Cooling device of X-ray converter element, CT detector module and CT equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a cooling device of an X-ray converter element, a CT detector module and CT equipment. The invention relates to a cooling device for the heat dissipation of X-ray conversion elements, comprising a plurality of cooling elements, the cooling elements being arranged in rows in a first direction, the cooling elements each having a metal material, the metal material having a plurality of continuous tunnel-shaped cavities in the first direction, the invention relates to a cooling device for an X-ray converter element, comprising a cavity which is designed for a fluid to flow through in a first direction, and cooling elements which are designed for surface contact of corresponding thermal contact surfaces of the X-ray converter element, the cooling elements being arranged relative to one another in a row arrangement, the cooling elements are arranged such that the cavities at least partially overlap on the boundary surfaces between the adjacent cooling elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device for dissipating heat of an X-ray converter element, a CT detector module, and a CT apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Modern computed tomography devices (CT devices) or computed tomography scanners have a gantry with a rotatable frame on which an X-ray source and a detector module for detecting X-rays are also arranged. Such a CT detector module typically includes an X-ray converter element having an X-ray sensor layer and, optionally, a layer with an A / D (analog / digital) converter arranged thereunder. Electronic integration has been an important trend in X-ray converter elements in recent years. The aim is to reduce the analog path length between the analog X-ray sensor layer and the A / D converter, which is typically implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In an integrated X-ray converter, the analog X-ray sensor layer is formed by a suitable sensor layer, such as a combination of a scintillator and a photodiode, while a directly converting semiconductor sensor is used in a counting X-ray converter. Then, the A / D converter configured as an ASIC generates a digital output signal. In both cases, integrating the ASIC into a compact structure, especially a stacked structure, together with the analog X-ray sensor layer brings important heat sources closer to the X-ray sensor elements of the X-ray sensor layer itself.

[0003] Since X-ray sensor elements respond very sensitively to thermal fluctuations, thermal management is a decisive task in the development of modern CT detector modules. Here, a particular challenge of thermal management is to keep the operating temperature of the CT detector module stable, avoid temperature gradients between adjacent X-ray converter elements, and reduce the temperature gradient within each X-ray converter element. These challenges are even more important in counting X-ray converters because the directly converting semiconductor sensor is an additional heat source and its sensor performance responds very sensitively to thermal changes at the same time.

[0004] Currently, thermal management is ensured by manufacturing a thermal interface between the X-ray converter element and the metal frame of the CT detector module with a thermally conductive adhesive or a thermally conductive paste. However, a limited amount of heat cannot be transferred thereby because the quality of the thermal interface depends on various factors that are not easily influenced, especially the gap thickness between the X-ray converter and the metal frame and the exact distribution of the thermally conductive paste.

[0005] Due to the high data volume of modern CT (counting) detectors, there is an increasing need for efficient cooling of the modules due to the high performance of the ASICs, in order to keep the sensors made of semiconductor material within an ideal operating range in terms of their temperature. In addition to the absolute temperature, the temperature distribution on the sensor surface also plays a decisive role here. Usually, the sensor elements close to the inflow opening of the cooling air have a lower temperature, because most of the inflowing cooling air is still present here and the cooling ribs are hit by the oncoming flow frontally. Thereby, air is additionally discharged into the rear space of the detector, so that the sensors in the region facing away from the inflow opening receive little cooling air, which is additionally heated by the remaining sensor plates. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to enable more efficient heat dissipation for a CT detector module.

[0007] According to the present invention, this object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments with expedient extensions are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention relates in a first aspect to a cooling device for heat dissipation of an X-ray converter element. The cooling device includes a plurality of cooling elements. The cooling elements are arranged in rows along a first direction. Each cooling element has a metallic material that has a plurality of continuous tunnel-shaped cavities along the first direction, and these cavities are configured to be flowed through by a fluid along the first direction. The cooling elements are configured for surface contact with corresponding heat contact surfaces of the X-ray converter element. The cooling elements are arranged relative to one another in a row arrangement such that the respective cavities at least partially overlap at the interface between adjacent cooling elements.

[0009] Preferably, the cooling device includes a plurality of cooling elements, which may be constructed identically or differently. Each cooling element may have a metallic material, in particular consisting essentially of a metallic material. Advantageously, the cooling elements may include a metallic material with high thermal conductivity. In addition, the plurality of cooling elements may have the same or at least partially different metallic materials. The metallic material may include a substrate, an extruded material, and / or a casting material, etc. In addition, the metallic material may include aluminum alloy and / or copper.

