Information
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Patent Grant
-
6816574
-
Patent Number
6,816,574
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, August 6, 200221 years ago
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Date Issued
Tuesday, November 9, 200419 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A high voltage connector assembly is disclosed for use with high power apparatus including x-ray devices. The present connector is a pancake-style connector, and interconnects a high voltage cable with the cathode of the x-ray tube. The present connector includes a housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material surrounding the socket assembly to insulate it from the housing. The socket assembly comprises a potting-filled conductive sleeve having a continuously shaped, smooth terminal end. The terminal end of the sleeve forms a triple junction with the insulating material and air present near the sleeve. The continuously smooth terminal sleeve end prevents electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction by reducing field strength at the terminal end and urging the electric field of the socket assembly away from the triple junction. The reduction in electrical arcing propensity allows the x-ray device to operate at relatively higher operating voltages.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to x-ray generating devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a high voltage connector that reduces the likelihood of electrical arcing during operation of the x-ray device.
2. The Related Technology
X-ray generating devices are extremely valuable tools that are used in a wide variety of applications, both industrial and medical. For example, such equipment is commonly employed in areas such as medical diagnostic examination and therapeutic radiology, semiconductor manufacture and fabrication, and materials analysis.
Regardless of the applications in which they are employed, x-ray devices operate in similar fashion. In general, x-rays are produced when electrons are emitted, accelerated, and then impinged upon a material of a particular composition. This process typically takes place within an evacuated enclosure of an x-ray tube. Disposed within the evacuated enclosure is a cathode, or electron source, and an anode oriented to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. The anode can be stationary within the tube, or can be in the form of a rotating annular disk that is mounted to a rotor shaft that, in turn, is rotatably supported by a bearing assembly. The evacuated enclosure is typically contained within an to outer housing, which also serves as a coolant reservoir.
In operation, an electric current is supplied to a filament portion of the cathode, which causes a cloud of electrons to be emitted via a process known as thermionic emission. A high voltage potential is placed between the cathode and anode to cause the cloud of electrons to form a stream and accelerate toward a focal spot disposed on a target surface of the anode. Upon striking the target surface, some of the kinetic energy of the electrons is released in the form of electromagnetic radiation of very high frequency, i.e., x-rays. The specific frequency of the x-rays produced depends in large part on the type of material used to form the anode target surface. Target surface materials with high atomic numbers (“Z numbers”) are typically employed. The target surface of the anode is oriented so that the x-rays are emitted through windows defined in the evacuated enclosure and the outer housing. The emitted x-ray signal is then directed toward an x-ray subject, such as a medical patient, so as to produce an x-ray image.
In order to provide the high voltage potential that exists between the anode and the cathode, as well as to power the filament, the cathode is connected to an electrical power source via a high voltage cable. The high voltage cable is coupled to the x-ray tube via a high voltage connector. One type of connector is known as a pancake connector. Named because of its flattened, cylindrical shape, a pancake connector receives the high voltage cable through an opening disposed in the connector housing. The high voltage cable electrically connects within the connector housing to a centralized socket assembly that is configured to mate with electrical terminals disposed in a receptacle of the x-ray tube cathode. The socket assembly is electrically isolated from the connector housing by an insulating material disposed therebetween.
In greater detail, the socket assembly of the pancake connector typically comprises a metallic sleeve having an insulative potting material disposed within the interior of the sleeve. Electrical leads from the high voltage cable pass through the potting material and connect with sockets disposed on an exposed face of the socket assembly for mating with the electrical terminals of the cathode receptacle. An insulated gasket is typically disposed between the cathode receptacle and the pancake connector to further facilitate the mating of the socket assembly with the receptacle.
One particularly important application for x-ray devices such as that described above involves explosives detection by luggage inspection equipment and other related apparatus. X-ray devices are employed in explosives detection applications to examine luggage and packages in order to detect enclosed objects having a spectra that is indicative of explosive material. Such detection forms an important part of counterterrorism activities at critical locations such as airports, where personal safety and protection is paramount.
