JP2011030587A - X-ray ct apparatus and noncontact power transmission means - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technologies permitting reduction of the frequency of maintenance work and prevention of impairment of transmission efficiency in transmitting electric power or data by a means for transmitting electric power or data between a gantry fixed part side and a rotary part side in an X-ray CT apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A sealed region, divided from primary and secondary coil housing regions in a gap, is formed in the gap between a primary iron core having a primary coil and a primary iron core having a secondary coil by a plurality of sealing means for effectively sealing both ends of the gap while permitting rotation of the rotary part relative to the fixed part. A liquid with high magnetic permeability is enclosed in the sealed region. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact transmission means, and more particularly to a transmission means in a gantry of an X-ray CT apparatus.

  The X-ray CT apparatus emits X-rays while rotating the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector arranged to face each other while moving the subject to the gantry with the bed apparatus. Furthermore, the X-ray C apparatus detects X-rays that have passed through the subject and attenuated, collects detection data based on the detected X-rays, and reconstructs the collected detection data to reconstruct the X-rays such as tomographic images. A CT image is generated.

  In order to emit X-rays while rotating the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in this manner, the X-ray CT apparatus has a configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an external view showing the gantry in the X-ray CT apparatus and the arrangement of the fixed portion 30 and the rotating portion 10 in the gantry. Conventionally, the X-ray CT apparatus rotates a substantially annular rotating part 10 on a concentric circle of a substantially circular fixing part 30 of a gantry as shown in FIG. In addition, power is supplied from the power source to the rotating unit 10 via the fixed unit 30 in order to expose the X-rays with the X-ray tube.

  This power supply is performed by a configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional X-ray CT apparatus. That is, a direct current is generated from the power source 1 and converted into an alternating current by the inverter 2, and this power is converted into a plurality of sets of slip rings 11 a and 11 b provided between the fixed portion 30 and the rotating portion 10 in FIG. The transmission was performed in combination with 12a and 12b. In addition, the X-ray detection unit in the rotation unit 10 converts detection data based on transmitted X-rays transmitted through the detected subject, and the converted detection data is transmitted by the slip ring 11c and the brush 12c.

  However, the slip rings 11a to 11c and the brushes 12a to 12c are in mechanical contact with each other, and a large current flows between them, which may cause wear of the connection portion. For this reason, the maintenance work with respect to the wear or the like of the connection portion becomes complicated.

  In contrast, in Patent Document 1, instead of the slip ring and the brush, an electromagnetic induction power transmission means (see FIGS. 3 and 4 in Patent Document 1) is provided between the fixed portion and the rotating portion, thereby transmitting power. This prevents the wear of the parts to be performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-204192

  In the power transmission means by electromagnetic induction as in Patent Document 1, an iron core having a primary winding is disposed on the fixed portion side, and an iron core having a secondary winding is disposed on the rotating portion side. Further, a gap is provided between the primary winding and the secondary winding of the power transmission means and between the iron cores (see FIG. 3b in Patent Document 1). That is, in the gantry that is an imaging region of the X-ray CT apparatus, the rotating part including the X-ray tube rotates relative to the fixed part, so that the iron core on the fixed part side and the iron core on the rotating part side are in contact with each other. If they are connected, the rotational movement of the rotating part is hindered, so the gap is necessary.

