Rotary anode type x-ray tube and method of manufacturing the same

摘要

A rotary anode type X-ray tube comprises a thin gas passageway extending from a lubricant chamber formed along the axis of a stationary structure and open at a fine gap G effective for preventing a lubricant leakage. In manufacturing the tube, a liquid metal lubricant is supplied to the lubricant chamber and to a slide bearing section, followed by assembling the tube and, then, sealing the assembled tube in a vacuum vessel. In the subsequent exhausting step, an open end of the gas passageway is allowed to face upward. The particular exhausting operation permits completely releasing to the outside the gas impregnated in the bearing-constituting members and the liquid metal lubricant, making it possible to maintain a stable bearing function.