JP2012081135A - X-ray ct apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent electric power from being unnecessarily consumed in an X-ray CT apparatus.SOLUTION: The X-ray CT apparatus 1 having a rotating section 25 equipped with an X-ray tube 21 and an X-ray detector 23 and a controller 50 energized by a first power supply and carrying out scanning by controlling the action of the rotating section 25, includes a power transmitting section 35 electrically connected to a second power supply different from the first power supply, a power receiving section 36 attached to a fixed section 25 and electrically connected to the power transmitting section 35, and a heater provided in the X-ray detector 23 and electrically connected to the power receiving section 36.

Description

  The present embodiment as one aspect of the present invention relates to an X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus that generates an image of a subject.

  An X-ray CT apparatus provides information about a subject based on the intensity of X-rays that have passed through the subject, and includes many medical practices such as disease diagnosis / treatment and surgical planning. Plays an important role.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus, the X-ray detector provided in the rotating unit has temperature characteristics. If scanning is performed in a state where the X-ray detector is not sufficiently warmed, an abnormal image with degraded image quality is generated. Therefore, it is necessary to preheat the X-ray detector before scanning, and perform imaging after the X-ray detector is sufficiently warmed and the temperature of the X-ray detector becomes constant.

  In the conventional X-ray CT apparatus, there are the following two methods for preheating the X-ray detector. In the first method, the entire X-ray CT apparatus is turned on earlier than the time spent for preheating the X-ray detector, and the X-ray detector is preheated after the entire X-ray CT apparatus is turned on. Is the method. The second method is to place a heater on the X-ray detector, connect a power cable to the heater itself, and connect the power cable to an independent power source installed outside the X-ray CT apparatus. In this method, the heater is energized via a power cable to preheat the X-ray detector, and then the entire X-ray CT apparatus is turned on immediately before scanning.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-73668

  However, according to the first method of the prior art, for the purpose of energizing the heater, power is also supplied to members other than the heater that do not need to be turned on, and unnecessary power is consumed. There is a problem of end up.

  Further, when the second method of the prior art is used, it is necessary for an operator such as an operator to cut the power cable connected to the heater. In addition, if the X-ray detector rotates according to the rotation of the rotating unit when scanning is started without forgetting to disconnect the power cable from the heater, the power cable is caught in the rotating unit, causing harm to the X-ray CT apparatus. There is a problem of giving.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment scans by controlling the operation of the rotating unit that is energized by a rotating unit including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector and a first power source. An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: an output unit electrically connected to a second power supply different from the first power supply; and the rotation unit, the output unit; An input unit that can be electrically connected to the X-ray detector, and a heater that is provided in the X-ray detector and is electrically connected to the input unit.

The hardware block diagram which shows the X-ray CT apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The side view which shows the outline of a structure of the X-ray detector in the X-ray CT apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the input-output part in the X-ray CT apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The hardware block diagram which shows the X-ray CT apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. (A) and (b) are diagrams showing a first configuration example of an output terminal drive unit in the X-ray CT apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an operation in the first configuration example of the output terminal driving unit shown in FIG. 5. FIG. (A) and (b) are figures which show the 2nd example of composition of the output terminal drive part in the X-ray CT apparatus of a 2nd embodiment. 8 is a time chart showing an operation in the second configuration example of the output terminal driving unit shown in FIG. 7. (A) and (b) are figures which show the 3rd structural example of the output terminal drive part in the X-ray CT apparatus of 2nd Embodiment.

  The X-ray CT apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to an accompanying drawing.

  The X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment includes a rotation / rotation (ROTATE / ROTATE) type in which an X-ray source and an X-ray detector are rotated as one body, and a large number of detection elements in a ring shape. There are various types such as a stationary / rotating type in which only the X-ray source rotates around the subject, and the present invention can be applied to any type. Here, the rotation / rotation type that currently occupies the mainstream will be described.

  In addition, the mechanism for converting incident X-rays into electric charges is based on an indirect conversion type in which X-rays are converted into light by a phosphor such as a scintillator and the light is further converted into electric charges by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode. The generation of electron-hole pairs in semiconductors and their transfer to the electrode, that is, the direct conversion type utilizing a photoconductive phenomenon, is the mainstream.

