JP2012231888A - Radiographic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To uniformly extend a breast placed on an imaging table without using hands of an engineer.SOLUTION: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes: the imaging table to place the breast of a subject while the subject faces the table; an irradiation part for irradiating the breast placed on the imaging table with radiation; a film shape pressure member for covering the breast placed on the imaging table from above thereby to pressurize the breast against the imaging table; and a pair of sending members which are extended in the front and rear directions of the subject facing the imaging table, whose both ends in the right and left direction of the subject in the pressure member are respectively wound, and which send the pressure member by rotation while being mutually separated in the right and left directions in a state where the breast is pressurized via the pressure member, move downward, and allow the pressure member to pressurize the breast.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus used for medical purposes, for example.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a radiation imaging apparatus (mammography apparatus) that presses a subject's breast with a film.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a radiation imaging apparatus (mammography apparatus) that includes a breast pressing plate that has flexibility and is curved convexly toward the imaging table. In this configuration, when the pressing plate support mechanism is moved by a predetermined amount to the imaging table side, the protruding central portion of the breast pressing plate comes into contact with a part of the breast extending from the chest wall to the nipple and positions the breast. Next, after the imaging engineer pulls out the hand, when the breast pressing plate is further moved to the imaging table side, the central portion of the breast pressing plate is pressed toward the housing by the reaction force received from the breast. As a result, the breast pressing plate has a planar shape, and the breast is positioned and fixed on the imaging stand as a predetermined state.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0135997 Special Table 2002-53156

  As in Patent Document 2, in a radiation imaging apparatus, it is usual that an engineer stretches a breast with a hand and the engineer presses the breast with a hand and positions it with a compression plate. For this reason, there is a problem that it depends on the technique of enlargement by an engineer.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation imaging apparatus capable of uniformly stretching a breast placed on an imaging table without using a technician's hand.

  The invention of claim 1 is an imaging table on which the subject's breast is placed in a state where the subject is facing, an irradiation unit that irradiates radiation on the breast placed on the imaging table, and a breast placed on the imaging table A film-like compression member for compressing the breast from above and pressing the breast against the imaging table, and extending along the front-rear direction of the subject in a state of facing the imaging table, Each of both end portions in the left-right direction is wound, and while pressing the breast through the compression member, the compression member is sent out by rotation while being separated from each other along the left-right direction, and moved downward and compressed. A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a pair of delivery members that compress the breast with a member.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, the breast of the subject is placed on the photographing stand in a state where the subject faces the photographing stand. While the pair of delivery members press the breast placed on the imaging table via the compression member, the compression member is sent out by reversing while being separated from each other along the left and right direction of the subject, and moved downward and the compression member Press to compress the breast. Then, the irradiation unit irradiates the breast pressed by the compression member with radiation so that a radiation image is captured.

  In claim 1, the pair of delivery members are separated from each other along the left-right direction of the subject in a state where the breast is pressed through the compression member. Accordingly, the compression member is sent out while the breast is stretched in the left-right direction of the subject, and the pair of delivery members move downward to compress the breast with the compression member. As a result, the breast placed on the imaging table can be uniformly stretched without using the hands of an engineer.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the pair of delivery members, the radiation imaging according to the first aspect, wherein an end on the near side with respect to the subject can be rotated in a vertical direction around a back side with respect to the subject. Device.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect, the angle of the delivery member can be changed along the inclination from the chest wall side to the nipple on the surface of the breast. By changing the angle of the delivery member in this way, the pressure distribution from the chest wall side to the nipple can be changed with respect to the breast when the delivery member separates in a state of pressing the breast according to the shape and size of the breast. . Thereby, the breast can be effectively stretched uniformly.

  In a third aspect of the present invention, the pair of delivery members are configured such that the end portions press the root side of the breast via the compression member in a state where the end portions on the near side are inclined downward. 3. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the end portion rotates upward while moving downward and is pressed through the compression member gradually or stepwise from the base side to the nipple side of the breast.

  According to the configuration of claim 3, the pair of delivery members are configured such that the end portions on the near side with respect to the subject are inclined so as to face downward, and the end portions press the base side of the breast via the compression member. The end portion rotates upward while moving downward and is pressed through the compression member gradually or stepwise from the base side of the breast to the nipple side.

  Thus, the compression member is sent out while the breast is stretched in the forward direction of the subject, and the pair of delivery members move downward to compress the breast with the compression member. In this way, the breast is stretched in the forward direction of the subject in addition to the lateral direction of the subject, so that the breast can be stretched more effectively and uniformly.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the pair of delivery members is independently movable in the left-right direction.