In order to accurately detect explosive material according to its spectra, the x-ray tube must be operated at relatively high operating voltages. For instance, an x-ray tube operating at 150 kV typically has a 2% false-positive rating, meaning that it erroneously detects a non-explosive for an explosive two out of every hundred scans. In contrast, the false-positive rating of a similar x-ray tube operating at 160 kV is in the range of less than one percent. Thus, higher operating voltages enable x-ray tubes to detect explosive material with more precision, resulting in quicker and more accurate scans.
Unfortunately, increasing the operating voltage of an x-ray tube also increases the incidence of voltage-related problems. One of these problems is electrical arcing. Electrical arcing represents a breakdown of the voltage potential within the tube. High voltage connectors, including pancake connectors, are especially susceptible to this undesirable side effect that is coincident with tube operation at higher power levels. For instance, electrical arcing can occur between the socket assembly, which is held at a high voltage potential, and the connector housing, which is at ground potential. Electrical arcs within the connector often emanate from locations called triple junctions, which are formed where a metallic component, an insulating component, and air meet. For instance, in one known connector design, a triple junction that is especially susceptible to arcing is formed at a point where the insulating material of the connecter housing, air, and a metallic coating applied near the socket assembly meet. In another known connector design, a triple junction is formed at a junction of the cathode receptacle, air, and the insulated gasket. These and other known pancake connector configurations have not been designed so as to adequately minimize the concentration of the electric field near triple junctions in the connector, which field concentration has been shown to increase the likelihood of a catastrophic arc during tube operation. Because it can severely damage tube components and render the x-ray device inoperable, arcing must be prevented.
The challenges described above in connection with electrical arcing across the high voltage connector are further exacerbated by the fact that known connector designs often include sharp, discontinuous features at or adjacent to the triple junctions. These sharp features, such as portions of the metallic sleeve of the socket assembly or the cathode receptacle that are near a triple junction, tend to increase the likelihood that arcing will occur. Though modifying the location and configuration of triple junctions, known pancake connector configurations have nonetheless failed to adequately reduce the likelihood for electrical arcing near such junctions during tube operation at elevated power levels.
In light of the above, a need exists to provide a high voltage connector that is designed so as to avoid the problems described above. Specifically, there is a need for a high voltage connector for use in devices, such as x-ray tubes, that provides adequate high power voltage potentials to the device without suffering electrical breakdown or increasing the likelihood of electrical arcing across the connector. Any solution should enable the x-ray tube to be operated at high power levels for use in applications such as the detection of explosive materials in packages, containers and the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been developed in response to the above and other needs in the art. Briefly summarized, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a high voltage connector for a high power device. The connector can be configured for use with an x-ray tube, for example, so as to provide the power necessary for its operation at elevated voltage potentials, which in one embodiment, can exceed 160 kV. More importantly, the high voltage connector of the present invention provides elevated voltage potentials without increasing the incidence of electrical arcing in the connector. This, in turn, preserves and protects the x-ray tube from damage that can result from such arcing.
In presently preferred embodiments, the high voltage connector comprises a pancake-style connector having an outer housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material. The connector interconnects a high voltage cable attached to a power supply with the cathode to enable tube operation. The high voltage cable is received through the outer housing and insulating material and is connected to the socket assembly, which is disposed in the housing of the connector. The socket assembly is configured so as to enable it to electrically connect to the cathode of an x-ray tube and provide its electrical requirements for proper tube operation. The insulating material is interposed between the socket assembly and the outer housing so as to electrically isolate the housing from the high voltages present in the socket assembly.