  In addition, in recent years, a so-called multi-tube type X-ray CT apparatus in which a plurality of pairs of an X-ray source and an X-ray detector are mounted on a rotating ring has been commercialized, and the development of peripheral technologies has progressed. . The X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment can be applied to both a conventional single-tube type X-ray CT apparatus and a multi-tube type X-ray CT apparatus. Here, a single tube X-ray CT apparatus will be described.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the X-ray CT apparatus of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 is mainly composed of a scanner device 11 and an image processing device 12. The scanner device 11 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is usually installed in an examination room, and is configured to generate X-ray transmission data related to a site (subject) of a patient O. On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 12 is usually installed in a control room adjacent to the examination room, and is configured to generate projection data based on transmission data and generate / display a reconstructed image.

  The scanner device 11 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry device 20, a bed device 40, and a controller 50.

  The gantry device 20 of the scanner device 11 includes an X-ray tube 21 as an X-ray source, an aperture 22, an X-ray detector 23, a DAS (data acquisition system) 24, a rotating unit 25, a high voltage power supply 26, an aperture drive device 27, A rotation drive device 28, a gantry cover (fixed portion) 31, an insertion plug 32, a connector pair 33, and an input / output portion 34 are provided.

  The X-ray tube 21 generates X-rays by causing an electron beam to collide with a metal target according to the tube voltage supplied from the high-voltage power supply 26 and irradiates the X-ray detector 23 toward the X-ray detector 23. Fan beam X-rays and cone beam X-rays are formed by X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 21. The X-ray tube 21 is supplied with electric power necessary for X-ray irradiation under the control of the controller 50 via the high voltage power supply 26.

  The diaphragm 22 adjusts the irradiation range in the slice direction of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 21 by the diaphragm driving device 27. That is, by adjusting the aperture of the diaphragm 22 by the diaphragm driving device 27, the X-ray irradiation range in the slice direction can be changed.

  The X-ray detector 23 is a two-dimensional array detector (also referred to as a multi-slice detector) having a matrix, that is, a plurality of channels in the channel direction and a plurality of rows of X-ray detection elements in the slice direction. The X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 23 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 21.

  FIG. 2 is a side view showing an outline of the configuration of the X-ray detector 23 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray detector 23 collimates the X-rays transmitted through the site of the patient O, N collimators 51 corresponding to the N rows, and an electric circuit based on the X-rays in the subsequent stage of the collimator 51. N detection elements 52 corresponding to N columns that generate signals and a heater 53 for stabilizing the temperature of the X-ray detector 23 are provided. The detection element 52 includes N scintillators 61 that emit fluorescence based on X-rays, and N PDs (photodiodes) 62 that convert the fluorescence into electric signals. FIG. 2 shows, for example, eight collimators 51 corresponding to eight (N = 8) columns, eight scintillators 61 corresponding to eight columns, and eight PDs 62 corresponding to eight columns.

  The DAS 24 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged at the subsequent stage of the PD 62 of the X-ray detector 23. The DAS 24 amplifies the transmission data signal detected by each detection element 52 of the X-ray detector 23 and converts it into a digital signal. Output data of the DAS 24 is supplied to the image processing apparatus 12 via the controller 50 of the scanner apparatus 11.

  The rotating unit 25 shown in FIG. 1 holds the X-ray tube 21, the diaphragm 22, the X-ray detector 23, and the DAS 24 as a single unit. The rotating unit 25 can rotate around the subject O together with the X-ray tube 21, the diaphragm 22, the X-ray detector 23, and the DAS 24 with the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 23 facing each other. It is configured as follows. A direction parallel to the rotation center axis of the rotating unit 25 is defined as a z-axis direction, and a plane orthogonal to the z-axis direction is defined as an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction.

  The high voltage power supply 26 supplies power necessary for X-ray irradiation to the X-ray tube 21 under the control of the controller 50.

  The aperture driving device 27 has a mechanism for adjusting the irradiation range of the aperture 22 in the X-ray slice direction under the control of the controller 50.

  The rotation drive device 28 has a mechanism for rotating the rotating unit 25 so that the rotating unit 25 rotates around the hollow portion while maintaining the positional relationship under the control of the controller 50.

  The gantry cover 31 is formed so as to cover the rotating portion 25, and is largely configured by a front cover and a side cover.

  The plug plug 32 is electrically connected to the power transmission unit 35 through a power cable and a connector pair 33.

  The connector pair 33 is supported on the surface of the gantry cover 31.

