JP2017051484A - X-ray CT apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray CT apparatus with a high coolability.SOLUTION: The X-ray CT apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: an X-ray tube for emitting X-ray; an X-ray detector for detecting X-ray; and a rotary frame 32 which is configured to be rotatable, supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector and comprises an air intake part 35 where an air intake hole 34 is formed and a guide part 37 at the rotation-direction upstream end part of the air intake part 35 and configuring a throttle flow channel 38a where a flow channel reduces from the rotation-direction upstream side to the rotation-direction downstream side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray CT apparatus.

  In an X-ray CT (Computer Tomography) apparatus, an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with X-rays, and an X-ray detector that is disposed opposite to the X-ray tube and detects X-rays, for example, in an annular rotating frame Provided. The rotating frame is configured to be rotatable in a substantially hermetic frame called a gantry. In such an X-ray CT apparatus, in the gantry, for example, an intake hole and a fan are provided in a rotating frame to cool the inside of the gantry.

JP 2009-268830 A

  An object of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus with high cooling performance.

  An X-ray CT apparatus according to one aspect is configured to be capable of rotating with an X-ray tube that irradiates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays, and supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector. In addition, a rotation provided with an intake portion in which an intake hole is formed, and a guide portion constituting a throttle channel that contracts from the upstream side in the rotational direction toward the downstream side at the end portion on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the intake portion. A frame.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows schematically the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning the embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows a part of structure of the same X-ray CT apparatus. The perspective view which shows the outer side of the rotating frame of the X-ray CT apparatus. The perspective view which shows the structure inside a part of the rotation frame. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the rotation frame, and the relationship between pressure and flow velocity. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. The top view which shows the outer surface of the rotation frame of the same X-ray CT apparatus. The top view which shows the outer surface of the rotation frame of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning other embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of a part of X-ray CT apparatus concerning other embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of a part of X-ray CT apparatus concerning other embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of a part of X-ray CT apparatus concerning other embodiment. The perspective view which shows the outer side of the rotation frame of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning other embodiment. The top view which shows the outer surface of the rotation frame of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning other embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the X-ray CT apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In each figure, the structure is appropriately enlarged, reduced, or omitted for explanation. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the X-ray CT apparatus 10. 4 is a perspective view showing the outside of the rotating frame 23, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the rotating frame 23, showing the inside of a cross section taken along line V-V in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus performs an operation input and image display of an X-ray CT apparatus 10, a bed apparatus 11 for placing and moving a subject (human body), and the X-ray CT apparatus 10. And a console 12 for the purpose.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray CT apparatus 10 includes an X-ray tube 21 that irradiates an X-ray toward a subject, and an X-ray detector 22 that is disposed to face the X-ray tube 21 with the subject interposed therebetween. A rotating frame 23 configured to be rotatable and supporting various devices such as an X-ray tube 21, an X-ray detector 22, and a high voltage generator, and a gantry 24 constituting an outer shell covering the outside of the rotating frame 23. I have.

  The X-ray tube 21 has a function of generating X-rays according to the tube voltage supplied from the high voltage generator.

  The X-ray detector 22 includes a plurality of detection elements 25 that directly or indirectly convert incident X-rays into electric charges, and a plurality of signal substrates 26 for signal processing.

  The plurality of detection elements 25 are two-dimensionally arranged at positions facing the X-ray tube 21 across the subject P placed on the bed. The plurality of detection elements 25 are provided on a detection substrate 25a made of a ceramic material having a predetermined shape. The detection substrate 25a is supported and disposed on a rib-like support piece 23b formed on the inner wall of the rotating frame 23.

  The signal board 26 is a wiring board on which various electronic components for processing a signal from the detection element 25 are mounted. Each signal board 26 is supported and disposed on a support member 27 formed on, for example, a side wall or a peripheral wall of the rotating frame 23. For example, in the embodiment, a plurality of signal boards 26 each configured in a rectangular plate shape are erected at a predetermined interval so that the thickness direction is along the rotation direction of the rotary frame.