[0010] The metallic material of the cooling elements may have a plurality of continuous tunnel-shaped cavities along the first direction. The cavities of the respective cooling elements may be constructed identically or at least partially differently. For example, the cavities may be different in their geometry and / or extension amount and / or their spatial trend and / or spatial orientation.

[0011] The first direction may be referred to as a first spatial direction. A plurality of cooling elements are arranged in a row along the first direction. Here, a corresponding one of the cooling elements may be adjacent to at least one other cooling element along the first direction, in particular in contact with or spaced apart from at least one other cooling element. Thereby, a row arrangement of the plurality of cooling elements along the first direction can be formed.

[0012] The cavity can be configured tunnel-shaped, in particular tubular and / or hose-shaped and / or cylindrical and / or cuboid-shaped. The cavity can be surrounded, in particular bounded, by a metallic material here. In particular, the cavity can be surrounded by the material along a direction different from the first direction. Advantageously, the cavity can extend continuously from one side of the material to the opposite side along the first direction, in particular linearly or in a curved manner. A plurality of cavities can be spaced apart from each other, in particular fluid-tightly or at least partially connected.

[0013] The cavities are each configured to be flowed through by a fluid, such as a liquid, in particular water and / or a gas, in particular air, along the first direction, in particular from one side of the material to the opposite side along the first direction. In particular, the cavity can be configured to guide, in particular convey, the fluid along the first direction. Advantageously, the cavities, in particular the longitudinal extension directions and / or the symmetry axes of the cavities, can extend substantially parallel to each other. In addition, the cavities, in particular the longitudinal extension directions and / or the symmetry axes of the cavities, can extend substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0014] The outer side of the cooling element, in particular of the respective cooling element, can be configured for surface contact, in particular form-fitting contact, with the corresponding thermal contact surface of the X-ray converter element. The outer side of the respective cooling element can be the outer boundary surface, in particular the surface, of a metallic material. Advantageously, the plurality of cooling elements can be configured to surface-contact the corresponding thermal contact surfaces of the X-ray converter element in the row arrangement of the plurality of cooling elements. Advantageously, the cooling elements can surface-contact the corresponding thermal contact surfaces such that heat can be exchanged, in particular transferred, between the X-ray converter element and the cooling element.

[0015] Advantageously, the cooling elements are arranged relative to each other in a row arrangement such that the respective cavities at least partially overlap at the boundary surface between adjacent cooling elements. Advantageously, the cavities can overlap at least partially at the boundary surface such that the fluid can flow from the cavity of a cooling element to the cavity of the corresponding adjacent cooling element along the first direction.

[0016] By arranging, in particular mounting, the cooling elements on the thermal contact surfaces of the CT detector modules, the gap between the sensor plate and the cooling elements can be kept as small as possible. Since these cooling elements can be manufactured individually, in particular independently of the module carrier, several manufacturing methods can be implemented here. Thereby, materials with higher thermal conductivity can be advantageously selected.

[0017] The proposed embodiment enables efficient heat dissipation for the CT detector module.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, the cooling elements can each have recesses and / or elevations on the outer sides remote from the first direction, and the recesses and / or elevations are configured for surface contact with the corresponding thermal contact surfaces of the X-ray converter elements.

[0019] Advantageously, the cooling elements each have recesses and / or elevations on the outer sides of their surfaces, and the surfaces have normal vectors extending non-parallel to, in particular perpendicular to, the first direction. The outer sides of the respective cooling elements can be the outer boundary surfaces, in particular the surfaces, of a metallic material. In particular, the recesses can include grooves and / or steps and / or sleeves. Furthermore, the elevations can include springs and / or rods and / or pins and / or raised platforms. The recesses and / or elevations can be configured for form-fitting contact with the corresponding thermal contact surfaces of the X-ray converter elements. Advantageously, a plurality of cooling elements can each have recesses and / or elevations, and the recesses and / or elevations form-fittingly contact the corresponding thermal contact surfaces of the X-ray converter elements respectively in the row arrangement of the plurality of cooling elements. Advantageously, the recesses and / or elevations of the cooling elements can form-fittingly contact the corresponding thermal contact surfaces respectively, such that heat can be exchanged, in particular transferred, between the X-ray converter elements and the cooling elements. In particular, the thermal contact can be established by the contact of the corresponding thermal contact surfaces with the recesses and / or elevations of the cooling elements, in particular the metallic material, and this contact thus has high thermal conductivity.

