Adjustable positioning device and method for a radiation source assembly and a radiological scanning imaging apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an adjusting positioning device and method, and a radiation scanning imaging apparatus. The adjusting positioning device is used to adjust the position of a radiation source assembly of the radiation scanning imaging apparatus. The adjusting positioning device comprises a base (100) including a first part and a second part connected to each other and configured to support the radiation source assembly (10) to be positioned vertically on the second part; a first adjusting mechanism (200) mounted to the first part of the base and the apparatus frame and configured to drive the radiation source assembly to perform translational movement in a first direction by driving the whole base to move relative to the apparatus frame to adjust the position of the radiation source assembly; and a second adjusting mechanism (300) mounted to the second part of the base and the apparatus frame and configured to drive the radiation source assembly to rotate within an angle range by driving the second part to move relative to the first part to adjust the beam direction of the radiation source assembly.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201911272103.2 (filed on December 11, 2019; invention title: Adjustment and positioning device and method for X-ray source assembly and radiation scanning imaging device). Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the field of radiation detection, and more particularly to an adjustment and positioning device and method capable of realizing translation and rotation of a radiation source assembly, and a radiation scanning imaging device including the adjustment and positioning device. Background Technology

[0003] Radiation rays, such as X-rays, have wide applications in industrial non-destructive testing, security inspection, and medical diagnosis and treatment, such as CT imaging or security checks, where radiation rays emitted by a radiation source assembly scan objects or people in the scanning channel. In existing radiation security inspection systems, the devices used to fix the radiation source assembly are complex in structure, cannot be easily adjusted, have poor adjustment accuracy, and affect image quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure is made in order to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned and other problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an adjustment and positioning device is provided for adjusting the orientation of a radiation source assembly of a radiation scanning imaging device having an equipment frame. The adjustment and positioning device includes:

[0006] The base includes a first part and a second part connected to each other and is configured to support the radiation source assembly so that the radiation source assembly is vertically positioned on the second part;

[0007] A first adjustment mechanism, mounted to a first component of the base and the device frame, and configured to drive the radiation source assembly to translate in a first direction by moving the entire base relative to the device frame, thereby adjusting the position of the radiation source assembly; and

[0008] A second adjustment mechanism is mounted to a second component of the base and the device frame, and is configured to drive the X-ray source assembly to rotate within an angular range by driving the second component to move relative to the first component, thereby adjusting the beam output direction of the X-ray source assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the base includes an upper plate as the second component and a lower plate as the first component, the upper plate and the lower plate being stacked on top of each other in a vertical direction such that the X-ray source assembly is positioned on the upper surface of the upper plate, and the upper plate and the lower plate are connected together in a manner that allows them to move relative to each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, an upright shaft is provided on the upper surface of the lower plate facing the upper plate, and a through hole is provided on the upper plate at a position corresponding to the shaft. The shaft extends upward through the through hole to engage with a corresponding shaft hole of the radiation source assembly, so that the radiation source assembly and the upper plate can rotate around the shaft under the drive of the second adjustment mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments, the shaft is positioned such that its axis substantially coincides with the vertical axis of the radiation source assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, a positioning pin is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate opposite to the lower plate. The positioning pin engages with a corresponding pin hole of the X-ray source assembly to position the X-ray source assembly in a manner that prevents the X-ray source assembly from moving relative to the upper plate in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first adjustment mechanism includes: a first support for fixing to the device frame; and a first adjustment bolt threadedly engaged with the first support and connected to the first component, such that rotation of the first adjustment bolt relative to the first support drives translation of the first component, thereby causing translation of a second component connected to the first component and a radiation source assembly positioned on the second component relative to the device frame along the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first component is provided with an elongated first hole that penetrates the first component and extends in the first direction; the adjusting positioning device further includes a first fastener that is inserted into the first hole and tightened to mount the first component to the device frame, and is configured to be released during the translational movement to allow the first component to translate relative to the device frame with the inner wall of the first hole against the first fastener.

