X-ray CT device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT device capable of improving maintenance operability. An X-ray CT device is provided with: a plurality of modules including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector; a rotating frame which carries and rotates the plurality of assemblies; and a support frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame, the support frame having one or more locking mechanisms each having a fixed shaft and a support member that movably supports the fixed shaft, and the support frame having one or more locking and fixing parts that can engage with the fixed shaft. The lock mechanism switches between a locked state in which rotation of the rotating frame is restricted and an unlocked state in which rotation of the rotating frame is enabled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray CT device, and in particular to an X-ray CT device that is easy to maintain. Background Art

[0002] The X-ray CT apparatus includes a rotating frame equipped with an X-ray tube and an X-ray detection unit, and a support frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame. The rotating frame is rotationally driven by a rotating belt driven by a motor. The rotating frame and the rotating belt are housed in a frame (gantry cover). The rotating frame is stopped during operation by stopping the rotating belt with a brake device.

[0003] When maintaining the X-ray CT device, the gantry cover is removed. The rotating frame is locked and the rotation of the rotating frame is restricted. In the locked state, the components mounted on the X-ray CT device are repaired or replaced. Patent document 1 discloses a mechanism for locking the rotating frame. Patent document 1 discloses that the rotating frame is locked by engaging the front end of the locking mechanism provided on the support frame with the fixing hole or fixing protrusion provided on the rotating frame.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-147652

[0005] When locking the rotating frame, the operator needs to engage the locking mechanism located at the deep position with the fixing hole, etc. This causes a decrease in maintenance workability. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus capable of improving maintenance workability.

[0007] The first type of X-ray CT device comprises: a plurality of components, including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector; a rotating frame carrying the plurality of components for rotation; and a supporting frame rotatably supporting the rotating frame, the supporting frame having one or more locking mechanisms having a fixed axis and a supporting component for movably supporting the fixed axis, the supporting frame having one or more locking fixing portions engageable with the fixed axis, the locking mechanism switching between a locked state for restricting the rotation of the rotating frame and an unlocked state for enabling the rotating frame to rotate.

[0008] In the X-ray CT apparatus of the second aspect, in the locked state where the fixed axis of the lock mechanism is engaged with the lock fixing portion, any one of the plurality of components is positioned below the rotation axis of the rotating frame.

[0009] In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third aspect, any one of the plurality of components is an X-ray source.

[0010] In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the one or more locking and fixing parts include a plurality of locking and fixing parts.

[0011] In the X-ray CT apparatus of the fifth aspect, any one of the plurality of components is positioned at a determined position according to a combination of lock states in which one of the plurality of lock fixing portions is engaged with the fixed axis of the lock mechanism.

[0012] In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the one or more lock mechanisms include a plurality of lock mechanisms.

[0013] In the X-ray CT apparatus of the seventh aspect, any one of the plurality of components is positioned at a determined position based on a combination of the locked states in which the fixed axis of one of the plurality of lock mechanisms is engaged with the lock fixing portion.

[0014] In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the fixed axis is arranged to be offset with respect to the supporting member.

[0015] In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the locking mechanism includes a marker indicating a position of the support member for locking the rotating frame or a position for unlocking the rotating frame.

[0016] In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the lock mechanism includes an elastic member that biases the support member toward a position where the rotating frame is in the unlocked state.

[0017] The X-ray CT apparatus according to the eleventh aspect includes a motor for rotating the rotating frame, and includes a processor for turning off power to the motor when the rotating frame is in the locked state.

[0018] In the X-ray CT apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, in a state where the fixed shaft is engaged with the lock fixing portion, the fixed shaft can maintain the rotating frame in a locked state with respect to the maximum output of the motor.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, maintenance workability can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the overall appearance of an X-ray CT apparatus.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is the appearance picture of the mast cover.

[0024] Figure 4This is a front view of the rotating disk portion of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment with the gantry cover removed.

