JP2011143018A - X-ray imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray imaging apparatus in which electric efficiency of a whole system is improved and which has excellent operation efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes: an X-ray tube device 7 for irradiating a subject 100 with X-rays; an X-ray tube holding device 2 for holding the X-ray tube device 7 and moving it to any position; and an X-ray generator 20 electrically connected with the X-ray tube device 7 via a cable and generating the X-rays with which the subject 100 is to be irradiated in the X-ray tube device 7. The X-ray tube device 7 and the X-ray generator 20 are integrated via the X-ray tube holding device 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus used for general X-ray imaging.

  An X-ray imaging apparatus generally includes an X-ray tube device (including an X-ray diaphragm device), an X-ray tube holding device that holds the X-ray tube device, an X-ray detector, an X-ray detector holding device that holds the X-ray detector, and an X-ray generation device , An image processing device, an image display device (including an input device), etc., each installed in a dedicated facility (photographing room or operation room) as an individual unit. X-ray tube holding devices include a ceiling traveling type, a floor-wall traveling type, a floor fixed type, etc. Especially in the case of a ceiling traveling type and a floor-wall traveling type, a dedicated traveling rail is required, and the traveling rail is installed. In order to clear the conditions, there may be a need for prior facility construction in the shooting room.

  In general, radiography is performed on the chest, abdomen, bones, etc. When a plurality of X-ray tube devices and X-ray detectors are provided in the imaging room to cope with these multiple imaging methods, most of them are in the X-ray tube holding device. Individual installation is required for each unit holding the X-ray tube device. Usually, the X-ray tube holding device that holds the X-ray tube device and the X-ray generation device that generates X-rays to be irradiated to the subject on the X-ray tube device are separated from each other in the imaging room or operated with the imaging room. They are installed separately from the room, and these become an environment in which X-ray imaging can be performed by being organically and electrically connected by a cable (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In such a conventional method, the cables connecting the units, especially the X-ray tube device and the X-ray generation device, have a relatively large length (redundancy) in consideration of the unit arrangement method, the operation range of the X-ray tube holding device, and the like. In many cases.

JP 2006-87639 A JP 2003-47608 A

  However, if the cables between the units are made redundant as in the conventional method described above, the electrical efficiency of the entire system deteriorates. As a result, the operating cost is reduced in terms of power saving and heat generation reduction. It has a problem with respect to operating efficiency.

  The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus excellent in operating efficiency.

  According to the present invention, an X-ray tube device (7) for irradiating a subject (100) with X-rays and an X-ray tube device (7) are held and the X-ray tube device (7) is moved to an arbitrary position. The tube holding device (2) is electrically connected to the X-ray tube device (7) via the cable (30), and X-rays to be irradiated to the subject (100) are generated in the X-ray tube device (7). An X-ray imaging apparatus (1), wherein the X-ray tube apparatus (7) and the X-ray generation apparatus (20) are integrated via an X-ray tube holding apparatus (2). ) To solve the above problem.

  In the above-described solution means, the reference numerals corresponding to the drawings showing the embodiments of the invention are given and described, but these reference signs are only for facilitating the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. .

  According to the above invention, the X-ray tube device and the X-ray generator are integrated via the X-ray tube holding device, thereby realizing a compact and simple layout of the X-ray imaging system, saving space and installing work. It is possible to simplify the X-ray imaging system and to improve the efficiency of the operation by reducing the cable length between the units, contributing to power saving and heat generation reduction by improving the electrical efficiency. can do.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an example of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIGS. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to another example of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an X-ray imaging apparatus including a floor-fixed X-ray tube holding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an X-ray tube apparatus 7, an X-ray tube holding apparatus 2, and an X-ray generation apparatus 20. The X-ray tube device 7 and the X-ray generator 20 are integrated via the X-ray tube holding device 2. Here, “integrated” means that the devices constituting the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes an X-ray detector, an X-ray detector holding device that holds the X-ray detector, an image processing device, an image display device (including an input device), and the like. These explanations are omitted.

