WO2014192111A1

WO2014192111A1 - X-ray image capturing device

Info

Publication number: WO2014192111A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/064980
Authority: WO
Inventors: 貴俊三輪; 智晴奥野
Original assignee: 株式会社島津製作所
Priority date: 2013-05-30
Filing date: 2013-05-30
Publication date: 2014-12-04

Abstract

　A braking force imposed by a permanent electromagnet mechanism (34) is released to allow movement of a second holding frame (32) with respect to a first holding frame (31) when the distance between a radiation source and an image receiving part, which is the distance between an emission part of an X-ray tube (21) and an X-ray detector, is modified. In this state, the second holding frame (32) is capable of moving in a direction parallel to the X-ray irradiation direction from the X-ray tube (21) by the action of a slide rail (33). An operator holds a handle (24) and moves a holding part (30) together with the X-ray tube (21) and a collimator (22) in a direction parallel to the emission direction of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube (24). It is thereby possible to modify the distance between a radiation source and an image-receiving part regardless of the turn angle of an arm (13) and the sliding direction of holding part (30).

Description

X-ray equipment

This invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus.

Such an X-ray imaging apparatus irradiates a subject with X-rays which are irradiated from an X-ray tube and whose irradiation field is regulated by a collimator, and the X-rays passing through the subject are irradiated with a flat panel detector or an image intensifier. It has a configuration for detection by an X-ray detector such as a fire (II). As such an X-ray imaging apparatus, for example, a floor-mounted type, a ceiling-suspended type, or a round-trip type that can move between hospital rooms are used.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus.

The X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 7 includes an X-ray tube 21, a collimator 22 attached to the X-ray tube 21, an arm 53 that supports the X-ray tube 21, a support column 52, and a base plate 54. The X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 can swing in the θ1 direction with respect to the arm 53 and can rotate in the θ2 direction around the arm 53. Further, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are movable in the horizontal direction indicated by the symbol A in FIG. Further, the arm 53 can be moved up and down in the vertical direction indicated by the symbol Z in FIG. Further, the support column 52 is movable in the horizontal direction indicated by the symbol X in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus for round trips.

The X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 9 moves between a plurality of hospital rooms and performs X-ray imaging in each hospital room. The horizontal direction indicated by the symbol X in FIG. 9, a support 12 disposed on the support 11, and the support 12 is moved up and down in a vertical direction indicated by a reference sign Z in FIG. 9, and the reference sign θ <b> 3 in FIG. 9 centering on the support 12. The arm 13 that swivels in the direction indicated by X, the X-ray tube 21 disposed on the arm 13, and the X-ray irradiation field that is attached to the X-ray tube 21 and that is irradiated from the X-ray tube 21 is regulated. A collimator 22. The X-ray tube 21 is attached to the tip of the arm 13, can swing in the θ1 direction with respect to the arm 13, and can rotate in the θ2 direction around the arm 13 (see Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2008-61944 A

When performing X-ray imaging in such an X-ray imaging apparatus, a distance between a source and an image light receiving unit (SID: Source-Image Distance) which is a distance between an emission unit of the X-ray tube 21 and an X-ray detector. May need to be changed. That is, there are cases where the X-ray imaging region is changed or the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit itself is changed as an imaging condition. At this time, when X-ray imaging is performed with the X-ray tube and the collimator directed in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction, the operation of changing the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit becomes complicated.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing how the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit is changed in the floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG.

In this floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus, when the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are inclined and the distance between the radiation source and the image receiving unit is changed from SID1 to SID2, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 8 is moved together with the arm 53 in the horizontal direction indicated by symbol A in FIG. 8, and the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are moved together with the arm 53 in the vertical direction indicated by symbol Z in FIG. Stage operations are required.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit is changed in the round-trip X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus for round trips, when the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit is changed from SID1 to SID2 with the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 inclined, the orientation of the arm 13 as shown in FIG. In the state where the direction of the carriage 11 is coincident, that is, in the state where the direction A and the direction X shown in FIG. 9 are coincident, X is the same as in the case of the floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG. The X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are moved together with the arm 13 in the horizontal direction indicated by symbol A in FIG. 9, and the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are moved together with the arm 13 in the vertical direction indicated by symbol Z in FIG. 9. It is necessary to perform a two-step operation of moving to.

