EP0685200A1 - X-ray diagnostic apparatus having engageable focal points - Google Patents

X-ray diagnostic apparatus having engageable focal points Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0685200A1
EP0685200A1 EP95105219A EP95105219A EP0685200A1 EP 0685200 A1 EP0685200 A1 EP 0685200A1 EP 95105219 A EP95105219 A EP 95105219A EP 95105219 A EP95105219 A EP 95105219A EP 0685200 A1 EP0685200 A1 EP 0685200A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
focal
diaphragm
aperture
focal spot
ray
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Granted
Application number
EP95105219A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0685200B1 (en
Inventor
Yngve Norhager
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Siemens Elema AB
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Siemens Elema AB
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J35/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J35/24—Tubes wherein the point of impact of the cathode ray on the anode or anticathode is movable relative to the surface thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21K—TECHNIQUES FOR HANDLING PARTICLES OR IONISING RADIATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; IRRADIATION DEVICES; GAMMA RAY OR X-RAY MICROSCOPES
    • G21K1/00—Arrangements for handling particles or ionising radiation, e.g. focusing or moderating
    • G21K1/02—Arrangements for handling particles or ionising radiation, e.g. focusing or moderating using diaphragms, collimators
    • G21K1/04—Arrangements for handling particles or ionising radiation, e.g. focusing or moderating using diaphragms, collimators using variable diaphragms, shutters, choppers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05G—X-RAY TECHNIQUE
    • H05G1/00—X-ray apparatus involving X-ray tubes; Circuits therefor
    • H05G1/08—Electrical details
    • H05G1/26—Measuring, controlling or protecting
    • H05G1/30—Controlling
    • H05G1/52—Target size or shape; Direction of electron beam, e.g. in tubes with one anode and more than one cathode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J2235/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J2235/06—Cathode assembly
    • H01J2235/068—Multi-cathode assembly

