Radiation detection device with variable electrode spacing

Abstract

A radiation detection device according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes a first frame having a first electrode on one side thereof, a second frame having a second electrode facing the first electrode on one side thereof and spaced apart from the first frame in a first axial direction, a driving module connected to the second frame and configured to move the second frame in the first axial direction relative to the first frame, and a side cover connecting the first frame and the second frame and surrounding the space between the first frame and the second frame to seal the space, the side cover may be formed to be expandable and contractible along the first axis, and the first and second electrodes are accommodated between the first frame and the second frame to form an ion chamber filled with gas. Various other embodiments as will be understood through the specification are possible.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed herein are radiation detection devices for measuring radiation intensities at various dose rates, including ultra-high dose rates, in real time. Specifically, the radiation detection devices according to the embodiments disclosed herein have parallel electrodes facing each other inside to form a sealed ion chamber in which gas ionization by radiation occurs, and the spacing between the electrodes is changed depending on the type and intensity of radiation, thereby effectively preventing the effect of ion recombination and accurately measuring the intensity of radiation. [Background technology]

[0002] As treatment technologies using ultra-high dose rates of radiation, such as flash therapy, develop for the treatment of diseases like cancer, ensuring quantitative radiation exposure is becoming increasingly important for patient safety. In this regard, technologies that precisely control the amount of radiation, the location of irradiation, and the duration of irradiation in real time are becoming increasingly important. To monitor radiation in real time, electrical measuring devices that utilize the ionization phenomenon of gases caused by radiation and scintillation detectors that utilize fluorescence are typically used. A parallel-plate ionization chamber, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1800753), is commonly used to monitor medical radiation generators.

[0003] When measuring high-dose-rate radiation, a phenomenon known as ion recombination, in which ion pairs of ionized gas recombine within an ion chamber, can occur. This phenomenon significantly impairs measurement accuracy, and in order to prevent this, methods such as reducing the density of gas within an ion chamber of the same volume or reducing the volume of the ion chamber have been used. Among these, the method of reducing the volume of the ion chamber may be effectively implemented through a structure capable of adjusting the gap between a pair of electrodes, as in the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0004] In the past, in order to eliminate factors that hinder measurement accuracy, such as ion recombination, measurements were generally performed by selecting an ion chamber with an appropriate electrode spacing depending on the type of radiation and dose rate. However, this required the provision of multiple ion chambers with different electrode spacings, which was economically inefficient, and the need to replace the ion chamber with one that was appropriate for the type of radiation and dose rate was inefficient. Recently, as the use of ultra-high dose rate radiation, which has an even higher dose rate, has become more widespread, there has been a growing need for an improved technology that solves the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been developed to overcome the limitations of the prior art, and aims to provide a radiation detection device that can change the gap between parallel electrodes provided in an ion chamber to suit the type and intensity of radiation to be measured, and that can ensure high measurement accuracy by maintaining the airtightness of the gas-filled ion chamber and the parallelism of the electrodes before and after such change. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The radiation detection device according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes a first frame having a first electrode on one surface thereof; a second frame having a second electrode on one surface thereof facing the first electrode, the second frame being spaced apart from the first frame in a first axial direction;a first sensor configured to measure a first electrode spacing, which is a spacing between a certain portion of the first electrode and a certain portion of the second electrode; and a second sensor configured to measure a second electrode spacing, which is a spacing between another portion of the first electrode and another portion of the second electrode. a drive module coupled to the second frame and configured to move the second frame in the first axial direction relative to the first frame; a side cover coupled to the first frame and the second frame and surrounding a space between the first frame and the second frame to seal the space; and a control module configured to compare the first electrode spacing and the second electrode spacing measured by the first sensor and the second sensor, and calculate electrode parallelism. the side cover may include a first frame and a second frame, and the first electrode and the second electrode may be accommodated between the first frame and the second frame to form an ion chamber filled with gas, and the side cover may be formed to be expandable and contractible along the first axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to various embodiments of the radiation detection apparatus disclosed herein, it is not necessary to provide an ion chamber having an electrode gap suitable for each type of radiation and dose rate to be measured, which has the advantages of reducing costs and improving the efficiency of measurement work. In particular, when measuring ultra-high dose rate radiation, the electrode gap can be reduced compared to when measuring general radiation, thereby preventing recombination and improving measurement accuracy.

