JP2010273827A - Movable x-ray equipment and method for x-ray photographing of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide small-sized and lightweight X-ray equipment and its method for X-ray photographing, where the electric power capacity of battery (an electric power accumulator) is increased. <P>SOLUTION: The movable X-ray equipment includes an equipment body 1, a carriage 4 to carry the equipment body 1, an X-ray generator 2 with an X-ray tube for generating X ray, an arm 5 to support the X-ray generator 2, a support 6 to support the arm 5, and an electric power accumulator to supply electric power to the X-ray tube. The electric power accumulator includes a first battery to supply the X-ray tube with electric current necessary for X-ray irradiation, and a second battery to charge the first battery. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus that moves inside a hospital and performs X-ray imaging, and an imaging method for the mobile X-ray apparatus.

  The mobile X-ray apparatus is mainly used for X-ray imaging of a subject by moving in a hospital. A mobile X-ray apparatus mainly includes a main body having a battery (power storage unit), a carriage, an X-ray tube, an X-ray generation unit that irradiates a subject with X-rays, and an X-ray tube. A high voltage generator for supplying a high voltage and a support mechanism for movably supporting the X-ray tube on the main body (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-309911 A

  At the time of imaging, it is necessary to move the mobile X-ray apparatus to a place with many obstacles such as a bed and a drip stand, and it is necessary to downsize the entire mobile X-ray apparatus. On the other hand, there is a demand to support X-ray imaging of subjects with different physiques. For example, when X-ray imaging is performed on a subject with a large body, a larger dose is required than with a subject with a small body, and the tube voltage of the X-ray tube needs to be increased.

  However, if the power capacity output from the mobile X-ray apparatus is increased in order to increase the tube voltage of the X-ray tube, the power consumption of the battery increases. As a result, the number of shots that can be taken with a single battery charge is reduced. Also, the mobile X-ray device cannot be used during the time when the battery is charged.

  As a method for solving this problem, a method of increasing the number of the same type of batteries can be considered. However, the method of increasing the number of the same type of batteries increases the number of mobile X-ray devices that are loaded, leading to an increase in size and weight. In addition, the increase in size and weight leads to an increase in the power consumption of the wheel drive unit of the cart of the mobile X-ray apparatus, so it is necessary to further increase the battery. Therefore, the subject which causes further enlargement and weight increase arises.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile X-ray apparatus and an imaging method for the mobile X-ray apparatus in which the enlargement of the apparatus is suppressed and the power capacity of the battery is increased.

  To achieve the above object, a main body, a carriage on which the main body is mounted, an X-ray generation unit having an X-ray tube that generates X-rays, an arm that supports the X-ray generation unit, and a support for the arm And a power storage unit that supplies power to the X-ray tube, the power storage unit supplying a current required for X-ray exposure to the X-ray tube. 1 battery and a second battery for charging the first battery.

  In addition, the mobile X-ray apparatus has an imaging method in which electric power is supplied from the outside of the mobile X-ray apparatus, charging one battery, charging the other battery with the one battery, and the other A current supplied from the battery is supplied to the X-ray tube, and X-ray imaging is performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while suppressing the enlargement of an apparatus, the electric power capacity of a battery can be enlarged.

1 is a schematic view showing a mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention. The figure which shows the form of a movable aperture | diaphragm | squeeze part and case of this invention. The figure which shows the internal structure of the mobile X-ray apparatus of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a power storage unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an auxiliary charging operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the internal structure of the electric power storage part by Example 2 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a power storage unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a power storage unit according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows an overview of the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows forms of the movable aperture portion and the case. FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the mobile X-ray apparatus.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the mobile X-ray apparatus has a main body 1, an X-ray tube 20 that generates X-rays, an X-ray generator 2 that generates X-rays, and X-ray irradiation. It has an X-ray movable diaphragm 3 that adjusts the field. The main body 1 is fixed on the carriage 4 and has an operation handle 8 for an operator to operate the movement of the mobile X-ray apparatus. Further, the X-ray generator 2 is supported by the arm 5. The arm 5 is supported by a column 6 installed on the carriage 4 so as to be slidable in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the carriage 4 includes a wheel 7, a wheel lock unit 70 that brakes the wheel 7, and a wheel drive unit 71 (for example, a motor) for rotating and driving the wheel 7. have.