In detail, the socket assembly comprises an electrically conductive, cylindrical sleeve having an insulating potting material disposed therein. A gap is defined between a terminal end of the cylindrical sleeve and the potting material to define an annular gap. A receptacle portion of the cathode is received in the gap. A metal contact is disposed in an annular notch defined in the surface of the sleeve near the terminal end. The metal contact electrically connects the sleeve with the cathode receptacle. Additionally, female sockets are provided in the terminal end of the potting material of the connector to receive and electrically connect with corresponding electrical contacts of the cathode receptacle. These electrical connections between the socket assembly and the cathode provide the necessary electrical supply required by the cathode during tube operation.
The terminal end of the cylindrical sleeve is shaped so as to reduce the likelihood of electrical arcing within the connector. In one presently preferred embodiment, the terminal end of the sleeve is rounded during manufacture to have a semi-circular cross section. The insulating material of the connector is disposed in the housing in partial contact with the rounded terminal end of the sleeve. A triple junction is formed at the meeting point of the terminal end of the sleeve, the insulating material of the connector, and the air existing in the gap defined between the sleeve and the potting material of the socket assembly. Because of the rounded terminal end of the cylindrical sleeve, however, the triple junction does not create a preferred source point for arcing to occur. The rounded shape of the sleeve's terminal end serves both to reduce the electric field strength present at the surface of the conductive sleeve, and to force the electric field away from the triple junction. These two effects cooperate to prevent arcing from originating at the triple junction. Additionally, the lack of discontinuous or sharp features at the triple junction further reduces the likelihood for arcing.
In other embodiments of the present invention, the terminal end of the cylindrical socket assembly sleeve can be shaped to define other continuous, cross sectional shapes, including parabolic or elliptical curves.
Implementation of the above teachings enables the manufacture and use of high voltage connectors in high power x-ray tubes that are able to operate at high voltages, in some cases exceeding 150 kV. This allows such tubes to be utilized in a variety high power applications, including explosives detection, where the higher voltage enables more accurate x-ray scans to be produced. Further, the high voltage connector of the present invention enables high voltage tube operation without increasing the likelihood for electrical arcing in the connector.
These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1
is a cross sectional view of an x-ray device utilizing one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present high voltage connector;
FIG. 3
is a cross sectional view of the high voltage connector of
FIG. 2
, illustrating various components thereof;
FIG. 4
is a cross sectional view of the high voltage connector of
FIG. 2
, illustrating its connection to the cathode assembly of an x-ray device;
FIG. 5
is a cross sectional view of the high voltage connector of
FIG. 4
, illustrating electric fields associated with operation of the connector; and
FIG. 6
is a cross sectional view illustrating various features of another embodiment of the present high voltage connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made to figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.
FIGS. 1-6
depict various features of embodiments of the present invention, which is generally directed to a high voltage connector having favorable electrical properties for avoiding electrical arcing within the connector. The high voltage connector is utilized in connection with a high power device, such as an x-ray tube, though other high power devices can also benefit from the connector as taught herein. The present connector enables an x-ray tube to operate at relatively higher operating voltages while controlling the incidence of electrical arcing within the connector. This, in turn, provides stability to the x-ray tube while operating at elevated voltages, allowing it to be utilized in a variety of high power applications, including explosives detection.
Reference is first made to
FIG. 1
, which illustrates in cross section a simplified structure of a rotating anode-type x-ray tube, designated generally at
10
. As mentioned, the present invention is implemented in a pancake-style high voltage connector employed in connection with an x-ray tube, such as that depicted at
10
in FIG.
1
. However, it is appreciated that the teachings herein can also be applied to high voltage connectors utilized with other devices as well.
The x-ray tube
10
includes an outer housing
11
, within which is disposed an evacuated enclosure
12
. Disposed within the evacuated enclosure
12
are a rotating anode
14
and a cathode
16
. The anode
14
is spaced apart from and oppositely disposed to the cathode
16
, and is at least partially composed of a thermally conductive material such as tungsten or a molybdenum alloy. The anode
14
is rotatably supported by a rotor shaft
15
and a bearing assembly
17
.