  The input / output unit 34 includes a power transmission unit (output unit) 35 and a power reception unit (input unit) 36. The power transmission unit 35 is supported by the gantry cover 31 inside the gantry cover 31. The power transmission unit 35 is disposed at a position where power can be transmitted and received mechanically without contact with the power reception unit 36 at the stop position of the X-ray detector 23. The power receiving unit 36 is attached to the X-ray detector 23 and rotates integrally with the X-ray detector 23 according to the rotation of the rotating unit 25.

  The bed device 40 of the scanner device 11 includes a top plate 41 and a top plate drive device 42. The top 41 can mount the subject O. The top plate driving device 42 has a mechanism for moving the top plate 41 up and down along the y-axis direction and moving in and out along the z-axis direction under the control of the controller 50. The central portion of the rotating unit 25 has an opening, and the subject O placed on the top 41 of the opening is inserted.

  The controller 50 of the scanner device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) and a memory. The controller 50 is connected to the insertion plug 51 and energizes the gantry device 20 and the couch device 40. Further, the controller 50 includes an X-ray tube 21, an X-ray detector 23, a DAS 24, a high voltage power supply 26, an aperture drive device 27, a rotation drive device 28, a top plate drive device 42 of the bed device 40, and the like. Control is performed to execute scanning.

  The image processing apparatus 12 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is configured based on a computer, and can communicate with a network N such as a hospital basic LAN (local area network). Although not shown, the image processing apparatus 12 includes basic hardware such as a CPU, a memory, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an input device, and a display device. The input device is a pointing device or a foot switch that can be operated by an operator.

  The image processing apparatus 12 generates projection data by performing logarithmic conversion processing and correction processing (preprocessing) such as sensitivity correction on the raw data input from the DAS 24 of the scanner device 11. Further, the image processing device 12 performs scattered radiation removal processing on the preprocessed projection data. The image processing device 12 removes scattered radiation based on the value of projection data within the X-ray irradiation range, and is estimated from the size of the projection data to be subjected to scattered radiation correction or the value of the adjacent projection data. The scattered radiation correction is performed by subtracting the scattered radiation from the target projection data. The image processing device 12 generates a reconstructed image based on the corrected projection data.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the input / output unit 34 in the X-ray CT apparatus of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 3 shows the X-ray detector 23, the rotation unit 25, the gantry cover 31, the plug plug 32, the connector pair 33, the input / output unit 34 (the power transmission unit 35 and the power reception unit 36), and the heater 53. The configuration of the input / output unit 34 is the same as that of the electronic device disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-284657.

  The connector pair 33 is disposed on the gantry cover 31 near the power transmission unit 35.

  The power transmission unit 35 of the input / output unit 34 is electrically connected to the insertion plug 32. The power receiving unit 36 is provided in the vicinity of the rotating unit 25, for example, the X-ray detector 23 of the rotating unit 25. Since the X-ray detector 23 after the scan by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 stops at a certain stop position (angle), the power transmission unit 35 receives the power reception unit 36 near the X-ray detector 23 stopped at the stop position. It is arrange | positioned in the position which can be electrically connected to non-contact mechanically. That is, the power transmission unit 35 is disposed within a predetermined range from the power reception unit 36 near the X-ray detector 23 stopped at the stop position, and is not in contact with the power reception unit 36 when the distance from the power reception unit 36 is within the predetermined range. Electrically connected.

  The heater 53 is electrically connected to the power receiving unit 36.

  When the scanning by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is completed and the X-ray detector 23 is stopped at a certain stop position (angle), the insertion plug 32 outside the gantry cover 31 is inserted into an outlet (plug socket). The power receiving unit 36 is energized regardless of whether the system is activated. Therefore, when the X-ray detector 23 is stopped at the predetermined stop position, the power transmission unit 35 energizes the heater 53 via the power reception unit 36 when the plug 32 is inserted into the outlet. When the heater 53 is energized, the temperature of the X-ray detector 23 is increased.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus 1, when the insertion plug 32 is inserted into the outlet while the system is not activated, the power receiving unit 36 is energized from the outlet through the insertion plug 32, the connector pair 33, and the power transmission unit 35. The X-ray detector 23 is heated by the heater 53. On the other hand, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1, if the plug 32 is inserted into the outlet while the system is activated, the power receiving unit 36 as long as the X-ray detector 23 is stopped at a specific position at the stop position. Is energized.

