JP7624943B2 - X-ray fluoroscopy equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an X-ray fluoroscopy device.

The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus includes a table on which a subject is placed, an X-ray tube that irradiates the subject with X-rays, and an X-ray detector that is provided within the support frame of the table. The table, X-ray tube, and X-ray detector are drivably supported by a support unit that includes multiple movable axes. The multiple movable axes included in the support unit are driven by a drive unit. By driving the multiple movable axes with the drive unit, the table and the X-ray tube can be moved together or independently, and the X-ray irradiation position can be moved to any position. The X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube to the subject pass through the subject and are detected by the X-ray detector. An X-ray image is generated and displayed from the X-ray signal output by the X-ray detector.

Patent Document 1 discloses an X-ray imaging device capable of rotating an X-ray generating unit around the Z axis (the longitudinal direction of the table). As a structure for enabling the X-ray generating unit to rotate around the longitudinal direction of the table as an axis, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a rotation drive unit such as a motor is provided at the connection between the X-ray generating unit and the support unit, and the X-ray generating unit rotates relative to the tip of the support unit.

JP 2015-47392 A

Typically, two power cables with a diameter of 20 mm or more that supply high voltage are connected to the X-ray generating unit, and multiple control wirings are also connected. These cables are routed along the support unit and connected to the X-ray generating unit from the tip of the support unit. The X-ray generating unit is provided with a housing that covers the X-ray tube, power cable, etc. The support unit is provided with a structure such as a support column and a housing that covers the power cable, etc. The housing of the X-ray generating unit and the housing of the support unit are each provided with an opening facing each other. Inside the opening, the structure at the tip of the support unit that supports the X-ray generating unit, two power cables, multiple wirings, etc. are arranged to fill the space. In addition, because a high voltage is applied to the power cable, it is undesirable to bend the power cable or to have it come into contact with something and have force applied to it.

In an X-ray generating unit and a supporting unit having such a structure, when the X-ray generating unit is rotated around the longitudinal direction of the table, the housing of the X-ray generating unit also rotates relative to the housing of the supporting unit, causing the positions of the opposing openings to shift. The direction and amount of the position shift depend on the rotation direction and rotation angle of the X-ray generating unit. As an example, it is desirable to rotate the X-ray generating unit within a range of ±15 degrees around the longitudinal direction of the table. When the X-ray generating unit is rotated within a range of ±15 degrees, the opening of the housing of the X-ray generating unit that faces the housing of the supporting unit moves in a direction higher or lower than the housing of the supporting unit. Moreover, because the movement of the X-ray generating unit is a rotational movement, the movement trajectory of the opening of the housing of the X-ray generating unit describes a circular arc.

If the opening in the housing of the X-ray generating unit is misaligned with the opening in the housing of the support unit, the opening will be exposed, and there is a risk that dust or other particles may get into the housing through the opening.

Narrowing the size of the opening can reduce the opening area exposed as the X-ray generating unit rotates, but the power cable passing through the opening will be pressed against the edge of the opening, applying force to the power cable or coming into contact with structures inside the opening, thereby narrowing the angle over which the X-ray generating unit can rotate.
Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not mention anything about the misalignment between the opening in the housing of the X-ray generating unit and the opening in the housing of the support unit that occurs when the X-ray generating unit is rotated.

The object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray fluoroscopy device that has a structure for rotating the X-ray generating unit relative to the support part, while preventing dust from entering the housing of the X-ray generating unit.

The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray generating unit, a support arm having one end connected to the X-ray generating unit and supporting the X-ray generating unit, a support having an upper end connected to the other end of the support arm and supporting the support arm, and a table on which a subject is placed. A rotation drive unit that rotates the X-ray generating unit around an axis in the longitudinal direction of the table, and a shielding member are disposed at the connection between the support arm and the X-ray generating unit. The X-ray generating unit includes a first housing having a first opening. The support arm includes a second housing having a second opening. The first opening and the second opening face each other at the connection with a predetermined gap therebetween. When the first opening of the X-ray generating unit moves to a position higher than the second housing of the support arm as the X-ray generating unit rotates, the shielding member covers the area of the first opening exposed above the second housing. When the first opening of the X-ray generating unit moves to a position lower than the second housing, the shielding member covers the area of the second opening exposed above the first housing.