As is typical, a high voltage potential is provided between the anode
14
and cathode
16
. In the illustrated embodiment, the cathode
16
is biased by a power source (not shown) to have a large negative voltage, while the anode
14
is maintained at ground potential. In other embodiments, the cathode is biased with a negative voltage while the anode is biased with a positive voltage. X-ray tubes featuring either of these biasing configurations can utilize the present high voltage connector. Also, while the x-ray tube
10
illustrated in
FIG. 1
features a rotating anode, it is appreciated that stationary anode x-ray tubes can also benefit from the high voltage connector to be described herein.
The cathode
16
includes at least one filament
18
that is connected to an appropriate power source (not shown). During operation, an electrical current is passed through the filament
18
to cause electrons, designated at
20
, to be emitted from the cathode
16
by thermionic emission. Application of the high voltage differential between the anode
14
and the cathode
16
then causes the electrons
20
to accelerate from the cathode filament
18
toward a focal track
22
that is positioned on a target surface
24
of the rotating anode
14
. The focal track
22
is typically composed of tungsten or a similar material having a high atomic (“high Z”) number. As the electrons
20
accelerate, they gain a substantial amount of kinetic energy, and upon striking the target material on the focal track
22
, some of this kinetic energy is converted into electromagnetic waves of very high frequency, i.e., x-rays. The emitted x-rays, designated at
26
, are directed through x-ray transmissive windows
28
and
30
disposed in the evacuated enclosure
12
and outer housing
11
, respectively. The windows
28
and
30
are comprised of an x-ray transmissive material so as to enable the x-rays to pass through the windows and exit the tube
10
. The x-rays exiting the tube can then be directed for penetration into an object, such as a patient's body during a medical evaluation, or a sample for purposes of materials analysis.
In accordance with one presently preferred embodiment, the x-ray tube
10
further includes a high voltage connector assembly, designated at
50
, which is operably connected to the cathode
16
, as seen in FIG.
1
. The high voltage connector
50
is responsible for electrically coupling a high voltage cable
52
to the x-ray tube
10
. The high voltage cable
52
is, in turn, connected to a high voltage power source (not shown). The high voltage connector
50
, via the high voltage cable
52
, facilitates the provision of an electrical voltage bias to the cathode
16
, as well as an electric current to the filament
18
during tube operation. As such, the connector
50
couples electrical components of the cathode
16
with the high voltage cable
52
, as explained more fully below.
Reference is now made to
FIG. 2
, which shows a perspective view of the high voltage connector
50
. The high voltage connector
50
generally comprises an outer connector housing
54
, a socket assembly
56
, and insulating material
58
. The connector housing
54
, in addition to housing the other components of the connector
50
, provides a mounting surface for attaching the connector to a portion of the cathode
16
via mechanical fasteners or other appropriate mode of attachment. The housing
54
further defines a port
60
through which the high voltage cable
52
passes. The high voltage cable
52
electrically connects with the socket assembly
56
within the housing
54
as described below. As seen in the figure, the socket assembly
56
is disposed within a cavity
54
A defined by the housing
54
, and is centrally positioned on a bottom face
55
of the connector
50
so as facilitate electrical connection with corresponding components of the cathode
16
. The insulating material
58
substantially fills the rest of the cavity
54
A to provide electrical isolation of the housing
54
from the socket assembly
56
. The insulating material
58
, in one embodiment, comprises an insulating epoxy.
Reference is now made to
FIGS. 3 and 4
, which cross-sectionally show the socket assembly
56
of
FIG. 2
in greater detail. The socket assembly
56
generally comprises a cylindrical, electrically conductive sleeve
70
, and a potting material
72
disposed within the sleeve. As explained more fully below, the cylindrical sleeve
70
is configured to electrically connect with a portion of a cathode receptacle
80
to provide the cathode
16
with a proper voltage bias. As such, the sleeve preferably comprises a metal, such as brass. As will be seen, the sleeve
70
includes an annular terminal end
78
that is configured to prevent electrical arcing, in accordance with the present invention.