  According to the configuration of claim 4, each of the pair of delivery members can be independently moved in the left-right direction of the subject. Can be moved to stretch the breast.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a film-like compression member that has a predetermined width, covers a breast placed on an imaging table of a radiation imaging apparatus from above, and compresses the breast against the imaging table, and the compression Both end portions in a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the member are wound, and extend along the width direction of the compression member, and one end portion in the extending direction can be attached to the drive mechanism of the radiation imaging apparatus, and the drive mechanism A pair of driving members that are driven by the drive mechanism in a state of being attached to each other, rotate while being separated from each other, send out the compression member, and move downward to compress the breast with the compression member. And a delivery member.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to uniformly stretch the breast placed on the imaging table without using the hands of an engineer.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the radiation imaging device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view which shows the structure of the radiation imaging device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the compression mechanism which concerns on this embodiment. It is a plane sectional view showing the composition of the compression mechanism concerning this embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the compression mechanism which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure which controls a drive in the compression mechanism which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view which shows the compression operation | movement in the compression mechanism which concerns on this embodiment. It is a top view which shows the compression operation | movement in the compression mechanism which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the compression mechanism which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure which controls a drive in the compression mechanism which concerns on a modification. It is a sectional side view which shows the compression operation | movement in the compression mechanism which concerns on a modification. It is a front view which shows the compression operation | movement in the compression mechanism which concerns on a modification. It is a top view which shows the compression operation | movement in the compression mechanism which concerns on a modification.

Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.
(Configuration of radiation imaging device)
First, the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the figure, “x” in “○” means an arrow heading from the front of the page to the back, and “•” in “○” in the figure It means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front. In the figure, the Y direction / −Y direction indicates the up / down direction, the Z direction / −Z direction indicates the front / rear direction of the subject L, and the X direction / −X direction indicates the left / right direction of the subject L. The subject L referred to here is a state facing the radiation imaging apparatus 10 (specifically, the chest wall contact portion 30 of the imaging table 22 described later) at the time of CC imaging (the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 4). Subject L. Hereinafter, similarly, “subject L” will be described as meaning the subject L facing the radiation imaging apparatus 10 at the time of CC imaging. Moreover, the arrow-Z direction side in the radiation imaging apparatus 10 is the near side (apparatus front side) close to the subject L, and the arrow Z direction side in the radiation imaging apparatus 10 is the back side (apparatus rear side) away from the subject L. is there.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 10 is an apparatus (so-called mammography) that images a breast N (see FIG. 7) of a subject L in a standing position with radiation (for example, X-ray), and is CC (head-to-tail direction (Cranio & Caudal)). It is an apparatus that can perform both photographing and MLO (inside / outside oblique direction: Medial-Lateral-Oblique) photographing.

  As the radiation, for example, X-rays, γ-rays and the like are applied. Further, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 may be an apparatus that photographs the breast N of the subject L in a sitting position where the subject L is sitting on a chair or the like, and at least the upper body of the subject L is standing. Any device that images the breast N of L may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 is substantially C-shaped (U-shaped) when viewed from the side (-X direction view) provided on the front side (−Z direction side) of the radiation imaging apparatus 10. The measurement part 12 and the base part 14 which supports the measurement part 12 from the apparatus back side (Z direction side) in the radiation imaging device 10 are provided. The measuring unit 12 is provided with a rotating shaft 16 extending from the measuring unit 12 to the back side of the apparatus. The measuring unit 12 is supported by the base unit 14 by the rotating unit 16 being supported by the base unit 14. Is rotatably supported.

  Further, the measurement unit 12 is placed on the imaging table 22 by the imaging table 22 on which the breast N of the subject L is placed, the compression mechanism 40 that compresses the breast N against the imaging table 22, and the compression mechanism 40. The radiation irradiation device 24 as an example of an irradiation unit that irradiates the compressed breast N with radiation, the imaging table 22 (specifically, a mounting surface 20 described later), and the radiation irradiation device 24 are separated from each other by a predetermined interval. And a holding unit 28 that holds the imaging table 22 and the radiation irradiation device 24. A specific configuration of the compression mechanism 40 will be described later.

  The radiation irradiation device 24 includes a tube (not shown) as a radiation source, and emits radiation from the tube (not shown). The holding unit 28 is provided with a pair of handles 34 held by the subject L during CC imaging so as to sandwich the imaging table 22.

  A planar placement surface 20 on which the breast N of the subject L is placed is formed on the upper surface of the imaging table 22. A chest wall abutting portion 30 for abutting a chest part (chest wall) below the breast N of the subject L at the time of CC imaging is provided on the surface of the imaging table 22 on the front side of the apparatus. In addition, a radiation detector (not shown) that detects radiation that has passed through the breast N and the placement surface 20 is provided inside the imaging table 22.

