X-ray imaging device for animals

Abstract

The invention relates to an X-ray imaging device (100) for animals. The X-ray tube (121) and the X-ray detector (123) of the present invention can provide optimal images desired by a veterinarian. Through the dynamic mechanism of the table assembly, conventional 2D imaging can be effectively performed only through a single X-ray imaging device, and 3D rotation imaging and standing imaging can also be performed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus for animals. BACKGROUND

[0002] Animals are accurately diagnosed and treated using an X-ray imaging apparatus. In a veterinary clinic, the subject of the X-ray imaging apparatus is an animal, more specifically, a small animal such as a dog or a cat. When the subject is a human, communication can be made between the operator and the subject. Accordingly, the operator can easily obtain a desired image using the apparatus. However, when the subject is an animal, such communication is not possible. Therefore, there are various difficulties such as the operator needing to physically hold the subject during imaging.

[0003] Meanwhile, various types of X-ray imaging apparatuses are known according to their respective uses. For example, an apparatus for acquiring a 2D image differs in shape and structure from an apparatus for acquiring a 3D image. These two types of apparatuses are generally manufactured and used separately. Since the latter is more expensive than the former, such apparatuses are mainly used in hospitals that provide advanced care. Hospitals for humans are equipped with various types of X-ray imaging apparatuses according to the level of their diagnostic systems ranging from a private clinic to a general hospital. Patients can select a hospital based on the affected part and the severity of the disease without much difficulty. However, in the case of animals, the situation of entering a hospital is different from that of humans. First, due to the cost burden and space limitations of veterinary clinics, it is difficult to equip them with a variety of devices for their respective purposes. In addition, when the subject is a small animal, imaging diagnosis and treatment must often be performed at the same location, and thus, conventional human devices cannot sufficiently meet such needs.

[0004] The present inventor has made a great effort and research to solve the above problems, and thus completed the present invention. SUMMARY

[0005] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a system apparatus for diagnosing small animals in a veterinary clinic. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a single X-ray imaging apparatus that can perform general imaging, 3D imaging, and standing imaging in a flexible manner. Through the single X-ray imaging apparatus, the present invention can provide a diagnostic system that can perform the above-mentioned various types of X-ray imaging required for the diagnosis and treatment of small animals using a single apparatus, such as simple diagnosis, advanced treatment, image acquisition of individual parts of small animals, and real-time diagnosis and treatment.

[0007] Therefore, another object of the present invention is to help reduce the cost of veterinary clinics, while also helping to promote the development of veterinary medicine and improve pet health.

[0008] Meanwhile, other un-designated objects of the present application can be additionally considered, as long as they can be easily inferred from the following detailed description and its effects.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] The present application provides an X-ray imaging apparatus for animals, the X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a main body; an arm operating part configured to arrange an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector facing each other along a line; an arm rotating part configured to connect and rotate the arm operating part with the main body; a table connected to the main body on which an object to be positioned, the table comprising a center table assembly and shift table assemblies connected to both sides of the center table assembly, respectively, wherein, in a first imaging mode, the shift table assemblies are located at left and right sides in a longitudinal direction of the center table assembly, respectively, so as to secure a reference position for an operator, and in a second imaging mode, a first table rotating device connecting the center table assembly and a first shift table assembly of the shift table assemblies operates to move the first shift table assembly to a left front side in a width direction of the center table assembly, and a second table rotating device connecting the center table assembly and a second shift table assembly of the shift table assemblies operates to move the second shift table assembly to a right front side in the width direction of the center table assembly, thereby securing rotation of the arm operating part.