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an X-ray examination device with an X-ray tube comprising an anode plate with selectively switchable focal spots, which are arranged such that all are cut by a common straight line, and with a displaceable primary beam aperture.
  • Such an X-ray examination device is described in DE-OS 3 136 806.
  • the anode plate in the X-ray tube which can be rotated about its own axis, is provided with two focal spot tracks that are inclined at different angles to the plate plane.
  • the X-ray tube also comprises two cathodes, in which each cathode is directed to a focal spot path. With the aid of the cathodes, one focal spot is generated on each focal spot path, the focal spot of one path being, for example, larger than that of the other path.
  • the operator can switch on the cathode or focal spot that he or she finds most suitable in an examination, for example in a mammography examination.
  • the primary beam aperture must also be shifted so that the X-ray cone is directed against the object table, i.e. exactly the X-ray film sheet that is in or under the object table is pushed in, covers.
  • the primary radiation diaphragm or the primary radiation diaphragm housing can only be displaced laterally up to two end positions, the primary beam diaphragm being set in one end position in relation to one focal spot and in the other end position in relation to the other focal spot.
  • a mammography device is shown in the Siemens brochure "Mammomat”. This device has an X-ray tube, which is described in connection with DE-OS 3 136 806.
  • the device is also provided with a primary radiation diaphragm housing which can be pivoted into two end positions by means of articulated arms, the primary beam diaphragm being adapted to the current focus point in each end position. Because the primary radiation diaphragm housing describes an arcuate movement when moving from one end position to the other, it is displaced both laterally and in height. In this way, the primary beam aperture for the focal spot that is closest to the object table is also adjusted in height.
  • German patent application 4 32 32 2908 which has not yet been published, describes an X-ray tube with an anode plate on which four focal spots can be produced with the aid of the same number of cathodes.
  • the focal spot tracks of the anode plate are applied on a common plane inclined to the plate plane, so that all four focal spots that can be generated are cut by a common fictitious straight line that runs along the inclined plane.
  • a primary radiation shield which is used in conjunction with the mammography device described in the Siemens brochure "Mammomat" cannot be used in conjunction with the anode plate described in the German patent application which has not yet been published, since this primary radiation shield only has two end positions , which are adapted to a focal spot, can be brought.
  • the invention has for its object to provide an X-ray examination apparatus of the type mentioned with a primary radiation diaphragm, which can be moved in a very simple manner so that it is quickly brought into a position that the current focal spot of an anode plate with a number of such switchable focal spots is adapted.
  • This object is achieved according to the invention in that the primary beam diaphragm is shifted along the straight line when switching from one focal spot to the other.
  • the primary beam aperture can always be brought into an optimal position for the current focal spot, regardless of the number of focal spots. This ensures that the position and size of the recording field is always the same.
  • the primary beam diaphragm is attached to a holder which is arranged parallel to the straight line.
  • the primary beam diaphragm can thus be displaced along the straight line in a very simple manner.
  • the primary beam diaphragm be shifted with the aid of a motor, preferably a stepping motor. It is thereby achieved that the primary beam diaphragm can be brought into an optimal position for the current focal spot in a simple and uncomplicated manner when switching from one focal spot to another.
  • the primary beam aperture be shifted by a distance that corresponds to the distance between the focal spots between which the switchover takes place, multiplied by a factor that is selected in such a way that the size of the recording area is maintained .
  • the FIG shows, somewhat simplified, selected parts of a mammography device, namely an X-ray tube 1, a primary radiation diaphragm 2 and an object table 3, the distance between the X-ray tube 1 and the object table 3 not being shown to scale.
  • the x-ray tube 1 is of a type which is already shown and described in this application in the unpublished German publication 4,323,928.
  • the x-ray tube 1 comprises an anode plate 4 which can be rotated about its own axis 5.
  • the anode plate 4 is provided with two fuel sheet tracks 6 and 7, which are applied on a common plane inclined to the plate plane. With the help of cathodes 8 to 11, which are directed against the inclined plate plane, four focal points 12 to 15 can be generated at a distance from one another on the plate plane.
  • the x-ray tube 1 is provided with an opening 18 and a fixed coarse aperture 19, which serves to hold together the x-ray beam generated by one of the focal spots 12 to 15 and to direct it against the object table 3, in which an x-ray film sheet 20 is attached before an exposure .
  • the x-ray primary radiation diaphragm 2 which serves to dazzle the x-rays from the x-ray tube 1, ie from one of the focal spots 12, 13, 14 or 15, and these fine To set, here consists of a plate 21 made of an X-ray-opaque material with an approximately square opening 22.
  • the plate 21 is attached to a carriage 24 via a bracket 23.
  • the carriage 24 is in turn connected to a holder 26 via linear ball bearings 25 and can be displaced along the holder 26 by means of the ball bearing 25.
  • the bracket 26, which is fixedly connected to the tube 1 via a fastening 27, is angled in such a way that it runs parallel with the straight line 17.
  • a stepper motor 28 which controls a screw 29 such that it is displaced in its longitudinal direction, is also attached to the holder 26.
  • the free end of the screw 29 is connected to the carriage 24 via an elongated part 3.
  • the primary beam diaphragm 2 is further provided with a lamp 31 and a mirror 32, which are preferably attached to the bracket 23 or to the plate 21. The task of the lamp 31 and the mirror will be described later.
  • the breast 37 is then compressed in a known manner using a compression plate 33.
  • This exemplary embodiment is intended to show that the cathode 8 of the X-ray tube 1 generates a focal spot 12, which in turn directs an X-ray beam, which is suitable for this examination, against the object table 3.
  • the X-rays are delimited in such a way that they fall within a predetermined area on the object table 3.
  • the radiation field delimited by the aperture 22 is marked in the FIG with straight lines with the reference numerals 34 and 35.
  • the carriage 24 and thus the diaphragm plate 2 is displaced a distance along the holder 26 by means of the motor 28, the screw 29 and the part 30, which the Distance between the previously activated focal spot 12 and the focal spot 14 multiplied by corresponds to a factor which is selected such that the size of the receiving surface on the object table 3 is maintained.
  • the new position of the aperture plate 21 or the carriage 24 is shown with dash-dotted lines.
  • the aperture 22 is now, since the holder 26 is arranged in parallel with the straight line 17, displaced downward and laterally along the line 17, the displacement of the aperture plate 21 being somewhat shorter than the distance between the focal spots 12 and 14. In this way, as already described, the receiving surface on the stage 3 is retained.
  • the boundaries of the radiation field after switching to the focal spot 14 are denoted here by 34 and 36.
  • the aperture 22, as described is shifted along the straight line 17, the aperture 22 always being brought into a position that is appropriate for the focal spot that is switched on is optimal.
  • the stepper motor 28, which moves the carriage 24 for the diaphragm plate 21, so that the diaphragm plate 21 occupy these optimal positions when the desired focal spots are switched on, is controlled by means of a known and therefore not shown or described microprocessor with a control program provided for this purpose.
  • the diaphragm 2 can always be brought quickly and easily into an optimal position for the switched-on focal point.
  • the holder 26 for the diaphragm plate 21 can be replaced by a rail system, not shown here, with crossed rails which are mounted perpendicular to one another and are mutually displaceable. Even with such a structure the holder, which is preferably mounted perpendicular to the diaphragm plate 21, the diaphragm plate 21 can be made to be displaced along the straight line 17.
  • the lamp 31 and the mirror 32 mentioned in the description which, as already mentioned, are preferably attached to the primary beam diaphragm, serve to illuminate the recording field on the object table, which is then to be exposed by means of X-rays, before taking a picture.
  • the illuminated field makes it easier for the surgeon to place the x-ray object 37 in an optimal position on the object table 3.
  • the illuminated field is also an indication of the size and position of the exposure field.
  • the mirror 32 is then pushed aside in a known manner so that the beam path between the focal spot and the object is kept clear.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
  • X-Ray Techniques (AREA)