[0008] In addition, according to the radiation detection device of various embodiments disclosed herein, by using a displacement sensor to measure the electrode spacing at many positions of the electrodes, it is possible to monitor and calibrate the electrode parallelism in real time before and after changing the electrode spacing, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of radiation measurement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a radiation detection device according to one embodiment disclosed herein; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the radiation detection device of FIG. 1 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a radiation detection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view of a radiation detection device according to an embodiment, showing a state in which general radiation is measured; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the radiation detection device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which high dose rate radiation is measured. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.

[0010] With regard to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0193329, filed on December 30, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the particular embodiments, but rather includes various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention. The term "first axis" throughout this document refers to the axis along which the first and second electrodes are arranged side by side and along which the spacing between the first and second electrodes (hereinafter "electrode spacing") increases or decreases, and is represented in the drawings by line X.

[0013] The radiation detection device according to various embodiments disclosed herein is used in a medical radiation generating device such as a linear accelerator, and is intended to measure the intensities of various types of radiation in real time, such as photon rays such as X-rays and gamma rays, particle rays such as neutron rays and proton rays, and electron beams. In particular, by changing the electrode spacing, the radiation detection device can measure not only radiation used in general radiation therapy (e.g., 0.03 to 0.4 Gy per second) (hereinafter referred to as "general radiation") but also ultra-high dose rate radiation (e.g., 40 Gy per second or more).

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a radiation detection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the radiation detection apparatus 100 of Fig. 1 viewed from another direction. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the radiation detection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a radiation detection device 100 according to one embodiment may include a first frame 1, a second frame 2 spaced apart from the first frame 1 on a first axis X, a side cover 3 disposed between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 and connecting the first frame 1 and the second frame 2, and a driving module 5 connected to the second frame 2 to move the second frame 2 in the direction of the first axis X.

[0015] 1, 2, and 3, the driving module 5 may include a housing 50 that houses a motor (not shown in the drawings) that generates a driving force, and a moving shaft 51 having one end connected to the motor and the other end connected to the second frame 2. In various embodiments, the radiation detection apparatus 100 may further include a control module (not shown in the drawings) that controls the operation of the driving module 5. In addition, in the radiation detection apparatus 100 according to one embodiment, the base module 4 may include a flat base 40, rails 49, and fixing parts 45 and sliders 46 that are engaged with and mounted on the rails 49, respectively.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 may be formed with at least a portion thereof penetrating along the first axis X. For example, the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 may have a predetermined thickness in the direction of the first axis X and may have an opening formed in the center. In the illustrated embodiment, the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 are rectangular, but the shapes of the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 are not limited thereto and may be formed in various shapes such as a circle. The first frame 1 and the second frame 2 may be made of an insulating material.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first frame 1 may have a first window 11 on one of its two surfaces facing the first axis X direction, and a first electrode 10 on the other surface. For example, the surface on which the first electrode 10 is provided may be the surface of the first frame 1 facing the second frame 2. In one embodiment, the first window 11 and the first electrode 10 may be disposed (or coupled) on both surfaces of the first frame 1 so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance along the first axis X direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second frame 2 may have a second window 21 on one of its two surfaces facing the first axis X direction, and a second electrode 20 on the surface opposite the one surface. For example, the surface on which the second electrode 20 is provided may be the surface of the second frame 2 facing the first frame 1. In one embodiment, the second window 21 and the second electrode 20 may be disposed (or coupled) on both surfaces of the second frame 2 so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance along the first axis X direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 may be configured so that one of them moves relative to the other in the direction of the first axis X. For example, the first frame 1 may be fixed relatively, and the second frame 2 may move in the direction of the first axis X, thereby moving closer to or farther away from the first frame 1. This may change the distance (electrode spacing) between the first electrode 10 coupled to the first frame 1 and the second electrode 20 coupled to the second frame 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation measurement device 100 is embodied with a structure in which the second frame 2 moves. However, in various embodiments, the radiation measurement device 100 may be provided with a structure in which the second frame 2 is fixed, and the first frame 1 moves relative to the second frame 2. For example, the driving module 5 may be connected to the first frame 1 and configured to move the first frame 1 in the direction of the first axis X.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first window 11 and the second window 21 may be flat members made of an insulating material. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the first window 11 and the second window 21 may be transparent or opaque, and a plurality of first and second windows 11 and 21 may be provided.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 may be formed by depositing multiple layers of conductive material on a substrate having a rectangular, circular, or other shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode 10 may be an electrode (hereinafter referred to as the "negative electrode") that is negatively charged and to which a high voltage is applied to generate a high-voltage electric field between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. The second electrode 20 may be an electrode (hereinafter referred to as the "positive electrode") that is positively charged and collects electrons generated by ionizing gas. Conversely, in various embodiments, the first electrode 10 may be a positive electrode and the second electrode 20 may be a negative electrode.

