JP2013128593A - X-ray imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs changing the irradiation direction of an X-ray tube by loosing restriction of a space and improving operability thereof.SOLUTION: The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray tube 1 for irradiating a subject with X-rays; an X-ray detector 3 for detecting the X-rays passed through the subject; a C-shaped arm 4 formed in a C-shape for supporting the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3. The C-shaped arm 4 has a detachable mount part 4 provided to mount any of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3, and a weight 6 for balancing the weight between the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 which is provided on the C-shaped arm 4 movably.

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus for obtaining an X-ray image from X-rays transmitted through a subject.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a medical X-ray imaging apparatus, a mobile X-ray imaging round-trip car that performs X-ray imaging in a hospital room and a so-called C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus have become widespread. The C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus has a C-shaped arm, and an X-ray tube that emits X-rays and an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through a patient are held by the C-shaped arm. It has a configuration that
By the way, the mobile X-ray imaging round-trip car is used in an overtube in which an X-ray tube is disposed above an X-ray detector when imaging on a bed. When the subject takes an X-ray image in a standing posture, the X-ray is exposed in the horizontal direction. In addition, the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus is used with an overtube so that a doctor can secure a space in his / her hand when performing a procedure on a subject while imaging. However, when there is no need for a space for a doctor to perform a procedure such as fluoroscopic imaging, the X-ray tube is used in an undertube disposed below the X-ray detector from the viewpoint of reducing the exposure of the doctor. As described above, it is necessary to switch the X-ray irradiation direction between the imaging methods and procedures as necessary.
Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an X-ray tube is disposed at both ends of a C-shaped arm, and an X-ray detector is removably disposed between two X-ray tubes. . Thereby, the overtube and the undertube are switched (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-188024

In a mobile X-ray imaging round-trip car, when switching the X-ray exposure direction from the overtube to the horizontal direction, the X-ray tube with the arm that mainly supports the X-ray tube extended to the front of the round-trip car Change the orientation of. In a narrow hospital room, it is difficult to secure the exposure distance, and it is necessary to move the subject to a wide space. For this reason, it becomes a burden of a subject.
Further, in the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus, when the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are moved from the overtube to the undertube or vice versa, a vertical line mainly connecting the ends of the C-arm is mainly used. The C-arm is rotated 180 degrees around the equidistant line. However, since various devices and operating tables are arranged in the operating room, it is difficult to secure a space necessary for the rotation of the arm, and the arm cannot be easily rotated. In the X-ray imaging apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-188024, X-ray tubes are arranged one at each end of the C-type arm, and face each X-ray tube and supported by a retractable arm. The said subject is solved by arrange | positioning a line detector. However, in this configuration, two X-ray tubes and two X-ray detectors are required, and the C-arm must be enlarged in order to take an irradiation distance. For this reason, while causing an increase in cost, in the operating room where space is limited, the operability is lowered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that can change the irradiation direction of an X-ray tube without any particular high cost and relax space constraints, and has improved operability. It is.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and at least the X-ray tube. An X-ray imaging apparatus having an arm for supporting the X-ray tube, wherein the arm is provided with a mount portion to which the X-ray tube can be attached and detached without fastening a screw.
The present invention also provides an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, An X-ray imaging apparatus having an arm for supporting the X-ray tube, wherein the arm is provided with a mount portion on which any one of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector can be attached and detached.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to freely determine the arrangement of the X-ray tube by removing the X-ray tube from the arm. Thereby, the irradiation direction of the X-ray tube can be switched without being restricted by the arm shape. Further, the irradiation direction of the X-ray tube can be switched without rotating the arm. For this reason, the operability of the X-ray imaging technician can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an attachment / detachment mechanism of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the touch sensor according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the weight moving mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates a C-arm X-ray apparatus 101 as an X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B shows a mobile X-ray imaging round wheel 102 as an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

