X-ray detector, X-ray equipment and temperature adjusting method

Abstract

The invention relates to an X-ray detector, an X-ray apparatus and a temperature adjusting method. The X-ray detector comprises at least one detector unit and a temperature control unit, the detector unit and the temperature control unit being supported in a defined arrangement against each other and being movably supported relative to an examination object to be imaged by means of X-ray irradiation, the detector unit is designed to detect X-ray radiation incident on an X-ray-sensitive surface of the detector unit, the temperature control unit has a fluid supply unit, a heat exchanger and at least one fluid channel, the fluid supply unit is designed to supply a fluid, and the heat exchanger is designed to supply the fluid to the detector unit. The heat exchanger is designed to control the temperature of the fluid to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range, the provided temperature-controlled fluid can flow through at least one fluid channel, and the at least one fluid channel is arranged such that heat can be transferred between the detector unit and the fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray detector, an X-ray device, and a method for temperature regulation of a detector unit for an X-ray detector. Background Art

[0002] Modern computed tomography devices (CT devices) or computer-based tomography devices have a gantry with a rotatable frame on which an X-ray source and an X-ray detector for detecting X-ray radiation are also arranged. Such an X-ray detector typically includes an X-ray conversion element that has an X-ray sensor layer and possibly a layer with an A / D (analog-to-digital) converter arranged below it. In recent years, electronic integration has been an important trend in X-ray conversion elements. Here, the goal is to reduce the length of the analog path 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 detector, especially an X-ray converter, the analog X-ray sensor layer is formed in combination with a photodiode by means of a suitable sensor layer (such as a scintillator), while a directly converting semiconductor sensor is used in a counting X-ray converter, especially a photon-counting X-ray converter. Then, the A / D converter configured as an ASIC generates a digital output signal. In both cases, integrating the ASIC with the analog X-ray sensor layer into a compact structure, especially a stacked structure, 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 key task in the development of modern X-ray detectors. Here, a particular challenge in thermal management is to keep the operating temperature of the X-ray detector stable, avoid temperature gradients between adjacent X-ray conversion elements, and also reduce the temperature gradient within each X-ray conversion unit. These challenges are even more important in counting X-ray detectors because the directly converting semiconductor sensor is an additional heat source and its sensor performance, such as the stability of the counting rate, is at the same time very sensitive to thermal changes.

[0004] Due to the time-varying thermal boundary conditions, such as temperature, air humidity, and / or air volume flow, for X-ray detectors, especially photon-counting X-ray detectors, artifacts, such as dark or bright central points and / or rings, may occur in the resulting images. Thus, it is generally difficult to achieve sufficient image quality in photon-counting CT.

[0005] Currently, a central heat exchanger with a central pressure channel for all rotating components is generally used for temperature regulation of X-ray detectors, especially additional components of X-ray detector modules and gantries. Almost every component has the possibility of making demands on this central regulator, resulting in different temperatures and airflows. These temperatures and airflows can fluctuate between 19 °C - 27 °C and a flow rate of 600 m 3 / h - 3000 m 3 / h. Here, the X-ray detector is usually open itself, and air circulates throughout the space. To counteract thermal cooling fluctuations, for example, a heating unit is required, which compensates for cooling fluctuations near the X-ray detector. However, the heating power of the heating unit is usually only limited to the rotating part of the gantry. In addition, the control of the heating unit requires high-frequency reading of the current temperature of the X-ray detector in order to be able to react quickly to short-term cooling changes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Therefore, the task of the present invention is to enable effective and stable temperature regulation of the X-ray detector.

[0007] According to the present invention, this task is solved by an X-ray detector according to the present invention, an X-ray device, and a method for temperature regulation of a detector unit of the X-ray detector. Regardless of the grammatical gender of specific terms, it includes people with male and female identities.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an X-ray detector that includes at least one detector unit and a temperature regulation unit. The detector unit and the temperature regulation unit are supported relative to each other in a defined arrangement and are supported movably relative to an examination object to be imaged by X-ray irradiation. The detector unit is configured to detect X-ray radiation incident on the X-ray sensitive surface of the detector unit. The temperature regulation unit has a fluid supply unit, a heat exchanger, and at least one fluid channel. In addition, the fluid supply unit is configured to supply fluid. The heat exchanger is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range. In addition, the supplied temperature-regulated fluid can flow through at least one fluid channel. In addition, at least one fluid channel is arranged such that heat can be transferred between the detector unit and the fluid.

[0009] Advantageously, the detector unit and the temperature regulation unit are arranged relative to each other in a defined, especially fixed arrangement. In addition, the defined arrangement of the detector unit and the temperature regulation unit, especially the detector unit and the temperature regulation unit, is supported movably, for example, rotatably and / or translatably, relative to an examination object to be imaged by X-ray irradiation. For example, the defined arrangement of the detector unit and the temperature regulation unit can be arranged on a movable part of the X-ray device, such as the C-arm or rotor of the gantry, and can especially be integrated into the C-arm or rotor.

[0010] The detector unit can have an X-ray sensitive surface, in particular an X-ray detector layer, on its upper side. The X-ray sensitive surface can face the X-ray source in the operating state of the X-ray detector. In addition, the X-ray detector layer can be configured to detect X-rays emitted by the X-ray source. The X-ray detector layer can include a directly converting (semiconductor) X-ray sensor layer, which for example has 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 configured to convert X-ray radiation into light and an optically coupled photodiode, in particular one or more photodiode arrays. Here, a scintillator material, such as GOS (Gd2O2S), CsJ, YGO or LuTAG, is typically used as the material. The X-ray detector layer can also include a layer having an analog-to-digital converter, to which the X-ray sensor layer is applied, wherein 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 referred to as a material), such as a circuit board or a ceramic material or a glass material, which then forms the lower side of the detector unit.