  Further, the main body 1 is connected to the X-ray tube 20 in the X-ray generation unit 2 and is connected to the rotary anode driving unit 22 for driving the rotary anode of the X-ray tube 20 and the high voltage generation unit in the X-ray generation unit 2 A high voltage control unit 23 that controls the high voltage generation unit 21, a filament control unit 24 that is connected to the X-ray tube 20 and heats the filament of the X-ray tube 20, and the outside of the mobile X-ray apparatus The electric power supplied from the electric power storage unit 25 is stored, and the electric power storage unit 25 supplies electric power to each component.

  Further, the main body 1 includes a control unit 90 that controls each component and an operation unit 26 that is connected to the control unit 90 and operates each component. In the operation unit 26, for example, X-ray imaging conditions for the X-ray tube 20 can be set.

  Although not shown, the mobile X-ray apparatus has an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject. The X-ray detection unit is, for example, a CR device or a flat panel detector (FPD). The main body 1 includes an image reading unit that reads out latent images accumulated in the X-ray detection unit as image data, an image processing unit that performs image processing on the X-ray signal output from the image reading unit, and an image processing unit An image storage unit that stores the X-ray image output from the display unit, and a display unit that displays the X-ray image.

(Wheel)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the operation handle 8 has a movement switch (not shown) for controlling the wheel lock unit 70 and the wheel drive unit 71 of the wheel 7. The movement switch of the operation handle 8 is connected to the wheel lock unit 70 and the wheel drive unit 71, and the state (ON / OFF) of the movement switch is transmitted. When moving the mobile X-ray apparatus, the operator holds the operation handle 8 and presses the movement switch. When the movement switch is pressed, the brake of the wheel 7 by the wheel lock unit 70 is released, and the wheel 7 is driven by the wheel drive unit 71. When the mobile X-ray apparatus is stopped, the operator releases the operation handle 8 and releases the movement switch. When the movement switch is released, the wheel 7 is braked by the wheel lock unit 70.

(X-ray generator)
An X-ray generator 2 and an X-ray movable diaphragm 3 are installed at the tip of the arm 5. In the X-ray generator 2, an X-ray tube 20 is installed together with a high voltage generator 21. The X-ray generation unit 2 includes an X-ray tube 20 and generates X-rays according to the X-ray imaging conditions set by the operation unit 26. The X-ray tube 20 includes a cathode that emits a thermionic beam from a filament supplied with a predetermined current by the filament control unit 24, and a rotating anode that has a target that collides the thermionic beam emitted by the cathode. Have. A tube voltage is applied to the cathode and rotating anode of the X-ray tube 20 by the high voltage controller 23 and the high voltage generator 21 in order to accelerate thermionic electrons emitted from the cathode. The thermoelectrons emitted from the filament by the applied tube voltage are accelerated before reaching the rotating anode, and the thermoelectrons collide with the rotating anode, so that X-rays can be generated.

  Under the control of the rotating anode drive unit 22, the rotating anode is structured to rotate at high speed or low speed, and the actual area of the anode colliding with the thermoelectrons is increased by moving the portion that collides with the thermoelectrons and becomes high temperature. To do. Therefore, a large tube current can flow through the X-ray tube 20. The X-ray movable diaphragm 3 is rotatably mounted immediately below the X-ray generator 2 (X-ray irradiation side). The X-ray movable diaphragm 3 has two pairs of movable restriction blades, and adjusts the X-ray irradiation field by opening and closing each pair of movable restriction blades. The X-ray generation unit 2 and the X-ray movable diaphragm 3 are moved to predetermined positions at the time of X-ray imaging by rotation of the support 6, raising / lowering along the support 6, and expansion / contraction of the arm 5. After the X-ray imaging is completed, the X-ray generator 2 and the X-ray movable diaphragm 3 are moved to a predetermined position (home position) by the rotation of the support 6, the lifting / lowering along the support 6, and the extension / contraction of the arm 5.

