Background technology
At present, PET(positron emission tomography, positron emission tomography) scanning device is most advanced and sophisticated in the world medical imaging diagnosis equipment, adopted the Medical Imaging Technology at the enterprising pedestrian's body of molecular level functional image.
The key technical indexes such as the position resolution of PET scanning device, sensitivity all depend on the detector system that it adopts, therefore PET detector is the core component of nuclear medicine facility.
PET scanning device consists of scanning gantry, examinating couch, computer system, operating console etc.Wherein, the inside of scanning gantry is provided with the detector rings for scanning.
Please refer to Fig. 1, Fig. 1 is the formation block diagram of detector rings in prior art.
First, crystal 1 ' and PET pipe (photomultiplier tube, photomultiplier tube) 2 ' by encapsulating material 3 ', encapsulate, to form submodule 4 ', then some submodules 4 ' are arranged vertically and are formed module 5 ', finally by some modules 5 ', according to circumferential annular arrangement, form whole detector rings 6 '.
Visible, submodule 4 ' is minimum detecting unit parts, and the encapsulation of Fructus Psoraleae module 4 ' and the reasonability of mounting structure and stability are the key factors that PET apparatus imaging system provides image quality.
When carrying out the encapsulation of submodule 4 ', need to some PMT pipes 2 ' be longitudinally arranged on crystal 1 ', now, conventionally directly according to rough measurement or employing positioning tool, some PMT pipes 2 ' are bonded in spaced reciprocally to the end face of crystal 1 ', as shown in Figure 1; That is to say, the installation of PMT pipe 2 ' lacks necessary positioner, therefore the position deviation that PMT pipe 2 ' exists to a certain degree causes detection signal power spectrum inconsistent; Even if can adopt positioning tool to realize the location of PMT pipe 2 ', but need to manage 2 ' at PMT, be bonded in crystal 1 ' and positioning tool removed after upper, make comparatively complexity of whole position fixing process; Especially when needs replacing safeguards that PMT manages 2 ', the precision of its reset is poor, has more affected follow-up use.
Therefore, how designing a kind of positioner of photodetector, to improve the positioning precision of PMT pipe 2 ', and then improve power spectrum quality and encapsulation and maintenance efficiency, is the current technical issues that need to address of those skilled in the art.
On the other hand, in prior art, conventionally adopt the axial connection that realizes in two ways submodule 4 ', to form module 5 '.
Can increase in the periphery of single submodule 4 ' by a metallic plate, so as on metallic plate boring or rivet, to adopt between two adjacent submodules 4 ', articulate or the mode of screw fastening realizes axial connection;
Or, can be after the 4 ' encapsulation of single submodule, between two adjacent submodules 4 ', adopt adhesive etc. axially to bond.
But all there are some problems in above-mentioned two kinds of connected modes:
Adopt in the mode of metallic plate connection, owing to having increased metallic plate between two submodules 4 ', cause existing also corresponding disappearance just of fault image in the ,Ze Gai gap, gap of two plate thickness between the two, cause the information of scanning imperfect, its precision and accuracy are also lower.
In the connected mode of bonding, there is the problem that assembly precision and stability are lower, the more important thing is, the connected mode of bonding makes troubles to follow-up dismounting, is not easy to replacing and the maintenance of submodule 4 ' inner components.
Therefore, those skilled in the art also need the technical problem solving to be to provide a kind of module of PET detector, so that realize installation and the replacing of inner submodule.
Summary of the invention
The positioner that the object of this invention is to provide a kind of photodetector, can improve positioning precision and the dismounting convenience of photodetector.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a kind of submodule with above-mentioned positioner, without any auxiliary device, can realize the axial connection between submodule.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a kind of module that adopts above-mentioned submodule to be axially formed by connecting, and the axial distance between its submodule is less, and fault image information is comparatively complete.
For solving the problems of the technologies described above, the invention provides a kind of positioner of photodetector, described positioner has some installation positions that are arranged symmetrically with about its radial centre lines, described installation position radially connects setting, described installation position is for limiting the installation site of photodetector, and described positioner has for connecting the bottom surface of crystal.
Positioner of the present invention, is provided with the installation position corresponding with photodetector, so that each photodetector is sleeved in described installation position accordingly, and then the relative position between each photodetector is fixed; Because the bottom surface of positioner is connected with crystal, the position of photodetector on crystal is also just corresponding fixing, that is to say, positioner of the present invention defines the installation site of photodetector on crystal, it is simple in structure, simple operation, is especially convenient to the installation and maintenance of photodetector.
In addition, even if photodetector need to be reinstalled or change, as long as be placed in installation position, its reseting precision is ensured by the setting of installation position, there will not be position deviation, has improved the quality of power spectrum.
Preferably, described installation position is for to be equipped with at arcuate socket with the external diameter of described photodetector.