  However, the air present in the gap between the iron cores has a low magnetic permeability, which causes leakage magnetic flux. In the power transmission means by electromagnetic induction, when leakage magnetic flux is generated, the power transmission efficiency from the primary side (fixed portion) to the secondary side (rotating portion) is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to reduce the frequency of maintenance work in the power or data transmission means between the fixed part side and the rotating part side of the gantry in the X-ray CT apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the situation and preventing the situation where the transmission efficiency during transmission deteriorates.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is arranged on a substantially annular rotating part, a fixing part that rotatably supports the rotating part, a power source, and the fixing part side, The surface of the primary winding that is electrically connected to the power source is opened on the surface facing the rotating portion, and is held so as to cover the other part of the primary winding, and includes a magnetic member. A first holding part that is spaced apart from the first holding part and is disposed on the rotating part side, and opens the first holding part side of the secondary winding, and other parts of the secondary winding A second holding unit configured to be covered and including a magnetic member; a liquid member provided between the first holding unit and the second holding unit and having a higher magnetic permeability than air; and the liquid A sealing means for sealing a member between the first holding part and the second holding part is provided. Non-contact power transmission means.
In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 2 is arranged on the substantially annular rotating portion, a fixing portion that rotatably supports the rotating portion, a power source, and the fixing portion side. A first holding portion of a magnetic member that holds a primary winding that is electrically connected to the power source on a surface facing the rotating portion and that is provided with a first protruding portion that protrudes toward the rotating portion; A magnetic member provided with a second projecting portion disposed on the rotating portion side at a distance from the holding portion and holding the secondary winding on the surface facing the fixed portion and projecting toward the rotating portion side. And a power transmission means for supplying power from the power source to the secondary winding by electromagnetic induction from the primary winding, the rotating portion being connected to the fixed portion. The first projecting portion and the second projecting portion are effectively sealed while allowing the first projecting portion and the second projecting portion to face each other. A sealing region is formed together with opposing surfaces of the protruding portion and the second projecting portion, and the primary winding and the secondary winding are arranged at the interval between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. And a plurality of sealing means for forming the storage region, which are separated from the sealing region, and a liquid having a high magnetic permeability sealed in the sealing region. It is a contact power transmission means.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 4 includes a fixing portion having a substantially circular portion and a substantially annular shape that is substantially concentric with respect to the fixing portion and having a predetermined interval. A rotating part provided rotatably, an X-ray exposure means for exposing X-rays provided on the rotating part, an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays, and at least supplied to the X-ray exposure means An X-ray CT apparatus having a power source as a power generation source, and having a primary winding provided along the circumference of the substantially circular portion with respect to the fixed portion and electrically connected to the power source. In addition, the X-ray irradiation means is electrically connected to the X-ray irradiation means by the electromagnetic induction between the substantially annular first holding portion made of a magnetic member and the X-ray irradiation means and the primary winding. And a secondary winding for supplying the rotating portion, and along the circumference of the rotating portion with respect to the rotating portion, A substantially annular second holding portion which is provided substantially concentrically with the first holding portion and is opposed to the first holding portion with an interval, and is constituted by a magnetic member; and the first holding portion or the second holding portion. It is connected to one of the holding parts and is not in contact with the other, and protrudes from the base part on the connected side toward the first holding part or the second holding part, In addition, by effectively sealing the gap between the projecting surface of the first holding part and the projecting surface of the second holding part, the primary winding and the secondary winding are at least partially disposed in the gap. An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: a plurality of sealing means for forming a sealed region that is blocked from a storage region; and a liquid having high magnetic permeability sealed in the sealed region. .
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 5 includes a fixing portion having a substantially circular portion and a substantially annular shape that is substantially concentric with respect to the fixing portion and having a predetermined interval. A rotating part provided rotatably, an X-ray exposure means for exposing X-rays provided on the rotating part, an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays, and a signal received from the X-ray detection means And an X-ray CT apparatus having a primary winding connected to the signal processing means, provided along the circumference of the substantially circular portion with respect to the fixed portion, In addition, a substantially annular first holding portion made of a magnetic member is electrically connected to the X-ray detection means, and at least to the primary winding from the X-ray detection means by electromagnetic induction with the primary winding. A secondary winding for transmitting the detection data of the rotating part, and a circle of the rotating part with respect to the rotating part And a substantially annular second holding portion that is provided concentrically with the first holding portion and is opposed to the first holding portion with a space therebetween, and is configured by a magnetic member, and the first holding portion. The first holding portion or the second holding portion that is connected to either the holding portion or the second holding portion and is not in contact with the other, and is opposed to the base portion on the connected side. Projecting toward the portion and effectively sealing a gap between the projecting surface of the first holding unit and the projecting surface of the second holding unit, whereby the primary winding and the at least part of the gap A plurality of sealing means for forming a sealed region that is blocked from the secondary winding accommodating region, and a liquid having a high magnetic permeability sealed in the sealed region. X-ray CT apparatus.

  According to the present invention according to claims 1, 2, 4, and 5 described above, in the gap between the protrusion of the first holding part having the primary winding and the protrusion of the second holding part having the secondary winding. The sealing unit is divided into the primary winding and the secondary winding accommodating region in the gap by a plurality of sealing means for effectively sealing the gap while allowing the rotating part to rotate with respect to the fixed part. A region is formed, and a liquid with high magnetic permeability is sealed in the sealing region. Therefore, when transmitting power or data between the fixed part side and the rotating part side of the gantry in the X-ray CT apparatus, a machine between the rotating part and the fixed part, such as a transmission means using a slip ring and a brush, is used. Contact is not required. That is, since the possibility of deterioration of the transmission means due to wear or the like is avoided, the frequency of maintenance work of the transmission means in the X-ray CT apparatus can be reduced. Furthermore, since a sealing region in which a liquid with high magnetic permeability is sealed is provided in the gap between the first holding unit and the second holding unit, leakage magnetic flux is generated between the primary winding and the secondary winding. At least, it can be reduced, and the transmission efficiency during transmission can be improved.

It is the schematic which shows the external appearance of the whole structure of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows schematic structure with the primary side iron core and primary winding, the secondary side iron core, and secondary winding in the gantry of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the fixing | fixed part in the gantry of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, a rotation part, and the transmission means and bearing arrange | positioned among these. It is the schematic sectional drawing which expanded a part in order to show the schematic structure of the non-contact electric power transmission apparatus arrange | positioned between the fixing | fixed part and rotation part in the gantry of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is an external view which shows arrangement | positioning of the fixed part and rotation part in the gantry in the said X-ray CT apparatus and the said gantry. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the conventional X-ray CT apparatus.