[0015] In some embodiments, the adjustment positioning device further includes a translation guide member for fixing to the device frame and configured to guide the base to perform translational movement.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second adjustment mechanism includes a second support for fixing to the device frame; and a second adjustment bolt that is threadedly engaged with the second support and connected to the second component, such that rotation of the second adjustment bolt relative to the second support drives rotation of the second component, thereby causing the radiation source assembly positioned on the second component to rotate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second adjusting bolt is arranged such that its rotation relative to the second support applies a force tangential to the second component in the circumferential direction of the rotation about the second component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first component has a second hole; the second component has an elongated third hole that penetrates the second component and extends in a direction at an angle to the first direction; the adjusting positioning device further includes a second fastener that is inserted through the third hole and engages the second hole to secure the second component to the first component, and is configured to be released during the rotation to allow the second component to rotate with the inner wall of the third hole against the second fastener.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elongated third hole extends in a direction tangential to the circumferential direction of the rotation of the second component about the axis.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first adjustment mechanism further includes a third support, which is fixed to the first component and connected to the first adjustment bolt.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second adjustment mechanism further includes a fourth support, which is fixed to the second component and connected to the second adjustment bolt.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a radiation scanning imaging apparatus is provided, which includes a radiation source assembly and an adjustment and positioning device described in any embodiment of this disclosure, wherein the radiation source assembly is supported on the adjustment and positioning device so that the orientation of the radiation source assembly can be adjusted by the adjustment and positioning device.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for adjusting the orientation of a radiation source assembly of a radiation scanning imaging apparatus using the adjustment and positioning device described in the embodiments of this disclosure is provided, comprising at least one of the following steps:

[0024] The translation adjustment step includes driving the entire base relative to the device frame via a first adjustment mechanism to cause the radiation source assembly to translate in a first direction, thereby adjusting the position of the radiation source assembly; and

[0025] The rotation adjustment step includes driving the second component to move relative to the first component through the second adjustment mechanism, thereby causing the X-ray source assembly to rotate within an angular range to adjust the beam output direction of the X-ray source assembly.

[0026] In some embodiments, the translation adjustment step includes driving the upper plate and the lower plate together to move relative to the device frame through a first adjustment mechanism to drive the X-ray source assembly to translate in a first direction; the rotation adjustment step includes driving the upper plate to rotate relative to the lower plate through a second adjustment mechanism to drive the X-ray source assembly to rotate.

[0027] In some embodiments, the rotation adjustment step further includes driving the upper plate and the radiation source assembly to rotate about the axis via a second adjustment mechanism.

[0028] In some embodiments, the translation adjustment step includes rotating a first adjusting bolt relative to a first support to drive the first component to translate, thereby causing the second component connected to the first component and the radiation source assembly positioned on the second component to translate relative to the device frame along the first direction.

[0029] In some embodiments, the translation adjustment step further includes loosening the first fastener and driving the first component to translate relative to the device frame by means of a first adjustment mechanism such that the inner wall of the first hole abuts against the first fastener.

[0030] In some embodiments, the rotation adjustment step includes rotating the second adjusting bolt relative to the second support to drive the second component to rotate, thereby causing the radiation source assembly positioned on the second component to rotate.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rotation adjustment step includes applying a force to the second component in a direction tangential to the circumferential direction of rotation of the second component by rotating the second adjusting bolt relative to the second support.

[0032] In some embodiments, the rotation adjustment step includes loosening the second fastener to allow the second component to rotate under the drive of the second adjustment mechanism such that the inner wall of the third hole abuts against the second fastener.

[0033] Other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The features and advantages of this disclosure can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0035] Figure 1A side perspective view showing a portion of the structure of a radiation scanning imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 A top perspective view illustrating the structure of an adjustment and positioning device for a radiation source assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3A A top perspective view showing the structure of the upper plate of an adjustment and positioning device for a radiation source assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3B A top perspective view showing the structure of the upper plate of an adjustment and positioning device for a radiation source assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 A top perspective view illustrating the structure of the lower plate of an adjustment and positioning device for a radiation source assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0040] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting the orientation of a radiation source assembly of a radiation scanning imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0042] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0043] Figure 1A radiation scanning imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically. The exemplary radiation scanning imaging apparatus may be a component of a security inspection system, such as a CT imaging device. The radiation scanning imaging apparatus includes a radiation device for generating a radiation scanning beam, such as a radiation source assembly 10 for generating a beam of radiation, which may include, for example, an X-ray machine, an isotope radiation source, or other radiation source. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation source assembly 10 has a cylindrical profile, such as a generally cuboid, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may take any suitable form, such as a cylinder, as needed.

