[go: up one dir, main page]

EP0330542B1 - Electronic power tube cooled by means of a circulating fluid - Google Patents

Electronic power tube cooled by means of a circulating fluid Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0330542B1
EP0330542B1 EP89400374A EP89400374A EP0330542B1 EP 0330542 B1 EP0330542 B1 EP 0330542B1 EP 89400374 A EP89400374 A EP 89400374A EP 89400374 A EP89400374 A EP 89400374A EP 0330542 B1 EP0330542 B1 EP 0330542B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
anode
cooler
envelope
yoke
brazed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP89400374A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0330542A1 (en
Inventor
André Gabioud
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thales SA
Original Assignee
Thomson CSF SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thomson CSF SA filed Critical Thomson CSF SA
Publication of EP0330542A1 publication Critical patent/EP0330542A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0330542B1 publication Critical patent/EP0330542B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J19/00—Details of vacuum tubes of the types covered by group H01J21/00
    • H01J19/28—Non-electron-emitting electrodes; Screens
    • H01J19/32—Anodes
    • H01J19/36—Cooling of anodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J19/00—Details of vacuum tubes of the types covered by group H01J21/00
    • H01J19/66—Means forming part of the tube for the purpose of providing electrical connection to it

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electronic power tube of the triode, tetrode or pentode type, for example, cooled by the circulation of a fluid and particularly relates to means making it possible to improve the cooling of the anode connection part.
  • a flow of electrons is emitted by a cathode towards an anode.
  • This flow of electrons is modulated by one or more grids before reaching the anode.
  • the kinetic energy of the electrons is transformed into heat on the anode.
  • the energy to be dissipated is so great that it is necessary to use cooling devices operating with a fluid whose circulation is forced. This fluid is often air for low powers and a liquid, water in particular, for high powers.
  • Power electronic tubes generally have the following configuration, in the case of a triode with direct heating cathode for example: the cathode has the shape of a cylinder having its axis the longitudinal axis of the tube. There is then a grid which surrounds the cathode and finally an anode which surrounds the grid.
  • the heated part of the cathode constitutes, along the longitudinal axis, an active electron-emitting length: the electrons pass through the grid in radial directions and are captured by the anode.
  • the anode and the grid each have the shape of a hollow cylinder and they each have at their base, on the side of the base of the tube, an electrical connection piece to the outside, which has a cylindrical shape. These anode and grid connection pieces are mechanically secured, by sealing, to the same insulating spacer.
  • the anode forms part of the sealed enclosure inside which is created the vacuum necessary for the operation of the electronic tube.
  • the cooling of the tube is obtained using a cooler consisting of two coaxial cylindrical envelopes, mounted around the anode, one end of the outer envelope being tightly fixed to a flange of the tube, located on the side of the foot of the latter.
  • the outer casing is provided with an inlet duct through which the cooling fluid, for example water, arrives.
  • the circulation of water is forced and the water circulates for example between the outer envelope and the inner envelope to the base of the outer envelope where the water is injected and progresses between the space formed between the 'inner shell and the outer wall of the anode.
  • the transfer of calories to water takes place in this area.
  • the water is then discharged through a second conduit which is provided with the inner envelope.
  • the cooling efficiency of the anode is linked, in a manner known per se, to the flow characteristics of the cooling fluid, in particular to the pressure with which the water is injected into the cooler and to the dimensions of the space between the inner shell and the outer wall of the anode.
  • the configuration described above has a drawback; in fact the elements located near the anode tend to undergo a significant rise in temperature due to thermal conduction. This is particularly the case for the anode connection part.
  • the anode connection piece provides both the electrical connection of the anode to the outside and the mechanical connection with the insulating spacer separating it from the grid connection piece.
  • This insulating spacer is preferably made of ceramic.
  • the microwave currents circulate on the surface of the conductors, the thickness being thinner as the frequency is high; this phenomenon is known as the skin effect.
  • the increase in frequency leads to an increase in losses by the Joule effect, more particularly at the level of the connection between the anode connection part and the insulating spacer.
  • the intense heating of the anode connection piece can be harmful for the electronic tube. This heating is due to thermal conduction and the Joule effect.
  • the materials constituting the anode connection piece and the insulating spacer, namely metal and ceramic have different behaviors the higher the temperature. The mechanical stresses induced in these materials may then lead to failure, either at the level of the ceramic metal seal, or in the insulating spacer itself.
  • the invention aims to remedy this drawback by making it possible to stabilize the temperature of the anode connection part, at an acceptable level.
  • the invention consists in deriving all or part of the cooling fluid from the anode, in order to ensure a circulation of fluid on the anode connection piece by favoring the area of the metal ceramic seal.
  • anode connection piece in principle, provision is made for the anode connection piece to be integral with the one insulating spacer serving as support for a grid connection piece and ensuring the vacuum-tightness of the interior of the anode. Arrangements are then made so that the region where the anode connection piece is sealed to the spacer is in contact with the coolant.
  • the integral part of the outer casing is a flange which is brazed at the base of the anode. It is traversed by orifices and the circulation of the cooling fluid is bypassed either partially or totally not these orifices towards the anode connection part in order to cool it. At least one of the orifices has its longitudinal axis located between the inner casing and the outer casing of the cooler. At least one other orifice has its longitudinal axis located between the inner casing of the cooler and the outer wall of the anode.
  • the part integral with the outer envelope is a ring.
  • the anode connection piece is in contact with all of the coolant.
