X-ray apparatus for computed tomography scanner

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
An X-ray apparatus for a computed tomography scanner which has a central axis thereof, comprising: two or more X-ray tube segments each segment including: means for generating electron beams, a target substantially extending along a circular arc around the central axis and adapted to be scanned by the electron beams to emit X-rays toward the central axis, and an airtight envelope receiving said electron beam generating means, said target having a metal member made of good heat conductive material and having an inner surface on which said target is supported and an outer surface, said X-ray tube segments combinedly arranged along the circular arc and each metal member of an X-ray tube segment being coupled to the adjacent metal members of adjacent X-ray tube segments to provide a circular array of such metal members; X-ray detecting means comprising a plurality of detector elements for detecting the X-ray beams transmitted through a central region including the central axis; and means for cooling said target including a liquid-cooling jacket fitted to said metal members defining a coolant circulating path between the outer surface of the circular array of the metal members and the liquid-cooling jacket.
2.
An X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said X-ray tube segments are combinedly arranged along the whole circumference of a circle round the central axis.
3.
An X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said X-ray tube segments are combinedly arranged along a circular arc covering a range of 180.
degree.
round the central axis.
4.
An X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said X-ray tube segment coupled to another such segment or segments adjacent thereto is coupled in such a manner that said X-ray tube segment may be removed from said X-ray apparatus.
5.
An X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target of each said X-ray tube segment is so designed as to have its surface inclined relatively to the electron beam emitted from said electron beam generating means