[0020] The proposed embodiment can achieve improved thermal contact of the X-ray converter elements by means of the cooling elements of the cooling device for heat dissipation.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, at least one cooling element can include a plurality of cooling ribs as parts of the material, and these cooling ribs are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a stacked manner. Here, the stacking direction of the cooling ribs can be different from the first direction, and the intermediate spaces formed between the cooling ribs can constitute cavities.

[0022] At least one cooling element may include a frame configured to hold a plurality of cooling ribs in a spaced-apart and stacked arrangement. Preferably, the frame and the plurality of cooling ribs may include a metallic material, in particular be made of a metallic material. Here, the cooling ribs may be in thermal contact with the frame. In addition, recesses and / or elevations may be arranged on the outer side of the frame.

[0023] The plurality of cooling ribs may be arranged spaced apart from each other, in particular equidistantly or with different spacings. Advantageously, the plurality of cooling ribs may be arranged parallel to each other and in a stacked manner, in particular parallel to a first direction. In addition, the cooling ribs may be configured substantially flat, in particular planar. Here, the cooling ribs may be arranged in a stacked manner such that the flat sides of adjacent cooling ribs face each other. Here, the stacking direction of the cooling ribs may be different from the first direction, in particular at a predefined angle to the first direction. The intermediate spaces formed between the cooling ribs and delimited in particular by a common frame may form cavities. The cooling ribs and the frame may be configured in one piece, in particular integrally, or in multiple pieces. In particular, the cooling ribs and one or more frame parts may be adhesively bonded to form a corresponding cooling element.

[0024] The proposed embodiments can effectively provide cooling elements for a cooling device according to the invention. In particular, compared to conventional cooling elements, a significant increase in the number of cooling ribs in the cooling element can significantly improve the cooling performance.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, the stacking direction may extend perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] Advantageously, the stacking direction may extend perpendicular to the first direction, in particular at an angle of 90 degrees. Thereby, it can be advantageously ensured that the cavities formed by the intermediate spaces are configured to be flowed through by a fluid along the first direction.

[0027] The proposed embodiments can achieve a flow-around of the cooling ribs by a fluid along the first direction, in particular an unobstructed flow-around.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, the cavities may be arranged equidistantly perpendicular to the first direction in a cross-section of the respective cooling element.

[0029] Advantageously, the cavities may be arranged equidistantly from each other perpendicular to the first direction in at least one cross-section of the respective cooling element. In particular, the cavities may be arranged equidistantly from each other along the first direction over the entire length of the respective cooling element in all cross-sections and in particular additionally extend parallel to each other.

[0030] The proposed embodiments can achieve a uniform distribution of the fluid within the cooling element when flowing through the cavities.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, the cavities can be arranged at different distances from one another perpendicular to the first direction in a first cross-section of the respective cooling element.

[0032] Advantageously, the cavities can be arranged at different distances from one another perpendicular to the first direction in at least one cross-section of the respective cooling element. In particular, over the entire length of the respective cooling element, the cavities can be arranged at different distances from one another in all cross-sections along the first direction and, in particular, additionally extend parallel to one another.

[0033] The proposed embodiment enables an irregular arrangement of the cavities for improving the dissipation of heat from the flowing fluid, for example by an optimized arrangement of the cavities with respect to the heat contact surface.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, at least one of the cooling elements can be of one-piece construction.

[0035] By manufacturing at least one of the cooling elements, in particular each of the cooling elements, in one piece, in particular integrally, it is possible to advantageously avoid the effort of structural design during the manufacture of the cooling elements.

[0036] For example, this can save materials, connection components and time-consuming processing steps. In addition, at least one cooling element can consist entirely of a metallic material in one-piece construction. Thereby, at least one cooling element can have a uniform thermal conductivity.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, at least one cooling element of one-piece construction can be manufactured by means of additive manufacturing techniques.

[0038] Additive manufacturing techniques include the process of building a component layer by layer by depositing material based on digital 3D structural design data. Thereby, a high variability in the configuration can be achieved. Advantageously, this enables a time-saving and resource-saving manufacture of even complex, but at the same time stable structures and shapes. Depending on the initial material and application, the component can be manufactured by means of stereolithography, selective laser sintering or 3D printing methods. Different metals, plastics and composite materials can be used as materials. In particular, a metallic material can be present as a powdery substrate at the beginning of the additive manufacturing of at least one cooling element.

[0039] For example, at least one cooling element can be manufactured by means of selective laser melting (SLM) or selective laser sintering (SLS). Preferably, a powder material comprising metal powder is used here. Here, a thin layer of the powder material is first applied to the construction platform. By means of a laser, the powder can be melted precisely at the sites of the pre-given computer-generated component structural design data. Thereafter, the manufacturing platform descends and another powder application is carried out. The material is remelted and joined to the layer below it at the defined sites.