  The rotating frame 23 is, for example, an annular housing, and supports the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 22 so as to face each other. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the rotating frame 23 includes a peripheral wall portion 31 that forms an arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, a pair of opposing side wall portions 32 that are erected inward from both end edges of the peripheral wall portion 31, and I have. The rotating frame 23 is accommodated in a substantially sealed gantry 24 and is configured to be rotatable in the gantry 24.

  Various support structures 33 such as reinforcing ribs and hooks for supporting various components are formed on the side wall 32 and the outer peripheral wall. Various components such as a detection board 25 a on which the detection element 25 is mounted and a plurality of signal boards 26 are arranged in an arc-shaped space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall and the side wall 32.

  An intake portion 35 having a plurality of intake holes 34 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 31. For example, in the present embodiment, the intake portion 35 is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the detector portion where the detection element 25 and the signal board 26 are arranged. The intake holes 34 are formed in parallel in the circumferential direction of rotation. In the present embodiment, eight intake holes 34 are formed. Each intake hole 34 is, for example, a rectangular slit-like opening whose longitudinal direction extends along the rotation axis direction, and communicates the outside and the inside of the rotating frame 23. In other words, a plurality of beam-like members constituted by a part of the peripheral wall portion 31 are arranged between the intake holes 34. The intake portion 35 having a plurality of intake holes 34 arranged therein has a predetermined length along the rotation direction, and has a predetermined length in the axial direction of rotation, that is, in the width direction of the peripheral wall portion 31.

  On the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 31, a guide portion 37 having a pair of rectifying plates 36 facing each other with the air intake portion 35 interposed therebetween is provided. For example, each rectifying plate 36 has a predetermined thickness and height, and is a wall-like member standing from the inner surface of the peripheral wall, and is integrally formed with the peripheral wall portion 31 of the rotating frame 23. The pair of rectifying plates 36 includes a throttle wall portion 36a that extends from the portion ahead of the intake portion 35 in the rotation direction so as to be inclined so that the distance between the rectifying plates 36 facing the intake portion 35 is small, and the intake portion And a guide wall portion 36b extending along the rotational direction through both sides of 35.

  That is, a throttle channel 38a whose channel is reduced from a position upstream of the intake unit 35 toward the upstream end of the intake unit 35 by the guide unit 37 having a pair of rectifying plates 36, and the throttle channel A flow path 38 having a constant width guide flow path 38b extending downstream in the rotational direction from 38a is formed.

  The side wall 32 on one side in the width direction of the rotary frame 23 is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes 39 communicating with the space in the rotary frame 23 and a rotary vane fan 40 installed in the exhaust holes 39. A portion 41 is provided.

  Therefore, a predetermined ventilation path is formed in the rotary frame 32 from the intake portion 35 through the space in the rotary frame 32 to the exhaust portion 41.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a pair of support members 27 are formed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 31 on both sides of the pair of rectifying plates 36. The support member 27 is formed along, for example, the rotation direction, and is configured in a wall shape having a predetermined height and width. The end surfaces on the radially inner side of the rotation of the pair of support members 27 are formed in a comb-like shape, and convex support pieces 27a projecting inward and concave slits 27b recessed outward are formed at a predetermined pitch. It is formed alternately. The slits 27b formed in the pair of support members 27 are configured such that both ends of the outer periphery of the signal board 26 can be inserted, and the signal board 26 can be sandwiched between the support pieces 27a adjacent to the slits 27b. In FIG. 5, only one signal board 26 is shown, and the other signal boards 26 are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry 24 is configured to cover the outer surface of the rotating frame 23 and to rotatably support the rotating frame 23, for example. The gantry 24 has a predetermined bowl shape that covers the rotating frame 23, and a ventilation port 24 a for intake and exhaust that communicates with the outside is formed at a predetermined position of the gantry 24.

The console 12 includes a display unit 42 having a monitor for displaying captured image data, and an input unit 43 configured to allow input of various information such as subject information, various command signals, X-ray irradiation conditions, and imaging conditions. And a control unit 44 that controls the operation of each unit. The control unit 44 rotates the rotating frame 23, applies a high voltage from the high voltage generation unit to the X-ray tube 21, and the X-ray detector 22. The operation of reading the signal is controlled. Under the control of the control unit, a photographing operation is executed, and data of a photographed image (projected image) is generated. Multi-directional captured image data necessary for three-dimensional image data reconstruction is acquired by repeating imaging while the rotating frame 23 rotates under the control of the control unit 44.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus 10 configured as described above, when the rotating frame 23 is rotated by the control of the control unit 44 at the time of imaging, the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 22 face the subject P in a state of facing each other. Rotate around.