[0025] Figure 5 is from Figure 4 A front view of the rotating disc portion of the embodiment in which the rotating frame is removed.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining a rotating frame in a locked state.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the locking mechanism in the locked state.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the lock mechanism in the unlocked state.

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining the symbols of the embodiment.

[0030] Explanation of symbols

[0031] 30-fixed frame, 32-fixed hole, 40-rotating frame, 55-control unit, 56-X-ray detection unit, 60-locking mechanism, 61-fixed axis, 62-support component, 63-block, 64-connecting surface, 65-moving surface, 66-first long hole, 67-second long hole, 68-guide pin, 69-fixing screw, 70-approach surface, 71-first through hole, 72-second through hole, 73-support surface, 74-first fixed surface, 75-second fixed surface, 76-first fixed pin, 77-second fixed pin, 80-tension spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] An X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033] First, use Figure 1 and Figure 2 The overall configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an external view of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the overall structure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry 100 , a bed 105 , and an operation unit 120 .

[0034] The gantry 100 includes a rotating disk portion 102 , a gantry control device 108 , a bed control device 109 , and an X-ray control device 110 .

[0035] in addition, Figure 1The three-dimensional coordinate system described in the figure represents an example of the direction definition in the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system are examples and are not limited thereto. In order to facilitate understanding in the following description, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 are defined as the same direction in any figure. The Z-axis direction is the body axis direction of the subject. The Y-axis direction is the up-down direction of the subject and is parallel to the gravity direction. The X-axis direction is the left-right direction of the subject and is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the gravity direction.

[0036] The rotating disk unit 102 includes a rotating frame 40 having an opening 104, an X-ray tube 51 mounted on the rotating frame 40, a collimator 103, and an X-ray detection unit 56. The subject 2 placed on the bed 105 enters the opening 104 of the rotating frame 40. The rotating disk unit 102 rotates around the subject 2. The rotating disk unit 102 has a tilting mechanism that rotates in a state where the direction of the rotation axis is tilted relative to the main plane of the top plate of the bed 105.

[0037] In addition, the gantry 100 accommodates the rotating disk portion 102 and the like. Figure 1 In the frame (gantry cover) 101 shown.

[0038] The X-ray tube 51 is a device for irradiating the subject 2 placed on the bed 105 with X-rays. The collimator 103 is a device for limiting the radiation range of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 51. The X-ray detection unit 56 includes an X-ray detector 256a and a data collection device 256b. The X-ray detector 256a is a device that is arranged on the rotating frame 40 opposite to the X-ray tube 51, and measures the spatial distribution of the transmitted X-rays by detecting the X-rays transmitted through the subject. The X-ray detector 256a arranges a plurality of X-ray detection elements along the rotation direction of the rotating frame 40, or arranges them two-dimensionally along the rotation direction of the rotating frame 40 and the rotation axis direction. The data collection device 256b is a device for collecting the amount of X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 256a as digital data.

[0039] The gantry control device 108 is a device for controlling the rotation of the rotating disk unit 102, and the control unit 55 as a part thereof is mounted on the rotating frame 40. The bed control device 109 is a device for controlling the vertical and forward and backward movement of the bed 105.

[0040] The X-ray control device 110 is a device that controls the power input to the X-ray tube 51. The high voltage generation units 53 and 54 and the cooling device 52, which are part of the X-ray control device 110, are mounted on the rotating frame 40.

[0041] The operation unit 120 includes an input device 121, an image computing device 122, a display device 125, a storage device 123, and a system control device 124. The input device 121 is a device for inputting the name of the subject, the date and time of the examination, the imaging conditions, etc. Specifically, the input device 121 is a keyboard or a pointing device. The image computing device 122 is a device for computing and processing the measurement data sent from the data collection device 256b of the X-ray detection unit 56 to reconstruct the CT image. The display device 125 is a device for displaying the CT image created by the image computing device 122, such as a liquid crystal display. The storage device 123 is a device for storing the data collected by the data collection device 256b and the image data of the CT image created by the image computing device 122, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The system control device 124 is a device for controlling these devices and the gantry control device 108, the bed control device 109, and the X-ray control device 110.