The potting material
72
comprises, in one embodiment, an insulating material, such as plastic epoxy or other appropriate material. A plurality of female sockets
74
are disposed on the bottom face
55
of the connector
50
at a terminal end
72
A of the potting material
72
. Each socket
74
is electrically connected to the high voltage cable
52
(see FIGS.
1
and
2
), and is configured to electrically connect with corresponding terminals (not shown) disposed in the cathode
16
when the connector
50
is operably attached to the x-ray tube
10
. This interconnection provides an electric current to the one or more filaments
18
disposed in the cathode
16
, thereby enabling the filaments to produce electrons by thermionic emission. The sockets
74
are electrically isolated from the sleeve
70
by the potting material
72
. In the present embodiment, four sockets
74
are disposed at the terminal end
72
A, however, m or fewer sockets can be disposed therein. Also, though shown in
FIG. 3
to comprise female receptacles, in other embodiments the sockets
74
could alternatively comprise male electrical terminals or some other electrical connection configuration.
A cylindrically shaped, annular gap
76
is defined between the sleeve
70
and the potting material
72
at the terminal ends
72
A and
78
of the potting material
72
and the sleeve
70
, respectively. The gap
76
is configured to receive therein a portion of the cathode receptacle
80
and provide a voltage bias to the cathode
16
during tube operation.
In accordance with the above, the socket assembly
56
further comprises means for electrically connecting the sleeve
70
to the cathode receptacle
80
. By way of example, this function is provided by structure comprising a conductive contact interposed between the sleeve
70
and the cathode receptacle
80
. In presently preferred embodiments, the conductive contact comprises a metal fingerstock ring
82
having a plurality of electrically conductive, resilient extensions
82
A. The fingerstock ring
82
is disposed in an annular notch
84
defined on an inner surface of the sleeve
70
near the terminal end
78
of the sleeve. The fingerstock ring
82
is configured to physically and electrically connect the sleeve
70
to the cathode receptacle
80
via the plurality of resilient extensions
82
A when the high voltage connector
50
is attached to the cathode
16
, as described further below. This enables the cathode receptacle
80
to be electrically charged for proper cathode operation.
As can be seen in
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the terminal end
78
of the sleeve
70
is substantially enveloped by the insulating material
58
of the connector
50
. A triple junction
86
is formed at the junction of the sleeve
70
, the insulating material
58
, and air present in the gap
76
. The terminal end
78
of the sleeve
70
is further configured to advantageously prevent electrical arcing at the triple junction
86
. In accordance with this, the terminal end
78
of the cylindrical sleeve
70
is shaped to define a smooth, continuous surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal sleeve end
78
defines an outwardly extending, rounded cross sectional shape having a radius “r.” The utility of the smoothly continuous shape of the terminal sleeve end
78
in reducing electrical arcing at or near the triple junction
86
is explained further below in connection with FIG.
5
. As will be discussed, in other embodiments the terminal end
78
of the sleeve
70
can comprise other continuous cross sectional shapes as well.
Continuing reference is made to
FIG. 4
, which illustrates the interconnection of the present connector
50
with the cathode
16
. As suggested, the cathode receptacle
80
is received by the connector
50
into the gap
76
defined in the socket assembly
56
. Electrical connection between the cathode receptacle
80
and the cylindrical sleeve
70
of the socket assembly
56
is established via the fingerstock ring
82
disposed in the notch
84
. The insertion of the cathode receptacle
80
into the gap
76
causes the resilient extensions
82
A of the fingerstock ring
82
to deform and engage the surface of the receptacle. This ensures a secure physical and electrical connection between the cathode receptacle
80
and the socket assembly sleeve
70
. It is appreciated that the shape, size, and particular configuration of the gap
76
, the fingerstock ring
82
, and the cathode receptacle
80
, as well as their interconnection, can vary from what is shown in FIG.