  By the rotation operation of the rotating frame 32 and the operation of the fan 40 of the exhaust unit 41, air is forcibly taken in from the intake hole 34 and passes through the space in the rotating frame 32 where the detector 22 is disposed. 39 is discharged. At this time, the air passes through the gaps between the signal boards 26 arranged at a predetermined interval, and also passes through the back side of the detection elements 25, whereby the heat generated in the detection elements 25 and the signal boards 26 can be cooled. .

  A pair of rectifying plates 36 are disposed around the intake portion 35 of the rotary frame 32, and a throttle channel 38a is formed from the front side in the rotation direction toward the intake portion 35 serving as an inlet for fluid. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, the speed of the air flowing along the inner surface of the rotating frame 23 by the rotation of the rotating frame 23 passes through the narrow guide channel 38b through the throttle channel 38a. Therefore, at the detector 22 position of the rotating frame 23 in the gantry 24, the wind speed Vi2 inside the rotating frame 23 is larger than the external wind speed V0, and the static pressure Pi2 inside the rotating frame 23 is smaller than the external static pressure P0. . Due to this pressure difference, the movement of air from the outside to the inside of the rotary frame 32 through the intake hole 34 is promoted, and the amount of ventilation increases.

  On the other hand, in the rotating frame 23 without the throttle part and the guide part shown as a comparative example in FIG. 6, the wind speed Vi1 inside the rotating frame 23 and the external wind speed V0 are substantially the same. The internal static pressure Pi1 and the external static pressure P0 are substantially the same. Therefore, the pressure difference is small, and the amount of ventilation is small compared to the structure of the present embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, the guide portion 37 that guides the fluid is provided in the intake portion 35, and the throttle structure that generates the pressure difference is formed at the upstream end portion thereof, thereby increasing the intake amount by the rotation of the rotary frame 23. Cooling performance can be improved with a simple structure. For example, the cooling performance can be improved with a simpler structure than when increasing the number of rotations of the exhaust fan to increase the amount of intake air or increasing the number of fans, saving space and preventing noise. Also effective.
[Second Embodiment]
The X-ray CT apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a part of the outer surface of the rotating frame 23 of the X-ray CT apparatus 110.

  The rotating frame 23 according to the second embodiment includes a guide portion 137 including a guide wall 136 on the outer surface, but the rest is the same as the X-ray CT apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. In the X-ray CT apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rotating frame 23 of the X-ray CT apparatus 110 of the present embodiment is, for example, an annular housing, as in the first embodiment, and includes the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detection. The container 22 is arranged oppositely and supported.

  The rotating frame 23 includes a peripheral wall portion 31 constituting an arcuate outer peripheral surface, and a pair of opposing side wall portions 32 erected inward from both end edges of the peripheral wall portion 31. The rotating frame 23 is accommodated in a substantially sealed gantry 24 and is configured to be rotatable in the gantry 24.

  Various support structures 33 such as reinforcing ribs and hooks for supporting various components are formed on the side wall 32 and the outer peripheral wall. Various components such as a ceramic substrate 25 a on which the detection element 25 is mounted and a plurality of signal substrates 26 are arranged in an arc-shaped space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall and the side wall portion 32.

  An intake portion 35 having a plurality of intake holes 34 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 31. For example, an intake portion 35 is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the detector portion where the detection element 25 and the signal board 26 are arranged. Each intake hole 34 is, for example, a rectangular slit-like opening whose longitudinal direction extends along the rotation axis direction, and communicates the outside and the inside of the rotating frame 23.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a guide wall 136 surrounding the intake portion 35 is provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 31. For example, the guide wall 136 has a predetermined thickness and height, and is a wall-like member erected outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 31, and is formed integrally with the peripheral wall portion 31 of the rotating frame 23. .

