The disclosure relates to an X-ray tube, comprising a cathode and an anode, the cathode and anode being accommodated in a housing which provides a vacuum environment.

A radiation emission device is provided. The radiation emission device may include a cathode configured to emit an electron beam and an anode configured to rotate on a shaft. The anode may be situated to receive the electron beam from the cathode. The radiation emission device may further include a rotor configured to drive the anode to rotate. The rotor may be mechanically connected to the shaft. The radiation emission device may further include a sleeve configured to support the shaft via at least one bearing. The cathode, the anode, and the rotor may be enclosed in an enclosure that is connected to the sleeve. At least a portion of the sleeve may reside outside the enclosure.

According to one embodiment, a rotating anode X-ray tube including a rotating cylinder, a rotating shaft fixed to the inside of the rotating cylinder, an anode fixing body arranged between the rotating cylinder and the rotating shaft, extending in the axial direction, and constituted of one of a magnetic substance member formed of a magnetic substance and a heat-transfer enhancing member heat conductivity of which is higher than surrounding members, ball bearings, and an inner member, connected to the anode fixing body by a connecting member, and constituted of one of the magnetic substance member and the heat-transfer enhancing member, one being different from the member constituting the anode fixing body.

A radiation emission device is provided. The radiation emission device may include a cathode configured to emit an electron beam and an anode configured to rotate on a shaft. The anode may be situated to receive the electron beam from the cathode. The radiation emission device may further include a rotor configured to drive the anode to rotate. The rotor may be mechanically connected to the shaft. The radiation emission device may further include a sleeve configured to support the shaft via at least one bearing. The cathode, the anode, and the rotor may be enclosed in an enclosure that is connected to the sleeve. At least a portion of the sleeve may reside outside the enclosure.

Various methods and systems are provided for an x-ray imaging system. In one example, an x-ray tube of the imaging system includes a rotor with a core forming a continuous unit with at least one of a retention sleeve and a bearing assembly sleeve. The rotor further includes one or more magnets disposed in the core and maintained in place by the retention sleeve.

A system for passive thermal control of an X-ray tube is provided. The system includes an X-ray tube having an electron beam target and including a rotary bearing assembly supporting the electron beam target in rotation. The rotary bearing assembly includes a stationary shaft and a bearing sleeve configured to rotate with respect to the stationary shaft during operation of the X-ray tube. The rotary bearing assembly also includes a first coolant flow path extending through a center of the stationary shaft and a second coolant flow path disposed through a radially inward portion of the stationary shaft disposed about the center of the stationary shaft. The rotary bearing assembly further includes a flow control valve configured to passively regulate flow of coolant through the second coolant flow path based on a pressure of the coolant.

Some embodiments include an x-ray system, comprising: a structure having a hole having an axially extending wall; and a nozzle disposed in the hole; wherein the nozzle and the axially extending wall form a plurality of axially extending helical fluid channels. Some embodiments include an x-ray system formed by shaping tubing to form a plurality of axially extending helical flutes; and forming a plurality of axially extending helical fluid channels by inserting the shaped tubing into a hole in a structure.

Various methods and systems are provided for an x-ray imaging system. In one example, an x-ray tube of the imaging system includes a rotor with a core forming a continuous unit with at least one of a retention sleeve and a bearing assembly sleeve. The rotor further includes one or more magnets disposed in the core and maintained in place by the retention sleeve.

A liquid metal or spiral groove bearing structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for manufacturing the bearing structure is provided in which journal bearing sleeve is formed with a number of structures thereon that function to dissipate heat transmitted to the sleeve during operation of the bearing assembly within the x-ray tube to minimize thermal deformation of the sleeve, thereby minimizing gap size alteration within the bearing assembly. The structures formed within the sleeve are slots disposed within the section of the sleeve in which the highest temperature gradients develop. The slots enable an increase in thermal conductance away from the sleeve while minimizing the stresses created from the deformation of the portion(s) of the sleeve between the slots.

A liquid metal or spiral groove bearing structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for manufacturing the bearing structure is provided in which journal bearing sleeve is formed with a number of structures thereon that function to dissipate heat transmitted to the sleeve during operation of the bearing assembly within the x-ray tube to minimize thermal deformation of the sleeve, thereby minimizing gap size alteration within the bearing assembly. The structures formed within the sleeve are slots disposed within the section of the sleeve in which the highest temperature gradients develop. The slots enable an increase in thermal conductance away from the sleeve while minimizing the stresses created from the deformation of the portion(s) of the sleeve between the slots.