The present invention provides a structure that allows the X-ray generating unit to rotate relative to the support, while preventing dust from entering the housing of the X-ray generating unit.

1 is a perspective view of an X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray rotary drive unit 300 disposed at a connection portion between an X-ray generating unit 60 and an X-ray supporting arm unit 90 in this embodiment. FIG. (a-1) to (a-3) are side views, front views, and rear views of the X-ray generation unit 60 rotated +15 degrees around the X-direction as an axis, (b-1) to (b-3) are side views, front views, and rear views of the X-ray generation unit 60 not rotated (0 degrees), and (c-1) to (c-3) are side views, front views, and rear views of the X-ray generation unit 60 rotated -15 degrees around the X-direction as an axis. FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of the X-ray generating unit 60 according to the embodiment, detached from the X-ray supporting arm 90. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shield member 80 as viewed from the X-ray generation unit 60 side in the embodiment. 4 is a perspective view of the shield member 80 as viewed from the X-ray support arm 90 side in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the state in which a shield member 80 is disposed in the gap between a first opening 65 of a first housing 61 and a second opening 95 of a second housing 91 when the rotation angle of the embodiment is 0 degrees. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment in a state where a shield member 80 is disposed in a gap between a first opening 65 of a first housing 61 and a second opening 95 of a second housing 91 when the rotation angle is +15 degrees. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment in a state where a shield member 80 is disposed in a gap between a first opening 65 of a first housing 61 and a second opening 95 of a second housing 91 when the rotation angle is −15 degrees. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the X-ray generation unit 60, the shield member 80, the guide rail 85, and the spring 86 when the rotation angle is 0 degrees in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the X-ray generation unit 60, the shield member 80, the guide rail 85, and the spring 86 when the rotation angle of the embodiment is +15 degrees. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the X-ray generation unit 60, the shield member 80, the guide rail 85, and the spring 86 when the rotation angle is −15 degrees in the embodiment. 13 is a rear view of the X-ray generation unit 60 and the shield member 80 when the rotation angle is +15 degrees in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the X-ray generation unit 60 and the shield member 80 when the rotation angle is −15 degrees in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an X-ray generating unit 60 in which a magnet 151 is used as an engagement member according to the embodiment. 4A to 4C are perspective views of the underside of the X-ray generating unit 60 and the X-ray supporting arm 90 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second shield member 160 according to the embodiment.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Overall composition>
First, the overall configuration of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 of this embodiment.

The X-ray fluoroscopy device 1 of the present invention includes an X-ray generating unit 60, an X-ray support arm 90 having one end connected to the X-ray generating unit 60 and supporting the X-ray generating unit 60, a support column 50 having an upper end connected to the other end of the X-ray support arm 90 and supporting the X-ray support arm 90, a table 41 on which a subject is placed, and a stand unit 10. The stand unit 10 supports a connecting unit 20. The table 41 and support column 50 are mounted on the connecting unit 20. In FIG. 1, the Z direction is the vertical direction, and the X and Y directions are the longitudinal and lateral directions of the table 41, respectively.

The connecting part 20 is equipped with a rotation mechanism 21 that rotates the support 50 relative to the connecting part 20 around an axis in the Y direction. This allows the X-ray generating unit 60 to be tilted relative to the table 41 around the Y direction as a rotation axis.

The stand unit 10 is equipped with a lifting mechanism 11 that raises and lowers the connecting unit 20 in the Z direction, and a rotation mechanism (not shown) that rotates the connecting unit 20 around an axis in the Y direction. These mechanisms allow the table 41 and X-ray generating unit 60 mounted on the connecting unit 20 to rotate around the axis in the Y direction and/or to raise and lower in the Z direction while maintaining their positional relationship.

The connecting unit 20 is also provided with a support moving mechanism 51 that moves the support 50 in the Y direction. When the support moving mechanism 51 moves the support 50 in the Y direction, the X-ray generating unit 60 moves in the short direction (Y direction) of the table 41. The connecting unit 20 is also provided with a mechanism (not shown) that moves the support 50 in the X direction.

Furthermore, an X-ray rotary drive unit 300 (see FIG. 2) is disposed at the connection 310 between the X-ray support arm 90 and the X-ray generating unit 60, which rotates the X-ray generating unit 60 around an axis in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the table. The configuration of the X-ray rotary drive unit 300 will be described in detail later.

