X-ray computed tomography apparatus

Abstract

An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a substantially annular frame, a mechanism configured to support rotatably the frame, an X-ray tube mounted on the frame, an X-ray detector mounted on the frame, a position detecting unit configured to detect that the frame passes a reference position, a counting unit configured to count the cumulative number of revolutions of the frame on the basis of an output from the position detecting unit, and a storage unit configured to store data of the cumulative number of revolutions of the frame.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus (X-ray Computed Tomography Apparatus) in which an X-ray tube rotates around a subject. Background technique [0002] Conventionally, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus for taking tomographic images of a subject has been widely used. The mainstream of current X-ray computed tomography apparatuses is a type in which an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are continuously rotated around a subject. [0003] A motor for rotationally driving an annular rotating frame (support) on which the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are mounted is incorporated in the gantry. Thus, the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector detect the passing X-rays while irradiating the subject with X-rays from various directions, and the X-ray computed tomography device performs a tomographic image of the subject based on the detected data. refactor. Slip rings and brushes (for example, JP-A-8-280661 ), bearings (...

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Problems solved by technology

However, conventional X-ray computed tomography equipment cannot determine the maintenance period based on such a standard.

[0010] In addition, considering that most of the components used in X-ray computed tomography equipment are developed for use in the equipment, the actual situation is that the number of samples in the durability test of components is extremely limited (for example, about 1 to 3 )

Therefore, it is difficult to say that the reliability of the reference data is high, and the manufacturer, etc., for example, set a relatively short maintenance cycle and take measures to prevent inconvenience in the device in advance.

Again, the technician of an X-ray computed tomography unit sometimes dictates maintenance intervals arbitrarily based on his experience, but of course there are doubts about the validity of this maintenance interval

[0011] Carrying out maintenance at a timing based on data with low reliability and legitimacy in this way involves waste of time and labor for service provision on the customer engineer side, and risks waste of cost or device failure on the user side

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