  An example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Overview of the entire X-ray CT system)
As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes a gantry 120 that performs imaging of the state of a subject's body, a bed apparatus 200 that transports the subject to the gantry 120, and a gantry 120. A console 300 for generating an X-ray CT image based on data indicating in-vivo information of the subject detected in step S3, an X-ray CT image generated by the console 300, and an operation for operating the X-ray CT apparatus 100 And a display unit 400 for displaying a screen.

  For example, the bed apparatus 200 includes a base 210 that is installed and fixed and a top plate 220 disposed on the base 210, and the X-ray CT apparatus 100 first causes the top plate 220 and the gantry 120 to move relative to each other. Close. The gantry 120 includes a rotating unit 140 for performing imaging, and a fixing unit 160 that rotatably supports the rotating unit 140 and performs various processes and operations in the gantry 120. The X-ray CT apparatus 100 includes: The rotating unit 140 performs imaging while conveying the subject on the top plate 220 to the imaging region of the gantry 120. That is, the fixed portion 160 of the gantry 120 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is penetrated in the direction in which the top plate 220 moves. The fixing portion 160 is supported and fixed to the gantry 120. On the inner side of the substantially cylindrical fixing portion 160, a substantially cylindrical rotating portion 140 is disposed with a gap therebetween. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating portion 140 has a smaller diameter than the fixed portion 160 and is supported by the fixed portion 160 so as to be concentric with the substantially cylindrical fixed portion 160. That is, the fixed portion 160 and the rotating portion 140 are provided so that the inner peripheral surface of the fixed portion 160 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 140 face each other. Further, the rotating part 140 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the fixed part 160. Details of the support structure of the rotating part 140 in the fixing part 160 of these gantry 120 will be described later.

  Next, an outline of the internal configuration of the gantry 120, console 300, etc. in the X-ray CT apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 captures a tomographic image of a subject with a console 300 that is a processing / display system and a gantry 120 that is an imaging system, and an X-ray CT image based on the detected data. Is generated. Hereafter, the component which each comprises is demonstrated. In FIG. 2, the high voltage generator 109 is shown independently of the gantry 120, but in the X-ray CT apparatus 100 in the present embodiment, the high voltage generator 109 may be included in the gantry 120. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, an X-ray tube 101 and an X-ray detector 103 are provided opposite to each other in the rotating part 140 of the gantry 120, and the X-ray detector 103 includes a DAS ( Data collection circuit) 104 is connected. Further, the rotating unit 140 is driven by the gantry driving unit 107 provided in the fixing unit 160 of the gantry 120 shown in FIG. 1, and rotates around the subject at a high speed of 1 second or less per one rotation. In addition to the gantry driving unit 107, the fixing unit 160 of the gantry 120 is provided with, for example, a control means (not shown) and a high voltage generator 109.

  The X-ray tube 101 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays. The X-ray tube 101 is supplied with power (tube current, tube voltage) necessary for X-ray exposure from the high voltage generator 109. The high voltage generator 109 includes a high voltage transformer, a filament heating converter, a rectifier, a high voltage switch, and the like. In the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the power supplied from the high voltage generator 109 is transmitted to the X-ray tube 101 via the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 as shown in FIG. Details of the configuration of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 will be described later. The X-ray tube 101 is placed in an FOV (effective field of view region) by accelerating electrons by a high voltage supplied from the high voltage generator 109 via the non-contact power transmission device 102 and causing the electrons to collide with the target. X-rays are exposed to the subject.

  An X-ray tube that shapes the shape of the X-ray beam exposed from the X-ray tube 101 into a cone shape (quadrangular pyramid shape) or a fan beam shape between the X-ray tube 101 and the subject. A sphere-side collimator (not shown) is provided.

  X-rays exposed from the X-ray tube 101 pass through the subject, are shaped by a detector-side collimator (not shown), and enter each detection element of the X-ray detector 103. The X-ray detector 103 is configured by a plurality of detection elements formed by a combination of a scintillator and a photodiode forming a detection surface, and detects the incident X-rays.

  The DAS 104 has a plurality of data acquisition element arrays in which DAS chips are arranged, and enormous data (all M × N channel data per view) for all M × N channels detected by the X-ray detector 103. (Hereinafter referred to as “raw data”), and after amplification processing, A / D conversion processing, etc., to the data processing unit on the fixed unit 160 side via the non-contact data transmission device 105 that applies optical communication all at once. To transmit.

  Next, an outline of the console 300 in the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The console 300 includes a preprocessing device 106, a host controller 110, a storage device 111, a reconstruction device 114, an input device 115, a display unit 400, an image processing unit 118, a network communication device 119, and a data / control bus 500. Has been.

  The preprocessing device 106 receives raw data from the DAS 104 via the non-contact data transmission device 105, and executes sensitivity correction and X-ray intensity correction. The raw data preprocessed by the preprocessing device 106 is called “projection data”.