(Composition of compression mechanism)
Next, the configuration of the compression mechanism 40 according to the present embodiment will be described. 3 is a perspective view of the compression mechanism, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the compression mechanism, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the compression mechanism.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the compression mechanism 40 covers the breast N (see FIG. 7) placed on the imaging table 22 from above and compresses the breast N onto the imaging table 22. 42 (an example of a film-like compression member) and the left and right direction (X direction / -X direction) both ends of the compression film 42 are fixed, and the front-rear direction (Z direction / -Z) of the subject L (see FIG. 4, the same applies hereinafter) A pair of rod-shaped rods 44 (an example of a delivery member) extending along the direction), and a drive mechanism 50 that drives the pair of rods 44.

  The compression film 42 has a predetermined width along the Z direction and the −Z direction, and the Z direction and the −Z direction are the width direction of the compression film 42. Specifically, the predetermined width is a width that is equal to or larger than a width that can cover the breast N from the root of the breast N to the nipple. The compression film 42 has a predetermined length along a direction (X direction / −X direction) orthogonal to the width direction. Specifically, the predetermined length is a length that is equal to or longer than a length capable of covering the breast N across the breast N in the left-right direction.

  As the compression film 42, for example, a film made of a resin material (specifically, for example, MYLAR (registered trademark)) is used, and the compression film 42 is deformed (curved) along the surface of the round breast N. ) Is configured to be possible. The compression member is not limited to a film made of a resin material, and may be, for example, a film-like (sheet-like) member made of a rubber material, or a film made of a resin, rubber, or other elastic material. (Sheet-like) elastic member can be used.

  Each rod 44 is formed in a columnar shape or a cylindrical shape extending from the back side of the radiation imaging apparatus 10 toward the front side of the apparatus (−Z direction side). That is, each rod 44 extends along the chest wall side of the subject L from the nipple side of the breast N placed on the imaging table 22 (see FIG. 8). In addition, the pair of rods 44 are arranged at an interval in the left-right direction (X direction / −X direction) of the subject L. The ends of the compression film 42 are wound around the pair of rods 44, respectively.

  Each rod 44 is attachable to and detachable from each support member 62 to be described later, and is driven by the drive mechanism 50 in a mounted state mounted on each support member 62. In the present embodiment, the pair of rods 44 and the compression film 42 constitute a compression device that compresses the breast N placed on the imaging table 22. The pair of rods 44 may be configured to be fixed to each support member 62 described later and not attachable to and detachable from each support member 62.

  The driving mechanism 50 rotates and rotates each rod 44 about its axis (direction A in FIG. 3) and the pair of rods 44 in the left-right direction (direction B in FIGS. 3 and 4). A contact / separation mechanism 70 that separates and a pair of rods 44 are provided in the vertical direction (Y direction and -Y direction).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the rotation mechanism 60 includes a pair of support members 62 that respectively support the rods 44 so as to be rotatable around their axes, and a pair of members that respectively rotate the rods 44 about their axes. The drive part 64 is comprised.

  Each support member 62 supports a supported portion 62A supported by a later-described screw shaft 72 and guide 74, and a support portion that rotatably supports one end in the longitudinal direction (end in the Z direction) of the rod 44 around its axis. 62B.

  In the present embodiment, each supported portion 62A is formed in a block shape. In each supported portion 62A, a screw hole 62C into which a screw shaft 72 described later is screwed and a through hole 62D into which the guide 74 is inserted penetrate along the left-right direction of the subject L.

  Each support portion 62B protrudes downward from the front end portion (−Z direction side end portion) of each supported portion 62A, and is formed in a plate shape having a thickness along the front-rear direction of the subject L. The support portion 62B and the supported portion 62A are integrally formed.

  Each drive part 64 is comprised by drive motors, such as a stepping motor, for example. Further, each drive unit 64 is disposed at the base end portion (Z direction side end portion) of the rod 44, and is attached to the back side (Z direction side) of each support portion 62B.

  In this rotation mechanism 60, each drive part 64 rotates each rod 44 forward so that each rod 44 winds the compression film 42, and each drive part 64 reverses each rod 44 so that each rod 44 rotates to the compression film. 42 is sent out.

  The rotation mechanism 60 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various configurations can be employed.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the contact / separation mechanism 70 is screwed into the screw hole 62 </ b> C of each support member 62 and extends along the left-right direction of the subject L, and extends along the screw shaft 72. In addition, a guide 74 as a guide portion for guiding each support member 62 in the left-right direction of the subject L, and a support member that rotatably supports both longitudinal ends of the screw shaft 72 and to which both longitudinal ends of the guide 74 are fixed. 76 and a drive unit 78 that rotates the screw shaft 72 about its axis.

