Installation and disassembly methods of X-ray CT equipment and its gantry units

Abstract

An X-ray CT apparatus and a method for installing and disassembling units within its gantry are disclosed. The embodiments relate to an X-ray CT apparatus and a method for installing and disassembling units within its gantry. This achieves lightweighting and high rigidity of the rotating part, including the rotating base. The X-ray CT apparatus of the embodiment includes a gantry. The gantry includes a rotating base rotatably supported, a plurality of units fixed to the rotating base, and a separate fixing member that fixes at least two of the plurality of units to each other and is separately disposed from the rotating base.

Description

[0001] Reference to relevant applications

[0002] This application enjoys the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-008429, filed on January 24, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings relate to the installation and disassembly methods of X-ray CT apparatus and units within the gantry of the X-ray CT apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] The rotation speed of the gantry (frame) in X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) scanner has been increasing year by year. For example, the gantry has a drum-shaped (cylindrical) rotating base (rotating body). Multiple units are arranged inside the drum-shaped rotating base. These units include, for example, an X-ray tube, a heat exchanger (cooler) for the X-ray tube, a starter unit for rotating the anode (target) of the X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and a high-voltage generating device. As the rotation speed of the gantry increases, the magnitude of the centrifugal force applied to these multiple units increases. Therefore, when the drum-shaped rotating base is constructed with high rigidity, the mass of the rotating base tends to increase.

[0005] If the mass of the drum-shaped rotating base increases, the amount of electricity required to make the rotating base rotate will also increase.

[0006] Another technique involves mounting a frame that supports the unit to the side of a rotating base. However, in this technique, a large centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation is applied to each unit. Therefore, to achieve high rigidity of the frame and the rotating base on which the frame is mounted, the size and mass of the frame and the rotating base increase. Furthermore, to compensate for the insufficient mAs value caused by high-speed rotation, the size and mass of each unit generally tend to increase. Therefore, in this technique, it is difficult to achieve both high rigidity to cope with high-speed rotation and lightweight design of the rotating part.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to achieve both lightweight and high rigidity of the entire rotating part, including the rotating base. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings is to achieve lightweighting and high rigidity of the entire rotating part, including the rotating base. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings are not limited to the above-mentioned problems. Other problems may also be defined as those corresponding to the effects of the various structures shown in the embodiments described below.

[0009] The X-ray CT apparatus of the embodiment includes a frame. The frame includes a rotating base that is rotatably supported, a plurality of units fixed to the rotating base, and a separate fixing member that fixes at least two of the plurality of units to each other and is separately disposed from the rotating base.

[0010] Effect

[0011] According to the embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus can achieve lightweighting and high rigidity of the entire rotating part, including the rotating base. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the platform device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2B This is a diagram showing an example of the detailed structure of a portion of the platform device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for fixing a rotating frame unit relative to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a unit in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5A This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps in the method for installing the unit of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5B This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps in the disassembly method for the unit of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the platform device according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the stand device in the third embodiment with the second cover open.

[0021] Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the stand device in the third embodiment with the second cover closed.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the platform device according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings is to achieve lightweighting and high rigidity of the entire rotating part, including the rotating base. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings are not limited to the above-mentioned problems. Other problems may also be defined as those corresponding to the effects of the various structures shown in the embodiments described below.

[0024] The X-ray CT apparatus of the embodiment includes a frame. The frame includes a rotating base that is rotatably supported, a plurality of units fixed to the rotating base, and a separate fixing member that fixes at least two of the plurality of units to each other and is separately disposed from the rotating base.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the X-ray CT apparatus and the installation and disassembly methods of the units within the X-ray CT apparatus gantry will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the installation and disassembly methods of the X-ray CT apparatus and the units within the X-ray CT apparatus gantry of this application are not limited to the embodiments shown below. Furthermore, embodiments may be combined with other embodiments or prior art to the extent that the content does not create contradictions. Additionally, in the following description, the same constituent elements are sometimes given common reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0026] <First Implementation Method>

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes a stand device 10, an examination bed device 30, and a console device 40.