  The gantry driving unit 107 performs drive control such as rotating the X-ray tube 101 and the X-ray detector 103 together. Further, the gantry driving unit 107 causes the X-ray tube 101 and the X-ray detector 103 to rotate around a central axis that is substantially parallel to the body axis direction of the subject inserted in the diagnostic opening of the gantry 120. To do.

  The host controller 110 performs overall control related to each process such as various processes such as a photographing process, a data process, and an image process.

  The storage device 111 stores image data such as collected raw data, projection data, and CT image data.

  The reconstruction device 114 performs reconstruction processing on projection data based on predetermined reconstruction parameters (reconstruction region size, reconstruction matrix size, threshold value for extracting a region of interest, etc.), thereby obtaining a predetermined slice amount. Reconstructed image data is generated. In general, reconstruction processing includes cone beam reconstruction (Feldkamp method, ASSR method, etc.) and fan beam reconstruction. The X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can execute any of these methods. It is.

  The input device 115 includes a keyboard, various switches, a mouse, and the like. This input device 115 is a device for inputting various scanning conditions in the X-ray CT apparatus 100 such as the slice thickness and the number of slices through an operator.

  The image processing unit 118 performs image processing for display such as window conversion and RGB processing on the reconstructed image data generated by the reconstructing device 114. The image processing unit 118 outputs the reconstructed image data subjected to the image processing to the display unit 400. Further, the image processing unit 118 generates a so-called pseudo three-dimensional image such as a tomographic image of an arbitrary cross section, a projection image from an arbitrary direction, or a three-dimensional surface image based on an instruction from the operator. Further, the image processing unit 118 outputs the generated image data to the display unit 400. The output image data is displayed on the display unit 400 as an X-ray CT image.

  The network communication device 119 transmits and receives various data to and from other devices, a network system such as a RIS (Radiology Information System), a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), and the like via the network.

  The data / control bus 500 is a signal line for transmitting and receiving various data, control signals, address information, and the like in the console 300. The data / control bus 500 connects the units in the console 300.

(Non-contact power transmission device)
Next, the configuration of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 in the gantry 120 of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the primary side iron core 102a and the primary winding 102c, the secondary side iron core 102b and the secondary winding 102d in the gantry 120 of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, illustration of the fixed portion 160, the rotating portion 140, and non-contact sealing members 150 a to 150 d and 151 a to 151 d (see FIG. 5) to be described later is omitted. 3 shows a state in which a part of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b is notched and a cross section passing through the center of rotation for the convenience of explaining the structure of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102. Further, in FIG. 3, the primary winding 102c and the secondary winding 102d are shown as being single, but actually, a plurality of them are provided, and the shape thereof is also the shape shown in FIG. For example, it is formed in a spiral shape.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the fixed portion 160, the rotating portion 140, and the non-contact power transmission device 102 and the bearing 180 arranged therebetween in the gantry 120 of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing. 4 shows a cross section passing through the centers of the circumferences of the fixed portion 160 and the rotating portion 140. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing a schematic configuration of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 disposed between the fixed part 160 and the rotating part 140 in the gantry 120 of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  As described above, in the gantry 120 of the X-ray CT apparatus 100, the rotating portion 140 that is also substantially cylindrical and smaller in diameter than the fixing portion 160 is provided inside the substantially cylindrical fixing portion 160. The inner peripheral surface of 160 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating part 140 are opposed to each other (FIG. 3). In the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, at least the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 used for supplying power to the X-ray tube 101 is provided between the fixed part 160 and the rotating part 140. The non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 has a substantially annular primary side iron core 102a provided on the fixed portion 160 side. Further, the non-contact power transmission device 102 has a substantially annular secondary iron core 102b provided on the rotating unit 140 side. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the widths of the primary iron core 102 a and the secondary iron core 102 b in the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 are substantially the same. Here, the width is a direction orthogonal to both the direction along the circumference of the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b and the direction in which the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b face each other. The length in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 is the length in the horizontal direction in the figure (X direction in the figure, hereinafter referred to as “width direction”). The primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b are made of a magnetic material such as an electromagnetic steel plate or a ferrite core. In addition, the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b in the present embodiment correspond to examples of “first holding portion” and “second holding portion” according to the present invention.

<Primary side>
The primary iron core 102 a is formed in a substantially annular shape having a smaller diameter or the same diameter than the fixed portion 160 and a larger diameter or the same diameter as the rotating portion 140. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the primary side iron core 102a is formed in a substantially U-shape in which a recess is provided along the circumference of the primary side iron core 102a itself on the inner peripheral surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the primary-side iron core 102a accommodates and holds the substantially annular primary winding 102c formed along the circumference of the primary-side iron core 102a in the concave portion. Yes. For example, a litz wire can be used as the primary winding 102c. The primary winding 102c is insulated from the primary iron core 102a. This insulation is performed by, for example, a high thermal conductivity mica tape. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the primary iron core 102 a is supported and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the fixing portion 160. That is, by fixing the surface (outer peripheral surface) opposite to the surface where the concave portion is formed in the primary side core 102a on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed portion 160, the fixed portion 160 supports the primary side core 102a. ing.

