JP4954116B2 - Mobile X-ray device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus that moves in a hospital and performs X-ray imaging in a hospital room or the like. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus capable of immediately confirming an X-ray image taken using an imaging plate (IP) at an imaging location.

  In recent years, there has been a growing need for imaging of patients who are difficult to move from a hospital room and emergency imaging in an operating room in a medical field, and there is a wide range of mobile X-ray equipment for performing X-ray imaging by moving to a hospital room. It is popular. Recently, a mobile X-ray device equipped with an image reading device that reads image information from an IP has been put into practical use so that a photographed X-ray image can be immediately confirmed at the photographing location and the necessity of re-imaging can be judged on the spot. It is being done.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a round-trip X-ray apparatus including an image information reading device that reads image information stored in an IP. This round-trip X-ray apparatus displays the X-ray image by sending the image information read by the image information reading apparatus to a CRT display attached to the upper surface of the main body.

By the way, the image reading apparatus scans the entire surface of the IP sequentially by irradiating the laser beam by scanning the laser beam in the main scanning direction (direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction) while conveying the IP in the sub-scanning direction. The surface image information recorded on the IP is read by detecting the stimulable light emitted from each point on the IP. In order to obtain an accurate image, it is important to carry out IP transport and laser scanning with high accuracy and accuracy. When reading image information, vibration, shock, and tilt are applied to the image reading device. Is not preferred.
JP-A-4-190224

  However, even when the conventional mobile X-ray apparatus is in a running state, it is possible to read the image information from the photographed IP by inserting the cassette containing the IP into the image reading apparatus. For this reason, if the image reading apparatus is caused to read image information while the operator is driving the mobile X-ray apparatus, the read image information may be damaged by vibration or impact caused by the driving. There is a possibility that an accurate image cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile X-ray apparatus that reduces the risk of damage to image information being read by the image reading apparatus.

  A mobile X-ray apparatus according to the present invention includes a main body, a movable carriage on which the main body is placed, a support erected on the movable carriage, an X-ray generator supported by the support, and an X-ray image. An image reading device that reads image information from an imaging plate (IP) in which information is stored. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a carriage brake for braking the mobile carriage, a brake control means for operating or releasing the carriage brake, and the brake control means releasing the carriage brake. Comprises reading control means for prohibiting reading of the image reading apparatus.

  According to this configuration, when the brake for the carriage is released, that is, when the mobile X-ray apparatus can travel, the image information cannot be read by the image reading apparatus. However, it is possible to reduce the risk of breakage due to vibrations and impacts that occur during travel of the mobile X-ray apparatus.

  In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movable carriage includes drive wheels that are driven by a motor.

  According to this configuration, the mobile X-ray apparatus can be easily moved and the labor of the operator can be reduced.

  In general, the mobile X-ray apparatus has a short distance between the X-ray generation unit and the image reading apparatus, and the X-ray dose may be set large when imaging is performed in a hospital room or the like. Therefore, when X-rays are emitted from the X-ray generator while the image reader is reading image information, the IP inserted into the image reader detects leaked X-rays from the X-ray generator. As a result, the image information stored in the IP may be damaged.

  In view of this, the apparatus of the present invention includes a reading execution determination unit that determines whether or not the image reading apparatus is executing reading, and when the determination result of the reading execution determination unit is being read, the X-ray You may provide the irradiation control means which prohibits X-ray irradiation of a generation | occurrence | production part.

  According to this configuration, since the X-ray generator does not emit X-rays when the image reading apparatus is reading image information, the image information stored in the IP being read is damaged. Can reduce the risk.

  In addition, when imaging is performed in a hospital room or the like, the arrangement of the mobile X-ray apparatus may be physically limited depending on the arrangement of the bed and the surrounding environment, so it is desirable that the X-ray generation unit can be easily handled. .

  Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention includes an arm that is attached to the support column so as to be movable up and down, and that is equipped with the X-ray generator at the tip, and a rotation mechanism that rotatably supports the support column about the axis. preferable.

  However, when the image reading device is reading surface image information, if the column rotates or the arm moves up and down, the image information read from the IP may be damaged by vibration or impact caused by these operations. is there.

  Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention that facilitates the handling of the X-ray generator includes an electromagnetic brake for an elevating mechanism that brakes the elevating of the arm, an electromagnetic brake for a rotating mechanism that brakes the rotation of the column, and these Support mechanism control means for actuating or releasing the electromagnetic brake may be provided. Further, when the support mechanism control unit releases both electromagnetic brakes, the reading control unit may prohibit IP reading by the image reading apparatus.

  According to this configuration, since the image information cannot be read by the image reading device when the arm is moved up and down or the support column is rotated, the image information read by the image reading device is It is possible to reduce the risk of breakage due to vibration or impact generated by the rotation of the support.

  Further, the image reading apparatus further includes a reading execution determination unit that determines whether the reading is being performed. When the determination result of the reading execution determination unit is being read, the support mechanism control unit is It is preferable that the brake is operated to prohibit the raising and lowering of the arm and the rotation of the support column.

  According to this configuration, when the image reading apparatus is reading image information, the arm cannot be moved up and down or the column can be rotated, so there is a risk that the read image information is damaged by vibration or impact. It can be reduced more.

  The mobile X-ray apparatus according to the present invention prevents the image reading device from executing the reading of the image information when the carriage for braking the moving carriage is released and the moving carriage can run. It is possible to reduce the risk that the image information to be read is damaged due to vibrations or impacts caused by traveling of the moving carriage. In addition, it is possible to reduce the risk that the IP on which the image information is being read comes into contact with various components in the image reading apparatus due to vibrations and shocks caused by the traveling of the moving carriage and is damaged.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile X-ray apparatus according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the mobile X-ray apparatus.

[Configuration of mobile X-ray apparatus]
The mobile X-ray apparatus M of the present invention includes a main body 1, a movable carriage 2, a support mechanism 3, an X-ray generator 4, and an image reading device 5 accommodated in the main body 1 (FIG. 1). When performing X-ray imaging, a cassette containing an IP is used. Specifically, by placing an imaging target between the X-ray generation unit and the cassette (IP), irradiating the X-ray from the X-ray generation unit and transmitting the X-ray through the imaging target to the IP Perform X-ray imaging.

  An operation panel 11, a handle 12, and a monitor 14 for operating various devices and apparatuses equipped in the mobile X-ray apparatus M are attached to the main body 1, and a power source is stored. The main body unit 1 includes a main control unit MC, and the main control unit MC is connected to various devices and apparatuses (FIG. 2). The arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the input / output of signals (data), and various devices and devices operate in accordance with signals from the main control unit MC.

  The mobile carriage 2 includes a pair of left and right front wheels 21 and a rear wheel 22. The front wheels 21 are turnable casters, and the rear wheels 22 are drive wheels that are driven by a motor 23 mounted on the movable carriage 2. The motor 23 is capable of normal rotation and reverse rotation, and transmits the rotation of the output shaft to the rear wheel 22 to drive (rotate) the rear wheel 22. Further, a bogie electromagnetic brake 24 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 23. The electromagnetic brake 24 is a non-excitation operation type electromagnetic brake, which operates when not energized and generates braking force on the output shaft to brake (stop) the rear wheel 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 1 and the support mechanism 3 are arranged on the movable carriage 2.

  When traveling the mobile carriage 2 (movable X-ray apparatus M), the operator holds the handle 12 and operates it. The handle 12 is provided with a brake release switch 13. When the switch 13 is pressed, the electromagnetic brake 24 is energized to release the brake, and when the switch 13 is released, the electromagnetic brake 24 is energized. And the brake is activated. Therefore, when the mobile carriage 2 is caused to travel, the operator operates by grasping the handle 12 so as to press the brake release switch 13. In addition, pressure sensors are incorporated at both ends of the handle 12, and when the handle 12 is pushed forward, the motor 23 rotates in the forward direction so that the movable carriage 2 moves forward and the handle 12 is pulled backward. Then, the motor 23 reverses and the movable carriage 2 moves backward.

