Beam limiting device and X-ray machine

Abstract

The invention provides a beam limiting device and an X-ray machine. The beam limiting device comprises a shell, the shell is provided with a first outer surface and a second outer surface which are oppositely arranged, the first outer surface is provided with an X-ray inlet, and the second outer surface is provided with an X-ray outlet; a lead page layer is arranged in the shell, an opening of a movable lead page of the lead page layer forms a lead window, and X-rays are transmitted through the X-ray inlet, the lead window and the X-ray outlet in sequence; and a dosimeter is arranged close to the X-ray outlet and is used for measuring the exposure dose of the X-rays. According to the beam limiting device, the dosimeter is arranged in the beam limiting device, so that the exposure dose of X rays can be monitored in real time, instant dose feedback is provided for doctors and technicians, overexposure is avoided in advance by judging whether the instant dose accords with an early-stage preset value or not, and extra radiation of a patient is reduced while a clear image is obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical X-ray diagnostic equipment, and in particular to a beam limiter and an X-ray machine. Background Art

[0002] In the field of medical X-ray diagnosis, X-rays have become an indispensable and important means of medical imaging due to their strong penetrating power and unique photosensitivity. By irradiating the human body with X-rays, and depending on the differences in the absorption of X-rays by different tissues of the human body, images of different grayscales can be formed on the detector or film, thus clearly revealing the details of the internal structure of the human body and providing doctors with accurate diagnostic evidence.

[0003] However, the use of X-rays is also accompanied by the risk of radiation exposure. Excessive radiation may not only cause direct health damage to patients, such as increasing the risk of cancer, but may also accelerate the growth of existing cancerous cells, bringing serious long-term consequences. Therefore, in the process of medical X-ray diagnosis, how to accurately control the irradiation range and dose of X-rays to ensure that clear images are obtained while minimizing the patient's radiation exposure has always been the focus of the industry.

[0004] In traditional X-ray diagnostic equipment, beam limiters (also called "line blockers", "light shrinkers" or "beam limiters") are often used to limit the X-ray field. Through the device installed in the window of the X-ray tube, unnecessary primary X-rays are blocked and the X-ray irradiation field is limited to the minimum required range. This measure reduces the risk of radiation exposure to patients to a certain extent, but it still needs to be further optimized.

[0005] In addition, in order to control the X-ray dose, the existing technology mostly adopts the method of adding an ionization chamber between the patient and the detector, intercepting and setting the dose threshold through the back end, and shutting off when the dose reaches the threshold. Although this method can control the radiation dose to a certain extent, it has obvious limitations: first, it is impossible to accurately quantify the dose, which may lead to inaccurate dose control; second, the control method is to force the back end to shut off the power, which has a lag and cannot adjust the dose output in real time and accurately, which may cause unnecessary radiation exposure before the gate is shut off.

[0006] In order to minimize the patient's radiation exposure while ensuring image quality and improve the safety and effectiveness of medical X-ray diagnosis, the present application provides a beam limiter and an X-ray machine. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a beam limiter and an X-ray machine. The beam limiter can monitor the exposure dose of X-rays in real time by setting a dosimeter on the beam limiter, provide instant dose feedback to doctors and technicians, and avoid overexposure in advance by judging whether the instant dose is consistent with the pre-set value, thereby reducing the patient's additional radiation while obtaining clear images.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives and other related objectives, the present application provides a beam limiter, comprising:

[0009] A housing, the housing having a first outer surface and a second outer surface arranged opposite to each other, an X-ray inlet being arranged on the first outer surface, and an X-ray outlet being arranged on the second outer surface;

[0010] A lead sheet layer, wherein the lead sheet layer is arranged inside the housing, and an opening portion of a movable lead sheet in the lead sheet layer forms a lead window, and X-rays are transmitted sequentially through the X-ray inlet, the lead window and the X-ray outlet;

[0011] Wherein, a dosimeter is arranged near the X-ray outlet, and the dosimeter is used to measure the X-ray exposure dose.

[0012] As an implementation, the dosimeter is a DAP dosimeter.

[0013] As an embodiment, a groove sunken toward the inside of the shell is provided on the second outer surface, the X-ray outlet is provided on the surface of the groove close to the lead window, and the dosimeter is arranged in the groove.

[0014] As an implementation manner, the dosimeter at least covers the X-ray outlet.