  • the anode connection piece completely ensures the mechanical connection between the anode and the ring and therefore between the anode and the outer casing of the cooler.
  • An opening is provided between the end of the inner casing of the cooler and the anode connection piece for the passage of the fluid.
  • Figure 1 shows in section an electronic tube 1 of power according to the prior art of the triode type with direct heating.
  • the tube 1 comprises a direct heating cathode 5 of cylindrical shape having for axis 3 a longitudinal axis of the tube 1.
  • the cathode 5 is mounted in a conventional manner as shown in the figure: it is fixed, on the side of a tube base 4 on the one hand to a central rod 2 and, on the other hand to a tubular support 19, by which it is electrically connected to a first and a second connection part 12, 6.
  • connection parts 12, 6 are metallic and are mechanically secured to each other by an insulating spacer 7.
  • a grid 8 surrounds the cathode 5.
  • the grid 8 has the shape of a hollow cylinder having its axis the longitudinal axis 3.
  • the end 11 of the grid 8 which is located on the side of the tube base 4 is connected to a third connection part 13 which is secured to the second connection part 6 by an insulating spacer 14.
  • an anode 15 which constitutes a part of an enclosure inside which the vacuum necessary for the operation of the tube is produced.
  • the anode 15 has the general shape of a hollow cylinder whose axis is the longitudinal axis 3 and one end of which, located towards the base of the tube 4, is connected by brazing on the one hand to a flange 22 and on the other hand to a fourth connection piece 23 itself secured by an insulating spacer 25 to the grid connection 13.
  • All the insulating spacers are of cylindrical shape and are made of preferably ceramic.
  • the connections between the connection pieces and the insulating spacers are seals.
  • the anode connection part is only welded to the anode 15 and to the insulating spacer 25.
  • the electronic tube 1 further comprises a cooler 35 mounted around the anode 15.
  • This cooler 35 consists of two envelopes 36, 37 of generally cylindrical shape, coaxial, each having a first end 38, 39 closed and a second end 40 , 41 open.
  • the outer casing 36 is fixed at its base by its open end 40 to the flange 22, in a leaktight manner, using for example, screws 43 and a seal 44.
  • the open end 41 of the inner envelope 37 is not contiguous with the flange 22 in order to form an opening 47 allowing the passage of a cooling fluid.
  • the closed end 38 of the outer casing 36 has an inlet nozzle 49 through which is injected, in a conventional manner, a pressurized fluid, water for example.
  • a pressurized fluid water for example.
  • the water circulates between the outer casing 36 and the inner casing 37 and is injected at the opening 47 into a chamber formed by the inner casing 37 and the anode 15.
  • the water is then discharged by a outlet nozzle 51 placed on the closed end 39 of the inner casing 37.
  • FIG. 2 shows a partial sectional view of the cooling system of an electronic tube according to the invention; the figure represents only an area in the vicinity of the anode connection, the rest of the construction possibly being identical to what has been described with reference to figure 1.
  • the base 40 of the outer casing 36 of the cooler is fixed in a leaktight manner using screws 43 and a seal 44, for example, on the upper face of a flange 55.
  • the flange 55 is fixed to the outer casing 36 of the cooler on the side of its outer periphery while its inner periphery is brazed to anode 15
  • the anode connection piece 23 is always brazed on one side 50 at the base of the anode 15 while on the other side 51 it is brazed on the underside of the flange 55. It is always integral with the insulating spacer 25 by a metal ceramic seal.
  • the soldering of the anode connection part 23 ensures the sealing of an enclosure 52 formed between the anode connection part 23 and the underside of the flange 55.
  • the anode connection piece 23 thus mounted provides sealing between the cooling circuit and the outside of the tube and between the cooling circuit and the inside of the electronic tube.
  • FIG. 2 is a section through two of these orifices designated by 53 and 54.
  • the orifice 53 serves as an orifice inlet because it is located on the flange 55 between the outer casing 36 and the inner casing 37.
  • the orifice 54 serves as an outlet orifice because it is located on the flange 55 between the inner casing 37 and the anode 15.
  • the open end 41 of the inner envelope 37 is not contiguous with the flange 55 in order to form an opening 47 intended for the passage of part of the cooling water.
  • This embodiment allows a partial diversion of the cooling water from the main circuit. In fact, water can always pass through the opening 47. It is possible to control the water flow necessary for cooling the anode connection piece 23 in particular at the level of the seal with the insulating spacer 25 by playing on the ratio of the pressure drops of the branch circuit and the main circuit and also, on the dimensions of the opening 47.
  • FIG. 3 shows in section another embodiment of the cooling circuit according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows in section another embodiment of the cooling circuit according to the invention.
  • connection piece 23 of anode 15 is always brazed on one side 50 at the base of the anode 15 and on the other side 51 on the inner flank of a ring 56 secured to the base of the 'outer casing 36 of the cooler.
  • the base 40 of the outer casing 36 of the cooler is fixed in a sealed manner, for example using screws 43 and a seal 44, on the upper face of the ring 56.
  • the ring 56 doesn’t is not connected to anode 15.
  • connection piece 23 constitutes between its two sides a sealed wall closing the enclosure of the cooler.
  • the open end 41 of the inner casing 37 is not contiguous with the anode connection part 23 in order to form an opening 48 intended for the injection of cooling water.
  • the invention is not limited to the configurations described above.
  • the anode connection part is brazed on one side, at the base of the anode and on the other side directly at the base of the outer casing of the cooler.
  • the presence of a flange (55) or a ring (56) is no longer necessary.

Landscapes

  • X-Ray Techniques (AREA)
  • Cooling Or The Like Of Semiconductors Or Solid State Devices (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)
  • Common Detailed Techniques For Electron Tubes Or Discharge Tubes (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un tube électronique de puissance du type par exemple triode, tétrode ou pentode, refroidi par la circulation d'un fluide et concerne particulièrement des moyens permettant d'améliorer le refroidissement de la pièce de connexion d'anode.The present invention relates to an electronic power tube of the triode, tetrode or pentode type, for example, cooled by the circulation of a fluid and particularly relates to means making it possible to improve the cooling of the anode connection part.