[0040] Advantageously, a high volume density of the metal material can be achieved in at least one cooling element by means of additive manufacturing techniques and particularly advantageously here by means of the method of selective laser melting or selective laser sintering. In addition, at least one cooling element can be constructed more quickly by means of additive manufacturing techniques or less costly materials can be used.

[0041] In another advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, at least one integrally constructed cooling element can be manufactured by means of subtractive manufacturing techniques.

[0042] Subtractive manufacturing techniques include the process of manufacturing components by removing material based on digital 3D structural design data. Thereby, a high degree of variability in the configuration can be achieved. Depending on the initial material and application, the components can be manufactured by means of turning, grinding, drilling, milling and / or cutting methods. Different metals, plastics and composite materials can be used as materials.

[0043] Preferably, the material can be removed at the sites of the pre-given computer-generated component structural design data. Here, various removal techniques, such as turning, grinding, drilling, milling and / or cutting, can be applied individually, sequentially or in combination.

[0044] Advantageously, this enables time-saving and resource-saving manufacturing of even complex but at the same time stable structures and shapes.

[0045] In another advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, different cooling elements among a plurality of cooling elements arranged in rows can have different cavity volumes and / or different cavity densities and / or different cavity numbers and / or different cavity surfaces.

[0046] Advantageously, the cooling elements can have, along the first direction, in particular along the direction of the row arrangement of the plurality of cooling elements, at least partially, in particular completely different numbers and / or cavity densities, in particular cavity density, and / or different cavity volumes, in particular the volume of the cavities and / or different cavity surfaces. The cavity number can here be determined as the number of consecutive cavities of a respective one of the cooling elements. Alternatively or additionally, the cavity number can be determined as the number of inlets and outlets, in particular openings, of the cavities on the respective opposite sides of the respective cooling element along the first direction. The cavity density can be determined as the ratio of the volume of the cavities to the volume of the material of the respective cooling element, in particular a metallic material. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling elements along the first direction can have different cavity volumes, in particular in the case of a constant cavity density. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling elements can have different cavity surfaces along the first direction. The cavity surface can here be referred to as the material surface on the cavity boundary surface of the respective cooling element. The boundary surface between the cavity and the material of the respective cooling element can here form a heat contact surface between the flowing fluid and the metallic material.

[0047] By means of the proposed embodiment, the heat dissipation performance of the cooling device can advantageously be adjusted along the first direction. In particular, the proposed embodiment enables the surface of the cavities for convection to be precisely coordinated with the loss power to be dissipated and with the amount of fluid flowing through the respective cooling elements and the fluid temperature of the jointly used fluid flow.

[0048] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, different ones of the plurality of cooling elements arranged in a row parallel to the first direction can have a reduced cavity volume and / or a reduced cavity density and / or an increased number of cavities and / or an increased cavity surface.

[0049] Advantageously, the cooling elements arranged in a row, in particular along the first direction, can have a cavity volume that is monotonically decreasing, in particular decreasing, parallel to the first direction. Thus, the plurality of cooling elements can each have a cavity volume that is reduced relative to the respective above-mentioned cooling element parallel to the first direction. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling elements arranged in a row, in particular along the first direction, can have a cavity density that is monotonically decreasing, in particular decreasing, parallel to the first direction. Thus, the plurality of cooling elements can each have a cavity density that is reduced relative to the respective above-mentioned cooling element parallel to the first direction. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling elements arranged in a row, in particular along the first direction, can have a cavity surface that is monotonically increasing, in particular increasing, parallel to the first direction. Thus, the plurality of cooling elements can each have a larger cavity surface relative to the respective above-mentioned cooling element parallel to the first direction.

[0050] With the proposed embodiments, the heat dissipation performance of the cooling device can be advantageously maintained along a first direction. The higher the fluid temperature and the smaller the amount of fluid flowing through, the larger the surfaces of the cavities must be configured in order to be able to release the same amount of heat to the fluid. Advantageously, with the proposed embodiments, a temperature gradient of the X-ray converter element along the first direction, in particular the flow direction of the fluid, can be effectively prevented.

[0051] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, the cooling elements arranged in rows can have an increasing number of cooling ribs parallel to the first direction.