(X-ray movable diaphragm)
As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray movable diaphragm 3 is provided with an operation unit on the front surface of a box-shaped case 30 opened at the bottom. The operation section includes operation knobs 31A and 31B for controlling the movable restricting blades, an X-ray imaging condition setting unit 32, an X-ray imaging condition / distance indicator 33A and 33B, and an X-ray imaging condition display / distance display selector switch 34. A cart forward switch 35A, a cart reverse switch 35B, and an illumination switch 36 are provided. By rotating the operation knobs 31A and 31B, the two pairs of movable restriction blades are opened and closed. The X-ray imaging condition setting unit 32 sets X-ray imaging conditions. As X-ray imaging conditions, the tube voltage and mAs value (product of tube current and X-ray irradiation time) of the X-ray tube 20 are usually used. Here, the tube voltage and mAs value are adjusted by pressing the “+” and “-” buttons on the operation unit. The tube voltage is displayed on the display 33A, and the mAs value is displayed on the display 33B. The cart forward / reverse switches 35A and 35B are connected to the wheel lock unit 70 and the wheel drive unit 71, and the state of the cart forward / reverse switch is transmitted. By operating the trolley forward / reverse switches 35A and 35B, the wheel 7 of the trolley 4 is braked by the wheel lock portion 70 and driven by the wheel drive portion 71 to advance the mobile X-ray device itself (trolley 4).・ Can be retreated. When the operator presses the cart forward / reverse switch 35A, 35B, the wheel lock unit 70 releases the brake of the wheel 7 by the time the cart forward / reverse switch 35A, 35B is pressed, and the wheel drive unit 71 Wheel 7 can be driven.

  The illumination switch 36 turns on an illumination lamp that illuminates the X-ray irradiation range. Concave handles 40 are attached to both sides of the case 30 of the X-ray movable diaphragm 3, and release switches 39 are provided inside the handles 40. The X-ray generator 2 and the X-ray diaphragm 3 are supported by the support 6 via the arm 5, and are moved by moving up and down along the support 6, expanding and contracting the arm 5, or rotating the support 6. At that time, a brake mechanism for fixing the X-ray generation unit 2 at a predetermined position is provided, and the movement cannot be performed unless the brake mechanism is released. By providing the release switch 39 of the brake mechanism in the X-ray movable diaphragm 3, the X-ray generator 2 and the X-ray movable diaphragm 3 can be moved. Each signal line connecting each component of the main body 1 (for example, the rotary anode driving unit 22) and each component of the X-ray generation unit 2 or the case 30 (for example, the X-ray tube 20) is connected to the arm 5 and the column 6 Through.

(Power storage unit)
As shown in FIG. 4, the power storage unit 25 supplies power to each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus including the X-ray tube 20 (flows current) to the first battery 41 and the first battery 41. The second battery 42 to be charged has two different types of batteries. The power storage unit 25 connects the conversion unit 43 that limits the current when the first battery 41 is charged from the second battery 42, and the first battery 41 and the second battery 42. A switch 44 that cuts off and a charging circuit 45 that charges electric power obtained from the outside of the power storage unit 25 with a charging pattern suitable for the second battery 42 are provided. A power receiving unit 46 that is installed outside the power storage unit 25 and includes an AC plug is connected to the charging circuit 45. The power receiving unit 46 can be connected to an outlet of a hospital or the like, and can supply power to the charging circuit 45.

(First battery)
The first battery 41 includes each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus, that is, the X-ray tube 20, the high voltage generation unit 21, the rotary anode drive unit 22, the high voltage control unit 23, the filament control unit 24, and the wheel 7. Electric power is supplied to the driving wheel drive unit 71, the wheel lock unit 70, and the like. The first battery 41 is a high-output battery that can supply (flow) a large current to each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus in a short time.
For example, X-ray exposure is performed in a short time of 1000 (ms) or less. Therefore, it is necessary to flow a large current through the X-ray tube 20 in a short time in accordance with the X-ray exposure time (1000 (ms) or less).