Abstract

The object (37) under examination is compressed between a plate (33) and the table (3) for irradiation with the prim. X-ray beam from the rotatable anode (4) which has two focal-spot tracks (6, 7) inclined at the same angle and impacted by electrons from four cathodes (8-11). The edges (34, 35) of the beam are defined by coarse and fine apertures (19, 22). The cathodes produce four focal spots (12-15) spaced apart on the anode rim and selected by straight-line movement of the screen (2) contg. the fine aperture (22), by means of the stepping motor (28) and a sighting lamp (31) and mirror (32). <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Röntgenuntersuchungsgerät mit einer Röntgenröhre umfassend einen Anodenteller mit wahlweise einschaltbaren Brennflecken, die derart angeordnet sind, dass sämtliche von einer gemeinsamen geraden Linie geschnitten werden, und mit einer verschiebbaren Primärstrahlenblende.The invention relates to an X-ray examination device with an X-ray tube comprising an anode plate with selectively switchable focal spots, which are arranged such that all are cut by a common straight line, and with a displaceable primary beam aperture.

Ein solches Röntgenuntersuchungsgerät ist in der DE-OS 3 136 806 beschrieben. Der Anodenteller in der Röntgenröhre, die um ihre eigene Achse drehbar ist, ist mit zwei unterschiedlich zur Tellerebene geneigten Brennfleckbahnen versehen. Die Röntgenröhre umfasst ausserdem zwei Kathoden, bei der jede Kathode auf jeweils eine Brennfleckbahn gerichtet ist. Mit Hilfe der Kathoden wird auf jeder Brennfleckbahn jeweils ein Brennfleck erzeugt, wobei der Brennfleck der einen Bahn z.B. grösser als der der anderen Bahn ist. Hierdurch kann der Operator diejenige Kathode bzw. denjenigen Brennfleck, die bzw. den er bei einer Untersuchung, z.B. bei einer Mammografieuntersuchung für am geeignetsten empfindet, einschalten. Da die Brennflecken mit einem bestimmten Abstand voneinander angebracht sind, muss bei einem Umschalten von dem einen zum anderen Brennfleck auch die Primärstrahlenblende verschoben werden, so dass der Röntgenstrahlenkegel gegen den Objekttisch gerichtet wird, d.h. genau das Röntgenfilmblatt, das in den bzw. unter den Objekttisch hineingeschoben ist, deckt. Beim Gegenstand der hier beschriebenen DE-OS ist die Primärstrahlenblende bzw. das Primärstrahlenblendengehäuse nur seitlich bis zu zwei Endlagen verschiebbar, wobei die Primärstrahlenblende in der einen Endlage in Bezug auf den einen Brennfleck und in der anderen Endlage in Bezug auf den anderen Brennfleck eingestellt ist. Bei diesem Röntgenuntersuchungsgerät ist nicht berücksichtigt worden, dass die erwähnten Brennflecken ausser in einem seitlichen Abstand voneinander am Anodenteller auch in der Höhe mit Abstand voneinander, d.h. mit verschiedenen Abständen zur Primärstrahlenblende bzw. zum Objekttisch, versetzt sind. Beim Umschalten zu einem Brennfleck, der der Primärstrahlenblende am nächsten liegt, kann es daher zu einer unerwünschten Ausbreitung des Röntgenstrahlenfeldes ausserhalb des Aufnahmegebietes führen.Such an X-ray examination device is described in DE-OS 3 136 806. The anode plate in the X-ray tube, which can be rotated about its own axis, is provided with two focal spot tracks that are inclined at different angles to the plate plane. The X-ray tube also comprises two cathodes, in which each cathode is directed to a focal spot path. With the aid of the cathodes, one focal spot is generated on each focal spot path, the focal spot of one path being, for example, larger than that of the other path. As a result, the operator can switch on the cathode or focal spot that he or she finds most suitable in an examination, for example in a mammography examination. Since the focal spots are attached at a certain distance from one another, when switching from one focal spot to the other, the primary beam aperture must also be shifted so that the X-ray cone is directed against the object table, i.e. exactly the X-ray film sheet that is in or under the object table is pushed in, covers. In the subject matter of the DE-OS described here, the primary radiation diaphragm or the primary radiation diaphragm housing can only be displaced laterally up to two end positions, the primary beam diaphragm being set in one end position in relation to one focal spot and in the other end position in relation to the other focal spot. With this X-ray examination device it has not been taken into account that the focal spots mentioned except at a lateral distance from one another on the anode plate are also offset in height from one another, ie at different distances from the primary beam diaphragm or the object table. When switching to a focal spot that is closest to the primary beam aperture, it can therefore lead to an undesirable spread of the X-ray field outside the recording area.