<Secondary side>
Further, the secondary iron core 102b of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 in the present embodiment is formed in a substantially annular shape having a smaller diameter than the primary iron core 102a and a larger diameter than the rotating portion 140. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the secondary side iron core 102 b is formed in a substantially U shape in which a concave portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface along the circumference of the secondary side iron core 102 b itself. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the secondary side iron core 102 b is supported and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating portion 140 at a distance from the primary side iron core 102 a. That is, the rotating part 140 supports the secondary side iron core 102b by fixing the surface (inner circumference surface) opposite to the surface of the secondary side iron core 102b where the concave portion is formed on the outer circumference surface. Yes. Moreover, the recessed part in the secondary side iron core 102b is arrange | positioned facing the recessed part of the primary side iron core 102a, as shown in FIGS. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the secondary side iron core 102b covers a part of the substantially annular secondary winding 102d formed along the circumference of the secondary side iron core 102b in the concave portion. Holds and holds. The part of the secondary winding 102d is a part of the secondary winding 102d other than the primary winding 102c side. For example, a litz wire or a rectangular copper wire can be used as the secondary winding 102d. The secondary winding 102d is insulated from the secondary iron core 102b. This insulation is performed by, for example, an epoxy mold or a hydraulic curing process.

<Non-contact sealing member>
As described above, in the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102, the width (length in the X direction) of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b is substantially the same length (see FIGS. 3 to 5). . As described above, the substantially U-shaped recess of the primary iron core 102a and the approximately U-shaped recess of the secondary iron core 102b face each other. Therefore, in each opposing surface in the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b, the end surfaces at the tips of the projecting portions projecting from the bottom surface of the recessed portion to the other iron core are also opposed to each other. That is, the leading ends of the U-shaped primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b are arranged to face each other with a space therebetween.

  In the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 in the X-ray CT apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, both ends in the width direction (X direction) of the end surfaces of the primary-side iron core 102a and the secondary-side iron core 102b arranged opposite to each other are connected to the labyrinth. The space sandwiched between the front end surfaces of the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b, that is, the sealing, is effectively sealed by the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d having the (Labyrinth) structure. Regions 170 and 170 are formed. Hereinafter, the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the non-contact power transmission device 102, the protruding portions of the substantially U-shaped primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b face each other with a gap therebetween, The cross-sectional shape of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 forms a substantially square shape in which a pair of opposite sides are divided. Non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d with respect to both ends in the width direction (X direction) of the respective front end surfaces of the protruding portions of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b so as to close each of the divided opposite sides. , 151a to 151d are provided (FIG. 5). Details are as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the non-contact sealing members 150 a to 150 d and 151 a to 151 d are continuous with the convex shape portion in which the primary iron core 102 a and the secondary iron core 102 b protrude in a direction facing each other, and the convex shape portion. The concave portion is formed continuously in the width direction (X direction), thereby forming a comb shape. Further, each of the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d is fixed to only one of the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b, and is non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d fixed to the other iron core. , 151a to 151d are not in contact with each other while facing each other. In addition, the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d are accommodated and combined so that the convex portions of the opposing non-contact sealing members 150a to 150h do not come into contact with the concave portions of the comb teeth. In other words, the comb teeth of the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d arranged opposite to each other are combined with a gap therebetween, so that a substantially rectangular shape formed by the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b is separated. The opposite side is blocked.

  The term “blocking” here does not mean that the separated protruding portions of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b are connected and sealed so as to be continuous. Are combined with a gap between them, so that the passage formed by the gap between the concave and convex portions is broken and the resistance prevents fluid leakage or reduces it as much as possible. As a result, it means effectively sealing.

  Next, a combination of the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the protruding portions protruding from the bottom surfaces of the recesses in the primary iron core 102 a and the secondary iron core 102 b have a thickness in the width direction of each iron core. Non-contact sealing members 150a and 150c are provided on the outer sides (both ends) in the width direction (X direction) of the protruding portions of the substantially U-shaped primary side iron core 102a, respectively. Non-contact sealing members 150b and 150d are respectively provided on the outer sides in the width direction of the protruding portions of the secondary side iron core 102b facing this. The non-contact sealing member 150a on the primary side and the non-contact sealing member 150b on the secondary side are combined, and the non-contact sealing member 150c on the primary side and the non-contact sealing member 150d on the secondary side are combined. Thus, the outer surfaces of the separated primary iron core 102a and secondary iron core 102b are closed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, non-contact sealing members 151a and 151c are provided on the inner sides in the width direction of the protruding portions of the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b, respectively, in the same manner as the outer side described above. . On the other hand, non-contact sealing members 151b and 151d are respectively provided on the outer sides in the width direction of the protruding portions of the opposing secondary iron core 102b. This non-contact sealing member 151a on the primary side and the non-contact sealing member 151b on the secondary side arranged opposite to each other are combined and the non-contact on the secondary side arranged opposite to the non-contact sealing member 151c on the primary side. By combining the contact sealing member 151d, the inner surfaces of the separated primary side core 102a and secondary side core 102b are closed.