[0011] Advantageously, the thermal contact surface of the detector unit, in particular the lower side of the detector unit, can be in thermal contact with the material of the hollow space surrounding at least one fluid channel, in particular a metallic material. Thus, heat can be transferred between the detector unit and the fluid flowing through at least one fluid channel in the operating state. In particular, the detector unit and at least one fluid channel can be arranged in a stacked manner along the X-ray incident direction. The detector unit can have a thermal contact surface, in particular a metallic thermal contact surface, on its lower side. The thermally conductive contact can be further improved by, for example, a thermal paste or a thermal pad or an adhesive, in particular a thermally conductive adhesive or a welding material.

[0012] The temperature regulating unit has a fluid supply unit. The fluid supply unit is configured to supply fluid. In particular, the fluid supply unit can be configured to supply fluid to at least one fluid channel, in particular a plurality of fluid channels. For example, the fluid supply unit can supply fluid to the openings of at least one fluid channel, in particular the corresponding openings of a plurality of fluid channels, in the operating state of the X-ray detector. The fluid supply unit can include, for example, a pump and / or a blower and / or a nozzle.

[0013] Advantageously, the fluid supply unit can be configured to supply fluid to at least one fluid channel by means of a heat exchanger. In particular, the fluid supply unit can be configured to supply fluid to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be configured to transfer heat, in particular thermal energy, from the fluid to a medium, such as another fluid.

[0014] Therefore, the heat exchanger structure is configured to adjust the temperature of a fluid to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range. In particular, the heat exchanger can be configured to supply a fluid having a temperature within a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range provided by a fluid supply unit to at least one fluid channel.

[0015] The temperature adjustment unit has at least one fluid channel, in particular a plurality of fluid channels. At least one fluid channel can be configured as a tunnel-shaped hollow space in a material, in particular a metallic material. At least one fluid channel can be configured to be flowed through by a fluid, such as a liquid, in particular water and / or a gas and / or a gas mixture, in particular air. Preferably, air can be used as the fluid for fluid-based temperature adjustment of the detector unit. Here, in the operating state of the X-ray detector, the fluid can flow through the hollow space of at least one fluid channel. In addition, the hollow space can be configured to guide, in particular convey, the fluid.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one fluid channel can be flowed through by the supplied temperature-adjusted fluid. In the operating state of the X-ray detector, at least one fluid channel can in particular be flowed through by the temperature-adjusted fluid. If the temperature adjustment unit has a plurality of fluid channels, then the fluid channels can be flowed through by the temperature-adjusted fluid in the operating state of the X-ray detector, in particular simultaneously. For example, at least one fluid channel can be configured as a pressure channel.

[0017] At least one fluid channel, in particular a plurality of fluid channels, can be arranged, in particular positioned, such that heat can be transferred between the detector unit and the fluid. Advantageously, the heat contact surface, in particular the lower side of the detector unit, can be in thermal contact with the material, in particular a metallic material, surrounding the hollow space of at least one fluid channel. Thus, heat can be transferred between the detector unit and the fluid flowing through at least one fluid channel in the operating state. In particular, the detector unit and at least one fluid channel can be arranged in a stacked manner along the X-ray incident direction. In addition, the volume and / or the opening size of at least one fluid channel and / or the amount of fluid provided by the fluid supply unit can be adapted to adjust the temperature of the fluid to a predefined temperature range.

[0018] Advantageously, the proposed embodiment of the X-ray detector enables effective and stable temperature adjustment of the X-ray detector. By the movably supported X-ray detector and temperature adjustment unit in a defined arrangement, temperature adjustment of the X-ray detector independent of rotation can also be achieved. Thereby, advantageously, the tuning steps for rotation-related adjustment of the X-ray detector in particular can be reduced.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the detector unit can be configured to perform photon counting detection of X-ray radiation incident on the X-ray sensitive surface of the detector unit.

[0020] Advantageously, the X-ray detector can have a plurality of photon-counting detector elements, which can be arranged in rows, columns, and / or in a grid pattern. The detector elements can each be configured to count X-ray photons that are emitted by an X-ray source during X-ray irradiation. For this purpose, the detector elements can each have a plurality of pixels, where the X-ray photons arriving on the pixels can each be counted. Here, for each pixel, different energies of the X-ray photons, for example four different energies, can be distinguished by each detector element. For example, the energies, in particular the photon energies, can be distinguished by associating the energies of the detected X-ray photons with four intervals. For each detector element, for example, four different energy levels can be distinguished, that is to say, the X-ray photons that respectively fall into the resulting energy intervals can be counted separately.

[0021] For this purpose, the detector elements can each receive a physical signal, for example an X-ray photon, where the corresponding data describes, for example, the X-ray photons counted for each pixel of the detector element and / or the X-ray photons counted for different energy intervals respectively. The data recorded by the detector elements can be transmitted to a circuit or read by the detector elements from the circuit. In order to perform further processing of the data recorded by the detector elements, the circuit can include a storage device having at least one storage block. The data generated by the detector elements can be stored at least temporarily in the storage block. Each detector element can preferably be implemented as an application-oriented application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Based on the X-ray photons counted by means of the detector elements within a preset detection period, a dose value of each detector element, in particular of each pixel, can be determined.