In dem Siemens-Prospekt "Mammomat" ist ein Mammografiegerät gezeigt. Dieses Gerät weist eine Röntgenröhre, die in Verbindung mit der DE-OS 3 136 806 beschrieben ist, auf. Das Gerät ist auch mit einem Primärstrahlenblendengehäuse versehen, das mittels Gelenkarmen in zwei Endlagen schwenkbar ist, wobei die Primärstrahlenblende in jeder Endlage an den aktuellen Fokuspunkt angepasst ist. Dadurch, dass das Primärstrahlenblendengehäuse bei einer Verschiebung von der einen zur anderen Endlage eine bogenförmige Bewegung beschreibt, wird es sowohl seitlich als auch in der Höhe verschoben. Auf diese Weise wird die Primärstrahlenblende für den Brennfleck, der dem Objekttisch am nächsten liegt, auch in der Höhe angepasst.A mammography device is shown in the Siemens brochure "Mammomat". This device has an X-ray tube, which is described in connection with DE-OS 3 136 806. The device is also provided with a primary radiation diaphragm housing which can be pivoted into two end positions by means of articulated arms, the primary beam diaphragm being adapted to the current focus point in each end position. Because the primary radiation diaphragm housing describes an arcuate movement when moving from one end position to the other, it is displaced both laterally and in height. In this way, the primary beam aperture for the focal spot that is closest to the object table is also adjusted in height.

In der deutschen noch nicht veröffentlichten Patentanmeldung 4 32 32298 ist eine Röntgenröhre mit einen Anodenteller, an dem vier Brennflecken mit Hilfe von gleich vielen Kathoden erzeugt werden können, beschrieben. Die Brennfleckbahnen des Anodentellers sind auf einer gemeinsamen zur Tellerebene geneigten Ebene aufgebracht, so dass sämtliche vier erzeugungsbare Brennflecken von einer gemeinsamen fiktiven geraden Linie, die entlang der geneigten Ebene verläuft, geschnitten werden. Eine Primärstrahlenblende, die in Verbindung mit dem im Siemens-Prospekt "Mammomat" beschriebenen Mammografiegerät verwendet wird, kann nicht in Verbindung mit demjenigen Anodenteller, der in der genannten deutschen noch nicht veröffentlichten Patentanmeldung beschrieben ist, benutzt werden, da diese Primärstrahlenblende lediglich in zwei Endlagen, die an jeweils einen Brennfleck angepasst sind, gebracht werden kann. Durch die bogenförmige Bewegung, die die Primärstrahlenblende bei einer Verschiebung von der einen zu der anderen Endlage beschreibt, gibt es zwischen den beiden Endlagen keine Lage, in der die Blende an einen weiteren erzeugungsbaren Brennfleck am Anodenteller angepasst werden kann, da sämtliche Brennflecken von einer gemeinsamen geraden Linie geschnitten werden.German patent application 4 32 32 298, which has not yet been published, describes an X-ray tube with an anode plate on which four focal spots can be produced with the aid of the same number of cathodes. The focal spot tracks of the anode plate are applied on a common plane inclined to the plate plane, so that all four focal spots that can be generated are cut by a common fictitious straight line that runs along the inclined plane. A primary radiation shield, which is used in conjunction with the mammography device described in the Siemens brochure "Mammomat", cannot be used in conjunction with the anode plate described in the German patent application which has not yet been published, since this primary radiation shield only has two end positions , which are adapted to a focal spot, can be brought. Due to the arcuate movement that the primary beam aperture when moving from the describes one to the other end position, there is no position between the two end positions in which the aperture can be adapted to another focal spot that can be generated on the anode plate, since all focal spots are cut by a common straight line.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Röntgenuntersuchungsgerät der eingangs genannten Art mit einer Primärstrahlenblende zu schaffen, die auf eine sehr einfache Weise derart verschoben werden kann, dass sie schnell in eine Lage gebracht wird, die an den aktuellen Brennfleck eines Anodentellers mit einer Anzahl solcher einschaltbaren Brennflecken angepasst ist.The invention has for its object to provide an X-ray examination apparatus of the type mentioned with a primary radiation diaphragm, which can be moved in a very simple manner so that it is quickly brought into a position that the current focal spot of an anode plate with a number of such switchable focal spots is adapted.

Diese Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemäss dadurch gelöst, dass die Primärstrahlenblende beim Umschalten von einem Brennfleck zum anderen entlang der geraden Linie verschoben wird. Hierdurch kann die Primärstrahlenblende, unabhängig von der Anzahl der Brennflecken immer in eine für den aktuellen Brennfleck optimale Lage gebracht werden. Auf diese Weise ist sichergestellt, dass die Lage und Grösse des Aufnahmefeldes immer dieselbe ist.This object is achieved according to the invention in that the primary beam diaphragm is shifted along the straight line when switching from one focal spot to the other. As a result, the primary beam aperture can always be brought into an optimal position for the current focal spot, regardless of the number of focal spots. This ensures that the position and size of the recording field is always the same.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausbildung der Erfindung wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Primärstrahlenblende an einer Halterung, die parallel zu der geraden Linie angeordnet ist, angebracht ist. Somit kann auf eine sehr einfache Weise eine Verschiebung der Primärstrahlenblende entlang der geraden Linie erfolgen.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the primary beam diaphragm is attached to a holder which is arranged parallel to the straight line. The primary beam diaphragm can thus be displaced along the straight line in a very simple manner.