[0022] In one embodiment, the radiation detection device 100 measures the amount of change in current at the positive electrode where electrons are collected, and from this measurement, the amount of electrons generated by ionization and the amount of irradiated radiation can be calculated. The voltage applied to the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 may be a value corresponding to an ionization region, which is a region where the amount of collected electrons remains constant when the intensity of irradiated radiation is constant.

[0023] The following describes the side cover 3 that forms an ion chamber therein (for example, the ion chamber 30 in FIGS. 5 and 7). In various embodiments, the side cover 3 may be disposed between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2. The first frame 1 and the second frame 2 may be connected to each other by the side cover 3. The side cover 3 may seal the space between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2, thereby forming an ion chamber 30, which is a space where gas ionization occurs. The ion chamber 30 may house a first electrode 10 and a second electrode 20 and be filled with gas. Radiation may be incident on the inside of the ion chamber 30 from the outside through the first window 11 and the first electrode 10 or the second window 21 and the second electrode 20. The gas filled in the ion chamber 30 may be, for example, an inert gas, a non-reactive gas, or air.

[0024] In various embodiments, the side cover 3 may change shape or length in the direction of the first axis X when the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 move closer to or farther away from each other. For example, the side cover 3 may be configured to expand and contract in the direction of the first axis X when the second frame 2 moves toward or away from the first frame 1 relative to the first frame 1, thereby changing the volume of the ion chamber 30 inside the side cover 3.

[0025] In one embodiment, the side cover 3 may be formed with a structure in which at least a portion of the area can be folded or unfolded in the direction of the first axis X. Specifically, when measuring general radiation, the radiation detection device 100 can increase the volume of the ion chamber 30 by unfolding the side cover 3, and when measuring ultra-high dose rate radiation, the side cover 3 can be folded to decrease the volume of the ion chamber 30.

[0026] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the side cover 3 may be formed with a bellows structure. However, the shape of the side cover 3 is not limited to the example shown in the drawings, and the side cover 3 may be embodied in various materials and / or shapes that can expand and contract along the first axis X in response to changes in the distance between the first electrode 10 (e.g., first frame 1) and the second electrode 20 (e.g., second frame 2). In various embodiments, the side cover 3 may be formed using an elastic material. The side cover 3 is preferably made of an insulating material.

[0027] In various embodiments, both ends of the side cover 3 on the first axis X may be closely connected to the surfaces of the adjacent first frame 1 and second frame 2. That is, the side cover 3 may be configured to maintain the airtight state of the gas-filled ion chamber 30 when the electrode spacing is changed.

[0028] In one embodiment, a sealing member (not shown in the drawings) may be further provided on at least one of both end portions of the side cover 3. For example, the sealing member may be installed on the inside or outside of the end portion of the side cover 3, which can improve the fixing strength and airtightness of the connection between the end portion of the side cover 3 and the first frame 1 or the second frame 2. In one embodiment, the radiation detection device 100 may include an electronic component 13 electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode 10 or the second electrode 20. In one embodiment, a board 12 electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode 10 or the second electrode 20 may be attached to an end of the first frame 1 or the second frame 2, and the electronic component 13 may be mounted on and electrically connected to the board 12. As shown in FIG. 3 , the board 12 may have an opening formed in its center so that radiation irradiated from the outside can enter the inside of the ion chamber 30 without coming into contact with the board 12.

[0029] The following describes the first electrode 10, the second electrode 20, and the electronic component 13, which are components for measuring the intensity of radiation. In one embodiment, the electronic component 13 may be installed on a board 12 mounted around the first frame 1 from outside the ion chamber 30. In one embodiment, the electronic component 13 may be configured to measure a change in current generated when electrons from ionized gas are collected at the positive electrode, and collect current change data. In one embodiment, the electronic component 13 may communicate with a control module of the radiation detection device 100 via wire or wirelessly, and transmit the current change data to the control module. In this case, the control module may calculate the radiation intensity from the current change data received.