The structure of arcuate socket can be fitted better with the exterior contour of photodetector, to improve the positioning precision of photodetector, improves installation effectiveness.
Preferably, described arcuate socket at least surrounds 1/2nd circumference of described photodetector, to photodetector is supported better, prevents that photodetector from occurring tilting or rocking in installation process.
Preferably, described installation position is V-type draw-in groove, and the both sides inwall of described V-type draw-in groove can be tangent with the outer wall of described photodetector.
Installation position can also be set to the structure of V-type draw-in groove, and this structure processing is simple, can also realize the reliable location to photodetector by its two side.
Preferably, described installation position be can be mutually circumscribed with described photodetector square aperture groove.
Preferably, described positioner is Fang Tizhuan and arranges, and comprises four described installation positions, and four described installation positions are arranged on four angles of described positioner.
When positioner is Fang Tizhuan and arranges, can match with crystal better, and installation position is arranged on to its four angles can to greatest extent the light of crystal be reflected in photodetector, the setting of this position is more reasonable.
The present invention also provides a kind of submodule of PET detector, comprises crystal and is arranged on the photodetector on described crystal, and described photodetector is connected on described crystal by the positioner described in above-mentioned any one.
Because submodule of the present invention has the positioner described in above-mentioned any one, therefore the technique effect that above-mentioned any one positioner produces is all applicable to submodule of the present invention, repeat no more herein.
Preferably, the axial edge of described positioner exceeds the axial edge of the described crystal corresponding with it, and the distance exceeding is arranged in preset range.
When positioner does not exceed crystal and arranges, relative with crystal end-face separately between two adjacent submodules, substantially there is not end play between the two, just there is not the dead angle area of scanning yet, whole fault image information can intactly be reflected on photodetector, avoid the disappearance of information, and then improved the verity of image reconstruction.
The present invention also provides a kind of module of PET detector, and described module adopts the submodule described in some above-mentioned any one to be axially formed by connecting.
Preferably, described positioner is provided with connector in axial one end, and the other end is provided with the connecting hole coordinating with described connector, so that two adjacent described submodules are axially connected with connecting hole by described connector.
Preferably, described module also comprises side plate, and described positioner is equipped with side plate connector in circumferential two sides, to be connected with described side plate.
The specific embodiment
Core of the present invention is to provide a kind of positioner of photodetector, can improve the positioning precision of photodetector.
Another core of the present invention is to provide a kind of submodule with above-mentioned positioner, can realize the axial connection between submodule, reduces the axial distance between two adjacent submodules.
A core more of the present invention is to provide a kind of module that adopts above-mentioned submodule to be axially formed by connecting, and the axial distance between its submodule is less, and fault image information is comparatively complete.
In order to make those skilled in the art person understand better the present invention program, below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments, the present invention is described in further detail.
Herein described axially, radially take detector as reference with the noun of locality such as circumferential, be parallel to the direction of detector axis for axial, correspondingly, perpendicular to detector axis to direction for radially, take the center of detector is the center of circle, take arbitrarily long as radius draw the formed circumferencial direction of circle be described circumferentially.
Please refer to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, Fig. 2 is the three-dimensional structure diagram of positioner provided by the present invention in a kind of specific embodiment; Fig. 3 is for adopting the perspective view of the submodule of the positioner formation shown in Fig. 2.
In a kind of specific embodiment, positioner 1 of the present invention has some installation positions 11, and described in each, installation position 11 is symmetrical about the radial centre lines M of positioner 1, as shown in Figure 2; Installation position 11 radially connects setting, and for limiting the installation site of photodetector 2, the bottom surface of positioner 1 is used for connecting crystal 3, and then the submodule of a PET detector of assembling formation, as shown in Figure 3.
Adopt above-mentioned positioner 1, after the bottom surface of positioner 1 is connected with crystal 3, installation position 11 on positioner 1 can be fixed with respect to the position of crystal 3, now respectively photodetector 2 is inserted in corresponding installation position 11, photodetector 2 can navigate to the relevant position of crystal 3 exactly, not only improve positioning precision, also simplified position fixing process, effectively improved installation effectiveness.
In addition, the structure of above-mentioned positioner 1 is comparatively simple, and processing cost is lower; In view of needing to change photodetector 2 in practice, positioner 1 of the present invention is provided with for the installation position 11 of photodetector 2 is installed,, when carrying out the replacing of photodetector 2 and safeguarding, can realize and reorientating by installation position 11, reduce production and maintenance cost.
Wherein, the setting corresponding to photodetector 2 of the number of installation position 11, can be according at least two or four installation positions 11 of needs setting of submodule.
At length, installation position 11 can be set to arc cavernous structure, and as shown in Figure 2, this arcuate socket matches with the external diameter of photodetector 2, to photodetector 2 is supported fixing.
