A photomultiplier tube protection device for a space-borne space particle detector

Abstract

The application relates to a photomultiplier protection device for a spaceborne space particle detector, which comprises a first mounting base, a second mounting base and a first protection structure. The first protection structure comprises a first semicircular groove and a second semicircular groove, the first semicircular groove is arranged on the first mounting base, and the second semicircular groove is arranged on the second mounting base. When the first mounting base and the second mounting base are overlapped correspondingly, the first semicircular groove and the second semicircular groove are combined to form a first protection groove which is matched with the photomultiplier. When the protection device is used, the first mounting base and the second mounting base are separate independent components in the early stage of installation. During installation, the photomultiplier is placed on the first semicircular groove of the first mounting base, and then the second mounting base is overlapped. At this time, the first semicircular groove and the second semicircular groove wrap the photomultiplier, so that the protection effect is realized. Finally, the photomultiplier is connected with the first mounting base and the second mounting base through bolts, and the installation of the protection device is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of space detector structural design and manufacturing technology, and in particular to a photomultiplier tube protection device for a spaceborne particle detector. Background Technology

[0002] The Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DMP) satellite is a sun-synchronous orbit satellite carrying a dark matter particle detector array to measure high-energy electrons, gamma rays, and cosmic ray nuclides in space. The Plastic Scintillation Array (PSA) detector, as one of the satellite's main detectors, undertakes the primary observation tasks.

[0003] The Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) satellite has been operating safely for seven years since 2015. In 2022, DAMPE 2 was put on the agenda. Building upon the first satellite, the second satellite will add four edge plastic scintillator arrays (PSA) with an effective detection area of ​​1000 × 300 square millimeters around the original top PSA array. A major technical challenge is the lack of a protective device for the photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) used in these detectors, particularly since they are glass devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a photomultiplier tube protection device that effectively protects the photomultiplier tube.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A photomultiplier tube protection device for a spaceborne particle detector includes a first mounting base, a second mounting base, and a first protective structure.

[0007] The first protective structure includes a first semicircular groove and a second semicircular groove. The first semicircular groove is formed on the first mounting base, and the second semicircular groove is formed on the second mounting base. When the first mounting base and the second mounting base are correspondingly stacked, the first semicircular groove and the second semicircular groove combine to form a first protective groove adapted to the photomultiplier tube.

[0008] In one embodiment, the photomultiplier tube protection device for a spaceborne particle detector further includes a mounting structure;

[0009] The mounting structure includes a first snap-fit ​​groove and a second snap-fit ​​groove. The first snap-fit ​​groove is formed on the first mounting base, and the second snap-fit ​​groove is formed on the second mounting base. When the first mounting base and the second mounting base are correspondingly overlapped, the first snap-fit ​​groove and the second snap-fit ​​groove combine to form a snap-fit ​​groove that is adapted to the mounting end of the coupling unit.

[0010] The slot has an open mounting hole on one side, through which the coupling unit passes. A light-transmitting hole is provided on one side of the slot, through which the coupling unit communicates with the photomultiplier tube.

[0011] The installation structure is configured to correspond to the first protective structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the four corners of the mounting end have four edges, and the slot is provided with a contact avoidance gap for each edge, the contact avoidance gap being used to separate the edge from the slot.

[0013] In one embodiment, multiple first protective structures are provided, and the multiple first protective structures are spaced apart along the length direction of the first mounting base.

[0014] In one embodiment, the photomultiplier tube protection device for a spaceborne particle detector further includes a third mounting base and a second protective structure.

[0015] The second protective structure includes a third semicircular groove and a fourth semicircular groove. The third semicircular groove is formed on the second mounting base and faces away from the second semicircular groove. The fourth semicircular groove is formed on the third mounting base. When the second mounting base and the third mounting base are correspondingly stacked, the third semicircular groove and the fourth semicircular groove combine to form a second protective groove adapted to the photomultiplier tube.

[0016] In one embodiment, multiple second protective structures are provided, and the multiple second protective structures are spaced apart along the length direction of the second mounting base.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first protective structure and the second protective structure are arranged in an alternating pattern in the horizontal direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the distribution paths of the first protection structure and the second protection structure are arranged in the form of a sine function curve.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first mounting base and the second mounting base are detachably connected by bolts.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first mounting base is provided with a first positioning element, and the second mounting base is provided with a second positioning element;

[0021] When the first mounting base and the second mounting base overlap, the first positioning member engages with the second positioning member.