[0044] The radiation scanning imaging equipment also includes an adjustment and positioning device for adjusting the orientation of the radiation source assembly 10 to adjust the target position of the radiation source and improve imaging quality. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the adjustment and positioning device includes a base 100 for supporting the X-ray source assembly 10, such that the X-ray source assembly 10 is positioned and held substantially vertically on the base 100. In embodiments of this disclosure, the base 100 includes a first component and a second component, which are connected to each other in a manner movably relative to each other, for example, the second component is rotatable relative to the first component, and the first and second components are movable together or integrally in a translational direction (also referred to as a first direction). In some examples, the X-ray source assembly is positioned substantially vertically on the second component.

[0045] The adjustment and positioning device also includes an adjustment mechanism, which drives the base to move, thereby causing the radiation source assembly supported and held on the base to perform appropriate movements, such as rotation or translation, to adjust the orientation of the radiation source assembly, thus enabling the adjustment of the target position of the radiation source. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the adjustment and positioning device includes a first adjustment mechanism 200 and a second adjustment mechanism 300, which are used to drive the base and thus the radiation source assembly to perform different forms of movement, such as rotation and translation. In some embodiments, the adjustment and positioning device provided in this disclosure can realize independent adjustment of the translation and rotation of the radiation source assembly.

[0046] The first adjustment mechanism 200 drives the radiation source assembly 10 to translate in a first direction by moving the entire base or a part of the base relative to the equipment frame (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown by the double-headed dashed arrows in the middle) to adjust the position of the radiation source assembly. As an example, the first adjustment mechanism can be mounted to a first component of the base and the equipment frame of the radiation scanning imaging device (not shown). The first adjustment mechanism drives the first component to move, thereby moving the base or other parts of the base (such as a second component connected to the first component), and in turn, causing the radiation source assembly positioned on the base to translate relative to the equipment frame.

[0047] The second adjustment mechanism 300 is used to drive the base 100 or a part thereof to move so as to drive the radiation source assembly 10 to rotate (e.g. Figure 1 (As shown by the double-headed dashed arrow), to adjust the beam direction of the X-ray source assembly 10. The rotation angle range of the X-ray source assembly can be set according to actual needs. In some examples, the rotation adjustment of the X-ray source assembly is fine-tuning, with a small rotation angle, such as ±5°, ±3°, ±1°, etc. Exemplarily, the second adjustment mechanism can be mounted to the second component of the base and the equipment frame, and drives the X-ray source assembly to rotate by driving the second component to move (e.g., rotate relative to the first component).

[0048] In addition, to achieve the positioning of the radiation source assembly, besides the base 100, the positioning adjustment device may also include a top bracket 400, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the top bracket 400 is mounted to the equipment frame and can be connected to the radiation source assembly 10, such as to the top or side of the radiation source assembly 10. Exemplarily, the top bracket 400 is movably (e.g., horizontally translatable) mounted to the equipment frame via a pin 401, and the top bracket 400 is connected to the radiation source assembly 10 in a manner that allows movement (e.g., rotation) of the radiation source assembly 10, such as by means of a shaft 402 and a corresponding hole. Thus, the top bracket cooperates with the base to hold the radiation source assembly between them, preventing vertical movement of the radiation source assembly but allowing movement (e.g., rotation, horizontal translation) of the radiation source assembly relative to the equipment frame.

[0049] The base can take various forms or structures to cooperate with the adjustment mechanism. Driven by the adjustment mechanism, the X-ray source assembly supported on it moves, thereby adjusting the target position of the X-ray source, ensuring the accuracy of the target position, and improving imaging quality. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 100 includes a first component and a second component in the form of a generally flat plate; the first and second components are discrete parts. See also... Figure 1-4 The base 100 includes an upper plate 110 as a second component and a lower plate 120 as a first component. The upper plate 110 and the lower plate 120 are stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction and connected to each other in a manner that allows them to move relative to each other (such as rotate). Furthermore, as described below, the upper plate 110 and the lower plate 120 can also be moved together or as a unit in the translational direction, for example, the lower plate driving the upper plate to translate together. The X-ray source assembly 10 is positioned on the upper surface of the upper plate 110.

[0050] like Figure 2 and 4As shown, a shaft 121 is provided on the upper surface of the lower plate 120 facing the upper plate 110. This shaft is, for example, upright. The upper plate 110 has a through hole 111 corresponding to the shaft 121. The shaft 121 extends upward through the through hole 111 to engage with a corresponding shaft hole in the X-ray source assembly 10 (such as a shaft hole located at the bottom of the X-ray source assembly). Thus, the upper plate 110 and the X-ray source assembly 10 positioned thereon can rotate about the shaft 121 under the drive of the second adjustment mechanism 300, achieving rotational adjustment. In some examples, the shaft 121 is positioned such that its axis approximately coincides with the vertical axis of the X-ray source assembly 10, thereby enabling smoother rotation.