  When the mobile carriage 2 is braked (stopped), the operator returns the handle 12 to the intermediate position and releases the brake release switch 13 to cut off the power supply to the motor 23 and the electromagnetic brake 24 for the carriage. The rotation stops and the brake is activated. The motor 22 is driven or stopped by the motor control unit 100 stored in the main control unit MC, and the electromagnetic brake 24 is operated or released by the brake control unit 101 stored in the main control unit MC.

  The support mechanism 3 is a mechanism that supports the X-ray generation unit 4 and includes a support column 31 and an arm 32. The support column 31 is erected on the movable carriage 2, and a rotation mechanism 31 r that rotatably supports the support column 31 around the axis and a rotation mechanism that brakes the rotation of the support column 31 at the attachment position of the support column 31 of the movable carriage 2. An electromagnetic brake 33 is attached. Note that the rotation axis of the column 31 is an axis parallel to the direction in which the column 31 extends. The arm 32 is attached to the support column 31 so as to be movable up and down, and an electromagnetic brake 34 for an elevating mechanism that brakes the raising and lowering of the arm is attached to an attachment position of the arm 32 of the support column 31. These electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34 are non-excitation operation type electromagnetic brakes, and the brakes are operated when no power is supplied to fix the rotation angle of the column 31 and the raising / lowering position of the arm 32. An X-ray generator 4 is attached to the tip of the arm 31.

  The X-ray generator 4 is supported on the support column 31 via the arm 32. The X-ray generator 4 has an X-ray tube 41 that generates X-rays, and an X-ray movable aperture device 42 is attached to the X-ray irradiation port. The main control unit MC stores an irradiation control unit 102 that permits or prohibits X-ray irradiation of the X-ray generation unit 4, and the X-ray generation unit 4 prohibits the X-ray irradiation by the irradiation control unit 102. When it is not possible to irradiate X-rays.

  When adjusting the position of the X-ray generation unit 4 by adjusting the rotation angle of the column 31 or the raising / lowering position of the arm 32, the operator operates by grasping the handle 43 provided in the X-ray generation unit 4. The handle 43 is provided with an arm fixing release switch 44. When the switch 44 is pressed, the brakes are released by energizing the electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34. When the switch 44 is not pressed, the electromagnetic brakes are released. The power to 33 and 34 is cut off and the brake is activated. Therefore, when adjusting the position of the X-ray generation unit 4, the position is adjusted while the operator holds the handle 43 so as to press the arm fixing release switch 44. Then, after the operator adjusts the rotation angle of the column 31 and the raising / lowering position of the arm 32 to position the X-ray generation unit 4, the arm fixing release switch 44 is released, whereby the electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34 are operated. The rotation angle of the column 31 and the elevation position of the arm 32 are fixed. The electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34 are actuated or released by the support mechanism control means 103 stored in the main control unit MC. In addition, you may make it adjust the rotation angle of the support | pillar 31, and the raising / lowering position of the arm 32 manually.

  Further, the mobile X-ray apparatus M rotates the support column 31 about the axis and turns the arm 32 around the axis center of the support column 31 so that the X-ray generation unit 4 is located above the main body unit 1 (movable carriage 2). It is possible to switch between the traveling posture (FIG. 3 (A)) positioned at the position (FIG. 3 (A)) and the photographing posture (FIG. 3 (B)) where the X-ray generator 4 protrudes from the moving carriage 2. A posture sensor 35 for detecting the rotation angle of the column is attached to the bottom of the column 31.

  The image reading device 5 reads image information from an IP in which X-ray image information is stored. The image reading device 5 is stored in the main body 1, and the main body 1 is provided with a cassette insertion port 51 for inserting a cassette into the image reading device 5. A lid 52 that opens and closes is attached to the cassette insertion opening 51. The image reading device 5 starts reading image information when a cassette is inserted from the cassette insertion slot 51. The image reading device 5 takes out the IP from the inserted cassette, reads the image information from the IP, and then erases the remaining image information for the IP that has been read. The main control unit MC stores a reading control unit 105 that permits or prohibits reading of the image reading device 5. When the reading control unit 105 prohibits reading, the image reading device 5 stores image information. Cannot read. Further, a cassette detection sensor 53 for detecting that a cassette has been inserted is attached to the image reading device 5, and the reading execution determining means 106 stored in the main control unit MC is read by the image reading device 5. It is determined whether or not.