  The guides 74 are inserted through the through holes 62 </ b> D of the support members 62, and the support members 62 can move in the left-right direction of the subject L along the guides 74.

  The support member 76 supports a supported portion 76A supported by a screw shaft 82 and a guide 84, which will be described later, and both ends of the screw shaft 72 in the longitudinal direction, and supports both ends of the guide 74 fixed in the longitudinal direction. Part 76B.

  In the present embodiment, the supported portion 76A is formed in a block shape. In the supported portion 76A, a screw hole 76C into which a screw shaft 82 described later is screwed and a through hole 76D through which the guide 84 is inserted penetrate along the vertical direction.

  The support portion 76B is formed in a C-shape (a U-shape) having an opening on the front side of the apparatus in plan view (-Y direction view). The support portion 76B and the supported portion 76A are integrally formed.

  The drive part 78 is comprised by drive motors, such as a stepping motor, for example. Further, the drive unit 78 is disposed at an end portion on the X direction side of the screw shaft 72 and is attached to the outer surface of the side plate 76E on the X direction side in the support portion 76B.

  A central portion 72A in the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 72 is a non-formed portion where no screw (screw groove) is formed. On one end side (−X direction side) of the longitudinal center portion 72A of the screw shaft 72, a spiral screw (thread groove) 72B that circulates in one direction is formed, and in addition to the longitudinal center portion 72A of the screw shaft 72, On the end side (X direction side), a spiral screw (screw groove) 72C that circulates in a direction opposite to the screw 72B is formed.

  Of the pair of support members 62, one (−X direction side) support member 62 is disposed on the screw 72B, the screw 72B is screwed into the screw hole 62C of the support member 62, and the other (X direction side) support. The member 62 is disposed on the screw 72C, and the screw 72C is screwed into the screw hole 62C of the support member 62. A ball (not shown) is provided between the screw 72B and the screw 72C and the screw hole 62C of each support member 62 to form a ball screw structure.

  In the contact / separation mechanism 70, the drive unit 78 rotates the screw shaft 72 in the forward direction to move the pair of support members 62 outward in the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 72 to separate the pair of rods 44. By reversing the shaft 72, the pair of support members 62 are moved inward in the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 72 to bring the pair of rods 44 closer. In FIG. 4, the approaching state of the pair of rods 44 is indicated by a solid line, and the separated state of the pair of rods 44 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  In addition, 72 A of longitudinal directions center part of the screw shaft 72 is a non-formation part in which the screw is not formed, and when the pair of rods 44 are brought close to each other, it stops so as to leave a predetermined interval. It has become.

  Further, in a state in which the pair of rods 44 are close to each other, a position where the pair of rods 44 can press the breast N together, as shown in FIG. The length of the non-formation part in which the screw | thread is not formed in the screw shaft 72 is prescribed | regulated so that it may be located in.

  Further, in the separated state of the pair of rods 44, the separation distance is set so as to be separated beyond the width of the breast N (the length along the left-right direction of the subject L) and located outside the breast N in the width direction. Yes.

  The contact / separation mechanism 70 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various configurations using mechanical elements such as wires and belts can be employed.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the elevating mechanism 80 is screwed into the screw hole 76 </ b> C of the support member 76 and extends in the vertical direction, and extends along the screw shaft 82 and moves each support member 76 up and down. A guide 84 as a guide portion for guiding in the direction, a support member 86 that rotatably supports both longitudinal ends of the screw shaft 82 and fixed at both longitudinal ends of the guide 84, and the screw shaft 82 around its axis. And a driving unit 88 that rotates the motor.

  The guide 84 is inserted through the through hole 76 </ b> D of the support member 76, and the support member 76 can move in the vertical direction along the guide 84. The drive part 88 is comprised by drive motors, such as a stepping motor, for example. The drive unit 88 is disposed at the upper end of the screw shaft 82 and is attached to the upper surface of the support member 86.

  The photographing stand 22 is provided with a housing 89 that houses the screw shaft 82, the guide 84, and the drive unit 88. A slit 89A is formed on the wall of the housing 89 on the front side of the apparatus along the vertical direction. From this slit 89A, the side plates 76E and 76F in the support portion 76B protrude toward the front side of the apparatus.

  On the outer periphery of the screw shaft 82, a spiral screw 82B that circulates in one direction is formed. A ball (not shown) is provided between the screw 82B and the screw hole 76C of the support member 76 to form a ball screw structure.