On the other hand, when the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are inclined and the distance between the radiation source and the image receiving unit is changed from SID1 to SID2 in the round X-ray imaging apparatus, the direction of the arm 13 and the position of the carriage 11 are changed. In a state where the directions do not match, extremely complicated work is required.

For example, when the arm 13 turns 90 degrees around the support column 12 from the state shown in FIG. 9 to the state shown in FIG. 10, that is, as shown in FIG. In a state where the moving direction to the front (the direction indicated by the symbol X in FIG. 10) is orthogonal, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are moved together with the arm 13 in the vertical direction indicated by the symbol Z in FIG. In addition, it is necessary to move the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 together with the carriage 11 in the horizontal direction indicated by the symbol X in FIG.

Further, when the extending direction of the arm 13 and the moving direction to the front of the carriage 11 (direction indicated by the symbol X in FIG. 10) intersect at an angle smaller than 90 degrees, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are intersected. Together with the arm 13, it is necessary to change the direction of the carriage 11 as well as move it in the vertical direction indicated by the symbol Z in FIG. 10.

Normally, the raising / lowering operation of the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 operates a handle and a movement permission button installed in the vicinity of the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22, whereas when the cart 11 is moved, the cart 11 Since it is necessary to operate the operation handle installed at the rear, the operation of moving the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 up and down and moving the carriage 11 becomes extremely complicated. In addition, there may be a case where there is not enough space in the hospital room where the X-ray imaging apparatus for round trips is installed at the time of imaging to allow the carriage 11 to move freely.

Such a complicated operation is not only for changing the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving part (SID) but also for making the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving part coincide with the set value. This also occurs when adjusting the position of.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. When the distance between the source and the image receiving unit is changed with the X-ray tube inclined, the source and the image receiving unit can be easily operated by one operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of changing the distance between the two.

The invention described in claim 1 includes an X-ray tube that emits X-rays, and a holding unit that rotatably holds the X-ray tube so that the direction of X-ray irradiation changes, and the holding unit Has a guide mechanism that moves in a direction parallel to the emission direction of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube even by rotation of the X-ray tube.

The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, an arm that can be moved up and down and pivoted to support the holding portion is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stopper capable of switching whether to move by the guide mechanism.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3, wherein the stopper includes a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, and generates a braking force against the movement of the X-ray tube by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. A permanent electromagnet mechanism that releases a braking force against movement of the X-ray tube by the permanent magnet by applying a current to the coil of the electromagnet to cause the electromagnet to generate a magnetic force that cancels the magnetic force of the permanent magnet; is there.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the holding portion includes a first holding frame that is swingably supported with respect to the arm, and the X-ray tube. A second holding frame for holding, a slide rail for guiding the second holding frame with respect to the first holding frame so as to be movable in a direction parallel to an emission direction of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube; The stopper switches between a state in which movement of the second holding frame relative to the first holding frame is restricted and a state in which the movement is allowed.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the carriage, a column disposed on the carriage, an arm that moves up and down relative to the column and pivots around the column,
An X-ray tube disposed on the arm, a collimator attached to the X-ray tube for restricting an X-ray irradiation field irradiated from the X-ray tube, and swingably supported by the arm A first holding frame, a second holding frame for holding the X-ray tube, and an emission direction of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube with respect to the first holding frame. A slide rail that is movably guided in a parallel direction, and a stopper that switches between a state in which movement of the second holding frame with respect to the first holding frame is restricted and a state in which the movement is permitted.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein an X-ray tube, and a collimator for attaching to the X-ray tube and for regulating an X-ray irradiation field irradiated from the X-ray tube, A holding portion that holds the X-ray tube, and a support portion that supports the holding portion so as to be movable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, and the holding portion integrally includes the X-ray tube and the collimator. And a guide mechanism for moving the X-ray emitted from the X-ray tube in a direction parallel to the emission direction of the X-ray.

