A photon counter detection device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of photon counter detection equipment, including rack assembly and control assembly, rack assembly includes base and middle cover, the upper end of base is first end face, and middle cover is installed on first end face by screw, the center of first end face is equipped with first recess, and the lower end inner wall of first recess is equipped with mounting hole, and control assembly is installed in mounting hole, control assembly includes photoelectric multiplier tube being fixed in mounting hole, and dividing plate being fixed on the upper end of photoelectric multiplier tube, and dividing plate is fixed in the lower end inner wall of first recess by screw, the right side of base is second end face, and the center of second end face is equipped with second recess, and control assembly further includes high voltage plate being installed in the left end inner wall of second recess by screw, the upper end of middle cover is third end face, and the center of third end face is equipped with third recess.The utility model has the advantages of good sealing, simple structure, easy to assemble, cost controllable, and integrated reduces space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of detection equipment technology, specifically a photon counter detection device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of in vitro diagnostics, chemiluminescence immunoassay has become an indispensable core technology in clinical testing due to its advantages such as high sensitivity and high specificity. As a key component of this type of analytical instrument, the photon counter detection device directly determines the accuracy and reliability of the test results.

[0003] Its working principle is as follows: After the sample and reagents have fully reacted and been washed, a specific chemiluminescent substrate solution is added to the reaction system. The substrate reacts with the chemiluminescent label in the system in a redox reaction, causing the label to return from the excited state to the ground state and release photons. The photon counter detection device captures these extremely weak photon signals, amplifies them millions of times, and converts them into electrical signals. Currently, the mainstream photon counter detection equipment on the market is mainly monopolized by Hamamatsu Corporation of Japan. Although its products have stable performance and can meet the accuracy requirements of clinical testing, the high price significantly increases the overall production cost of in vitro diagnostic equipment, limiting the widespread application of related analytical instruments. At the same time, although some domestic companies have launched similar products, they generally have obvious shortcomings: either the product structure design is complex, resulting in high assembly difficulty and low production efficiency; or the core performance is unstable, making it difficult to meet the stringent requirements of repeatability and sensitivity for clinical testing. This limits the market application scope of domestic products and makes it difficult to meet the urgent needs of the domestic in vitro diagnostic industry for high-performance, cost-effective core components. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a photon counter detection device that has the advantages of good sealing, simple structure, convenient assembly, controllable cost, and space reduction through integration. It solves the problems of high price of existing detection devices, complex structure or unstable performance of similar products, and large installation space requirements.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A photon counter detection device includes a frame assembly and a control assembly. The frame assembly includes a base and a middle cover. The upper end of the base is a first end face, and the middle cover is installed on the first end face by screws. A first groove is formed in the center of the first end face, and a mounting hole is formed through the lower inner wall of the first groove. The control assembly is installed in the mounting hole. The control assembly includes a photomultiplier tube fixed in the mounting hole and a pressure divider plate fixed to the upper end of the photomultiplier tube. The pressure divider plate is fixed to the lower inner wall of the first groove by screws. The right side of the base is a second end face, and a second groove is formed in the center of the second end face. The control assembly also includes a high-voltage plate installed on the left inner wall of the second groove by screws. The upper end of the middle cover is a third end face, and a third groove is formed in the center of the third end face. The control assembly also includes a counting plate fixed in the third groove by screws.

[0006] Preferably, a sealing ring is fixed between the lower end of the photomultiplier tube and the inner wall of the lower end of the mounting hole, and a light measuring head is fixed at the lower edge of the base, with the light measuring head corresponding to the lower end of the photomultiplier tube.

[0007] It is worth noting that the sealing ring is made of a highly elastic material, which deforms under the action of compression and tightly fills the space between the photomultiplier tube and the inner wall of the mounting hole. This effectively isolates external ambient light interference and dust intrusion, creating a stable and dark working environment for the photomultiplier tube and significantly reducing the detection background noise. The photodetector, as the optical front end, has a smooth inner wall and is precisely aligned with the photosensitive surface of the photomultiplier tube, ensuring efficient transmission of photon signals and minimizing light loss.

[0008] Preferably, a shutter is installed on the inner wall of the light metering head, and the opening size of the shutter is larger than the inner diameter of the light metering head.

[0009] It is worth noting that the shutter is designed with an opening size larger than the inner hole size of the metering head. This "over-coverage" design ensures that the shutter can completely block the metering channel when closed, completely preventing ambient light from leaking in during non-measuring periods. The shutter opening and closing can be controlled externally, facilitating equipment self-testing, background calibration, and protecting the sensitive photomultiplier tube from accidental strong light impacts.