[0011] The present application also provides an X-ray imaging apparatus for animals, the X-ray imaging apparatus including: a main body; an arm operating portion configured such that an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are arranged facing each other along a line; an arm rotating portion configured to connect the arm operating portion with the main body and to rotate; a table connected to the main body on which an object is to be positioned, the table including a center table assembly and shift table assemblies connected to left and right sides of the center table assembly, respectively, wherein, in a first imaging mode, the shift table assemblies are located on left and right sides in a longitudinal direction of the center table assembly, respectively, so as to secure a reference position for an operator, and in a second imaging mode, a first table rotating device connecting the center table assembly and a first shift table assembly of the shift table assemblies operates to move the first shift table assembly to a left front side in a width direction of the center table assembly, and a second table rotating device connecting the center table assembly and a second shift table assembly of the shift table assemblies operates to move the second shift table assembly to a right front side in the width direction of the center table assembly, thereby securing rotation of the arm operating portion, and in a third imaging mode, the arm rotating portion is shifted downward from the main body, and among connectors connecting the center table assembly to the main body, a detachably coupled connector is detached, and the center table assembly is eccentrically rotated via a rotation hinge provided at an end of another connector, such that the center table assembly is maximally spaced apart from the main body, thereby securing horizontal imaging at a lowest position level by the arm operating portion.

[0012] Advantageous Effects

[0013] According to the present application, even if only a single X-ray imaging apparatus is operated in a veterinary diagnosis, general imaging for acquiring a 2D image, three-dimensional rotational imaging, and standing imaging can all be effectively performed. In the related art, a standing imaging apparatus requires a separate X-ray detector stand, and there is a problem in that a large imaging space is required.

[0014] Further, according to the present application, a space limitation problem in a veterinary clinic can be solved, and an economic burden can be lightened. From the viewpoint of medical staff, since an apparatus required for advanced treatment can be easily used, better animal medical services can be provided.

[0015] Meanwhile, effects not explicitly described herein can also be considered to be included in the effects of the present application, as long as they are expected based on the technical features of the present application and are described in the following specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1A configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus 100 for animals according to a preferred embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0017] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A configuration and an example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application used in a first imaging mode are shown.

[0018] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A configuration and an example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application used in a second imaging mode are shown.

[0019] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A configuration and an example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application used in a third imaging mode are shown.

[0020] Figure 8 A configuration of a center table assembly 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0021] Figure 9 A configuration of shift table assemblies 300 and 400 according to a preferred embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0022] Figure 10 A state in which the center table assembly 200 of Figure 8 and the shift table assemblies 300 and 400 of Figure 9 are coupled to each other for a first imaging mode is schematically shown.

[0023] Figures 11 to 13 A coupling relationship of lower parts of the table assemblies 200, 300 and 400 according to a preferred embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0024] Figure 14 A shift process from the first imaging mode to a second imaging mode according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0025] Figure 15 A shift process from the first imaging mode to a second imaging mode according to another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide an understanding of the technical spirit of the present application, should be referred to in conjunction with the following detailed description, and the scope of the present application should not be construed as being limited thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, specific details of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustratively show configurations of the present application. In addition, detailed descriptions related to well-known functions or configurations will be omitted in order not to unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present application.

[0028] Figure 1 The entire configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 for animals according to the preferred embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0029] The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 for animals according to the present application can include a main body 110, an arm operating part 120, an arm rotating part 130, a center table assembly 200, and a pair of shifting table assemblies 300 and 400.

[0030] An X-ray tube 121 can be provided at one end of the arm operating part 120, and an X-ray detector 123 can be provided at the other end of the arm operating part 120. The X-ray tube 121 and the X-ray detector 123 can be configured to face each other and be aligned along a straight line. The X-ray tube 121 can irradiate radiation toward an object. The X-ray detector 123 can receive radiation irradiated from the opposite X-ray tube 121. The light irradiation mechanism of the X-ray tube 121 and the light receiving mechanism of the X-ray detector 123 can include a shutter, a control unit, a monitor, a communication part, and a power part. Since these parts are widely used known technologies in X-ray imaging apparatuses, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0031] One end of the cylindrical arm rotating part 130 can be connected to the arm operating part 120, and the other end of the arm rotating part 130 can be provided on the lifting part 113 of the main body 110. Motors and mechanical parts can be embedded in the arm rotating part 130. Due to their mechanical operation, the arm rotating part 130 can be raised or lowered by the lifting part 113 of the main body 110, and can also be rotated about a 360-degree range. As the arm rotating part 130 rotates, the arm operating part 120 can be correspondingly rotated, and as the arm rotating part 130 is raised or lowered, the arm operating part 120 can also be vertically shifted. Accordingly, the X-ray imaging mode performed by the X-ray tube 121 and the X-ray detector 123 can be dynamically changed. However, as shown in the illustrated example, the mechanical movement of the arm operating part 120 can inevitably be obstructed by the positions of the center table assembly 200 and the shifting table assemblies 300 and 400. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 for animals according to the present application can flexibly respond to and solve this collision problem. Its mechanical solution will be disclosed through the present specification.