  The X-ray tube apparatus 7 irradiates the subject 100 stationary in the imaging room with X-rays having a predetermined intensity. The X-ray tube device 7 is organically and electrically connected to the X-ray tube generator 20 via a cable 30 (for example, a high-voltage lead wire).

  The X-ray tube holding device 2 holds the X-ray tube device 7 and moves it to an arbitrary position or arbitrary posture.

  The X-ray generator 20 generates a high voltage (X-ray tube voltage) and supplies it to the X-ray tube device 7 held by the X-ray tube holding device 2 through the cable 30. As a result, X-rays with a predetermined intensity are emitted from the X-ray tube device 7 toward the subject 100, and X-ray general imaging can be performed. Details will be described below.

  The X-ray tube holding device 2 used in the present embodiment includes a first rotating unit 3 (first rotation) that protrudes in a direction (vertical direction, Z direction) orthogonal to a floor surface that is one of reference wall surfaces in the imaging room. Moving part).

  At the upper end of the first rotation part 3, the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the prismatic rotation arm 4 (rotation member) is supported. The rotating arm 4 is formed in a telescoping manner that can be expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction, and is centered on a horizontal axis La that passes through the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction and extends in the horizontal direction (X direction) perpendicular to the Z direction. The vertical rotation (moving around the horizontal axis La) is supported. The shape of the rotating arm 4 is not limited to a prismatic shape, and may be a cylindrical shape.

  At one end in the longitudinal direction of the rotating arm 4, an X-ray movable that restricts the X-ray irradiation field irradiated to the imaging region of the subject 100 via the second rotating unit 5 (second rotating unit). One end of the X-ray tube device 7 to which the diaphragm 6 is attached is connected. As a result, the X-ray tube holding device 2 and the X-ray tube device 7 are mechanically connected. A cable hole 41 is formed in the side surface on one end side of the rotating arm 4 so that the cable 30 from the X-ray generator 20 can pass therethrough.

  The second rotating unit 5 itself is nested so that vertical rotation about the horizontal axis La and horizontal rotation about the vertical axis Va perpendicular to the horizontal axis La are possible. Is supported at one end of the rotating arm 4. As a result, at one end of the turning arm 4, the X-ray tube device 7 performs the vertical turning around the horizontal axis La and the horizontal turning around the vertical axis Va via the second turning unit 5. Permissible. Note that the rotation of the X-ray tube apparatus 7 around the horizontal axis La is tube axis rotation, and the rotation around the vertical axis Va means tube rotation.

  At the other end of the X-ray tube device 7, rotation and operation of the X-ray tube device 7 are performed from the front of the subject 100 (see FIG. 4) via a third rotating portion 8 (third rotating portion). A main controller 9 (first controller) for operation is attached. The main operation unit 9 includes an operation panel provided with various operation switches and indicators, an operation handle connected to the operation panel and integrally attached to the X-ray tube device 7, and a control unit. The

  The other end of the rotating arm 4, that is, the opposite side of the main operating unit 9 with respect to the rotating arm 4, is provided with a fourth rotating unit 10 (fourth rotating unit) and an arm balance unit 11. An auxiliary operating device 12 (second operating device) for operating the rotation and operation of the X-ray tube device 7 is attached from a distance behind the subject 100 (see FIG. 5). The arm balance unit 11 is a balance weight that is attached to the downstream side of the fourth rotation unit 10 and that can fix the X-ray tube device 7 attached to one end side of the rotation arm 4 at an arbitrary position and an arbitrary posture. is there. The auxiliary controller 12 is linked to the main controller 9 attached to the other end of the X-ray tube device 7 on one end side of the rotating arm 4, and the same operation can be performed on the X-ray tube device 7. It is comprised so that it may become. Since the configuration of the auxiliary operation device 12 is substantially the same as that of the main operation device 9 (operation panel and operation handle, but does not include a control unit), description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the amount of expansion / contraction on one end side of the rotating arm 4, that is, the side to which the X-ray tube device 7 is connected is increased, while the other end side of the rotating arm 4, that is, the arm balance unit 11. The amount of expansion and contraction on the side is small. However, the expansion / contraction amount of the rotating arm 4 is not limited to this.