[0015] As an embodiment, the surface of the second outer surface facing away from the interior of the shell is provided with additional filtering.

[0016] As an embodiment, the additional filter is connected to the second outer surface via legs.

[0017] As an implementation manner, the dosimeter is electrically connected to a control system, and the lead sheet layer is electrically connected to the control system.

[0018] As an implementation manner, a field of view lamp and a reflector are also provided inside the housing.

[0019] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose and other related purposes, the present application also provides an X-ray machine, including the above-mentioned beam limiter, wherein the X-ray inlet of the beam limiter is connected to the outlet of the tube through a flange.

[0020] As described above, the beam limiter and X-ray machine of the present application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The beam limiter of the present application monitors the exposure dose of X-rays in real time by setting a dosimeter on the beam limiter, providing doctors and technicians with instant dose feedback to ensure that the dose is controlled within a safe range; it monitors and compares dose values ​​in real time to detect and avoid the risk of overexposure in advance during the exposure process, reducing additional radiation to patients caused by improper operation or equipment errors; and by precisely controlling the dose, it helps to obtain higher quality images, avoid unclear images caused by insufficient exposure, and also reduce the degradation of image quality that may be caused by overexposure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beam limiter provided in Example 1 of the present application.

[0023] Figure 2 Display as Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the top view structure.

[0024] Figure 3 Display as Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure viewed from above.

[0025] Figure 4 Display as Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the rear view structure.

[0026] Figure 5 Display as Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure in the AA direction.

[0027] Component number description

[0028] 100, shell; 110, first outer surface; 111, X-ray inlet; 112, lead sheet; 120, second outer surface; 121, X-ray outlet; 122, dosimeter; 123, groove; 124, support leg. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following describes the implementation of the present application through specific examples, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification. The present application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific implementations, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed in various ways based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present application.

[0030] In the field of medical imaging, X-ray diagnostic equipment, such as digital X-ray photography systems (DR), has become an indispensable tool for clinical diagnosis and treatment. These devices use the penetrating properties of X-rays and the difference in X-ray absorption by human tissue to capture and convert into visual images through detectors or films, thereby helping doctors observe and analyze the structures in the patient's body. As a basic auxiliary device, beam limiters are widely used to control the irradiation range of X-rays. They are installed in the window of the X-ray tube sleeve. Their main function is to block unnecessary primary X-rays during X-ray examinations and ensure that the X-ray irradiation field is limited to the minimum required range, thereby preventing patients from receiving excessive radiation. Excessive radiation not only increases the risk of cancer in patients, but may also accelerate the growth of existing cancerous cells, posing a serious threat to the health of patients.

[0031] The penetrating and photosensitive effects of X-rays enable human tissues to form images on detectors or films. Due to differences in density and thickness between human tissues, X-rays are absorbed to different degrees when penetrating different tissues, resulting in differences in the amount of X-rays reaching the detector or film, forming images of different grayscales. However, the differences in body shape and morphology of body parts require different X-ray doses to obtain clear images and ensure human health.

[0032] At present, the conventional practice is to use an ionization chamber for metering control in a DR system, and to force a cutoff after the dose reaches a preset value through back-end interception. However, this method cannot quantitatively confirm the dose, and there is a lag, and it cannot accurately control the dose of X-rays in real time, which may result in poor images or unnecessary radiation exposure to patients.

[0033] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a beam limiter and an X-ray machine, which are now described in detail in conjunction with the following embodiments and drawings.

[0034] Embodiment 1

[0035] This embodiment provides a beam limiter, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the beam limiter includes a shell 100 and a lead sheet layer arranged inside the shell 100. The shell 100 includes a first outer surface 110 (the upper surface of the shell 100) and a second outer surface 120 (the lower surface of the shell 100) arranged opposite to each other, an X-ray inlet 111 is arranged on the first outer surface 110, and an X-ray outlet 121 is arranged on the second outer surface 120; the lead sheet layer includes a transverse lead sheet and a longitudinal lead sheet, and the positions of the transverse lead sheet and the longitudinal lead sheet are adjusted by a driving device, and the transverse lead sheet and the longitudinal lead sheet cooperate with each other to form an opening, which is a lead window, and the lead window can control the irradiation range of the X-ray ( Figure 5In the figure, no distinction is made between the horizontal lead sheet and the vertical lead sheet, and they are all marked with lead sheet 112. The propagation direction of the X-ray is sequentially through the X-ray entrance 111, the lead window and the X-ray exit. A dosimeter 122 is provided on the housing 100 near the X-ray exit 121, and the dosimeter 122 can be used to measure the X-ray exposure dose.