[0028] Here, in Figure 1 In this design, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in its non-tilted state, or the long side direction of the top plate 33 of the examination bed device 30, is defined as the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is an example of the scan axis direction. Furthermore, an axis direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and horizontal relative to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction. Additionally, an axis direction orthogonal to both the Z-axis and X-axis directions and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, Figure 1 For illustrative purposes, the stage assembly 10 is depicted from multiple directions, representing the case where the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a stage assembly 10.

[0029] The gantry assembly 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray high-voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, and a DAS (Data Acquisition System) 18. Furthermore, the gantry assembly 10 is also referred to as a frame.

[0030] X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube having a cathode (filament) that generates thermionic electrons and an anode (target) that generates X-rays by receiving the collisions of thermionic electrons. X-ray tube 11 generates X-rays that irradiate the subject P by applying a high voltage from X-ray high-voltage device 14, which irradiates thermionic electrons from the cathode toward the anode. For example, X-ray tube 11 may be a rotating anode type that generates X-rays by irradiating thermionic electrons onto a rotating anode.

[0031] X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays that have irradiated the object P from X-ray tube 11 and passed through it, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected X-ray quantity to DAS 18. X-ray detector 12, for example, has multiple rows of detection elements along an arc centered on the focal point of X-ray tube 11, with multiple detection elements arranged along the channel direction. X-ray detector 12, for example, has a structure in which multiple rows of detection elements arranged along the channel direction are arranged in a row direction (slice direction, row direction).

[0032] For example, the X-ray detector 12 is an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator array has multiple scintillators. Each scintillator is a scintillating crystal that outputs light with a photon quantity corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays. The grid is disposed on the X-ray incident side of the scintillator array and has an X-ray shield that absorbs scattered X-rays. Furthermore, the grid is sometimes referred to as a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array has the function of converting the light into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light from the scintillator, and includes optical sensors such as photodiodes. Alternatively, the X-ray detector 12 can also be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electrical signal.

[0033] The rotating frame 13 is a ring-shaped frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 in opposite directions, and rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 via a control device 15. For example, the rotating frame 13 is a casting made of aluminum. In addition to supporting the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13 can also further support the X-ray high-voltage device 14, the wedge 16, the collimator 17, the DAS 18, etc. Furthermore, the rotating frame 13 can also further support... Figure 1 Various structures not shown in the diagram. The various structures supported by the rotating frame 13 will be described later. Furthermore, the rotating frame 13 is also referred to as a rotating base or a rotating body, etc. Additionally, in the platform assembly 10, the rotating frame 13 and the parts that rotate and move together with the rotating frame 13 are also referred to as rotating parts.

[0034] The X-ray high-voltage device 14 includes a high-voltage generating device and an X-ray control device. The high-voltage generating device has circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier to generate a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray control device controls the output voltage corresponding to the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 11. The high-voltage generating device can be either a transformer or an inverter. Furthermore, the X-ray high-voltage device 14 can be mounted on either the rotating frame 13 or a fixed frame (not shown).

[0035] The control device 15 has a processing circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and drive mechanisms such as a motor and actuator. The control device 15 receives input signals from the input interface 43 and controls the operation of the platform assembly 10 and the examination bed assembly 30. For example, the control device 15 controls the rotation of the rotating frame 13, the tilting of the platform assembly 10, and the movement of the examination bed assembly 30 and the top plate 33. As an example, the control device 15 includes a rotation drive device 52 (see reference 52) comprising bearings, a motor, etc., for rotating the rotating frame 13. Figure 2A The rotation drive device 52 of the control device 15 uses an axis parallel to the Z-axis as the rotation axis, and rotates the rotating frame 13 around the rotation axis. In addition, the control device 15 can be installed on either the platform device 10 or the control console device 40.

[0036] The wedge 16 is a filter used to adjust the amount of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 is a filter that attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 by allowing them to pass through, so that the distribution of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P is a predetermined distribution. For example, the wedge 16 is a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter, which is a filter made of aluminum or the like, processed to achieve a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

[0037] Collimator 17 is a lead plate or similar device used to limit the irradiation range of X-rays transmitted at wedge 16. A slit is formed by combining multiple lead plates or similar devices. Collimator 17 is also sometimes referred to as an X-ray limiter. Additionally, in Figure 1 The diagram shows a case where a wedge 16 is positioned between the X-ray tube 11 and the collimator 17, but it is also possible for the collimator 17 to be positioned between the X-ray tube 11 and the wedge 16. In this case, the wedge 16 attenuates the X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 and whose irradiation range is limited by the collimator 17.

