that is also used as an insulating oil that is an insulating medium as a fluid (liquid) is filled. Further, for example, a plurality of vibration isolating members 17 are interposed between the X-ray tube 14 and the tube container 12.

  The tube container 12 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, for example. Although not shown, the tube container 12 has an emission port for emitting X-rays emitted from the anode of the X-ray tube 14 to the outside, a high voltage plug connected to the cathode of the X-ray tube 14, and an X-ray tube A high voltage plug connected to the 14 anodes is provided.

  The X-ray tube 14 includes a filament (not shown) for emitting thermoelectrons and an acceleration / focusing electrode (not shown) for accelerating or focusing the thermoelectrons to the vacuum envelope 13 in a high vacuum. The anode is arranged opposite to this. The X-ray tube 14 is an X-ray tube that accelerates / focuses thermionic electrons at a high voltage and collides with the anode, and generates X-rays by bremsstrahlung. Has an anode rotation mechanism for increasing.

  Further, each vibration isolation member 17 elastically supports the X-ray tube 14 with respect to the tube container 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 2 (a), 2 (b) and 3. The vibration generated by the rotation of the anode of the X-ray tube 14 is absorbed by elastic deformation to insulate (attenuate) the vibration from the tube container 12, and is formed in a flat cylindrical shape. A vibration member main body 21, a through hole 22 provided through the central portion of the vibration isolation member main body 21 along the axial direction, and a communication portion 23 that is a conduction hole opened to a side portion of the through hole 22. It has. These vibration isolation members 17 are arranged along the outer periphery of the vacuum envelope 13 of the X-ray tube 14 so as to be spaced apart from each other at substantially equal intervals (substantially equal angles) in the circumferential direction.

  The anti-vibration member body 21 does not deteriorate due to contact with the cooling medium 16 (insulating oil), for example, an oil-resistant elastic material having a predetermined elastic modulus and vibration damping factor (vibration damping coefficient) such as oil-resistant rubber or synthetic resin. It is formed by a body, and has a cylindrical shape (doughnut shape) by the through hole 22.

  The through-hole 22 is formed so as to penetrate the vibration-proof member main body 21 along the axial direction. The through hole 22 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, for example. Further, the through-hole 22 is interposed between the X-ray tube 14 and the tube container 12, and both ends are formed by the outer wall of the X-ray tube 14 (vacuum envelope 13) and the inner wall of the tube container 12. Each is closed (sealed), and a space 25 is defined inside the vibration-proof member body 21.

  Here, the outer diameter size and inner diameter size (size of the through hole 22) of the vibration isolation member body 21 are appropriately set so that the elastic modulus (elastic coefficient) of the vibration isolation member 17 is reduced to a predetermined value. .

  Further, the communication portion 23 communicates the inside of the through hole 22 (space portion 25) with the outside of the vibration isolation member 17 that is outside the through hole 22 (space portion 25), in this embodiment, the inside of the tube container 12. Along the radial direction across the through hole 22 (space portion 25) of the vibration isolation member main body 21 and the outer periphery of the vibration isolation member main body 21 at a substantially intermediate position in the axial direction of the vibration isolation member main body 21. It is formed in a straight line. In other words, the communication portion 23 communicates the through hole 22 (space portion 25) with the outside of the vibration isolation member main body 21 (vibration isolation member 17). Further, the communication portion 23 has a cross-sectional area (opening area) set smaller than a cross-sectional area (opening area) of the through hole 22. The communication part 23 allows the cooling medium 16 to enter and exit between the space part 25 and the inside of the tube container 12. In other words, the cross-sectional area (opening area) of the communication portion 23 is set so that the easiness of flow of the cooling medium 16 passing therethrough (conductance) is set to a predetermined value. For this reason, the space 25 is filled with the cooling medium 16.

  Next, the operation of the X-ray tube apparatus 11 of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the X-ray tube device 11, the distance between the X-ray tube 14 (vacuum envelope 13) and the tube container 12 changes when vibration (core runout) occurs in the X-ray tube 14 due to rotation of the rotating anode. Thus, each of the vibration isolation members 17 is elastically deformed and expands and contracts in the axial direction.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the vibration isolator 17 is compressed, the volume of the space 25 becomes relatively small, and the cooling medium 16 filled in the space 25 communicates. It is pushed out from the part 23 to the outside, that is, into the tube container 12 and flows out. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), when the vibration isolation member 17 is pulled, the volume of the space 25 becomes relatively large, and the tube container 12 is filled into the space 25. The cooling medium 16 is drawn in and flows in. In FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, the deformation of the vibration isolation member 17 is exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