  In addition, the protrusion part of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "first protrusion part" or the "second protrusion part" in the present invention. In addition, the end surfaces at the tips of the protruding portions of the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b in the present embodiment correspond to an example of “surfaces facing each other” or “projecting surfaces” in the present invention.

<Sealing area / accommodating area>
As described above, the protruding portions protruding from the bottom surfaces of the recesses in the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b have a thickness in the width direction of each iron core, so that the tips of the protruding portions protruding in directions facing each other. Each has a surface. In addition, the comb teeth in the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d arranged opposite to each other are combined with a gap therebetween, and a substantially rectangular shape formed by the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b is separated. The inner and outer surfaces of the opposite side are blocked. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in the gap between the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b, the front end surfaces of the protruding portions of the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b, and the non-contact sealing member A space surrounded by the combination of 150a and 150b and the combination of the non-contact sealing members 151a and 151b is formed. Similarly, a space surrounded by each of the other tip surfaces, a combination of the non-contact sealing members 150c and 150d, and a combination of the non-contact sealing members 151c and 151d is formed. The spaces formed between the front end surfaces of the projecting portions of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b are sealed effectively by a combination of non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d. It becomes stop area | regions 170 and 170 (FIG. 5).

  Further, by forming the sealing regions 170 and 170, the primary winding 102c and the secondary winding surrounded by the combination of the non-contact sealing members 151a and 151b and the combination of the non-contact sealing members 151c and 151d. An accommodation area 190 for accommodating the line 102d is formed.

  In the present embodiment, the sealing region 170 is filled with a liquid with high magnetic permeability, for example, insulating oil containing metal powder with high magnetic permeability. As this metal powder, iron, cobalt or the like can be used. Further, since the liquid does not leak into the accommodation region 190 due to the combination of the non-contact sealing members 151a and 151b and the combination of the non-contact sealing members 151c and 151d, the primary winding 102c and the secondary winding are caused by the liquid. This prevents a short circuit with 102d.

<Operation>
When a direct current is generated from a power source (see FIG. 1) in the X-ray CT apparatus 100 and converted into alternating current by an inverter (not shown), the alternating current flows through the primary winding 102c of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102. When the alternating current flows through the primary winding 102c, a magnetic flux φ is generated in the magnetic circuit constituted by the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 (FIG. 5). By the electromagnetic induction by the generated magnetic flux φ, an induced electromotive force is generated in the secondary winding 102d held by the secondary iron core 102b. This induced electromotive force is supplied to at least the X-ray tube 101.

  In the above-described X-ray CT apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 is used for power transmission between the fixed part 160 and the rotating part 140 of the gantry 120 in the X-ray CT apparatus 100. It is possible to prevent the power transmission means from being deteriorated due to wear or the like. In addition, since the insulating oil having a high magnetic permeability is partially sealed in the gap between the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b, the generation of leakage magnetic flux during the power transmission of the non-contact power transmission device 102 is prevented. is doing. Furthermore, since the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d are used as sealing means for sealing the insulating oil, the sealing means impedes the rotation of the rotating part 140 with respect to the fixed part 160. Is avoiding.

(bearing)
The gantry 120 according to the first embodiment is provided with a bearing 180 when the fixed portion 160 rotatably supports the rotating portion 140. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the bearing 180 is provided between the fixed portion 160 and the rotating portion 140 in the gantry 120, for example, adjacent to the non-contact power transmission device 102. Via this bearing 180, the rotating part 140 can be rotated with respect to the fixed part 160 while being supported. As this bearing 180, for example, a ball bearing or the like is used.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the support structure of the rotating unit 140 by the fixed unit 160 and the configuration of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 are different from the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above. Other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment. Only these different configurations will be described below.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, when the fixed portion 160 of the gantry 120 supports the rotating portion 140 in a rotatable manner, the function of the bearing 180 such as a ball bearing in the first embodiment is changed to a non-contact power. The transmission apparatus 102 is also configured to serve as the same. That is, in the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, herringbone patterns are respectively formed on the distal end surfaces of the protruding portions of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b facing each other of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 in the gantry 120. (Herringbone Pattern / Hayagata type groove) or a spiral groove is formed. In the herringbone pattern on the tip surface, when the rotating part 140 is rotated with respect to the fixed part 160, the insulating oil in the sealing regions 170, 170 becomes lubricating oil and acts as a hydrodynamic bearing.

