JP2007296085A - Radiography equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promptly change the position of an X-ray emission part and switch the posture of an X-ray imaging unit for radiography equipment in which the X-ray imaging unit composed by installing the X-ray emission part and an imaging part facing it on a support frame is supported by a base freely turnably around a horizontal fulcrum and the X-ray emission part is configured to be moved away from/closer to the imaging part, and to manufacture it at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: A guide means for straightly movably supporting the X-ray emission part 12 and a counter weight 24 to be moved in an opposite direction linked with the movement of the X-ray emission part 12 are installed, and the X-ray emission part 12 is configured to be manually movable. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus configured to be able to perform supine imaging and standing imaging.

As the X-ray imaging apparatus, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an X-ray imaging unit in which an X-ray irradiation unit and an imaging unit facing the X-ray irradiation unit are mounted on a support frame is provided around a horizontal fulcrum. The X-ray imaging unit is supported by the base so that it can rotate freely, the X-ray imaging unit is rotated in a vertical orientation, and the X-ray irradiating unit is opposed to the horizontal imaging unit from above. The X-ray irradiating unit is configured to perform vertical imaging by turning the X-ray irradiating unit from the front to the imaging unit in the vertical position and rotating the X-ray irradiating unit with respect to the imaging unit according to imaging conditions. In other words, a configuration that can be moved far and near is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-191588 A

  In the disclosed X-ray imaging apparatus, the X-ray irradiation unit is configured to move using an electric drive mechanism, and the position of the center of gravity of the entire X-ray imaging unit varies due to the movement of the X-ray irradiation unit. As a result, the moment around the horizontal fulcrum of the X-ray imaging unit changes greatly, and a large operating torque is required to adjust the rotation around the horizontal fulcrum of the X-ray imaging unit, and an electric drive mechanism is used.

  As a result, two electric drive mechanisms are required for moving the X-ray irradiator and for rotating the X-ray imaging unit, resulting in high manufacturing costs. In addition, since the electric drive mechanism incorporates speed reduction means, there is a problem that the operation speed is relatively slow, and it takes time to change the position and change the posture.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such a situation, and an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of promptly changing the position of the X-ray irradiation unit and switching the posture of the X-ray imaging unit can be manufactured at low cost. The purpose is to do so.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an X-ray imaging unit having an X-ray irradiation unit and an imaging unit facing the X-ray irradiation unit mounted on a support frame is supported on a base so as to be rotatable around a horizontal fulcrum. In an X-ray imaging apparatus configured to be capable of moving near and far with respect to the imaging unit,
Equipped with guide means for supporting the X-ray irradiation unit so as to be linearly movable, and a counterweight that moves in the opposite direction in conjunction with the movement of the X-ray irradiation unit, so that the X-ray irradiation unit can be moved manually. It is characterized by being.

  According to the above configuration, the distance from the imaging unit can be quickly changed by manually moving the X-ray irradiation unit lightly. Since the counterweight moves backward as the X-ray irradiation unit moves, setting the counterweight to the same weight as the X-ray irradiation unit sets the X-ray irradiation unit and the counterweight regardless of the movement of the X-ray irradiation unit. Is maintained at a fixed distance from the horizontal fulcrum. Therefore, by balancing the weight of the X-ray irradiation unit and the counterweight, the weight of the support frame, and the weight of the imaging unit, the rotational moment around the horizontal fulcrum of the X-ray imaging unit is made zero or extremely small. The X-ray imaging unit can be manually and quickly rotated around the horizontal fulcrum with a small operating torque when switching between the supine position photographing and the standing position photographing. Moreover, even if the drive is rotated, a small output electric drive mechanism is sufficient.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The X-ray imaging unit is supported by a base so that it can be manually rotated around a horizontal fulcrum.

  According to the above configuration, an electric drive mechanism for driving and rotating the X-ray imaging unit is not necessary, and the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced.

According to a third invention, in the first invention,
A lock mechanism for preventing the movement of the X-ray irradiation unit is provided.

  According to the above configuration, accurate X-ray imaging can be performed without improperly moving the X-ray irradiation unit during imaging.

According to a fourth invention, in the third invention,
The lock mechanism is configured to engage and fix the X-ray irradiation unit at a plurality of predetermined positions.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to perform X-ray imaging with high accuracy by performing X-ray irradiation from a distance suitable for imaging conditions.

A fifth invention is the above first to fourth invention,
The imaging unit is a flat panel detector.

  According to the said structure, a picked-up image can be monitored in real time with a small imaging part, and the condition of the affected part of a subject can be grasped accurately.

A sixth invention is the above-described first to fourth invention,
The imaging unit is a Bucky imaging device capable of mounting a cassette having a film or an imaging plate inserted therein.

