초록 ▼

An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device has an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted

An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device has an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [25.]25. An x-ray system, comprising:a casing comprising a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer surface removably attached to said x-ray system, said inner surface forming a vacuum chamber;a support mechanism positioned within said vacuum chamber, said

[ What is claimed is:] [25.]25. An x-ray system, comprising:a casing comprising a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer surface removably attached to said x-ray system, said inner surface forming a vacuum chamber;a support mechanism positioned within said vacuum chamber, said support mechanism having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end comprising a first housing having an inner surface and said distal end comprising a second housing, said support mechanism further comprising a cooling stem having an outer surface for increasing the surface area of said support mechanism, said cooling stem disposed within an inlet chamber and within said first housing at said proximal end, wherein an annular outlet chamber is formed between said inner surface of said first housing and said outer surface of said cooling stem;a bearing assembly fixedly disposed within said second housing at said distal end of said support mechanism, said bearing assembly comprising a lubricating medium;a shaft rotatably mounted to said bearing assembly;a target fixedly attached to said shaft, said target for receiving electrons at a focal spot resulting in generating x-rays, said x-rays directed along a focal alignment path;a cooling tube for channeling a cooling medium within said support mechanism, said cooling tube fixedly disposed relative to said support mechanism, at least a portion of said cooling tube positioned within said first housing at said proximal end of said support mechanism, said cooling tube comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface of said cooling tube forming said inlet chamber, said inlet chamber and said annular outlet chamber in communication for allowing a flow of said cooling medium, and said inlet chamber, said annular outlet chamber and said cooling medium comprising a cooling system suitable to increase the heat dissipation capability of said support mechanism up to about 30% above the heat dissipation capability of non-anode cooled x-ray devices;an inlet fixture for supplying said cooling medium, said inlet fixture disposed within said wall of said casing adjacent to said cooling tube, said inlet fixture directing at least a part of a flow of said cooling medium into said inlet chamber; anda mounting device for supporting said support mechanism and said cooling tube, said mounting device disposed within said vacuum chamber and fixedly attached to said casing, said mounting device attached to said support mechanism in a manner for adjustable positioning of said focal spot alignment path relative to said casing.