[0051] To position the X-ray source assembly 10 on the base 100, a positioning pin 112 is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 110 opposite to the lower plate 120. The positioning pin 112 engages with a corresponding pin hole of the X-ray source assembly 10 (such as a pin hole located at the bottom of the X-ray source assembly), positioning the X-ray source assembly 10 relative to the upper plate 110 to prevent the X-ray source assembly 10 from moving relative to the upper plate 110 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Thus, the movement of the upper plate 110 can drive the X-ray source assembly 10 to move together. For example, multiple positioning pins 112 can be provided around the axis 121. Furthermore, the multiple positioning pins 112 can be arranged irregularly to ensure that the X-ray source assembly 10 is not incorrectly oriented. It is understood that the positioning method of the X-ray source assembly relative to the base is not limited to this; any suitable detachable or non-detachable fixing or positioning method, such as a clamp, can be adopted as needed.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and 4As shown, a first hole 127 is provided on the lower plate 120, which penetrates the lower plate 120 in the thickness direction (e.g., vertical direction). The first hole 127 is, for example, an elongated hole that extends approximately along the translational direction. To position the lower plate 120 relative to the equipment frame, the adjusting positioning device also includes a first fastener 107, which is inserted into the first hole 127 and tightened to the equipment frame to mount the lower plate 120 to the equipment frame, such as detachably fixing the lower plate to the equipment frame. The first fastener 107 is, for example, in the form of a bolt (e.g., a single-ended bolt, or a combination of bolt and nut), which can be tightened to press the lower plate against the equipment frame. The first fastener 107 can be loosened during the aforementioned translational movement, but remains fixed to the equipment frame and inserted into the first hole 127 to allow the lower plate 120 to translate relative to the equipment frame, such as translating relative to the equipment frame with the inner wall of the first hole 127 abutting against the first fastener 107. Thus, during this translational movement, the first fastener remains fixed relative to the equipment frame while translating relative to it. The engagement of the first fastener with the elongated first hole guides the lower plate's translation relative to the equipment frame. After the base and the X-ray source assembly supported thereon are translated to the appropriate position, the first fastener is tightened again to securely press the lower plate against the equipment frame or to fix the lower plate relative to the equipment frame, preventing necessary movement of the X-ray source assembly during operation.

[0053] In addition to the engagement of the first fastener with the elongated first hole guiding the translation of the lower plate relative to the device frame, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the lower plate 120 may also be provided with an additional elongated hole 128, which extends along the aforementioned translational direction. The positioning member 129, which is partially positioned in the elongated hole 128, is fixed to the equipment frame. Thus, the cooperation between the elongated hole 128 and the positioning member 129 can also guide this translational movement and ensure that the lower plate is correctly positioned or installed.

[0054] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the upper plate 110 and the lower plate 120 are constructed or arranged such that the first fasteners 107 are exposed to facilitate installation and removal, as well as adjustment during translation. For example, some of the first fasteners 107 and the first holes 127 are arranged at the exposed corners of the lower plate 120, while other first fasteners 107 are exposed through recesses 117 in the upper plate 110.

[0055] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the adjustment and positioning device may further include a translation guide member 500, which can be fixed to the equipment frame to guide the translational movement of the base. For example, the translation guide member 500 may be in the form of a wedge or a plate, with one side abutting, for example, a side of the lower plate 120 extending parallel to the translational direction, to prevent the lower plate and the base from swaying or shifting during translation. Exemplarily, translation guide members may be provided on opposite sides of the lower plate to guide this translational movement more stably.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connection between the upper and lower plates can be achieved in the following manner. For example... Figure 2-4 As shown, the lower plate 120 has a second hole 123, and the upper plate 110 has a third hole 113 at a position corresponding to the second hole 123. The third hole 113 penetrates the upper plate 110 in the thickness direction (or vertical direction). Exemplarily, the third hole 113 is elongated and angled or inclined relative to the translational direction. The adjustment and positioning device also includes a second fastener 103, which is inserted through and engages the second hole 123 to secure the upper plate 110 to the lower plate 120, so that during translational movement, the lower plate 120 can move the upper plate 110 along with it.