Dans de tels tubes électroniques, un flux d'électrons est émis par une cathode en direction d'une anode. Ce flux d'électrons est modulé par une ou plusieurs grilles avant de parvenir à l'anode. L'énergie cinétique des électrons est transformée en chaleur sur l'anode. Pour les tubes électroniques de puissance, l'énergie à dissiper est importante au point qu'il est nécessaire d'utiliser des dispositifs de refroidissement fonctionnant avec un fluide dont la circulation est forcée. Ce fluide est souvent de l'air pour les faibles puissances et un liquide, de l'eau notamment, pour les puissances élevées.In such electronic tubes, a flow of electrons is emitted by a cathode towards an anode. This flow of electrons is modulated by one or more grids before reaching the anode. The kinetic energy of the electrons is transformed into heat on the anode. For power electronic tubes, the energy to be dissipated is so great that it is necessary to use cooling devices operating with a fluid whose circulation is forced. This fluid is often air for low powers and a liquid, water in particular, for high powers.

Les tubes électroniques de puissance ont généralement la configuration suivante, dans le cas d'une triode avec cathode à chauffage direct par exemple : la cathode a la forme d'un cylindre ayant pour axe l'axe longitudinal du tube. On trouve ensuite une grille qui entoure la cathode et enfin une anode qui entoure la grille. La partie chauffée de la cathode constitue, le long de l'axe longitudinal une longueur active émettrice d'électrons : les électrons traversent la grille selon des directions radiales et sont captés par l'anode. L'anode et la grille ont chacune la forme d'un cylindre creux et elles possèdent chacune à leur base, du côté du pied du tube, une pièce de connexion électrique vers l'extérieur, qui a une forme cylindrique. Ces pièces de connection d'anode et de grille sont mécaniquement solidaires, par scellement, d'une même entretoise isolante. L'anode constitue une partie de l'enceinte étanche à l'intérieur de laquelle est réalisé le vide nécessaire au fonctionnement du tube électronique.Power electronic tubes generally have the following configuration, in the case of a triode with direct heating cathode for example: the cathode has the shape of a cylinder having its axis the longitudinal axis of the tube. There is then a grid which surrounds the cathode and finally an anode which surrounds the grid. The heated part of the cathode constitutes, along the longitudinal axis, an active electron-emitting length: the electrons pass through the grid in radial directions and are captured by the anode. The anode and the grid each have the shape of a hollow cylinder and they each have at their base, on the side of the base of the tube, an electrical connection piece to the outside, which has a cylindrical shape. These anode and grid connection pieces are mechanically secured, by sealing, to the same insulating spacer. The anode forms part of the sealed enclosure inside which is created the vacuum necessary for the operation of the electronic tube.

Le refroidissement du tube est obtenu à l'aide d'un refroidisseur constitué par deux enveloppes cylindriques coaxiales, montées autour de l'anode, une extrémité de l'enveloppe extérieure étant fixée de manière étanche à une bride du tube, située du côté du pied de ce dernier. L'enveloppe extérieure est munie d'un conduit d'entrée par lequel arrive le fluide de refroidissement, de l'eau par exemple.The cooling of the tube is obtained using a cooler consisting of two coaxial cylindrical envelopes, mounted around the anode, one end of the outer envelope being tightly fixed to a flange of the tube, located on the side of the foot of the latter. The outer casing is provided with an inlet duct through which the cooling fluid, for example water, arrives.

La circulation de l'eau est forcée et l'eau circule par exemple entre l'enveloppe extérieure et l'enveloppe intérieure jusqu'à la base de l'enveloppe extérieure où l'eau est injectée et progresse entre l'espace formé entre l'enveloppe intérieure et la paroi externe de l'anode. Le transfert des calories vers l'eau se fait dans cette zone. L'eau est ensuite évacuée par un second conduit dont est munie l'enveloppe intérieure.The circulation of water is forced and the water circulates for example between the outer envelope and the inner envelope to the base of the outer envelope where the water is injected and progresses between the space formed between the 'inner shell and the outer wall of the anode. The transfer of calories to water takes place in this area. The water is then discharged through a second conduit which is provided with the inner envelope.

L'efficacité du refroidissement de l'anode est liée, d'une manière en elle-même connue, aux caractéristiques d'écoulement du fluide de refroidissement, notamment à la pression avec laquelle l'eau est injectée dans le refroidisseur et aux dimensions de l'espace entre l'enveloppe intérieure et la paroi externe de l'anode.The cooling efficiency of the anode is linked, in a manner known per se, to the flow characteristics of the cooling fluid, in particular to the pressure with which the water is injected into the cooler and to the dimensions of the space between the inner shell and the outer wall of the anode.

La configuration décrite précédemment a un inconvénient ; en effet les éléments situés à proximité de l'anode ont tendance à subir une élévation de température importante due à la conduction thermique. C'est le cas notamment de la pièce de connexion de l'anode.The configuration described above has a drawback; in fact the elements located near the anode tend to undergo a significant rise in temperature due to thermal conduction. This is particularly the case for the anode connection part.

La pièce de connexion d'anode assure à la fois la liaison électrique de l'anode vers l'extérieur et la liaison mécanique avec l'entretoise isolante la séparant de la pièce de connexion de la grille. Cette entretoise isolante est de préférence réalisée en céramique.The anode connection piece provides both the electrical connection of the anode to the outside and the mechanical connection with the insulating spacer separating it from the grid connection piece. This insulating spacer is preferably made of ceramic.