[0038] DAS18 collects the X-ray signals detected by the various detection elements of X-ray detector 12. For example, DAS18 has an amplifier that amplifies the electrical signals output from each detection element and an A / D converter that converts the electrical signals into digital signals to generate detection data.

[0039] The data generated by DAS18 is transmitted via optical communication from a transmitter equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the rotating frame 13 to the non-rotating part (e.g., the fixed frame) mounted on the platform assembly 10. (Details omitted) Figure 1 The receiver (illustrated in the diagram) with a photodiode transmits data to the control unit 40. Here, the non-rotating part is, for example, a fixed frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame 13. Furthermore, the method of transmitting data from the rotating frame 13 to the non-rotating part of the platform device 10 is not limited to optical communication; any non-contact data transmission method or a contact data transmission method can be used.

[0040] The examination bed device 30 is a device for placing and moving the subject P, which is to be photographed. It includes a base 31, an examination bed drive device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The base 31 is a frame that supports the support frame 34 and is capable of moving in the vertical direction. The examination bed drive device 32 is a drive mechanism that moves the top plate 33, on which the subject P is placed, along the long axis of the top plate 33, and includes a motor and actuators. The top plate 33, which is provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34, is the plate on which the subject P is placed. In addition, the examination bed drive device 32 can also move the support frame 34 along the long axis of the top plate 33, in addition to moving the top plate 33.

[0041] The console device 40 includes a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and processing circuitry 44. Furthermore, although the console device 40 is described separately from the platform device 10, the platform device 10 may also include the console device 40 or a portion of its components.

[0042] The memory 41 is implemented, for example, using semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, hard disk, optical disk, etc. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data and CT image data. Additionally, for example, the memory 41 stores programs for enabling the circuitry included in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 to perform various functions. The memory 41 can also be implemented using a server group (cloud) connected to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 via a network.

[0043] Display 42 displays various information. For example, display 42 displays various images generated by processing circuit 44, or displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator. For example, display 42 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. Display 42 can be a desktop type, or it can be a tablet terminal capable of wireless communication with the main body of control console device 40. Furthermore, display 42 is an example of a display unit.

[0044] Input interface 43 receives various input operations from the operator, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs them to processing circuit 44. Additionally, input interface 43 receives, for example, input operations from the operator such as scanning conditions, reconstruction conditions when reconstructing CT image data, and image processing conditions when generating post-processed images from CT image data.

[0045] For example, the input interface 43 can be implemented using a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad for input via touch operation surface, touchscreen integrating display screen and touchpad, contactless input circuit using optical sensors, voice input circuit, etc. Furthermore, the input interface 43 can also be mounted on the stand device 10. Additionally, the input interface 43 can also be configured as a tablet terminal capable of wireless communication with the main body of the console device 40. Moreover, the input interface 43 is not limited to structures with physical operating devices such as a mouse and keyboard. For example, in some examples, the input interface 43 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from external input devices separately mounted from the console device 40 and outputs these electrical signals to the processing circuit 44.

[0046] The processing circuit 44 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. For example, the processing circuit 44 executes control function 441, preprocessing function 442, reconstruction processing function 443, and image processing function 444. Here, for example, Figure 1 The components of the processing circuit 44 shown, namely the control function 441, pre-processing function 442, reconstruction processing function 443, and image processing function 444, and the processing functions executed by each of these functions, are recorded in the memory 41 as programs executable by a computer. The processing circuit 44, for example, is a processor, which implements the functions corresponding to each program read from the memory 41 and executing them. In other words, the processing circuit 44, having read the state of each program, has... Figure 1 The functions shown in the processing circuit 44.

[0047] In addition, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a scenario where the control function 441, pre-processing function 442, reconstruction processing function 443, and image processing function 444 are implemented by a single processing circuit 44, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 44 may also be configured by combining multiple independent processors, with each processor executing its own program to implement each processing function. Furthermore, the processing functions of the processing circuit 44 may be appropriately distributed or concentrated in one or more processing circuits.