[0057] The second fastener 103 includes, for example, a bolt (such as a single-ended bolt, or a combination of bolt and nut). The second hole 123 can be a threaded hole, while the third hole 113 can be an elongated hole with a smooth or unthreaded inner wall. For example, the width of the third hole can be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the second fastener, allowing the second fastener to move or slide within the third hole. Thus, during rotation, the second fastener 103 can be loosened, i.e., the upper plate 110 can be released from its fixation relative to the lower plate 120. The second fastener 103 remains inserted in the third hole 113 and remains engaged with the second hole 123 while being fixed relative to the lower plate, allowing the upper plate 110 to rotate relative to the lower plate 120 within an angular range under the drive of the adjustment mechanism. For example, it can rotate about the axis 121 fixed to the lower plate 120 with the inner wall of the third hole 113 abutting against the second fastener 103, thereby causing the X-ray source assembly 10 positioned on the upper plate 110 to rotate at a suitable angle, achieving rotation adjustment. After the rotation adjustment is completed, tighten the second fastener 103 again to fix the upper plate 110 relative to the lower plate 120, ensuring that the X-ray source assembly 10 positioned on the upper plate 110 will not rotate during operation.

[0058] In some embodiments, the elongated third hole 113 may extend approximately in a direction tangent to the circumferential direction of the rotation of the upper plate 110 about the axis 121, such that the engagement of the third hole 113 with the second fastener 103 can guide the rotation of the upper plate. Exemplarily, a plurality of third holes may be provided at multiple corners of the upper plate, and the extension directions of each third hole may differ from each other, but all are approximately tangent to the circumferential direction along which the upper plate rotates, which is beneficial for guiding the rotation of the upper plate.

[0059] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first adjustment mechanism 200 includes a first support 210 and a first adjusting bolt 230. The first support 210 is used to mount to the equipment frame, such as by means of bolt 211, while the first adjusting bolt 230 is connected to a part of the base, such as a first component or lower plate 120, and is threadedly engaged with the first support 210. Thus, since the first support 210 remains stationary, rotation of the first adjusting bolt 230 relative to the first support 210 can drive the lower plate 120 to translate in a direction coinciding with the axial direction of the first adjusting bolt 230. This, in turn, causes the upper plate 110 connected to the lower plate 120 and the X-ray source assembly 10 positioned on the upper plate 110 to translate relative to the equipment frame in the translational direction. By appropriately designing the bolt pitch, this threaded rotation can achieve fine translational adjustment of the X-ray source assembly.

[0060] The first adjusting bolt can be directly connected to the lower plate, or as follows: Figure 1 and 2 As shown, it is also connected to the lower plate 120 by another support 220 mounted to the lower plate 120. The support 220 is detachably fixed to the lower plate 120, for example, by bolts 221 that threadedly engage with holes 126 in the lower plate.

[0061] Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the second adjustment mechanism 300 includes a second support 310 and a second adjusting bolt 320. The second support 310 is used to mount to the equipment frame, such as by means of a bolt 301, and the second adjusting bolt 320 is connected to the upper plate 110 and threadedly engaged with the second support 310. Rotation of the second adjusting bolt 320 relative to the second support 310 drives the upper plate 110 to rotate, thereby causing the X-ray source assembly 10 positioned on the upper plate 110 to rotate about the axis 121. By rationally designing the screw pitch, this threaded rotation allows for precise rotational adjustment of the X-ray source assembly.

[0062] For example, the axial direction of the second adjusting bolt 320 may coincide with or be slightly inclined relative to the tangential direction of the circumferential direction along which the upper plate 110 rotates at the (direct or indirect) connection position between the adjusting bolt and the upper plate, so that the rotation of the second adjusting bolt can apply a tangential force to the upper plate to cause it to rotate, that is, the rotation of the second adjusting bolt relative to the second support applies a force tangential to the circumferential direction of rotation about the axis to the upper plate. In some examples, the axial direction of the second adjusting bolt may substantially coincide with the direction along which the lower plate moves.

[0063] The second adjusting bolt can be directly connected to the upper plate, such as to the protruding part of the upper plate (not shown), or as... Figure 1 and 2 As shown, it is also connected to the upper plate 110 via another support 330 mounted to the upper plate 110. The support 330 is detachably secured to the upper plate 110, for example, by bolts 304 that engage with holes 114 in the side of the upper plate 110, for example, by using bolts 304 or their heads or nuts to firmly press the support 330 against the side of the upper plate 110. The support 330 may be connected together with or integral with the second adjusting bolt 320. Two spaced-apart second supports 310 may be included, with the second adjusting bolt 320 threadedly engaged with these two second supports 310 to allow rotation relative to the second supports 310, and the support 330 or the protrusion of the upper plate may be located between the two second supports 310.