  The main controller 9 and the auxiliary controller 12 are attached so that their operation handles can be operated on the near side and the far side along the direction orthogonal to the trunk direction of the subject 100. Yes.

  The operation switches provided on each operation panel include operation switches for various lock / release controls, irradiation field lamp buttons for turning on the aiming light of the X-ray movable diaphragm 6, and the like. The operation switch for the lock / release control includes an expansion / contraction free button that allows expansion / contraction in the longitudinal direction of the rotation arm 4 by releasing the lock, and horizontal rotation about the vertical axis Va of the first rotation unit 3. The first turning free button to be allowed, the second turning free button to allow the vertical turning around the horizontal axis La of the turning arm 4, and the horizontal axis La of the second turning unit 5 and the fourth turning unit 10. The third turning free button that allows vertical turning, and the fourth turning free button that allows vertical turning around the horizontal axis La of the X-ray tube device 7 are included. As a result, the rotating arm 4 can be expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction by releasing the lock of the expansion and contraction free button. The first turning unit 3 can turn horizontally around the vertical axis Va by releasing the lock of the first turning free button. The turning arm 4 can turn vertically around the horizontal axis La by releasing the lock of the second turning free button. The second turning unit 5 and the fourth turning unit 10 can turn vertically around the horizontal axis La by releasing the lock of the third turning free button. The X-ray tube device 7 can turn vertically around the horizontal axis La by unlocking the fourth turning free button.

  The display provided in each operation panel can digitally display X-ray imaging conditions, the rotation angle of the X-ray tube device 7, FFD, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit is disposed only on the back surface of the operation panel of the main operation unit 9, and when the operation switch of the main operation unit 9 or the auxiliary operation unit 12 is operated, A function of controlling the turning (turning) of the moving part 3, the turning arm 4, the second turning part 5, the fourth turning part 10 and the X-ray tube device 7, and the lock / release of the turning, It has a function to control display items. Switching between the operation of the main operation unit 9 and the auxiliary operation unit 12 can be performed by automatically controlling the operation switch of the operated operation unit with the control unit of the main operation unit 9 so that priority is given to the operated switch.

  It should be noted that the operation devices 9 and 12 are connected to each other so that each operation performed by the auxiliary operation device 12 is linked to the main operation device 9 by interlocking means (for example, connected by an endless chain via a sprocket or the like). Can be configured.

  In the present embodiment, an X-ray generator 20 is connected to the lower end of the first rotation unit 3 of the X-ray tube holding device 2. As a result, the X-ray tube holding device 2 and the X-ray generation device 20 are mechanically connected. A cable 30 for supplying a high voltage (X-ray tube voltage) to the X-ray tube device 7 extends from the X-ray generator 20, and the cable 30 is one end of the rotating arm 4 of the X-ray tube holding device 2. It passes through the cable hole 41 formed on the side and is organically and electrically connected to the X-ray tube device 7. The length of the cable 30 is minimized, and the X-ray generator and the X-ray tube holder are compared with the conventional configuration in which the X-ray generator and the X-ray tube holder are separated from each other. The redundancy of the cable connecting the X-ray tube apparatus held by the apparatus is reduced.

  Next, the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 will be described.

  First, the positioning operation of the X-ray tube apparatus 7 in a general imaging situation will be described. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the main controller 9 can be operated from the front (front side) of the subject 100, or for the operator 200 side (front side) of the subject 100 by shaping or the like. A case of shooting will be described.