4
.
FIG. 4
further illustrates an insulating gasket
88
that can be interposed between the cathode
16
and the connector
50
when the two are attached. Specifically, the insulating gasket
88
is annular and fits about a portion of the cathode receptacle
80
to further insulate the high voltage portions of the socket assembly
56
and cathode receptacle
80
from other portions of the x-ray tube
10
.
Reference is now made to
FIG. 5
, which illustrates the connection of the high voltage connector
50
to the cathode
16
, as shown in
FIG. 4
, with additional details. As already discussed, the socket assembly
56
of the connector
50
is responsible for providing a negative voltage bias for the cathode
16
as well as providing an electrical signal for operation of one or more filaments
18
. As such, the socket assembly
56
is maintained at a high voltage during operation of the x-ray tube
10
. The high voltage that is present in and around the socket assembly
56
during tube operation is represented in
FIG. 5
by electric field lines
90
.
As mentioned earlier, the continuously shaped terminal end
78
of the conductive socket assembly sleeve
70
assists in preventing electrical arcing at or near the triple junction
86
formed at the meeting point of the terminal end of the conductive sleeve, the insulating material
58
, and air present in the gap
76
. The continuous surface defined by the terminal end
78
of the sleeve
70
reduces arcing in at least two ways. First, and as can be seen in
FIG. 5
, the terminal end
78
, by virtue of its rounded shape, pushes the electric field away from the triple junction
86
. Second, as a consequence of the field being pushed away by the terminal end
78
, the electric field strength existing at the conductive surface of the sleeve
70
near the continuously shaped terminal end
78
is reduced. Thus, less field strength exists at the triple junction
86
, which is adjacent the terminal end
78
. The combination of these two factors results in a relatively reduced field strength existing at the triple junction
86
. As electrical arcs are often created at triple junctions such as that shown at
86
, the reduction of the electric field in this region per the present invention reduces the overall incidence of electrical arcing within the present high voltage connector
50
, particularly around the socket assembly
56
.
It is also seen in
FIG. 5
that, because of the continuous shape of the terminal end
78
of the sleeve
70
, no sharp edges exist at the triple junction
86
. This further enhances the capability of the socket assembly
56
to subdue the tendency for electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction
86
.
As a result of the reduced electrical arcing risk made possible by the present invention, the high voltage connector
50
can be used to maintain tube voltages at a higher level than what has been previously possible with known connectors. In one example, a high voltage connector of the present invention was able to maintain an operating x-ray tube voltage level of approximately 190 kV, significantly more than the typical 150 kV voltage limit. In another example, an x-ray tube utilizing a high voltage connector of the present invention was continuously run at an operating voltage level of 160 kV for several weeks without electrical arcing. Thus, it is seen that the high voltage connector of the present invention enables x-ray tubes to significantly expand the voltage levels at which they can operate.
As already mentioned, the higher voltage levels obtained by the present invention allow for x-ray tubes to be utilized in specialized applications, such as explosives detection, where higher voltages are critical to ensuring adequate detection. For example, in explosive detection, an x-ray tube operating at a voltage of 160 kV is able to detect explosives in luggage and other objects with a false-positive rate of less than one percent. In contrast, a lower powered x-ray tube operating at only 150 kV can have a false-positive rate of 2% or more.
Reference is now made to
FIG. 6
, which depicts various features of an alternative embodiment of the present high voltage connector. As illustrated, a high voltage connector
150
includes a socket assembly
156
disposed therein. The socket assembly
150
includes a cylindrical sleeve
170
having an annular terminal end
178
. The terminal end
178
defines a continuously shaped surface. The cross sectional shape of the terminal end
178
is parabolic in the present embodiment and meets with insulating material
158
and air disposed in a gap
176
to form a triple junction
186
. The continuous cross sectional shape of the terminal end
178
of the sleeve
170
prevents electrical arcing at the triple junction
186
during tube operation in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, that is, it operates to distance the electric field from the triple junction
186
to reduce the field strength along the conductive surface of the sleeve
170
near the terminal end
178
. Additionally, the triple junction
186
is characterized by the absence of sharp edges, which would otherwise increase the likelihood for arcing.