[0064] During the aforementioned translational movement, the first adjusting bolt 230 of the first adjusting mechanism 200 can be rotated simultaneously with the second adjusting bolt 320 of the second adjusting mechanism 300, allowing the upper plate 110 and the lower plate 120 to translate together. Alternatively, the connection between the second adjusting mechanism and the upper plate can be separated, such as by separating the second adjusting bolt from the upper plate, allowing the translation of the lower plate to drive the upper plate to translate together. Figure 3B In one embodiment, the hole 114' in the side of the upper plate 110 is elongated and extends approximately along the aforementioned translational direction. Thus, during translation, by slightly loosening the bolt 304, i.e., loosening the pressure of the bolt 304 on the side of the support 330 on the upper plate 110, the bolt 304 can move or slide within the hole 114'. As a result, the upper plate 110 can be translated relative to the support 330 and therefore relative to the second adjustment mechanism 300 under the action of the lower plate 120.

[0065] In another example, the connection structure between the second adjusting bolt and the upper plate (or the support 330 connected to the upper plate) can be reasonably designed. Such a connection structure allows the upper plate (or the support 330 connected to the upper plate) to move or slide relative to the second adjusting bolt in the translational direction, but prevents the second adjusting bolt from rotating relative to the upper plate (or the support 330 connected to the upper plate). Thus, this connection structure can both allow the aforementioned translational movement and allow the rotation of the second adjusting bolt to drive the upper plate to rotate.

[0066] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for adjusting the orientation of the X-ray source assembly of a radiation scanning imaging apparatus using the described adjustment and positioning device. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a method for adjusting the orientation of a radiation source component in a radiation scanning imaging device using the aforementioned adjustment and positioning device includes a translation adjustment step S1 and / or a rotation adjustment step S2. Exemplarily, in the translation adjustment step S1, the entire base 100 of the adjustment and positioning device is moved relative to the device frame by a first adjustment mechanism 200, causing the radiation source component 10 to translate in the aforementioned first direction to adjust the position of the radiation source component; in the rotation adjustment step S2, the second component is moved relative to the first component by a second adjustment mechanism 300, causing the radiation source component to rotate within an angular range to adjust the beam emission direction of the radiation source component. As described above, using this adjustment and positioning device, independent adjustment of the translational and rotational movements of the radiation source component can be achieved. The order of translational and rotational adjustments of the radiation source component can be rationally designed or arranged as needed. For example, the translation adjustment step can be performed first, followed by the rotational adjustment step, and vice versa.

[0067] After translating the X-ray source assembly, in step S3, it can be fixedly mounted to the equipment frame (e.g., via fasteners), so that the position of the translated X-ray source assembly is fixed relative to the equipment frame. Similarly, after rotating the X-ray source assembly, in step S4, the second component can be fixed to the first component (e.g., via fasteners), ensuring that the second component is fixed relative to the equipment frame, thereby ensuring that the beam emission direction of the X-ray source assembly positioned on the second component is fixed relative to the equipment frame.

[0068] In some embodiments, the translation adjustment step may include driving the upper plate 110 and the lower plate 120 together to move relative to the equipment frame via a first adjustment mechanism 200 to cause the X-ray source assembly 10 to translate in a first direction. For example, the first adjustment bolt 230 may be rotated relative to the first support 210 to drive the first component (such as the lower plate 120) to translate, thereby causing the second component (such as the upper plate 110) connected to the first component and the X-ray source assembly 10 positioned on the second component to translate relative to the equipment frame along the first direction.

[0069] In some examples, before the first component is translated, the first fastener 107 can be loosened, and then the first component (as shown in the lower plate 120) can be driven by the first adjustment mechanism (such as by rotating the first adjustment bolt) to translate relative to the device frame in such a way that the inner wall of the elongated first hole 127 abuts against the first fastener 107, thereby guiding the translational movement of the first component.

[0070] In some embodiments, the rotation adjustment step may include driving the upper plate 110 to rotate relative to the lower plate 120 via the second adjustment mechanism 300 to drive the radiation source assembly 10 to rotate. Exemplarily, in the rotation adjustment step, the upper plate and the radiation source assembly can be driven to rotate about an axis 121 disposed on the lower plate via the second adjustment mechanism. For example, the second adjusting bolt 320 can be rotated relative to the second support 310 to drive the second component (such as the upper plate 110) to rotate, thereby driving the radiation source assembly 10 positioned on the second component to rotate. Exemplarily, the rotation of the second adjusting bolt 320 relative to the second support 310 can apply a force to the second component in a direction tangential to the circumferential direction of the rotation of the second component, causing the second component to rotate.