  In this elevating mechanism 80, the drive unit 88 rotates the screw shaft 82 forward to move the compression film 42 upward via the support member 76 and the pair of rods 44, and the drive unit 88 reverses the screw shaft 82. Thus, the compression film 42 is moved downward via the support member 76 and the pair of rods 44.

  In FIG. 5, the raised state in which the pair of rods 44 is raised is indicated by a solid line, and the lowered state in which the pair of rods 44 is lowered is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  When the pair of rods 44 are raised, the pair of rods 44 are lifted so that the breast N can be placed on the placement surface 20 of the photographing table 22 between the compression film 42 and the photographing table 22. The distance is set.

  The lifting mechanism 80 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various configurations using mechanical elements such as a wire and a belt can be employed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 includes a torque sensor 46 as a torque detection unit that detects the torque of each rod 44, and a pressure detection unit that detects the compression pressure of the compression film 42 against the breast N. And a pressure sensor 48. The torque sensor 46 and the pressure sensor 48 are provided at the base end (X direction side end) of each rod 44.

  The pressure sensor 48 detects the compression pressure of the compression film 42 against the breast N by detecting the vertical pressure (load) received by each rod 44 from the compression film 42. That is, the pressure sensor 48 detects the compression pressure of the compression film 42 via each rod 44. In addition, as a pressure detection part, the structure which detects the pressure (load) which the imaging stand 22 receives from the breast N may be sufficient, for example.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 includes an input means 47 such as an operation panel operated by an engineer or the like, an instruction signal input from the outside of the apparatus via the input means 47, a torque sensor 46, and a pressure And a control unit 49 that controls driving of the driving units 64, 78, and 88 based on the detection result of the sensor 48.

  In place of or in addition to the configuration for controlling the drive of the rod 44 using the torque sensor 46, a torque limiter that idles the rod 44 when a torque greater than a predetermined value (exceeds a predetermined value) occurs in the rod 44 44 may be provided.

(Operation of the radiation imaging apparatus 10)
Next, the operation of the radiation imaging apparatus 10 will be described while showing an imaging procedure for imaging the breast N of the subject L.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, a state in which the compression film 42 is separated from the photographing table 22 above the photographing table 22 will be described as an initial state. In this initial state, a space is provided between the compression film 42 and the imaging table 22 so that the breast N can be mounted on the mounting surface 20 of the imaging table 22. In this initial state, the pair of rods 44 are in an approaching state. In this approaching state, the pair of rods 44 are both positioned at positions where they can be pressed against the breast N, as shown in FIG. . Therefore, the distance between the pair of rods 44 in the approaching state is smaller than the width of the breast N (the length along the −X direction and the X direction).

  In the initial state, the pair of rods 44 is in a state where the compression film 42 is wound up and the compression film 42 is stretched (a state where the compression film 42 is not slack). Whether the compression film 42 is stretched or not is detected by the torque sensor 46 detecting the torque of the rod 44 that is generated when the compression film 42 is wound around the pair of rods 44.

  When imaging the breast N in the radiation imaging apparatus 10, first, the breast N is placed on the mounting surface 20 of the imaging table 22 with the subject L facing the imaging table 22. When a compression start signal is input from the outside of the apparatus via the input unit 47 (see FIG. 6), the drive unit 88 is driven by the control unit 49 (see FIG. 6), and the screw shaft 82 is driven by the drive unit 88. By reversing, the compression film 42 moves downward along the screw shaft 82 together with the support member 76, the support member 62, and the rod 44 (start of the pressing process).

  As the compression film 42 moves downward, as shown in FIG. 7B, the pair of rods 44 press the breast N placed on the placement surface 20 of the imaging table 22 via the compression film 42. When the pressure sensor 48 (see FIG. 6) detects that the compression pressure of the compression film 42 (rod 44) against the breast N has reached a predetermined pressure value (predetermined pressure range), the detection signal is sent to the control unit 49. . When the control unit 49 acquires this detection signal, the drive of the drive unit 88 is stopped by the control unit 49 (end of the pressing process), and the drive unit 64 and the drive unit 78 are driven (start of the separation process).

  As a result, the downward movement of the compression film 42 is stopped, and the pair of rods 44 are reversed by the drive unit 64, so that the compression film 42 presses the breast N through the compression film 42. As the screw shaft 72 is rotated forward by the drive unit 78 while the feed unit 42 is being sent out, the pair of support members 62 are moved outward in the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 72 as shown in FIG. Are separated.

  As a result, the pair of rods 44 slides on the breast N via the compression film 42, and the pair of rods 44 stretches the breast N in the left-right direction of the subject L while covering the breast N (area). ) Is sent out. At this time, the pair of rods 44 sends out the compression film 42 so as to maintain the state in which the compression film 42 is stretched (the state in which the compression film 42 is not slack). Whether or not the compression film 42 is stretched is detected by the torque sensor 46 detecting the torque of the pair of rods 44.