Les courants hyperfréquences circulent à la surface des conducteurs sur une épaisseur d'autant plus faible que la fréquence est élevée ; ce phénomène est connu sous la dénomination d'effet de peau. L'élévation de la fréquence conduit à une augmentation des pertes par effet Joule plus particulièrement au niveau de la liaison entre la pièce de connexion d'anode et l'entretoise isolante.The microwave currents circulate on the surface of the conductors, the thickness being thinner as the frequency is high; this phenomenon is known as the skin effect. The increase in frequency leads to an increase in losses by the Joule effect, more particularly at the level of the connection between the anode connection part and the insulating spacer.

En effet à cet endroit il n'est pas possible, à cause du scellement métal céramique, d'abaisser le niveau des pertes en ayant recours comme sur le reste de la pièce, à un revêtement de surface bon conducteur de l'électricité tel que le cuivre, par exemple.Indeed at this point it is not possible, because of the ceramic metal sealing, to lower the level of losses by having recourse as on the rest of the part, to a coating of surface good conductor of electricity such as copper, for example.

L'échauffement intense de la pièce de connexion d'anode peut être dommageable pour le tube électronique. Cet échauffement est dû à la conduction thermique et à l'effet Joule. Les matériaux constituant la pièce de connexion d'anode et l'entretoise isolante, à savoir le métal et la céramique ont des comportements différents plus la température s'élève. Les contraintes mécaniques induites dans ces matériaux risquent alors de conduire à la rupture, soit au niveau du scellement métal céramique, soit dans l'entretoise isolante elle-même.The intense heating of the anode connection piece can be harmful for the electronic tube. This heating is due to thermal conduction and the Joule effect. The materials constituting the anode connection piece and the insulating spacer, namely metal and ceramic have different behaviors the higher the temperature. The mechanical stresses induced in these materials may then lead to failure, either at the level of the ceramic metal seal, or in the insulating spacer itself.

L'invention vise à remédier à cet inconvénient en permettant de stabiliser la température de la pièce de connexion d'anode, à un niveau acceptable.The invention aims to remedy this drawback by making it possible to stabilize the temperature of the anode connection part, at an acceptable level.

L'invention consiste à dériver tout ou partie du fluide de refroidissement de l'anode, afin d'assurer une circulation de fluide sur la pièce de connexion d'anode en privilégiant la zone du scellement céramique métal.The invention consists in deriving all or part of the cooling fluid from the anode, in order to ensure a circulation of fluid on the anode connection piece by favoring the area of the metal ceramic seal.

L'invention propose un tube électronique de puissance comportant :

  • une anode cylindrique creuse montée coaxialement autour d'une grille cylindrique creuse, elle-même entourant une cathode, l'intérieur de l'anode étant hermétiquement fermé et soumis au vide,
  • une pièce de connexion électrique d'anode, cylindrique, brasée d'un côté à la base de l'anode,
  • un refroidisseur à circulation forcée de fluide, constitué de deux enveloppes cylindriques coaxiales montées autour de l'anode et définissant une enceinte fermée, reliée à un conduit d'arrivée et à un conduit d'évacuation du fluide, caractérisé en ce que la pièce de connexion de l'anode est brasée de l'autre côté sur une partie de ou solidaire de l'enveloppe extérieure du refroidisseur et en ce que cette pièce de connexion d'anode constitue entre ses deux côtés une paroi étanche fermant l'enceinte du refroidisseur et en contact avec le fluide de refroidissement.
The invention provides an electronic power tube comprising:
  • a hollow cylindrical anode mounted coaxially around a hollow cylindrical grid, itself surrounding a cathode, the inside of the anode being hermetically closed and subjected to vacuum,
  • an anode electrical connection part, cylindrical, brazed on one side at the base of the anode,
  • a cooler with forced circulation of fluid, consisting of two coaxial cylindrical casings mounted around the anode and defining a closed enclosure, connected to an inlet duct and to a fluid discharge duct, characterized in that the piece of connection of the anode is soldered on the other side to a part of or integral with the outer casing of the cooler and in that this anode connection piece constitutes between its two sides a sealed wall closing the enclosure of the cooler and in contact with the coolant.

On prévoit en principe que la pièce de connexion d'anode est par ailleurs solidaire l'une entretoise isolante servant de support à une pièce de connexion de grille et assurant l'étanchéïté au vide de l'intérieur de l'anode. On s'arrange alors pour que la région où la pièce de connexion d'anode est scellée à l'entretoise soit en contact avec le fluide de refroidissementIn principle, provision is made for the anode connection piece to be integral with the one insulating spacer serving as support for a grid connection piece and ensuring the vacuum-tightness of the interior of the anode. Arrangements are then made so that the region where the anode connection piece is sealed to the spacer is in contact with the coolant.

Dans deux modes de réalisation, la partie solidaire de l'enveloppe extérieure est une bride qui est brasée à la base de l'anode. Elle est traversée par des orifices et la circulation du fluide de refroidissement est dérivée soit partiellement, soit totalement pas ces orifices vers la pièce de connexion d'anode afin de la refroidir. Au moins un des orifices a son axe longitudinal situé entre l'enveloppe intérieure et l'enveloppe extérieure du refroidisseur. Au moins un autre orifice a son axe longitudinal situé entre l'enveloppe intérieure du refroidisseur et la paroi externe de l'anode.In two embodiments, the integral part of the outer casing is a flange which is brazed at the base of the anode. It is traversed by orifices and the circulation of the cooling fluid is bypassed either partially or totally not these orifices towards the anode connection part in order to cool it. At least one of the orifices has its longitudinal axis located between the inner casing and the outer casing of the cooler. At least one other orifice has its longitudinal axis located between the inner casing of the cooler and the outer wall of the anode.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, la partie solidaire de l'enveloppe extérieure est une bague. La pièce de connexion d'anode est en contact avec la totalité du fluide de refroidissement. La pièce de connexion d'anode assure complètement la liaison mécanique entre l'anode et la bague et par conséquent entre l'anode et l'enveloppe extérieure du refroidisseur. Une ouverture est aménagée entre l'extrémité de l'enveloppe intérieure du refroidisseur et la pièce de connexion d'anode pour le passage du fluide.In another embodiment, the part integral with the outer envelope is a ring. The anode connection piece is in contact with all of the coolant. The anode connection piece completely ensures the mechanical connection between the anode and the ring and therefore between the anode and the outer casing of the cooler. An opening is provided between the end of the inner casing of the cooler and the anode connection piece for the passage of the fluid.