[0048] Control function 441 controls various processes based on input operations received from the operator via input interface 43. Specifically, control function 441 controls CT scans performed by the gantry device 10. For example, control function 441 controls the collection and processing of counting results in the gantry device 10 by controlling the operation of the X-ray high-voltage device 14, X-ray detector 12, control device 15, DAS 18, and examination bed drive device 32. As an example, control function 441 controls the collection and processing of projection data in positioning scans (collecting positioning images, scan images) and in imaging (formal scans) for diagnostic purposes.

[0049] In addition, the control function 441 enables the display 42 to display images based on various image data stored in the memory 41.

[0050] The preprocessing function 442 generates projection data by performing preprocessing operations such as logarithmic transformation, offset correction, inter-channel sensitivity correction, beam hardening correction, scattered ray correction, and dark count correction on the detection data output from the DAS18. Furthermore, the data after preprocessing the detection data is also referred to as raw data. Additionally, both the detection data before preprocessing and the raw data after preprocessing are referred to as projection data.

[0051] The reconstruction processing function 443 performs reconstruction processing on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442 using methods such as filter-corrected inverse projection and successive approximate reconstruction, to generate CT image data. The reconstruction processing function 443 stores the reconstructed CT image data in the memory 41.

[0052] Image processing function 444, based on input received from the operator via input interface 43, converts the CT image data generated by reconstruction processing function 443 into tomographic images of arbitrary cross sections or three-dimensional images based on rendering processing, using known methods. Image processing function 444 stores the converted image data in memory 41.

[0053] The structure of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. The X-ray CT apparatus 1, under the above structure, undergoes the processes described below to achieve both lightweighting and high rigidity of the entire rotating part, including the rotating frame 13.

[0054] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the stand device 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2B This is a diagram showing an example of the detailed structure of a portion of the stand device 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2AThe diagram on the left shows an example of the internal structure of the platform device 10 from the XY plane perspective. Figure 2A The diagram on the right shows an example of the internal structure of the platform device 10 from the ZY plane perspective.

[0055] like Figure 2A As shown, the platform device 10 includes a cover, a rotating frame 13, a rotating drive device 52, and multiple units (in... Figure 2A In the example, there are six units (53) and cross members (54).

[0056] The cover of the platform assembly 10 houses the rotating frame 13, the rotating drive device 52, multiple units 53, and the crossbeam 54. The cover of the platform assembly 10 is formed, for example, from a reinforced resin such as FRP. The cover of the platform assembly 10 includes a first cover 55a and a second cover 55b. The first cover 55a is configured to cover the area on the rotating drive device 52 side of the entire rotating section. The second cover 55b is configured to be openable and closable relative to the first cover 55a. For example, when the second cover 55b is closed relative to the first cover 55a, it is configured to cover the area on the unit 53 side of the entire rotating section. The second cover 55b is opened when the unit 53 is mounted to the rotating frame 13, when the crossbeam 54 is mounted to the unit 53, when the crossbeam 54 is removed from the unit 53, and when the unit 53 is removed from the rotating frame 13.

[0057] As described above, the rotating frame 13 is supported by a fixed frame or the like so that it can rotate. For example, the rotating frame 13 rotates about an axis parallel to the Z-axis direction in a plane parallel to the XY plane. The rotating frame 13 is composed of an annular component having side surfaces and two main surfaces, with holes formed in the center of these main surfaces. That is, the rotating frame 13 of this embodiment is annular, not cylindrical. The rotating frame 13 is, for example, a casting made of aluminum. Figure 2A As shown, multiple units 53 are fixed on one of the two main surfaces of the rotating frame 13. Additionally, a rotation drive device 52 is provided on the other main surface of the rotating frame 13.