[0022] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions:

[0023] When using this protective device, the first mounting base and the second mounting base overlap to form a first protective groove for the photomultiplier tube to be installed. The specific installation process is as follows: In the early stage of installation, the first mounting base and the second mounting base are separate independent components. During installation, the photomultiplier tube is placed into the first semicircular groove of the first mounting base, and then the second mounting base is overlapped. At this time, the first semicircular groove and the second semicircular groove will wrap around the photomultiplier tube, thus achieving the protection function. Finally, the photomultiplier tube is connected to the first mounting base and the second mounting base with bolts to complete the installation of the protective device. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the protection device in one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of the protective device in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the components of the protective device in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the second mounting base in one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the contact avoidance gap in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of the protection device in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] The markings in the diagram are as follows:

[0031] 1. First mounting base; 2. Second mounting base; 3. First semi-circular groove; 4. Second semi-circular groove; 5. First protective groove; 6. Photomultiplier tube;

[0032] 7. Coupled unit; 71. Edge;

[0033] 8. Installation structure; 81. Slot; 811. First slot; 812. Second slot; 813. Contact clearance gap; 82. Mounting hole; 83. Light-transmitting hole;

[0034] 9. Third mounting base; 10. Third semicircular groove; 11. Fourth semicircular groove; 12. Second protective groove. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0037] As a glass device, the photomultiplier tube (PMT) of a detector currently lacks a protection device, posing a significant technical challenge for its use on satellites. To address this problem, this invention provides a PMT protection device for spaceborne particle detectors, effectively protecting the PMT. The technical solution of this invention will be described in detail below with specific examples.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the photomultiplier tube 6 protection device of the present invention includes a first mounting base 1, a second mounting base 2, and a first protective structure. The first protective structure includes a first semicircular groove 3 and a second semicircular groove 4. The first semicircular groove 3 is formed on the first mounting base 1, and the second semicircular groove 4 is formed on the second mounting base 2. When the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 are correspondingly stacked, the first semicircular groove 3 and the second semicircular groove 4 combine to form a first protective groove 5 adapted to the photomultiplier tube 6.

[0039] For example, when using this protective device, the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 overlap to form a first protective groove 5 for the photomultiplier tube 6 to be installed. The specific installation process is as follows: In the early stage of installation, the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 are separate independent components. During installation, the photomultiplier tube 6 is placed into the first semi-circular groove 3 of the first mounting base 1, and then the second mounting base 2 is overlapped. At this time, the first semi-circular groove 3 and the second semi-circular groove 4 enclose the photomultiplier tube 6, thus achieving the protection function. Finally, the photomultiplier tube 6 is connected to the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 by bolts to complete the installation of the protective device. Specifically, in this embodiment, multiple first protective structures are provided, and the multiple first protective structures are spaced apart along the length direction of the first mounting base 1. In addition, in this embodiment, the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 are detachably connected by bolts.

[0040] It should be noted that in actual use, the photomultiplier tube 6 needs to be connected to the plastic scintillator array detector so that the photomultiplier tube 6 can achieve light propagation with the plastic scintillator array detector. The plastic scintillator array detector is connected to the photomultiplier tube 6 through the coupling unit 7.

[0041] In one embodiment, to further facilitate the installation and connection of the plastic scintillator array detector and the photomultiplier tube 6, the photomultiplier tube 6 protection device further includes a mounting structure 8. The mounting structure 8 includes a first locking groove 811 and a second locking groove 812. The first locking groove 811 is formed on the first mounting base 1, and the second locking groove 812 is formed on the second mounting base 2. When the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 are correspondingly overlapped, the first locking groove 811 and the second locking groove 812 combine to form a locking groove 81 that is adapted to the mounting end of the coupling unit 7.

[0042] For example, the installation operation of the coupling unit 7 and the photomultiplier tube 6 is the same. During the installation process, the mounting end of the coupling unit 7 needs to be snapped into the first snap-fit ​​groove 811 of the first mounting base 1, and then the second mounting base 2 is superimposed. At this time, the first snap-fit ​​groove 811 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 812 will lock the photomultiplier tube 6, and finally achieve the snap-fit ​​effect. In this embodiment, specifically, a mounting hole 82 is provided on one side of the slot 81, which allows the coupling unit 7 to pass through the slot 81. In addition, a light-transmitting hole 83 is provided on one side of the slot 81, through which the coupling unit 7 communicates with the photomultiplier tube 6.

[0043] It should be noted that since each photomultiplier tube 6 requires a corresponding coupling unit 7, the number and position of the mounting structure 8 and the first protection structure are set accordingly.

[0044] Reference Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown, even better, since the coupling unit 7 is a high-precision component, the four corners of the mounting end have four edges 71. In order to avoid the installation structure 8 causing installation damage to the coupling unit 7, the slot 81 is provided with a contact avoidance gap 813 for each edge 71. The contact avoidance gap 813 separates the edge 71 from the slot 81. Therefore, during the installation process, none of the four edges 71 of the coupling unit 7 will come into contact with the mounting structure 8. At the same time, as shown in the figure, the slot 81 and the coupling unit 7 are in surface contact. Therefore, the mounting structure 8 has high installation stability and can also avoid installation damage to the coupling unit 7.

[0045] In one embodiment, the photomultiplier tube 6 protection device further includes a third mounting base 9 and a second protective structure. The second protective structure includes a third semicircular groove 10 and a fourth semicircular groove 11. The third semicircular groove 10 is formed on the second mounting base 2, facing away from the second semicircular groove 4, while the fourth semicircular groove 11 is formed on the third mounting base 9. When the second mounting base 2 and the third mounting base 9 are correspondingly overlapped, the third semicircular groove 10 and the fourth semicircular groove 11 combine to form a second protective groove 12 adapted to the photomultiplier tube 6.

