JP4826547B2 - X-ray diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray generation means such as an X-ray tube that generates X-rays and irradiates a subject, and an X-ray detector such as a flat panel X-ray detector that receives X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation means. The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus including a line detection means.

In this type of X-ray diagnostic apparatus, X-ray fluoroscopy and imaging are performed by bringing the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means close to the subject.
For this reason, when the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means are moved, there is a possibility that the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means come into contact with the subject.

Therefore, conventionally, the following has been proposed as a means for avoiding contact between the X-ray generation means or the X-ray detection means and the subject as described above.
A proximity sensor that detects the presence of an object in a non-contact manner is provided in a movable part such as an image intensifier or an X-ray tube that is an X-ray detection means, and the distance between the object and the proximity sensor and the amount of change in the distance Based on the above, the movement of the movable part is controlled.
For example, if the distance changes in the direction in which the object and the proximity sensor approach, the movable part is braked (decelerated or stopped), and if the distance changes in the direction in which the object and the proximity sensor move away, The movable part is controlled to a movable state, and the movable part is moved without braking (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-26286 A

However, the above-described conventional example has the following problems.
In order to obtain a good image in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, for example, X-ray detection means may be brought close to the subject to perform fluoroscopy or imaging. As described above, when the X-ray detection means is brought close to the subject, the X-ray detection means is brought into contact with the subject, and the X-ray detection means may be damaged or the subject may be damaged. Also, if you move away from the subject to avoid contact, you will need to move it again to a specific position close to the subject. There is a problem that repeats the operation of moving to a specific position close to the subject, which imposes a burden on the operator, and the treatment time becomes long and the subject is also burdened. there were.
In addition, it is desired that the X-ray detection unit be brought close to the subject when the X-ray detection unit is as small as possible and it is desired to perform fluoroscopy and imaging of a wide region of interest.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and not only prevents the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means from coming into contact with the subject, but also identifies the subject approaching the subject. It is an object to make it possible to easily perform an operation for moving to the position.

The invention according to claim 1 has the following configuration in order to achieve the above-described object.
That is, X-ray generation means for generating X-rays and irradiating the subject, X-ray detection means for receiving X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation means, and X-ray generation for holding the X-ray generation means A means holding member, an X-ray detection means holding member for holding the X-ray detection means, and an X for drivingly displacing the X-ray generation means in a direction toward and away from the X-ray detection means with respect to the X-ray generation means holding member Either or both of an X-ray detection means driving mechanism and a driving mechanism for driving and displacing the X-ray detection means in a direction toward and away from the X-ray generation means with respect to the X-ray detection means holding mechanism and the X-ray detection means holding member; In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising:
A distance sensor provided in the X-ray generation means and / or the X-ray detection means for measuring a distance from the subject in a non-contact state, and the distance sensor is the X-ray generation means or / and the X-ray detection. Measured by the distance sensor in response to the separation drive signal from the approach detection means and the proximity detection means for detecting that the means has approached the subject less than the set distance and outputting the separation drive signal The X-ray generation means driving mechanism and / or the separation control means for driving the X-ray detection means driving mechanism are provided so that the distance is maintained at a set distance.
Here, the subject includes a patient and a top board on which the patient is mounted.

(Action / Effect)
According to the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, when the X-ray generation means or / and the X-ray detection means approach the subject less than the set distance, this is detected by the approach detection means. Then, the X-ray generation means driving mechanism or / and the X-ray detection means driving mechanism is driven to separate the X-ray generation means or / and the X-ray detection means from the subject, and a specific distance away from the subject is set. Can be automatically displaced to position.
Therefore, it is possible not only to prevent the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means from coming into contact with the subject but also to easily perform an operation for moving the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means to a specific position close to the subject. And imaging can be performed easily and quickly, and the burden on the operator can be reduced, and the treatment time can be shortened and the burden on the subject can be reduced.

The invention according to claim 2 is the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
A distance detecting means for detecting that the X-ray generating means or / and the X-ray detecting means is separated from the subject by a distance from the set distance and outputting a driving signal for approach; and for approaching from the distance detecting means An approach control means for driving the X-ray generation means drive mechanism and / or the X-ray detection means drive mechanism so that the distance measured by the distance sensor in response to a drive signal is maintained at a set distance. Constitute.

(Action / Effect)
According to the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, when the X-ray generation means or / and the X-ray detection means are separated from the subject by a set distance, this is detected by the separation detection means. Then, the X-ray generation means driving mechanism or / and the X-ray detection means driving mechanism is driven to bring the X-ray generation means or / and the X-ray detection means closer to the subject, and a specific distance away from the subject is set. Can be automatically displaced to position.
Therefore, an operation for moving the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means to a specific position close to the subject can be easily performed, and fluoroscopy and imaging can be easily and quickly performed. The burden can be reduced and the treatment time can be shortened to reduce the burden on the subject.

The invention according to claim 3 is the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
X-ray generation means holding member and / or X-ray detection means holding mechanism for driving and changing the position of the X-ray detection means holding member relative to the subject, X-ray generation means driving mechanism and / or X-ray detection means driving mechanism by separation control means A non-operation detecting means for detecting that the motor cannot be driven and outputting a non-operation signal; And a non-operation control means for operating the alarm device for informing the user.

(Action / Effect)
According to the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the third aspect of the invention, for example, the X-ray detection means is covered while the C-type arm holding the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means is driven by the holding member drive mechanism. When approaching the examiner, even if the X-ray detection means is automatically displaced to a specific position that is a set distance away from the subject, the X-ray detection means holding member does not In some cases, the displacement reaches a limit and the X-ray detection means cannot be separated from the subject. In such a case, the non-operation detection means outputs a non-operation signal to stop the driving of the holding member driving mechanism, or to activate the alarm device to urge the holding member driving mechanism to stop driving. The drive of the holding member driving mechanism is stopped while operating, and the X-ray generation means and / or the X-ray detection means come into contact with the subject due to the driving of the X-ray generation means holding member and / or the X-ray detection means holding member. Can be prevented and safety can be improved.

According to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, when the X-ray generation means or / and the X-ray detection means approach the subject less than the set distance, this is detected by the approach detection means, The X-ray generation means driving mechanism and / or the X-ray detection means driving mechanism is driven to move the X-ray generation means or / and the X-ray detection means away from the subject and to a specific position away from the subject by a set distance. Can be displaced automatically.
Therefore, it is possible not only to prevent the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means from coming into contact with the subject but also to easily perform an operation for moving the X-ray generation means and the X-ray detection means to a specific position close to the subject. And imaging can be performed easily and quickly, and the burden on the operator can be reduced, and the treatment time can be shortened and the burden on the subject can be reduced.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an embodiment of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. X as X-ray generation means for generating and irradiating a subject H with X-rays sandwiching the subject H A ray tube 1 and a flat panel X-ray detector 2 as an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 1 and transmitted through the subject H are provided. An X-ray tube 1 and a flat panel X-ray detector 2 are attached to one end and the other end of a C-type arm 3.

A column member 5 is provided on the apparatus main body 4 so as to be movable up and down and rotatable around a vertical axis. An arm holding member 6 is provided on the column member 5 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis, and the arm holding member 6 has a predetermined center between the X-ray tube 1 and the flat panel X-ray detector 2. A C-shaped arm 3 is rotatably provided.
The top plate 7 on which the subject H is placed is provided on the fixed base 8 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction.

  2 and 3 (FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2), one end of the C-arm 3 is displaced in perspective with respect to the other end. A detector mounting member 9 is provided as possible, and the flat panel X-ray detector 2 is mounted on the detector mounting member 9.

The detector mounting member 9 is provided with an electric motor 10 capable of forward and reverse rotation as an X-ray detection means driving mechanism. A support plate 11 is provided integrally with the electric motor 10, and the support plate 11 is slidably attached to a guide rod 12 provided on the C-arm 3 side.
In addition, a pinion gear 13 is attached to the electric motor 10, while a rack gear 14 is provided on the C-arm 3 side, and the pinion gear 13 is engaged with the rack gear 14.
With the configuration of the rack-and-pinion mechanism, the flat panel X-ray detector 2 can be displaced from the X-ray tube 1 by moving the electric motor 10 forward and backward.

As shown in the front view of the flat panel X-ray detector shown in FIG. 4, first, second, and third electrodes each including a transmission electrode and a reception electrode are provided on each of the four side surfaces around the flat panel X-ray detector 2. And the 4th electrostatic capacitance type sensors 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d are provided.
As shown in the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG. 5, the first, second, third and fourth capacitance sensors 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d are respectively connected to the AC power supply 16 and the first, second, third and The fourth ammeters 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d are connected in series, and the first, second, third, and fourth ammeters 17a, 17b, and 17c are changed in accordance with the approach of the other object M. , 17d output.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 6, the first, second, third, and fourth ammeters 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d respectively include first, second, third, and fourth distance finding means. 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d are connected to each of the first, second, third, and fourth distance finding means 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d, and are connected to the current-distance correlation table 19, and the first, Based on the current values detected by the second, third and fourth ammeters 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d, the distance corresponding to the current value is obtained from the current-distance correlation table 19. .

  The distances obtained by the first, second, third and fourth distance finding means 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d are inputted to the minimum distance judging means 20, and the smallest distance is judged and outputted. It is configured. The first, second, third and fourth capacitance sensors 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, the AC power supply 16, the first, second, third and fourth ammeters 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, the first, second, third and fourth distance finding means 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, the current-distance correlation table 19, and the minimum distance determining means 20 are referred to as a distance sensor. . That is, the minimum distance output from the minimum distance determination unit 20 corresponds to the distance measured by the distance sensor.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 7, the separation detection means 21 and the approach detection means 22 are connected to the minimum distance determination means 20, the approach control means 23 is connected to the separation detection means 21, and the separation detection is controlled by the approach detection means 22. The means 24 is connected, and the electric motor 10 is connected to the approach control means 23 and the separation control means 24.

The separation detection unit 21 compares the minimum distance (distance measured by the distance sensor) output from the minimum distance determination unit 20 with a set upper limit distance (for example, 10.5 cm), and the minimum distance is greater than the set upper limit distance. When it becomes larger, an approach drive signal is output.
The approach control means 23 outputs a reverse drive signal to the electric motor 10 in response to the approach drive signal from the separation detection means 21, reversely rotates the electric motor 10 by a set amount, and a flat panel X-ray detector. 2 is moved to the side closer to the X-ray tube 1, that is, the minimum distance (distance measured by the distance sensor) determined by the minimum distance determining means 20 is set distance (9.5 to 10.5 cm). The electric motor 10 is driven so as to be maintained.

The approach detection unit 22 compares the minimum distance (distance measured by the distance sensor) output from the minimum distance determination unit 20 with a set lower limit distance (for example, 9.5 cm), and the minimum distance is greater than the set lower limit distance. A separation drive signal is output when the value becomes smaller.
The separation control means 24 outputs a normal rotation drive signal to the electric motor 10 in response to the separation drive signal from the approach detection means 22, rotates the electric motor 10 forward by a set amount, and is a flat panel X-ray detector. 2 is moved to the side away from the X-ray tube 1, that is, the minimum distance (distance measured by the distance sensor) determined by the minimum distance determination means 20 is set distance (9.5 to 10.5 cm). The electric motor 10 is driven so as to be maintained.

  In the C-arm 3, an upper limit sensor 25 (see FIG. 8) that contacts the detector mounting member 9 as a non-operation detecting means is located at the upper limit movement limit position of the detector mounting member 9 that is separated from the X-ray tube. A non-operation signal is output by detecting that the electric motor 10 cannot be driven by the separation control means 24.

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 8, a buzzer activation means 26 and a motor stop means 27 are connected to the upper limit sensor 25, a buzzer 28 as an alarm device is connected to the buzzer activation means 26, and a motor stop means 27 is connected to the upper limit sensor 25. The arm drive motor 29 is connected to rotate the C-arm 3 around a predetermined center between the X-ray tube 1 and the flat panel X-ray detector 2. The alarm device may be a lamp or a flashing lamp.
In the buzzer starting means 26, the buzzer 28 is operated in response to the non-operation signal from the upper limit sensor 25, and the flat panel X-ray detector 2 is displaced away from the subject M when the electric motor 10 is driven. It is to inform you that you can not.
In response to the non-operation signal from the upper limit sensor 25, the motor stop means 27 outputs a stop signal to the arm drive motor 29 to stop the drive of the C-arm 3.

  With the above configuration, when the C-arm 3 is driven and displaced, the flat panel X-ray detector 2 is out of the set distance range and is too close to the subject M, or conversely, the subject M If it is too far away from the subject, this is automatically detected and the flat panel X-ray detector 2 is displaced from the subject M with respect to the subject M, and the flat panel X-ray detector 2 is set from the subject M. It can be maintained at a distance.

  Further, when the flat panel X-ray detector 2 approaches the subject M and is automatically displaced away from the subject M, if the displacement reaches the limit, the buzzer 28 is sounded. The driving of the C-type arm 3 is automatically stopped, and the flat panel X-ray detector 2 can be prevented from contacting the subject M unexpectedly.

  A motor for stopping the driving of the buzzer 28 and the buzzer 28 when the forward rotation driving of the electric motor 10 by the separation control means 24 reaches the limit when the driving displacement of the C-type arm 3 is performed. The non-operation control means 30 is constituted by the stop means 27. As the non-operating means 30, only one of the buzzer starting means 26 and the motor stopping means 27 may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, in the non-operation control means 30, the drive of the arm drive motor 29 that rotates the C-type arm 3 around a predetermined center between the X-ray tube 1 and the flat panel X-ray detector 2 is stopped. However, the support mechanism for moving the support member 5 up and down, the drive mechanism for rotating the support member around the vertical axis, and the arm holding member 6 around the support member 5 around the horizontal axis. A drive mechanism that rotates by rotation may be added, and these are collectively referred to as a holding member drive mechanism.

  In the above embodiment, the flat panel X-ray detector 2 is maintained at a set distance. However, in the present invention, an X-ray having the same configuration may be used instead of or in combination. The tube 1 may be maintained at a set distance.

  In the above embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism is used to drive and displace the detector mounting member 9 with respect to the C-arm 3, but the screw shaft is rotated forward and backward by an electric motor, and the screw shaft is detected. Various configurations such as a configuration in which the detector mounting member 9 is screwed or a configuration in which the chain is driven by an electric motor and the detector mounting member 9 is attached to the chain can be adopted.

  In the above embodiment, both the X-ray tube 1 and the flat panel X-ray detector 2 are provided on the C-type arm 3 that serves as both the X-ray generation means holding member and the X-ray detection means holding member. The X-ray tube 1 may be provided on a dedicated X-ray generation means holding member, while the flat panel X-ray detector 2 may be provided on a dedicated X-ray detection means holding member.

  In the above embodiment, a capacitance type sensor is used as the distance sensor, but the present invention is of various types such as a photoelectric type, an ultrasonic type and a temperature sensing type (infrared type). Can be adopted.

  In the above embodiment, the flat panel X-ray detector 2 is used as the X-ray detection means, but the present invention can also be applied to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus using an image intensifier or the like.

1 is an overall perspective view of an embodiment of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. It is a front view of a flat panel type X-ray detector. It is an equivalent circuit diagram. It is a block diagram. It is a block diagram. It is a block diagram.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... X-ray tube (X-ray generating means)
2. Flat panel X-ray detector (X-ray photoreceptor)
3. C-arm (X-ray generation means holding member, X-ray detection means holding member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Detector attachment member 9c ... 3rd transmission electrode 10 ... Electric motor (X-ray detection means drive mechanism)
15a, 15b, 15c, 15d
... First, second, third, and fourth capacitance sensors (distance sensors)
16 ... AC power supply (distance sensor)
17a, 17b, 17c, 17d
... First, second, third and fourth ammeters (distance sensors)
18a, 18b, 18c, 18d
... First, second, third and fourth distance finding means (distance sensor)
19 ... Current-distance correlation table (distance sensor)
20 ... Minimum distance discrimination means (distance sensor)
21: Separation detection means 22 ... Approach detection means 23 ... Approach control means 24 ... Separation control means 25 ... Upper limit sensor (non-operation detection means)
28 ... Buzzer (alarm device)
29 ... Arm drive motor (holding member drive mechanism)
30 ... Non-operation control means M ... Subject

Claims (3)

X-ray generation means for generating X-rays and irradiating the subject, X-ray detection means for receiving X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation means, and holding of the X-ray generation means for holding the X-ray generation means A member, an X-ray detection means holding member that holds the X-ray detection means, and an X-ray generation that drives and displaces the X-ray generation means in a direction toward and away from the X-ray detection means with respect to the X-ray generation means holding member One or both of a means driving mechanism and an X-ray detecting means driving mechanism for drivingly displacing the X-ray detecting means in a direction toward and away from the X-ray generating means with respect to the X-ray detecting means holding member. In X-ray diagnostic equipment,
A distance sensor provided in the X-ray generation means and / or the X-ray detection means for measuring a distance from the subject in a non-contact state, and the distance sensor is the X-ray generation means or / and the X-ray detection. Measured by the distance sensor in response to the separation drive signal from the approach detection means and the proximity detection means for detecting that the means has approached the subject less than the set distance and outputting the separation drive signal An X-ray diagnosis apparatus comprising: an X-ray generation unit driving mechanism and / or a separation control unit for driving the X-ray detection unit driving mechanism so that the distance is maintained at a set distance. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
A distance detecting means for detecting that the X-ray generating means or / and the X-ray detecting means is separated from the subject by a distance from the set distance and outputting a driving signal for approach; and for approaching from the distance detecting means An approach control means for driving the X-ray generation means drive mechanism and / or the X-ray detection means drive mechanism so that the distance measured by the distance sensor in response to a drive signal is maintained at a set distance. X-ray diagnostic equipment. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
X-ray generation means holding member and / or X-ray detection means holding mechanism for driving and changing the position of the X-ray detection means holding member relative to the subject, X-ray generation means driving mechanism and / or X-ray detection means driving mechanism by separation control means A non-operation detecting means for detecting that the motor cannot be driven and outputting a non-operation signal; and a drive stop or / and non-operation state of the holding member drive mechanism in response to the non-operation signal from the non-operation detection means An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising non-operation control means for operating an alarm device for informing the user.

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