  As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7 (B), when the pair of rods 44 are in the separated state, the drive of the drive unit 64 and the drive unit 78 is stopped by the control unit 49 (end of the separation step), and again, The drive part 88 is driven (compression process start).

  When the screw shaft 82 is reversed by the drive unit 88, the compression film 42 moves downward along the screw shaft 82 together with the support member 76, the support member 62, and the rod 44.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 7C, the compression film 42 covers the breast N placed on the placement surface 20 of the imaging table 22 from above and presses the breast N against the placement surface 20 ( The breast N is pressed against the mounting surface 20 of the imaging table 22 by sandwiching the breast N between the mounting surface 20 and the mounting surface 20.

  When the compression film 42 is moved downward and the breast N is compressed, the pressure sensor 48 detects the compression pressure of the compression film 42 (rod 44). When the pressure sensor 48 detects that the compression pressure of the compression film 42 has reached a predetermined pressure value (or a predetermined pressure range), the drive unit 64 is driven by the control unit 49 so that the compression pressure does not exceed the predetermined pressure range. As the pair of rods 44 are reversed, the compression film 42 moves downward while feeding out the compression film 42 and maintaining the compression pressure of the compression film 42 within a predetermined pressure range.

  Further, when the compression film 42 is moved downward to compress the breast N, the torque sensor 46 may detect the torque of the pair of rods 44 in addition to or instead of the detection by the pressure sensor 48. . When the torque sensor 46 detects that the torque of the pair of rods 44 has reached a predetermined pressure value (or a predetermined pressure range), the drive unit 64 is driven by the control unit 49 so that the torque does not exceed the predetermined pressure range. When the pair of rods 44 are reversed, the compression film 42 moves downward while feeding the compression film 42 and maintaining the torque of the pair of rods 44 within a predetermined pressure range.

  In addition, after the compression film 42 is in the separated state, when the compression pressure of the compression film 42 does not reach a predetermined pressure value (or a predetermined pressure range) by the pressure sensor 48 or for some reason, the compression pressure is a predetermined pressure value (or When the pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure range), the driving unit 64 is driven by the control unit 49 and the pair of rods 44 are rotated forward, so that the compression film 42 is wound and the compression pressure of the compression film 42 is set to the predetermined pressure. Set to a value (or a predetermined pressure range).

  Radiation imaging is performed in a state where the breast N is compressed by the compression film 42. When the imaging is completed, the drive unit 88 is driven by the control unit 49 (compression process is completed), and the screw shaft 82 is rotated forward by the drive unit 88. Then, the compression film 42 moves upward along the screw shaft 82 together with the support member 76, the support member 62, and the rod 44.

  Further, the drive unit 64 and the drive unit 78 are driven by the control unit 49. As a result, the pair of rods 44 are rotated forward by the drive unit 64, and the screw shaft 72 is reversed by the drive unit 78 while the pair of rods 44 winds the compression film 42, so that the pair of support members 62 is rotated. The pair of support members 62 approach each other by moving inward in the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 72 and return to the initial state.

  As described above, the imaging procedure in the radiation imaging apparatus 10 includes a pressing step, a separation step, and a compression step. In addition, the drive operation (drive timing) of the drive parts 64, 78, and 88 by the control part 49 is not restricted to said content.

  For example, in the separation step, the distance between the pair of rods 44 is changed before the pair of rods 44 is separated (the state indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7) (before the separation operation of the pair of rods 44 is completed). When the width of the breast N is greater than or equal to the width of the subject L (the length along the left-right direction of the subject L), the control unit 49 may drive the drive unit 88 in addition to the drive unit 64 and the drive unit 78. .

  As a result, the screw shaft 82 is reversed by the drive unit 88 and the compression film 42 moves downward, while the pair of rods 44 feeds the compression film 42, and the pair of rods 44 extends outward in the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 72. The pair of rods 44 move away from each other.

  Accordingly, the compression film 42 covers the breast N placed on the mounting surface 20 of the imaging table 22 from above and presses the breast N against the mounting surface 20 of the imaging table 22.

  Also in this configuration, when the compression film 42 is moved downward to compress the breast N, the compression pressure of the compression film 42 (rod 44) is detected by the pressure sensor 48. When the pressure sensor 48 detects that the compression pressure of the compression film 42 (rod 44) has reached a predetermined pressure value (or a predetermined pressure range), a drive unit by the control unit 49 is used so that the compression pressure does not exceed the predetermined pressure range. With the drive control of 64, the rotation amount of the pair of rods 44 is adjusted, and the compression film 42 moves downward while maintaining the compression pressure of the compression film 42 (rod 44) within a predetermined pressure range.

