X-ray tube liquid metal bearing structure for reducing trapped gases

Abstract

A bearing structure for an X-ray tube is provided that includes a journal bearing shaft with a radially protruding thrust bearing encased within a bearing sleeve, one of which rotates relative to the other. The stationary component, e.g., the journal bearing and/or the thrust bearing includes at least one vent groove formed therein that improves the ability of the journal bearing structure to enable gases trapped by the liquid metal within the bearing assembly to escape through the vent groove to the exterior of the X-ray tube. By adding a strategically located channel or vent groove of sufficient size in at least one of the journal bearing or the thrust bearing, the pressures resisted by the seal created between the liquid metal and the vent groove(s) in the bearing components is significantly reduced, allowing escape of the gases to avoid detrimental effects to the operation of the X-ray tube, while maintaining the load carrying capacity of the bearing assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bearing assembly for an X-ray tube, the bearing assembly comprising:
 a shaft;   a sleeve disposed around the shaft, wherein one of the shaft and the sleeve is rotatable with regard to the other to form a rotating component and a stationary component;   a lubricating fluid disposed between the shaft and the sleeve within a gap between the sleeve and the shaft; and   at least one vent groove disposed on the stationary component.