  In this case, the operator 200 presses various lock release buttons of the operation switches provided on the operation panel of the main controller 9 from the front of the subject 100 placed on the supine imaging table (imaging table) 300. The X-ray tube device 7 is moved by pushing, pulling, lowering, raising, or rotating the operation handle, thereby appropriately adjusting the position and orientation of the X-ray tube device 7.

  Specifically, the operator 200 releases all locks of the telescopic free buttons and the first to fourth swivel free buttons of the operation switch provided on the operation panel of the main controller 9 (lock OFF). After that, the operation handle is grasped, and the X-ray tube device 7 is moved to a vicinity of a predetermined part of the subject 100 mounted on the supine position imaging table 300 fixedly arranged on the indoor floor surface of the X-ray imaging. Next, while holding the operation handle, the operator 200 enables the lock on the telescopic free button and the first turning free button (lock ON), and locks off the second to fourth turning free buttons. And the second rotating unit 5, the fourth rotating unit 10, and the X-ray tube device 7 are vertically rotated about the horizontal axis La, thereby appropriately adjusting the position and orientation of the X-ray tube device 7. Thereafter, X-ray imaging is performed.

  Next, the positioning operation of the X-ray tube device 7 in a specific imaging situation will be described. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is difficult to operate the main controller 9 from the front (front side) of the subject 100, for example, when the ceiling height in the imaging room is high, or long imaging is performed. In addition to the case where it is necessary to bring the X-ray tube device 7 close to the ceiling in order to perform the positioning operation, a positioning operation will be described, such as when photographing the opposite side (back side) of the subject 100 from the operator 200 by shaping or the like.

  In this case, the operator 200 wraps around the auxiliary operation device 12 disposed on the opposite side of the subject 100 and operates the auxiliary operation device 12 from a distance behind the subject 100. The X-ray tube device 7 is moved by pushing, pulling, lowering, raising, or turning the operation handle while pushing various lock release buttons of the operation switches provided on the panel, and thereby the X-ray The position and orientation of the pipe device 7 are adjusted appropriately.

  Specifically, the operator 200 locks OFF all the telescopic free buttons and the first to fourth swivel free buttons of the operation switch provided on the operation panel of the auxiliary controller 12, and then operates The X-ray tube device 7 on the side of the main controller 9 is moved to a vicinity of a predetermined part of the subject 100 placed on the supine position imaging table 300 fixedly arranged on the indoor floor surface of the X-ray imaging. Next, while holding the operation handle, the operator 200 locks the telescopic free button and the first turning free button, and maintains the second to fourth turning free buttons to be locked OFF. The rotating unit 5, the fourth rotating unit 10, and the X-ray tube device 7 are vertically rotated about the horizontal axis La, thereby appropriately adjusting the position and orientation of the X-ray tube device 7, and then X-ray imaging is performed. Do.

  In this embodiment, the X-ray tube holding device 2 and the X-ray generation device 20 are integrated, and both units of the X-ray tube device 7 and the X-ray generation device 20 held by the X-ray tube holding device 2 are used. There is almost no redundancy of the cable 30 for organically and electrically connecting the two. That is, the X-ray tube device 7 and the X-ray generator 20 that require a large amount of power are connected with a short cable length, and power loss due to the cable is improved. As a result, the electrical efficiency of the entire photographing system is good, and it can contribute to the reduction of operating costs from the aspects of power saving and heat generation reduction, and the final operating efficiency is excellent.

  Further, in terms of installation, by integrating the X-ray tube holding device 2 and the X-ray generator 20, the number of installation units can be reduced, and the required space in the imaging room can be reduced. In addition, installation of traveling rails and prior construction on the facility side are not required as in an overhead traveling X-ray holding device.

  Furthermore, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, even when it is difficult to operate the main operating unit 9 from the front of the subject 100, the auxiliary operating unit 12 is turned around to the auxiliary operating unit 12 side behind the subject 100. Thus, there is also an effect that the positioning operation of the X-ray tube device 7 can be easily performed from the rear of the subject 100 without the operator 200 riding on the body position imaging table 300 side.