First, the configuration of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. The X-ray tube 1 emits X-rays. The battery 2 is included or circumscribed in the X-ray tube 1 and supplies power to the X-ray tube 1. In the configuration in which the battery 2 is not enclosed or circumscribed by the X-ray tube 1, the X-ray tube 1 is supplied with power from the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101 or the outside of the apparatus (not shown). The X-ray detector 3 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject. The X-ray detector 3 is disposed within the X-ray irradiation range from the X-ray tube 1. The C-shaped arm 4 supports the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3. The C-shaped arm 4 is formed in a substantially C shape as shown in FIG. The C-shaped arm 4 is rotatable about a line that is perpendicular to the C-shaped plane (= the surface direction in FIG. 1A) and passes through the approximate center of the C-shaped arc. . The mount portion 5 is a portion where the X-ray tube 1 can be attached / detached and fixed without fastening the screw with the C-shaped arm 4. The mount portion 5 is fixed to the C-shaped arm 4.
The apparatus main body 30 of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101 includes a control circuit as a control unit, an operation panel, a wheel mechanism including wheels 31, and a support column 32 that supports the C-shaped arm 4. A control circuit as a control unit controls the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101. A control circuit as a control unit includes a calculation unit that executes predetermined calculation processing and a computer program, and a storage unit (various storage devices, ROM, RAM, and the like) that stores a computer program, data, and the like. The operation panel is used for controlling the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101. The X-ray detector 3 is connected to the apparatus main body 30 by a cable (not shown) for power supply and signal communication. Further, if the battery 2 and the wireless signal communication device are included in the X-ray detector 3, the X-ray detector 3 is cableless. In this case, the arrangement of the X-ray detector 3 is free without being limited by the cable. The wheel 31 is a means for moving the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101. The movement of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101 is controlled by the apparatus main body 30 (the control circuit of the apparatus main body 30).
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an attaching / detaching mechanism for the X-ray tube 1 and the mount unit 5. With reference to FIG. 2, the structure of the attachment / detachment mechanism of the X-ray tube 1 and the mount part 5 is demonstrated. The hook portion 13 is disposed on the X-ray tube 1 and is rotatable about a fulcrum 14. The compression spring 15 is in contact with the hook portion 13 and biases the hook portion 13. The button 16 is disposed so as to face the compression spring 15 with the hook portion 13 interposed therebetween. The button 16 protrudes from the exterior of the X-ray tube 1 and serves as a switch when the X-ray tube 1 is removed from the mount portion 5. When the X-ray tube 1 is mounted on the mount portion 5, the hook portion 13 is caught in the recess 17 formed in the mount portion 5. As a result, the hook portion 13 is locked to the mount portion 5 and is fixed by the compression spring 15. When the button 16 is pressed, the hook portion 13 is pressed by the button 16 and rotates. The hook portion 13 is not caught by the mount portion 5. For this reason, the lock | rock between the mount part 5 and the X-ray tube 1 is cancelled | released, and the X-ray tube 1 can be removed from the mount part 5. FIG. As described above, the mount 5 is interposed between the X-ray tube 1 and the C-shaped arm 4 and has a configuration in which the X-ray tube 1 can be attached to and detached from the C-shaped arm without fastening screws.
The hook portion 13 and the compression spring 15 may be provided in the mount portion 5, and the recess 17 in which the hook portion 13 is hooked may be formed in the X-ray tube 1. Further, when the battery 2 is arranged circumscribing the X-ray tube 1, the battery 2 and the mount portion 5 may be configured to be attachable / detachable and fixed with the same configuration as this attaching / detaching mechanism. Further, the mount unit 5 is provided with detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery 2 and detecting the temperature of the object to be mounted, and regulation means for regulating unlocking of the hook part 13 based on the detection result by the detection means. It may be a configuration. Further, the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101 switches the settable upper limit values of tube voltage, tube current, and exposure time, which are X-ray exposure conditions, when the X-ray tube 1 is attached to and detached from the mount unit 5. You may have a switching means.
3 and 4 are diagrams schematically showing a configuration and an operation mode of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 3 and 4 show a configuration in which the C-shaped arm 4 does not hinder X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 1 when the X-ray tube 1 is removed from the mount portion 5. 3 (a) and 4 (a) are right side views of FIG. 1 (a). 3 (b) and 4 (b) show that the X-ray tube 1 is removed from the C-shaped arm 4 from the state shown in FIG. 1 (a), and the removed X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector are removed. 3 is opposed to the other.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray detector 3 can be rotated with respect to the C-shaped arm 4. For this reason, the direction which receives X-ray irradiation can be changed. The X-ray detector 3 can be fixed to the C-shaped arm 4 in an arbitrary inclination posture by a frictional force. On the other hand, in the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the X-ray tube 1 is attached to the side surface 5 a of the mount portion 5 that is the side surface of the C-shaped arm. Similarly, the X-ray detector 3 is also provided on the side surface of the C-shaped arm 4. The X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 are arranged so as to protrude from the thickness direction of the C-shaped arm 4.
According to such a configuration, the irradiation direction of the X-ray tube 1 can be freely changed by removing the X-ray tube 1 from the mount portion 5. The X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 can be arranged to face each other without being obstructed by the C-shaped arm 4. For this reason, operability is improved. Then, when the battery 2 is arranged circumscribing the X-ray tube 1, the battery 2 and the X-ray tube 1 can be integrally attached to and detached from the C-shaped arm 4. For this reason, the X-ray tube 1 can be handled without restriction of the external wiring of the X-ray tube 1, and the operability is further improved.