[0022] The proposed embodiment enables improved, in particular stable and high, image quality by means of effective and stable temperature regulation of the X-ray detector.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the temperature regulation unit can also have a heating element. Here, the heating element can be configured to heat the detector unit to a further predefined temperature.

[0024] Another pre-defined temperature may represent the operating temperature of the detector unit. For example, the another pre-defined temperature may be between 30 °C and 45 °C. The heating element may advantageously include a heating wire for electrically heating the detector unit. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may include a light source for optically heating the detector unit, for example by means of infrared rays. Advantageously, the heating element may be arranged on or integrated into the detector unit. Alternatively, for example, in the case where the heating element is configured as a light source for optically heating the detector unit, the heating element may be arranged spaced apart from the detector unit. If the detector unit includes a plurality of detector elements, the temperature regulating unit may advantageously include a plurality of heating elements, in particular a respective heating element for each detector element. Here, the heating element may be configured to heat the respective detector element to a respective another pre-defined temperature.

[0025] The proposed embodiment enables a particularly rapid compensation of temperature fluctuations of the detector unit by means of the heating element. Advantageously, the temperature-regulated fluid can at least roughly regulate the temperature of the detector unit, while the heating element enables a fine adjustment of the temperature of the detector unit. Thus, a smaller heating power buffer can be provided, since the detector unit can operate at the same heating power of at least one heating element with the same cooling effect of the fluid.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the fluid may include a gas mixture. In addition, the temperature regulating unit may further include a dehumidifier configured to adapt the water fraction in the fluid before flowing through at least one fluid channel such that the dew point temperature of the fluid is lower than the current temperature of the fluid.

[0027] Advantageously, the fluid may include a gas mixture, such as air. The fluid, in particular the gas mixture, may include water vapor. Advantageously, the temperature regulating unit may include a dehumidifier, in particular a condensation dryer and / or an adsorption dryer. Advantageously, the fluid supply unit may be configured to supply the fluid to the heat exchanger or the dehumidifier. According to a first variant, the heat exchanger may be configured to supply the temperature-regulated fluid to the dehumidifier. Alternatively, the dehumidifier may be configured to supply the fluid to the heat exchanger.

[0028] The dehumidifier may be configured to adapt, in particular reduce, the water fraction in the fluid. In particular, the dehumidifier may be configured to adapt the water fraction in the fluid such that the water fraction is below a preset threshold. Advantageously, the dehumidifier may be configured to adapt the water fraction in the fluid such that the dew point temperature of the fluid is lower than the current temperature of the fluid, in particular the temperature-regulated fluid. Thereby, it can be advantageously ensured that the water vapor contained in the fluid does not condense in at least one fluid channel.

[0029] During dehumidification, the condensate, especially water, accumulating in the dehumidifier can advantageously be collected at least temporarily in a container or discharged through a line.

[0030] Thereby, fluid can be stably supplied to at least one fluid channel in terms of temperature and air humidity.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the fluid can comprise a gas or a gas mixture. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit can be configured to supply the fluid from a first environment to the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the temperature control unit can be configured to release the fluid from at least one fluid channel into a second environment after heat transfer with the detector unit.

[0032] The fluid can comprise a gas or a gas mixture, such as air. The first environment can comprise a first spatial region, especially a first volume, which is adjacent to the fluid supply unit and / or at least partially surrounds the fluid supply unit. The first environment can be enclosed, for example encapsulated, or open, especially at most partially encapsulated. Here, in a first operating state of the X-ray detector, the first environment can have, especially hold, a gas or a gas mixture. The fluid supply unit can be configured to supply the fluid, especially a gas or a gas mixture, from the first environment to the heat exchanger. For this purpose, the fluid supply unit can be configured to especially continuously suck the fluid from the first environment, for example through a suction opening. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit can be configured to supply the sucked fluid to the heat exchanger. The fluid supply unit can, for example, comprise a blower and / or a propeller and / or a pump and / or a nozzle for sucking the fluid and supplying the fluid to the heat exchanger.

[0033] The temperature control unit can also be configured to release the fluid, for example, through at least one escape opening at at least one fluid channel from at least one fluid channel, especially a plurality of fluid channels, especially continuously into the second environment after heat transfer with the detector unit.

[0034] The second environment can comprise a second spatial region, especially a second volume, which is adjacent to the temperature control unit and / or at least partially surrounds the temperature control unit. The second environment can be enclosed, for example encapsulated, or open, especially at most partially encapsulated.

[0035] Advantageously, the first and second environments can be spaced apart from each other, at least partially coordinated with each other, or adjacent to each other. In particular, the first and second environments can represent different spatial regions of a common volume. According to a first variant, the fluid supply unit can suck fluid from the first environment and supply it to the heat exchanger. In addition, the temperature control unit can release the fluid from at least one fluid channel into the second environment after heat transfer with the detector unit. The fluid in the first and second environments can diffuse. Alternatively, based on the spatial separation between the first environment and the second environment, it can be ensured that there is no repeated supply of fluid, in particular no diffusion between the fluids in the first environment and the second environment.

[0036] Here, the first environment, in particular the spatial extension dimension of the first environment, can be defined by the suction power of the fluid supply unit for sucking fluid. Similarly, the second environment, in particular the spatial extension dimension of the second environment, can be defined by the effective range of at least one fluid channel when releasing the heated fluid.