  When the plug 53, the connector pair 33, and the input / output unit 34 are provided as means for energizing the heater 53 in a system different from the energization of the heater 53 via the controller 50, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 While the line detector 23 is stopped at a specific position, the temperature of the X-ray detector 23 can be raised via the power transmission unit 35 and the power reception unit 36. Moreover, since the power transmission part 35 and the power receiving part 36 are non-contact, X-ray CT apparatus 1 can start a scan (rotation of the rotation part 25) safely.

  Needless to say, while the system is activated, the temperature of the X-ray detector 23 can be controlled by the controller 50 energizing the heater 53 as in the prior art.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the X-ray CT apparatus of the second embodiment.

  FIG. 4 shows an X-ray CT apparatus 1A of the second embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1A is mainly composed of a scanner apparatus 11A and an image processing apparatus 12. The scanner device 11A of the X-ray CT apparatus 1A includes a gantry device 20A, a bed device 40, and a controller 50. In the X-ray CT apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 4, the same members as those in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  The gantry device 20A of the scanner device 11A includes an X-ray tube 21 as an X-ray source, a diaphragm 22, an X-ray detector 23, a DAS 24, a rotating unit 25, a high voltage power supply 26, a diaphragm driving device 27, a rotational driving device 28, a gantry. A cover 31, an insertion plug 32, a connector pair 33, a contact input / output unit 74, and an output terminal driving unit 77 are provided.

  The contact input / output unit 74 includes an output terminal 75 and an input terminal 76. The output terminal 75 is supported by the gantry cover 31 so as to be electrically connected only when mechanically contacted with the input terminal 76. The input terminal 76 is attached to the X-ray detector 23 and rotates integrally with the X-ray detector 23 according to the rotation of the rotating unit 25 during scanning.

  The output terminal driving unit 77 is supported by the gantry cover 31 inside the gantry cover 31. The output terminal drive unit 77 energized via the controller 50 moves the output terminal 75 to release the electrical connection by mechanically bringing the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 into contact with each other. The terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are electrically connected by mechanical contact. In the present embodiment, by moving the output terminal 75, the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are mechanically brought into contact with each other to cancel the electrical connection, or the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 A case will be described in which these are electrically connected by mechanical contact. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and by moving the input terminal 76, the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are mechanically brought into contact with each other to cancel the electrical connection, or the output terminal 75. And the input terminal 76 may be electrically connected by mechanical contact.

  Next, a specific example of the configuration of the output terminal driving unit 77 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the output terminal driving unit 77 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1A of the second embodiment. FIG. 5A shows the state of the contact input / output unit 74 when the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are not mechanically in contact with each other. FIG. 5B shows the state where the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are connected. The state of the contact input / output unit 74 in the case of mechanical contact is shown.

  5A and 5B show the X-ray detector 23, the rotating unit 25, the gantry cover 31, the plug plug 32, the connector pair 33, the heater 53, and the contact input / output unit 74 (the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76). ) And an electromagnet (solenoid) 77a as the output terminal driving unit 77.

  The heater 53 is electrically connected to the input terminal 76.

  The output terminal 75 is electrically connected to the insertion plug 32. The input terminal 76 is provided near the X-ray detector 23 of the rotating unit 25, for example, the rotating unit 25.

  The electromagnet 77a is a magnet in which a coil is wound around a core of magnetic material. Since the X-ray detector 23 after the end of scanning by the X-ray CT apparatus 1A stops at a certain stop position (angle), the electromagnet 77a has an output terminal 75 that advances and retreats according to energization / non-energization of the electromagnet 77a, The input terminal 76 in the vicinity of the X-ray detector 23 stopped at the stop position is disposed at a position where it can be mechanically contacted. In other words, the electromagnet 77a energized through the controller 50 temporarily generates a magnetic force and draws the output terminal 75, thereby mechanically contacting the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 with each other. As a result, the electrical connection between the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 is released (FIG. 5A). On the other hand, the electromagnet 77a that is not energized loses the magnetic force and pulls the output terminal 75 apart, thereby bringing the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 into mechanical contact. As a result, the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are electrically connected (FIG. 5B).

  FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an operation in the first configuration example of the output terminal driving unit 77 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the operator gives an instruction to turn on the controller 50 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1A, the controller 50 is energized via the plug 51 and the system is activated. When the system is activated, the controller 50 starts energizing the electromagnet 77a. When energization of the electromagnet 77a is started, the electromagnet 77a generates a magnetic force and draws the output terminal 75, thereby mechanically bringing the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 into non-contact. As a result, the electrical connection between the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 is released (FIG. 5A).