[0058] The multiple units 53 include the X-ray tube 11, the X-ray high-voltage device 14, and the X-ray detector 12, as described above. Alternatively, the multiple units 53 may also be a start-up unit for rotating the anode of the X-ray tube 11, or a heat exchanger (cooler) for the X-ray tube 11. In the case of distinguishing each of the multiple units 53, reference numerals 53a to 53f will be used instead of reference numeral 53 in the description. For example, unit 53a is the X-ray tube 11, unit 53b is the heat exchanger for the X-ray tube 11, and unit 53c is the start-up unit. Furthermore, unit 53d is the X-ray detector 12, unit 53e is the inverter unit of the X-ray high-voltage device 14, and unit 53f is the boost unit of the X-ray high-voltage device 14.

[0059] Multiple units 53 are fixed to the rotating frame 13. Specifically, the multiple units 53 are fixed to one of the two main faces of the rotating frame 13 as described above. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for fixing the rotating frame 13 to the unit 53 relative to the first embodiment.

[0060] In the plurality of units 53, unit 53d of the X-ray detector 12 is fixedly mounted on a beam protruding from one of the two main faces of the rotating frame 13. On the other hand, the other units 53, such as... Figure 3 The aforementioned main surface of the rotating frame 13 is fixedly mounted to the rotating frame 13 via a bracket 60. In the following description, the main surface of the fixing unit 53 of the rotating frame 13 will be referred to as the "mounting surface".

[0061] The bracket 60 is an L-shaped component, formed by bending an elongated plate-shaped component at approximately 90 degrees. That is, the bracket 60 is composed of an elongated first plate-shaped component and an elongated second plate-shaped component extending in a direction that intersects the extending direction of the first plate-shaped component at approximately a 90-degree angle.

[0062] The first plate-shaped member of the bracket 60 is mounted to the unit 53. Therefore, the bracket 60 is mounted to the unit 53 such that the second plate-shaped member of the bracket 60 protrudes from the unit 53. Furthermore, the bracket 60 is fixed to the mounting surface such that the mounting surface side of the rotating frame 13, one of the two main surfaces of the second plate-shaped member of the bracket 60, is along the mounting surface. Specifically, the mounting surface side of the second plate-shaped member of the bracket 60 and the mounting surface of the rotating frame 13 are fixed by fastening members such as bolts and nuts. Thus, the unit 53 is mounted and fixed to the rotating frame 13 via the bracket 60. Furthermore, the bolt is an example of a first fixing member inserted along the Z-axis direction.

[0063] When the user installs the unit 53 on the rotating frame 13, he / she opens the second cover 55b and uses bolts and nuts and other fastening components to install and fix the unit 53 to the rotating frame 13 in the manner described above.

[0064] Alternatively, when the user removes the unit 53 from the rotating frame 13, he / she opens the second cover 55b and pulls out the fixing part, thereby removing the unit 53 from the rotating frame 13.

[0065] Bolts and nuts, among other fastening components, are visible and exposed when viewed from the Z-axis direction with the second cover 55b open. Therefore, the user can easily open the second cover 55b and insert or remove bolts and nuts along the Z-axis. Thus, in this embodiment, the user can easily install unit 53 onto or remove unit 53 from the rotating frame 13.

[0066] The crossbeam 54 is a ring-shaped component. For example, the crossbeam 54 can also be a casting made of metals such as aluminum. However, as long as the strength is high, the crossbeam 54 is not limited to this type of casting. The crossbeam 54 securely fastens multiple units 53 by joining them together. That is, the crossbeam 54 fixes multiple units 53 to each other.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of unit 53 in the first embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 4 As shown, slots 70 are formed on each of the multiple units 53. Specifically, slots 70 with shapes matching the shape of the crossbeam 54 are formed on the side of the unit 53 opposite to the side of the rotating frame 13, so that the crossbeam 54 can be embedded.