  The guide wall 136 has a pair of outer surfaces extending along the rotation direction and along a gentle curve that is curved with respect to the rotation direction. The guide wall 137 surrounds the entire circumference of the air intake portion 35 composed of a plurality of air intake holes 34, has a sharp tip in the rotational direction, and has an outer shape close to a streamline shape that exhibits a gentle curve toward the rear in the rotational direction. Have. The guide wall 136 forms a pipe line extending from the periphery of the intake portion 34 toward the ventilation port 24a of the gantry 24, and the intake position of the air into the rotary frame 23 is brought close to the ventilation port 24a of the gantry 24, thereby Control.

  The side wall 32 on one side in the width direction of the rotary frame 23 is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes 39 communicating with the space in the rotary frame 23 and a rotary vane fan 40 installed in the exhaust holes 39. A portion 41 is provided. A predetermined ventilation path is formed in the rotating frame 23 from the intake hole 34 of the intake portion 35 through the space in the rotating frame 32 to the exhaust hole 39.

  The gantry 24 is configured to cover the outer surface of the rotating frame 23 and to support the rotating frame 23 in a rotatable manner, for example. The gantry 24 has a predetermined bowl shape that covers the rotating frame 23, and a ventilation port 24 a for intake and exhaust that communicates with the outside is formed at a predetermined position of the gantry 24.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus 110 configured as described above, when the rotating frame 23 is rotated by the control of the control unit 44 at the time of imaging, the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 22 face the subject P in a state of facing each other. Rotate around.

  By the rotation operation of the rotating frame 23 and the operation of the fan 40 of the exhaust part 41, air is forcibly taken in from the intake hole 34 and passes through the space in the rotating frame 32 where the detector 22 is disposed. 39 is discharged. At this time, the air passes through the gaps between the signal boards 26 arranged at a predetermined interval, and also passes through the back side of the detection elements 25, whereby the heat generated in the detection elements 25 and the signal boards 26 can be cooled. .

  Further, when the rotating frame 23 is stopped, the X-ray detector 22 is disposed opposite to the ventilation port 24 a of the gantry 24. In the X-ray CT apparatus 110 according to the present embodiment, the periphery of the intake portion 35 is surrounded by a guide wall 136 on the outer surface of the rotating frame 32. In this state, the guide wall 136 forms a pipe line from the intake portion 35 to the ventilation port 24a, so that it is possible to avoid the air that has exited the exhaust hole 39 from being taken in immediately. That is, generally, when the exhaust hole 39 and the intake hole 34 are close to each other, the high-temperature air that is taken in from the intake part 35 and heat-exchanged by the rotation of the rotating frame 23 is exhausted from the side wall part 32. After being discharged from 39, it is conceivable that the side wall portion 32 again goes to the peripheral wall portion 31 and the desired cooling performance cannot be obtained. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the periphery of the intake portion 35 is surrounded by the guide wall 136 and the intake position can be brought close to the ventilation port 24a of the gantry 24 from the peripheral wall portion 31, re-intake can be restricted. .

  According to the present embodiment, by surrounding the intake portion 35 with the guide wall 136, the position of the intake air is separated outward in the circumferential direction, and reintake of high-temperature air from the exhaust hole 39 can be restricted. it can. For this reason, the cooling performance can be improved with a simple structure.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-exemplified embodiments, and various configurations can be changed as appropriate.

  For example, in the second embodiment, the guide portion 137 has a closed shape surrounding the intake portion 35, but may have another shape. For example, as another embodiment, like the X-ray CT apparatus 210 shown in FIG. 9, the guide wall 136 may have an open structure with a part opened on the rear side in the rotation direction. In this embodiment, the guide wall 136 is configured in a shape that opens rearward in the rotation direction. In this case, it is possible to secure the intake air amount at a position away from a certain distance while avoiding that warm air discharged from the exhaust part 41 is immediately taken in.

  Moreover, in the said 1st and 2nd embodiment, although the example which comprises the guide parts 37 and 137 by the baffle plate 36 and the guide wall 136 was shown, it is not restricted to this. For example, a support mechanism for supporting other components and a rib structure for reinforcement can be used together as a guide structure.