  In the present embodiment, the pair of support members 62 are moved together by the rotation of the screw shaft 72, but the support members 62 may be moved independently. As a configuration in which each support member 62 moves independently, for example, the screw shaft 72 is divided at the center portion in the longitudinal direction to form two screw shafts that can rotate independently, and each of the screw shafts has the screw shaft. It is possible to employ a configuration in which a drive unit and a support member 62 that rotationally drive are provided.

  According to this configuration, of the pair of rods 44, one rod 44 is stopped and the other rod 44 is moved, one rod 44 and the other rod 44 are moved at different speeds, one rod 44 and the other rod 44 can be moved in different directions. That is, the pair of rods 44 can be moved asymmetrically in the left-right direction. Thereby, it can compress according to the shape of the breast N which is asymmetrical.

(Modification of compression mechanism 40)
Next, the configuration of the compression mechanism 400 according to the modification will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the compression mechanism 400. In addition, the part which has the same function as the compression mechanism 40 mentioned above attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description suitably.

  In the compression mechanism 400 according to the modified example, as shown in FIG. 9, the drive mechanism 50 includes a base end portion (Z direction side end) of the pair of rods 44 in addition to the rotation mechanism 60, the contact / separation mechanism 70, and the lifting mechanism 80. A pivot mechanism 90 that pivots the tip ends (the end portions on the −Z direction side) of the pair of rods 44 in the vertical direction. That is, the pair of rods 44 is configured such that the front end with respect to the subject L can be rotated in the vertical direction around the back side with respect to the subject L.

  In the rotation mechanism 90, as shown in FIG. 9, the support portion 76B is supported by the supported portion 76A so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 92A (see FIG. 11) fixed to the support portion 76B. Yes. The supported portion 76A is provided with a drive portion 96 that rotates the rotation shaft 92A of the support portion 76B around the axis. The drive part 96 is comprised by drive motors, such as a stepping motor, for example.

  In the rotation mechanism 90, the driving portion 96 rotates the rotation shaft 92A of the support portion 76B in the normal direction to rotate the tip ends of the pair of rods 44 upward, and the drive portion 96 rotates the rotation shaft of the support portion 76B. By rotating 92A in the reverse direction, the tip portions of the pair of rods 44 are rotated downward. That is, the pair of rods 44 is tilted so that the tip ends of the pair of rods 44 are directed upward by the normal rotation of the rotation shaft 92A of the support portion 76B, and the pair of rods is rotated by the reverse rotation of the rotation shaft 92A of the support portion 76B. The pair of rods 44 is inclined so that the front end of 44 faces downward.

  Further, in the configuration according to the modified example, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 49 controls the drive of the drive unit 96 in addition to the drive units 64, 78, and 88.

  According to this configuration, after the breast N is placed on the mounting surface 20 of the imaging table 22 with the subject L facing the imaging table 22, a compression start signal is output from the outside of the apparatus via the input unit 47. When input, the drive unit 96 is driven by the control unit 49, and the rotation shaft 92 </ b> A of the support unit 76 </ b> B is reversed by the drive unit 96, so that the tip ends of the pair of rods 44 are moved downward by a predetermined angle (a predetermined rotation amount) ) Turn θ1. As a result, the pair of rods 44 are in an inclined state inclined at a predetermined angle so that the tip ends thereof face downward. The pair of rods 44 may be in the inclined state in the initial state.

  Next, the drive unit 88 is driven by the control unit 49, and the screw shaft 82 is reversed by the drive unit 88, so that the pair of inclined rods 44 moves downward along the screw shaft 82.

  As a result, as shown in FIGS. 11A, 12A, and 13A, the distal ends of the pair of rods 44 are placed on the root side of the breast N (the chest wall side of the subject L), and the compression film. When the pressure sensor 48 detects that the compression pressure of the compression film 42 (rod 44) against the breast N has reached a predetermined pressure value (predetermined pressure range), the detection signal is sent to the control unit 49. It is done. When the control unit 49 obtains the detection signal, the driving units 88 and 96 are driven by the control unit 49, and the driving unit 96 rotates the rotation shaft 92A of the support unit 76B in a normal direction so that the tip portions of the pair of rods 44 are moved. The screw film 82 is rotated upward by a predetermined angle (predetermined rotation amount) and the screw shaft 82 is reversed by the drive unit 88, so that the compression film 42 wound around the pair of rods 44 moves downward along the screw shaft 82. .