[0037] The proposed embodiment enables a simple supply of fluid from the first environment. In addition, additional components for guiding or holding the fluid on the temperature control unit can thus be dispensed with.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the fluid supply unit can be configured to repeatedly supply the fluid from at least one fluid channel to the heat exchanger after heat transfer with the detector unit.

[0039] The temperature control unit can be configured to supply the fluid from at least one fluid channel, in particular a plurality of fluid channels, via at least one escape opening at the at least one fluid channel after heat transfer with the detector unit. Advantageously, the X-ray detector can have at least one additional fluid channel that connects the at least one escape opening to the input opening of the fluid supply unit, in particular fluid-tightly. The at least one additional fluid channel can be configured to supply the fluid provided from the escape opening to the input opening of the fluid supply unit. In particular, the fluid supply unit can be configured to suck the fluid provided via the at least one additional fluid channel at the input opening and supply it to the heat exchanger. Thus, the fluid heated during heat transfer with the detector unit can be repeatedly temperature-controlled to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range by means of the heat exchanger and supplied to at least one fluid channel. Thereby, the fluid can circulate in a closed loop.

[0040] The proposed embodiment can advantageously minimize the fluctuations in the temperature of the fluid supplied to the heat exchanger. Thereby, the temperature control of the X-ray detector can also be achieved more efficiently and more stably.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the fluid supply unit may include a pump and / or a blower and / or a nozzle. Here, the pump and / or the blower and / or the nozzle may be configured to supply fluid at a predefined pressure.

[0042] The pump and / or the blower and / or the nozzle may be configured to suck in fluid. In addition, the pump and / or the blower and / or the nozzle may be configured to supply fluid to the heat exchanger and / or at least one fluid channel at a predefined pressure, in particular an overpressure relative to the ambient pressure.

[0043] The proposed embodiment can advantageously ensure a defined flow-through of at least one fluid channel by the fluid.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the detector unit may include a plurality of detector modules. Here, the temperature control unit may respectively include at least one fluid channel leading to each of the plurality of detector modules. In addition, the fluid channel may be flowed through by the fluid. In addition, the fluid channel may be arranged such that heat can be transferred between the detector module and the fluid.

[0045] Advantageously, the detector unit may include a plurality of detector modules, which are arranged in rows, columns and / or in a grid. The detector modules may be at least partially identical or differently configured. Advantageously, the temperature control unit may respectively include at least one, in particular exactly one corresponding, fluid channel leading to each of the plurality of detector modules. Here, the plurality of fluid channels may in particular be flowed through by the fluid simultaneously. The plurality of fluid channels may be arranged separately from one another along their respective longitudinal extension directions. Alternatively, at least one subset of the plurality of fluid channels may have a connection to at least one other fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels along their respective longitudinal extension directions. Advantageously, the heat exchanger may be configured to supply the temperature-controlled fluid to the plurality of fluid channels, in particular simultaneously. Advantageously, the temperature-controlled fluid flows through the plurality of fluid channels in the operating state of the X-ray detector. Here, the plurality of fluid channels may be arranged such that heat can be transferred between the detector module and the fluid.

[0046] The plurality of fluid channels may be arranged, in particular positioned, such that heat can be transferred between the detector module and the fluid. Advantageously, the respective heat contact surfaces of the plurality of detector modules, in particular the lower sides of the detector modules, may be in thermal contact with the material, in particular a metallic material, of the hollow space surrounding at least one corresponding fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels. Thereby, heat can be transferred between the detector module and the fluid flowing through at least one corresponding fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels in the operating state. In particular, the detector module and at least one corresponding fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels may be arranged in a stacked manner in the X-ray incident direction.

[0047] The proposed embodiments can advantageously achieve effective and stable temperature regulation of multiple detector modules.

[0048] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the fluid supply unit may include a sub-fluid supply unit for each detector module respectively, and the sub-fluid supply unit is configured to supply the temperature-regulated fluid to the corresponding fluid channel.

[0049] The multiple sub-fluid supply units may be configured at least partially identically or differently. The multiple sub-fluid supply units may be arranged between the heat exchanger and the respective first openings of the multiple fluid channels. Here, the sub-fluid supply unit may be configured to supply the fluid temperature-regulated by the heat exchanger to the corresponding fluid channel via the respective first opening, for example by means of overpressure. Alternatively, the fluid channels may be arranged between the heat exchanger and the sub-fluid supply unit. Here, the sub-fluid supply unit may be configured to suck, via the respective second opening of the fluid channel, for example by means of negative pressure, the fluid temperature-regulated by the heat exchanger and supplied via the respective first opening of the multiple fluid channels.

[0050] The proposed embodiments can advantageously achieve dedicated temperature regulation of multiple detector modules. Thereby, in particular, the fluid volume differences, especially the air volume differences, between the detector modules can be compensated.

[0051] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the X-ray detector may further include a sensor configured to detect the current temperature of the fluid and / or the detector unit and / or the currently supplied fluid volume. In addition, the heat exchanger may be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid according to the current temperature and / or the currently supplied fluid volume. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid supply unit may be configured to adapt the fluid volume supplied per unit time according to the current temperature.

[0052] The sensor may include a temperature sensor, especially an optical and / or electromagnetic and / or mechanical and / or chemical temperature sensor. Advantageously, the temperature sensor may be configured to detect the current temperature of the fluid (especially before being supplied to the heat exchanger) and / or the current temperature of the detector unit, especially the detector module. In particular, the temperature sensor may be configured to provide a signal related to the detected current temperature of the fluid and / or the detector unit. The temperature sensor may advantageously be arranged at least partially on or in a region through which the fluid flows in the operating state of the X-ray detector.