  In this embodiment, the X-ray output of the X-ray tube 20 can be set to 8 (kW) to 64 (kW), and the battery voltage of the first battery 41 is 200 (V). When the X-ray output is 8 (kW), 40 (A) is required as the battery current of the first battery 41, and when the X-ray output is 32 (kW), the battery current of the first battery 41 is 160 (A) is required. When the X-ray output is 64 (kW), 320 (A) is required as the battery current of the first battery 41. Therefore, considering a current loss of about 20%, the battery current of about 50 (A) to about 400 (A) is required for the first battery 41 in a short time.

  In the present embodiment, a battery capable of flowing a current of about 50 (A) to 400 (A) necessary for X-ray irradiation in a short time (1000 (ms) or less) is applied as the first battery 41. The first battery 41 is, for example, a lead storage battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like.

  The battery voltage and battery current output from the first battery 41 are appropriately converted into tube voltage and tube current by the high voltage generator 21. Specifically, the battery voltage 200 (V) and battery current 160 (A) output from the first battery 41 are converted into a tube voltage 80 (kV) and a tube current 400 (mA) by the high voltage generator 21. Or converted into a tube voltage of 100 (kV) and a tube current of 320 (mA). The operator can set the X-ray output, tube voltage, and tube current using the operation unit 26 in accordance with the imaging region.

  Similarly, the filament of the X-ray tube 20 is heated by the battery voltage and battery current output from the first battery 41. Specifically, the filament control unit 24 controls the battery voltage and the battery current so that, for example, a voltage up to 10 V and a current up to 5 A are loaded on the filament of the X-ray tube 20.

  Then, the tube voltage set by the high voltage generator 21 loads the tube voltage on the X-ray tube 20, and the electrons emitted from the heated filament collide with the target. Is exposed. X-ray imaging is performed by the exposed X-rays.

(Second battery)
The second battery 42 is a battery that charges the first battery 41 and has a higher energy density than the first battery 41. The energy density is the power capacity per unit volume or weight of the battery. The energy density mainly includes volume energy density and weight energy density.

The volume energy density is a numerical value indicating the power capacity of the battery per unit volume, and is represented by the following formula.
{Number 1}
Volume energy density (Wh / L) = Battery energy (Wh) / Battery volume (L)
The lead storage battery used for the first battery 41 has a volume energy density of about (80 Wh / L). In the present embodiment, a battery having a volume energy density higher than that of the first battery 41 is applied as the second battery 42. Specifically, the first battery 41 (lead storage battery) has a volume energy density of 80 (Wh / L) with a room of about 20 (Wh / L) and a battery of (100 Wh / L) or more. The second battery 42 is applied. The range (100 (Wh / L) or more) of the volume energy density of the second battery 42 can be appropriately selected by the operator.

  For example, the volume energy density of the lithium ion battery is about 500 (Wh / L), the volume energy density of the nickel metal hydride battery is about 390 (Wh / L), and the range of the volume energy density of the second battery 42 ( 100 (Wh / L) or higher), the second battery 42 can be applied. Other batteries applicable to the second battery 42 include a nickel-cadmium battery, a fuel cell, a metal-air battery, and the like.

The weight energy density is a numerical value indicating the power capacity of the battery per unit weight, and is represented by the following formula.
{Equation 2}
Weight energy density (Wh / kg) = Battery energy (Wh) / Battery weight (kg)
The lead storage battery used for the first battery 41 has a weight energy density of about 40 (Wh / kg).
In the present embodiment, as in the case of the volume energy density, a battery higher than the weight energy density of the first battery 41 is applied as the second battery 42. Specifically, a battery of 50 (Wh / kg) or more in which the first battery 41 (lead storage battery) has a weight energy density of 40 (Wh / kg) with a room of about 10 (Wh / kg). The second battery 42 is applied. The range (100 (Wh / kg) or more) of the weight energy density of the second battery 42 can be appropriately selected by the operator.