Next, with reference to FIG. 1B, the configuration of the mobile X-ray imaging round-wheel 102 as an X-ray imaging apparatus will be described. The mobile X-ray imaging round wheel 102 has an arm 11. The arm 11 supports the X-ray tube 1 provided in the mobile X-ray imaging round wheel 102. The round wheel main body 12 of the mobile X-ray imaging round wheel 102 includes a control circuit (not shown) as a control unit, a wheel mechanism having wheels 31, and a support column that supports the arm 11. A control circuit as a control unit controls the mobile X-ray imaging round-wheel 102. A control circuit as a control unit includes a calculation unit that executes predetermined calculation processing and a computer program, and a storage unit (various storage devices, ROM, RAM, and the like) that stores a computer program, data, and the like. The operation panel is used for controlling the mobile X-ray imaging round-trip car 102. The X-ray detector 3 is connected to the apparatus main body 30 by a cable (not shown) for power supply and signal communication. In addition, when the battery 2 and the wireless signal communication device are included in the X-ray detector 3, the X-ray detector 3 is cableless. In this case, the arrangement of the X-ray detector 3 is free without being limited by the cable. Moreover, the mount part 5 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 2, and the X-ray tube 1 can be attached and detached. Note that the X-ray detector 3 may have a detachable mechanism shown in FIG. 2, and the mount unit 5 and the X-ray detector 3 may be detachable. The wheel 31 is a means for moving the mobile X-ray imaging round-wheel 102, and the movement of the mobile X-ray radiography round-wheel 102 is controlled by the round-wheel main body 12 (a control unit provided in the round-wheel main body 12). The
According to such a configuration, by removing the X-ray tube 1 from the mount 5, the irradiation direction of the X-ray tube 1 can be freely changed, and the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 are arranged to face each other. Can be made. When the X-ray detector 3 is mounted on the mount 5, the mobile X-ray imaging round wheel 102 has a function of a standing gantry, and the position of the X-ray detector 3 can be provided without the gantry. This makes it possible to take a standing position. In other words, even in a hospital room where space is limited, it is possible to easily change the irradiation direction and switch to standing-up imaging, improving operability.

  According to the configuration as described above, there is no restriction by the C-shaped arm 4 that supports the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3, and imaging requiring a long irradiation distance can be performed. As a result, in the mobile X-ray imaging round-trip wheel 102 and the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 101, it is possible to perform imaging while changing the form of each apparatus during imaging requiring emergency or emergency in a narrow place. For this reason, the operability of the X-ray imaging technician is improved. Further, since X-ray irradiation can be performed over a wide range without depending on the arm shape, the subject is less likely to move when changing the imaging region. For this reason, the X-ray imaging apparatus which reduced the subject's burden can be provided.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 as an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the second embodiment, the X-ray detector 3 can be further detached from the C-shaped arm 4 in the first embodiment, and the positions of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 can be switched. Further, the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 includes detection means 91 that detects which of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 is mounted. Further, the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 includes a weight 6 for balancing the weight of the C-shaped arm 4. With these configurations, the scope of application of the present invention is expanded.