[0046] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first mounting base 1, the second mounting base 2, and the third mounting base 9 are stacked sequentially. The arrangement of the third mounting base 9 and the second protective structure allows the photomultiplier tube 6 to achieve a stacked installation effect, providing installers with more installation options. During installation, the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 need to be installed first, followed by placing the photomultiplier tube 6 on the third semicircular groove 10. Finally, the third mounting base 9 is stacked on top of the second mounting base 2. At this point, the third semicircular groove 10 and the fourth semicircular groove 11 form the second protective groove 12, which serves to install and protect the photomultiplier tube 6.

[0047] Specifically, multiple second protective structures are provided, and these structures are spaced apart along the length of the second mounting base 2. In this embodiment, the mounting structure 8 is synchronously configured corresponding to the second protective structures. Since each photomultiplier tube 6 requires a corresponding coupling unit 7, the number and position of the mounting structure 8 are synchronously configured to correspond with the number of second protective structures.

[0048] In this embodiment, to further optimize the positional distribution of the first and second protective structures, the first and second protective structures are arranged in a staggered pattern in the horizontal direction. As shown in the figure, this arrangement ensures that adjacent first and second protective structures have installation clearance distances, facilitating batch installation by workers and allowing for a tighter installation structure 8 for this protective device. Specifically, the distribution paths of the first and second protective structures are arranged along a sinusoidal curve.

[0049] More preferably, in one embodiment, to facilitate the overlapping installation of the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2, the first mounting base 1 is provided with a first positioning element, and the second mounting base 2 is provided with a second positioning element. In this embodiment, the first positioning element is specifically a convex shaft, and the second positioning element is specifically a positioning hole. When the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 are overlapped, the first positioning element is engaged with the interior of the second positioning element. At this time, the first positioning element and the second positioning element restrict the relative movement of the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 in the horizontal direction, thereby achieving the function of positioning installation and facilitating the assembly and installation of this protective device by the installer.

[0050] Reference Figure 6 As shown, in some extended embodiments, multiple protective devices can be configured, with the multiple protective devices stacked on top of each other, and the stacked protective devices are fixed by bolt connection.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photomultiplier tube protection device for a spaceborne particle detector, characterized in that, It includes a first mounting base, a second mounting base, and a first protective structure; The first protective structure includes a first semicircular groove and a second semicircular groove. The first semicircular groove is formed on the first mounting base, and the second semicircular groove is formed on the second mounting base. When the first mounting base and the second mounting base are correspondingly stacked, the first semicircular groove and the second semicircular groove combine to form a first protective groove adapted to the photomultiplier tube. The photomultiplier tube protection device also includes an installation structure; The mounting structure includes a first snap-fit ​​groove and a second snap-fit ​​groove. The first snap-fit ​​groove is formed on the first mounting base, and the second snap-fit ​​groove is formed on the second mounting base. When the first mounting base and the second mounting base are correspondingly overlapped, the first snap-fit ​​groove and the second snap-fit ​​groove combine to form a snap-fit ​​groove that is adapted to the mounting end of the coupling unit. The slot has an open mounting hole on one side, through which the coupling unit passes. A light-transmitting hole is provided on one side of the slot, through which the coupling unit communicates with the photomultiplier tube. The installation structure is configured to correspond to the first protective structure.

2. The photomultiplier tube protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The four corners of the mounting end have four edges, and the slot is provided with a contact clearance gap for each edge. The contact clearance gap is used to separate the edge from the slot.

3. The photomultiplier tube protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protective structure is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple first protective structures are spaced apart along the length direction of the first mounting base.

4. The photomultiplier tube protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The photomultiplier tube protection device also includes a third mounting base and a second protection structure; The second protective structure includes a third semicircular groove and a fourth semicircular groove. The third semicircular groove is formed on the second mounting base and faces away from the second semicircular groove. The fourth semicircular groove is formed on the third mounting base. When the second mounting base and the third mounting base are correspondingly stacked, the third semicircular groove and the fourth semicircular groove combine to form a second protective groove adapted to the photomultiplier tube.

5. The photomultiplier tube protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second protective structure is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple second protective structures are spaced apart along the length direction of the second mounting base.

6. The photomultiplier tube protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first protective structure and the second protective structure are arranged in an alternating pattern in the horizontal direction.

7. The photomultiplier tube protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distribution paths of the first protection structure and the second protection structure are set in the form of a sine function curve.

8. The photomultiplier tube protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting base and the second mounting base are detachably connected by bolts.

9. The photomultiplier tube protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting base is provided with a first positioning element, and the second mounting base is provided with a second positioning element; When the first mounting base and the second mounting base overlap, the first positioning member engages with the second positioning member.

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