  For example, the weight energy density of the lithium ion battery is about 200 (Wh / kg), the weight energy density of the nickel metal hydride battery is about 100 (Wh / kg), and the range of the weight energy density of the second battery 42 ( 50 (Wh / kg) or more), it can be applied as the second battery 42. Other batteries applicable to the second battery 42 include a fuel cell and a metal-air battery. The weight energy density of the nickel cadmium battery is about 40 (Wh / kg), and therefore does not fall within the range of the weight energy density of the second battery 42 (50 (Wh / kg) or more).

  That is, a battery having a high energy density applicable to the second battery 42 is a battery higher than the volume energy density of the first battery 41 or a battery higher than the weight energy density of the first battery 41. The second battery 42 is higher than the volume energy density of the first battery 41 and higher than the weight energy density of the first battery 41 (a lithium ion battery other than a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, etc.) It is desirable that

  When power is supplied from the first battery 41 to each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus (for example, X-ray exposure is performed), the control unit 90 turns off the switch 44. The first battery 41 and the second battery 42 are disconnected by the switch 44. As described above, a large current flows from the first battery 41 to each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus in a short time.

  Further, when power is not supplied from the first battery 41 to each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus (for example, X-ray exposure is not performed), the control unit 90 turns on the switch 44. The first battery 41 and the second battery 42 are connected by the switch 44. The first battery 41 is supplied with power from the second battery 42 and charged.

  The conversion unit 43 allows the second battery to match the voltages of the first battery 41 and the second battery 42 so that it can cope with the case where the voltages of the first battery 41 and the second battery 42 are different. Steps up or down the voltage from 42.

  The conversion unit 43 can also limit the current output from the second battery 42 so that the temperature of the first battery 41 and the second battery 42 does not increase. The converter 43 can extend the life of the second battery 42 having a high energy density by limiting the current of the second battery 42 and gradually charging the first battery 41. Further, the converter 43 switches from current control to voltage control step by step when the voltage of the first battery 41 reaches 80% or more of the fully charged state. The converter 43 is configured by a boost chopper circuit or the like, and the switch 44 is configured by an electromagnetic contactor or the like.

  The power receiving unit 46 configured by an AC plug is connected to a commercial power source by connecting to a hospital outlet, and the charging circuit 45 is supplied with power. The power receiving unit 46 can be connected to an outlet of a hospital or the like, and can supply power to the charging circuit 45.

  A charging circuit 45 is connected to the second battery 42. As the charging circuit 45, a step-up chopper circuit, a step-up / step-down chopper circuit, or a full bridge circuit can be applied. The step-up chopper is a circuit that can output a voltage higher than the input voltage. The buck-boost chopper is a circuit that can be higher or lower than the input voltage. A full bridge circuit is a circuit that can produce a large amount of power.

  The charging circuit 45 can charge the second battery 42 with a charging pattern suitable for the second battery 42. The charge pattern is a voltage value applied to the second battery 42 or a flowing current value during charging. By changing the current value according to the state of charge, the charging time and the battery life can be controlled.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the overall operation of the first embodiment.

  (S101) The power is supplied from the power receiving unit 46 to the charging circuit 45 by stopping the mobile X-ray apparatus and connecting the power receiving unit 46 constituted by an AC plug to a hospital outlet. Then, power is supplied to the second battery 42 by the charging circuit 45 to which power is supplied, and the second battery 42 is charged.

  (S102) When the second battery 42 is charged to a voltage sufficient to charge the first battery 41 (at least 80% of full charge), the control unit 90 turns on the switch 44. The first battery 41 and the second battery 42 are connected by the switch 44. Then, electric power is supplied from the charged second battery 42 to the first battery 41, and the first battery 41 is charged.