As shown in FIG. 5, one mount portion 5 is disposed at each end of the C-shaped arm 4. The mount portions 5 disposed at both ends of the C-shaped arm 4 have a common configuration, and each of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 can be selectively attached or detached. It is. For example, the attachment / detachment mechanism for the X-ray tube 1 and the mount 5 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. The X-ray detector 3 also has the same configuration as the attachment / detachment mechanism of the X-ray tube 1 and the mount unit 5 shown in FIG. That is, the mechanical / electrical attachment / detachment mechanism of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 to the mount 5 has a common configuration.
As described above, when the attachment / detachment mechanism of the two mount portions 5 has a common configuration, the arrangement of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 can be easily removed from the C-shaped arm 4 and replaced. It is. For this reason, the arrangement of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 can be easily reversed. Therefore, the operability is improved.

  The configuration of the detection means 91 that detects which of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 is mounted on the mount 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the discrimination means. The detection means 91 includes two touch sensors 18 a and 18 b disposed on the mount 5, a protrusion 1 a provided on the X-ray tube 1, and a protrusion 3 a provided on the X-ray detector 3. . As shown in FIG. 6, two touch sensors 18a and 18b are arranged in the vicinity of the mounting surface of the mount unit 5 (= the surface on which the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 are mounted). Further, projections 1a and 3a for pressing the two touch sensors 18a and 18b are provided on the mounting surfaces of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 (= surfaces mounted on the mount unit 5). It is done. When the X-ray tube 1 is mounted on the mount 5, the projection 1a of the X-ray tube 1 pushes the touch sensor 18a. Thereby, the touch sensor 18a detects that the X-ray tube 1 is mounted. Similarly, when the X-ray detector 3 is attached to the mount portion 5, the protrusion 3a of the X-ray detector 3 pushes the touch sensor 18b. Thereby, the touch sensor 18b detects that the X-ray detector 3 is mounted. The configuration of the touch sensors 18a and 18b is not limited. Various conventionally known touch sensors can be applied to the touch sensors 18a and 18b. Further, the number of touch sensors 18a and 18b is not limited. The types of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 may be detected by increasing the number of touch sensors 18a and 18b.

The weight 6 maintains the weight balance of the C-shaped arm 4. The weight 6 is configured to be movable on the C-shaped arm 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the moving mechanism of the weight 6. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the C-shaped arm 4 and the weight 6 cut in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the C-shaped arc. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the C-shaped surface of the C-shaped arm 4. A T-shaped groove 17 having a substantially T-shaped cross section is formed in the C-shaped arm 4 so as to extend along the arc of the C-shaped arm 4. The weight 6 is provided with a bearing 19. The bearing 19 guides the weight 6 so that the weight 6 can slide in the T-shaped groove 17. A wire 20 is disposed in the T-shaped groove 17, and wire storage portions 21 are provided at both ends of the T-shaped groove 17. The wire storage unit 21 is provided with a reel or the like that can wind the wire 20. Then, the wire storage unit 21 adjusts winding and drawing of the wire 20. The wire 20 is disposed so as to connect the wire storage portions 21 via the weight 6. The wire storage unit 21 adjusts winding and drawing of the wire 20 to move the weight 6 to a desired position. Further, the wire storage unit 21 may be configured to be provided with means for detecting the winding and drawing amount of the wire 20 from the number of rotations of the wire storage unit 21. In this case, a configuration in which the control unit included in the apparatus main body 30 in FIG. 1A stores the position of the weight 6 is applied. Further, the wire storage unit 21 may be provided with a motor for winding and drawing the wire 20. Thereby, when the X-ray tube 1 or the X-ray detector 3 is attached to or detached from the mount portion 5, the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 automatically adjusts the position of the weight 6, and the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 is balanced. Can keep.
The C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 stores the position of the weight 6 that can balance the weight of the C-shaped arm 4 in the following seven states (1) to (7). (1) A state where both the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 are mounted as shown in FIG. (2) A state where only the X-ray tube is removed from the state shown in FIG. (3) A state in which only the X-ray detector 3 is removed from the state shown in FIG. (4) to (6) Regarding the above (1) to (3), the arrangement of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 is opposite to the configuration shown in FIG. (7) A state in which both the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 are removed. In each of these seven states, the weight 6 that can balance the weight is stored, and the weight 6 is moved based on the detection results of the touch sensors 18a and 18b. Thereby, the weight balance of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 is maintained, and the fall of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 and the unexpected movement of the C-shaped arm 4 can be suppressed.