[0030] In another embodiment, the electronic component 13 may be a current-frequency converter that converts the amount of current change into a digital signal and transmits the digital signal to the control module. In one embodiment, the electronic component 13 may calculate the amount of radiation from the measured amount of current change and transmit the radiation amount data to the control module. In another embodiment, the electronic component 13 may include a connector for electrically connecting the positive electrode to a measuring device that is provided outside the radiation detection device 100 and measures the amount of current change.

[0031] In one embodiment, an external device such as a PC that communicates wirelessly or wired with the control module to receive data may be provided outside the radiation detection apparatus 100. In this case, the final calculation and correction of the radiation intensity may be performed by software in the external device. The above-described configuration is merely an example of a configuration for measuring the radiation dose from electrons collected by the first electrode 10, and is not limited thereto.

[0032] In one embodiment, the electronic component 13 may be electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode 10 or the second electrode 20 to supply power. In this case, one of the first electrode 10 or the second electrode 20 may be negatively charged and the other may be positively charged, and a high voltage may be applied to the negative electrode to form a high-voltage electric field between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20. In one embodiment, the first electrode 10 or the second electrode 20 may be connected to the power source via a separate member other than a connector.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a side view of the radiation detection device 100 of one embodiment, showing a state when radiation is generally measured. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a side view of the radiation detection device 100 of one embodiment, showing a state when high dose rate radiation is measured. Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of Fig. 6. Figures 5 and 7 show cross sections taken along line AA in Figure 1. The electrode spacings shown in Figures 4 to 7 are illustrative and may not be to scale with the actual electrode spacing.

[0034] 5 and 7, in the radiation measurement device 100, the second electrode distance d2 when measuring ultra-high dose radiation is narrower than the first electrode distance d1 when measuring general radiation, and the volume of the ion chamber 30 may be relatively small when measuring ultra-high dose radiation. In this regard, when measuring ultra-high dose rate radiation, the phenomenon of ion recombination, in which ionized gas ion pairs recombine within the ion chamber 30, increases, and the number of electrons reaching the positive electrode may decrease. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, by reducing the volume of the ion chamber 30, the number of recombined ions decreases, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement value.

[0035] The radiation measuring device 100 according to the present invention may be transformed into a first state (or basic state) in which the electrode spacing is a first distance d1 (e.g., the state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and a second state (or reduced state) in which the electrode spacing is a second distance d2 (e.g., the state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ) based on at least one of the type of radiation and the dose rate. However, the first and second states described above may be understood as arbitrarily defining two states in which the size of the ion chamber 30 is different from each other, and the states of the radiation measuring device 100 are not limited to the two states shown in the drawings. For example, the radiation measuring device 100 may be transformed into a state in which the electrode spacing is smaller than the first electrode spacing d1 and larger than the second electrode spacing d2.

[0036] The following describes the configuration of the base module 4. In one embodiment, the base module 4 may include a base 40, a rail 49 attached to the upper surface of the base 40, a fixing part 45 attached at its lower part to the rail 49 and connected at its upper part to the first frame 1, and a slider 46 attached at its lower part to the rail 49 and connected at its upper part to the second frame 2. In one embodiment, the base 40 may be a flat member. In one embodiment, the rail 49 may be formed to extend in the direction of the first axis X and disposed on the base 40. The rail 49 may guide at least one of the first frame 1 or the second frame 2, which is mounted on the upper portion thereof perpendicular to the rail 49, to move linearly in the direction of the first axis X along the rail 49. As in the illustrated embodiment, two rails 49 may be disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the direction perpendicular to the first axis X on the base 40. Two or more rails 49 may be provided.

[0037] In one embodiment, the base module 4 may further include a first rack 41 that vertically connects the first frame 1 to the upper surface of the fixing portion 45, and a second rack 42 that vertically connects the second frame 2 to the upper surface of the slider 46. In one embodiment, the first rack 41 and the second rack 42 may be fixedly coupled to the fixing portion 45 and the slider 46 via rack fasteners 410 and 420, respectively. The first rack 41 and the second rack 42 may fix the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 in a vertical position relative to the upper portion of the base 40, and may help maintain the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 parallel to each other.