[0032] The object 10 can be disposed on the center table 210 of the center table assembly 200, the first displacement table 310 of the first displacement table assembly 300, and the second displacement table 410 of the second displacement table assembly 400. In a preferred embodiment of the present application, these tables can be made of the same material. In another preferred embodiment of the present application, the center table 210 can be made of a plate made of an X-ray transmissive material, and the first displacement table 310 and the second displacement table 410 can be made of a plate coated with an X-ray shielding material. This is because the X-ray tube 121 can be positioned above (or below) the center table 210 in one direction, and the X-ray detector 123 can be positioned below (or above) the center table 210 in the other direction. In the example shown, the center table 210, the first displacement table 310, and the second displacement table 410 are aligned in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] Preferably, a pair of main body connectors 241 and 243 of the center table assembly 200 can be provided by being connected to the lower portion 111 of the main body 110, and the first displacement table assembly 300 and the second displacement table assembly 400 can be maintained independent of the main body 110. This can serve as one element of mechanical flexibility of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 for animals according to the present application. In a preferred embodiment, the end of the first main body connector 241 can be provided as a detachable member 242 to be coupled to or separated from the lower portion 111 of the main body. In contrast, the second main body connector 243 is preferably fixedly coupled to the lower portion 111 of the main body. The effects resulting from the difference in the connection manner between the first main body connector 241 and the second main body connector 243 and the lower portion 111 of the main body will be described later.

[0034] The center table assembly 200 and the displacement table assemblies 300 and 400 can have the same height. Preferably, casters can be provided on the floor contact ends of the assemblies 200, 300, and 400.

[0035] Figure 8A configuration of the center table assembly 200 according to the preferred embodiment of the present application is schematically illustrated. The first vertical support 231 and the second vertical support 233 can be connected to the aforementioned main body connectors 241 and 243, respectively. The lower ends of the first vertical support 231 and the second vertical support 233 can be connected to each other by the horizontal bar 245. The first vertical support 231 and the second vertical support 233 can reach a predetermined height of the center table assembly 200, and can be connected to the first table support 221 and the second table support 223, respectively. The linear motion guide members 211 and 213 can be provided on the table supports 221 and 223 to support the center table 210, and can facilitate slight displacement of the center table 210 in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The center table 210 can be mounted on the linear motion guide members 211 and 213. The linear motion guide members 211 and 213 are commonly used means in the field for facilitating collimation, which is a process of determining an X-ray imaging region of an object.

[0036] The rotational hinge 235 can be provided at the lower end of the second vertical support 233. The rotational hinge 235 can allow the entire center table assembly 200 to be eccentrically rotated counterclockwise about the second vertical support 233 in a state where the second main body connector 243 remains fixed to the main body 110.

[0037] The detachable members 244 and 244 can be provided on the sides of the main body connectors 241 and 243, respectively, which face the displacement table assemblies 300 and 400, so as to be detachable from the bottom ends of the displacement table assemblies 300 and 400. Preferably, a magnetic retention coupler can be employed.

[0038] Figure 9 Configuration examples of the displacement table assemblies 300 and 400 according to the preferred embodiment of the present application are schematically illustrated.