[0042] use Figure 3 to Figure 6 The structure of the portal frame 100 will be described.

[0043] Figure 3 This is an appearance diagram of the mast 100. Figure 3 3-1 is the main view, Figure 3 3-2 is a side view. Figure 3 Figure 3-3 is the rear view. Figure 3 As shown, the gantry 100 accommodates the rotating disk part 102 and the like in the frame (gantry cover) 101. The gantry cover 101 is composed of a plurality of separate gantry covers. For example, the plurality of separate gantry covers include a front cover 101a, an upper surface cover 101b, a side cover 101c, a first back cover 101d, and a second back cover 101e. By constituting the gantry cover 101 with a plurality of separate gantry covers, the assemblability and operability of the rotating disk part 102 and the like can be improved. The front cover 101a is integrally constructed. By removing the front cover 101a, the rotating disk part 102 and the like can be exposed.

[0044] Figure 4 It is a front view of the rotating disk portion 102 with the front cover 101a removed. Figure 5 is from Figure 4 The rotating disc portion 102 is a front view of a state where the rotating frame 40 is removed.

[0045] The gantry 100 includes a gantry cover 101 and a rotating disk portion 102 disposed inside the gantry cover 101 (see Figure 2 The rotating disk unit 102 includes a rotating frame 40 provided with an opening 104 , a fixed frame 30 supporting the rotating frame 40 from the back side via a bearing (not shown), and a bracket 10 supporting the fixed frame 30 .

[0046] The rotating frame 40 of the rotating disk part 102 is rotatably supported by the fixed frame 30 around the rotating axis Ax. The rotating frame 40 is connected to a large pulley (not shown) via the rotating part side (inner ring) of the bearing. The large pulley is arranged on the back side of the rotating frame 40. The driving belt 7 is wound around the outer circumference of the large pulley. The motor 11 is fixed to Figure 4 The position of the bracket 10 is shown below the gantry 100 and close to the right side. A small pulley (not shown) is connected to the rotating shaft (not shown) of the motor 11. The driving belt 7 is also wound around the small pulley.

[0047] The motor 11 rotates the small pulley to drive the drive belt 7. The large pulley rotates by the drive belt 7, and the rotating side (inner ring) of the bearing rotates. The large pulley rotates the bearing, and the rotating frame 40 is driven to rotate around the rotation axis Ax.

[0048] The rotating frame 40 is substantially octagonal in shape when viewed from the front. The rotating frame 40 is equipped with an X-ray tube 51, an X-ray detection unit 56, a cooling device 52, a control unit 55, and high voltage generation units 54 and 53. That is, the rotating frame 40 is equipped with a plurality of components including the X-ray tube 51 and the X-ray detection unit 56. Figure 4 In the embodiment, a plurality of components are fixed by bolts at positions corresponding to the sides of the substantially octagonal rotating frame 40. The X-ray tube 51 is an example of an X-ray source of the present invention. The X-ray detector 256a is an example of an X-ray detector of the present invention. The X-ray tube 51, the X-ray detection unit 56, the cooling device 52, the control unit 55, and the high voltage generating units 54 and 53 are examples of a plurality of components of the present invention. A locking mechanism 60 is arranged on the rotating frame 40.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the fixed frame 30 is arranged on the back side of the rotating frame 40. When the fixed frame 30 is viewed from the front, it is, for example, in a substantially octagonal shape. The fixed frame 30 is arranged such that an outer ring (not shown) on the fixed portion side of the bearing is surrounded by the opening 104. The fixed frame 30 is an example of a support frame of the present invention. The rotating frame 40 is an example of a rotating frame of the present invention.

[0050] The fixing frame 30 has one or more fixing holes 32 formed therein, and specifically, eight fixing holes 32 are formed therein.