[0038] In one embodiment, a recess may be formed in a lower portion of the fixing portion 45 to receive and engage with the rail 49 when coupled to the rail 49. In one embodiment, a recess may be formed in a lower portion of the slider 46 to receive and engage with the rail 49 when coupled to the rail 49.

[0039] In one embodiment, the fixing portion 45 may be fixed to the rail 49, and the slider 46 may be slidably coupled to the rail 49 in the direction of the first axis X. The fixing portion 45 may fixedly couple the first frame 1 to the rail 49, and the slider 46 may slidably couple the second frame 2 to the rail 49 so as to be movable in the direction of the first axis X. Thus, in the radiation measurement device 100, when the driving module 5 is operated, the second frame 2 may move relatively along the rail 49 while the first frame 1 is fixed, thereby changing the electrode spacing. In another embodiment, the fixing portion 45 may be slidably coupled to the rail 49.

[0040] The configuration and operation of the drive module 5 will be described below. The drive module 5 may be configured to linearly move the second frame 2 along the first axis X. In one embodiment, the drive module 5 may include a housing 50 that houses a motor therein and a movement shaft 51 that is connected at one end to the motor and at the other end to the second frame 2. The motor of the drive module 5 can generate a drive force for moving the second frame 2 along the first axis X in response to an input signal transmitted from the control module.

[0041] In one embodiment, the second rack 42 may be fixedly coupled to the second frame 2, and the moving member 55 may be fixedly coupled to the second rack 42. In this case, one end of the moving shaft 51 may be connected to the moving member 55. In addition, the moving member 55 may include a through-hole 550 that penetrates along the first axis X so that at least a portion of the moving shaft 51 can be inserted therein. The moving shaft 51 may include a fastening end 510 that is inserted into the through-hole 550. In this case, when the driving module 5 is operated, the second frame 2, the second rack 42, and the moving member 55 may move together along the moving shaft 51.

[0042] In one embodiment, an inner circumferential surface of the through hole 550 and a surface of the fastening end 510 may have intermeshing threads formed thereon, respectively, so that the fastening end 510 may be screw-coupled to the through hole 550. In this case, since the position of one end of the moving shaft 51 connected to the motor is fixed, when the moving shaft 51 rotates about the first axis X during operation of the driving module 5, the rotational motion of the moving shaft 51 is converted into linear motion of the moving member 55 screw-coupled to the fastening end 510 of the moving shaft 51, so that the second frame 2 can move together with the moving member 55 toward the first frame 1 or the housing 50 on the first axis X. The driving module 5 is not limited to the above embodiment as long as it is configured to move at least one of the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 on the first axis X.

[0043] In one embodiment, a ring member 53 attached to the outer circumferential surface of the moving shaft 51 may be disposed between the second frame 2 and the housing 50 of the drive module 5. The ring member 53 may be movably coupled to the moving shaft 51. In one embodiment, the ring member 53 may function as a stopper member that limits the moving distance of the second frame 2 toward the housing 50. In this case, the ring member 53 may be configured so that the moving shaft 51 rotates freely inside the ring member 53 so as not to be linked to the rotation of the moving shaft 51. The ring member 53 may also provide a buffering effect when the second frame 2 and the housing 50 of the drive module 5 come into contact. The shape of the ring member 53 is not limited to the ring shape shown in the drawings.

[0044] In one embodiment, the drive module 5 may be electrically (or operatively) coupled to a control module (not shown in the drawings), which may control the operation of the drive module 5 based on various control signals, including user input.

[0045] A configuration for monitoring the degree to which the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 are arranged parallel to each other (hereinafter, "electrode parallelism") will be described below. In one embodiment, the radiation detection device 100 may be configured to measure the electrode spacing at different positions using a first sensor 60 and a second sensor (not shown in the drawings) which are displacement sensors or distance measurement sensors, and to measure the electrode parallelism from the electrode spacing data. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sensor 60 may be provided on at least one of the first frame 1 or the second frame 2. In this case, the first sensor 60 may include a first sensor member 60a attached to the first frame 1 and a second sensor member 60b attached to the second frame 2 so as to face the first sensor member 60a. In one embodiment, the first sensor member 60a and the second sensor member 60b may be attached to the top of the first frame 1 and the second frame 2, respectively.