  At this time, the mobile X-ray apparatus may be stationary or moving. When the mobile X-ray device is stationary, for example, the subject is placed on the bed, or the arm 5 on which the X-ray generator 2 and the X-ray movable diaphragm 3 are installed is set according to the position of the subject. Work such as to do. That is, electric power is appropriately supplied from the second battery 42 to the first battery 41 from the end of charging of the second battery 42 until the X-ray is irradiated.

  (S103) When the first battery 41 is charged until it reaches a voltage sufficient for X-ray exposure (80% or more of full charge), the controller 90 turns off the switch 44. The first battery 41 and the second battery 42 are disconnected by the switch 44. The battery voltage and battery current output from the first battery 41 charged by the second battery 42 are supplied to the X-ray tube 20 as tube voltage and tube current, and X-ray exposure is performed.

  (S104) Power is supplied from the second battery 42 to the first battery 41 in order to supplement the first battery 41 with the power consumed by the X-ray exposure. Since this operation is the same as S102, description thereof is omitted.

  (S105) The examiner observes the X-ray image obtained by the X-ray imaging (X-ray exposure) in S103, and determines whether or not to perform X-ray imaging again. When X-ray imaging is performed again, the process returns to S103, and X-ray imaging is performed again. If X-ray imaging is not performed again, the operation ends.

  FIG. 6 shows an auxiliary charging operation for charging the first battery 41 from the second battery 42. This operation is appropriately performed mainly at S102 and S104 in FIG.

  (S201) The control unit 90 checks the voltage of the first battery 41.

  (S202) The controller 90 determines whether or not the voltage of the first battery 41 is, for example, 80% or more of the fully charged state. If the voltage of the first battery 41 is 80% or more of the fully charged state, the voltage is sufficient for X-ray exposure, so the auxiliary charging operation from the second battery 42 to the first battery 41 is completed. . Since the X-ray exposure cannot be performed unless the voltage of the first battery 41 is 80% or more of the fully charged state, an auxiliary charging operation from the second battery 42 to the first battery 41 is performed.

  (S203) The control unit 90 checks the voltage of the second battery.

  (S204) The controller 90 determines whether or not the voltage of the second battery 42 is, for example, 80% or more of the fully charged state. If the voltage of the second battery 42 is not 80% or more of the fully charged state, the voltage is not sufficient to charge the first battery 41, so the second battery 42 needs to be charged.

  (S205) The power receiving unit 46 composed of an AC plug is connected to a hospital outlet, and power is supplied from the power receiving unit 46 to the charging circuit 45. Then, the second battery 42 is charged by the charging circuit 45 to which power is supplied until the voltage reaches a voltage sufficient to charge the first battery 41 (80% or more of the full charge).

  (S206) The controller 90 turns on the switch 44. The first battery 41 and the second battery 42 are connected by the switch 44. Then, electric power is supplied from the charged second battery 42 to the first battery 41 until the first battery 41 reaches a voltage sufficient for X-ray exposure (80% or more at full charge). Charged.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the power storage unit 25 charges the first battery 41 and the first battery 41 that supply power to each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus including the X-ray tube 20. The second battery 42 has two different types of batteries. Therefore, it is possible to increase the power capacity of the battery (power storage unit 25), and to achieve a reduction in size and weight.

  In the present embodiment, the first battery 41 supplies a large current to the X-ray tube 20 in a short time, but in addition to the X-ray tube 20, the wheel drive unit 71 that drives the wheel 7 and the wheel lock unit 70 In addition, it is possible to supply electric power by supplying a current to an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject in a short time. For example, when moving a mobile X-ray device, that is, during an initial operation of moving the mobile X-ray device from a stationary state, a current is applied to the wheel drive unit 71 in a short time (500 (ms) or less). Is required.

  If the battery current of about 10 (A) is required in the initial operation of the wheel drive unit 71 that drives the wheel 7, a current of about 50 (A) to 400 (A) is applied for a short time (1000 (ms) or less) and a current of about 10 (A) required for the initial operation of the wheel drive unit 71 is allowed to flow to the wheel drive unit 71 in a short time (500 (ms) or less). It is also possible to apply a battery that can be used as the first battery 41. Similarly, when detecting X-rays that have passed through the subject, a battery that can flow a necessary current for detecting X-rays to the X-ray detection unit can also be applied as the first battery 41.