[0053] The sensor may also include a fluid quantity sensor, in particular an optical and / or electromagnetic and / or mechanical fluid quantity sensor, such as an air flow meter. Advantageously, the fluid quantity sensor may be configured to detect the fluid quantity currently provided by the fluid supply unit to the heat exchanger, in particular the fluid volume per unit time. Furthermore, the fluid quantity sensor may be configured to provide a signal related to the detected currently provided fluid quantity. The fluid quantity sensor may advantageously be arranged at least partially on or in the area through which the fluid flows in the operating state of the X-ray detector after the fluid has been provided by the fluid supply unit.

[0054] The heat exchanger may be configured to temper the fluid according to the current temperature, in particular based on the signal provided by the temperature sensor and / or based on the currently provided fluid quantity, in particular based on the signal provided by the fluid quantity sensor. In particular, the heat exchanger may be configured to adapt a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range according to the current temperature and / or the currently provided fluid quantity for tempering the fluid. Thereby, advantageously, a predefined temperature difference between the tempered fluid and the current temperature can be ensured. Furthermore, sufficient heat transfer between the detector unit and the fluid used to temper the detector unit can be ensured.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the fluid supply unit may be configured to adapt the fluid quantity provided per unit time, in particular the provided fluid volume, per time interval according to the current temperature. For example, the fluid supply unit may be configured to increase the fluid quantity provided per unit time when an increase in the current temperature is recognized, and to decrease the fluid quantity provided per unit time when a decrease in the current temperature is recognized.

[0056] The proposed embodiment can advantageously achieve precise tempering of the X-ray detector, in particular the detector unit.

[0057] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the sub-fluid supply unit may be configured to adapt the fluid quantity provided per unit time separately and / or coordinately according to the current temperature.

[0058] Advantageously, the sensor, in particular the temperature sensor, may be configured to separately detect the current temperature of the fluid in a plurality of fluid channels. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may be configured to separately detect the current temperature of a plurality of detector modules. Furthermore, a plurality of sub-fluid supply units may be configured to adapt the fluid quantity provided per unit time, in particular the provided fluid volume, per time interval separately and / or coordinately according to the detected current temperature.

[0059] For example, the sub-fluid supply unit can be configured to increase, in particular separately and / or coordinately, the fluid quantity supplied per unit time when recognizing an increase in the corresponding current temperature, and to decrease, in particular separately and / or coordinately, the fluid quantity supplied per unit time when recognizing a decrease in the corresponding current temperature. According to an embodiment, the sub-fluid supply unit can be configured to coordinately adapt the fluid quantity supplied per unit time according to the current temperature such that the minimum fluid quantity per unit time is not exceeded in any of the plurality of fluid channels.

[0060] The proposed embodiment can advantageously achieve precise temperature control of a plurality of detector modules.

[0061] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector, the heat exchanger can be configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid to a temperature between 18 °C and 30 °C.

[0062] Advantageously, the heat exchanger can be configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid to a temperature of at least 18 °C and at most 30 °C. In particular, the heat exchanger can be configured to supply a fluid having a temperature between 18 °C and 30 °C to at least one fluid channel. Generally, this temperature range corresponds to the typical ambient temperature of the X-ray detector. Thus, it can be advantageously achieved that the heat exchanger does not have to generate a large temperature difference. In addition, the volume and / or the opening size of at least one fluid channel and / or the fluid quantity supplied by the fluid supply unit can be adapted to adjust the temperature of the fluid to a predefined temperature range between 18 °C and 30 °C.

[0063] In a second aspect, the invention relates to an X-ray device comprising an X-ray source and the proposed X-ray detector. Here, the X-ray source is configured to emit X-ray radiation for irradiating an examination object arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector.

[0064] Advantageously, the medical X-ray device can be configured as a computed tomography system (CT system) and / or a C-arm X-ray device and / or an O-arm X-ray device.

[0065] The X-ray detector can be configured to detect X-ray radiation emitted from the X-ray source, in particular after interaction with the examination object.

[0066] The advantages of the proposed X-ray device basically correspond to the advantages of the proposed X-ray detector. The features, advantages or alternative embodiments mentioned here can also be transferred to other claimed subject matters, and vice versa.

[0067] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray device, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector can be rotatably supported about a common axis of rotation in a defined arrangement.

[0068] The X-ray device can advantageously include a gantry having a rotor. The gantry can include an annular structure, in particular a stator and a rotor. A defined arrangement of an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, in particular a detector unit and a temperature regulation unit, can be arranged on the rotor in a defined arrangement, in particular integrated into the rotor or fixed to the rotor. The rotor can be rotatably supported, in particular relative to the stator, about a rotation axis. Here, the examination object to be imaged can be arranged within an opening of the gantry, in particular between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, for X-ray irradiation.

[0069] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for temperature regulation of a detector unit of the proposed X-ray detector. In a first step, a fluid is provided by a fluid supply unit to flow through at least one fluid channel. Here, heat is transferred between the detector unit and the fluid. In a further step, the current temperature of the fluid and / or the detector unit and / or the currently provided fluid volume is detected by means of a sensor. The heat exchanger is controlled based on the detected current temperature and / or the detected currently provided fluid volume, such that the fluid is temperature-regulated to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid supply unit is controlled based on the detected current temperature, such that the fluid volume provided per unit time is adapted.