[0010] Preferably, the voltage divider board, the high voltage board, and the counting board are all PCB boards. The voltage divider board and the high voltage board are connected for communication via pin headers. The counting board is equipped with an MCU, which is used to count high-speed effective pulses.

[0011] It is worth noting that by using PCB boards for the voltage divider board, high voltage board, and counting board, a high degree of modularity and integration of the circuit is achieved. The voltage divider board and high voltage board communicate and are powered through highly reliable pin header connectors, which simplifies the assembly process, reduces the risk of wiring errors, and enhances vibration resistance and signal integrity. The MCU (microcontroller unit) integrated on the counting board is responsible for executing high-speed pulse recognition and counting algorithms, which can accurately distinguish between valid photon signals and noise pulses and directly output digital counting results.

[0012] Preferably, a positioning platform is fixedly connected to the center of one end of the middle cover that fits into the first end face, and the outer wall of the positioning platform is in close contact with the inner wall of the first groove. The frame assembly also includes an upper cover that is installed on the third end face by screws.

[0013] It is worth noting that the positioning platform on the middle cover and the first groove on the base form a precise insertion and positioning structure. During assembly, the positioning platform can automatically guide the middle cover to accurately fall into place, achieving rapid initial positioning with the base. This effectively avoids poor sealing or structural stress problems caused by misalignment during installation. Together with the screw fastening and the sealing of the top cover, they form a multi-layered protective body with high rigidity and good sealing performance.

[0014] Preferably, the frame assembly also includes a side cover that is mounted on the second end face by screws, and a positioning platform two is fixedly connected to the center of one end of the side cover that is in contact with the second end face, and the outer wall of the positioning platform two is in close contact with the inner wall of the second groove.

[0015] It is worth noting that the high-voltage board compartment is also quickly and accurately positioned and sealed by the cooperation of the positioning platform and the second groove on the side cover. This modular compartment design physically isolates the high-voltage unit from other circuits, which reduces the potential interference of the high-voltage part to the weak signal circuit and makes it easier to maintain or replace it separately.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention forms the core frame and main sealing cavity of the device through the cooperation of the first groove of the base and the middle cover. The first groove provides a precise mounting reference surface for the pressure plate, ensuring that it is reliably fixed to the base by screws. The mounting hole serves as the mounting channel for the photomultiplier tube, and its dimensional accuracy is directly related to the concentricity and perpendicularity of the photomultiplier tube. The photomultiplier tube is firmly installed in the mounting hole, and the pressure plate at its upper end is fastened to the lower inner wall of the first groove by screws. This not only fixes the pressure plate itself, but also indirectly presses the photomultiplier tube from the upper end, so that its lower end is in full contact with the sealing ring. This design integrates the core photoelectric sensing unit (photomultiplier tube) and its adjacent primary circuit (pressure plate) into a unified chamber with high rigidity and good sealing performance. This reduces the length and complexity of internal connecting cables, reduces signal transmission loss and the risk of introducing external electromagnetic interference. At the same time, the modular chamber layout allows the core components to be exposed by simply removing the middle cover during maintenance, improving maintainability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural disassembly diagram of the base of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural disassembly diagram of the middle cover of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the side cover of this utility model.

[0018] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Base; 2. Photomultiplier tube; 3. Pressure divider plate; 4. Middle cover; 5. Top cover; 6. Counting plate; 7. Side cover; 8. High voltage plate; 9. Light meter head; 10. Sealing ring; 11. Shutter; 12. Mounting hole; 13. First groove; 14. First end face; 15. Second groove; 16. Second end face; 17. Third end face; 18. Third groove; 19. Positioning platform one; 20. Positioning platform two. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0020] To address the problems of high cost of existing testing equipment, complex structure or unstable performance of similar products, and large installation space requirements, the following technical solution is proposed. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1-4 ; A photon counter detection device includes a frame assembly and a control assembly. The frame assembly includes a base 1 and a middle cover 4. The upper end of the base 1 is a first end face 14. The middle cover 4 is installed on the first end face 14 by screws. A first groove 13 is formed in the center of the first end face 14. A mounting hole 12 is formed through the lower inner wall of the first groove 13. The control assembly is installed in the mounting hole 12. The control assembly includes a photomultiplier tube 2 fixed in the mounting hole 12 and a pressure dividing plate 3 fixed in the upper end of the photomultiplier tube 2. The pressure dividing plate 3 is fixed to the lower inner wall of the first groove 13 by screws. The right side of the base 1 is a second end face 16. A second groove 15 is formed in the center of the second end face 16. The control assembly also includes a high voltage plate 8 installed on the left inner wall of the second groove 15 by screws. The upper end of the middle cover 4 is a third end face 17. A third groove 18 is formed in the center of the third end face 17. The control assembly also includes a counting plate 6 fixed in the third groove 18 by screws.