The table 41 comprises a support frame 30 mounted on the connecting portion 20 and a top plate 40 supported by the support frame 30. In addition, an X-ray detector 70 is disposed at a position facing the X-ray generating unit 60 within the support frame 30, which detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generating unit 60 and transmitted through the subject. The X-ray detector is configured, for example, in a two-dimensional array of multiple detection elements that detect X-rays, and outputs an X-ray signal according to the amount of X-rays transmitted through the subject.

In this embodiment, the X-ray generating unit 60 is moved in the Y direction relative to the table 41 by moving the support 50 in the Y direction on the connecting unit 20, but this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The top plate 40 may be moved in the Y direction relative to the support frame 30, or the table 41 may be moved in the Y direction relative to the connecting unit 20.

The X-ray generating unit 60 is also connected to a high voltage generating unit 112 that supplies power. The X-ray detector 70 is connected to an X-ray image processing unit 114 that performs image processing on the X-ray signal output by the X-ray detector 70. For example, the X-ray image processing unit 114 performs gamma conversion, tone conversion processing, image enlargement/reduction, etc. as image processing. The X-ray image processing unit 114 is connected to a display device 115 that displays X-ray images and an external storage unit 116 that stores X-ray images. The operation unit 118 accepts instructions from the user. The control unit 117 controls each component of the X-ray fluoroscopy device in accordance with the instructions accepted by the operation unit 118.

The X-ray generating unit 60 has an X-ray tube that generates X-rays by receiving power from the high voltage generating unit 112. The X-ray generating unit 60 also includes an X-ray filter that selectively transmits X-rays of a specific energy, and an X-ray focusing device 200 that sets the X-ray irradiation area for the subject.

<X-ray generating unit 60 and X-ray supporting arm 90>
The structure and operation of the X-ray generating unit 60 and the X-ray supporting arm 90 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 2, 3, 4, etc. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the X-ray rotary drive unit 300 disposed at the connection between the X-ray generating unit 60 and the X-ray supporting arm 90, Figs. 3(b-1) to 3(b-3) are side views, front views, and rear views of the X-ray generating unit 60 when it is not rotated (0 degrees) around the X-direction as an axis, Figs. 3(a-1) to 3(a-3) are side views, front views, and rear views of the X-ray generating unit 60 when it is rotated +15 degrees around the X-direction as an axis, and Figs. 3(c-1) to 3(c-3) are side views, front views, and rear views of the X-ray generating unit 60 when it is rotated -15 degrees around the X-direction as an axis. Fig. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of the X-ray generating unit 60 removed from the X-ray supporting arm 90.

2, an X-ray rotation drive unit 300 that rotates the X-ray generation unit 60 around an axis in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the table 41 is disposed at the connection between the X-ray support arm 90 and the X-ray generation unit 60. The X-ray rotation drive unit 300 includes a mechanism that rotatably supports the X-ray tube 62 of the X-ray generation unit 60 at the tip of the chassis 93 of the X-ray support arm 90, and a drive source. The mechanism includes a rack 301 attached to a portion provided along the circumference of the X-ray tube 62, and a pinion gear 302 disposed at the tip of the chassis 93. The pinion gear 302 meshes with the rack 301. A motor 303, which is a drive source, a reducer 304, a pulley 305, and a belt 306 are mounted on the chassis 93. The rotational force of the motor 303 is transmitted to the reducer 304 via the pulley 305 and the belt 306, and the reducer 304 rotates the pinion gear 302. As a result, the pinion gear 302 displaces a rack provided along the circumference of the X-ray tube, and the X-ray tube 62 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray generating unit 60 includes a first housing 61 having a first opening 65. As shown in FIG. 4, the first housing 61 contains an X-ray tube 62, a pair of power cables 63 that supply high voltage from the high voltage generating unit 112 to the X-ray tube 62, sensors (not shown), and multiple control signal lines to the sensors.

On the other hand, the X-ray support arm 90 includes a second housing 91 having a second opening 95 as shown in FIG. 3. Inside the second housing 91, a chassis 93 and elements of the X-ray rotary drive unit 300 on the chassis 93, such as a pinion gear 302, a motor 303, and a reducer, are arranged.