[0071] In some examples, the second fastener 103 can be loosened before the second component rotates, allowing the second component to rotate under the drive of the second adjusting mechanism 300 by abutting the inner wall of the elongated third hole 113 against the second fastener 103. For example, the elongated third hole 113 extends in a direction tangential to the circumferential direction of the rotation of the second component, so that the abutment of the second fastener 103 against the inner wall of the elongated third hole 113 can guide the rotation of the second component.

[0072] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An adjustment and positioning device for adjusting the orientation of a radiation source assembly of a radiation scanning imaging device, the radiation scanning imaging device having an equipment frame, the adjustment and positioning device comprising: The base (100) includes a first part and a second part connected to each other in a manner that allows them to move relative to each other, and is configured to support the X-ray source assembly (10) so that the X-ray source assembly is vertically positioned on the second part. The first part has a second hole (123), and the second part is in the form of a flat plate with a strip-shaped third hole (113). A first adjustment mechanism (200) is mounted to a first component of the base and adapted to be mounted to the device frame. The single first adjustment mechanism is configured to drive the X-ray source assembly to perform a bidirectional translational movement in a first direction by driving the entire base to move relative to the device frame, thereby adjusting the position of the X-ray source assembly. The second component is configured to be fixed relative to the first component during the translational movement. A second adjustment mechanism (300) is mounted to a second component of the base and adapted to be mounted to the device frame. The second adjustment mechanism is configured to drive the X-ray source assembly to rotate within an angular range by driving the second component to rotate as a whole relative to the first component, thereby adjusting the beam output direction of the X-ray source assembly. The second component is further configured such that the fixation of the second component relative to the first component is released during the rotation, so that the second component moves as a whole relative to the first component. and A fastener configured to be inserted through the third hole (113) and engage the second hole to secure the second component to the first component, and configured to be released during the rotation to slide within the third hole (113) extending in a direction tangential to the circumferential direction of the rotation of the second component to guide the rotation of the second component relative to the first component.

2. The adjusting and positioning device according to claim 1, wherein, The base includes an upper plate (110) as the second component and a lower plate (120) as the first component, the upper plate and the lower plate being stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction such that the X-ray source assembly is positioned on the upper surface of the upper plate, and the upper plate and the lower plate are connected together in a manner that allows them to move relative to each other.

3. The adjusting and positioning device according to claim 2, wherein, An upright shaft (121) is provided on the upper surface of the lower plate facing the upper plate. A through hole (111) is provided on the upper plate at a position corresponding to the shaft. The shaft extends upward through the through hole to engage with the corresponding shaft hole of the X-ray source assembly, so that the X-ray source assembly and the upper plate can rotate around the shaft under the drive of the second adjustment mechanism.

4. The adjusting and positioning device according to claim 3, wherein, The shaft is positioned such that its axis coincides with the vertical axis of the radiation source assembly.

5. The adjusting and positioning device according to claim 2, wherein, A positioning pin (112) is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate opposite to the lower plate. The positioning pin engages with the corresponding pin hole of the X-ray source assembly to position the X-ray source assembly in a manner that prevents the X-ray source assembly from moving relative to the upper plate in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

6. The adjusting and positioning device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The first adjustment mechanism includes: A first support (210) is used to secure the device frame; and A first adjusting bolt (230) is threadedly engaged with a first support and connected to the first component, such that rotation of the first adjusting bolt relative to the first support drives translation of the first component, thereby causing translation of the second component connected to the first component and the radiation source assembly positioned on the second component relative to the device frame along the first direction.

7. The adjusting and positioning device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The first component is provided with a long strip-shaped first hole (127), which penetrates the first component and extends in the first direction; The adjustment and positioning device also includes a first fastener (107) that is inserted into the first hole and tightened to mount the first component to the device frame, and is configured to be released during the translational movement to allow the first component to translate relative to the device frame with the inner wall of the first hole against the first fastener.

8. The adjusting and positioning device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The adjustment and positioning device also includes a translation guide member (500) for fixing to the equipment frame and configured to guide the base to perform translational movement.