As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 6
, the terminal end of the sleeve in the embodiments described herein can be varied in cross sectional shape while still performing its intended function. Indeed, the cross sectional shape of the terminal end of the sleeve can define a circular, parabolic, elliptical, or other continuous surface. Preferably, the shape defined by the terminal end of the sleeve is characterized by a smooth and continuous surface having no sharp edges. Further, the surface should be defined such that it causes the electric field to be reduced in strength at any triple junction that is formed in part by the terminal end. Thus, terminal end shapes other than those described or illustrated herein are also appreciated as falling within the present invention.
The socket assembly
156
shown in
FIG. 6
further includes another example of a means for electrically connecting the sleeve
170
to a cathode receptacle (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, this function is provided by structure comprising an electrically conductive O-ring interposed between the sleeve
170
and the cathode receptacle. The O-ring
182
can be disposed in an annular notch
184
defined on an inner surface of the sleeve
170
, though other configurations are also possible. Upon insertion of the cathode receptacle (not shown) into the gap
176
of the socket assembly
156
, the O-ring
182
establishes both physical and electrical contact between the sleeve
170
and the receptacle. As before, this enables electrical conductivity to the cathode of the x-ray tube to be established. The O-ring
182
can be comprised of one or more of a variety of conductive materials, including metal.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims
- 1. An x-ray device, comprising:a vacuum enclosure having disposed therein a cathode and an anode, the cathode including at least one electron-producing filament, the anode positioned to receive the electrons produced by the filament, the electrons impacting the anode such that a beam of x-rays is emitted; and a high voltage connector operable to provide an electric signal to the cathode, the connector being electrically connected to an electrical power source via an electric cable, the high voltage connector comprising: an outer housing having a port through which the electric cable is disposed; a first insulating material disposed in the outer housing; and a socket portion disposed within the outer housing, the socket portion comprising: a second insulating material; and an electrically conductive sleeve disposed about the second insulating material, a gap being formed between the second insulating material and the sleeve such that a conductive receptacle portion of the cathode is received in the gap, a terminal end of the sleeve defining a smooth and continuous surface, the terminal end disposed adjacent the gap.
- 2. An x-ray device as defined in claim 1, further comprising:a plurality of electrical sockets disposed within the sleeve, the electrical sockets being in electrical communication with the electric cable, the sockets electrically mating with electrical terminals of the cathode.
- 3. An x-ray device as defined in claim 1, further comprising:means for electrically connecting the sleeve to the conductive receptacle portion of the cathode.
- 4. An x-ray device as defined in claim 3, wherein the means for electrically connecting comprises fingerstock disposed in a notch, the notch disposed adjacent the terminal end of the conductive sleeve on an interior surface of the sleeve.
- 5. An x-ray device as defined in claim 1, wherein the terminal end of the conductive sleeve defines round surface.
- 6. An x-ray device as defined in claim 1, wherein the terminal end of the conductive sleeve defines a parabolic surface.
- 7. An x-ray device as defined in claim 1, wherein the terminal end of the conductive sleeve is at least partially covered by the first insulating material.
- 8. An x-ray device as defined in claim 7, wherein the junction of the terminal end of the conductive sleeve with the first insulating material is smooth and continuous.
- 9. An x-ray device as defined in claim 1, wherein an insulating ceramic is interposed between the high voltage connector and the cathode.
- 10. An x-ray device as defined in claim 1, wherein the conductive sleeve is cylindrical.
- 11. An x-ray device as defined in claim 1, wherein the conductive sleeve is comprised of brass.