  Therefore, in addition to the expansion and contraction (elastic deformation) of the vibration isolator main body 21, the fluid resistance when the cooling medium 16 enters and exits generates a vibration damping action, and the vibration of the X-ray tube 14 is caused to the tube container 12. Insulate (attenuate) effectively.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the both ends of the through hole 22 provided in the vibration isolation member main body 21 are closed by the X-ray tube 14 side and the tube container 12 side, respectively. A space portion 25 is partitioned inside the main body 21, and the space portion 25 communicates with the inside of the tube container 12 through the communication portion 23, so that a part of the cooling medium 16 filled in the tube container 12 is a space portion. Since it can freely enter and exit from 25, the elastic modulus of the vibration isolating member 17 that is generally formed of a hard oil-resistant elastic body is effectively lowered without incurring an unnecessary cost increase with a simple configuration, Vibrations caused by the rotation of the X-ray tube 14 can be effectively suppressed.

  Further, the vibration isolator 17 can be easily formed simply by drilling the through hole 22 and the communication portion 23, and the elastic modulus of the vibration isolator main body 21 can be structurally easily reduced by the diameter of the through hole 22. Can do.

Next, the first reference technique will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the first reference technique , a concave portion 31 is formed on one end side in the axial direction of the vibration isolating member body 21 of the vibration isolating member 17 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 4A and 5A). 5 (b)), the concave portion 31 is either the X-ray tube 14 (vacuum envelope 13) side or the tube container 12 side. In this reference technique , for example, the X-ray tube 14 (vacuum envelope 13) is used. ), The space portion 25 is partitioned inside the vibration-proof member main body 21.

  That is, the recess 31 communicates with one end of the vibration isolation member main body 21 of the vibration isolation member 17 and is separated from the other end and not communicated with the other end. It has a concave shape.

  And, when the X-ray tube device 11 vibrates due to the rotation of the rotating anode, the distance between the X-ray tube 14 (vacuum envelope 13) and the tube container 12 changes. Each of the vibration isolating members 17 is elastically deformed and expands and contracts in the axial direction.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the vibration isolating member 17 is compressed, the volume of the space portion 25 becomes relatively small, and the cooling medium 16 filled in the space portion 25 communicates. It is pushed out from the part 23 to the outside, that is, into the tube container 12 and flows out. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), when the vibration isolation member 17 is pulled, the volume of the space portion 25 becomes relatively large, and the tube container 12 is filled into the space portion 25. The cooling medium 16 is drawn in and flows in. 4 (b) and 4 (c), the deformation of the vibration isolating member 17 is exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

  Therefore, in addition to the expansion and contraction (elastic deformation) of the vibration isolator main body 21, the fluid resistance when the cooling medium 16 enters and exits generates a vibration damping action, and the vibration of the X-ray tube 14 is caused to the tube container 12. Insulate (attenuate) effectively.

As described above, according to the first reference technique , the concave portion 31 provided in the vibration isolating member main body 21 is closed by the rotary anode type X-ray tube 14 side, so that the space portion 25 is provided inside the vibration isolating member main body 21. Since the space portion 25 and the inside of the tube container 12 communicate with each other by the communication portion 23, a part of the cooling medium 16 filled in the tube container 12 can freely enter and leave the space portion 25. The simple structure does not increase the cost more than necessary, and the elastic modulus of the vibration isolating member 17 that is generally formed of a hard oil-resistant elastic body is effectively lowered to cause the rotation of the X-ray tube 14. Vibration can be effectively suppressed.

  Further, the vibration isolator 17 can be easily formed simply by providing the recess 31, and the elastic modulus of the vibration isolator main body 21 can be easily reduced structurally by the dimensions of the recess 31.

In the first reference technique , the concave portion 31 may be recessed on the other end side in the axial direction of the vibration isolation member body 21 of the vibration isolation member 17 and closed by the tube container 12.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The above for the first embodiment and configuration and functions similar to those of the first reference technology, description thereof is omitted are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the second embodiment, a space portion 25 is formed in a bag shape inside the vibration isolation member main body 21 of the vibration isolation member 17 of the first embodiment (FIG. 6). (a), FIG. 7 (a) and FIG. 7 (b)).

  That is, the space 25 is separated from one end and the other end of the vibration isolation member main body 21 of the vibration isolation member 17, and is not communicated with the one end and the other end. It has a square shape.