  With the above configuration, the arrangement of the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3 can be easily replaced. The weight balance of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 103 can be maintained by moving the weight 6 when removing the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 3. Thus, it is possible to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus with improved operability while maintaining the safety of the X-ray imaging engineer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 104 as an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a state where the X-ray tube 8 and the X-ray detector 3 are mounted on the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 104. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which the X-ray tube 8 and the X-ray detector 3 are removed from the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 104.
In Example 3, the X-ray tube can be removed lightly by limiting the range in which the X-ray tube is removed from Example 2. Thereby, the application range of the present invention is expanded.
The X-ray tube 1 applied to Examples 1 and 2 is filled with an insulating oil containing an X-ray shielding metal (molybdenum, tin, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, lead, iron) around the X-ray generator. The insulating oil is surrounded by metal. On the other hand, the X-ray tube 8 applied to Example 3 has a configuration in which the exterior is made of a light metal such as aluminum or magnesium, and the internal insulating oil does not contain a metal. For this reason, the X-ray tube 8 applied to the third embodiment is lighter than the X-ray tube 1 applied to the first and second embodiments.
The mount 5 has a configuration in which the X-ray tube 8 and the X-ray detector 3 can be attached and detached. At least a part of the mount 5 is made of an X-ray shielding metal (for example, molybdenum, tin, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, lead, iron, etc.). The mount unit 5 has a movable box (= a box in which the side wall is configured to be movable) in which the X-ray tube 8 can be mounted so as to surround other than the X-ray irradiation outlet. Specifically, the mount portion 5 has a box-like configuration in which the sides facing each other (= the side where the X-ray irradiation outlet is located) are opened and the other portion is formed of an X-ray shielding metal. In other words, the mount portion 5 is made of an X-ray shielding metal and has a box-like configuration in which one side is open. The two mounting portions 5 provided at both ends of the C-shaped arm 4 are opposed to each other on opposite sides. The arrows in FIG. 8 schematically show the direction of movement of the movable box of the mount 5 and the direction of removal of the X-ray tube 8 and the X-ray detector 3. And, on the surface of the movable box of the mount portion 5 (for example, a surface corresponding to the upper surface of the box and a surface corresponding to the bottom surface of the box), an attachment / detachment mechanism having the same configuration as in the second embodiment is provided, Any one of the X-ray tube 8 and the X-ray detector 3 can be selectively attached and detached. When the X-ray tube 8 is mounted on the mount unit 5, the X-ray irradiation outlet of the X-ray tube 8 is exposed from the opening of the mount unit 5, and other parts are covered with the mount unit 5.