[0068] The crossbeam 54 fixes the multiple units 53 together by inserting it into slots 70 formed in the multiple units 53. The crossbeam 54 has a predetermined rigidity, thus the positional relationship of the multiple units 53 on which the crossbeam 54 is mounted is fixed by both the rotating frame 13 and the crossbeam 54. In particular, in one embodiment, the slots 70 are formed in each of the multiple units 53 on a surface opposite to the surface that contacts the rotating frame 13. Thus, the positional relationship of the multiple units 53 is fixed on both the contacting surface and the opposite surface, providing support and fixation on both surfaces. This achieves the desired rigidity.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 2A As indicated by the double-headed arrows, the crossbeam 54 is a separate component from the rotating frame 13, and is disposed separately from the rotating frame 13 in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the crossbeam 54 is disposed separately from the rotating frame 13 in the Z-axis direction with a gap between it and the rotating frame 13. Here, refer to... Figure 2BThe positional relationship of multiple units 53 fixed by a crossbeam 54 separately arranged relative to the rotating frame 13 in the Z-axis direction will be explained. For example, using a bracket 60 (see...) Figure 3 The portion 57 of the multiple units 53 on the rotating frame 13 side in the Z-axis direction is fixed relative to the rotating frame 13. Thus, the positional relationship of the multiple portions 57 of the multiple units 53 on the rotating frame 13 side in the Z-axis direction is fixed. Furthermore, as described above, because the crossbeam 54 has a predetermined rigidity, the positional relationship of the multiple portions 58 of the multiple units 53 on the side opposite to the rotating frame 13 side in the Z-axis direction is fixed using the crossbeam 54. In this way, the crossbeam 54 fixes the multiple units 53 by fixing the portion 58 on the side opposite to the rotating frame 13 side in the Z-axis direction of the multiple units 53.

[0070] Furthermore, the crossbeam 54 can also be a plate-like / rod-like component or an arc-shaped component with a curved surface (e.g., a component corresponding to one of four circumferentially divided cylinders with a specified thickness), rather than an annular component. In this case, the crossbeam 54 fixes at least two of the multiple units (six units) 53 to each other. For example, the crossbeam 54 can also fix three or more of the multiple units (six units) 53 to each other. The crossbeam 54 is an example of a fixing component and a second fixing component.

[0071] When installing the crossbeam 54 into the unit 53, the user opens the second cover 55b and pushes the crossbeam 54 in the Z-axis direction to embed it into the groove 70, thereby fixing the crossbeam 54 to the unit 53. In this way, the user fixes the unit 53 via the crossbeam 54 by pushing the crossbeam 54 relative to the unit 53 in the Z-axis direction to bring the crossbeam 54 into contact with the unit 53.

[0072] Alternatively, when the user removes the crossbeam 54 from unit 53, they open the second cover 55b and pull the crossbeam 54 from the slot 70, thereby removing the crossbeam 54 from unit 53. In this case, the user pulls the crossbeam 54 in the opposite direction to when the crossbeam 54 is inserted into the slot 70.

[0073] The crossbeam 54 is visible and exposed when viewed from the Z-axis direction with the second cover 55b open. Therefore, the user can easily open the second cover 55b and insert or remove the crossbeam 54 in the Z-axis direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the user can easily install the crossbeam 54 onto or remove the crossbeam 54 from the unit 53.

[0074] Next, an example of the steps for installing unit 53 within the stand assembly 10 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 5AThis is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps in the installation method of unit 53 in the first embodiment. Figure 5A The steps shown are performed after the user opens the second cover 55b.

[0075] like Figure 5A As shown, in step S101, with the second cover 55b open, the user uses bolts and nuts and other fixing components to install and fix the unit 53 to the rotating frame 13.

[0076] Then, in step S102, with the second cover 55b open, the user pushes the crossbeam 54 in the Z-axis direction and embeds it into the groove 70, thereby installing and fixing the crossbeam 54 to the unit 53. Thus, the crossbeam 54 fixes the multiple units 53 together. In this way, the user fixes the unit 53 via the crossbeam 54 by pushing the crossbeam 54 relative to the unit 53 in the Z-axis direction, bringing the crossbeam 54 into contact with the unit 53.

[0077] Next, an example of the steps for disassembling the unit 53 within the stand assembly 10 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 5B This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps in the disassembly method for unit 53 of the first embodiment. Figure 5B The steps shown are performed after the user opens the second cover 55b.

[0078] like Figure 5B As shown, in step S201, with the second cover 55b open, the user pulls the crossbeam 54 from the slot 70 in the opposite direction to the case where the crossbeam 54 is embedded in the slot 70, thereby removing the crossbeam 54 from the unit 53.

[0079] Then, in step S202, with the second cover 55b open, the user pulls out the bolts and nuts and other fixing parts, thereby removing the unit 53 from the rotating frame 13.