  Image information read by the image reading device 5 is stored in a storage device (not shown) via the main control unit MC. Further, the main control unit MC generates an X-ray image from the image information read by the image reading device 5 and displays it on the monitor 14. In addition, the monitor 14 displays setting screens of the X-ray generation unit 4 and the image reading device 5, patient information and examination information acquired from RIS (Radiology Information System), and the like. Further, a touch panel is attached to the monitor 14, and settings of the X-ray generation unit 4 and the image reading device 5 or patient information can be input.

  An embodiment using the mobile X-ray apparatus M will be described below. In the mobile X-ray apparatus, in the main control unit MC, when the brake control unit 101 releases the electromagnetic brake 24, the reading control unit 105 prohibits reading by the image reading device 5.

Example 1
A case will be described as an example where the operator attempts to perform a reading operation of the image reading device 5 while operating the handle 12 to drive the mobile X-ray apparatus M.

  When the mobile X-ray apparatus M is traveling, the brake control unit 101 releases the electromagnetic brake 24. Even if a cassette is inserted into the image reading device 5 at this time, the reading control unit 105 Since reading of the reading device 5 is prohibited, the image reading device 5 cannot read image information. When the brake control unit 101 is operating the electromagnetic brake 24, the reading control unit 105 permits reading of the image reading device 5, so that the image reading is performed when the mobile X-ray apparatus M is stopped. The device 5 reads image information.

  Thus, the mobile X-ray apparatus M does not read image information while traveling. In other words, by reading the image information when the mobile X-ray apparatus M is stopped, it is possible to avoid the influence of vibration and impact caused by the traveling of the mobile X-ray apparatus M. The risk of image information being read from being deteriorated or damaged by vibration or impact can be reduced. Also, by not reading the image information while traveling, it is possible to reduce the risk that the IP being read comes into contact with various parts in the image reading device due to the influence of vibration or impact and is damaged.

  The image reading device 5 used in the present embodiment is configured to start reading image information when a cassette is inserted. For example, an image reading device configured to start reading by a reading start operation after the cassette is inserted. Even if it is used, the effects of the present invention can be achieved.

  Further, the image reading device 5 has a configuration for erasing the remaining image information for the IP after the image reading is completed. By prohibiting the erasure of the image information by the reading control means 105, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erasure leakage due to vibration or impact. The same can be said for Example 3-1, which will be described later.

(Example 2)
An example will be described in which the operator attempts to perform an X-ray irradiation operation by the X-ray generation unit 4 while the image reading device 5 is reading image information. In the second embodiment, in the main control unit MC, when the determination result of the reading execution determination unit 106 is being read, the irradiation control unit 102 prohibits X-ray irradiation.

  When the cassette is inserted into the image reading device 5 and reading of image information is started and executed, the reading execution determination unit 106 determines that reading is being executed, and at this time, the X-ray generator 4 irradiates X-rays. However, since the irradiation control means 102 prohibits X-ray irradiation, X-rays are not irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 4.

  According to the second embodiment, when the image reading device 5 is reading image information, X-rays are not emitted from the X-ray generation unit 4, so that the image information stored in the IP being read is leaked X It can be prevented from being damaged by the influence of the wire.

(Example 3-1)
An example will be described in which the operator attempts to read the image reading device 5 when the operator rotates the column 31 or moves the arm 32 up and down to adjust the position of the X-ray generator 4. To do. In Example 3-1, in the main control unit MC, when the support mechanism control unit 103 releases both the electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34, the reading control unit 105 prohibits reading of the image reading device 5.

  When the operator is performing the rotation operation of the support 31 or the raising / lowering operation of the arm 32, the support mechanism control means 103 releases the electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34, and the cassette is inserted into the image reading device 5 at this time. However, since the reading control unit 105 prohibits reading of the image reading device 5, the image reading device 5 cannot read the image information.

  According to Example 3-1, since the image information is not read when the support 31 is rotating or the arm 32 is moving up and down, the image information being read from the IP is It is possible to reduce the risk of breakage due to vibrations and shocks caused by the raising and lowering of the arm 32.