  For example, as another embodiment, in the X-ray CT apparatus 310 shown in FIG. 10, the rectifying plate 36 is configured integrally with the support member 327. That is, a comb-like support member 227 having a plurality of support pieces 227a and slits 227b alternately is formed at the tip portion of the rectifying plate 36 standing on the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 31. Also in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

  In another embodiment, in the X-ray CT apparatus 410 shown in FIG. 11, the tip surface of the rectifying plate 436 functions as a support member. That is, the rectifying plate 436 is configured such that the radially inner end face of the rotation is formed in a comb-like shape, and a convex support piece 427a that protrudes inward and a concave slit 427b that is recessed outward has a predetermined pitch. Are formed alternately. Also in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the example provided with either the inner side baffle plate 36 or the outer surface guide wall 136 was shown as a guide part, it is not restricted to this, For example, it is a figure as another embodiment. 12 may be provided with both the rectifying plate 36 formed inside the inner peripheral wall 31 as a guide portion and the guide wall 136 formed on the outer surface. In this case, the effects of the first embodiment and the effects of the second embodiment can be achieved.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the intake portion 35 is configured to include the eight intake holes 34. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape and number of the intake holes 34 are changed. It is possible. Further, the guide portion 137 may be divided into a plurality of locations according to conditions such as the shape and length of each intake portion 35. Further, the plurality of intake holes 34 may be divided and arranged at a plurality of locations, and the plurality of guide portions 37 and 137 may be configured so as to surround each group.

  For example, in another embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 610 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is divided into two groups on the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 31, and five intake holes 34 are arranged in parallel. Guide walls 136 are formed so as to surround the five intake holes 34 of each group. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,110,210 ... X-ray CT apparatus, 11 ... Bed apparatus, 12 ... Console, 21 ... X-ray tube, 22 ... X-ray detector, 23 ... Rotating frame, 24 ... Gantry, 24a ... Ventilation opening, 25 ... Detection Element 25a ... Detection board 26 ... Signal board 27 ... Support structure 31 ... Peripheral wall part 32 ... Rotating frame 32 ... Side wall part 34 ... Intake hole 35 ... Intake part 36 ... Current plate 36a ... Restriction Wall part, 36b ... Guide wall part, 37 ... Guide part, 38 ... Channel, 38a ... Throttle channel, 38b ... Guide channel, 39 ... Exhaust hole, 40 ... Fan, 41 ... Exhaust part, 42 ... Display part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 43 ... Input part, 44 ... Control part, 110 ... X-ray CT apparatus, 136 ... Guide wall, 137 ... Guide part.

Claims (9)

An X-ray tube that emits X-rays;
An X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray;
An intake portion that is configured to be rotatable and supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector and in which an intake hole is formed, and an end portion on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the intake portion, from the upstream side in the rotation direction to the downstream side A rotating frame comprising a guide portion that constitutes a throttle channel that shrinks toward
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: A gantry that houses the rotating frame;
The rotating frame includes a peripheral wall portion on which the intake portion is disposed, and a side wall portion that is disposed on a side portion in the rotation axis direction of the peripheral wall portion and has an exhaust hole.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a fan is provided in the exhaust hole of the side wall portion.   The guide portion is a wall-like member erected on the inner surface of the rotary frame, the guide wall portion being disposed across the intake portion and extending in the rotation direction, and the intake portion from the upstream side of the intake portion An X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a diaphragm wall portion that squeezes the flow path toward the center.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide is configured by a supporting rib structure that supports components constituting the X-ray detector. An X-ray tube that emits X-rays;
An X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray;
A rotation having an intake portion that supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector and is rotatable and has an intake hole formed therein, and a guide wall that is erected around the intake portion on the outer surface side And an X-ray CT apparatus. A gantry that houses the rotating frame and has a ventilation opening;
The rotating frame is disposed opposite to the ventilation port of the gantry in a stopped state,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, in a stopped state, the guide wall extends from around the intake portion toward the ventilation port.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guide wall has a curved wall surface that surrounds one or more intake holes and curves with respect to the rotation direction.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guide wall includes an opening on the downstream side in the rotation direction.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the intake section is provided at a plurality of locations in the rotating frame.