[0051] The imaging operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is briefly described. The imaging conditions, especially the X-ray tube voltage and the X-ray tube current, etc. are input from the input device 121. The rotating frame 40 rotates around the subject 2. The X-ray control device 110 controls the power input to the X-ray tube 51 according to the imaging conditions. The X-ray tube 51 irradiates the subject with X-rays corresponding to the imaging conditions. The X-ray detection unit 56 detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 51 and transmitted through the subject using a plurality of X-ray detection elements of the X-ray detector 256a. The distribution of the transmitted X-rays is measured based on the detection results. The rotation speed of the rotating disk portion 102, the angle (tilt) of the rotating axis, etc. are set by the gantry control device 108 as the imaging conditions input from the input device 121. The rotation and stop of the rotating frame 40 are performed by the rotation drive of the drive belt 7 based on the motor 11 and the stop of the drive belt 7 based on the brake not shown. The gantry control device 108 controls the operation of the motor 11 and the operation of the brake. The bed 105 is controlled by a bed control device 109 and operates according to imaging conditions input from an input device 121 , particularly a helical pitch and the like.

[0052] The X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 51 and the measurement of the transmission X-ray distribution by the X-ray detection unit 56 are repeated together with the rotation of the rotating frame 40. Thus, projection data from various angles are acquired by the data collection device 256b. The acquired projection data from various angles are sent to the image computing device 122. The image computing device 122 reconstructs the CT image by performing back projection processing on the transmitted projection data from various angles. The CT image obtained by the reconstruction is displayed on the display device 125.

[0053] When performing maintenance such as replacement of the X-ray tube 51 or the X-ray detection unit 56, the power supply of the rotation drive device such as the motor 11 is turned off, and then the gantry cover 101 is removed. The rotating frame 40 is in a locked state where the rotation is restricted by the locking mechanism 60. The X-ray tube 51 is removed from the locked rotating frame 40, replaced, etc. When the maintenance is completed, the rotating frame 40 is in an unlocked state where it can rotate by the locking mechanism 60, and the X-ray CT apparatus 1 starts normal imaging operation.

[0054] <Locking mechanism>

[0055] Next, the structures of the locking mechanism 60 and the fixing hole 32 for switching the locking state and the unlocking state of the rotating frame 40 will be described. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a state where the rotating frame 40 is locked by the locking mechanism 60 . Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the locking mechanism 60 .

[0056] In Lock Figure 6In the state of the rotating frame 40 shown, the X-ray tube 51 as the maintenance target component is located below the rotation axis Ax. During maintenance, by positioning the target component below the rotation axis Ax, it is easy to perform operations such as removal and replacement of the target component. Figure 6 , the locking mechanism 60 moves to the position corresponding to the second fixing hole 32 (32-7) on the left and on the top: Figure 5 ) so that the X-ray tube 51 is positioned below the rotation axis Ax.

[0057] Figure 7 FIG. 4 shows a locked state in which the rotating frame 40 is restricted from rotating. Figure 8 The rotating frame 40 is shown in an unlocked state in which it can rotate. In the locking mechanism 60 of the embodiment, the rotating frame 40 is locked by engaging the fixed shaft 61 of the locking mechanism 60 with the fixing hole 32, and the rotating frame 40 is in a locked state in which rotation is restricted. Furthermore, when the fixed shaft 61 of the locking mechanism 60 is released from the fixing hole 32, the rotating frame 40 is in an unlocked state in which it can rotate.

[0058] The fixing shaft 61 is an example of the fixing shaft of the present invention. The fixing hole 32 is an example of the locking and fixing portion of the present invention. The locking and fixing portion may be a groove, a recess, etc., as long as it can be engaged with the fixing shaft 61, and its shape is not limited.