[0052] Advantageously, a plurality of cooling elements can each have a greater number of cooling ribs relative to the respective above-mentioned cooling element parallel to the first direction. Thereby, an increased cavity surface along the first direction can be advantageously achieved.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device, the cooling elements can have a closed contour away from the first direction, such that the cavities of a plurality of cooling elements arranged in rows form a closed cooling channel.

[0054] The cavities can each be configured in a tunnel-like manner, in particular tubular and / or hose-like and / or cylindrical and / or cuboid-shaped. The cavities can hereby be surrounded, in particular delimited, by a metallic material away from the first direction. In particular, the cavities can each be surrounded by the material along a direction different from the first direction. Advantageously, the cavities can each extend continuously from one side of the material to the opposite side of the material along the first direction, in particular linearly or curvedly. This can advantageously enable the cooling elements to be configured as self-closed cooling elements with a plurality of cavities. Through the hereby closed contour of the individual cooling elements and the arrangement of the plurality of cooling elements in rows, a closed cooling channel can be advantageously formed along the first direction, which prevents the fluid from flowing out into the rear space of the CT detector. In this way, with a structure having a plurality of X-ray converter elements and with X-ray converter elements arranged away from the fluid inlet along the first direction, a sufficient fluid flow, in particular a complete fluid flow, can occur, and the available cooling performance of the fluid can be effectively utilized.

[0055] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a CT detector module. The CT detector module includes at least one X-ray converter element and a cooling device according to the invention. Here, the X-ray converter element has an upper side and a lower side. The X-ray converter element has an X-ray detector layer on its upper side and at least one thermal contact surface on its lower side. Here, the X-ray converter element is in thermally conductive contact with the cooling device via the thermal contact surface in the operating state of the CT detector module.

[0056] The advantages of the proposed CT detector module essentially correspond to the advantages of the proposed cooling device. The features, advantages or alternative embodiments mentioned herein can also be transferred to other claimed subject matters and vice versa.

[0057] The X-ray converter element has an X-ray detector layer on its upper side. The X-ray detector layer can face the X-ray source in the operating state of the CT detector module. In addition, the X-ray detector layer can be configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray source. The X-ray detector layer can include a directly converting (semiconductor) X-ray sensor layer, for example, having CdTe, CdZnTe, CdTeSe, CdZnTeSe, CdMnTe, GaAs, Si or Ge as the semiconductor material. The X-ray detector layer can also include an X-ray sensor layer and an optically coupled photodiode, especially one or more photodiode arrays, and the X-ray sensor layer is configured to convert X-rays into light. Here, a scintillator material, such as GOS (Gd 2 O 2 S), CsJ, YGO or LuTAG, is generally used as the material. The X-ray detector layer can further include a layer having an analog-to-digital converter, and the X-ray sensor layer is applied to this layer, where the A / D converter layer can be implemented in one or more ASICs. The X-ray detector layer can be applied to a substrate, also called a material, such as a printed circuit board or a ceramic or glass material, and then forms the lower side of the X-ray converter element.

[0058] The X-ray converter element has a thermal contact surface, especially a metallic thermal contact surface, on its lower side, and this thermal contact surface is in thermally conductive contact, especially in thermal contact, with the cooling device in the operating state of the CT detector module. For example, the thermally conductive contact can be further improved by a thermally conductive paste or a thermally conductive pad or an adhesive or solder. In the operating state, a plurality of cooling elements of the cooling device can be arranged in rows on the lower side of the X-ray converter element, such that each recess and / or elevation of the cooling element is in thermally conductive contact with the corresponding thermal contact surface of the X-ray converter element. For this purpose, the cooling elements can be arranged, for example, in a common module carrier, which enables the row arrangement of the cooling elements and has recesses on at least one thermal contact surface. At least one thermal contact surface can have a metallic coating, for example. The metallic coating can be formed, for example, by coating with a metal having good thermal conductivity, such as gold, silver or copper. The metallic coating can be a so-called "metallized thermal pad". At least one thermal contact surface can cover a part or even the entire lower side of the X-ray converter element. The thermal contact surface can be connected to the A / D sensor layer and / or the X-ray sensor layer through metallized vias in the substrate of the X-ray detector layer and / or the A / D sensor layer, so that heat can be dissipated from there into the thermal contact surface. This is also called thermal via technology. For example, the metallized vias can be contact holes in the substrate.