[0039] In Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first displacement table assembly 300 can be provided on the left side of the aforementioned center table assembly 200. The first vertical support 331 and the second vertical support 333 can support the first displacement table 310. The first base 341 and the second base 343 connected to the first vertical support 331 and the second vertical support 333, respectively, can be in contact with a floor surface by casters and can support the first displacement table assembly 300. The detachable member 344 can be provided on one end of the second base 343 to be detachable from the corresponding part of the center table assembly 200 or the corresponding device 447 of the second displacement table assembly 400. Further, the corresponding device 347 can be provided on the second base 343 to be coupled to the detachable member 444 of the second base 443 of the second displacement table assembly 400.

[0040] As in the structure of the center worktable 210, linear motion guide members 311 and 313 can be provided on the lower portion of the second displacement worktable 310 to support the worktable and help slight displacement in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The first displacement worktable 310 can be provided on the linear motion guide members 311 and 313.

[0041] The horizontal bar 335 can connect and fix the first vertical support 331 and the second vertical support 333 to each other. The hinge end of the first worktable rotary arm can be provided on the hinge support 337 of the second vertical support 333 adjacent to the horizontal bar 335.

[0042] In Figure 1 In the embodiment of the second displacement worktable assembly 400, the first vertical support 431 and the second vertical support 433 can support the second displacement worktable 410, and the first base 441 and the second base 443 connected to the vertical supports 431 and 433, respectively, can be in contact with the floor surface via casters and can support the second displacement worktable assembly 400. The detachable member 444 can be provided on one end of the second base 443 so as to be detachable from the corresponding part of the center worktable assembly 200 or the corresponding device 347 of the first displacement worktable assembly 300. In addition, the corresponding device 447 can be provided on the second base 443 to be coupled to the detachable member 344 of the first base 343 of the first displacement worktable assembly 300.

[0043] As in the structure of the first displacement worktable 310 and the center worktable 210, linear motion guide members 411 and 413 can be provided on the lower portion of the second displacement worktable 410 to support the worktable and help slight displacement in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The second displacement worktable 410 can be provided on the linear motion guide members 411 and 413.

[0044] The horizontal bar 435 can connect and fix the first vertical support 431 and the second vertical support 433 to each other. The hinge end of the second worktable rotary arm can be provided on the hinge support 437 of the second vertical support 433 adjacent to the horizontal bar 435.

[0045] Then, how is the displacement system of the first displacement worktable assembly 300 and the second displacement worktable assembly 400 configured? This will be explained with reference to the embodiment of Figure 10 .

[0046] Figure 10 A configuration example of the first worktable rotary arm 530 and the second worktable rotary arm 540 according to the preferred embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0047] The first workbench rotating arm 530 can connect the first vertical support 231 of the central workbench assembly 200 and the hinge support 337 of the first shift workbench assembly 300 to each other. Hinges can be provided at both ends of the first workbench rotating arm 530. The hinge 531 at one end of the first workbench rotating arm 530 can be provided on the first vertical support 231, and the other hinge 537 at the other end of the first workbench rotating arm 530 can be provided on the hinge support 337 of the first shift workbench assembly 300. Preferably, a structure allowing release of the connection can also be provided on the body of the first workbench rotating arm 530. Since the first workbench rotating arm 530 is divided into two parts, the first shift workbench assembly 300 can be disassembled from the central workbench assembly 200.

[0048] The second workbench rotating arm 540 can connect the second vertical support 233 of the central workbench assembly 200 and the hinge support 437 of the second shift workbench assembly 400. Hinges can be provided on both ends of the second workbench rotating arm 540. The hinge 541 at one end of the second workbench rotating arm 540 can be provided on the second vertical support 233, and the hinge 547 at the other end of the second workbench rotating arm 540 can be provided on the hinge support 437 of the second shift workbench assembly 400. Preferably, a structure that allows the connection to be released by dividing the body of the second workbench rotating arm 540 into two parts can also be provided on the second workbench rotating arm 540, which can realize the third imaging mode, which will be referred to below. Figure 7 As stated.