[0070] The advantages of the proposed method essentially correspond to the advantages of the proposed X-ray detector. The features, advantages or alternative embodiments mentioned here can also be transferred to other claimed subject matters and vice versa.

[0071] An algorithm for controlling the heat exchanger and / or the fluid supply unit, in particular a plurality of sub-fluid supply units, can be determined, in particular adapted, by means of simulation and / or temperature measurement, in particular for different recording scenarios of the X-ray detector. Furthermore, for example, within the scope of providing a correction algorithm for correcting defective detector pixels known in the laboratory, the algorithm can be provided to the data measurement system (DMS) of the X-ray detector. Thus, the tuning time of the X-ray detector can be advantageously minimized.

[0072] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, the fluid can include a gas mixture. Here, the water fraction in the fluid before flowing through at least one fluid channel can be adapted by means of a dehumidifier, such that the dew point temperature of the fluid is lower than the current temperature of the fluid.

[0073] On the other hand, the invention can relate to a computer program product having a computer program, program segments directly loadable into the memory of a processing unit, such that when the program segments are executed by the processing unit, all steps of the proposed method for temperature regulation of the detector unit of the proposed X-ray detector are performed. Here, the computer program product can include software having source code that still has to be compiled and bound or only has to be interpreted, or executable software code that is only loaded into the processing unit for execution. By means of the computer program product, the method for temperature regulation of the detector unit of the proposed X-ray detector can be executed quickly, fully reproducibly and robustly by means of the processing unit. The computer program product is configured such that it can execute the method steps according to the invention by means of the processing unit.

[0074] For example, the computer program product is stored on a computer-readable storage medium or on a network or server, from where the computer program product can be loaded into the processor of the processing unit, which can be directly connected to the providing unit or constructed as part of the processing unit. In addition, the control information of the computer program product can be stored on an electronically readable data carrier. The control information of the electronically readable data carrier can be designed such that the control information executes the method according to the invention in the processing unit when using the data carrier. Examples of electronically readable data carriers are DVDs, magnetic tapes or USB sticks, on which electronically readable control information, in particular software, is stored. When the control information of the data carrier is read and stored in the processing unit, all embodiments according to the invention of the aforementioned method can be executed.

[0075] The mainly software-based implementation has the advantage that the processing units used hitherto can be retrofitted in a simple manner by means of software updates in order to operate in accordance with the invention. In addition to the computer program, such a computer program product can also include additional components, such as documentation and / or additional parts, as well as hardware components for using the software, such as a hardware key (dongle, etc.). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are subsequently described in detail. In the different drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same features. Among them:

[0077] Figures 1 to 5 A schematic diagram showing different advantageous embodiments of an X-ray detector,

[0078] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing different advantageous embodiments of the proposed X-ray device,

[0079] Figure 8 andFigure 9 Schematic diagrams showing different advantageous embodiments of a method for temperature regulation of detector units of an X-ray detector. Detailed description

[0080] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams showing advantageous embodiments of the proposed X-ray detector. The X-ray detector may include at least one detector unit D and a temperature regulation unit. The detector unit D and the temperature regulation unit may be supported relative to each other in a defined arrangement and movably supported relative to an examination object to be imaged by X-ray irradiation. In addition, the detector unit D may be configured to detect X-ray radiation impinging on the X-ray sensitive surface of the detector unit D. The temperature regulation unit may have a fluid supply unit FLB, a heat exchanger W, and at least one fluid channel FLK. Here, the fluid supply unit FLB may be configured to supply fluid. In addition, the heat exchanger W may be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range. In particular, the heat exchanger W may be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid to a temperature between 18 °C and 30 °C. In addition, the supplied temperature-regulated fluid may flow through at least one fluid channel FLK. At least one fluid channel FLK may be arranged such that heat can be transferred between the detector unit D and the fluid.

[0081] Advantageously, the detector unit D may be configured to perform photon counting detection of X-ray radiation impinging on the X-ray sensitive surface of the detector unit D.

[0082] The fluid supply unit FLB may include a pump and / or a blower and / or a nozzle. Here, the pump and / or the blower and / or the nozzle may be configured to supply fluid at a predefined pressure.

[0083] The fluid may include a gas or a gas mixture. Here, the fluid supply unit FLB may be configured to supply the fluid from a first environment to the heat exchanger W. In addition, the temperature regulation unit may be configured to release the fluid from at least one fluid channel FLK into a second environment after heat transfer with the detector unit D.

[0084] The X-ray detector may further include a sensor S configured to detect the current temperature of the fluid and / or the detector unit D and / or the currently supplied fluid volume. Here, the heat exchanger W may be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid based on the current temperature and / or the currently supplied fluid volume. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid supply unit FLB may be configured to adapt the fluid volume supplied per unit time based on the current temperature.

[0085] Advantageously, the temperature regulation unit may further have a heating element HE. Here, the heating element HE may be configured to heat the detector unit to another predefined temperature.

[0086] For example, the X-ray detector may include a processing unit (not shown here) or be coupled to the processing unit in terms of signal technology. Here, the processing unit may be configured to control, in particular based on the current temperature, a temperature regulating unit, in particular a fluid supply unit FLB and / or a heat exchanger W and / or a heating element HE. For this purpose, the sensor S may also be coupled to the processing unit in terms of signal technology.

[0087] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector is shown. Advantageously, the fluid may include a gas mixture. Here, the temperature regulating unit may further include a dehumidifier H, which is configured to adapt the water fraction in the fluid before flowing through at least one fluid channel FLK such that the dew point temperature of the fluid is lower than the current temperature of the fluid.