[0059] Advantageously, in the operating state of the CT detector module, a fluid, such as cooling air, can flow through the cooling device along a first direction. Here, the fluid, in particular the cooling air, can be provided by a central fluid supply element, such as a central fan, for a plurality of CT detector modules. Alternatively, the CT detector module can have a dedicated fluid supply element, such as a dedicated fan, which is configured to provide the fluid in the operating state. The CT detector module can, for example, have a fluid channel, in particular an air channel. Here, the cooling device, in particular a plurality of cooling elements, can be arranged in the fluid channel, in particular along the fluid channel. In addition, a dedicated fluid supply element can be arranged at the opening of the fluid channel and provide a fluid flow in the fluid channel, in particular the cavity, of the cooling device in the operating state of the CT detector module.

[0060] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed CT detector module, the X-ray converter element can be in thermally conductive contact with the cooling element of the cooling device through respective corresponding thermal contact surfaces in the operating state of the CT detector module.

[0061] The X-ray converter element advantageously has a corresponding, in particular metallic, thermal contact surface with each cooling element on its lower side, and in the operating state of the CT detector module, these thermal contact surfaces are in thermally conductive contact, in particular thermal contact, with the cooling elements of the cooling device.

[0062] This enables improved heat dissipation of the X-ray converter element, in particular distributed over a plurality of cooling elements.

[0063] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed CT detector module, the X-ray converter element can be in thermally conductive contact with the cooling element of the cooling device through a corresponding thermal contact surface by means of a thermally conductive medium in the operating state of the CT detector module. In addition, the thermally conductive medium can have different thermal conductivities.

[0064] The thermally conductive contact between the thermal contact surface and the cooling element can be obtained through a thermally conductive medium respectively. The thermally conductive medium can, for example, include thermal paste, thermal pad, adhesive and / or solder, etc. Advantageously, the thermally conductive medium can have different thermal conductivities. In particular, the thermally conductive medium can have an increased thermal conductivity along the first direction.

[0065] Advantageously, the formation of a temperature gradient of the X-ray converter element along the first direction, in particular the flow direction of the fluid, can be effectively prevented by the proposed embodiment.

[0066] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a CT device comprising at least one CT detector module according to the invention.

[0067] The advantages of the proposed CT device basically correspond to the advantages of the proposed CT detector module. The features, advantages or alternative embodiments mentioned herein can also be transferred to other claimed subjects and vice versa.

[0068] The CT device may include an X-ray source, the proposed CT detector module, and a supply unit. Here, the X-ray source and the CT detector module may be arranged opposite to each other. The X-ray source may be configured to irradiate the CT detector module with X-rays along the X-ray incident direction. The CT device may further include a gantry having a rotor. The X-ray source and the CT detector module may be arranged in a defined arrangement on the rotor, in particular integrated into the rotor or fixed to the rotor. The rotor may be rotatably supported about a rotation axis. An examination object to be imaged, such as a human and / or animal patient and / or an examination phantom, may be supported on a patient couch and be movable along the rotation axis through the gantry. Description of the Drawings

[0069] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and described in more detail below. In the different drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same features. The drawings show:

[0070] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a plurality of cooling elements,

[0071] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the proposed cooling device,

[0072] Figure 3 and 4 : Schematic diagrams of different preferred embodiments of cooling elements,

[0073] Figure 5 : A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the proposed CT detector module,

[0074] Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of a CT device. Detailed Description

[0075] Figure 1Schematic illustration showing advantageous embodiments of a plurality of cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3. The cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 can be arranged in rows in a first direction (shown adjacent to each other here). In addition, the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 can each have metal materials MS1, ..., MS3, which have a plurality of continuous tunnel-shaped cavities HR1, ..., HR3 along the first direction R1. The cavities HR1, ..., HR3 can be configured to be flowed through by a fluid along the first direction R1. The cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 can be configured for surface contact with corresponding thermal contact surfaces of an X-ray converter element (not shown here). In particular, the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE can each have elevations AS1, ..., AS3 on the outer sides A1, ..., A3 remote from the first direction R1, which elevations are configured for form-fitting contact with the corresponding thermal contact surfaces of the X-ray converter element. Here, the cavities HR1, ..., HR3 can be arranged at different distances from each other in a cross-section of each of the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 perpendicular to the first direction R1. Advantageously, at least one of the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 can be of one-piece construction. In particular, at least one of the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 of one-piece construction can be manufactured by additive manufacturing techniques. Alternatively, at least one of the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 of one-piece construction can be manufactured by subtractive manufacturing techniques.

