Modular cooling unit for x-ray device
View Patent ↗An x-ray imaging system is disclosed, where one example of such a system includes a frame or other structure to which a modular cooling unit of the x-ray imaging system is attached. The modular cooling unit includes a radiator, configured for fluid communication with an x-ray tube housing, as well as one or more fans configured to cause a flow of air to pass through the radiator. In this example, the x-ray imaging system further includes a detector array arranged to receive x-rays generated by an x-ray tube insert disposed within the x-ray tube housing. In operation, the air flow caused by the fans of the modular cooling unit removes heat from coolant flowing out of the x-ray tube housing and through the radiator.
1. An x-ray imaging system, comprising:
a frame;
a mounting structure attached to the frame;
an x-ray tube attached to the mounting structure, the x-ray tube including an x-ray tube housing and an x-ray tube insert disposed in the housing;
a modular cooling unit at least partially disposed within a space collectively defined by the frame and the mounting structure, the modular cooling unit comprising:
a radiator configured for fluid communication with the x-ray tube housing;
a fan mount attached at least indirectly to the frame; and
a fan attached to the fan mount and arranged to cause a flow of air to flow through the radiator; and
a detector arranged to receive x-rays generated by the x-ray tube insert,
wherein the mounting structure includes first and second opposing sides, the frame being attached on the first side of the mounting structure, and the x-ray tube being attached on the second side of the mounting structure.
2. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fan mount comprises one of: an adapter plate; and, a fan bracket.
3. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fan mount is configured to be removably attached to the frame.
4. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the radiator is slidingly received within the fan mount.
5. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the radiator is removably retained within the fan mount.
6. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the radiator is configured to be removably attached to the frame.
7. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the radiator is held between the fan mount and the frame.
8. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fan is configured and arranged to pull a flow of air through the fan mount and the radiator.
9. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fan is configured and arranged to push a flow of air into the fan mount and the radiator.
10. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a gantry.
11. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the modular cooling unit further comprises a sealing element disposed between the radiator and the fan mount.
12. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the radiator includes at least one extended surface configured for contact with airflow generated by the fan.
13. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , wherein elements of the modular cooling unit can be removed and replaced without necessitating replacement of the x-ray tube insert.
14. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a coolant pump in fluid communication with the radiator and the x-ray tube housing.
15. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 14 , wherein the coolant pump is an element of one of: the modular cooling unit; or, the x-ray tube.
16. An x-ray system, comprising:
an x-ray imaging system, comprising:
a frame;
a modular cooling unit, comprising:
a radiator;
a fan mount attached at least indirectly to the frame so as to retain the radiator to the frame, the radiator being slidingly received within the fan mount; and
a fan attached to the fan mount in a manner such that the radiator is positioned substantially between the fan and the frame and the fan being arranged to cause a flow of air to come into contact with the radiator;
a detector; and
an x-ray tube that includes an x-ray tube housing containing an x-ray tube insert and mounted to the frame, the x-ray tube housing being configured for fluid communication with the radiator, and the x-ray tube insert being configured and arranged to generate x-rays for reception by the detector.
17. The x-ray system as recited in claim 16 , wherein the fan mount comprises one of: an adapter plate; and, a fan bracket.
18. The x-ray system as recited in claim 16 , wherein the fan mount is configured to be removably attached to the frame.
19. The x-ray system as recited in claim 16 , wherein the radiator is removably retained within the fan mount.
20. The x-ray system as recited in claim 16 , wherein elements of the modular cooling unit can be removed and replaced without necessitating replacement of the x-ray tube insert.
21. The x-ray system as recited in claim 16 , wherein the x-ray imaging system further comprises a coolant pump in fluid communication with the radiator and the x-ray tube housing.
22. The x-ray imaging system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the coolant pump is an element of one of: the modular cooling unit; or, the x-ray tube.