  According to the said structure, a picked-up image can be obtained with a film or an imaging plate.

A seventh invention is the invention according to any one of the first to sixth inventions,
The support frame is divided into an X-ray irradiation support part, which is a part in which the X-ray irradiation part is movably equipped, and an imaging support part, which is a part in which the imaging part is equipped. The unit is bent in a direction different from the direction in which the X-ray irradiation unit mounted on the X-ray irradiation support unit moves and is connected to the imaging unit, and the horizontal fulcrum is connected to the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray irradiation unit. It is characterized in that the photographing support part is in a position shifted in a bent direction with respect to a central axis that connects the centers of the opposed imaging parts.

  According to the above configuration, the horizontal fulcrum is at a position shifted in the direction in which the imaging support unit is bent with respect to the central axis connecting the centers of the X-ray irradiation unit and the imaging unit facing the X-ray irradiation unit. The X-ray irradiation support unit including the X-ray irradiation unit and the imaging unit generate a force that acts in the opposite direction to the force that the imaging support unit acts about the horizontal fulcrum. Therefore, even when the imaging support portion of the support frame has a shape bent in a direction different from the direction in which the X-ray irradiation portion mounted on the X-ray irradiation support portion moves, the balance can be maintained. Since the photographing support portion of the frame is bent, photographing in various photographing positions can be performed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of quickly changing the position of the X-ray irradiation unit and switching the posture of the X-ray imaging unit can be manufactured at low cost.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal side view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention. This X-ray imaging apparatus is configured such that an X-ray imaging unit 2 is rotatably supported around a horizontal fulcrum X on a front surface of a base 1 installed and erected on a floor surface.

  The base 1 is equipped with a fulcrum bracket 4 that can move up and down via a guide rail 3 that is fixed vertically, and a fulcrum shaft that is supported by the fulcrum bracket 4 so as to be rotatable around the horizontal fulcrum X. An X-ray imaging unit 2 is attached to the front end of 5.

  A drive sprocket 6 and an idle sprocket 7 are disposed at the lower and upper portions of the base 1, and the fulcrum bracket 4 is connected to a chain 8 wound around the drive sprocket 6. The drive sprocket 6 is pivotally mounted on a speed reducer 10 that is belt-linked to an electric motor 9. The chain 8 is rotated forward and backward by the electric motor 9, and the fulcrum bracket 4 moves up and down. The imaging unit 2 is driven up and down.

  The X-ray imaging unit 2 is equipped with a support frame 11 connected and fixed to the front end portion of the fulcrum shaft 5, an X-ray irradiation unit 12 equipped on one end side of the support frame 11, and the other end portion of the support frame 11. And an imaging unit 13 using a flat panel detector (FPD). Further, as shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support frame 11 is provided with an X-ray irradiation support unit 40, which is a portion in which the X-ray irradiation unit 12 is movably mounted, and an imaging unit 13. It is divided into a photographing support portion 41 which is a portion that is present. Further, the X-ray irradiation support part 40 and the imaging support part 41 are separated by the fulcrum shaft 5 connected to the support frame 11. Further, the imaging support unit 41 is bent in a direction different from the direction in which the X-ray irradiation unit 12 mounted on the X-ray irradiation support unit 40 moves (in a U-shape recessed on the left side in FIG. 2). It is connected to the imaging unit 13.

  Furthermore, the central axis J that connects the centers of the X-ray irradiation unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 facing the X-ray irradiation unit 12 is the same as the central axis of the X-ray irradiation support unit 40 in the direction in which the X-ray irradiation unit 12 moves linearly. On the axis. The horizontal fulcrum X is a direction in which the imaging support unit 41 is bent with respect to a central axis J connecting the centers of the X-ray irradiation unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 facing the X-ray irradiation unit 12 (left side shown in FIG. 2). Therefore, the X-ray irradiation support unit 40 including the X-ray irradiation unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 have a force that acts in the opposite direction to the force that the imaging support unit 41 acts about the horizontal fulcrum X. Will occur. Therefore, even when the imaging support part 41 of the support frame 11 has a shape bent in a direction different from the direction in which the X-ray irradiation part 12 mounted on the X-ray irradiation support part 40 moves, as shown in FIG. It is configured so that a balance can be achieved in a state where photographing can be performed in the lying position as shown in FIG. 2 and in the standing position as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the support frame 11 at the position where the X-ray irradiation unit 12 moves to the left and right as shown in FIG. 2B, the imaging support unit 41 is the direction in which the X-ray irradiation unit 12 moves. Since the subject M is bent in a different direction (upper side), the subject M is placed in a position that does not hinder imaging in the standing state, and is also shown in FIG. 2 (b). In the state of the supporting frame 11, the transmission bed 37 shown in FIG. 2A is provided, and the subject M can be placed on the transmission bed 37 so that the subject M can be photographed in the lying position. In this way, the photographing support portion 41 of the support frame 11 is bent, so that photographing with various photographing positions can be performed.