Im Hinblick auf eine vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Verschiebung der Primärstrahlenblende mit Hilfe eines Motors, vorzugsweise eines Schrittmotors erfolgt. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass die Primärstrahlenblende bei einer Umschaltung von einem Brennfleck zu einem anderen auf eine einfache und unkomplizierte Weise in eine für den aktuellen Brennfleck optimale Lage gebracht werden kann.With regard to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the primary beam diaphragm be shifted with the aid of a motor, preferably a stepping motor. It is thereby achieved that the primary beam diaphragm can be brought into an optimal position for the current focal spot in a simple and uncomplicated manner when switching from one focal spot to another.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausbildung der Erfindung wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Primärstrahlenblende um eine Strecke verschoben wird, die dem Abstand zwischen den Brennflecken, zwischen denen die Umschaltung erfolgt, multipliziert mit einem Faktor entspricht, der derart gewählt ist, dass die Grösse der Aufnahmefläche beibehalten wird.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the primary beam aperture be shifted by a distance that corresponds to the distance between the focal spots between which the switchover takes place, multiplied by a factor that is selected in such a way that the size of the recording area is maintained .

Die Erfindung ist nachfolgend anhand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert.The invention is explained below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

Die FIG zeigt, etwas vereinfacht, ausgewählte Teile eines Mammografiegerätes, nämlich eine Röntgenröhre 1, eine Primärstrahlenblende 2 und einen Objekttisch 3, wobei der Abstand zwischen der Röntgenröhre 1 und dem Objekttisch 3 nicht massstäblich dargestellt ist. Die Röntgenröhre 1 ist von einem solchen Typ, der in dieser Anmeldung bereits in der abgehandelten noch nicht veröffentlichten deutschen Schrift 4 323 928 gezeigt und beschrieben ist. Die Röntgenröhre 1 umfasst dabei einen Anodenteller 4, der um seine eigene Achse 5 drehbar ist. Der Anodenteller 4 ist mit zwei Brennbleckbahnen 6 und 7 versehen, die auf einer gemeinsamen zur Tellerebene geneigten Ebene aufgebracht sind. Mit Hilfe von Kathoden 8 bis 11, die gegen die geneigte Tellerebene gerichtet sind, können vier Fokuspunkte 12 bis 15 mit Abstand voneinander auf der Tellerebene erzeugt werden. Wie in der FIG gezeigt ist, werden sämtliche erzeugungsbaren Brennflecken von einer gemeinsamen geraden Linie 17 geschnitten. Die Röntgenröhre 1 ist mit einer Öffnung 18 und einer festen Grobblende 19 versehen, die dazu dient, das von einem der Brennflecken 12 bis 15 erzeugte Röntgenstrahlenbündel zusammenzuhalten und dieses gegen den Objekttisch 3, in dem vor einer Aufnahme ein Röntgenfilmblatt 20 angebracht ist, zu richten.The FIG shows, somewhat simplified, selected parts of a mammography device, namely an X-ray tube 1, a primary radiation diaphragm 2 and an object table 3, the distance between the X-ray tube 1 and the object table 3 not being shown to scale. The x-ray tube 1 is of a type which is already shown and described in this application in the unpublished German publication 4,323,928. The x-ray tube 1 comprises an anode plate 4 which can be rotated about its own axis 5. The anode plate 4 is provided with two fuel sheet tracks 6 and 7, which are applied on a common plane inclined to the plate plane. With the help of cathodes 8 to 11, which are directed against the inclined plate plane, four focal points 12 to 15 can be generated at a distance from one another on the plate plane. As shown in the FIG, all focal spots that can be generated are intersected by a common straight line 17. The x-ray tube 1 is provided with an opening 18 and a fixed coarse aperture 19, which serves to hold together the x-ray beam generated by one of the focal spots 12 to 15 and to direct it against the object table 3, in which an x-ray film sheet 20 is attached before an exposure .