When the X-ray rotary drive unit 300 is not rotating the X-ray generating unit 60 (FIGS. 3(b-1) to (b-3)), the first opening 65 and the second opening 95 face each other across a predetermined gap at the connection portion 310.

In addition, a pair of power cables 63 of the X-ray generating unit 60 are pulled out from the first opening 65 of the first housing 61, pulled into the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 through the second opening 95, routed through the second housing 91 and the support column 50, and connected to the high voltage generating unit 112.

In the X-ray generating unit 60 and X-ray support arm 90 configured as described above, the X-ray rotary drive unit 300 can rotate the X-ray generating unit 60 within a predetermined angle range around a rotation axis parallel to the X direction, tilting the X-ray irradiation direction along the short side direction (Y direction) of the table 41. In this embodiment, the X-ray rotary drive unit 300 and the opening sizes of the first opening 65 and the second opening 95 are designed so that rotation can be performed within a range of -15 degrees to +15 degrees, as shown in FIG. 3.

When the X-ray rotary drive unit 300 rotates the X-ray generating unit 60, the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 rotates relative to the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 as shown in FIG. 3. The movement trajectory of the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 describes an arc, so the first housing 61 is formed in an arc shape as shown in FIG. 3. The second opening 95 of the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 is formed in a concave shape that follows the arc shape of the first housing 61. This prevents the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 from interfering with the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 as it rotates.

When the X-ray rotary drive unit 300 rotates the X-ray generating unit 60, as shown in FIG. 3, the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 rotates relative to the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90, and the positions of the opposing first opening 65 and second opening 95 also shift. The direction and amount of the position shift depend on the rotation direction and rotation angle of the X-ray generating unit 60.

When the X-ray generating unit 60 is rotated +15 degrees, as shown in Figures 3(a-1) to (a-3), the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves in a direction higher than the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90. As a result, a part of the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 is positioned above the top surface of the second housing 91, exposing a part of the first opening 65, and there is a risk that dust or the like may get into the first housing 61 through the exposed part of the first opening 65.

On the other hand, when the X-ray generating unit 60 is rotated by -15 degrees, as shown in Figures 3(c-1) to (c-3), the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves in a direction lower than the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90. As a result, a part of the second opening 95 of the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 is positioned above the top surface of the first housing 61, so that a part of the second opening 95 is exposed, and there is a risk that dust or the like may get into the second housing 91 through the exposed part of the second opening 95.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a shield member 80 is disposed at the connection between the X-ray support arm 90 and the X-ray generating unit 60. When the first opening 65 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves to a position higher than the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 as the rotation drive unit 300 rotates the X-ray generating unit 60, the shield member 80 covers the area of the first opening 65 exposed above the second housing 91. When the first opening 65 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves to a position lower than the second housing 91, the shield member 80 covers the area of the second opening 95 exposed above the first housing 61. The shield member 80 may have any configuration as long as it can cover the above-mentioned area. In this embodiment, the shield member 80 is configured as follows, as an example.

That is, the shield member 80 is plate-shaped as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, and is disposed in the gap between the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 and the second opening 95 of the second housing 91 (see Figs. 7 to 9). Note that Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the shield member 80 as viewed from the X-ray generating unit 60 side. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the shield member 80 as viewed from the X-ray support arm 90 side. Figs. 7 to 9 are perspective views of the state in which the shield member 80 is disposed in the gap between the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 and the second opening 95 of the second housing 91, with a portion of the first housing 61 cut away so that the shield member 80 can be seen.

When the first opening 65 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves to a position higher than the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 as the X-ray generating unit 60 rotates (when rotating in the positive direction), the shielding member 80 moves upward as the first housing 61 moves, covering (blocking) the area of the first opening 65 exposed above the second housing 91, as shown in FIG. 8.

On the other hand, when the first opening 65 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves to a position lower than the second housing 91 (when rotating in the negative direction), the shielding member 80 does not move in conjunction with the movement of the first housing 61, as shown in FIG. 9, but covers (blocks) the area of the second opening 95 that is exposed above the first housing 61.

In other words, the shield member 80 is structured to cover the first opening 65 and the second opening 95, which are exposed on different sides of both sides, when the first opening 65 is located higher than the second housing 91 and when the second opening 95 is located higher than the first housing 61.