[0059] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the locking mechanism 60 includes a fixed shaft 61 and a support member 62 that movably supports the fixed shaft 61. The fixed shaft 61 is a cylindrical rod-shaped member. The outer diameter of the fixed shaft 61 is a size that can be inserted into the fixing hole 32. The fixed shaft 61 is inserted into the fixing hole 32, and the fixed shaft 61 and the fixing hole 32 are engaged. The fixed shaft 61 is arranged in a direction along the Z-axis direction.

[0060] The side of the fixed shaft 61 that is not engaged with the fixing hole 32 is movably inserted into the block 63. The block 63 supports the fixed shaft 61. The block 63 is substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The block 63 is attached to the control unit 55 in a state where it cannot move relative to the control unit 55.

[0061] The support member 62 is movably mounted on the control unit 55. As described above, the control unit 55 is one of the components mounted on the rotating frame 40. The support member 62 is a plate-like member bent and processed. The support member 62 includes a plurality of flat surfaces. The support member 62 includes a connecting surface 64 connected to the fixed shaft 61 and the block 63. The connecting surface 64 is provided in a manner opposite to the fixed frame 30.

[0062] The support member 62 includes a moving surface 65 movably mounted on the control unit 55. The moving surface 65 extends along the Z-axis direction. The connecting surface 64 and the moving surface 65 are in a substantially orthogonal positional relationship. A first long hole 66 and a second long hole 67 are formed on the moving surface 65. The first long hole 66 and the second long hole 67 extend along the Z-axis direction.

[0063] Two guide pins 68 are inserted into the first long hole 66. The movable surface 65 can smoothly move in the direction of arrow A or arrow B along the first long hole 66 through the guide pins 68. The direction A is the direction in which the rotating frame 40 is locked, and the direction B is the direction in which the rotating frame 40 is unlocked. A fixing screw 69 is inserted into the second long hole 67. By tightening the fixing screw 69, the movable surface 65 can be fixed to the control unit 55 in an immovable state. By changing the fastening position of the movable surface 65 relative to the fixing screw 69, the locked state and the unlocked state can be switched. The fixing screw 69 is set in a state in which it cannot move relative to the control unit 55.

[0064] The support member 62 includes an approach surface 70 at a position opposite to the second long hole 67. A first through hole 71 and a second through hole 72 are formed on the approach surface 70. The approach surface 70 is supported by a support surface 73 connected to the moving surface 65. Only when the first through hole 71 or the second through hole 72 is aligned with the axial direction of the fixing screw 69, the first through hole 71 or the second through hole 72 is allowed to approach the fixing screw 69. Therefore, the operator can tighten or loosen the fixing screw 69 through the first through hole 71 or the second through hole 72 using a tool.

[0065] The support member 62 has a first fixed surface 74 on the side opposite to the connecting surface 64 with respect to the moving surface 65. The first fixed surface 74 is fixed in a state that it cannot move relative to the control unit 55. The second fixed surface 75 extending along the Z-axis direction is connected to the first fixed surface 74. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first fixed surface 74 and the second fixed surface 75 are substantially L-shaped.

[0066] The first fixing pin 76 is provided on the supporting surface 73. The first fixing pin 76 is substantially orthogonal to the supporting surface 73. The second fixing pin 77 is provided on the second fixing surface 75. The second fixing pin 77 is substantially orthogonal to the second fixing surface 75. One end of a tension spring 80 is connected to the first fixing pin 76. The other end of the tension spring 80 is connected to the second fixing pin 77. The tension spring 80 applies force to the moving surface 65 in the direction of the first fixing surface 74 (in the direction of arrow B). That is, the tension spring 80 applies force to the moving surface 65 in the direction of releasing the engagement between the fixing shaft 61 and the fixing hole 32 (in a manner of becoming an unlocked state). The tension spring 80 is an example of an elastic member of the present invention.

[0067] In addition, a pressing spring may be used as an elastic member instead of the tension spring 80. Furthermore, the moving surface 65 may be moved by a screw instead of the tension spring 80. As long as the moving surface 65 can be moved to the locked position and the unlocked position, the method of moving the moving surface 65 is not particularly limited.