Die Röntgenprimärstrahlenblende 2, die dazu dient, die Röntgenstrahlen von der Röntgenröhre 1, d.h. von einer der Brennflecken 12, 13, 14 oder 15 abzublenden und diese fein einzustellen, besteht hier aus einer Platte 21 aus einem röntgenundurchlässigen Material mit einer annähernd quadratischen Öffnung 22. Die Platte 21 ist über eine Konsole 23 an einem Wagen 24 befestigt. Der Wagen 24 ist seinerseits über linearen Kugellagern 25 mit einer Halterung 26 verbunden und mittels dem Kugellager 25 entlang der Halterung 26 verschiebbar. Die Halterung 26, die über eine Befestigung 27 mit der Röhre 1 fest verbunden ist, ist derart abgewinkelt angebracht, dass sie mit der geraden Linie 17 parallel verläuft. An der Halterung 26 ist auch ein Schrittmotor 28, der eine Schraube 29 derart steuert, dass sie in ihre Längsrichtung verschoben wird, angebracht. Das freie Ende der Schraube 29 ist über ein langgestrecktes Teil 3 mit dem Wagen 24 verbunden. Die Primärstrahlenblende 2 ist ferner mit einer Lampe 31 und einem Spiegel 32, die vorzugsweise an der Konsole 23 bzw. an der Platte 21 befestigt sind, versehen. Die Aufgabe der Lampe 31 und des Spiegels wird später näher beschrieben.The x-ray primary radiation diaphragm 2, which serves to dazzle the x-rays from the x-ray tube 1, ie from one of the focal spots 12, 13, 14 or 15, and these fine To set, here consists of a plate 21 made of an X-ray-opaque material with an approximately square opening 22. The plate 21 is attached to a carriage 24 via a bracket 23. The carriage 24 is in turn connected to a holder 26 via linear ball bearings 25 and can be displaced along the holder 26 by means of the ball bearing 25. The bracket 26, which is fixedly connected to the tube 1 via a fastening 27, is angled in such a way that it runs parallel with the straight line 17. A stepper motor 28, which controls a screw 29 such that it is displaced in its longitudinal direction, is also attached to the holder 26. The free end of the screw 29 is connected to the carriage 24 via an elongated part 3. The primary beam diaphragm 2 is further provided with a lamp 31 and a mirror 32, which are preferably attached to the bracket 23 or to the plate 21. The task of the lamp 31 and the mirror will be described later.

Vor einer Röntgenuntersuchung einer Brust 37 eines Patienten wird diese am Objekttisch 3 plaziert. Danach wird die Brust 37 auf bekannte Weise mit Hilfe einer Kompressionsplatte 33 komprimiert. In diesem Ausführungsbeispiel soll dargestellt werden, dass die Kathode 8 der Röntgenröhre 1 einen Brennfleck 12 erzeugt, der seinerseits einen Röntgenstrahlenbündel, der für diese Untersuchung geeignet ist, gegen den Objekttisch 3 richtet. Mit Hilfe der Blendenöffnung 22 werden die Röntgenstrahlen derart abgegrenzt, dass sie innerhalb einer vorherbestimmten Fläche am Objekttisch 3 fallen. Das mittels der Blendenöffnung 22 abgegrenzte Strahlenfeld ist in der FIG mit geraden Linien mit den Bezugszeichen 34 und 35 markiert. Wenn der Arzt nun durch Beeinflussen der Kathode 10 stattdessen wählt, den Brennfleck 14 zu erzeugen, wird der Wagen 24 und damit die Blendenplatte 2 mit Hilfe des Motors 28, der Schraube 29 und dem Teil 30 entlang der Halterung 26 eine Strecke verschoben, die dem Abstand zwischen dem vorhin eingeschalteten Brennfleck 12 und dem Brennfleck 14, multipliziert mit einem Faktor entspricht, der derart gewählt ist, dass die Grösse der Aufnahmefläche am Objekttisch 3 beibehalten wird. Die neue Lage der Blendenplatte 21 bzw. des Wagens 24 wird mit strichpunktierten Linien gezeigt. Die Blendenöffnung 22 ist nun, indem die Halterung 26 mit der geraden Linie 17 parallel angeordnet ist, entlang der Linie 17 d.h. nach unten und seitlich verschoben, wobei die Verschiebung der Blendenplatte 21 etwas kürzer als der Abstand zwischen den Brennflecken 12 und 14 ist. Auf diese Weise wird, wie bereits beschrieben, die Aufnahmefläche am Objekttisch 3 beibehalten. Die Abgrenzungen des Strahlenfeldes nach dem Umschalten auf den Brennfleck 14 werden hier mit 34 und 36 bezeichnet.Before an X-ray examination of a patient's breast 37 is placed on the stage 3. The breast 37 is then compressed in a known manner using a compression plate 33. This exemplary embodiment is intended to show that the cathode 8 of the X-ray tube 1 generates a focal spot 12, which in turn directs an X-ray beam, which is suitable for this examination, against the object table 3. With the aid of the aperture 22, the X-rays are delimited in such a way that they fall within a predetermined area on the object table 3. The radiation field delimited by the aperture 22 is marked in the FIG with straight lines with the reference numerals 34 and 35. If, instead, the doctor chooses to generate the focal spot 14 by influencing the cathode 10, the carriage 24 and thus the diaphragm plate 2 is displaced a distance along the holder 26 by means of the motor 28, the screw 29 and the part 30, which the Distance between the previously activated focal spot 12 and the focal spot 14 multiplied by corresponds to a factor which is selected such that the size of the receiving surface on the object table 3 is maintained. The new position of the aperture plate 21 or the carriage 24 is shown with dash-dotted lines. The aperture 22 is now, since the holder 26 is arranged in parallel with the straight line 17, displaced downward and laterally along the line 17, the displacement of the aperture plate 21 being somewhat shorter than the distance between the focal spots 12 and 14. In this way, as already described, the receiving surface on the stage 3 is retained. The boundaries of the radiation field after switching to the focal spot 14 are denoted here by 34 and 36.