  The X-ray tube device 11 changes the distance between the X-ray tube 14 (vacuum envelope 13) and the tube container 12 when vibration (core runout) occurs in the X-ray tube 14 due to rotation of the rotating anode. As a result, each of the vibration isolating members 17 is elastically deformed and expands and contracts in the axial direction.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the vibration isolating member 17 is compressed, the volume of the space portion 25 becomes relatively small, and the cooling medium 16 filled in the space portion 25 communicates. It is pushed out from the part 23 to the outside, that is, into the tube container 12 and flows out. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), when the vibration isolator 17 is pulled, the volume of the space 25 becomes relatively large, and the tube container 12 is filled into the space 25. The cooling medium 16 is drawn in and flows in. 6 (b) and 6 (c), the deformation of the vibration isolating member 17 is exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

  Therefore, in addition to the expansion and contraction (elastic deformation) of the vibration isolator main body 21, the fluid resistance when the cooling medium 16 enters and exits generates a vibration damping action, and the vibration of the X-ray tube 14 is caused to the tube container 12. Insulate (attenuate) effectively.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the space 25 provided through the inside of the vibration-proof member main body 21 and the inside of the tube container 12 communicate with each other by the communicating portion 23 so that the tube container 12 is filled. Since a part of the cooled cooling medium 16 can freely enter and exit the space 25, the vibration isolating member is generally formed of a hard oil-resistant elastic body with a simple configuration without causing an unnecessary increase in cost. By effectively lowering the elastic modulus of 17, the vibration caused by the rotation of the X-ray tube 14 can be effectively suppressed.

  Further, the vibration isolator 17 can structurally easily reduce the elastic modulus of the vibration isolator main body 21 depending on the dimensions of the space portion 25.

Next, a second reference technique will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to said each embodiment and 1st reference technique , the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the second reference technique , a space forming member 35 is provided outside the vibration isolation member main body 21 of the vibration isolation member 17 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 8A and 9A). And FIG. 9 (b)).

  The space forming member 35 is formed of a communication space portion 36 that is penetrated inside by an oil-resistant elastic body (rubber or synthetic resin) that is the same as or different from the vibration-proof member 17 (vibration-proof member main body 21). It is formed in the shape of a dividing bag and is in close contact with the side portion of the vibration isolator main body 21 integrally. Further, the space forming member 35 is located in the tube container 12 so as to be separated from the X-ray tube 14 and the tube container 12, for example. Further, in the space forming member 35, the communication space portion 36 communicates with the space portion 25 through the communication portion 23. The space 25 and the communication space 36 are filled with a cooling medium 16 as a fluid.

  The X-ray tube device 11 changes the distance between the X-ray tube 14 (vacuum envelope 13) and the tube container 12 when vibration (core runout) occurs in the X-ray tube 14 due to rotation of the rotating anode. As a result, each of the vibration isolating members 17 is elastically deformed and expands and contracts in the axial direction.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), when the vibration isolating member 17 is compressed, the volume of the space portion 25 becomes relatively small, and the cooling medium 16 filled in the space portion 25 communicates. The space forming member 35 is pushed out from the portion 23 to the outside, that is, into the communication space 36 of the space forming member 35 and flows out, and the space forming member 35 expands corresponding to the volume of the extruded cooling medium 16. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the vibration isolating member 17 is pulled, the volume of the space portion 25 becomes relatively large, and the communication space portion of the space forming member 35 enters the space portion 25. The cooling medium 16 filled in 36 is drawn in and flows in, and the space forming member 35 contracts corresponding to the volume of the drawn cooling medium 16. In FIGS. 8B and 8C, the deformation of the vibration isolating member 17 and the space forming member 35 are exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

  Therefore, in addition to the expansion and contraction (elastic deformation) of the vibration isolator main body 21, the fluid resistance when the cooling medium 16 enters and exits and the expansion and contraction of the space forming member 35 generate vibration damping actions, respectively. The vibration of 14 is effectively insulated (damped) from the tube container 12.

As described above, according to the second reference technique , the sealed communication space portion 36 that communicates with the space portion 25 via the communication portion 23 is provided inside the space portion 25 of the vibration isolation member 17. The space forming member 35 is provided in close contact with the vibration isolating member 17, and the cooling medium 16 is filled in the space portion 25 and the communication space portion 36, thereby causing an unnecessary increase in cost with a simple configuration. In general, the elastic modulus of the vibration isolating member 17 and the space forming member 35, which are generally formed of a hard oil-resistant elastic body, can be effectively reduced, and vibration caused by the rotation of the X-ray tube 14 can be effectively suppressed. .