For this reason, arcuate socket can at least surround 1/2nd circumference of photodetector 2, to better photodetector 2 is positioned, when improving positioning precision, can also reduce to locate required time, improves installation effectiveness.
Can expect, installation position 11 can also be set to V-type draw-in groove, the both sides inwall of described V-type draw-in groove can be tangent with the outer wall of photodetector 2, and installation position 11 is enclosed in its inside by photodetector 2, when the both sides inwall of photodetector 2 and installation position 11 is tangent, can complete its location.
Adopt the structure setting of above-mentioned V-type draw-in groove, only photodetector 2 need be pushed to the position tangent with the both sides inwall of installation position 11, whole position fixing process is comparatively simple, and it is comparatively convenient to operate; The processing of V-type draw-in groove is comparatively simple, can effectively cut down finished cost.
It will also be appreciated that, installation position 11 can also be set to square aperture groove, and this square open slot is arranged to frame type structure, can be circumscribed with photodetector 2 formation, and the circumscribed quadrilateral that is similar to photodetector 2 removes the rear open slot forming on one side.
Now, photodetector 2 at least exists three faces to fit with installation position 11, thus the location that completes photodetector 2; The positioning precision of this kind of structure is higher, and can produce enough restraining forceies to photodetector 2, assists and realizes its installation on crystal 3.
Those skilled in the art are to be understood that, described installation position 11 is not limited to said structure form, every structure that can limit columned photodetector 2 all can form ,Ji installation position, installation position of the present invention 11 also can adopt other rule or irregular version.
On the basis of the above, described positioner 1 can be set to Fang Tizhuan, cube structure for example, and comprise that installation position 11,11, four of four installation positions can be arranged on four angles of described positioner 1, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
When installation position 11 is arranged on four angles, the light of crystal 3 can be collected by photodetector 2 to greatest extent, and it is more reasonable to arrange.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that above-mentioned four installation positions 11 are generally congruent structure, to improve accuracy of detection.On the other hand, the structure of installation position 11, photodetector 2 can be gripped and is as the criterion, is not limited to concrete form.
When adopting above-mentioned positioner 1, submodule of the present invention can comprise photodetector 2 and crystal 3, first positioner 1 is arranged on crystal 3, can adopt the mode of bonding, then photodetector 2 is inserted respectively in the installation position 11 corresponding with it, after encapsulating, can form the submodule 5 shown in Fig. 3.
Wherein, photodetector 2 can be photomultiplier tube.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in installation process, the radial centre lines M of positioner 1 overlaps with the radial centre lines of crystal 3 conventionally, so that photodetector 2 is distributed on crystal 3.
Please further refer to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, Fig. 4 is that positioner shown in Fig. 2 is installed to the plan structure schematic diagram on crystal; Fig. 5 is the structural representation of overlooking of submodule shown in Fig. 3.
As shown in Figure 4, when positioner 1 is connected on crystal 3, the position that crystal 3 is corresponding with installation position 11 is used for the installation of photodetector 2.
For preventing that the light that 1 pair of photodetector of positioner 2 is collected crystal 3 from exerting an influence, coating processing need to be carried out conventionally in the bottom surface that positioner 1 is connected with crystal 3, so that the light that the lattice corresponding with the bottom surface of positioner 1 absorbs can be reflected in adjacent photodetector 2, prevent the disappearance of information.
Detector several submodules 5 axially can be set, to axially connect to form the module of PET detector between adjacent submodule 5.
For reducing the end play between two adjacent submodules 5, the axial dimension difference of positioner 1 and crystal 3 can be set, to improve image resolution ratio.
As shown in Figure 5, the distance that the axial edge of positioner 1 exceeds the axial edge of crystal 3 is h, and described distance h is arranged in preset range; Described preset range refers to and is more than or equal to zero, is less than or equal in the scope of certain particular value.
Due to the end face setting that positioner 1 axially stretches out crystal 3,, when connecting between two submodules 5, the end face of positioner 1 can be installed as datum level, to guarantee the installation accuracy of photodetector 2; Simultaneously, can also realize the little matched in clearance between crystal 3 in submodule 5 by the setting of the h that adjusts the distance, the interval that guarantees axial direction smallest crystals unit is uniform, avoid the excesssive gap because of 5 of submodules in the axial direction, and cause the phenomenon of axial effect fault information disappearance.
When described distance h is during at reasonable size, the interval that can make to meet between each submodule 5 module axial direction smallest crystals unit is uniformly, and the crystal 3 that forms axial module is arranged, and scanning information intactly can be showed, and has guaranteed information integrity.
Owing to there not being the parts of axially spaced-apart between submodule 5, whole module can be divided by the lattice of crystal 3, can lattice be that the dispersion that unit carries out composition point is chosen, so that the figure of rebuilding can have higher resolution, improve the verity of data.