L'invention sera mieux comprise grâce à la description qui va suivre, faite à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et aux figures jointes qui représentent :

  • la figure 1 une vue en coupe d'un tube électronique refroidi selon l'art antérieur,
  • les figures 2,3,4 des vues en coupe de trois variantes du système de refroidissement de la pièce de connexion d'anode selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood thanks to the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example, and to the attached figures which represent:
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a cooled electronic tube according to the prior art,
  • Figures 2,3,4 sectional views of three variants of the cooling system of the anode connection piece according to the invention.

Sur ces figures les mêmes repères désignent les mêmes éléments, mais, pour des raisons de clarté, les cotes et proportions des divers éléments ne sont pas respectées.In these figures the same references designate the same elements, but, for reasons of clarity, the dimensions and proportions of the various elements are not observed.

La figure 1 représente en coupe un tube électronique 1 de puissance selon l'art antérieur de type triode avec chauffage direct.Figure 1 shows in section an electronic tube 1 of power according to the prior art of the triode type with direct heating.

Le tube 1 comporte une cathode 5 à chauffage direct de forme cylindrique ayant pour axe 3 un axe longitudinal du tube 1.The tube 1 comprises a direct heating cathode 5 of cylindrical shape having for axis 3 a longitudinal axis of the tube 1.

La cathode 5 est montée de manière conventionnelle comme montré sur la figure : elle est fixée, du côté d'un pied 4 de tube d'une part à une tige centrale 2 et, d'autre part à un support tubulaire 19, par lesquels elle est électriquement reliée à une première et à une seconde pièce de connexion 12, 6. Ces pièces de connexion 12, 6 sont métalliques et sont mécaniquement solidarisées l'une à l'autre par une entretoise isolante 7. Une grille 8 entoure la cathode 5. La grille 8 a la forme d'un cylindre creux ayant pour axe l'axe longitudinal 3.The cathode 5 is mounted in a conventional manner as shown in the figure: it is fixed, on the side of a tube base 4 on the one hand to a central rod 2 and, on the other hand to a tubular support 19, by which it is electrically connected to a first and a second connection part 12, 6. These connection parts 12, 6 are metallic and are mechanically secured to each other by an insulating spacer 7. A grid 8 surrounds the cathode 5. The grid 8 has the shape of a hollow cylinder having its axis the longitudinal axis 3.

L'extrémité 11 de la grille 8 qui se trouve du côté du pied de tube 4 est reliée sur une troisième pièce de connexion 13 qui est solidaire de la seconde pièce de connexion 6 par une entretoise isolante 14. On trouve ensuite, autour de la grille 8 une anode 15 qui constitue une partie d'une enceinte à l'intérieur de laquelle est réalisé le vide nécessaire au fonctionnement du tube. L'anode 15 a la forme générale d'un cylindre creux ayant pour axe l'axe longitudinal 3 et dont une extrémité, située vers le pied du tube 4 est reliée par brasage d'une part à une bride 22 et d'autre part à une quatrième pièce de connexion 23 elle-même solidarisée par une entretoise isolante 25 à la connexion de grille 13. Toutes les entretoises isolantes sont de forme cylindrique et sont réalisées de préférence en céramique. Les liaisons entre les pièces de connexion et les entretoises isolantes sont des scellements.The end 11 of the grid 8 which is located on the side of the tube base 4 is connected to a third connection part 13 which is secured to the second connection part 6 by an insulating spacer 14. Next, around the grid 8 an anode 15 which constitutes a part of an enclosure inside which the vacuum necessary for the operation of the tube is produced. The anode 15 has the general shape of a hollow cylinder whose axis is the longitudinal axis 3 and one end of which, located towards the base of the tube 4, is connected by brazing on the one hand to a flange 22 and on the other hand to a fourth connection piece 23 itself secured by an insulating spacer 25 to the grid connection 13. All the insulating spacers are of cylindrical shape and are made of preferably ceramic. The connections between the connection pieces and the insulating spacers are seals.

On remarquera que dans la structure de l'art antérieur, la pièce de connexion d'anode n'est soudée qu'à l'anode 15 et à l'entretoise isolante 25.It will be noted that in the structure of the prior art, the anode connection part is only welded to the anode 15 and to the insulating spacer 25.

Le tube électronique 1 comporte en outre un refroidisseur 35 monté autour de l'anode 15. Ce refroidisseur 35 est constitué de deux enveloppes 36, 37 de forme généralement cylindrique, coaxiales, ayant chacune une première extrémité 38, 39 fermée et une seconde extrémité 40, 41 ouverte. L'enveloppe extérieure 36 est fixée à sa base par son extrémité ouverte 40 à la bride 22, de manière étanche, à l'aide par exemple, de vis 43 et d'un joint d'étanchéïté 44.The electronic tube 1 further comprises a cooler 35 mounted around the anode 15. This cooler 35 consists of two envelopes 36, 37 of generally cylindrical shape, coaxial, each having a first end 38, 39 closed and a second end 40 , 41 open. The outer casing 36 is fixed at its base by its open end 40 to the flange 22, in a leaktight manner, using for example, screws 43 and a seal 44.