[0068] exist Figure 7 , the moving surface 65 resists the tensile force of the tension spring 80 and moves to a position where the fixed shaft 61 engages with the fixing hole 32, and is fixed to the control unit 55 by the fixing screw 69. That is, the moving surface 65 (support member 62) is fixed at a position (locking position) where the rotating frame 40 is in a locked state.

[0069] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the moving surface 65 is moved to a position where the engagement between the fixed shaft 61 and the fixed hole 32 is released by the tensile force of the tension spring 80, and is fixed to the control unit 55 by the fixing screw 69. That is, the moving surface 65 (support member 62) is fixed at a position (unlocked position) where the rotating frame 40 is in an unlocked state. Since the tension spring 80 pulls the moving surface 65 in the direction of the unlocked position, it is possible to prevent the fixed shaft 61 from being engaged with the fixed hole 32 during the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1.

[0070] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the Z-axis direction (the moving direction of the fixed shaft 61 and the moving surface 65), the longitudinal axis of the fixed shaft 61 and the longitudinal axis of the moving surface 65 of the support member 62 are offset by a distance L1. Since the fixed shaft 61 is offset relative to the moving surface 65 (support member 62), the operator can easily confirm the positional relationship between the fixed shaft 61 and the fixing hole 32.

[0071] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining the symbols of the embodiment. Fig. 9 9-1 is a diagram showing the locked state. Fig. 9 9-2 is a diagram showing an unlocked state.

[0072] The second fixing surface 75 is provided with a first notch 78 and a second notch 79 on the side opposite to the first fixing surface 74. The first notch 78 and the second notch 79 are separated in the Z-axis direction. The support surface 73 includes an identification surface 81 extending along the second fixing surface 75 side. The identification surface 81 is provided with a third notch 82 facing the second fixing surface 75 side. The combination of the first notch 78 and the second notch 79 and the third notch 82 is an identification indicating that the support member 62 is located at a position where the rotating frame 40 is in a locked state or a position where the rotating frame 40 is in an unlocked state.

[0073] like Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 9-1 , in the locked state, the first notch 78 and the third notch 82 are located opposite to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the first fixing pin 76 and the second fixing pin 77. That is, when the first notch 78 and the third notch 82 are located opposite to each other, the operator can recognize that the moving surface 65 is located at the locked position where the fixing shaft 61 is engaged with the fixing hole 32.

[0074] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG9-2, in the unlocked state, the second notch 79 and the third notch 82 are located opposite to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the first fixing pin 76 and the second fixing pin 77. That is, when the second notch 79 and the third notch 82 are located opposite to each other, the operator can recognize that the moving surface 65 is located at the unlocked position where the engagement between the fixing shaft 61 and the fixing hole 32 is released.

[0075] The first notch 78, the second notch 79 and the third notch 82 are examples of the markings of the present invention. Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the invention, the case where a notch is used as an indicator is described. However, if it is an indicator indicating that the rotating frame 40 is in a locked state or an unlocked state, it is not limited to a notch. For example, the indicator may be a groove, a protrusion, or a printed mark provided on the second fixing surface 75 and the indicator surface 81.

[0076] And, if Fig. 9 As shown in FIG9 - 1 , when the moving surface 65 (support member 62 ) is located at the locked position, since the first through hole 71 of the approach surface 70 is aligned with the axial direction of the fixing screw 69 , the operator can approach the fixing screw 69 through the first through hole 71 .

[0077] And, if Fig. 9 As shown in 9-2, when the moving surface 65 (support member 62) is in the unlocked position, since the second through hole 72 of the approach surface 70 is consistent with the axial direction of the fixing screw 69, the operator can approach the fixing screw 69 through the second through hole 72. That is, only when the moving surface 65 is in the locked position or the unlocked position, the operator can approach the fixing screw 69 through the first through hole 71 or the second through hole 72 of the approach surface 70. The moving surface 65 (support member 62) can be fixed only in the locked position or the unlocked position.