Can expect, distance h can equal half of axial width of a lattice, or equal the axial width of a lattice, the end play between two adjacent submodules 5 just equals the width of a lattice or two lattices, even if there is the disappearance of information, the information of this disappearance part can be by adjacent cells data message, according to certain statistical law, carry out theory reconstruction, and because the width of lattice is less, now less on the impact of whole module institute Information Monitoring.
Because the axial spacing between submodule 5 is 2h, be to improve the precision of information, conventionally using the least unit of the integral multiple of 2h selected coordinate system during as drawing image, when distance h increases, the selected point of drawing image is loose all the more, and image resolution ratio is lower.
In submodule 5 of the present invention, described distance h is advisable to be not more than the axial width of a lattice, that is to say, above-mentioned certain particular value refers to the axial width of a lattice.In the situation that distance h is less, the information that module of the present invention gathers can concentrate on the less order of magnitude or in an enough little scope, the image resolution ratio of rebuilding by this information is higher.
Please refer to Fig. 6-10, Fig. 6 is the perspective view that the submodule shown in some Fig. 3 axially connects; Fig. 7 is the perspective view after Fig. 6 assembles; Fig. 8 is the side structure schematic diagram after submodule shown in three Fig. 3 connects; Fig. 9 is the top view of structure shown in Fig. 8; Figure 10 is the local enlarged diagram of A part in Fig. 8.
In Fig. 6, the direction of arrow indication is that axially some submodules 5 are in turn connected to form module 4 vertically, and described axial connection can realize by positioner 1.Particularly, positioner 1 has two ends in the axial direction, one end is provided with connector 12, the other end is provided with connecting hole (cannot illustrate owing to being blocked in figure), and described connector 12 can match with connecting hole, the connecting hole of submodule 5 other ends that connector 12 of one of them submodule 5 one end can be adjacent coordinates, to realize the axial connection of two adjacent submodules 5, finally be connected to form module 4, as shown in Figure 7.
Adopt above-mentioned positioner 1, can be realized and being axially connected with connecting hole by connector 12, with Binder Phase ratio of the prior art, its connection be more reliable; Meanwhile, the assembling mode of this connector and connecting hole is convenient to operate more, and assembly precision and stability are higher.
On the basis of the above, module 4 can also comprise end plate 43 and connecting plate 42, end plate 43 is fixedly connected with the connector 12 on submodule 5 in axial one end, connecting plate 42 is arranged on the axial other end, be fixedly connected with the connecting hole on the positioner 1 of submodule 5 in the other end, the two ends of module 4 are fixing by end plate 43 and connecting plate 42 respectively.
Because module 4 is inner, by positioner 1, connect successively, positioner 1 has played the effect of bridge tie in the inside of module 4, the internal structure of whole module 4 is comparatively stable, in addition module 4 two ends end plates 43 and connecting plate 42 is fixing, the structural strength of module 4, stability and convenience make module 4 form a stiff stability body by parts, therefore all can reach job requirement.
In addition, module 4 can also comprise side plate 41, and positioner 1 circumferentially has two sides in detector, and on two sides, be provided with side plate connector 13, side plate 41 can be fixedly connected with the side plate connector 13 of positioner 1, so that by two side packings of module 4, forms module 4 shown in Fig. 7.
Described connector 12 and side plate connector 13 can be the connectors such as bearing pin or rivet, and corresponding, described connecting hole can be pin-and-hole or riveted holes, on side plate 41, also corresponding pin-and-hole or riveted holes can be set.
As shown in Fig. 8-10, the module 4 that three submodules 5 of take form is example, and the end play L between two adjacent submodules 5 equals 2h, and when h equals zero, the crystal 3 in two adjacent submodules 5 can be realized slitless connection, also just there will not be the disappearance of information.
Be appreciated that, end play L is in the situation that h is less, also just less on the impact of whole module 4 information gatherings, that is to say, module 4 of the present invention arranges by the structure of positioner 1, can reduce as much as possible that factor module 5 axially connects and impact on information gathering, when improving connection reliability, effectively improve the verity of Information Monitoring.
It should be noted that, setting can be exchanged in the position of connector and connecting hole, and between interconnective two parts, wherein one is provided with connector, and another one is provided with connecting hole, and connector wherein and the setting position of connecting hole can exchange.
Above the positioner of PET detector module provided by the present invention, submodule and photodetector is described in detail.Applied specific case herein principle of the present invention and embodiment are set forth, the explanation of above embodiment is just for helping to understand core concept of the present invention.It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, under the premise without departing from the principles of the invention, can also carry out some improvement and modification to the present invention, these improvement and modification also fall in the protection domain of the claims in the present invention.