  Further, by individually setting the respective elastic moduli of the vibration isolating member 17 (vibration isolating member main body 21) and the space forming member 35, the vibration propagation rate (attenuation characteristic) by the vibration isolating member 17 can be set more finely.

In the second reference technique , the space portion 25 and the communication space portion 36 inside the space forming member 35 are provided with an arbitrary difference from the cooling medium 16 in consideration of fluid resistance when passing through the communication portion 23. It is possible to fill the fluid with viscosity.

The space forming member 35 may be combined with, for example, the first reference technique or the second embodiment .

In each of the above embodiments and each reference technique , an annular structure is provided between the periphery of the X-ray tube 14 (vacuum envelope 13) and the tube container 12 as in the third embodiment shown in FIG. A frame 37 that is a body (intervening member) may be disposed, and the vibration isolation member 17 (the vibration isolation member 17 and the space forming member 35) may be attached to the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the frame 37. That is, the vibration isolating member 17 is not limited to a configuration directly interposed between the tube container 12 and the X-ray tube 14, but may be configured to be indirectly interposed through a separate structure. .

In the above-described at least one embodiment and reference technique , the vibration isolating member 17 that elastically supports the X-ray tube 14 with respect to the tube container 12 is interposed between the tube container 12 and the X-ray tube 14. The vibration isolation member body 21 of these vibration isolation members 17 is partitioned into a space portion 25, and the cooling medium 16 accommodated in the space portion 25 is communicated with the communication portion 23 that communicates the space portion 25 with the outside. A configuration is adopted in which the space portion 25 is brought into and out of the outside by a volume change of the space portion 25 accompanying elastic deformation of the vibration-proof member main body 21.

  For this reason, the elastic modulus (spring coefficient) of the vibration isolating member 17, which is generally a hard oil-resistant elastic body, can be adjusted structurally by providing the space portion 25 therein, and the X-ray tube 14 can be adjusted. The frequency propagation characteristic of the vibration acceleration of can be improved, and the transmissibility of a particularly large frequency band can be reduced.

  Further, the X-ray tube 14 vibrates, so that a compressive force and a tensile force are applied to the vibration isolation member 17, and the inertial force of the cooling medium 16 generated when the cooling medium 16 enters and exits due to the volume change of the internal space 25. The vibration energy is canceled out by the fluid resistance, and it can function as a vibration damping element with a simple structure.

  As a result, vibrations caused by the rotation of the X-ray tube 14 can be effectively suppressed without causing an unnecessary increase in cost.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

11 X-ray tube equipment
12 tube container
14 Rotating anode X-ray tube
16 Cooling medium, which is an insulating medium as a fluid
17 Anti-vibration material
21 Anti-vibration material
22 Through hole
23 Communication part
25 space

Claims (2)

A rotating anode X-ray tube;
A tube container for housing the rotating anode type X-ray tube;
A fluid insulating medium filled in the tube container;
A vibration isolating member interposed between the tube container and the rotary anode X-ray tube and elastically supporting the rotary anode X-ray tube with respect to the tube container;
The vibration isolator is
A vibration isolator body having a through hole ;
A space part in which both ends of the through hole are partitioned by the rotary anode X-ray tube side and the tube container side so as to be partitioned inside the vibration-proof member main body,
The space portion communicates with the inside of the tube container, which is the outside of the space portion, and the space portion is changed between the space portion and the outside of the space portion due to a volume change of the space portion due to elastic deformation of the vibration isolator body. An X-ray tube device, comprising: a communication portion that allows the fluid to enter and exit the tube . A rotating anode X-ray tube;
A tube container for housing the rotating anode type X-ray tube;
A fluid insulating medium filled in the tube container;
A vibration isolating member interposed between the tube container and the rotary anode X-ray tube and elastically supporting the rotary anode X-ray tube with respect to the tube container;
The vibration isolator is
A vibration isolator body;
A space part that pierces through the inside of the vibration isolator member body and is partitioned inside the vibration isolator member body, and contains a fluid;
The space portion communicates with the inside of the tube container, which is the outside of the space portion, and the space portion is changed between the space portion and the outside of the space portion due to a volume change of the space portion due to elastic deformation of the vibration isolator body. And a communication portion that allows the fluid to enter and exit at
An X-ray tube device characterized by that.

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