[0076] Figure 2 Schematic illustration showing an advantageous embodiment of the proposed cooling device. Here, the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 can be arranged in rows along the first direction R1 such that the respective cavities HR1, ..., HR3 at least partially overlap on the boundary surfaces GF1, GF2 between adjacent cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3. Here, the cavities HR1, ..., HR3 of each of the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 can extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0077] Advantageously, different ones of a plurality of cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 arranged in a row can have different cavity volumes HR1, ..., HR3 and / or different cavity densities HR1, ..., HR3 and / or different numbers of cavities HR1, ..., HR3 and / or different cavity surfaces. In particular, different ones of a plurality of cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 arranged in a row parallel to a first direction R1 can have a reduced cavity volume and / or a reduced cavity density and / or an increased number of cavities HR1, ..., HR3 and / or an increased cavity surface. In addition, the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 can include a plurality of cooling ribs KR1, ..., KR3 as part of the material, which cooling ribs are spaced apart from one another and arranged in a stacked manner. In addition, the stacking direction SR of the cooling ribs KR1, ..., KR3 can be different from the first direction R1, and the intermediate spaces formed between the cooling ribs KR1, ..., KR3 constitute the cavities HR1, ..., HR3. Advantageously, the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 arranged in a row parallel to the first direction R1 can have an increased number of cooling ribs KR1, ..., KR3. In addition, the cavities HR1, ..., HR3 can be arranged equidistantly in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction R1 of different cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3.

[0078] In addition, the cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 can have a closed profile away from the first direction R1, such that the cavities HR1, ..., HR3 in the plurality of cooling elements KE1, ..., KE3 arranged in a row form a closed cooling channel along the first direction R1.

[0079] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic view showing different advantageous embodiments of an exemplary cooling element KE. The cooling element KE can include a plurality of KR cooling ribs, which cooling ribs are spaced apart from one another and arranged in a stacked manner within a metallic material MS. The cooling element KE can have a raised portion AS on its outer side A perpendicular to the first direction R1, which raised portion is configured for form-fitting contact with a corresponding thermal contact surface of an X-ray converter element. The intermediate spaces formed between the cooling ribs KR can constitute the cavities HR. Here, the stacking direction SR of the plurality of cooling ribs KR can extend perpendicular to the first direction R1. The stacking direction SR can extend vertically in the Figure 3 embodiment shown, while it can extend horizontally in the Figure 4 embodiment shown.

[0080] Figure 5Schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of the proposed CT detector module DM. The CT detector module DM may include at least one X-ray converter element RK and the proposed cooling device. Here, the X-ray converter element RK may have an upper side OS and a lower side US. The X-ray converter element RK may have an X-ray detector layer RDS on its upper side OS and a thermal contact surface WKF on its lower side US. Furthermore, in the operating state of the CT detector module DM, the X-ray converter element RK may be in thermally conductive contact with the cooling device via the thermal contact surface WKF. For this purpose, a plurality of cooling elements KE1,... KE3 may be arranged, for example, in a common module carrier MC, which enables the cooling elements to be arranged in rows and has recesses on at least one thermal contact surface.

[0081] Advantageously, in the operating state of the CT detector module DM, the X-ray converter element RK may be in thermally conductive contact with the cooling elements KE, KE1, KE2, KE3 of the cooling device via the respective thermal contact surfaces WKF, in particular by means of a thermally conductive medium. Here, the thermally conductive medium may have different thermal conductivities.

[0082] Figure 6 Schematic view showing a preferred embodiment of the proposed CT device 33, which includes an X-ray source 37, a CT detector module DM, and a supply unit PRVS. Here, the X-ray source 37 and the CT detector module DM may be arranged opposite each other. The X-ray source 37 may be configured to irradiate the CT detector module with X-rays along the X-ray direction. The CT device 33 may also include a gantry 33 having a rotor 35. The X-ray source 37 and the CT detector module DM may be arranged in a defined arrangement on the rotor 35, in particular integrated into the rotor 35 or fixed to the rotor 35. The rotor 35 may be rotatably supported about a rotation axis 43. The examination object 39 to be imaged may be supported on a patient couch 41 and may be moved along the rotation axis 43 through the gantry 33. The supply unit PRVS may be used to control the CT device 32 and to calculate cross-sectional images or volume images of the examination object 39. An input device 47, such as a keyboard, and an output device 49, such as a screen and / or a monitor, may be connected to the supply unit PRVS, in particular signal-technologically coupled. The input device 47 may advantageously be integrated into the output device 49, for example in the case of an input display that is in particular resistive and / or capacitive.

[0083] The schematic views included in the described drawings do not represent any scale or dimensional ratio.