  When the operator gives an instruction to execute scanning using the X-ray CT apparatus 1 </ b> A, the controller 50 rotates from the X-ray tube 21 via the high-voltage power supply 26 while rotating the rotating unit 25 via the rotation driving device 28. Scanning is performed by irradiating with X-rays.

  When the operator gives an instruction to turn off the controller 50, the controller 50 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1A shuts down the system, and energization of the controller 50 is finished. When the system is down, energization to the electromagnet 77a is terminated. When the energization of the electromagnet 77a is finished, the electromagnet 77a loses the magnetic force and pulls the output terminal 75 away from the input terminal 76, thereby bringing the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 into mechanical contact. As a result, the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are electrically connected (FIG. 5B).

  While the system is not activated (FIG. 5B), when the plug 32 is inserted into the outlet, the output terminal 75 energizes the heater 53 via the input terminal 76. The X-ray detector 23 is heated by energizing the heater 53.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the output terminal driving unit 77 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1A of the second embodiment. FIG. 7A shows the state of the contact input / output unit 74 when the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are not mechanically in contact with each other. FIG. 7B shows that the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are connected to each other. The state of the contact input / output unit 74 in the case of mechanical contact is shown.

  7A and 7B show the X-ray detector 23, the rotating unit 25, the gantry cover 31, the plug plug 32, the connector pair 33, the heater 53, and the contact input / output unit 74 (the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76). ), And a motor / gear 77b as the output terminal driving unit 77. The motor / gear 77b energized via the controller 50 is driven to mechanically make the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 non-contact. As a result, the electrical connection between the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 is released (FIG. 7A). On the other hand, when the controller 50 is instructed to turn off the power, the motor / gear 77b is driven before the energization of the motor / gear 77b is terminated, and mechanically contacts the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76. As a result, the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are electrically connected (FIG. 7B).

  The X-ray detector 23 after the end of scanning by the X-ray CT apparatus 1A stops at a certain stop position (angle). In the motor / gear 77b shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the output terminal 75 that advances and retreats by driving the motor 77c and the input terminal 76 attached to the stopped X-ray detector 23 can mechanically contact each other. It is arranged at the position.

  FIG. 8 is a time chart showing an operation in the second configuration example of the output terminal driving unit 77 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the operator gives an instruction to turn on the controller 50 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1A, the controller 50 is energized through the plug 51 and the system is activated. When the system is activated, the controller 50 starts energizing the motor / gear 77b. When energization to the motor / gear 77b is started, the motor / gear 77b is driven to mechanically make the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 non-contact. As a result, the electrical connection between the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 is released (FIG. 7A).

  When the operator gives an instruction to execute scanning using the X-ray CT apparatus 1 </ b> A, the controller 50 rotates from the X-ray tube 21 via the high-voltage power supply 26 while rotating the rotating unit 25 via the rotation driving device 28. Scanning is performed by irradiating with X-rays.

  When the operator instructs the controller 50 to turn off the power, the motor / gear 77b is driven to bring the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 into mechanical contact. As a result, the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are electrically connected (FIG. 7B). Next, the controller 50 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1A shuts down the system, and energization of the controller 50 ends.

  While the system is not activated (FIG. 7B), when the plug 32 is inserted into the outlet, the output terminal 75 energizes the heater 53 via the input terminal 76. The X-ray detector 23 is heated by energizing the heater 53.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a third configuration example of the output terminal driving unit 77 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1A of the second embodiment. FIG. 9A shows a state of the contact input / output unit 74 when the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are not mechanically in contact with each other. FIG. 9B shows that the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are connected to each other. The state of the contact input / output unit 74 in the case of mechanical contact is shown.

  9A and 9B show the X-ray detector 23, the rotating unit 25, the gantry cover 31, the plug plug 32, the connector pair 33, the heater 53, and the contact input / output unit 74 (the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76). ), And a motor 77c as the output terminal drive unit 77. The motor 77c energized via the controller 50 is driven to mechanically make the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 non-contact. As a result, the electrical connection between the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 is released (FIG. 9A). On the other hand, when there is an instruction to turn off the power from the controller 50, the motor 77c is driven before the energization of the motor 77c is terminated, thereby bringing the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 into mechanical contact. As a result, the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are electrically connected (FIG. 9B).

  The X-ray detector 23 after the end of scanning by the X-ray CT apparatus 1A stops at a certain stop position (angle). In the motor 77c shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, an output terminal 75 that rotates around the motor 77c and an input terminal 76 attached to the stopped X-ray detector 23 can be mechanically connected. Placed in position.