[0049] Reference again Figure 1 , in the present invention Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the shift table assemblies 300 and 400 can be connected to the central table assembly 200 in the left-right direction along the longitudinal axis. Simultaneously, the central table assembly 200 can be connected to the main body 110, thereby forming the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 for animals. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 for animals according to the present invention can perform three imaging modes. The three imaging modes of the present invention are defined as follows:

[0050] The first imaging mode may be an X-ray imaging method for acquiring a two-dimensional planar image. Figure 1 As shown, the arm operating unit 120 may be in a reference position. At this time, the X-ray tube 121 may be located above the central table assembly 200, and the X-ray detector 123 may be located below the central table assembly 200, which may be in a mode for performing vertical X-ray imaging in the up-down direction (the positions of the X-ray tube 121 and the X-ray detector 123 may be reversed). Figures 1 to 3Embodiments of FIG. 1 schematically show a worktable system in a first imaging mode. In the first imaging mode, an operator can be positioned to face the subject 110, and the worktable assembly can be disposed between the operator and the subject 110 (operator reference position). The operator can be a virtual device user who holds an object and performs imaging or treatment. During actual imaging, since two operators can hold an object along the longitudinal direction thereof, the operator can move away from the "O" position to move to the left or right when operating the X-ray imaging device.

[0051] The second imaging mode can be an X-ray imaging method for acquiring a three-dimensional image required for three-dimensional diagnosis of a small animal body. The arm rotation portion 130 can be operated, and the arm operation portion 120 can be positioned at a desired position of the operator within a range of about 360 degrees. However, in the first imaging mode, since the first displacement worktable 310 and the second displacement worktable 410 are arranged along the left and right longitudinal sides of the center worktable 210, and the support system is positioned below the worktable, it can be difficult to rotate the arm operation portion 120. Accordingly, the first displacement worktable assembly 300 and the second displacement worktable assembly 400 can be rotated from the position in the first imaging mode, and can be displaced forward in the width direction of the center worktable assembly 200, thereby it can be possible to secure rotation of the arm operation portion 120. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve integration of the general imaging mode (first imaging mode) and the 3D rotation imaging mode (second imaging mode) which are difficult to achieve in the related art. Further, since the worktable is elongated in the width direction, even a dog breed having a relatively long body length (which can be problematic in a regular 3D rotation imaging) can be sufficiently supported. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Embodiments of FIG. 2 schematically show the system in the second imaging mode.

[0052] The third imaging mode can be a mode in which X-ray imaging can be performed with an object in a standing position. For small animals, all of these imaging modes can be necessary for swallowing and gait tests. In the related art, a separate X-ray detector stand can be required. However, such a stand can not be necessary in the present invention. In this mode, the arm rotation portion 130 can be displaced downward from the subject lifting portion 113, thereby it is possible to secure that horizontal imaging can be performed at the lowest position level (horizontal imaging can be performed, or a slight inclination can be applied). The worktable assembly system of the present invention can not interfere with the low-level alignment of the arm operation portion 120. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Embodiments of FIG. 3 schematically show the system in the third imaging mode.

[0053] Now, the mechanism of the X-ray imaging device of the present invention for each of these imaging modes can be described in detail. Figure 2 andFigure 3 Embodiments related to the first imaging mode of the present application can be illustrated.

[0054] Since the first displacement workbench 310 and the second displacement workbench 410 can be connected to both sides of the center workbench 210, the total length of the workbench can be extended. That is, the displacement workbenches 310 and 410 can extend in the longitudinal direction from the left and right sides of the center workbench 210, respectively. The object 10 can be positioned on the extended workbench. For the convenience of those skilled in the art, the object 10 can be illustrated larger than actual. The size of a small dog breed and most cats can be smaller than the illustrated size of the object 10. The reference position of the operator who can maintain the object 10 can be indicated as "O". The shortest straight line direction between the operator's reference position "O" and the main body 110 can be referred to as the width direction. Currently, the object 10 can be located in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] As described above, the first displacement workbench assembly 300 and the second displacement workbench assembly 400 can not be connected to the main body 110. However, the first displacement workbench assembly and the second displacement workbench assembly can be coupled to the first main body connector 241 and the second main body connector 243, respectively, through the detachable members (e.g., magnetic members) of the second support 343 of the first displacement workbench assembly and the second support 443 of the second displacement workbench assembly. The first main body connector 241 and the second main body connector 243 of the center workbench assembly 200 can be connected to the main body 110. In this state in which the center workbench assembly is coupled to the main body 110, the three workbench assembly parts can be connected to each other under the workbench system to ensure structural stability. Due to this structural stability, the operator can stably support even a vigorously moving object 10 to perform general imaging. In addition, during general imaging, when the displacement workbenches 310 and 410 are not fixed, a gap can occur between the displacement workbenches 310, 410 and the center workbench 210 due to the movement of the object 10, and the object 10 can fall through the gap.