  The first battery 41 is a battery that can supply a larger current in a shorter time than the second battery 42.

  Example 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that a charging circuit 47 is connected to the first battery 41.

  A power receiving unit 46 constituted by an AC plug is connected to the charging circuit 45 and the charging circuit 47. By connecting the power receiving unit 46 to a hospital outlet, it is connected to a commercial power source, and power is supplied to the charging circuit 45 and the charging circuit 47. The first battery 41 and the second battery 42 are charged by the charging circuit 45 and the charging circuit 47 to which power is supplied. As the charging circuit 47, a boost chopper, a step-up / step-down chopper, and a full bridge circuit can be applied as in the charging circuit 45.

  The charging circuit 47 can be charged with a charging pattern suitable for the first battery 41. The charge pattern is a voltage value applied to the first battery 41 during charging or a flowing current value. By changing the current value according to the state of charge, the charging time and the battery life can be controlled.

  According to the present embodiment, the first battery 41 and the second battery 42 can be charged simultaneously by connecting the power receiving unit 46 to a hospital outlet.

  Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the block (housing) having the second battery 42 can be separated from the main body 1.

  The power storage unit 25 is fixed to the main body 1 and includes a first block 48 having a first battery 41, a second block 49 having a second battery 42 that can be separated from the main body 1, and a first The connecting block 50 detachably connects the block 48 and the second block 49.

  The first block 48 includes a first battery 41, a conversion unit 43, and a switch 44. The second block 49 includes a second battery 42, a charging circuit 45, and a power receiving unit 46.

  By connecting the power receiving unit 46 formed of an AC plug to a hospital outlet, power is supplied from the power receiving unit 46 to the charging circuit 45. Then, the second battery 42 is charged by the charging circuit 45 to which power is supplied until the voltage reaches a voltage sufficient for charging the first battery 41 (80% or more of full charge). The second block 49 having the charged second battery 42 is connected to the first block 48 by the connecting portion 50. The controller 90 turns on the switch 44 at the same time as the first block 48 and the second block 49 are connected. The first battery 41 and the second battery 42 are connected by the switch 44. Then, electric power is supplied from the charged second battery 42 to the first battery 41, and the first battery 41 is charged.

  According to the present embodiment, when the mobile X-ray apparatus is moved, the second block 49 is separated from the main body 1 so that reduction in size and weight can be realized. Since the mobile X-ray apparatus is reduced in size and weight, the power supplied from the first battery 41 to the wheel drive unit 71 can be suppressed, and the first battery 41 can also be reduced in size and weight.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of second blocks 49 each having a charged second battery 42 may be provided. After charging from the second battery 42 to the first battery 41, the second block 49 having the second battery 42 whose voltage (80% or more at full charge) has disappeared is separated from the main body 1 and charged. The second block 49 having the second battery 42 is replaced with the connecting portion 50. The first battery 41 is charged again by the charged second battery 42. According to this embodiment, since the first battery 41 is always charged, many X-ray imaging (X-ray exposure) can be performed, and the number of imaging can be greatly increased.

  Example 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from the first to third embodiments is that the second battery 42 supplies power to each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus that does not require a large current to flow in a short time. For example, the second battery 42 includes each component of the mobile X-ray apparatus other than the X-ray tube 20 that does not require a large current to flow in a short time, a wheel drive unit 71 that drives the wheel 7, a wheel lock unit 70, Power is supplied to the X-ray detector.

The first battery 41 is provided with a battery disconnect switch 51 for disconnecting the first battery 41 from the circuit in series. When power is supplied from the second battery 42 to the wheel drive unit 71 of the mobile X-ray apparatus, the control unit 90 turns on the switch 44 and turns off the battery disconnect switch 51.
By the switch 44 and the battery disconnect switch 51, the second battery 42 is connected to the wheel drive unit 71 of the mobile X-ray apparatus. Then, electric power is supplied from the charged second battery 42 to the wheel drive unit 71.