[0080] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. In the first embodiment, the rotating frame 13, the plurality of units 53, and the crossbeam 54 are an integrated rotating structure. Therefore, the rotating part including this rotating structure utilizes the mechanical strength of each unit 53 and has high rigidity. In addition, the rotating part is lightweight. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to achieve both lightweight and high rigidity of the rotating part including the rotating frame 13 as a whole.

[0081] In addition, because the overall weight of the rotating part can be reduced, the amount of electricity required to rotate the rotating frame 13 can be suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the crossbeam 54 is separated from the rotating frame 13 in the Z-axis direction by providing a gap between it and the rotating frame 13. Therefore, compared to the existing drum-shaped rotating base without such a gap, in the first embodiment, air can easily flow from the rotation center of the rotating part toward the outer periphery. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, heat dissipation can be easily achieved, and the rotating part can be cooled more efficiently. In addition, the airflow within the platform device 10 is improved, so the noise caused by air stagnation can be reduced. Moreover, by improving heat dissipation, the heat dissipation of the fan can be reduced accordingly, resulting in a reduction in fan noise.

[0083] <Second Implementation Method>

[0084] In the first embodiment, the case where a circular or arc-shaped crossbeam 54 is used was described. However, the crossbeam can also be polygonal. Therefore, this embodiment will be described as the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the description of the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and descriptions of structures identical to those in the first embodiment will sometimes be omitted.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the stage device 10a in the second embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus of the second embodiment differs from the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a stage device 10a instead of a stage device 10.

[0086] The platform device 10a differs from the platform device 10 of the first embodiment in that it has a crossbeam 54a instead of a crossbeam 54. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the crossbeam 54a has an octagonal shape. This is because the number of units 53 fixed by the crossbeam 54a is eight. That is, in the second embodiment, for example, when the number of units 53 fixed by the crossbeam 54a is W (W is an integer of 3 or more), the crossbeam 54a has a W-shaped shape. Furthermore, when the number of units 53 fixed by the crossbeam 54a is two, the crossbeam 54a becomes a shape that bends the rod-shaped member at one point. The crossbeam 54a is an example of a fixing member and a second fixing member.

[0087] The X-ray CT apparatus of the second embodiment has been described above. According to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0088] <Third Implementation Method>

[0089] Alternatively, the crossbeam 54 of the first embodiment or the crossbeam 54a of the second embodiment can be disposed on the inner surface of the second cover 55b, and when the second cover 55b is closed, the crossbeam 54 or the crossbeam 54a fixes the multiple units 53. Therefore, this embodiment will be described as the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the description of the third embodiment, the differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and the description of structures that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments will sometimes be omitted.

[0090] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the stage device 10b in the third embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus of the third embodiment differs from the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment and the X-ray CT apparatus of the second embodiment in that it includes the stage device 10b instead of the stage devices 10 and 10a.

[0091] Figure 7A This indicates that the second cover 55b is open. Figure 7B This indicates that the second cover 55b is closed. In the support assembly 10b, a crossbeam 54 or crossbeam 54a is rotatably supported on the inner surface of the second cover 55b. For example, the crossbeam 54 or crossbeam 54a is mounted on the second cover 55b via bearings. For example, as... Figure 7B As shown, with the second cover 55b closed, the second cover 55b supports the crossbeam 54 or the crossbeam 54a in such a way that the crossbeam 54 or the crossbeam 54a can rotate along the XY plane.

[0092] In addition, such as Figure 7B As shown, with the second cover 55b closed, the crossbeam 54 or crossbeam 54a is installed and fixed to the multiple units 53. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the user can install the crossbeams 54 and 54a to the unit 53 simply by closing the second cover 55b. Thus, the user can easily install the crossbeams 54 and 54a to the unit 53.

[0093] Furthermore, the user can easily remove the crossbeams 54 and 54a from unit 53 by simply closing the second cover 55b. Therefore, the user can easily remove the crossbeams 54 and 54a from unit 53.