<Detailed Structure of Shield Member 80>
The structure of the shield member 80 will now be described in detail.

The shielding member 80 includes a belt-shaped portion 81 and legs 82a, 82b that support both sides of the belt-shaped portion 81. The belt-shaped portion 81 is shaped so that it can cover the area exposed above the second housing 91 of the first opening 65 as the X-ray generating unit 60 rotates, and the area exposed above the first housing 61 of the second opening 95. The belt-shaped portion 81 and the legs 82a, 82b are all plate-shaped and formed integrally.

As shown in FIG. 3, both the first housing 61 and the second housing 91 have a curved upper surface in the X direction, and the curved shapes of both are almost the same, forming a smooth, continuous upper surface. Therefore, the upper edge of the first opening 65 and the upper edge of the second opening 95 also have a curved shape that matches. The upper edge of the shielding member 80 is formed in a curved shape that matches the upper edge of the first opening 65 and the upper edge of the second opening 95. In addition, the width of the strip-shaped portion 81 of the shielding member 80 in the main plane is equal to or greater than the width of the first opening 65 and the second opening 95, and is designed to be a size that does not protrude from the side of the first housing 61 and the second housing 91. This allows the area of a predetermined height above the first opening 65 and the second opening 95 to be blocked to the full opening width.

As described above, the end where the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 is located and the end where the second opening 95 of the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 is located are both arc-shaped along the trajectory of rotation of the X-ray generating unit 60 by the X-ray rotary drive unit 300. The main plane of the shielding member 80 is curved along the arc shapes of the first housing 61 and the second housing 91. This allows the shielding member 80 to be positioned along the curved opening surfaces of the first opening 65 and the second opening 95, so that the upper portions of the first opening 65 and the second opening 95 can be tightly blocked.

The shield member 80 is provided with a moving mechanism that moves the first opening 65 of the X-ray generating unit 60 upward in conjunction with the movement of the first housing 61 when the first opening 65 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves to a position higher than the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 as the X-ray generating unit 60 rotates.

Specifically, the moving mechanism is comprised of engagement members 83a and 83b provided on legs 82a and 82b, and is provided on the surface facing the X-ray generating unit 60 as shown in FIG. 5.

Here, the engagement members 83a and 83b are protrusions that engage with a part of the mechanism 64 of the X-ray generating unit 60. When the first opening 65 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves to a position higher than the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90, the engagement members 83a and 83b engage with the part of the mechanism 64 of the X-ray generating unit 60 to move the shield member 80 together with the X-ray generating unit 60.

The mechanism 64 that engages with the engaging members 83a and 83b is fixed to the inside of the first opening 65 on both sides of the first housing 61 as shown in Figures 4 and 7 to 9, and also serves as a dust cover for the sides of the first housing 61. The engaging members 83a and 83b hook onto the upper surface of the mechanism (dust cover) 64.

As shown in FIG. 6, the surface of the shield member 80 facing the X-ray support arm 90 has guide protrusions 84a and 84b at the lower ends of the legs 82a and 82b. As shown in FIG. 4, a guide rail 85 is fixed to the tip of the chassis 93 of the X-ray support arm 90. The axial direction of the guide groove of the guide rail 85 faces the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide protrusions 84a and 84b engage with the guide rail 85, which guide the vertical movement of the shield member 80 and limit the vertical movement range of the shield member 80 to the range where the guide groove is provided.

One end of a spring 86, which is an elastic member, is attached to the guide projections 84a and 84b. The other end of the spring 86 is attached to a stay 83 fixed to the chassis 93. As a result, the spring 86 biases the shield member 80 downward.

<Operation of Shield Member 80>
The operation of the shield member 80 will be described with reference to the above-mentioned Figures 7 to 9, Figures 10 to 12, and Figures 13 to 14. Figures 10 to 12 are all perspective views of the X-ray generating unit 60, the shield member 80, the guide rail 85, and the spring 86, with the rotation angles of 0 degrees, +15 degrees, and -15 degrees, respectively. Figures 10 to 12 have a portion of the first housing 61 cut away so that the shield member 80 can be seen. Figures 13 to 14 are rear views of the X-ray generating unit 60 and the shield member 80, with the rotation angles of +15 degrees and -15 degrees.