[0078] The distance L2 between the nut of the fixing screw 69 in the tightened state and the approach surface 70 is shorter than the screw length of the fixing screw 69. In addition, the opening diameters of the first through hole 71 and the second through hole 72 are smaller than the diameter of the nut of the fixing screw 69. The approach surface 70 formed with the first through hole 71 and the second through hole 72 functions as a fall-off prevention member for the fixing screw 69. During maintenance, the locking mechanism 60 moves to a position opposite to any one of the eight fixing holes 32, and the fixing shaft 61 is engaged with the fixing hole 32. At this time, even if the locking mechanism 60 moves to the position of any fixing hole 32, the approach surface 70 prevents the fixing screw 69 from falling during operation. As a result, the maintenance operability can be improved.

[0079] Next, the relationship between the combination of the locked state in which any one of the eight fixing holes 32 is engaged with the fixing shaft 61 and the maintenance assembly positioned at the working position is described. In the following description, the working position is set below the rotation axis Ax. Table 1 Figures 4 to 6 The structure of the gantry 100 shown here represents a combination of the position of the fixing hole 32 in which the fixing shaft 61 is engaged and the names of the components positioned at the working position.

[0080] In Table 1, according to Figure 5 The positions of the fixing holes 32 are defined as 32-1 to 32-8 in clockwise order from the upper right position.

[0081] [Table 1]

[0082] Position of fixing holes Component Name 321 High voltage generating unit 322 X-ray inspection unit 323 X-ray inspection unit 324 X-ray inspection unit 325 Control Department 326 Cooling device 327 X-ray tube 328 High voltage generating unit

[0083] In Table 1, for example, (position of fixing hole: 32-1, component name: high voltage generating unit) indicates that when the fixing shaft 61 of the locking mechanism 60 is engaged with the fixing hole 32 at the position 32-1, the high voltage generating unit 54 is positioned at the working position. Figure 6 This corresponds to (position of fixing hole: 32 - 7 , component name: X-ray tube), indicating that when the fixing shaft 61 of the locking mechanism 60 is engaged with the fixing hole 32 at the position 32 - 7 , the X-ray tube 51 is positioned at the working position.

[0084] The locking mechanism 60 is preferably provided at a position that satisfies the conditions that the fixing shaft 61 can be engaged with the fixing hole 32 above the rotation axis Ax and the component with a high replacement frequency can be positioned below the rotation axis Ax. The component with a high replacement frequency is the X-ray tube 51, and the fixing hole 32 above the rotation axis Ax is, for example, a fixing hole 32 located at a position 32-1, 32-2, 32-7, or 32-8.

[0085] Specifically, if Figure 6As shown, the locking mechanism 60 is provided at a position adjacent to the control unit 55 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front. By providing the locking mechanism 60 at this position, the fixing shaft 61 can be engaged with the fixing hole 32 at the position 32-7, and the X-ray tube 51 can be positioned at the working position.

[0086] And, with Figure 4 or Figure 6 Differently, the locking mechanism 60 is provided at a position adjacent to the high voltage generating unit 54 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front. In this case, the fixing shaft 61 can be engaged with the fixing hole 32 located at the position 32-2, and the X-ray tube 51 is positioned at the working position. Figure 4 or Figure 6 In the case of a different position, the combination of the position of the fixing hole 32 and the component name is different from that in Table 1.

[0087] By making the fixed shaft 61 face the fixed hole 32 which is above the rotation axis Ax, the operator can engage the fixed shaft 61 with the fixed hole 32 at eye level. That is, the maintenance operability can be improved for the operator. In particular, the burden of engaging operations on components with a high maintenance frequency can be reduced. In addition, the working position is described as being below the rotation axis Ax. However, depending on the device, it is also possible to position the unit at a position (working position) above the rotation axis Ax and perform maintenance operations on the unit. That is, if the device can be positioned at a position desired by the operator, the working position can be either above or below the rotation axis Ax.