- 12. An x-ray generating device comprising:a cathode capable of emitting electrons; an anode positioned to receive the emitted electrons in a manner so as to generate x-rays; a high voltage connector operable to connect a high voltage cable to the x-ray generating device and supply an electrical signal to at least one of the cathode and the anode, the high voltage connector comprising: an outer housing; an insulating material disposed within the outer housing; a socket assembly substantially surrounded by the insulating material, the socket assembly comprising: a cylindrical sleeve comprising an electrically conductive material, the sleeve having a terminal end portion, the terminal end portion defining a continuous cross sectional shape; and a potting material disposed within the sleeve, the potting material and sleeve together defining a cylindrical gap such that an electrically conductive portion of the x-ray generating device is received in the gap.
- 13. An x-ray generating device as defined in claim 12, wherein the high voltage connector further comprises a metal contact electrically connecting the electrically conductive portion of the x-ray generating device with the sleeve.
- 14. An x-ray generating device as defined in claim 13, wherein the metal contact is disposed in a notch, the notch being defined in a surface of the sleeve.
- 15. An x-ray generating device as defined in claim 14, wherein the notch is defined adjacent the terminal end of the sleeve.
- 16. An x-ray generating device as defined in claim 12, wherein the sleeve comprises brass.
- 17. An x-ray generating device as defined in claim 12, wherein the continuous cross sectional shape of the terminal end of the sleeve is selected from the group consisting of round, parabolic, and elliptical.
- 18. An x-ray generating device as defined in claim 12, wherein the insulating material substantially envelops a portion of the terminal end of the sleeve, wherein the junction between the insulating material and the sleeve is smooth and continuous.
- 19. An x-ray generating device as defined in claim 18, wherein the insulating material comprises epoxy.
- 20. An x-ray device comprising:a vacuum enclosure having disposed therein a cathode assembly and an anode assembly, the cathode assembly having at least one electron emitting device, and the anode assembly having an anode target surface positioned to receive electrons emitted by the electron emitting device so as to produce x-rays; an electrical connector comprising: an outer housing; an insulating material disposed within the outer housing; and a socket assembly substantially surrounded by the insulating material, the socket assembly comprising: a cylindrical sleeve comprising an electrically conductive material, the sleeve having a circular terminal end portion, the terminal end portion defining a continuously rounded surface; an electrically insulating potting material disposed within the sleeve, the potting material and sleeve together defining a cylindrical gap such that an electrically conductive portion of the cathode assembly is received in the gap; and a metal contact electrically connecting the cylindrical sleeve with the electrically conductive portion of the cathode assembly received in the gap, the metal contact being disposed in a circumferential notch defined in the cylindrical sleeve, the notch being disposed adjacent the terminal end portion.
- 21. An x-ray device as defined in claim 20, wherein the continuously rounded surface of the terminal end of the cylindrical sleeve has a semi-circular cross sectional shape.
- 22. An x-ray device as defined in claim 21, wherein a triple junction is formed at points where the insulating material, the terminal end of the sleeve, and the air disposed in the gap meet.
- 23. An x-ray device as defined in claim 22, wherein the terminal end of the sleeve is operable to reduce the strength of an electric field near the triple junction, the electric field being produced during operation of the x-ray device.
- 24. An x-ray device as defined in claim 23, wherein the socket assembly further comprises electrical sockets disposed in the socket assembly, the sockets electrically mating with electrical terminals included in the cathode assembly.
- 25. An x-ray device as defined in claim 24, wherein the metal contact physically contacts both the conductive portion of the cathode assembly received in the gap and the cylindrical sleeve.
- 26. An x-ray device as defined in claim 25, wherein the metal contact comprises a metallic O-ring.
- 27. An x-ray device as defined in claim 25, wherein the metal contact comprises an annular ring of fingerstock material.
- 28. An x-ray device as defined in claim 27, wherein the circumferential notch is defined on an inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve.
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A |
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6213805 |
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Apr 2001 |
B1 |