  The X-ray irradiation unit 12 is configured by mounting an X-ray tube 15 and a collimator 16 on a movable table 14 mounted on the support frame 11. By moving the movable table 14 in the longitudinal direction of the support frame 11, The distance (SID) between the imaging unit 13 and the X-ray tube 15 can be changed.

  The support frame 11 is provided with a guide rail 17 along its longitudinal direction, and the movable base 14 is mounted and supported on the guide rail 17 via, for example, two ball-type linear bearings 18. A pair of toothed pulleys 19, 20 are provided near the fulcrum and one end of the support frame 11 so as to be freely rotatable, and the toothed belt 21 is wound around the toothed pulleys 19, 20 so as not to slip. The movable table 14 is connected to the main body. Note that the movable table 14, the guide rail 17, the linear bearing 18, and the toothed belt 21 described above correspond to the guide means in the present invention.

  A weight rail 22 is provided on the support frame 11 in parallel with the guide rail 17, and a counterweight 24 mounted on the weight rail 22 via a ball-type linear bearing 23 is connected to the toothed belt 21. The X-ray irradiator 12 and the counterweight 24 are configured to move in opposite directions by the rotation of the toothed belt 21.

  The counterweight 24 has a weight equal to the weight of the X-ray irradiation unit 12 and can be moved lightly by hand, and the X-ray irradiation can be performed regardless of the position change of the X-ray irradiation unit 12. The position of the center of gravity of the portion 12 and the counterweight is always maintained at a certain distance from the horizontal fulcrum X.

  Further, the center of gravity of the X-ray imaging unit 2 as a whole is positioned on or near the horizontal fulcrum X depending on the weight settings of the support frame 11, the X-ray irradiation unit 12, the counterway 24, the imaging unit 13, and other components. The X-ray imaging unit 2 can be manually rotated lightly around the horizontal fulcrum X.

  The X-ray irradiation unit 12 is provided with a handle 25 for hand movement, and the distance (SID) between the X-ray tube 15 and the imaging unit 13 can be switched and adjusted in three stages (for example, 180 cm, 120 cm, and 100 cm). A lock mechanism 26 is provided for fixing the movable table 14 at three positions in the moving direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the lock mechanism 26 is configured in a pin lock system in which a lock pin 27 provided on the movable base 14 so as to be slidable back and forth is selectively engaged with a plurality of lock holes 28 formed in the support frame 11. Yes. The lock pin 27 is slid and biased in the locking direction by a spring 29, and a guide pin 30 projects from the outer periphery thereof. On the other hand, a hook-shaped guide groove 32 for engaging the guide pin 30 is formed in the boss portion 31 through which the lock pin 27 is inserted and supported, and the lock pin 27 is pulled out forward against the spring 29 and then rotated. The unlocked state can be maintained by moving and engaging with the flange portion of the guide groove 32. The tip end portion of the lock pin 27 is formed in a tapered shape, and the lock hole 28 is also formed in a tapered hole, so that a locked state without backlash can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the support frame 11 is provided with a rotation lock mechanism 33 for fixing the support frame 11 at two positions of a vertical posture and a horizontal posture. The rotation lock mechanism 33 is configured in a pin lock system in which a lock pin 34 provided on the support frame 11 so as to be slidable back and forth is selectively engaged with two lock holes 35 formed in the flange portion 4 a of the fulcrum bracket 4. Yes. The lock pin 34 is slid and biased in the locking direction by a spring 36. The support frame 11 is rotated in a state in which the lock pin 34 is pulled forward against the spring 36 and unlocked, and then the lock pin 34 is moved. The frame continues to rotate while being freely received by the flange portion 4a. When a predetermined rotation lock position is reached, the lock pin 34 is automatically urged into the lock hole 35 by the spring 36. .

  The X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention is configured as described above, and the lock of the rotation lock mechanism 33 is released, and the X-ray imaging unit 2 is manually rotated around the horizontal fulcrum X, and FIG. ), The support frame 11 is rotated to the vertical orientation, the imaging unit 13 is set to the upward horizontal orientation, and the subject M is lying down on the translucent bed 37 that has been carried in. It can be carried out. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the support frame 11 is rotated to the horizontal posture, and the imaging unit 13 is set to the vertical posture, so that the subject M is standing on the floor surface. It can be carried out. In imaging in each form, the X-ray irradiation unit 12 is manually moved, and the distance between the X-ray tube 12 and the imaging unit 13 is switched and selected in three stages according to imaging conditions. Further, in the standing position imaging, the X-ray imaging unit 2 is driven up and down according to the height of the imaging region.