When the X-ray generating unit 60 is rotated in the upward direction (positive direction), the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 moves in a direction higher than the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90. Accordingly, the shield member 80 rises together with the X-ray generating unit 60 as the engagement members 83a, 83b get caught on the upper surface of the mechanism (dust cover) 64 of the X-ray generating unit 60. When a part of the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 is positioned above the upper surface of the second housing 91, the shield member 80 covers (blocks) that area.

In this state, when the X-ray generating unit 60 is rotated in a downward direction (negative direction), the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves in a lowering direction. Because the shielding member 80 is biased downward by its own weight and the spring 86, the shielding member 80 also moves downward.

Furthermore, when the X-ray generating unit 60 is rotated in a downward direction (negative direction), the first opening 65 of the first housing 61 of the X-ray generating unit 60 moves in a direction lower than the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90. At this time, the shield member 80 is restricted in its downward movement by the lower end of the guide groove of the guide rail 85 and does not descend. As a result, a part of the second opening 95 of the second housing 91 of the X-ray support arm 90 is positioned above the upper surface of the first housing 61, so that a part of the upper part of the second opening 95 is exposed, but since the shield member 80 is not lowered, it covers (blocks) the exposed area of the upper part of the second opening 95.

In this way, regardless of the direction in which the X-ray generating unit 60 rotates, the shielding member 80 can cover the exposed opening, thereby preventing dust from entering the opening.

The height (vertical width) of the strip portion 81 of the shield member 80 is designed to match the height of the exposed first opening 65 and second opening 95. This makes it possible to minimize the extent to which the first opening 65 and second opening 95 are blocked, and as shown in Figures 13 and 14, even when the X-ray generating unit 60 is rotated within a range of plus 15 degrees to minus 15 degrees, the opening size can be kept large and the power cable 63 is not bent.

In addition, instead of or in addition to the protrusions of the engagement members 83a, 83b of the moving mechanism, a magnet 151 may be arranged as shown in FIG. 15. By arranging a metal mechanism (dust cover) 64, the magnet 151 and the dust cover 64 are attracted by magnetic force, and the shield member 80 can be lowered when the X-ray generating unit 60 is lowered. This can assist the spring 86 that urges the shield member 80 downward. Also, only the magnet 151 may be arranged without arranging the spring 86.

In addition, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, at the connection 310 between the X-ray support arm 90 and the X-ray generating unit 60, a second shield member 160 is disposed between the bottom surface of the first housing 61 and the bottom surface of the second housing 91.

The second shielding member 160 includes a sheet 161 and an extension mechanism 162 that extends or shortens the length of the sheet. One end 163 of the sheet 161 is fixed to the underside of the first housing 61, and the other end 164 is fixed to the chassis 93 of the X-ray support arm 90. The extension mechanism 162 may be located at either one end or the other end, but in the example of FIG. 17, it is located at the other end 164. The extension mechanism 162 includes a pair of shafts 167 that reciprocate the other end 164 in a bellows-like manner, an elastic member 165 that applies a force in a direction that widens the distance between the shafts 167, and a frame portion 166 that supports the elastic member 165.

As a result, the sheet 161 can be stretchably positioned between the underside of the first housing 61 and the underside of the second housing 91, so that even if the size of the gap between the underside of the first housing 61 and the underside of the second housing 91 changes as the X-ray generating unit 60 rotates, this gap can be blocked and dust can be prevented from entering.

The second shield member 160 uses an expansion mechanism 162 that moves the sheet 161 back and forth in a bellows-like manner, making it possible to realize a thinner expansion mechanism 162 than a mechanism that winds it up into a roll.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 Stand unit 11 Lifting mechanism 20 Connection unit 21 Rotation mechanism 30 Support frame 40 Top plate 41 Table 50 Support column 51 Support column moving mechanism 60 X-ray generating unit 61 First housing 62 X-ray tube 63 Power cable 64 Mechanism (dust cover)
65 First opening 70 X-ray detector 80 Shield member 85 Guide rail 81 Belt-shaped portion 82a Leg 82b Leg 83 Stay 83a Engagement member 83b Engagement member 84a Guide protrusion 84b Guide protrusion 86 Spring 90 X-ray support arm 91 Second housing 93 Chassis 101 X-ray generation unit 112 High voltage generation unit 114 X-ray image processing unit 115 Display unit 116 External storage unit 117 Control unit 118 Operation unit 151 Magnet 160 Second shield member 161 Sheet 162 Expanding mechanism 163 One end 164 Other end 165 Elastic member 166 Frame portion 167 Shaft 200 X-ray aperture device 300 X-ray rotation drive unit 301 Rack 302 Pinion gear 303 Motor 304 Reducer 305 Pulley 306 Belt 310 Connection part