According to the first to seventh aspects of the invention, since the X-ray tube is moved in a direction parallel to the X-ray emission direction emitted from the X-ray tube, the X-ray tube is inclined while the X-ray tube is inclined. When the distance between the source and the image light receiving unit is changed, the distance between the source and the image light receiving unit can be easily changed with one operation.

According to the third, fifth, and sixth aspects of the invention, it is possible to stop the X-ray tube while maintaining an appropriate distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily execute the restriction and release of the movement of the X-ray tube by the action of the permanent electromagnet mechanism.

1 is a perspective view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a collimator 22. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vicinity of a holding unit 30 for holding an X-ray tube 21. FIG. 2 is a side view of the vicinity of a holding unit 30 for holding an X-ray tube 21. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a permanent electromagnet 34. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of a floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit is changed in the floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus. It is a schematic diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus for round trips. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit is changed in the round-trip X-ray imaging apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

This X-ray imaging apparatus moves between a plurality of hospital rooms and performs X-ray imaging in each hospital room. The column 12 disposed on the carriage 11 and a state in which the column 12 can be moved up and down. The X-ray tube 21 disposed at the tip of the arm 13, the collimator 22 disposed below the X-ray tube 21, and the subject irradiated with the X-ray tube 21 An X-ray detector 23 such as a flat panel detector for detecting X-rays passing through the X-ray tube, a switch 29 for irradiating X-rays from the X-ray tube 21 to start X-ray imaging, and the X-ray detector 23 And a storage unit 15 for storing the battery. In addition, this X-ray imaging apparatus includes a pair of left and right front wheels 17 that are wheels for changing directions, a pair of left and right rear wheels 16 that are driving wheels, and an operation handle 14 for operating the traveling direction of the carriage 11. And a touch panel 18 functioning as a display unit and an operation unit.

The collimator 22 is provided with a handle 24 used when the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are moved together. The handle 24 is provided with a release button 25 for switching from a state that restricts the raising and lowering and turning of the arm 13 to a permissible state. Further, the handle 24 is switched from a restricting state to an allowing state in which the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 described later move in the direction parallel to the emission direction of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 21. The release button 26 is attached.

Note that the X-ray tube 21 is supported by the arm 13 by a holding unit 30 including a first holding frame 31 and a second holding frame 32 which will be described in detail later. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 attached to the X-ray tube 21 have a θ1 direction centered on an axis that faces a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the arm 13. The arm 13 can swing in the θ2 direction centered on the axis facing the extending direction of the arm 13. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are movable in the horizontal direction by the arm 13 turning in the θ3 direction around the support column 12. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are movable in the horizontal direction when the arm 13 expands and contracts in the A direction. Furthermore, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are movable in the vertical direction as the arm 13 moves up and down in the Z direction with respect to the support column 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

1 shows the extending direction of the arm 13, that is, the direction in which the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1 move together with the arm 13, and the front of the carriage 11 indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 2 shows a state in which the movement direction of the arm 13 is parallel, and FIG. 2 shows the extending direction of the arm 13, that is, the direction in which the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 indicated by the arrow A in FIG. The state to which the moving direction to the front of the trolley | bogie 11 shown by arrow X becomes a direction orthogonal is shown.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the collimator 22.

The collimator 22 includes four collimator leaves 77 that can reciprocate. By the action of the collimator 22, the visual field E that is an X-ray region irradiated from the X-ray tube 21 to the subject is defined.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the vicinity of the holding unit 30 for holding the X-ray tube 21, and FIG. 5 is a side view thereof.