  Since the horizontal fulcrum X is at a position shifted in the direction in which the imaging support unit 41 is bent with respect to the central axis J connecting the centers of the X-ray irradiating unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 opposed thereto, X The X-ray irradiation support unit 40 including the line irradiation unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 generate a force that acts in the opposite direction to the force that the imaging support unit 41 acts about the horizontal fulcrum X. Therefore, even when the imaging support section 41 of the support frame 11 is bent in a direction different from the direction in which the X-ray irradiation section 12 mounted on the X-ray irradiation support section 40 moves, the balance can be maintained. As described above, since the photographing support portion 41 of the support frame 11 is bent, photographing in various photographing positions can be performed.

  The present invention can also be implemented in the following forms.

  (1) The X-ray imaging unit 2 may be driven and rotated around the horizontal fulcrum X by a driving mechanism using an electric motor. In this case, the X-ray imaging unit 2 is balanced in rotation and can be quickly rotated even with a small operation torque. Therefore, the electric motor used for the electric drive mechanism may be a small and small output motor. This configuration is more expensive than the manual operation type, but can be manufactured at a lower cost than a conventional electric drive mechanism.

  (2) As the imaging unit 13, a Bucky imaging apparatus capable of mounting a cassette with a film or an imaging plate inserted can be used.

  (3) Since the lock pin 27 of the lock mechanism 26 is structured to be retracted and retracted by an electromagnetic solenoid, the lock and unlock operations can be performed lightly and quickly by a switch operation.

  (4) As shown in FIG. 4, if the lock mechanism 26 is configured to be frictionally fixed by tightening a lock bolt 38 with a handle as shown in FIG. 4, the X-ray irradiation unit 12 can be moved steplessly at an arbitrary moving position. Can be fixed.

  (5) X-ray imaging only when a lock confirmation lamp that detects and displays the vertical position, rotation posture, and lock state of the movable base 14 with a limit switch or the like, and when all the locks are made. It is desirable to provide an interlock means that makes it possible to execute image blurring in order to prevent camera shake.

  (6) Three lock holes 28 are provided in the support frame 11 so that the distance (SID) between the X-ray tube 15 and the imaging unit 13 can be switched and adjusted in three stages (for example, 180 cm, 120 cm, and 100 cm). Although the base 14 is fixed at three places in the moving direction, the movable base 14 is fixed in the moving direction by providing lock holes 28 at any one place of the support frame 11 or at a plurality of places other than the three places. You may make it fix to a predetermined location.

Longitudinal side view of X-ray equipment Front view showing the standing position (a) and the standing position (b) Longitudinal side view (a) and external plan view (b) of the locking mechanism Vertical sectional side view showing a lock mechanism of another embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Base 2 ... X-ray imaging unit 11 ... Support frame 12 ... X-ray irradiation part 13 ... Imaging part 14 ... Movable stand (guide means)
17 ... Guide rail (guide means)
18… Linear bearing (guide means)
21 ... Toothed belt (guide means)
24 ... Counterweight 26 ... Lock mechanism 40 ... X-ray irradiation support part 41 ... Imaging support part J ... Center axis X ... Horizontal fulcrum

Claims (7)

  An X-ray imaging unit having an X-ray irradiation unit and an imaging unit facing the X-ray irradiation unit mounted on a support frame is supported on a base so as to be rotatable around a horizontal fulcrum, and the X-ray irradiation unit is supported with respect to the imaging unit. In the X-ray imaging apparatus configured to be capable of moving near and far, the X-ray irradiation unit is equipped with guide means for supporting the X-ray irradiation unit so as to be linearly movable, and a counterweight that moves in the reverse direction in conjunction with the movement of the X-ray irradiation unit, An X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the X-ray irradiation unit is configured to be manually movable.   2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray imaging unit is supported on the base so as to be manually rotatable about a horizontal fulcrum.   3. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism that prevents movement of the X-ray irradiation unit.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the lock mechanism engages and fixes the X-ray irradiation unit at a plurality of predetermined positions.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the imaging unit is a flat panel detector.   5. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is a Bucky imaging apparatus capable of mounting a cassette having a film or an imaging plate inserted therein. X-ray equipment. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support frame is an X-ray irradiation support unit that is a portion in which the X-ray irradiation unit is movably mounted, and the imaging unit. Is divided into an imaging support portion that is a portion equipped with, and the imaging support portion is bent in a direction different from a direction in which the X-ray irradiation portion mounted on the X-ray irradiation support portion moves. The horizontal fulcrum is connected to the imaging unit, and the horizontal fulcrum is shifted in a direction in which the imaging support unit is bent with respect to a central axis connecting the centers of the X-ray irradiation unit and the imaging unit facing the X-ray irradiation unit. An X-ray imaging apparatus characterized in that there is.

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