  With the configuration as described above, X-ray shielding properties other than the X-ray irradiation outlet of the X-ray tube 8 can be maintained in a state where the X-ray tube 8 is mounted on the mount portion 5. And when removing the X-ray tube 8 from the mount part 5, the X-ray tube 8 can be handled lightweight. Thus, the arrangement of the X-ray tube 8 and the X-ray detector 3 can be easily exchanged, and the operability of the X-ray imaging technician is improved.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 105 as an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 9A shows a state in which the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3 are attached to the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 105. FIG. 9B shows a state in which the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3 are removed from the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 105.
In the fourth embodiment, the cooling unit 10 as the cooling means is provided in the mount portion 5 with respect to the third embodiment. Thereby, the application range of the present invention is expanded.
The X-ray tube 9 has a structure in which an exterior is made of light metal such as aluminum or magnesium, and an insulating film is disposed inside the exterior and the X-ray generator. For this reason, the X-ray tube 9 applied to the fourth embodiment is lighter than the X-ray tube 1 applied to the first and second embodiments. A cooling unit 10 is disposed inside the mount unit 5. For example, one or more of an air cooling fan, a thermoelectric conversion element, and a water cooling device are applied to the cooling unit 10 as the cooling means. A conventionally well-known structure can be applied to the air cooling fan, thermoelectric conversion element, and water cooling device. Therefore, the description of the configuration is omitted.
The mount unit 5 has an attachment / detachment mechanism that can selectively attach / detach any one of the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3. Specifically, it has an attachment / detachment mechanism having the same configuration as that of the mount portion 5 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 2). The mount unit 5 is a movable type that can be mounted so as to surround the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3 so as to surround the X-ray tube 9 other than the X-ray irradiation exit and the effective imaging region of the X-ray detector 3. Has a box. Specifically, the mount part 5 has a box-like configuration in which one side is open. At least a part of the mount 5 is made of an X-ray shielding metal (for example, molybdenum, tin, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, lead, iron, etc.). For this reason, when the X-ray tube 9 is attached to the mount portion 5, the X-ray irradiation outlet of the X-ray tube is exposed from the opening of the mount portion 5, and other portions are formed by the movable box of the mount portion 5. Covered. Similarly, when the X-ray detector 3 is attached to the mount unit 5, the effective imaging region of the X-ray detector 3 is exposed from the opening of the mount unit 5, and the rest is covered by the movable box of the mount unit 5. . The mount unit 5 is provided with a touch sensor. The touch sensor has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment (see FIG. 6). The touch sensor can detect whether the X-ray tube 9 or the X-ray detector 3 is mounted on the mount unit 5 or is not mounted.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the system of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 105 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 10, in step S <b> 1, the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3 are attached to the mount unit 5. In step S <b> 2, the touch sensor detects whether the mount unit 5 is the X-ray tube 9 or the X-ray detector 3. In step S3, based on the detection result in step S2, the control unit in the apparatus main body 30 of the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 105 determines whether the X-ray tube 9 or the X-ray detector 3 stored in the control unit. Cooling conditions are calculated from the required cooling mode table. Here, the table of the cooling form refers to a table of types of the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3 and a cooling position and a cooling amount necessary for each type. In step S4, cooling of the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3 is started based on the calculation result of step S3. Specifically, in the X-ray detector 3, since unevenness in temperature affects the image quality, it is desirable to keep the X-ray detector 3 in a constant temperature state. For this reason, a cooling position becomes important. On the other hand, the cooling amount of the X-ray tube 9 is important in order to prevent overheating. As an example, in the case of cooling using a thermoelectric conversion element, it is possible to maintain stable image quality as an X-ray imaging apparatus by adjusting the cooling position and amount of cooling of the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3. It becomes possible. As described above, the mount unit 5 includes a touch sensor as detection means for detecting whether the X-ray tube 1 is mounted or the X-ray detector 3 is mounted. And based on the detection result by the touch sensor as a detection means, the cooling conditions by the cooling unit 10 as a cooling means are changed. In step S5, the process proceeds to X-ray imaging.