Bei einer Umschaltung von dem Brennfleck 14 auf einen weiteren gewünschten erzeugungsbaren Brennfleck 12, 13 oder 15, wird die Blendenöffnung 22, wie beschrieben, entlang der geraden Linie 17 verschoben, wobei die Blendenöffnung 22 immer in eine Lage gebracht wird, die für den eingeschalteten Brennfleck optimal ist. Der Schrittmotor 28, der den Wagen 24 für die Blendenplatte 21 verschiebt, so dass die Blendenplatte 21 beim Einschalten der gewünschten Brennflecken diese optimalen Lagen einnehmen, wird mittels eines bekannten und daher nicht näher gezeigten oder beschriebenen Mikroprozessors mit einem für diesen Zweck vorgesehenen Steuerprogramm gesteuert.When switching from the focal spot 14 to a further desired focal spot 12, 13 or 15 that can be produced, the aperture 22, as described, is shifted along the straight line 17, the aperture 22 always being brought into a position that is appropriate for the focal spot that is switched on is optimal. The stepper motor 28, which moves the carriage 24 for the diaphragm plate 21, so that the diaphragm plate 21 occupy these optimal positions when the desired focal spots are switched on, is controlled by means of a known and therefore not shown or described microprocessor with a control program provided for this purpose.

Durch die beschriebene Verschiebung der Primärstrahlenblende 2 kann, unabhängig von der Anzahl erzeugungsbarer Brennflecken auf einem Andodenteller der in dem Ausführungsbeispiel erwähnten Art, die Blende 2 immer schnell und einfach in eine für den eingeschalteten Brennpunkt optimale Lage gebracht werden.Through the described displacement of the primary beam diaphragm 2, regardless of the number of focal spots that can be generated on an andode plate of the type mentioned in the exemplary embodiment, the diaphragm 2 can always be brought quickly and easily into an optimal position for the switched-on focal point.

Die Halterung 26 für die Blendenplatte 21 kann durch ein hier nicht dargestelltes Schienensystem mit senkrecht zueinander angebrachten gekreuzten Schienen, die gegenseitig verschiebbar sind, ersetzt werden. Auch bei einem solchen Aufbau der Halterung, die vorzugsweise senkrecht zur Blendenplatte 21 angebracht ist, kann die Blendenplatte 21 dazu gebracht werden, entlang der geraden Linie 17 verschoben zu werden.The holder 26 for the diaphragm plate 21 can be replaced by a rail system, not shown here, with crossed rails which are mounted perpendicular to one another and are mutually displaceable. Even with such a structure the holder, which is preferably mounted perpendicular to the diaphragm plate 21, the diaphragm plate 21 can be made to be displaced along the straight line 17.

Die in der Beschreibung erwähnte Lampe 31 und der Spiegel 32, die wie bereits erwähnt, vorzugsweise an der Primärstrahlenblende befestigt sind, dienen dazu, vor einer Aufnahme das Aufnahmefeld am Objekttisch, das danach mittels Röntgenstrahlen belichtet werden soll, zu erleuchten. Durch das erleuchtete Feld ist es für den Operateur einfacher, das Röntgenobjekt 37 in eine optimale Lage am Objekttisch 3 zu plazieren. Das erleuchtete Feld ist auch eine Anzeige der Grösse und Lage des Aufnahmefeldes. Der Spiegel 32 wird danach auf bekannte Weise zur Seite geschoben, damit der Strahlengang zwischen dem Brennfleck und dem Objekt freigehalten wird.The lamp 31 and the mirror 32 mentioned in the description, which, as already mentioned, are preferably attached to the primary beam diaphragm, serve to illuminate the recording field on the object table, which is then to be exposed by means of X-rays, before taking a picture. The illuminated field makes it easier for the surgeon to place the x-ray object 37 in an optimal position on the object table 3. The illuminated field is also an indication of the size and position of the exposure field. The mirror 32 is then pushed aside in a known manner so that the beam path between the focal spot and the object is kept clear.