[0046] In one embodiment, the first sensor 60 may be a capacitive displacement sensor, which is a non-contact displacement sensor. The first sensor member 60a and the second sensor member 60b may have electrode plates formed on their opposing surfaces. In this case, when the second frame 2 moves in the first axis X direction, the distance between the first sensor member 60a and the second sensor member 60b changes as the capacitance between the electrode plates changes, thereby measuring the movement displacement of the second frame 2.

[0047] In another embodiment, the second sensor member 60b may have a reflective member on a surface facing the first sensor member 60a. The first sensor member 60a may be configured to transmit infrared rays, visible light, ultrasonic waves, or the like to the second sensor member 60b, receive reflected waves transmitted from the second sensor member 60b, and measure the round-trip time to measure the movement displacement of the second frame 2. The specific configuration of the first sensor 60 is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0048] In one embodiment, the drive module 5 may include a second sensor (not shown in the drawings) electrically connected to the motor for measuring the displacement of the second frame 2 on the first axis X. In one embodiment, the control module communicates with the first sensor 60 and the second sensor and receives data measured by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor, respectively. In this case, the control module can calculate the electrode parallelism by comparing the upper electrode spacing with the lower electrode spacing through the received data. Regarding the operation of the drive module 5 to maintain the electrode parallelism, the control module can determine whether the second frame 2 needs to move to adjust the electrode parallelism, and if additional movement is required, generate and transmit a control signal to the drive module 5 to automatically adjust the electrode parallelism.

[0049] In one embodiment, the drive module 5 may include a control member (not shown in the drawings) electrically connected to the motor for controlling the operation of the motor. The control member may receive a control signal, including a user input, from the control module. The control member may generate a feedback signal in response to the displacement measured by the second sensor. For example, if the displacement measured by the second sensor does not match the control signal from the control module and adjustment is required to match, the control member may generate and transmit a feedback signal to the motor, thereby adjusting the electrode spacing in accordance with the control signal.

[0050] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which one sensor is provided on each of the upper portions of the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 and the driving module 5 to monitor the electrode parallelism, but the number of sensors is not limited thereto. For example, additional sensors for measuring electrode spacing at various positions of the electrodes may be attached to the first frame 1 or the second frame 2, etc. The above-described configuration of the first sensor 60 and the second sensor has the advantage of improving the reliability of radiation measurement by monitoring and maintaining the electrode parallelism in real time before and after changing the electrode spacing.

[0051] In various embodiments, parallel electrodes may be provided in an ion chamber whose internal volume is maintained constant by filling it with gas, and the electrode spacing may be changed by moving at least one of the electrodes. In this case, the drive module may be provided inside or outside the ion chamber and configured to move the electrodes.

[0052] A radiation detection device 100 according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: a first frame 1 having a first electrode 10 on one side; a second frame 2 having a second electrode 20 facing the first electrode 10 on one side and spaced apart from the first frame 1 in a first axis X direction; a driving module 5 connected to the second frame 2 and configured to move the second frame 2 relative to the first frame 1 in the first axis X direction; and a side cover 3 connecting the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 and surrounding the space between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 to seal the space between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2; the side cover 3 may be formed to be expandable and contractible along the first axis X, and the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 are accommodated between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 to form an ion chamber 30 filled with gas.

[0053] In one embodiment, the side cover 3 may be formed such that both ends are connected to the first frame 1 and the second frame 2, and the length in the direction of the first axis X changes in response to movement of the second frame 2 relative to the first frame 1. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the side cover 3 may be formed to be folded or unfolded in the first axis X direction.

[0054] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the side cover 3 may be formed with a bellows structure. In one embodiment, the driving module 5 is configured to move the second frame 2 closer to or farther away from the first frame 1, and the spacing between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 may be changed corresponding to the movement of the second frame 2.

[0055] In one embodiment, one of the first electrode 10 or the second electrode 20 is negatively charged and the other is positively charged, and when a high voltage is applied to the negative electrode, electrons generated by ionizing gas in the ion chamber 30 may be collected at the positive electrode. In one embodiment, the battery further includes an electronic component 13 mounted on the first frame 1 or the second frame 2 and electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode 10 or the second electrode 20, and the electronic component 13 may be configured to measure the amount of change in current in the positive electrode and process the measured data.