L'extrémité ouverte 41 de l'enveloppe intérieure 37 n'est pas jointive avec la bride 22 afin de former une ouverture 47 permettant le passage d'un fluide de refroidissement.The open end 41 of the inner envelope 37 is not contiguous with the flange 22 in order to form an opening 47 allowing the passage of a cooling fluid.

L'extrémité fermée 38 de l'enveloppe extérieure 36 comporte un ajutage d'entrée 49 par lequel est injecté, de manière classique, un fluide sous pression, de l'eau par exemple. L'eau circule entre l'enveloppe extérieure 36 et l'enveloppe intérieure 37 et est injectée au niveau de l'ouverture 47 dans une enceinte formée par l'enveloppe intérieure 37 et l'anode 15. L'eau est évacuée ensuite par un ajutage de sortie 51 placé sur l'extrémité fermée 39 de l'enveloppe intérieure 37.The closed end 38 of the outer casing 36 has an inlet nozzle 49 through which is injected, in a conventional manner, a pressurized fluid, water for example. The water circulates between the outer casing 36 and the inner casing 37 and is injected at the opening 47 into a chamber formed by the inner casing 37 and the anode 15. The water is then discharged by a outlet nozzle 51 placed on the closed end 39 of the inner casing 37.

On va maintenant décrire les modifications apportées par la présente invention.We will now describe the modifications made by the present invention.

La figure 2 représente une vue partielle en coupe, du système de refroidissement d'un tube électronique selon l'invention ; la figure représente uniquement une zone au voisinage de la connexion d'anode, le reste de la construction pouvant être identique à ce qui a été décrit en référence à la figure 1.2 shows a partial sectional view of the cooling system of an electronic tube according to the invention; the figure represents only an area in the vicinity of the anode connection, the rest of the construction possibly being identical to what has been described with reference to figure 1.

La base 40 de l'enveloppe extérieure 36 du refroidisseur est fixée, de manière étanche, à l'aide de vis 43 et d'un joint d'étanchéïté 44, par exemple, sur la face supérieure d'une bride 55. La bride 55 est fixée à l'enveloppe extérieure 36 du refroidisseur du côté de sa périphérie extérieure tandis que sa périphérie intérieure est brasée à l'anode 15The base 40 of the outer casing 36 of the cooler is fixed in a leaktight manner using screws 43 and a seal 44, for example, on the upper face of a flange 55. The flange 55 is fixed to the outer casing 36 of the cooler on the side of its outer periphery while its inner periphery is brazed to anode 15

La pièce de connexion d'anode 23 est toujours brasée d'un côté 50 à la base de l'anode 15 tandis que de l'autre côté 51 elle est brasée sur la face inférieure de la bride 55. Elle est toujours solidaire de l'entretoise isolante 25 par un scellement céramique métal.The anode connection piece 23 is always brazed on one side 50 at the base of the anode 15 while on the other side 51 it is brazed on the underside of the flange 55. It is always integral with the insulating spacer 25 by a metal ceramic seal.

Les brasages de la pièce de connexion d'anode 23 assurent l'étanchéïté d'une enceinte 52 formée entre la pièce de connexion d'anode 23 et la face inférieure de la bride 55.The soldering of the anode connection part 23 ensures the sealing of an enclosure 52 formed between the anode connection part 23 and the underside of the flange 55.

La pièce de connexion d'anode 23 ainsi montée assure l'étanchéïté entre le circuit de refroidissement et l'extérieur du tube et entre le circuit de refroidissement et l'intérieur du tube électronique.The anode connection piece 23 thus mounted provides sealing between the cooling circuit and the outside of the tube and between the cooling circuit and the inside of the electronic tube.

La circulation de l'eau de refroidissement se fait dans l'enceinte 52 grâce à des orifices traversant la bride 55. La figure 2 est une coupe à travers deux de ces orifices désignés par 53 et 54. L'orifice 53 sert d'orifice d'entrée car il est situé sur la bride 55 entre l'enveloppe extérieure 36 et l'enveloppe intérieure 37.The circulation of the cooling water takes place in the enclosure 52 by means of orifices passing through the flange 55. FIG. 2 is a section through two of these orifices designated by 53 and 54. The orifice 53 serves as an orifice inlet because it is located on the flange 55 between the outer casing 36 and the inner casing 37.

L'orifice 54 sert d'orifice de sortie car il est situé sur la bride 55 entre l'enveloppe intérieure 37 et l'anode 15.The orifice 54 serves as an outlet orifice because it is located on the flange 55 between the inner casing 37 and the anode 15.

L'extrémité ouverte 41 de l'enveloppe intérieure 37 n'est pas jointive avec la bride 55 afin de former une ouverture 47 destinée au passage d'une partie de l'eau de refroidissement.The open end 41 of the inner envelope 37 is not contiguous with the flange 55 in order to form an opening 47 intended for the passage of part of the cooling water.

Cette réalisation permet une dérivation partielle de l'eau de refroidissement du circuit principal. En effet l'eau peut toujours passer par l'ouverture 47. Il est possible de contrôler le débit d'eau nécessaire au refroidissement de la pièce de connexion 23 d'anode en particulier au niveau du scellement avec l'entretoise isolante 25 en jouant sur le rapport des pertes de charge du circuit dérivé et du circuit principal et également, sur les dimensions de l'ouverture 47.This embodiment allows a partial diversion of the cooling water from the main circuit. In fact, water can always pass through the opening 47. It is possible to control the water flow necessary for cooling the anode connection piece 23 in particular at the level of the seal with the insulating spacer 25 by playing on the ratio of the pressure drops of the branch circuit and the main circuit and also, on the dimensions of the opening 47.