  With the configuration as described above, X-ray shielding properties other than the X-ray irradiation outlet can be maintained in a state where the X-ray tube 9 is mounted on the mount portion 5. And when removing the X-ray tube 9 from the mount part 5, the X-ray tube 9 can be handled lightweight. For this reason, the operability of the X-ray imaging technician is improved. Then, the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3 can be switched to heat radiating means suitable for the heat generation path. For this reason, the X-ray imaging apparatus which has the stable heat dissipation can be provided.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 106 as an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a view showing a state in which the X-ray generator 7 and the X-ray detector 3 are mounted on the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 106. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the X-ray generator 7 and the X-ray detector 3 are removed from the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 106.
In the fifth embodiment, with respect to the second embodiment, the range for removing the X-ray tube is limited to only the X-ray generator in the X-ray tube, and the functions of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector can be easily replaced. It is a possible configuration. Thereby, the application range of the present invention is expanded.
The mount unit 5 has a configuration in which the X-ray generator 7 and the X-ray detector 3 can be attached and detached. Specifically, the mount part 5 has a box-like configuration in which one side is open. The mount portion 5 can be mounted so as to expose the X-ray irradiation outlet of the X-ray generator 7 from the opening and surround a portion other than the X-ray irradiation outlet. The mount 5 is at least partially made of an X-ray shielding metal (for example, molybdenum, tin, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, lead, iron, etc.). In addition, the structure by which the mount part 5 is filled with the insulating oil containing an X-ray shielding metal may be sufficient as the inside. The mounting surface on which the X-ray generator 7 of the mount unit 5 can be mounted is configured such that one or more of resin, carbon thin film, and aluminum thin plate is applied. With this configuration, heat radiation from the X-ray generator 7 to the mount unit 5 is promoted. The mount 5 is provided with an attachment / detachment mechanism having the same configuration as that of the second embodiment. The X-ray detector 3 can be attached to and detached from the box-shaped surface of the mount 5 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

  With the configuration as described above, when the X-ray generator 7 is mounted on the mount unit 5, X-rays generated from the X-ray generator 7 are absorbed by the X-ray shielding metal included in the mount unit 5. The The heat generated from the X-ray generator 7 is efficiently transmitted to the mount unit 5. That is, the X-ray generator 7 can be attached to the C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus 106 while maintaining X-ray shielding and heat dissipation other than the X-ray irradiation exit. Moreover, when removing the X-ray generator 7 from the mount part 5, the X-ray generator 7 can be handled lightly. As a result, the functions of the X-ray tube 9 and the X-ray detector 3 can be easily exchanged, and the operability of the X-ray imaging technician is improved.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described in detail, all the said embodiment showed only the example of actualization in implementing this invention. The technical scope of the present invention should not be limitedly interpreted by these embodiments. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

1, 8, 9: X-ray tube, 2: Battery, 3: X-ray detector, 4: C-shaped arm, 5: Mount part, 6: Weight, 7: X-ray generator, 10: Cooling unit, 11: Arm of round wheel, 12: Main body of round wheel, 13: Hook, 14: Support point, 15: Compression spring, 16: Button, 17: T groove, 18a, 18b: Touch sensor, 19: Bearing, 20 : Wire, 21: Wire storage part, 30: Apparatus main body part, 31: Wheel, 101, 103 to 105: C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus, 102: X-ray imaging round wheel

Claims (10)

An X-ray imaging apparatus having an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and an arm that supports at least the X-ray tube There,
2. An X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said arm is provided with a mount part capable of attaching and detaching said X-ray tube without fastening screws. An X-ray tube that irradiates the subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and an arm that supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising:
2. An X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said arm is provided with a mount part to which any one of said X-ray tube and said X-ray detector can be attached and detached.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arm is formed in a C shape.   4. The X-ray according to claim 1, wherein a weight for balancing the weight of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector is movably provided on the arm. 5. Shooting device.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray imaging apparatus is an X-ray imaging round-trip car having means for moving the X-ray imaging apparatus and means for controlling movement.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mount unit is provided with a cooling unit that cools the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.   The mount portion has detection means for detecting whether the X-ray tube is attached or the X-ray detector is attached, and the cooling means is based on a detection result by the detection means. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein:   The said mount part covers parts other than the X-ray irradiation exit of the said X-ray tube in the state with which the said X-ray tube was mounted | worn, The any one of Claim 1 to 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. X-ray imaging device.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least a part of the mount portion covering the X-ray tube is formed of an X-ray shielding metal.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an insulating oil containing an X-ray shielding metal is filled in the mount portion.

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