<< Second Embodiment >>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the first embodiment exemplifying a case where an auxiliary operation device 12 is attached to the other end side of the rotation arm 4 via a fourth rotation unit 10 and an arm balance unit 11 Unlike this, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the other end of the rotating arm 4 is attached to one end side of the rotating arm 4 by being balanced by the balance mechanism 11 a as an arm balance unit. An example is shown in which the X-ray tube device 7 can be stopped at an arbitrary position and the arrangement of the auxiliary operation device 12 is moved from the other end side of the rotating arm 4 to the side surface of the X-ray generation device 20. .

  In the following description, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As the balance mechanism 11a, for example, a spring balancer using a wire / spiral pulley can be used. Instead, a balance control device (for example, a hydraulic cylinder unit and a control unit) can be used.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, when the auxiliary controller 12 is used, the operation position changes depending on the imaging position. Therefore, it cannot be said that the usability is good, and it is necessary to secure a wide operation space. is there.

  On the other hand, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1a of the present embodiment, in addition to the operational effects of the first embodiment, the position of the auxiliary operation device 12 is fixed, so that the usability is improved and a wide operation space is secured. Since there is no need to do this, a more compact arrangement is possible. Further, by not incorporating the arm balance portion 11 (see FIGS. 1 to 3), the mass of the apparatus can be reduced, and there is no merit such that the stability of the apparatus is improved because there is no heavy object at high places.

<< Other Embodiments >>
The embodiments described above are described for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and are not described for limiting the invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment includes all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the above invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a ... X-ray imaging apparatus, 2 ... X-ray tube holding device, 3 ... 1st rotation part (1st rotation part), 4 ... Rotation arm (rotation member), 41 ... Cable hole, 5 2nd rotation part, 6 ... X-ray movable diaphragm, 7 ... X-ray tube device, 8 ... 3rd rotation part, 9 ... Main operation device (first operation device), 10 ... 4th rotation unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Arm balance part, 11a ... Balance mechanism, 12 ... Auxiliary operation device (2nd operation device), 20 ... X-ray generator, 30 ... Cable, 100 ... Test subject, 200 ... Operator, 300 ... 臥Stand

Claims (3)

An X-ray tube device for irradiating the subject with X-rays;
An X-ray tube holding device that holds the X-ray tube device and moves the X-ray tube device to an arbitrary position;
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: an X-ray generation apparatus that is electrically connected to the X-ray tube apparatus via a cable and causes the X-ray tube apparatus to generate X-rays to be irradiated to the subject.
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the X-ray tube apparatus and the X-ray generation apparatus are integrated via the X-ray tube holding apparatus. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The X-ray tube holding device is
A first rotating portion protruding in a direction orthogonal to the indoor reference wall surface;
A columnar rotation member capable of extending and contracting supported rotatably at the upper end of the first rotation portion;
One end in the longitudinal direction of the rotating member is provided with the X-ray tube device and a first operating device capable of operating the X-ray tube device,
The other end of the rotating member is provided with a second operating device capable of operating the operation of the X-ray tube device,
The X-ray generator is arranged at a lower end of the first rotating unit. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The X-ray tube holding device is
A first rotating portion protruding in a direction orthogonal to the indoor reference wall surface;
A columnar rotation member capable of extending and contracting supported rotatably at the upper end of the first rotation portion;
One end in the longitudinal direction of the rotating member is provided with the X-ray tube device and a first operating device capable of operating the X-ray tube device,
At the other end of the rotating member, only the balance mechanism capable of stopping the X-ray tube device attached to one end side of the rotating member at an arbitrary position and an arbitrary posture is provided.
The X-ray generator is disposed at a lower end of the first rotation unit, and a second operation device capable of operating the operation of the X-ray tube device is provided on a side surface of the X-ray generator. An X-ray imaging apparatus characterized by that.

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