[0036] This embodiment realizes real-time and accurate detection of the current exposure dose by arranging a dosimeter on the beam limiter. The operator can directly read the actual dose value in each exposure process, and thus make an instant comparison with the previously preset safety dose value. This instant feedback mechanism greatly improves the accuracy of dose control and effectively avoids the problem of overexposure caused by inaccurate dose estimation. By accurately controlling the exposure dose, not only the patient's radiation exposure is reduced, but also the inspection efficiency is improved. The appropriate exposure dose can ensure clear image quality and rich details, provide doctors with accurate diagnostic basis, avoid image blur or repeated inspections caused by insufficient dose, and further improve the utilization efficiency of medical resources. The dosimeter is built into the beam limiter to realize the organic combination of dose monitoring and beam limiting functions.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the dosimeter is a DAP (Dose Area Product) dosimeter. The DAP dosimeter has the characteristics of high precision, high sensitivity and high stability, and can accurately measure the metering area product and other related parameters (such as dose rate, irradiation time, etc.), providing comprehensive and accurate radiation dose information for medical personnel. The DAP dosimeter can measure the radiation dose received by patients during X-ray examinations in real time and accurately. By monitoring the dose area product, medical personnel can ensure that the radiation dose received by the patient remains within a safe range, thereby reducing potential radiation risks.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the second outer surface 120 has a certain thickness, and a groove 123 is provided on the second outer surface 120, which is recessed toward the inside of the housing 100. An X-ray outlet 121 is provided on the surface of the groove 123 close to the lead window, and a dosimeter 122 is provided in the groove 123. By providing the groove 123 inside the second surface 120 and providing the dosimeter 122 in the groove 123, not only can the space occupied by the beam limiter be saved, but the dosimeter 122 can also monitor the exposure dose in real time.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the dosimeter 122 at least covers the X-ray outlet 121, so that the exposure dose can be accurately monitored and the measurement result is more accurate. Moreover, the opening area of ​​the X-ray outlet 121 can at least cover the X-rays emitted from the maximum opening of the lead window.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the surface of the second outer surface 120 facing away from the interior of the housing 100 is provided with additional filtering. The additional filtering is usually a material with filtering properties inserted between the X-ray source and the patient or a specified plane, such as a metal sheet or a composite filter plate. The additional filtering can further control and optimize the quality of the X-ray to ensure that the radiation dose received by the patient is within a reasonable range and improve the image quality. The beam limiter of this embodiment integrates the dosimeter 112 inside the beam limiter, which does not occupy the external space of the beam limiter. Additional filtering can be added outside the beam limiter to further ensure the quality of the X-ray.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the additional filter is connected to the second outer surface 120 through the legs 124. Two legs 124 are arranged opposite to each other on the surface of the second outer surface 120 facing away from the inside of the housing 100. The legs 124 are provided with guide grooves. The additional filter is a plate-like structure and can be inserted into the guide grooves of the two legs 124.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the dosimeter 122 is electrically connected to the control system, and the driving device of the lead sheet layer is electrically connected to the control system.

[0043] The driving device for controlling the horizontal and vertical movement of the lead sheets can generally include the following main parts: a motor assembly, which may include a small servo motor or a stepper motor, which can accurately control the position and movement of the lead sheet 112; a gear assembly, in which the power output by the motor is transmitted to the lead sheet through the gear assembly, and the gear assembly may include a bevel gear, a bevel gear or a planetary gear, etc. The gear assembly is connected to the output shaft of the motor and meshes with the transmission component of the lead sheet 112; a rack, which is a strip-shaped component that meshes with the gear, usually mounted on a fixed plate and connected to the lead sheet 112. The motor drives the rack through the gear, thereby driving the lead sheet 112 to move along the linear shaft seat; a linear shaft seat, which provides a guide for the linear motion of the lead sheet 113, and is mounted on the main board and matched with the rack. The two components are used together to ensure that the lead sheet 112 moves smoothly along the predetermined trajectory; the shaft, which is a rod passing through the linear shaft seat, corresponds to the hole on the rack, and is used to support the lead sheet 112 and transmit power; the linear bearing, which is installed on the shaft to reduce the friction of the shaft when it moves, and ensure the smoothness and accuracy of the movement of the lead sheet 112; the limit device, which is used to control the movement range of the lead sheet 112 to prevent it from exceeding the predetermined position, and can be a mechanical stopper or a photoelectric sensor, etc.; the control unit, which can be a separate circuit board or a controller integrated in the motor assembly, is responsible for receiving operating instructions and controlling the start, stop and speed of the motor; the connector, which includes wires, cables or connectors, is used to connect the motor assembly to the control unit to transmit electrical energy and control signals.