(Example 3-2)
In Example 3-2, in addition to the configuration described in Example 3-1, when the determination result of the read execution determination unit 106 is being read in the main control unit MC, the support mechanism control unit 103 is Both electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34 are operated to prevent the arm from moving up and down and the column from rotating.

  When the cassette is inserted into the image reading device 5 and reading of the image information is started and executed, the reading execution determining means 106 determines that the reading is being executed. At this time, the column is rotated or the arm is lifted / lowered. Even so, since the support mechanism control means 103 operates the electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34, the rotation angle of the column 31 and the elevation position of the arm 32 are fixed.

  According to Example 3-2, when the image reading device 5 is reading image information, the column 31 does not rotate or the arm 32 does not move up and down, so the image information being read from the IP is subject to vibration and shock. Can prevent damage.

  In addition, when the electromagnetic brake is released, a large inrush current may flow and static electricity may be generated. Especially when the image reading device 5 is stored in front of the main body 1 (the column 31 side), it is inserted into the image reading device 5. It is also possible that the image information stored in the recorded IP is damaged due to the influence of static electricity. However, according to Example 3-2, when the cassette is inserted into the image reading device 5 and reading of image information is started and executed, the electromagnetic brakes 33 and 34 are not released. The risk of image information stored in the IP being read being damaged by static electricity can be reduced.

  The examples of the present invention described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the mobile cart may be a manual mobile X-ray device that does not include driving wheels.

  The mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention can be suitably used for a mobile X-ray apparatus for round trips.

1 is a rear perspective view of a mobile X-ray apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the mobile X-ray apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram for explaining a posture of the mobile X-ray apparatus according to the present embodiment during travel, and FIG. 3B is a posture of the mobile X-ray apparatus according to the present embodiment during imaging. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

M Mobile X-ray Device 1 Main Body 11 Operation Panel 12 Handle 13 Brake Release Switch 14 Monitor 2 Moving Cart 21 Front Wheel 22 Rear Wheel 23 Motor 24 Electromagnetic Brake 3 Support Mechanism 31 Support Column 32 Arm 31r Rotating Mechanism 33, 34 Electromagnetic Brake 35 Posture Sensor 4 X-ray generation unit 41 X-ray tube 42 X-ray movable diaphragm device 43 Handle 44 Arm fixation release switch 5 Image reading device 51 Cassette insertion port 52 Lid 53 Cassette detection sensor MC Main control unit 100 Motor control unit 101 Brake control unit 102 Irradiation control means 103 Support mechanism control means 105 Reading control means 106 Reading execution determination means

Claims (5)

Image information from a main body part, a movable carriage on which the main body part is placed, a column erected on the movable carriage, an X-ray generator supported by the column, and an imaging plate storing X-ray image information A mobile X-ray device having an image reading device for reading
A brake for braking the mobile carriage;
Brake control means for operating or releasing the brake;
A mobile X-ray apparatus comprising: a reading control unit that prohibits reading of the image reading device when the brake control unit releases the brake.   The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mobile carriage includes drive wheels that are driven by a motor. Reading execution determination means for determining whether or not the image reading apparatus is executing reading;
2. The mobile X-ray according to claim 1, further comprising an irradiation control unit that prohibits X-ray irradiation of the X-ray generation unit when the determination result of the reading execution determination unit is being read. apparatus. An arm that is attached to the column so as to be movable up and down, and is equipped with the X-ray generator at the tip;
A rotation mechanism that allows the column to rotate about its axis;
An electromagnetic brake for braking the raising and lowering of the arm and an electromagnetic brake for braking the rotation of the support;
Support mechanism control means for operating or releasing these electromagnetic brakes,
The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading control means prohibits reading when the support mechanism control means releases both electromagnetic brakes. A reading execution determination unit that determines whether or not the image reading apparatus is executing reading;
The said support mechanism control means operates both electromagnetic brakes, and prevents the raising and lowering of the said arm and rotation of the said support | pillar, when the determination result of the said reading execution determination means is in execution of reading. 4. The mobile X-ray apparatus according to 4.

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