[0056] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Embodiments related to the second imaging mode of the present application are illustrated.

[0057] As illustrated, unlike the first imaging mode, in the second imaging mode, the object 10 can be located in the width direction. In this embodiment, the center workbench assembly can be maintained in the reference position without displacement. However, both the first displacement workbench assembly and the second displacement workbench assembly can be displaced from both sides. Accordingly, the first displacement workbench 310, which is located on the left side in the longitudinal direction in the first imaging mode, can be located on the left front side in the width direction, and the second displacement workbench 410, which is located on the right side in the first imaging mode, can be located on the right front side in the width direction.

[0058] Such displacement can occur since the first worktable rotating arm 530 and the second worktable rotating arm 540 facing the main body 110 can be rotated about 180 degrees in opposite directions. To this end, the second support 343 of the first displacement worktable assembly can be detached from the first main body connector 241 of the center worktable assembly, and the second support 443 of the second displacement worktable assembly can be detached from the second main body connector 243.

[0059] However, in the second imaging mode, since the first displacement worktable 310 and the second displacement worktable 410 can not contact each other, a gap can occur between the first displacement worktable 310 and the second displacement worktable 410. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the detachable member 344 of the second support 343 of the first displacement worktable assembly can be coupled to the corresponding device 447 of the second support 443 of the second displacement worktable assembly. At the same time, the detachable member 444 of the second support 443 of the second displacement worktable assembly can be coupled to the corresponding device 347 of the second support 343 of the first displacement worktable assembly. Figure 9

[0060] Then, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7, the arm operating part 120 can be rotated. Thereby, 3D imaging of the object 10 can be obtained. The operator can identify a target region of the object 10 and obtain a desired 3D image. Figure 5

[0061] Figure 6 and Figure 7 relates to a third imaging mode according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0062] In this mode, the object 10 can not lie on the worktable but stand on the floor. Such an imaging method of imaging a standing small animal from the side is essential for animal diagnosis. In the prior art, a separate device is required. In particular, in this imaging mode, the X-ray tube 121 and the X-ray detector 123 must be able to perform horizontal imaging close to the floor. That is, the arm operating part 120 can be moved to the lowest position level, and the arm rotating part 130 can be moved along the lifting part 113 of the main body 110. In this downwardly displaced state of the arm rotating part 130, as shown in the drawing, the X-ray tube 121 can irradiate the object 10 with X-rays.

[0063] To implement this imaging mode, the above-described center worktable assembly and displacement worktable assembly must be located outside the radius of rotation of the arm operating part 120, and cannot exist on the alignment line of the X-ray tube 121 and the X-ray detector 123.

[0064] ​​The first body connector 241, which can be coupled to the body 110 of the central workbench assembly, can be detached from the body. Then, the rotary hinge 235 on the lower end of the second vertical support 223 can be eccentrically rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the second vertical support 223, thereby allowing the central workbench assembly to be separated from the body 110 to the farthest extent, as shown. Accordingly, the first displacement workbench assembly connected to the central workbench assembly can also be moved together. Meanwhile, the second displacement workbench assembly can be separated from the central workbench assembly and moved to a separate location.

[0065] Figures 11 to 13 The configuration under the workbench assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present application is shown in detail again.