Claims (12)

an X-ray generating unit, an X-ray support arm having one end connected to the X-ray generating unit and supporting the X-ray generating unit, a support column having an upper end connected to the other end of the X-ray support arm and supporting the X-ray support arm, and a table on which a subject is placed,
a rotation drive unit that rotates the X-ray generation unit about an axis that is the longitudinal direction of the table, and a shield member are disposed at a connection portion between the X-ray support arm and the X-ray generation unit;
the X-ray generating unit includes a first housing having a first opening, the X-ray support arm includes a second housing having a second opening, the first opening and the second opening face each other across a predetermined gap at the connecting portion,
an X-ray fluoroscopy device comprising: when the first opening of the X-ray generation unit moves to a position higher than the second housing of the X-ray support arm unit as the rotation drive unit rotates the X-ray generation unit, the shielding member covers an area of the first opening that is exposed above the second housing; and when the first opening of the X-ray generation unit moves to a position lower than the second housing, the shielding member covers an area of the second opening that is exposed above the first housing. 2. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
the shield member has a plate shape and is disposed in the gap between the first opening and the second opening;
an X-ray fluoroscopy device comprising: when the first opening of the X-ray generation unit moves to a position higher than the second housing of the X-ray support arm unit, the shielding member moves upward in association with the movement of the first housing to cover an area of the first opening that is exposed above the second housing; and when the first opening of the X-ray generation unit moves to a position lower than the second housing, the shielding member does not move in association with the movement of the first housing to cover an area of the second opening that is exposed above the first housing. 2. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
the shield member includes a strip-shaped portion that covers a region of the first opening that is exposed above the second housing and a region of the second opening that is exposed above the first housing as the X-ray generation unit rotates, and legs that support both sides of the strip-shaped portion,
2. An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, wherein the belt-shaped portion and the leg portion are both plate-shaped and integrally formed. 4. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, wherein an upper edge of the first opening, an upper edge of the second opening, and an upper edge of the shield member have coincident curved shapes. 2. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
an end portion of the first housing of the X-ray generation unit where the first opening is arranged and an end portion of the second housing of the X-ray support arm unit where the second opening is arranged each have an arc shape that follows a trajectory of rotation of the X-ray generation unit by the rotation drive unit,
4. An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, wherein a main plane of the shield member is curved along the arc shape. 4. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
an X-ray fluoroscopy device comprising: a shield member having a moving mechanism that moves the first opening of the X-ray generating unit upward in association with the movement of the first housing when the first opening of the X-ray generating unit moves to a position higher than the second housing of the X-ray support arm as the X-ray generating unit rotates. 7. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
an X-ray fluoroscopy device comprising: a first opening of the X-ray generating unit; a second housing of the X-ray support arm; a second housing of the X-ray supporting arm, the second housing being configured to support the first opening of the X-ray generating unit; 8. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 7,
Fluoroscopic X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the engaging member of the moving mechanism includes a projection and/or a magnet that engages with a part of the mechanism of the X-ray generating unit. 8. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 7,
An X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus, characterized in that a part of the mechanism of the X-ray generating unit that engages with the moving mechanism is a dust cover arranged inside the first opening on both sides of the first housing. 7. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
4. An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, wherein the movement mechanism includes an elastic member that urges the shield member downward. 7. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, wherein the movement mechanism includes a guide rail, and moves the shield member along the guide rail. 2. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second shield member is disposed between a lower surface of the first housing and a lower surface of the second housing at a connection portion between the X-ray support arm and the X-ray generating unit,
An X-ray fluoroscopy device characterized in that the second shield member includes a sheet having one end fixed to the underside of the first housing and the other end fixed to the support arm, and an extension/retraction mechanism for extending or shortening the length of the sheet at the one end or the other end.

Images