  The operation of the third example of the configuration of the contact input / output unit 74 and the output terminal drive unit 77 shown in FIG. 9 is the same as that of the time chart shown in FIG.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus 1A, when the plug 32 is inserted into the outlet during the period when the system is not activated (FIG. 5B, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 9B), the output terminal 75 Since the input terminal 76 is electrically connected, the input terminal 76 is energized from the outlet through the plug 32, the connector pair 33, and the output terminal 75, and the X-ray detector 23 is heated by the heater 53. Is done. On the other hand, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1A, the output is performed even when the plug 32 is inserted into the outlet while the system is activated (FIG. 5A, FIG. 7A, and FIG. 9A). Since the electrical connection between the terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 is released, the input terminal 76 is not energized. Further, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1A, since the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are not mechanically in contact with each other while the system is activated, the output terminal 75 does not affect the rotation of the rotating unit 25 during scanning. Absent.

  When the plug 53, the connector pair 33, the contact input / output unit 74, and the output terminal drive unit 77 are provided as means for energizing the heater 53 in a system different from the energization to the heater 53 via the controller 50. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 </ b> A can raise the temperature of the X-ray detector 23 through the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 that are electrically connected while the system is not activated. In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus 1A scans safely (rotating unit) because the output terminal 75 and the input terminal 76 are not mechanically contacted when energization of the output terminal drive unit 77 via the controller 50 is started. 25 rotations) can be started.

  Needless to say, while the system is activated, the temperature of the X-ray detector 23 can be controlled by the controller 50 energizing the heater 53 as in the prior art.

  According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, 1 </ b> A of this embodiment, it is not necessary to turn on the controller 50 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, 1 </ b> A for the purpose of energizing the heater 53. Can be eliminated. Further, according to the X-ray CT apparatuses 1 and 1A of the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the operator to cut the power cable connected to the heater 53 before scanning, and the power cable is caught in the rotating unit 25 during scanning. The risk of being caught can be avoided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A X-ray CT apparatus 11, 11A Scanner apparatus 12 Image processing apparatus 20, 20A Mounting apparatus 21 X-ray tube 23 X-ray detector 31 Mounting cover 32 Plug plug 33 Connector pair 34 Input / output part 35 Power transmission part 36 Power receiving part 40 Bed apparatus 41 Top plate 50 Controller 53 Heater 74 Contact input / output section 75 Output terminal 76 Input terminal 77 Output terminal drive section 77a Electromagnet 77b Motor / gear 77c Motor

Claims (6)

In an X-ray CT apparatus comprising: a rotation unit including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector; and a control unit that is energized by a first power supply and controls the operation of the rotation unit to perform scanning.
An output unit electrically connected to a second power source different from the first power source;
An input unit provided in the rotating unit and freely connectable to the output unit;
A heater provided in the X-ray detector and electrically connected to the input unit;
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: A drive unit that is electrically connected to the control unit and drives the output terminal so that mechanical contact / non-contact between the output terminal as the output unit and the input terminal as the input unit is possible; In addition,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output terminal and the input terminal are electrically connected only when the output terminal and the input terminal are in mechanical contact. . When the electromagnet as the drive unit is energized through the control unit, the output terminal is pulled and the output terminal is detached from the input terminal to be non-contacted, while the electromagnet as the drive unit is energized through the control unit. If not, the X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output terminal is separated to bring the output terminal into contact with the input terminal. The motor / gear serving as the driving unit, when energization via the control unit is started, draws the output terminal and separates the output terminal from the input terminal to make non-contact, The configuration is characterized in that when the power-off is instructed, the output terminal is pulled apart and the output terminal is brought into contact with the input terminal before the energization through the control unit is terminated. X-ray CT apparatus described in 1. When energization through the control unit is started, the motor as the driving unit rotates the output terminal in the first direction with the motor as an axis and removes the output terminal from the input terminal. On the other hand, when the disconnection of the first power supply is instructed, the output terminal is set in the direction opposite to the first direction around the motor before the energization through the control unit is terminated. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output terminal is brought into contact with the input terminal by being rotated in a rotating manner. The output unit is mechanically non-contact and electrically connected to the input unit existing within a predetermined range from the output unit, and a position within the predetermined range from the input unit at a stop position of the X-ray detector. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray CT apparatus is disposed on the X-ray CT.

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