[0044] The control unit can be connected to the control system via wired transmission or wireless transmission.

[0045] The dose meter 122 in the beam limiter provided in this embodiment can realize automatic adjustment of the exposure dose by connecting to the control system.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, a field of view lamp and a reflector (not marked in the figure) are further provided inside the housing 100. The reflector is located on the axis of symmetry between the field of view lamp and the X-ray focus. The main function of the reflector in the beam limiter is to reflect light and simulate the irradiation path of the X-ray. Since the X-ray is invisible, the reflector reflects visible light (such as simulated light) to predict the irradiation field of the X-ray, thereby helping the operator to adjust the parameters of the beam limiter. The field of view lamp acts as a point light source to simulate the position of the focus of the X-ray tube. Through the reflection of the reflector, the light emitted by the field of view lamp can predict the irradiation field of the X-ray. The operator can adjust the lead sheet 112 and other components of the beam limiter according to the irradiation field of the field of view lamp to ensure accurate irradiation of the X-ray.

[0047] Embodiment 2

[0048] This embodiment provides an X-ray machine, which includes the beam limiter provided in the first embodiment, and the X-ray inlet 111 of the beam limiter is connected to the outlet of the tube through a flange.

[0049] The beam limiter of the X-ray machine provided in this embodiment is provided with a dosimeter 122, which can monitor the exposure dose of X-rays in real time, provide doctors and technicians with instant dose feedback, and ensure that the dose is controlled within a safe range; the dose value can be preset on the DR system, and the current exposure dose value can be read in real time through the built-in dosimeter 122, and directly compared with the preset value, so as to achieve precise control of the dose; due to real-time monitoring and comparison of dose values, the risk of overexposure can be discovered and avoided in advance during the exposure process, and the additional radiation of patients caused by improper operation or equipment errors can be reduced; by accurately controlling the exposure dose and avoiding overexposure in time, the additional radiation received by patients during the X-ray diagnosis process can be significantly reduced, and the safety of diagnosis can be improved; by accurately controlling the dose, it is helpful to obtain higher quality images, avoid unclear images caused by insufficient exposure, and also reduce the image quality degradation caused by overexposure. The beam limiter of the X-ray machine in this embodiment is integrated with the DR system, making the reading and control of the dose more intuitive and convenient, simplifying the operation process, and improving work efficiency.

[0050] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Anyone familiar with the technology may modify or change the above embodiments without violating the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed in the present application shall still be covered by the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A beam limiter, characterized in that: include: The shell has a first outer surface and a second outer surface arranged opposite to each other, and the first outer surface is provided with an X A ray entrance, an X-ray exit is provided on the second outer surface; A lead sheet layer is arranged inside the housing, and an opening portion of a movable lead sheet in the lead sheet layer forms a A lead window, wherein X-rays are transmitted sequentially through the X-ray entrance, the lead window and the X-ray exit; Wherein, a dosimeter is arranged near the X-ray outlet, and the dosimeter is used to measure the X-ray exposure dose.

2. The beam limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dosimeter is a DAP dosimeter.

3. The beam limiter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second outer surface is provided with a groove sunken toward the inside of the shell, the surface of the groove close to the lead window is provided with the X-ray outlet, and the dosimeter is arranged in the groove.

4. The beam limiter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The dosimeter at least covers the X-ray outlet.

5. The beam limiter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second outer surface facing away from the interior of the housing is provided with additional filtration.

6. The beam limiter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The additional filter is connected to the second outer surface via legs.

7. The beam limiter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The dosimeter is electrically connected to a control system, and the driving device of the lead sheet layer is electrically connected to the control system.

8. The beam limiter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A field of view lamp and a reflector are also arranged inside the shell.

9. An X-ray machine, characterized in that: The beam limiter comprises the beam limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein X The ray inlet is connected to the outlet of the tube through a flange.

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