The X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are connected to each other, and the X-ray tube 21 is fixed to the second holding frame 32. On the other hand, the arm 13 supports a first holding frame 31 so as to be swingable in the θ1 direction and the θ2 direction. Between the first holding frame 31 and the second holding frame 32, a slide rail 33 is disposed that faces in a direction parallel to the emission direction of the X-ray emitted from the X-ray tube 21. A gas spring 35 having one end fixed to the first holding frame 31 and the other end fixed to the second holding frame 32 is disposed between the first holding frame 31 and the second holding frame 32. . For this reason, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 reciprocate with a small force with respect to the first holding frame 31 together with the second holding frame 32. The reciprocating direction is a direction parallel to the X-ray emission direction emitted from the X-ray tube 21.

Furthermore, the movement of the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 in the direction parallel to the emission direction of the X-ray emitted from the X-ray tube 21 is restricted between the first holding frame 31 and the second holding frame 32. A permanent electromagnet mechanism 34 that functions as a stopper capable of switching between a state and an allowable state is provided.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the permanent magnet 34.

The permanent electromagnet mechanism 34 includes a casing 74 fixed to the first holding frame 31, a permanent magnet 71, and an electromagnet composed of an iron core 72 and a coil 73 disposed around the iron core 72. . In a state where no current flows through the coil 73, the permanent electromagnet mechanism 34 functions as a magnet by the action of the permanent magnet 71. In this case, the permanent electromagnet mechanism 34 is attracted to the second holding frame 32 to generate a braking force, and the movement of the second holding frame 32 relative to the first holding frame 31 is restricted. On the other hand, when the operator applies a current to the coil 73 constituting the electromagnet by operating the release button 26 described above, etc., and generates a magnetic force in the electromagnet that cancels the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 71, the permanent magnet The braking force due to the action of the magnet 71 is released, and the movement of the second holding frame 32 relative to the first holding frame 31 is allowed.

When X-ray imaging is performed by the X-ray imaging apparatus having the above-described configuration, the operator operates the operation handle 14 to move the carriage 11, and the X-ray imaging apparatus is positioned, for example, between beds in a hospital room. To place. Then, the X-ray detector 23 is taken out from the storage unit 15 and placed under the body of the subject. Further, the operator operates the release button 25 described above to turn the arm 13 in the θ3 direction and raise and lower it in the Z direction. Further, the arm 13 is expanded and contracted in the A direction, and the holding unit 30 holding the X-ray tube 21 is swung in the θ1 direction and the θ2 direction, so that the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are arranged at positions suitable for X-ray imaging. To do.

At this time, in a state where the carriage 11 of the X-ray imaging apparatus is installed without any problem in the hospital room, the distance between the radiation source and the image receiving unit (SID), which is the distance between the emission unit of the X-ray tube 21 and the X-ray detector 23. Are set values, and the turning angle of the arm 13 and the inclination angle of the holding unit 30 are set so that the incident angle of the X-rays to the subject becomes a predetermined angle. The collimator 22 is positioned.

In such a case, the operation of matching the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit with the set value is extremely complicated depending on the turning angle of the arm 13 and the inclination angle of the holding unit 30. Further, after the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are positioned, the turning angle of the arm 13 and the inclination of the holding unit 30 are also required when it is necessary to change the distance between the radiation source and the image receiving unit (SID). Depending on the angle, it may be necessary to move the carriage 11 itself.

However, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the second holding frame 32 is moved relative to the first holding frame 31 in a direction parallel to the X-ray emission direction emitted from the X-ray tube 21. Thus, it is possible to easily change the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit.

That is, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, when changing the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit, the operator presses the release button 26 attached to the handle 24. Thereby, a current is applied to the coil 73 constituting the electromagnet, and a magnetic force that cancels the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 71 is generated in the electromagnet, so that the braking force due to the action of the permanent magnet 71 is released, and the second holding frame. Movement of 32 to the first holding frame 31 is allowed. Accordingly, the operator holds the handle 24 and moves the holding unit 30 in a direction parallel to the X-ray emission direction emitted from the X-ray tube 21. This makes it possible to easily change the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit in relation to the turning angle of the arm 13 and the swinging direction of the holding unit 30.