[0056] In one embodiment, at least one of the ends of the side cover 3 in the first axis X direction may be provided with a sealing member that tightly connects the side cover 3 to the first frame 1 or the second frame 2 so as to seal the ion chamber 30. In one embodiment, at least one of the first frame 1 or the second frame 2 may be equipped with a first sensor 60 for measuring the distance between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 . In one embodiment, the driving module 5 may include a housing 50 in which a motor is housed; a moving shaft 51 having one end connected to the second frame 2 and the other end connected to the motor; and a second sensor electrically connected to the motor and measuring the distance traveled by the second frame 2.

[0057] In one embodiment, the second frame 2 may further include a movable member 55 having a through hole 550 formed therein and extending in the first axis X direction, and the movable shaft 51 may include a fastening end 510 inserted into the through hole 550, and threads may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the through hole 550 and on a surface of the fastening end 510 to be threadedly coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the device further includes a base module 4 that supports the first frame 1, the second frame 2, and the driving module 5, and the base module 4 may include a base 40; a rail 49 mounted on the base 40 and extending in the first axis X direction; a fixing part 45 that is fixedly connected to the rail 49 and to which the first frame 1 is connected; and a slider 46 that is slidably connected to the rail 49 and to which the second frame 2 is connected.

[0058] In one embodiment, the electrode can be transformed into a first state in which the distance between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 is a first distance d1, and a second state in which the distance between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 is a second distance d2 that is smaller than the first distance.

Claims

1. a first frame having a first electrode on one surface; a second frame having a second electrode facing the first electrode on one surface thereof and spaced apart from the first frame in a first axial direction; a first sensor configured to measure a first electrode spacing, the first electrode spacing being a spacing between a portion of the first electrode and a portion of the second electrode; a second sensor configured to measure a second electrode spacing, the second electrode spacing being a spacing between another portion of the first electrode and another portion of the second electrode; a drive module coupled to the second frame and configured to move the second frame relative to the first frame in the first axial direction; a side cover that connects the first frame and the second frame and surrounds the space between the first frame and the second frame so as to seal the space; and a control module configured to compare the first electrode spacing and the second electrode spacing measured by the first sensor and the second sensor to calculate electrode parallelism; The side cover is the first electrode and the second electrode are housed between the first frame and the second frame to form an ion chamber filled with gas, and the radiation detection device is formed to be expandable and contractible along the first axis.

2. The side cover is 2. The radiation detection device according to claim 1, wherein both ends are connected to the first frame and the second frame, and the length in the first axis direction changes in response to movement of the second frame relative to the first frame.

3. The radiation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the side cover is configured to be folded and unfolded in the first axial direction.

4. The radiation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the side cover is formed with a bellows structure.

5. the drive module is configured to move the second frame toward or away from the first frame; The radiation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is changed in response to the movement of the second frame.

6. one of the first electrode or the second electrode is negatively charged and the other is positively charged; The radiation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein when a high voltage is applied to the negative electrode, gas is ionized in the ion chamber, and electrons generated are collected by the positive electrode.

7. an electronic component mounted on the first frame or the second frame and electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode, The radiation detection device of claim 6 , wherein the electronic component is configured to measure a change in current at the positive electrode and process the measured data.

8. 2. The radiation detection device of claim 1, wherein at least one of both ends of the side cover in the first axial direction is provided with a sealing member that tightly connects the side cover to the first frame or the second frame so as to seal the ion chamber.

9. The first sensor The radiation detection device of claim 1 , wherein the radiation detection device is mounted to at least one of the first frame or the second frame.

10. The drive module includes: a housing in which the motor is housed; and a moving shaft having one end connected to the second frame and the other end connected to the motor; The second sensor is The radiation detection device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a detector electrically connected to the motor for measuring a moving distance of the second frame.

11. a moving member coupled to the second frame and having a through hole passing through in the first axis direction; the moving shaft includes a fastening end inserted into the through hole; The radiation detection device according to claim 10 , wherein an inner circumferential surface of the through hole and a surface of the fastening end are respectively formed with threads for threaded engagement with each other.

12. a base module supporting the first frame, the second frame, and the drive module; The base module is base; a rail mounted on the base and extending in the first axial direction; a fixing portion fixedly connected to the rail and to which the first frame is coupled; and The radiation detection device according to claim 1 , further comprising a slider slidably connected to the rail and coupled to the second frame.

13. 2. The radiation detection device according to claim 1, which is capable of being transformed into a first state in which the spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode is a first spacing, and a second state in which the spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode is a second spacing smaller than the first spacing.

Images