[0088] Advantageously, the processing unit (not shown here) may also be configured to control the dehumidifier H, in particular based on the current temperature.

[0089] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector is shown. Here, the fluid supply unit may be configured to repeatedly supply the fluid from at least one fluid channel to the heat exchanger after heat transfer with the detector unit.

[0090] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector is shown. Here, the detector unit D may include a plurality of detector modules D.1 to D.5. The temperature regulating unit may further include at least one fluid channel FLK.1 to FLK.5 leading to each of the plurality of detector modules D.1 to D.5. Here, the fluid channels FLK.1 to FLK.5 may be flowed through by the fluid. In addition, the fluid channels FLK.1 to FLK.5 may be arranged such that heat can be transferred between the detector modules D.1 to D.5 and the fluid. Advantageously, the fluid supply unit FLB may include sub-fluid supply units SFLB.1 to SFLB.5 for each of the detector modules D.1 to D.5, which are configured to supply the conditioned fluid to the respective fluid channels FLK.1 to FLK.5.

[0091] Advantageously, the sub-fluid supply units SFLB.1 to SFLB.5 may be configured to individually and / or coordinately adapt the amount of fluid supplied per unit time based on the current temperature.

[0092] Figure 5Schematic illustration of a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray detector 1. Here, a plurality of detector modules D.i of the detector unit D can be arranged in a row, in particular curved with respect to the beam incidence direction, for example concavely. Here, i represents an index from 1 to a plurality of detector modules, for example 11 detector modules as shown in Figure 5 Furthermore, the detector modules D.i, the corresponding fluid channels FLK.i and / or the corresponding sub-fluid supply units SFLB.i can be arranged in a stacked manner, in particular along the beam incidence direction. For the sake of clarity, Figure 5 and Figure 6 the index i in the reference numerals of the plurality of detector modules D.i, the plurality of fluid channels FLK.i and the plurality of sub-fluid supply units SFLB.i is not shown.

[0093] Figure 6 Schematic illustration of an advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray device. The X-ray device can include an X-ray source 37 and the proposed X-ray detector 1. The X-ray source 37 can be configured to emit X-ray radiation RS for irradiating an examination object 39 arranged between the X-ray source 37 and the X-ray detector 1, in particular arranged on the patient support device 41. Advantageously, the X-ray source 37 and the X-ray detector 1 can be rotatably supported about a common axis of rotation in a defined arrangement.

[0094] Figure 7 Schematic illustration of a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray device as a medical CT device 33. The CT device 33 can include an X-ray source 37, an X-ray detector 1 and a processing unit PRVS. Here, the X-ray source 37 and the X-ray detector 1 can be arranged opposite each other. The X-ray source 37 can be configured to illuminate the X-ray detector 1 with X-ray radiation along the X-ray incidence direction. The X-ray detector 1 can include a directly converting (semiconductor) X-ray detector layer. Here, the X-ray detector layer can include, for example, CdTe, CdZnTe, CdTeSe, CdZnTeSe or CdMnTe as a semiconductor material. The X-ray detector layer can also include a layer having an analog-to-digital converter, to which the X-ray sensor layer is applied, wherein the A / D converter layer can be implemented in one or more ASICs.

[0095] The CT device 33 can also include a gantry 32 having a rotor 35. The X-ray source 37 and the X-ray detector 1 can be arranged in a defined arrangement on the rotor 35, in particular integrated in or fixed to the rotor 35. The rotor 35 can be rotatably supported about a rotation axis 43. The examination object 39 to be imaged can be supported on a patient support device 41 and can move through the gantry 32 along the rotation axis 43. The processing unit PRVS can be used to control the CT device 33 and calculate sectional images or volume images of the examination object 39. In particular, the processing unit PRVS can be configured to control a temperature control unit, in particular a fluid supply unit FLB and / or a heat exchanger W and / or a dehumidifier H, in particular according to the current temperature. An input device 47 (e.g., a keyboard) and an output device 49 (e.g., a screen and / or a display) can be connected to the processing unit PRVS, in particular signal-technologically coupled. The input device 47 can 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.

[0096] Figure 8 A schematic illustration of an advantageous embodiment of the proposed method for temperature regulation of the detector unit D of the X-ray detector 1 is shown. In a first step, fluid can be provided PROV-FL by means of a fluid supply unit FLB to flow through at least one fluid channel FLK. Here, heat can be transferred between the detector unit D and the fluid. In a further step, the current temperature of the fluid and / or the detector unit D and / or the currently provided fluid volume is detected CAP-T by means of a sensor S. Depending on the detected current temperature and / or the detected currently provided fluid volume, the heat exchanger W can be controlled CTRL-W such that the fluid is temperature-regulated to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the detected current temperature, the fluid supply unit FLB can be controlled CTRL-FLB such that the fluid volume provided per unit time is adapted.

[0097] Figure 9 A schematic illustration of a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method for temperature regulation of the detector unit D of the X-ray detector 1 is shown. Here, the fluid can include a gas mixture. In addition, the water fraction in the fluid before flowing through at least one fluid channel FLK can be adapted ADJ-H by means of a dehumidifier H such that the dew point temperature of the fluid is lower than the current temperature of the fluid.

[0098] The schematic illustrations contained in the described figures in no way reflect any scale or dimensional ratio.