[0021] The first groove 13 of the base 1, in conjunction with the middle cover 4, forms the core frame and main sealing cavity of the equipment. The first groove 13 provides a precise mounting reference surface for the pressure dividing plate 3, ensuring its reliable connection to the base 1 via screws. The mounting hole 12 serves as the mounting channel for the photomultiplier tube 2, and its dimensional accuracy directly affects the concentricity and perpendicularity of the photomultiplier tube 2. The photomultiplier tube 2 is securely installed in the mounting hole 12, and the pressure dividing plate 3 at its upper end is fastened to the lower inner wall of the first groove 13 with screws. This not only fixes the pressure dividing plate but also... The plate 3 itself also indirectly presses the photomultiplier tube 2 from the top, so that its lower end is in full contact with the sealing ring 10. This design integrates the core photoelectric sensing unit (photomultiplier tube 2) and its adjacent primary circuit (voltage divider plate 3) into a unified compartment with strong rigidity and good sealing, reducing the length and complexity of internal connecting cables, reducing signal transmission loss and the risk of introducing external electromagnetic interference. At the same time, the modular compartment layout allows the core components to be exposed simply by removing the middle cover 4 during equipment maintenance, improving maintainability.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 A sealing ring 10 is fixed between the lower end of the photomultiplier tube 2 and the inner wall of the lower end of the mounting hole 12. A photometer 9 is fixed at the lower edge of the base 1, and the photometer 9 corresponds to the lower end of the photomultiplier tube 2. The sealing ring 10 is made of a material with excellent elasticity. Under the action of the clamping force, it deforms and tightly fills the space between the photomultiplier tube 2 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 12, effectively isolating external ambient light interference and dust intrusion, creating a stable and dark working environment for the photomultiplier tube 2, and significantly reducing the detection background noise. The photometer 9, as the optical front end, has a smooth inner wall and is precisely aligned with the photosensitive surface of the photomultiplier tube 2, ensuring efficient transmission of photon signals and minimizing light loss.

[0023] A shutter 11 is installed on the inner wall of the light metering head 9. The opening size of the shutter 11 is larger than the inner hole size of the light metering head 9. The shutter 11 is designed with an opening size larger than the inner hole size of the light metering head 9. This "over-coverage" design ensures that the shutter 11 can completely block the light metering channel when closed, completely preventing ambient light leakage during non-measuring periods. The opening and closing of the shutter 11 can be controlled externally, which facilitates equipment self-testing, background calibration, and protection of the sensitive photomultiplier tube 2 from accidental strong light impact.

[0024] The voltage divider board 3, high voltage board 8, and counting board 6 are all PCB boards. The voltage divider board 3 and high voltage board 8 are connected via pin headers. The counting board 6 is equipped with an MCU, which is used to count high-speed valid pulses. By using PCB boards for the voltage divider board 3, high voltage board 8, and counting board 6, a high degree of modularity and integration of the circuit is achieved. The voltage divider board 3 and high voltage board 8 communicate and are powered through a highly reliable pin header connector, which simplifies the assembly process, reduces the risk of wiring errors, and enhances vibration resistance and signal integrity. The MCU (microcontroller unit) integrated on the counting board 6 is responsible for executing the high-speed pulse recognition and counting algorithm, which can accurately distinguish between valid photon signals and noise pulses and directly output digital counting results.

[0025] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The middle cover 4 is fixedly connected to the center of one end of the first end face 14 with a positioning platform 19. The outer wall of the positioning platform 19 is close to the inner wall of the first groove 13. The frame assembly also includes an upper cover 5 that is installed on the third end face 17 by screws. The positioning platform 19 on the middle cover 4 and the first groove 13 on the base 1 form a precise insertion and positioning structure. During assembly, the positioning platform 19 can automatically guide the middle cover 4 to accurately fall into place, realize the rapid initial positioning with the base 1, and effectively avoid poor sealing or structural stress problems caused by misalignment. Together with the screw fastening and the encapsulation of the upper cover 5, they form a multi-layer protective body with strong rigidity and good sealing performance.