  As in the first embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment uses the insulating oil sealed in the gap between the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b, so that the power of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 is The generation of magnetic flux leakage during transmission is prevented. In addition, a herringbone pattern is formed on the front end surfaces of the protruding portions of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b, and a dynamic pressure bearing is formed by the herringbone pattern and insulating oil. Therefore, it is possible to omit the bearing 180 (see FIG. 4) such as a ball bearing as a means for supporting and rotating the rotating portion 140 with respect to the fixed portion 160. Further, the non-contact sealing members 150a to 150d and 151a to 151d avoid a situation in which the rotation of the rotating unit 140 relative to the fixed unit 160 is hindered. In order to form a herringbone pattern on the front end surfaces of the protruding portions of the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b to provide the dynamic pressure bearing, at least the positions of the primary iron core 102a and the secondary iron core 102b It is preferable to increase the accuracy and the accuracy of the roundness, and to set the gap between the tip surfaces to about 0.1 mm. Furthermore, it may be necessary to increase the positional accuracy and the roundness accuracy of the primary side iron core 102a and the secondary side iron core 102b in the fixed part 160 and the rotating part 140.

  Also with the configuration of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 according to the second embodiment described above, it is possible to prevent the power transmission means from being deteriorated due to wear or the like, as in the first embodiment. In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of leakage magnetic flux when the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 transmits the power. Furthermore, the situation where the rotation of the rotating part 140 with respect to the fixed part 160 is obstructed by the sealing means for sealing the insulating oil is avoided.

[Modification]
Next, a modification of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. The X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment is provided with a rotary portion 140 that is also substantially cylindrical and smaller in diameter than the fixed portion 160 inside the fixed portion 160 having a substantially cylindrical shape. The inner peripheral surface of the fixed portion 160 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 140 are opposed to each other. However, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the fixed portion 160 and the rotating portion 140 have substantially the same diameter and are adjacent to each other in the axial direction (the conveyance direction of the top plate 220 of the bed apparatus 200). Alternatively, the primary side iron core 102a may be provided on the surface of the fixed unit 160 facing the rotating unit 140, and the secondary side core 102b may be provided on the surface of the rotating unit 140 facing the fixed unit 160.

  In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment is configured to use the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 when transmitting power between the fixed unit 160 and the rotating unit 140. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and is a non-contact power transmission apparatus for transmitting data of the fixed unit 160 and the rotating unit 140, particularly detection data from the X-ray detector 103 via the DAS 104. A configuration similar to that of 102 can be used.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment is arranged so that the protruding portions of the substantially U-shaped primary side core 102a and the secondary side core 102b are opposed to each other. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and can be configured so that at least one of the protruding portions is directed in substantially the same direction without facing each other.

  Even with the configuration of the non-contact power transmission apparatus 102 according to the modification described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be realized.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 X-ray CT apparatus 101 X-ray tube 102 Non-contact electric power transmission apparatus 102a Primary side iron core 102b Secondary side iron core 102c Primary winding 102d Secondary winding 103 X-ray detector 104 DAS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 105 Non-contact data transmission apparatus 106 Pre-processing apparatus 107 Base drive part 109 High voltage generator 110 Host controller 111 Memory | storage device 114 Reconstruction apparatus 115 Input apparatus 118 Image processing part 119 Network communication apparatus 120 Gantry 140 Rotation part 150a-150d, 151a ˜151d Non-contact sealing member 160 Fixed portion 170 Sealing area 180 Bearing 190 Housing area

Claims (9)