[0099] Finally, it should be pointed out again that the methods described in detail above and the devices shown are only examples, and those skilled in the art can modify these examples in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that the relevant features may also exist multiple times. Similarly, the terms "unit" and "element" do not exclude the possibility that the relevant components may be composed of multiple interacting sub-components that may also be spatially distributed when necessary.

[0100] Within the scope of the present application, the expression "based on" can be understood in particular in the sense of the expression "in 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 may be generated (alternatively: obtained, determined, etc.) based on the third feature.

Claims

1. An X-ray detector (1), comprising at least one detector unit (D) and a temperature regulating unit, wherein, The detector unit (D) and the temperature regulating unit are supported relative to one another in a defined arrangement and are supported movably relative to an examination object (39) to be imaged by means of X-ray irradiation, wherein the detector unit (D) is configured to detect X-ray radiation incident on an X-ray sensitive surface of the detector unit (D), wherein the temperature regulating unit has a fluid supply unit (FLB), a heat exchanger (W) and at least one fluid channel (FLK), wherein the fluid supply unit (FLB) is configured to supply (PROV-FL) a fluid, wherein the heat exchanger (W) is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range, wherein the supplied temperature-regulated fluid can flow through the at least one fluid channel (FLK), and wherein the at least one fluid channel (FLK) is arranged such that heat can be transferred between the detector unit (D) and the fluid.

2. The X-ray detector (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The detector unit (D) is configured to perform photon counting detection of X-ray radiation incident on an X-ray sensitive surface of the detector unit (D).

3. The X-ray detector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The temperature regulating unit further has a heating element (HE), which is configured to heat the detector unit to a further predefined temperature.

4. The X-ray detector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fluid comprises a gas mixture, wherein the temperature regulating unit further comprises a dehumidifier (H), which is configured to adapt the water fraction in the fluid before it flows through the at least one fluid channel (FLK) such that the dew point temperature of the fluid is lower than the current temperature of the fluid.

5. The X-ray detector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid comprises a gas mixture, wherein the fluid supply unit (FLB) is configured to supply the fluid from a first environment to the heat exchanger (W), and wherein the temperature regulating unit is configured to release the fluid from the at least one fluid channel (FLK) into a second environment after heat transfer with the detector unit (D).

6. The X-ray detector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The fluid supply unit (FLB) is configured to repeatedly supply the fluid from the at least one fluid channel (FLK) to the heat exchanger (W) after heat transfer with the detector unit (D).

7. The X-ray detector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid supply unit (FLB) comprises a pump and / or a blower and / or a nozzle, wherein the pump and / or the blower and / or the nozzle are configured to supply (PROV-FL) the fluid at a predefined pressure.

8. The X-ray detector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The detector unit (D) comprises a plurality of detector modules (D.1, …, D.5), wherein the temperature regulating unit respectively comprises at least one fluid channel (FLK.1, …, FLK.5) leading to each of the plurality of detector modules (D.1, …, D.5), wherein the fluid channels (FLK.1, …, FLK.5) can be flowed through by the fluid, and wherein the fluid channels (FLK.1, …, FLK.5) are arranged such that heat can be transferred between the detector modules (D.1, …, D.5) and the fluid.

9. The X-ray detector (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The fluid supply unit (FLB) includes sub-fluid supply units (SFLB.1, …, SFLB.5) for each detector module (D.1, …, D.5) respectively, and the sub-fluid supply units are configured to supply temperature-controlled fluid to the corresponding fluid channels (FLK.1, …, FLK.5).

10. The X-ray detector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The X-ray detector (1) further includes a sensor (S), the sensor being configured to detect (CAP-T) the current temperature of the fluid and / or the detector unit (D) and / or the currently supplied fluid volume, wherein the heat exchanger (W) is configured to temper (CTRL-W) the fluid according to the current temperature and / or the supplied fluid volume, and / or wherein the fluid supply unit (FLB) is configured to adapt (CTRL-FLB) the fluid volume supplied per unit time according to the current temperature.

11. The X-ray detector (1) according to claims 9 and 10, wherein, The sub-fluid supply units (SFLB.1, …, SFLB.5) are configured to adapt the fluid volumes supplied per unit time separately and / or in a coordinated manner according to the current temperature.

12. The X-ray detector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heat exchanger (W) is configured to temper the fluid to a temperature between 18 °C and 30 °C.

13. An X-ray device, comprising an X-ray source (37) and an X-ray detector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The X-ray source (37) is configured to emit X-ray radiation for irradiating an examination object (39) arranged between the X-ray source (37) and the X-ray detector (1).

14. The X-ray device according to claim 13, wherein, The X-ray source (37) and the X-ray detector (1) are rotatably supported about a common axis of rotation (43) in a defined arrangement.

15. A method for temperature regulation of a detector unit (D) of an X-ray detector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: - supplying (PROV-FL) fluid through the at least one fluid channel (FLK) by means of the fluid supply unit (FLB), wherein heat can be transferred between the detector unit (D) and the fluid, - detecting (CAP-T) the current temperature of the fluid and / or the detector unit (D) and / or the currently supplied fluid volume by means of a sensor (S), - controlling (CTRL-W) the heat exchanger according to the detected current temperature and / or the detected currently supplied fluid volume so as to temper the fluid to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range, and / or controlling (CTRL-FLB) the fluid supply unit according to the detected current temperature so as to adapt the fluid volume supplied per unit time.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The fluid includes a gas mixture, wherein the water fraction in the fluid before flowing through the at least one fluid channel is adapted (ADJ-H) by means of a dehumidifier (H) such that the dew point temperature of the fluid is lower than the current temperature of the fluid.

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