La figure 3 représente en coupe un autre mode de réalisation du circuit de refroidissement selon l'invention.Figure 3 shows in section another embodiment of the cooling circuit according to the invention.

Dans cette réalisation, l'extrémité 41 de l'enveloppe intérieure 37 du refroidisseur est maintenant jointive avec la surface supérieure de la bride 55. L'étanchéïté absolue de cette liaison n'est pas nécessaire, les deux pièces sont en contact mais il est également possible de les braser. Il n'y a pas d'autres modifications au niveau du montage des autres pièces par rapport à ce qui a été décrit à la figure 2.In this embodiment, the end 41 of the inner casing 37 of the cooler is now joined with the upper surface of the flange 55. The absolute sealing of this connection is not necessary, the two parts are in contact but it is also possible to solder them. There are no other modifications to the assembly of the other parts compared to what has been described in FIG. 2.

La totalité de l'eau de refroidissement passe maintenant au contact de la pièce de connexion 23 de l'anode 15.All of the cooling water now passes into contact with the connection piece 23 of the anode 15.

La figure 4 représente en coupe un autre mode de réalisation du circuit de refroidissement selon l'invention.Figure 4 shows in section another embodiment of the cooling circuit according to the invention.

Dans cette réalisation la pièce de connexion 23 d'anode 15 est toujours brasée d'un côté 50 à la base de l'anode 15 et de l'autre côté 51 sur la flanc intérieur d'une bague 56 solidaire de la base de l'enveloppe extérieure 36 du refroidisseur.In this embodiment the connection piece 23 of anode 15 is always brazed on one side 50 at the base of the anode 15 and on the other side 51 on the inner flank of a ring 56 secured to the base of the 'outer casing 36 of the cooler.

La base 40 de l'enveloppe extérieure 36 du refroidisseur est fixée de manière étanche, par exemple à l'aide de vis 43 et d'un joint d'étanchéïté 44, sur la face supérieure de la bague 56. La bague 56 n'est pas reliée à l'anode 15.The base 40 of the outer casing 36 of the cooler is fixed in a sealed manner, for example using screws 43 and a seal 44, on the upper face of the ring 56. The ring 56 doesn’t is not connected to anode 15.

La pièce de connexion 23 constitue entre ses deux côtés une paroi étanche fermant l'enceinte du refroidisseur.The connection piece 23 constitutes between its two sides a sealed wall closing the enclosure of the cooler.

L'extrémité ouverte 41 de l'enveloppe intérieure 37 n'est pas jointive avec la pièce de connexion d'anode 23 afin de former une ouverture 48 destinée à l'injection de l'eau de refroidissement.The open end 41 of the inner casing 37 is not contiguous with the anode connection part 23 in order to form an opening 48 intended for the injection of cooling water.

Dans cette configuration l'injection de l'eau dans le circuit de refroidissement de l'anode 15 se fait au niveau du scellement de la pièce de connexion 23 d'anode 15 avec l'entretoise isolante 25. L'efficacité du refroidissement est maximale. Mais c'est la pièce de connexion d'anode 15 qui assure complètement la liaison mécanique entre l'anode et l'enveloppe extérieure 36 du refroidisseur.In this configuration, the injection of water into the cooling circuit of the anode 15 takes place at the level of the sealing of the connection piece 23 of the anode 15 with the insulating spacer 25. The cooling efficiency is maximum . But it is the anode connection piece 15 which ensures completely the mechanical connection between the anode and the outer casing 36 of the cooler.

L'invention n'est pas limitée aux configurations décrites précemment.The invention is not limited to the configurations described above.

Il est notamment possible que la pièce de connexion d'anode soit brasée d'un côté, à la base de l'anode et de l'autre côté directement à la base de l'enveloppe extérieure du refroidisseur. La présence d'une bride (55) ou d'une bague (56) n'est plus nécessaire.It is in particular possible that the anode connection part is brazed on one side, at the base of the anode and on the other side directly at the base of the outer casing of the cooler. The presence of a flange (55) or a ring (56) is no longer necessary.

Claims (5)

1. A power electronic tube comprising:
- a hollow cylindrical anode (15) arranged coaxially around a cylindrical hollow grid (8), which itself surrounds a cathode (5), the inside of the anode being hermetically sealed and subjected to vacuum,
- an electrical connecting member (23) for the cylindrical anode, brazed on one side (50) to the base of the anode (15),
- a cooler (35) having a forced liquid circulation and constituted by two cylindrical envelopes (36 and 37) which are coaxially mounted around the anode (15) and defining a sealed enclosure connected with a fluid input duct (49) and a removal duct (51), characterized in that the connection member (23) of the anode is brazed on the other side (51) to a part of the outside envelope (36), or secured thereto, of the cooler and in that this connection member (23) of the anode constitutes, between its two sides (50 and 51) a sealed wall shutting off the enclosure of the cooler and in contact with the cooling fluid.
2. The electronic power tube as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the part linked with the outside envelope (36) of the cooler is a yoke (55) brazed to the base of the anode, said yoke possessing orifices (53 and 54), at least one orifice (53) having a longitudinal axis positioned between the inner envelope (37) and the outside envelope (36) of the cooler, and at least one further one (54) having a longitudinal axis positioned between the inside envelope (37) of the cooler and the outside wall of the anode (15).
3. The electronic power tube as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that there is an opening (47) positioned between the end (41) of the inside envelope (37) of the cooler and the upper surface of the yoke (55) so that the circulation of the cooling fluid is conducted partly through the orifices (53 and 53) of the yoke (55).
4. The electronic power tube as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the end (41) of the inside envelope (37) of the cooler is connected with the upper surface of the yoke (33) so that the circulation of the cooling fluid is totally caused to flow through the orifices (53 and 53) of the yoke (55).
5. The electronic power tube as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the par( linked with the outside envelope (36) of the cooler is a ring (56), the anode connection member being brazed on one side on the inside flank of the ring (56) and on the other to the base of the anode (15) in such a manner that a mechanical connection is ensured between the anode and the outside envelope and in that an opening (48) is provided between the end of the inside envelope of the cooler and the anode connection member (23) for the passage of fluid.
EP89400374A 1988-02-26 1989-02-09 Electronic power tube cooled by means of a circulating fluid Expired - Lifetime EP0330542B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8802363 1988-02-26
FR8802363A FR2627899B1 (en) 1988-02-26 1988-02-26 ELECTRONIC TUBE COOLED BY CIRCULATION OF A FLUID