BezugszeichenlisteReference list

11
RöntgenröhreX-ray tube
22nd
PrimärstrahlenblendePrimary aperture
33rd
ObjekttischObject table
44th
AnodentellerAnode plate
55
Achseaxis
6, 76, 7
BrennfleckbahnFocal spot
8, 9, 10, 118, 9, 10, 11
Kathodecathode
12, 13, 14, 1512, 13, 14, 15
BrennfleckFocal spot
1717th
gerade Liniestraight line
18, 2218, 22
Öffnung, BlendenöffnungOpening, aperture
1919th
GrobblendeRough aperture
2020th
RöntgenfilmblattX-ray film sheet
2121
Platte, BlendenplattePlate, aperture plate
2323
Konsoleconsole
2424th
Wagendare
2525th
Kugellagerball-bearing
2626
Halterungbracket
2727
BefestigungAttachment
2828
SchrittmotorStepper motor
2929
Schraubescrew
3030th
Teilpart
3131
Lampelamp
3232
Spiegelmirror
3333
KompressionsplatteCompression plate
34, 35, 3634, 35, 36
StrahlenfeldabgrenzungRadiation field delimitation
3737
Brust, RöntgenobjektChest, x-ray object

Claims (4)

Röntgenuntersuchungsgerät mit einer Röntgenröhre umfassend einen Anodenteller mit wahlweise einschaltbaren Brennflecken, die derart angeordnet sind, dass sämtliche von einer gemeinsamen geraden Linie geschnitten werden, und mit einer Primärstrahlenblende, dadurch gekennzeichnet dass die Primärstrahlenblende (2) beim Umschalten von einem Brennfleck (12 bis 15) zum anderen entlang der geraden Linie (17) verschoben wird.X-ray examination apparatus with an X-ray tube comprising an anode plate with focal spots that can be switched on, which are arranged in such a way that all are intersected by a common straight line, and with a primary beam aperture, characterized in that the primary radiation aperture (2) when switching from a focal spot (12 to 15) on the other hand is moved along the straight line (17). Röntgenuntersuchungsgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Primärstrahlenblende (2) an einer Halterung (26), die parallel zu der geraden Linie (17) angeordnet ist, angebracht ist.X-ray examination apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary radiation diaphragm (2) is attached to a holder (26) which is arranged parallel to the straight line (17). Röntgenuntersuchungsgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verschiebung der Primärstrahlenblende (2) mit Hilfe eines Motors (28), vorzugsweise eines Schrittmotors erfolgt.X-ray examination apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the displacement of the primary beam diaphragm (2) is carried out with the aid of a motor (28), preferably a stepper motor. Röntgenuntersuchungsgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Primärstrahlenblende 2 um eine Strecke verschoben wird, die dem Abstand zwischen den Brennflecken (12 bis 15), zwischen denen die Umschaltung erfolgt, multipliziert mit einem Faktor entspricht, der derart gewählt ist, dass die Grösse der Aufnahmefläche beibehalten wird.X-ray examination apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the primary radiation diaphragm 2 is displaced by a distance which corresponds to the distance between the focal spots (12 to 15) between which the switching takes place, multiplied by a factor which is selected in this way that the size of the receiving area is maintained.
EP95105219A 1994-06-02 1995-04-06 X-ray diagnostic apparatus having a plurality of focal points and a movable primary collimator Expired - Lifetime EP0685200B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9401904 1994-06-02
SE9401904A SE9401904D0 (en) 1994-06-02 1994-06-02 Radiographic Unit

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EP0685200A1 true EP0685200A1 (en) 1995-12-06
EP0685200B1 EP0685200B1 (en) 2002-08-28

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EP (1) EP0685200B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3764510B2 (en)
DE (1) DE59510340D1 (en)
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SE (1) SE9401904D0 (en)

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WO2000013189A1 (en) * 1998-08-28 2000-03-09 Elekta Ab (Publ) Collimator for radiotherapy apparatus
EP1623672A1 (en) * 2004-08-04 2006-02-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft X-ray apparatus, in particular for a device for x-ray mammography

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US7330529B2 (en) * 2004-04-06 2008-02-12 General Electric Company Stationary tomographic mammography system
US8284894B2 (en) * 2008-03-31 2012-10-09 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Fast tomosynthesis scanner apparatus and CT-based method based on rotational step-and-shoot image acquistion without focal spot motion during continuous tube movement for use in cone-beam volume CT mammography imaging

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US5844962A (en) * 1996-03-07 1998-12-01 U.S. Philips Corporation X-ray examination apparatus with an X-ray source and a diaphragm unit connected thereto
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EP1623672A1 (en) * 2004-08-04 2006-02-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft X-ray apparatus, in particular for a device for x-ray mammography

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5544216A (en) 1996-08-06
FI952725A (en) 1995-12-03
JPH07327966A (en) 1995-12-19
DE59510340D1 (en) 2002-10-02
SE9401904D0 (en) 1994-06-02
JP3764510B2 (en) 2006-04-12
FI952725A0 (en) 1995-06-02
EP0685200B1 (en) 2002-08-28
FI116193B (en) 2005-10-14

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