9. The adjusting and positioning device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The second adjustment mechanism includes: A second support (310) is used to secure the device frame; and The second adjusting bolt (320) is threadedly engaged with the second support and connected to the second component, such that rotation of the second adjusting bolt relative to the second support drives rotation of the second component, thereby causing the radiation source assembly positioned on the second component to rotate.

10. The adjusting and positioning device according to claim 9, wherein, The second adjusting bolt is arranged such that its rotation relative to the second support applies a force tangential to the rotation of the second component in a circumferential direction.

11. The adjusting and positioning device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The third hole penetrates the second component; The fastener is a second fastener (103) which is configured to be loosened during the rotation to allow the second component to rotate with the inner wall of the third hole against the second fastener.

12. The adjusting and positioning device according to claim 6, wherein, The first adjustment mechanism further includes: The third support (220) is fixed to the first component and connected to the first adjusting bolt.

13. The adjusting and positioning device according to claim 9, wherein, The second adjustment mechanism also includes: The fourth support (330) is fixed to the second component and connected to the second adjusting bolt.

14. A radiation scanning imaging apparatus, comprising a radiation source assembly and an adjustment and positioning device according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the radiation source assembly is supported on the adjustment and positioning device for adjusting the orientation of the radiation source assembly by the adjustment and positioning device.

15. A method for adjusting the orientation of a radiation source assembly of a radiation scanning imaging device using the adjustment and positioning device of claim 1, comprising at least one of the following steps: The translation adjustment step includes driving the entire base relative to the device frame via a first adjustment mechanism to cause the radiation source assembly to translate in a first direction, thereby adjusting the position of the radiation source assembly, during which the second component is fixed relative to the first component; and The rotation adjustment step includes driving the second component to move as a whole relative to the first component through the second adjustment mechanism, thereby causing the X-ray source assembly to rotate within an angle range to adjust the beam output direction of the X-ray source assembly. During the rotation, the fixation of the second component relative to the first component is loosened, so that the second component is driven by the second adjustment mechanism to move as a whole relative to the first component, and the fastener slides in the third hole (113) to guide the rotation of the second component relative to the first component.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The base includes an upper plate as the second component and a lower plate as the first component, the upper plate and the lower plate being stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction, such that the X-ray source assembly is positioned on the upper surface of the upper plate, and the upper plate and the lower plate are connected together in a manner that allows them to move relative to each other. The translation adjustment step includes driving the upper and lower plates together to move relative to the device frame via a first adjustment mechanism to drive the X-ray source assembly to translate in a first direction; and The rotation adjustment step includes driving the upper plate to rotate relative to the lower plate through a second adjustment mechanism to drive the X-ray source assembly to rotate.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, An upright shaft is provided on the upper surface of the lower plate facing the upper plate. A through hole is provided on the upper plate at a position corresponding to the shaft. The shaft extends upward through the through hole to engage with a corresponding shaft hole in the radiation source assembly. The rotation adjustment step further includes driving the upper plate and the radiation source assembly to rotate around the axis via a second adjustment mechanism.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first adjustment mechanism includes: a first support fixed to the equipment frame; and a first adjusting bolt threadedly engaged with the first support and connected to the first component. The translation adjustment step includes rotating a first adjusting bolt relative to a first support to drive the first component to translate, thereby causing the second component connected to the first component and the radiation source assembly positioned on the second component to translate relative to the device frame along the first direction.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first component is provided with a long strip-shaped first hole, which penetrates the first component and extends in the first direction; The adjustment and positioning device also includes a first fastener, which is inserted into the first hole and tightened to mount the first component to the device frame; and The translation adjustment step further includes loosening the first fastener and driving the first component to translate relative to the device frame by means of a first adjustment mechanism such that the inner wall of the first hole abuts against the first fastener.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein, The second adjustment mechanism includes: a second support fixed to the equipment frame; and a second adjusting bolt threadedly engaged with the second support and connected to the second component; and The rotation adjustment step includes rotating the second adjusting bolt relative to the second support to drive the second component to rotate, thereby causing the radiation source assembly positioned on the second component to rotate.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The rotation adjustment step includes applying a force to the second component in a direction tangential to the circumferential direction of the rotation of the second component by rotating the second adjusting bolt relative to the second support.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The third hole penetrates the second component; The fastener is a second fastener, which is inserted through the third hole and engages the second hole to fasten the second component to the first component; and The rotation adjustment step includes loosening the second fastener to allow the second component to rotate under the drive of the second adjustment mechanism such that the inner wall of the third hole abuts against the second fastener.

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