A substantially annular rotating part;
A fixed portion that rotatably supports the rotating portion;
Power supply,
The primary winding, which is disposed on the fixed portion side and is opposed to the rotating portion, is connected to the power source and opens the facing surface side of the primary winding and holds the other portion of the primary winding. And the 1st holding part comprised including a magnetic member,
Arranged on the rotating part side at a distance from the first holding part, and holds the first winding part side of the secondary winding so as to cover the other part of the secondary winding; and A second holding part configured to include a magnetic member;
A liquid member that is provided between the first holding part and the second holding part and has a higher magnetic permeability than air;
Sealing means for sealing the liquid member between the first holding part and the second holding part;
Non-contact power transmission means characterized by. A substantially annular rotating portion, a fixed portion that rotatably supports the rotating portion, a power source, and a primary winding that is disposed on the fixing portion side and is electrically connected to the power source on a surface facing the rotating portion. A first holding portion of the magnetic member that is provided with a first protruding portion that holds and protrudes toward the rotating portion side, and is disposed on the rotating portion side at a distance from the first holding portion, and A second holding portion of a magnetic member that holds the secondary winding on the opposing surface and is provided with a second protruding portion that protrudes toward the rotating portion, and from the primary winding by electromagnetic induction A power transmission means for supplying power from the power source to the secondary winding,
While allowing the rotating part to rotate with respect to the fixed part, the gap between the first projecting part and the second projecting part is effectively sealed, and the first projecting part and the second projecting part A sealing region is formed with the surfaces facing each other, and the primary winding and the secondary winding are accommodated in the space between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, and are separated from the sealing region. A plurality of sealing means for forming an accommodation region;
A high permeability liquid sealed in the sealing region,
Non-contact power transmission means characterized by. Each of the first holding part and the second holding part is a substantially concave iron core, and is sandwiched between the first projecting part and the second projecting part and arranged opposite to each other at the interval. A herringbone pattern is formed on the opposing surfaces of the first projecting portion and the second projecting portion.
The liquid in the sealing region is an insulating oil containing a metal powder having a high magnetic permeability, and is filled in the sealing region.
The sealing means is provided so that one is connected to the first holding part and the other is connected to the second holding part to face each other, and the one includes a substantially concave member, and the other Includes a substantially convex shaped member having a convex part that is at least partially accommodated in the concave part of the substantially concave shaped member, and is configured by combining the substantially concave shaped member and the substantially convex shaped member,
The sealing region includes the opposing surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the sealing means that is substantially orthogonal to the opposing surfaces and disposed substantially opposite to each other. Surrounded,
The rotating part is rotated with respect to the fixed part via a hydrodynamic bearing configured to include the liquid in the herringbone pattern and the sealing region;
The non-contact power transmission means according to claim 2. A fixed portion having a substantially circular portion, a rotating portion that is substantially annular and substantially concentric with the fixing portion, and is rotatable at a predetermined interval; and an X-ray provided on the rotating portion. An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: an X-ray exposure means that performs exposure; an X-ray detection means that detects X-rays; and a power source that is at least a source of power supplied to the X-ray exposure means,
A substantially annular first holding portion that is provided along the circumference of the substantially circular portion with respect to the fixed portion and has a primary winding that is electrically connected to the power source, and is configured by a magnetic member;
A secondary winding that is electrically connected to the X-ray irradiation means and supplies the electric power to the X-ray irradiation means by electromagnetic induction with the primary winding; and A substantially annular second holding member that is provided along the circumference of the rotating portion, is substantially concentric with the first holding portion, is opposed to the first holding portion, and is configured by a magnetic member. And
The first holding part or the second holding part that is connected to one of the first holding part and the second holding part and is not in contact with the other, and is opposed to the base part on the connected side. By projecting toward the second holding portion and effectively sealing the gap between the protruding surface of the first holding portion and the protruding surface of the second holding portion, at least a part of the gap is provided with the primary A plurality of sealing means for forming a sealing region that is cut off from a receiving region of the winding and the secondary winding;
A high permeability liquid sealed in the sealing region,
X-ray CT apparatus characterized by this. A fixed portion having a substantially circular portion, a rotating portion that is substantially annular and substantially concentric with the fixing portion, and is rotatable at a predetermined interval; and an X-ray provided on the rotating portion. An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: an X-ray exposure unit that performs exposure; an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays; and a signal processing unit that processes a signal received from the X-ray detection unit,
A substantially annular first holding portion having a primary winding connected to the signal processing means, provided along the circumference of the substantially circular portion with respect to the fixed portion, and configured by a magnetic member;
A secondary winding that is electrically connected to the X-ray detection means and transmits detection data from the X-ray detection means to at least the primary winding by electromagnetic induction with the primary winding; and Approximately along the circumference of the rotating part with respect to the rotating part, substantially concentrically with the first holding part, facing the first holding part and spaced apart from each other, and configured by a magnetic member An annular second holding part;
The first holding part or the second holding part that is connected to one of the first holding part and the second holding part and is not in contact with the other, and is opposed to the base part on the connected side. By projecting toward the second holding portion and effectively sealing the gap between the protruding surface of the first holding portion and the protruding surface of the second holding portion, at least a part of the gap is provided with the primary A plurality of sealing means for forming a sealing region that is cut off from a receiving region of the winding and the secondary winding;
A high permeability liquid sealed in the sealing region,
X-ray CT apparatus characterized by this. Each of the first holding part and the second holding part is a substantially concave iron core, and has a concave portion as the accommodating region that is sandwiched between the projecting surfaces and arranged to face each other with the gap therebetween. Configured,
The sealing region includes each of the projecting surfaces of the first holding unit and the second holding unit, and at least a pair of the sealing means that are substantially orthogonal to the projecting surfaces and disposed substantially opposite to each other. Being surrounded,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The sealing means is provided so that one is connected to the first holding part and the other is connected to the second holding part to face each other, and the one includes a substantially concave member, and the other Includes a substantially convex member having a convex part that is at least partially accommodated in the concave part of the substantially concave member, and is configured by combining the substantially concave member and the substantially convex member. Being
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 6. Herringbone patterns are formed on the projecting surfaces of the first holding part and the second holding part,
The rotating part is rotated with respect to the fixed part via a hydrodynamic bearing configured to include the liquid in the herringbone pattern and the sealing region;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 6. The liquid in the sealing region is an insulating oil containing a metal powder having a high magnetic permeability, and the sealing region is filled;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: