JP5820162B2 - X-ray CT system - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray CT apparatus including a slip ring that electrically couples a rotating unit and a fixed unit.

  The X-ray CT apparatus includes a gantry that performs imaging by irradiating a subject with X-rays, and an image processing unit that reconstructs X-ray projection data generated by the gantry by imaging and generates image data. . The gantry has an opening through which the subject is fed, and includes a rotating part that rotates around the opening and a fixing part that supports the rotating part.

  The rotating unit includes units such as an X-ray tube that irradiates the subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and a slip ring for supplying power to the X-ray tube. ing. Further, the fixed portion includes a brush that transmits electric power supplied to the X-ray tube to the slip ring. The slip ring and the brush are covered with a cover in order to ensure safety and prevent the abrasion powder generated by the slip ring and the brush from scattering to the outside.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-23941

  However, since the slip ring is arranged on the outer periphery of the opening, it has a large diameter, and it is difficult to maintain airtightness only with the cover, and wear powder scatters and adheres to the components inside the gantry. Since the wear component has conductivity, there is a problem in that if it adheres to the surface of the insulating material of an electrical component, it will adversely affect insulation degradation. For this reason, the maintenance work which removes and removes wear powder is necessary, and a great burden is placed on the worker.

  The embodiment has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus capable of reducing the burden on maintenance work.

In order to solve the above problem, an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with X-rays, a slip ring for supplying power to the X-ray tube, and the slip ring. in X-ray CT apparatus having a brush for transferring power in sliding contact, a rotating frame of the slip rings to retain the fins generate an air flow by the rotation of the previous SL rotating frame toward the outer periphery of the slip ring, It is arranged in the flow direction of the air flow generated by the fins , and includes a dust collecting unit that collects wear powder generated by the brush and the slip ring .

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the slip ring part which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the fin which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the cover and dust collecting part which concern on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 100 includes a bed unit 10 on which the subject P is movably mounted, a gantry unit 20 that performs imaging by irradiating the subject P mounted on the bed unit 10 with X-rays, A power supply unit 60 that supplies electric power necessary for X-ray irradiation or the like in the gantry unit 20 and an image processing unit 70 that generates image data based on X-ray projection data generated by imaging in the gantry unit 20 are provided. . Further, an operation unit 80 for inputting the X-ray irradiation conditions and the like related to the movement of the subject P placed on the bed unit 10 and the imaging of the subject P performed by the platform unit 20, the bed unit 10, and the platform unit 20, a power supply unit 60, and a system control unit 90 that controls the image processing unit 70 in an integrated manner.

  The bed unit 10 is disposed near the front side of the gantry unit 20 and includes a top plate 11 on which the subject P is placed and a top plate drive mechanism 12 that moves the top plate 11 in the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction. Yes. Then, the top plate driving mechanism 12 moves the top plate 11 on which the subject P is placed to a position where the gantry 20 can be imaged.

  The gantry 20 has a cylindrical opening 21 that penetrates between the front side and the back side, and the subject P sent to the opening 21 by the movement of the couch 10 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 11. A rotating unit 22 that rotates around the periphery and a fixed unit 40 that supports the rotating unit 22 are provided.

  The rotating unit 22 is disposed opposite to the X-ray tube 23 that irradiates the subject P with X-rays and the X-ray tube 23 through the opening 21, and detects an X-ray that has passed through the subject P. 24, a data collection unit 25 that generates X-ray projection data based on a signal detected by the X-ray detector 24, and data that transmits the X-ray projection data generated by the data collection unit 25 to the image processing unit 70 And a transmission unit 26.

  The rotating unit 22 supplies a high voltage generator 27 for supplying a high voltage to the X-ray tube 23, and supplies the electric power transmitted from the fixed unit 40 to the high voltage generator 27. Slip ring unit 28 that generates a flow, and a rotating frame that rotatably holds X-ray tube 23, X-ray detector 24, data collection unit 25, data transmission unit 26, high voltage generator 27, and slip ring unit 28 29.

  The X-ray tube 23 generates X-rays by irradiation driving of the high voltage generator 27. Then, X-rays are irradiated while rotating around the subject P placed on the top 11 at the time of imaging. Further, the X-ray detector 24 detects while rotating the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray tube 23 and transmitted through the subject P, converts it into an electrical signal, amplifies the converted signal, and sends it to the data collection unit 25. Output.

  The data collection unit 25 includes an electronic circuit board having an analog / digital conversion circuit and the like, and is arranged on the outer periphery of the X-ray detector 24. Then, the signal output from the X-ray detector 24 is converted into a digital signal, and the converted digital signal is collected at every predetermined imaging angle rotation of the rotating frame 29 to generate X-ray projection data.

  The data transmission unit 26 includes, for example, a transmission unit and a reception unit for transmitting and receiving by optical communication means. The transmission unit is disposed on the rotating frame 29 and the reception unit is disposed on the fixed unit 40. Then, the X-ray projection data from the data collection unit 25 is output to the image processing unit 70.

  The fixing unit 40 is a virtual center line that passes through the center of the opening 41 and the brush 41 that is in sliding contact with the slip ring unit 28 of the rotating unit 22 and transmits power from the power supply unit 60. A rotation drive mechanism 42 that rotates the rotation frame 29 of the rotation unit 22 in the direction of arrow R1 with C as a rotation axis, and a cover 43 that covers the slip ring unit 28 and the brush 41 of the rotation unit 22 are provided. Further, a dust collecting portion 44 that is disposed in the flow direction of the air flow generated by the slip ring portion 28 in the vicinity of the brush 41 and collects the wear powder generated by the slip ring portion 28 and the brush 41 is provided.

  The image processing unit 70 stores the X-ray projection data output from the data transmission unit 26 of the gantry unit 20 and reconstructs the X-ray projection data stored in the storage unit 71 to generate image data. And a display unit 73 that displays image data generated by the reconstruction unit 72.

  The operation unit 80 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a trackball, a joystick, a mouse, and a hand switch. And the input of the X-ray irradiation condition regarding imaging | photography in the mount part 20, the input which moves the top plate 11 of the bed part 10, the input of imaging | photography start, the input of imaging | photography completion, etc. are performed.

  The system control unit 90 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, temporarily stores input information input by an operation from the operation unit 80, and then moves the table 11 in the bed unit 10 based on these input information, The entire system is controlled such as X-ray irradiation and stop in the unit 20, rotation and stop of the rotating frame 29, and image data generation and display control in the image processing unit 70.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the slip ring part 28 of the rotating part 22 in the gantry part 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the slip ring portion 28, and shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the slip ring portion 28 shown in FIG. The slip ring portion 28 is, for example, three slip rings 50, 51, 52 having high conductivity, and a support having high insulation that is fixed to the edge of the rotary frame 29 and supports the slip rings 50, 51, 52. The body 53 and a spacer 54 that electrically insulates the slip rings 50, 51, 52 are configured. Moreover, it is comprised in the vicinity of each slip ring 50, 51, 52, and is comprised by the some fin 55 (55a, 55b, 55c, 55d) which generate | occur | produces an air flow in the outer peripheral direction of each slip ring 50, 51, 52.

  The slip rings 50, 51, 52 have an annular shape with the same diameter, and are spaced apart from each other in parallel in order to maintain high insulation. The inner periphery is supported by the support 53. The spacer 54 is provided to maintain high insulation of each slip ring 50, 51, 52, and is supported by the outer peripheral surface of each slip ring 50, 51, 52 that is in sliding contact with the brush 41 and the support 53. It is joined to both side surfaces which are surfaces other than the peripheral part.

  Each fin 55 a, 55 b, 55 c, 55 d is formed of a highly insulating material having the same shape and dimensions, and one end is supported by the support 53. The slip rings 50, 51, 52 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and are arranged so that the surface forming the air flow is parallel to the center line C of the opening 21.

  Each fin 55 a has one side surface between one end and the other end disposed in proximity to the spacer 54 on one side of the slip ring 50. Further, each fin 55 b has one side surface between one end and the other end arranged close to the spacer 54 on the other side of the slip ring 50 and the other side arranged close to the spacer 54 on the one side of the slip ring 51. Has been. Further, each fin 55c has one side surface between one end and the other end portion disposed close to the spacer 54 on the other side surface of the slip ring 51, and the other side surface disposed close to the spacer 54 on the one side surface side of the slip ring 52. Has been. In addition, each fin 55 d is disposed so that one side surface between one end and the other end is close to the spacer 54 on the other side of the slip ring 52.

  Then, the edge of the rotating frame 29 and the support between the fins 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction so that the air on the inner peripheral side of the rotating frame 29 easily flows to the outer peripheral side of the support 53. A through hole 59 penetrating the body 53 is provided.

  As described above, the fins 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d are arranged in the space portion on the side surface provided in order to maintain the high insulating properties of the slip rings 50, 51, and 52, thereby increasing the size of the slip ring portion 28. Can be prevented. Further, by disposing the fins 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the slip rings 50, 51, and 52, the outer peripheral direction of the slip rings 50, 51, and 52 during the rotation of the rotating frame 29 is achieved. The air flow can be continuously generated in the vicinity of the brush 41.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fin 55d. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the fin 55d shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line BB, and FIG. 3B shows the flow direction of the air flow generated by the fin 55d. The fin 55d is orthogonal to the center line C of the opening 21 and is located at a position where the other end is retracted from the straight line 56 in the direction opposite to the R1 direction with respect to the straight line 56 passing through the one end supported by the support 53. The surface is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the straight line 56.

  Therefore, the rotation of the rotary frame 29 in the R1 direction generates an air flow on the surface of the fin 55d in a direction inclined by an angle θ with respect to the straight line 57 perpendicular to the surface of the fin 55d. That is, the fin 55d generates an air flow in the direction of the arrow L1, which is a direction inclined by an angle 2θ with respect to the R1 direction.

  All the fins 55d arranged at a constant interval in the circumferential direction of the slip ring 52 generate an air flow in a direction inclined by an angle 2θ with respect to the R1 direction in the outer circumferential direction of the slip ring 52. Further, all the fins 55a, 55b, 55c arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of each slip ring 50, 51, 52 are in the outer circumferential direction of each slip ring 50, 51, 52 in the same manner as each fin 55d. An air flow is generated in the L1 direction inclined at an angle 2θ with respect to the R1 direction.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the cover 43 and the dust collecting unit 44 in the fixed unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the cover 43 and the dust collecting unit 44. And the brush 41 vicinity of the cover 43 and the notch figure of the one end part and other end part of the dust collection part 44 are shown. The cover 43 covers the entire slip ring portion 28. And it has the opening part 431 from which the airflow to the L1 direction which generate | occur | produced by each fin 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d of the slip ring part 28 which passes the brush 41 vicinity flows out.

  The dust collection unit 44 has a duct 441 that guides the air flow flowing out from the opening 431 of the cover 43, and one end of the duct 441 is disposed so as to surround the opening 431. Moreover, it has a filter 442 that is detachably disposed at the other end of the duct 441 and collects wear powder generated between the slip ring portion 28 and the brush 41 included in the air flow flowing out from the opening 431.

  As described above, the cover 43 is provided with the opening 431 through which the air flow generated in the vicinity of the brush 41 flows, and the opening 431 is provided with one end of the duct 441 and the other end with a removable filter 442. By providing the dust portion 44, wear powder generated at the sliding contact portion of the brush 41 during the rotation of the rotating frame 29 is discharged from the opening portion 431 on the air flow generated near the brush 41, and the released wear component The dust can be collected by the dust collecting unit 44.

  Here, by setting the angle 2θ to 90 °, for example, each fin 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d causes the air flow in the direction perpendicular to the R1 direction of the slip ring 50, 51, 52 outer peripheral direction. Therefore, the opening 431 is formed at a position closest to the brush 41 of the cover 43. As a result, more of the wear powder generated at the sliding contact portion of the brush 41 can be discharged from the opening 431, and the wear powder staying in the cover 43 can be reduced.

  According to the embodiment described above, slips are provided by disposing the fins 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d in the space portions on the side surfaces of the slip rings 50, 51, and 52 provided to maintain high insulation. The enlargement of the ring portion 28 can be prevented.

  Further, by disposing the fins 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the slip rings 50, 51, and 52, the outer peripheral direction of the slip rings 50, 51, and 52 during the rotation of the rotating frame 29 is achieved. The air flow can be continuously generated in the vicinity of the brush 41.

  Further, slip rings 50, 51, 52 and a dust collecting portion 44 that collects wear powder generated by the brush 41 are arranged in the flow direction of the air flow generated near the brush 41, and the cover 43 generates the dust near the brush 41. An opening 431 through which the airflow flows is provided. Then, one end portion of the duct 441 of the dust collecting portion 44 is disposed in the opening portion 431 and a detachable filter 442 is disposed at the other end portion, thereby generating the sliding contact portion of the brush 41 during the rotation of the rotating frame 29. The wear powder to be discharged is put on the air flow generated in the vicinity of the brush 41 and discharged from the opening 431, and the discharged wear powder can be collected by the dust collecting section 44.

  Thereby, since the scattering of the wear powder into the gantry 20 can be reduced, the burden on the maintenance work can be reduced.

  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 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.

P subject 20 gantry part 21 opening part 22 rotating part 23 X-ray tube 24 X-ray detector 27 high voltage generator 28 slip ring part 29 rotating frame 40 fixing part 41 brush 42 rotation drive mechanism 43 cover 44 dust collecting part 50, 51, 52 Slip rings 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d Fins

Claims (6)

In an X-ray CT apparatus provided with an X-ray tube for irradiating a subject with X-rays, a slip ring for supplying electric power to the X-ray tube, and a brush that slides in contact with the slip ring and transmits electric power,
A rotating frame that holds the slip ring,
And fins for generating an air flow toward the outer periphery of the slip rings by the rotation of the previous SL rotating frame,
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: a dust collecting unit that is disposed in a flow direction of an air flow generated by the fins and collects wear powder generated by the brush and the slip ring . Before SL has a cover for covering the slip ring which is provided with an opening for outflow of the air flow generated by fins,
One end of the dust collecting portion is disposed so as to surround the opening, and a filter for collecting the wear powder contained in the air flow flowing out from the opening is provided at the other end. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1. The slip ring, the inner circumferential portion is supported by the supporting lifting body that having a insulating outer peripheral surface contacts the brush sliding,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fin is disposed on a side surface between an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral portion of the slip ring.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fins are arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction of the slip ring.   The said fin generate | occur | produces the air flow in a direction perpendicular | vertical with respect to the rotation direction of the said rotation frame in the outer peripheral surface of the said slip ring. X-ray CT system. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a through hole penetrating the support.

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