[0066] Figure 11 The configuration under the workbench of the X-ray imaging apparatus for animals in the first imaging mode is shown. In this state, the detachable components are as follows:

[0067] (1) The first body connector 241 can be separated from the lower portion 111 of the body. The detachable member 242 can be coupled to the lower portion 111 of the body in the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode. In the third imaging mode, the first body connector 241 can be separated from the lower portion 111 of the body by releasing the coupling between the detachable member 242 and the lower portion 111 of the body.

[0068] (2) In the first imaging mode, the second support 443 of the second displacement workbench assembly can be integrally coupled to the side surface of the second body connector 243 through the detachable member 444. However, in the second imaging mode, the second support 443 of the second displacement workbench assembly 400 can be separated from the second body connector 243 by releasing the detachable member 444. After detachment, as shown in Figure 12 , the second displacement workbench assembly can be moved forward in the width direction. The fully displaced state is shown in Figure 13 .

[0069] Likewise, the relationship between the first body connector 241 and the second support 343 of the first displacement workbench assembly 300 can be configured in the same manner as the second body connector 243 and the second support 443 of the second displacement workbench assembly described above.

[0070] (3) The body of the first workbench rotary arm 530 and the body of the second workbench rotary arm 540 can be separable. The first workbench rotary arm 530 and the second workbench rotary arm 540 can be used to connect the central workbench assembly and the displacement workbench assembly to each other in the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode. However, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in the third imaging mode, the center stage assembly and the shift stage assembly can not need to be separated from each other. In particular, the second shift stage assembly can be separated from the center stage assembly. That is, at least the body of the second stage rotating arm 540 can have a separable structure, so that the second shift stage 410 can be separated and isolated from the center stage 210, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 as shown.

[0071] Referring again to Figures 11 to 13 , the rotatable components of the stage assembly system of the present application are as follows. In the present specification, a hinge mechanism is used to provide the rotatable components. First, the rotatable components can operate when switching the system from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode or from the second imaging mode to the first imaging mode. The hinges are shown by reference numerals 531, 537, 541, and 547. In other words, the hinges provided on the stage rotating arms 530 and 540 can operate. In addition, the rotating hinge 235 provided on the lower end of the second vertical support 233 operates as a rotatable component when switching the system from the first imaging mode to the third imaging mode or from the third imaging mode to the first imaging mode.

[0072] Figure 14 An execution process of switching the stage shift system from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode according to another preferred embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 14 (a) of FIG. 1 shows the first imaging mode, Figure 14 (e) of FIG. 1 shows the second imaging mode. In the first imaging mode, the stages can be arranged in the longitudinal direction, and in the second imaging mode, the stages can be arranged in the width direction.

[0073] As shown, in the stage shift system according to the present embodiment, the first shift stage 310 located on the left side in the first imaging mode can also be located on the left side in the second imaging mode. Likewise, the second shift stage 410 located on the right side in the first imaging mode can also be located on the right side in the second imaging mode. Just as the appearance of the character "A" does not change when horizontally flipped, in Figure 14 the embodiment of FIG. 1, the front and back orientations of the shift stages 310 and 410 can remain unchanged. This result can be attributed to the operation of the stage rotating arms 530 and 540.

[0074] Figure 15 An execution process of switching the stage shift system from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode according to another preferred embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 15 (a) of FIG. 1 shows the first imaging mode, Figure 15(e) shows a second imaging mode. In the first imaging mode, the worktables can be arranged in a longitudinal direction, and in the second imaging mode, the worktables can be arranged in a width direction. The result can be the same as that of the embodiment shown in Figure 14

[0075] As shown, in the worktable shifting system of the present embodiment, the first shifting worktable 310 that can be located at the left side in the first imaging mode can also be located at the left side in the second imaging mode. Likewise, the second shifting worktable 410 that is located at the right side in the first imaging mode can also be located at the right side in the second imaging mode. Conversely, in the embodiment of Figure 15 In the embodiment of the present invention, the shifting worktables 310 and 410 can be flipped in the vertical direction, like turning the character "A" upside down, resulting in the front side and the back side being reversed. To implement such an embodiment, a pivot hinge can be provided on the corner end where the center worktable assembly 200 meets the shifting worktables 310 and 410, as shown in (a) of Figure 15

[0076] In the present invention, various rotating means and coupling means can be disclosed in the center worktable assembly 200, the first shifting worktable assembly 300, and the second shifting worktable assembly 400. The rotating components can be well-known elements, and various substitutions can be made according to design requirements and site needs, and such substitutions can be well-known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for example, the configuration described as a hinge can not be limited to a specific hinge component.