[0084] Finally, it is pointed out again that the methods described in detail above and the devices shown are only examples, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the use of the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that the features involved may also exist multiple times. Similarly, the terms "unit" and "element" do not exclude the possibility that the components involved are composed of multiple interacting sub-components, which may also be spatially distributed.

[0085] The expression "based on" can be understood in the context of this application as "in the case of use". In particular, the expression that the first feature is generated (alternatively: obtained, determined, etc.) based on the second feature does not exclude the possibility that the first feature can be generated (alternatively: obtained, determined, etc.) based on the third feature.

Claims

1. A cooling device for dissipating heat from an X-ray conversion element (RK), comprising a plurality of cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3), wherein the cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) are arranged in a row along a first direction (R1), The cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) respectively comprise a metal material (MS, MS1, MS2, MS3), wherein the metal material comprises a plurality of continuous tunnel-shaped cavities (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) along the first direction (R1), wherein the cavities are configured for a fluid to flow through along the first direction (R1), wherein the cooling element (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) is designed for surface contact with a corresponding thermal contact surface (WKF) of the x-ray converter element (RK), The cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) are arranged in a row relative to each other so that the corresponding cavities (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) at least partially overlap at the boundary surfaces (GF1, GF2) between adjacent cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3).

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, The cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) respectively have recesses and / or raised portions (AS, AS1, AS2, AS3) on the outer sides (A1, A2, A3) away from the first direction (R1), and the recesses and / or raised portions are constructed for surface contact with the corresponding thermal contact surface (WKF) of the X-ray converter element (RK).

3. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) comprises, as part of the material, a plurality of cooling ribs (KR, KR1, KR2, KR3), which are spaced apart from one another and are arranged in a stack, The stacking direction (SR) of the cooling ribs (KR, KR1, KR2, KR3) is different from the first direction (R1), and the intermediate spaces formed between the cooling ribs (KR, KR1, KR2, KR3) constitute the cavities (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3).

4. The cooling device according to claim 3, wherein the stacking direction (SR) extends perpendicularly to the first direction (R1).

5. A cooling device according to any one of the preceding claims, The cavities (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) are arranged equidistantly in a cross section of the corresponding cooling element (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) perpendicular to the first direction (R1).

6. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The cavities (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) are arranged at different distances from each other in a cross section of the corresponding cooling element (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) perpendicular to the first direction (R1).

7. A cooling device according to any one of the preceding claims, In this case, at least one of the cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) is designed in one piece.

8. The cooling device according to claim 7, The at least one cooling element (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) which is designed as a single piece is produced by means of an additive manufacturing technique.

9. The cooling device according to claim 7, The at least one cooling element (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) of one-piece design is produced by means of a subtractive manufacturing technique.

10. A cooling device according to any one of the preceding claims, Different cooling elements among the multiple cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) arranged in a row have different cavity volumes (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) and / or different cavity densities (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) and / or different numbers of cavities (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) and / or different cavity surfaces.

11. The cooling device according to claim 10, Different cooling elements among the multiple cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) arranged in a row parallel to the first direction (R1) have a reduced cavity volume and / or a reduced cavity density and / or an increased number of cavities (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) and / or an increased cavity surface.

12. The cooling device according to claim 11 and claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) arranged in a row parallel to the first direction (R1) have an increased number of cooling ribs (KR, KR1, KR2, KR3).

13. A cooling device according to any one of the preceding claims, The cooling element has a closed contour away from the first direction, so that the cavity (HR, HR1, HR2, HR3) forms a closed cooling channel in the plurality of cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) arranged in a row along the first direction (R1).

14. A CT detector module (DM) comprising at least one X-ray converter element (RK) and a cooling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the X-ray conversion element (RK) has an upper side (OS) and an underside (US), wherein the X-ray conversion element (RK) has an X-ray detector layer (RDS) on its upper side (OS) and a thermal contact surface (WKF) on its underside, In this case, the x-ray converter element (RK) is in thermal contact with the cooling device via the thermal contact surface (WKF) in an operating state of the CT detector module (DM).

15. The CT detector module (DM) according to claim 14, The x-ray converter elements (RK) are in thermal contact with the cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) of the cooling device via respective thermal contact surfaces (WKF) in the operating state of the CT detector module (DM).

16. The CT detector module (DM) according to claim 15, wherein the X-ray converter elements (RK) are in thermal contact with the cooling elements (KE, KE1, KE2, KE3) of the cooling device via the corresponding thermal contact surfaces (WKF) by means of a heat-conducting medium in the operating state of the CT detector module (DM), The heat conducting media have different thermal conductivities.

17. A CT device comprising at least one CT detector module (DM) according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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