[0026] The rack assembly also includes a side cover 7 that is screwed onto the second end face 16. A positioning platform 20 is fixedly connected to the center of one end of the side cover 7 that is in contact with the second end face 16. The outer wall of the positioning platform 20 is in close contact with the inner wall of the second groove 15. Through the cooperation between the positioning platform 20 on the side cover 7 and the second groove 15, the high-voltage board 8 compartment is also quickly and accurately positioned and sealed. This modular compartment design physically isolates the high-voltage unit from other circuits, which reduces the potential interference of the high-voltage part to the weak signal circuit and facilitates individual maintenance or replacement.

[0027] Working principle: When the device is working, the high voltage generated by the high voltage plate 8 is precisely distributed by the voltage divider plate 3 to provide stepped working voltage for each multiplier electrode of the photomultiplier tube 2. During measurement, the weak light signal from the sample is introduced by the photometer head 9 and irradiates the photosensitive cathode of the photomultiplier tube 2. The excited photoelectrons undergo avalanche multiplication under the internal high voltage electric field, and discrete negative current pulses are output at the anode. The pulse signal is sent to the processing circuit on the counting board 6. First, it is converted and amplified by the operational amplifier, and then compared with the preset threshold by the comparator to filter out the effective photon pulses and remove noise. The MCU integrated on the counting board 6 performs high-speed counting and processing of the effective pulses, and finally uploads the digital result to the host device through the serial port.

[0028] Throughout the process, the mechanical structure provides crucial protection: the sealing ring 10 and the shutter 11 work together to isolate ambient light, creating a stable dark working environment for the photomultiplier tube 2; the modular PCB design and pin header connection of the pressure divider plate 3, the high voltage plate 8 and the counting plate 6 ensure the simplicity and reliability of the signal link; and the rigid frame, which is precisely assembled from the base 1, the middle cover 4, the top cover 5 and other components through positioning structures (such as the positioning platform 19 and the first groove 13), effectively resists vibration and interference, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the equipment's long-term measurement.

[0029] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0030] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photon counter detection device, comprising a frame assembly and a control assembly, characterized in that, The frame assembly includes a base (1) and a middle cover (4). The upper end of the base (1) is a first end face (14). The middle cover (4) is installed on the first end face (14) by screws. A first groove (13) is opened in the center of the first end face (14). A mounting hole (12) is opened through the lower inner wall of the first groove (13). A control component is installed in the mounting hole (12). The control component includes a photomultiplier tube (2) fixed in the mounting hole (12) and a pressure divider plate (3) fixed in the upper end of the photomultiplier tube (2). The plate (3) is fixed to the lower inner wall of the first groove (13) by screws. The right side of the base (1) is the second end face (16). The center of the second end face (16) is provided with a second groove (15). The control assembly also includes a high-pressure plate (8) installed on the left inner wall of the second groove (15) by screws. The upper end of the middle cover (4) is the third end face (17). The center of the third end face (17) is provided with a third groove (18). The control assembly also includes a counting plate (6) fixed in the third groove (18) by screws.

2. The photon counter detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring (10) is fixed between the lower end of the photomultiplier tube (2) and the inner wall of the lower end of the mounting hole (12). A light measuring head (9) is fixed at the lower edge of the base (1), and the light measuring head (9) corresponds to the lower end of the photomultiplier tube (2).

3. The photon counter detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A shutter (11) is installed on the inner wall of the light meter (9), and the opening size of the shutter (11) is larger than the inner hole size of the light meter (9).

4. The photon counter detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The voltage divider (3), high voltage board (8) and counting board (6) are all PCB boards. The voltage divider (3) and high voltage board (8) are connected by a pin header. The counting board (6) is equipped with an MCU, which is used to count high-speed effective pulses.

5. The photon counter detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The center of one end of the middle cover (4) that fits against the first end face (14) is fixedly connected to a positioning platform (19). The outer wall of the positioning platform (19) is close to the inner wall of the first groove (13). The frame assembly also includes an upper cover (5) that is installed on the third end face (17) by screws.

6. The photon counter detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The frame assembly also includes a side cover (7) mounted on the second end face (16) by screws. A positioning platform (20) is fixed to the center of one end of the side cover (7) that is in contact with the second end face (16). The outer wall of the positioning platform (20) is in close contact with the inner wall of the second groove (15).

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