  As a result, the pair of rods 44 are inclined by a predetermined angle θ2 so that the tip ends thereof face upward, and move downward.

  Thus, as shown in FIGS. 11B, 12B, and 13B, the pair of rods 44 gradually (or stepwise) from the distal end to the proximal end via the compression film 42. ) The breast N is pressed, and finally the whole of the pair of rods 44 presses the breast N. When the pressure sensor 48 detects that the compression pressure of the compression film 42 (rod 44) against the breast N has reached a predetermined pressure value (predetermined pressure range), a detection signal is sent to the control unit 49. When the control unit 49 acquires this detection signal, the drive of the drive unit 88 is stopped by the control unit 49 (end of the pressing process), and the drive unit 64 and the drive unit 78 are driven (start of the separation process).

  As a result, the downward movement of the compression film 42 is stopped, and the pair of rods 44 are reversed by the drive unit 64, so that the compression film 42 presses the breast N through the compression film 42. As the screw shaft 72 is rotated forward by the drive unit 78 while the feed unit 42 is being sent out, the pair of support members 62 are moved outward in the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 72 as shown in FIG. Are separated. As a result, the pair of rods 44 slides on the breast N via the compression film 42, and the pair of rods 44 stretches the breast N in the left-right direction of the subject L while covering the breast N (area). ) Is sent out.

  The subsequent imaging procedure is the same as in the case of the compression mechanism 40 described above, and a separation step and a compression step are performed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12C, the compression film 42 covers the breast N placed on the placement surface 20 of the imaging table 22 from above and presses the breast N against the placement surface 20 ( The breast N is pressed against the mounting surface 20 of the imaging table 22 by sandwiching the breast N between the mounting surface 20 and the mounting surface 20.

  In this way, after the distal ends of the pair of rods 44 press the root side (the chest wall side of the subject L) of the breast N through the compression film 42, the breast N gradually moves from the distal end to the proximal end of the pair of rods 44. , The breast N can be effectively stretched forward.

  In addition, the drive operation (drive timing) of the drive units 64, 78, 88, and 96 by the control unit 49 in the modification is not limited to the above. For example, the pair of rods 44 at an angle along the inclination from the chest wall side to the nipple on the surface of the breast N (for example, the angle shown in FIG. 11B) so that the entire pair of rods 44 presses the breast N. After turning, the pair of rods 44 may be moved downward to press the breast N.

  By changing the angle of the pair of rods 44 in this way, the distance from the chest wall side to the nipple to the breast N when the pair of rods 44 are separated in a state of pressing the breast N in accordance with the shape and size of the breast N. The pressure distribution can be changed. Thereby, the breast N can be effectively stretched uniformly.

  In addition, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can change the angle of the radiation irradiation apparatus 24 with respect to the compression mechanism 40 (compression mechanism 400) and the imaging table 22, and is used for stereo imaging and tomosynthesis imaging. It may be configured.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made. For example, the modification examples described above may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Radiation imaging device 22 Imaging stand 24 Radiation irradiation apparatus (an example of an irradiation part)
42 Compression film (an example of a compression member)
44 Rod (an example of a delivery member)
L Subject N Breast

Claims (5)

An imaging table on which the subject's breast can be placed in a state where the subject is facing up,
An irradiation unit for irradiating the breast placed on the imaging table with radiation;
A film-like compression member for covering the breast placed on the imaging table from above and pressing the breast against the imaging table;
It extends along the front-rear direction of the subject in a state of facing the imaging table, and each of both ends of the subject in the left-right direction of the compression member is wound, and the breast is pressed through the compression member A pair of delivery members that send out the compression member by rotation while being separated from each other along the left-right direction, and move downward to compress the breast with the compression member;
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising:   2. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of delivery members are configured such that end portions on the near side with respect to the subject can be rotated in a vertical direction around a back side with respect to the subject.   The pair of delivery members, while the end portions are inclined so that the end portions on the near side face downward, the end portions press the base side of the breast via the compression member, and then move to the ends while moving downward. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the portion is rotated upward and pressed through the compression member gradually or stepwise from the base side to the nipple side of the breast.   The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of delivery members is independently movable in the left-right direction. A film-like compression member having a predetermined width and covering the breast placed on the imaging table of the radiation imaging apparatus from above and pressing the breast against the imaging table;
Both end portions in a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the compression member are wound, and extend along the width direction of the compression member, and one end portion in the extending direction can be attached to the drive mechanism of the radiation imaging apparatus, By being driven by the drive mechanism in a mounted state to the drive mechanism, it is possible to rotate while being separated from each other to send out the compression member and to move downward to compress the breast with the compression member. A pair of delivery members;
A compression device comprising.

Images