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0330542A1 EP0330542A1 (en) 1989-08-30
EP0330542B1 true EP0330542B1 (en) 1992-03-25

Family

ID=9363661

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89400374A Expired - Lifetime EP0330542B1 (en) 1988-02-26 1989-02-09 Electronic power tube cooled by means of a circulating fluid

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4988910A (en)
EP (1) EP0330542B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH01264139A (en)
DE (1) DE68901049D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2627899B1 (en)
HK (1) HK71394A (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2720550B1 (en) * 1994-05-27 1996-12-06 Thomson Tubes Electroniques Very high power vacuum electronic tube with anode cooled by forced circulation.
GB2346007B (en) 1999-01-21 2004-03-03 Imaging & Sensing Tech Corp Getter flash shield
FR2856513A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2004-12-24 Thales Sa X-RAY GENERATOR TUBE WITH ADJUSTABLE TARGET ASSEMBLY

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2935306A (en) * 1951-03-02 1960-05-03 Gen Electric Vapor cooling apparatus for electric discharge devices
US2829290A (en) * 1952-04-10 1958-04-01 Philips Corp Cooling device for electric discharge tubes
FR1132439A (en) * 1954-06-05 1957-03-11 Telefunken Gmbh Cooling device with boiling, for electric discharge tubes
FR1334976A (en) * 1962-04-27 1963-08-16 Thomson Houston Comp Francaise Improvement of walls cooled by vaporization of a liquid and of devices comprising such walls
FR2564240B1 (en) * 1984-05-09 1986-09-19 Thomson Csf ELECTRONIC TUBE PROVIDED WITH A GRID BASE COOLING DEVICE
FR2564239B1 (en) * 1984-05-09 1986-09-19 Thomson Csf ELECTRONIC TUBE PROVIDED WITH A CATHODE COOLING DEVICE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HK71394A (en) 1994-07-29
JPH01264139A (en) 1989-10-20
FR2627899B1 (en) 1990-06-22
FR2627899A1 (en) 1989-09-01
DE68901049D1 (en) 1992-04-30
US4988910A (en) 1991-01-29
EP0330542A1 (en) 1989-08-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0427592B1 (en) Plasma torch with short-circuit arc starting
EP0330542B1 (en) Electronic power tube cooled by means of a circulating fluid
EP0233103B1 (en) Cooling devices for semiconductors
EP2004977B1 (en) Thermo-acoustic converter and electrical energy generator comprising a thermo-acoustic converter.
EP0048690B1 (en) High stability gas discharge tube for high power laser emission
EP0427590B1 (en) Plasma torch with electromagnetic coil for rotating the arc
EP0427591B1 (en) Plasma torch with non-cooled plasma gas injection
FR2669470A1 (en) METHOD OF COOLING A CURRENT MECHANISM FOR VERY LOW TEMPERATURE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND DEVICE FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
EP2038978A1 (en) Electric feedthrough structure for superconductor element
WO2009083534A1 (en) Cooling of an x-ray generator tube
EP0164282B1 (en) Electronic tube having a device for cooling the cathode
FR2627898A1 (en) HF high powder electron tube with fluid flow cooling - has envelope covering anode and containing cooling fluid which is directed by projection of internal wall over anode surface
FR2593649A1 (en) GAS LASER SEALED.
FR2575323A1 (en) Compressed-gas circuit breaker
BE1001637A4 (en) Method for ceramic bulb close of discharge lamps high pressure and in particular of sodium lamps, lamps and made following this process.
FR2595876A1 (en) Tube for a laser generator of the ionised gas type
FR2675628A1 (en) Anodic assembly with high thermal dissipation for X-ray tube and tube thus obtained
FR2683091A1 (en) IMPROVED COOLING DEVICE FOR HYPERFREQUENCY TUBE.
FR3038488A1 (en) COOLING A COAXIAL LINE TRUNK AND A PLASMA PRODUCTION DEVICE
FR2683941A1 (en) ELECTRON BEAM COLLECTOR.
BE499435A (en)
CH653182A5 (en) Gas discharge tube for laser power emission with very high stability
FR2493615A1 (en) Gas-discharge tube for high-power argon laser - has coolant fluid circulation and gas recirculation circuit elements mounted externally of ionisation chamber
FR2536584A1 (en) Graphite disc for rotating anode of X-ray tubes.
FR2925757A1 (en) COOLING AN ELECTRONIC TUBE

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB LI NL

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19890911

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19910315

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB LI NL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Effective date: 19920325

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 68901049

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19920430

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20070201

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070207

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20070214

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070208

Year of fee payment: 19

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20080209

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080229

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080902

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080209