[0094] The X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment has been described above. According to the third embodiment, as described above, the user can easily install the crossbeams 54, 54a into the unit 53. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

[0095] <Fourth Implementation Method>

[0096] In the first to third embodiments, the case of using a single annular or arc-shaped crossbeam 54, 54a was described. However, multiple crossbeams may also be used. Therefore, this embodiment will be described as the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, in the description of the fourth embodiment, the differences from the first to third embodiments will be mainly explained, and descriptions of structures identical to those in the first to third embodiments will sometimes be omitted.

[0097] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the stage device 10c according to the fourth embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus of the fourth embodiment differs from the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes the stage device 10c instead of the stage device 10.

[0098] The platform device 10c differs from the platform device 10 of the first embodiment in that it has multiple crossbeams 54b instead of crossbeams 54. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the platform device 10c has six crossbeams 54b. This is because the number of units 53 fixed by the crossbeams 54b is six. That is, in the fourth embodiment, for example, when the total number of units 53 fixed by the crossbeams 54b is W (W is an integer of 3 or more), the number of crossbeams 54b used is W. Furthermore, when the total number of units 53 fixed by the crossbeams 54b is two, one or two crossbeams 54b are used. The crossbeams 54b are an example of fixing components.

[0099] For example, one of the six crossbeams 54b fixes two units 53a and 53b to each other. Another crossbeam 54b fixes two other units 53c and 53d to each other. The other crossbeams 54b are similar. The aforementioned "one crossbeam 54b" is an example of a first fixing component. The aforementioned "another crossbeam 54b" is an example of a second fixing component.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment, a groove identical to the groove 70 described above can be formed on the unit 53, and the crossbeam 54b can be installed on the unit 53 by being embedded in this groove. Alternatively, the user can use a metal plate or screws to install the crossbeam 54b on the unit 53.

[0101] The X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment has been described above. According to the fourth embodiment, although the number of crossbeams increases compared to the first to third embodiments, the overall mass of the crossbeams can be reduced. Therefore, the overall weight reduction of the rotating part, including the rotating frame 13, can be further achieved. Furthermore, the fourth embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0102] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to achieve lightweighting and high rigidity of the rotating part including the rotating frame 13.

[0103] Some embodiments have been described, but these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An X-ray CT device, characterized in that, The device includes a frame comprising a rotatable base, multiple units fixed to the rotatable base, and a separate fixing component that fixes at least two of the multiple units to each other and is separately disposed from the rotatable base. The frame also includes a cover that houses the rotating base, the plurality of units, and the fixed components. The cover includes a first cover and a second cover that can be opened and closed relative to the first cover. The fixing member is mounted on the second cover in such a way that the fixing member is rotatably supported by the second cover, and that when the second cover is closed relative to the first cover, the at least two units are fixed to each other by the fixing member.

2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating base is composed of an annular component with sides and two main surfaces and a hole formed in the center. The at least two units are fixed to one of the two main faces.

3. The X-ray CT device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing component secures the portion of the at least two units on the side opposite to the portion on the rotating base side.

4. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component fixes three or more of the plurality of units to each other.

5. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component includes a first fixing component that fixes two of the plurality of units to each other and a second fixing component that fixes the other two units to each other.

6. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component is disposed separately from the rotating base in such a way that a gap is provided between the fixing component and the rotating base.

7. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component secures the at least two units by inserting it into a slot formed in the at least two units.

8. A method for installing a unit within the gantry of an X-ray CT apparatus, characterized in that, Include: In the step of fixing multiple units relative to the surface of the rotating base, a bracket that is fixed in a manner protruding from each unit and has a surface along the surface of the rotating base is fixed using a first fixing member inserted along the scanning axis direction. as well as In the step of fixing the at least two units via the second fixing member by pushing the second fixing member relative to the at least two units in the direction of the scanning axis, so that the second fixing member is in contact with the at least two units, the second fixing member fixing at least two of the plurality of units fixed to the rotating base to each other. In the step of securing the at least two units, the at least two units are secured by closing the second cover relative to the first cover of a cover that houses the rotating base, the plurality of units, the bracket, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member and includes a first cover and a second cover that can be opened and closed relative to the first cover. The second fixing member is mounted on the second cover in such a way that the second fixing member is rotatably supported by the second cover, and the at least two units are secured to each other by the second fixing member when the second cover is closed relative to the first cover.

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