Then, when the operator releases the pressing of the release button 26, the application of current to the coil 73 is stopped, and the permanent electromagnet mechanism 34 functions as a magnet by the action of the permanent magnet 71. Thereby, the permanent electromagnet mechanism 34 is attracted to the second holding frame 32 to generate a braking force, and the movement of the second holding frame 32 with respect to the first holding frame 31 is restricted, so that the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are Fixed in that position.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an X-ray imaging apparatus for round trips that moves between a plurality of hospital rooms and performs X-ray imaging in each hospital room has been described. It is also possible to apply to the X-ray imaging apparatus of the form. For example, when the present invention is applied to the floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 7, the X-ray tube 21 is held by the holding unit 30 shown in FIGS. It is sufficient to support it. Similarly, in the ceiling-suspended X-ray imaging apparatus, the distance between the radiation source and the image light receiving unit can be easily changed by using the holding unit 30 shown in FIGS. .

In the above-described embodiment, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are integrated, and the X-ray tube 21 is connected to the second holding frame 32 to thereby hold the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 in the second state. It is fixed to the frame 32. In contrast, even if the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are integrated with each other and the collimator 22 is connected to the second holding frame 32, the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 are fixed to the second holding frame 32. Good. Furthermore, both the X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 may be connected to the second holding frame 32.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Carriage 12 Support | pillar 13 Arm 16 Rear wheel 17 Front wheel 21 X-ray tube 22 Collimator 23 X-ray detector 24 Handle 26 Release button 30 Holding part 31 First holding frame 32 Second holding frame 33 Slide rail 34 Permanent electromagnet mechanism 35 Gas spring 71 Permanent magnet 72 Iron core 73 Coil 74 Casing 77 Collimator leaf

Claims

An X-ray tube that emits X-rays;
A holding unit that rotatably holds the X-ray tube so that the direction of X-ray irradiation changes,
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit includes a guide mechanism that moves in a direction parallel to an emission direction of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube even when the X-ray tube rotates.
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
An X-ray imaging apparatus having an arm that can move up and down and turn to support the holding unit.
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
An X-ray imaging apparatus having a stopper capable of switching whether to move by the guide mechanism.
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
The stopper includes a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, generates a braking force against the movement of the X-ray tube by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet, and applies a current to the coil of the electromagnet to generate the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. An X-ray imaging apparatus that is a permanent electromagnet mechanism that releases a braking force against movement of the X-ray tube by the permanent magnet by generating a canceling magnetic force in the electromagnet.
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
The holding unit includes a first holding frame supported to be swingable with respect to the arm, a second holding frame for holding the X-ray tube, and the second holding frame with respect to the first holding frame. And a slide rail that movably guides the X-ray emitted from the X-ray tube in a direction parallel to the emission direction,
The stopper is an X-ray imaging apparatus that switches between a state in which movement of the second holding frame with respect to the first holding frame is restricted and a state in which the stopper is allowed.
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
Cart,
A column disposed on the carriage;
An arm that moves up and down relative to the column and pivots about the column;
An X-ray tube disposed on the arm;
A collimator which is attached to the X-ray tube and regulates an X-ray irradiation field irradiated from the X-ray tube;
A first holding frame supported swingably with respect to the arm;
A second holding frame for holding the X-ray tube;
A slide rail that guides the second holding frame relative to the first holding frame so as to be movable in a direction parallel to an X-ray emission direction emitted from the X-ray tube;
A stopper that switches between a state in which the movement of the second holding frame relative to the first holding frame is restricted and a state in which the movement is allowed;
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising:
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
An X-ray tube;
A collimator which is attached to the X-ray tube and regulates an X-ray irradiation field irradiated from the X-ray tube;
A holding part for holding the X-ray tube;
A support part that supports the holding part so as to be movable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction,
The X-ray imaging apparatus characterized in that the holding unit has a guide mechanism that moves the X-ray tube and the collimator together in a direction parallel to the emission direction of the X-ray emitted from the X-ray tube. .