[0088] Furthermore, it is preferable to improve the safety during maintenance. For example, when the fixed shaft 61 is engaged with the fixed hole 32 and the rotating frame 40 is in a locked state, it is preferable to disconnect the power supply of the motor 11. Thus, when the fixed shaft 61 is engaged with the fixed hole 32, since the power supply of the motor 11 is disconnected, the rotating frame 40 can be prevented from being driven to rotate. The engagement state of the fixed shaft 61 and the fixed hole 32 can be detected by providing a sensor (not shown). The detection signal from the sensor is sent to the gantry control device 108, and the gantry control device 108 disconnects the power supply of the motor 11. When the rotating frame 40 is in a locked state, the rotating frame 40 will not be driven to rotate, so the safety of the operator can be ensured. The gantry control device 108 is an example of a processor of the present invention.

[0089] Furthermore, once the power supply of the motor 11 is turned off, the power supply of the motor 11 remains off even if the engagement between the fixing shaft 61 and the fixing hole 32 is released, so that the rotating frame 40 can be prevented from being suddenly driven to rotate. When the power supply is turned on, the operator turns on the power supply of the motor 11 manually.

[0090] Even when the fixed shaft 61 is engaged with the fixed hole 32, the fixed shaft 61 has a strength that does not break when the rotating frame 40 is driven to rotate with the maximum output of the motor 11. The fixed shaft 61 can maintain the engaged state with the fixed hole 32 and maintain the locked state of the rotating frame 40. Even if the motor 11 is driven to rotate the rotating frame 40, the fixed shaft 61 maintains the rotating frame 40 in the locked state, thereby ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0091] In the embodiment, a plurality of fixing holes 32 and one locking mechanism 60 are described. This is not limited to the above, and there may be a case where there is one fixing hole 32 and one or more locking mechanisms 60. For example, eight locking mechanisms 60 may be provided on each side of the approximately octagonal rotating frame 40. One fixing hole 32 may be provided above the rotation axis Ax. Therefore, when any replacement component is positioned at the working position, the operator can also operate the locking mechanism 60 at the sight position. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are of course possible.

Claims

1. An X-ray CT device, comprising: multiple components, including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector; A rotating frame, carrying the plurality of components for rotation; and a supporting frame rotatably supporting the rotating frame, The support frame has one or more locking mechanisms including a fixed shaft and a support member that movably supports the fixed shaft. The support frame has one or more locking and fixing parts that can engage with the fixed shaft. The lock mechanism switches between a lock state that restricts the rotation of the rotating frame and an unlock state that allows the rotating frame to rotate.

2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In a locked state in which the fixed shaft of the lock mechanism is engaged with the lock fixing portion, any one of the plurality of components is positioned below the rotation shaft of the rotating frame.

3. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: Any one of the plurality of components is the X-ray source.

4. The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The one or more locking and fixing parts include a plurality of locking and fixing parts.

5. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: According to a combination of the locked states in which one of the plurality of locking and fixing portions is engaged with the fixed shaft of the locking mechanism, any one of the plurality of components is positioned at a determined position.

6. The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The one or more locking mechanisms include a plurality of locking mechanisms.

7. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: According to a combination of the locked states in which the fixing shaft of one of the locking mechanisms is engaged with the lock fixing portion, any one of the plurality of components is positioned at a determined position.

8. The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The fixed shaft is arranged offset relative to the supporting member.

9. The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The locking mechanism includes an indicator indicating a position of the support member for locking the rotating frame or a position for unlocking the rotating frame.

10. The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The lock mechanism includes an elastic member that urges the support member toward a position where the rotating frame is in an unlocked state. 11 . The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a motor for rotating the rotating frame, and a processor for turning off power to the motor when the rotating frame is in a locked state.

12. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: In a state in which the fixed shaft is engaged with the lock fixing portion, the fixed shaft can maintain the rotating frame in a locked state with respect to a maximum output of the motor.

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