  In the present embodiment, the battery disconnect switch 51 can be used to operate only the second battery 42 having a high energy density by disconnecting the first battery 41 suitable for flowing a large current. Therefore, even when there is no power in the first battery 41, power can be supplied from the second battery 42 to the wheel drive unit 71, and the mobile X-ray apparatus can be moved. Similarly, when detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject, a necessary current for detecting X-rays from the second battery 42 can be passed to the X-ray detection unit.

  Further, the battery disconnect switch 51 can avoid connecting the first battery 41 and the second battery 42 in parallel. Therefore, since the voltage difference between the first battery 41 and the second battery 42 does not occur, it is possible to avoid shortening the life of each battery.

  In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, power can be supplied from the second battery 42 to the first battery 41. When power is supplied from the second battery 42 to the first battery 41, the control unit 90 turns on the switch 44 and turns on the battery disconnect switch 51. Electric power is supplied from the second battery 42 to the first battery 41, and the first battery 41 is charged.

  1 Main body, 2 X-ray generator, 3 X-ray movable diaphragm, 4 bogies, 5 arms, 6 struts, 7 wheels, 8 operation handles, 20 X-ray tube, 21 high voltage generator, 22 rotating anode drive, 23 high Voltage control unit, 24 Filament control unit, 25 Power storage unit, 26 Operation unit, 41 First battery, 42 Second battery, 43 Conversion unit, 44 Switch, 45 Charging circuit, 46 Power receiving unit, 47 Charging circuit, 48 1st block, 49 2nd block, 50 connecting part, 51 battery disconnect switch, 70 wheel lock part, 71 wheel drive part

Claims (14)

A main body, a carriage on which the main body is mounted, an X-ray generation unit having an X-ray tube that generates X-rays, an arm that supports the X-ray generation unit, a support column that supports the arm, and the X-ray A mobile X-ray apparatus comprising a power storage unit for supplying power to a tube,
The power storage unit includes a first battery that supplies current necessary for X-ray irradiation to the X-ray tube, and a second battery that charges the first battery. Mobile X-ray device.   2. The mobile battery according to claim 1, wherein the first battery is a battery that can flow a current required for X-ray imaging or X-ray exposure to the X-ray tube at 1000 (ms) or less. X-ray device.   The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first battery is a lead storage battery or an electric double layer capacitor.   The power storage unit includes a conversion unit that boosts or lowers the voltage from the second battery so that the voltages of the first battery and the second battery match each other. The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1.   The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power storage unit includes a conversion unit that limits a current output from the second battery to the first battery.   The said power storage part has a charging circuit which changes the electric current value according to the charge condition of the said 2nd battery with the electric power obtained from the said power storage part. Mobile X-ray device.   The power storage unit includes a switch for connecting or disconnecting the first battery and the second battery, and when the power is not supplied from the first battery to the X-ray tube, 2. The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first battery is connected to the second battery, and the first battery is charged with power from the second battery.   The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first battery is a battery capable of supplying a larger current in a shorter time than the second battery.   The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second battery is a battery having an energy density higher than that of the first battery.   10. The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second battery is one of a lithium ion battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a fuel cell, and a metal-air battery.   2. The mobile X according to claim 1, wherein the power storage unit includes a charging circuit that charges power obtained from the outside of the power storage unit with a charging pattern suitable for the first battery. Wire device.   The power storage unit includes a first block fixed to the main body 1 and having the first battery, and a second block that can be separated from the main body and has the second battery. The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   2. The mobile X according to claim 1, further comprising a battery disconnect switch that disconnects the first battery from the circuit, wherein the second battery supplies power to components other than the X-ray tube. Wire device.   Electric power is supplied from the outside of the mobile X-ray apparatus, the step of charging one battery, the step of charging the other battery by the one battery, and the current output from the other battery to the X-ray tube An imaging method for a mobile X-ray apparatus, comprising the step of supplying and performing X-ray imaging.

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