[0077] Regarding the specifications of the present invention, the center worktable 210 can be designed to have a length of about 700 mm and a width of about 800 mm. The shifting worktables 310 and 410 can be designed to be about 350 mm x about 800 mm. In the first imaging mode, the worktables can have a total length of about 1400 mm. Considering the body size of large dog breeds, the dimensions can be modified by tens of centimeters. Such specifications for an X-ray imaging apparatus for animals can not be suitable for human use. However, for small animals such as dogs and cats, the apparatus can be most suitable. In summary, the present invention emphasizes that, with a single apparatus, all of the following imaging types can be performed at an animal hospital under the constraint of a limited indoor installation space: general imaging for obtaining 2D diagnostic images, stereoscopic imaging for obtaining 3D diagnostic images, and standing imaging performed while a small animal stands on four legs. As described in detail above, this can be achieved by a dynamic system of a center worktable assembly and shifting worktable assemblies located at the left and right sides.

[0078] ​​Meanwhile, the scope of protection of the present application can not be limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and specific descriptions or expressions thereof. The present application is not limited by the visible shapes, numerical values or ratios shown in the drawings, which are provided for the convenience of explanation. Furthermore, it should be clearly understood that the scope of protection of the present application can not be limited by obvious modifications or substitutions within the technical field to which the present application pertains.

Claims

1. An X-ray imaging apparatus for animals, the X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a main body; an arm operating portion configured such that an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are arranged facing each other along a line; an arm rotating portion configured to connect and rotate the arm operating portion with the main body; a table connected to the main body, on which a subject is to be positioned, the table including a center table assembly and shift table assemblies connected to left and right sides of the center table assembly, respectively, wherein, in a first imaging mode, the shift table assemblies are located left and right of the center table assembly in a longitudinal direction thereof so as to secure a reference position for an operator, and in a second imaging mode, a first table rotating device connecting the center table assembly and a first shift table assembly of the shift table assemblies operates to move the first shift table assembly to a front left side in a width direction of the center table assembly, and a second table rotating device connecting the center table assembly and a second shift table assembly of the shift table assemblies operates to move the second shift table assembly to a front right side in the width direction of the center table assembly, thereby securing rotation of the arm operating portion.

2. An X-ray imaging apparatus for animals, the X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a main body; an arm operating portion configured such that an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are arranged facing each other along a line; an arm rotating portion configured to connect and rotate the arm operating portion with the main body; a table connected to the main body, on which a subject is to be positioned, the table including a center table assembly and shift table assemblies connected to left and right sides of the center table assembly, respectively, wherein, in a first imaging mode, the shift table assemblies are located left and right of the center table assembly in a longitudinal direction thereof so as to secure a reference position for an operator, and in a second imaging mode, a first table rotating device connecting the center table assembly and a first shift table assembly of the shift table assemblies operates to move the first shift table assembly to a front left side in a width direction of the center table assembly, and a second table rotating device connecting the center table assembly and a second shift table assembly of the shift table assemblies operates to move the second shift table assembly to a front right side in the width direction of the center table assembly, thereby securing rotation of the arm operating portion, and in a third imaging mode, the arm rotating portion is shifted downward from the main body, and among connectors connecting the center table assembly to the main body, a detachably coupled connector is detached, and the center table assembly is eccentrically rotated via a rotation hinge provided at an end of another connector such that the center table assembly is maximally spaced apart from the main body, thereby securing horizontal imaging at a lowest position level by the arm operating portion.

Images