Bucky rotation device, Bucky column device and X-ray imaging system

Abstract

The application provides a tube rotating device, a tube stand device and an X-ray imaging system. The tube rotating device comprises a rotating bracket, a connecting piece and a driving assembly. The rotating bracket is connected with a tube. The connecting piece is connected with the rotating bracket. An axis of the connecting piece is provided with a rotating shaft. The rotating bracket can rotate around the rotating shaft. The driving assembly comprises a driving motor. The driving motor is connected with the rotating shaft through a synchronization unit and drives the rotating shaft to rotate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to medical imaging technology, and more specifically to an X-ray tube rotating device, an X-ray tube column device, and an X-ray imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] In an X-ray imaging system, radiation from an X-ray source is directed at a subject, typically a patient in a medical diagnostic application. A portion of the radiation passes through the subject and impacts a detector, which is divided into a matrix of discrete elements (e.g., pixels). The detector elements are read out to generate an output signal based on the amount or intensity of radiation impacting each pixel region. The signal can then be processed to produce a medical image that can be displayed for examination on the display device of the X-ray imaging system.

[0003] X-ray imaging systems include suspended X-ray imaging systems, dual-column X-ray imaging systems, and portable X-ray imaging systems. Dual-column X-ray imaging systems consist of an X-ray tube column assembly and a detector column assembly. For the X-ray tube column assembly, the tube is typically supported by a crossarm mounted on a column. To meet imaging requirements, the tube needs to move horizontally and vertically, and also rotate around the crossarm. This usually requires a motor to drive it, directly driving the rotating shaft. Such a rotating structure has a relatively long overall length. Due to the weight of the X-ray tube, the rotating shaft will experience some displacement or bending, resulting in poor control accuracy. Furthermore, direct motor-driven rotation means that even when the motor stops, the rotating shaft will continue to rotate slightly due to inertia, leading to a larger overall rotational error. Additionally, to enable manual operation, a clutch is needed to connect and disconnect the motor, allowing for switching between manual and electric operation. This increases the space required, and the clutch also lengthens the transmission path, leading to more accumulated rotational errors. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an X-ray tube rotation device, an X-ray tube column device, and an X-ray imaging system.

[0005] An exemplary embodiment of this application provides a tube rotation device. The tube rotation device includes a rotation bracket, a connector, and a drive assembly. The rotation bracket is connected to the tube, the connector is connected to the rotation bracket, the axis of the connector is provided with a rotation shaft, and the rotation bracket is capable of rotating around the rotation shaft. The drive assembly includes a drive motor, which is connected to the rotation shaft through a synchronization unit and drives the rotation shaft to rotate.

[0006] Specifically, the connecting components include a flange and a bearing. The flange has a rotating shaft along its axis. The inner ring of the bearing is fixedly connected to the rotating bracket and the rotating shaft, and the outer ring of the bearing is fixedly connected to the flange.

[0007] Specifically, the bearing is a crossed roller bearing.

[0008] Specifically, the outer ring of the bearing is connected to the flange by a set of fixing screws, and the end of the rotating bracket is provided with a slot opened in the circumferential direction, at least one of the set of fixing screws can be accommodated in the slot.

[0009] Specifically, the lower fixing screw in the set of fixing screws can be accommodated in the slot.

[0010] Specifically, at least a portion of the tube rotation device is installed inside the cross arm of the tube column device.

[0011] Specifically, the crossarm includes a hollow cavity, the drive assembly is disposed within the hollow cavity of the crossarm, and the flange is fixedly connected to the end of the crossarm.

[0012] Specifically, the flange includes a first set of grooves arranged diagonally, and a first set of protrusions that mate with the first set of grooves are provided diagonally at the end of the cross arm.

[0013] Specifically, the drive assembly further includes a mounting bracket that can fix the drive motor to the inner wall of the cross arm.

[0014] Specifically, the mounting bracket includes a second set of protrusions, and the inner wall of the cross arm is provided with a second set of grooves that match the second set of protrusions.

[0015] Specifically, the cross arm is also provided with an adjusting screw, which can adjust the tension of the timing belt.

[0016] Specifically, the drive assembly further includes a brake and an encoder, the brake being mounted on the rotating shaft and adjacent to the connector, and the encoder being mounted at the end of the rotating shaft.

[0017] Specifically, the X-ray tube rotating device further includes a first fixed bracket, which is fixed on the rotating bracket and used to fix the X-ray tube cable.

[0018] An exemplary embodiment of this application provides a tube support device. The tube support device includes a column, a crossarm mounted on the column, a tube, and a tube rotation device. The tube rotation device includes a rotation bracket, a connector, and a drive assembly. The rotation bracket is connected to the tube, and the connector is connected to the rotation bracket. A rotation axis is provided on the axis of the connector, and the rotation bracket is capable of rotating around the rotation axis. The drive assembly includes a drive motor, which is connected to the rotation axis through a synchronization unit and drives the rotation axis to rotate.

[0019] An exemplary embodiment of this invention provides an X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system includes the above-described X-ray tube column device.

[0020] Other features and aspects will become clear from the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention can be better understood by describing exemplary embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an X-ray imaging system according to some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the X-ray tube assembly and the cross arm according to some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating tube device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a rotating tube apparatus according to some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating support of a tube rotating device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a cross arm according to some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a mounting bracket according to some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the crossarm and the mounting bracket according to some embodiments of this application; and

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a X-ray tube cable according to some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following describes specific embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that, in order to provide a concise description, this specification cannot exhaustively describe all features of the actual embodiments. It should be understood that, in the actual implementation of any embodiment, just as in any engineering or design project, various specific decisions are often made to achieve the developer's specific goals and to meet system-related or business-related constraints, and this can change from one embodiment to another. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this utility model, modifications to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this utility model are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient content of this utility model.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the claims and description shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this utility model patent application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar words do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar words mean that the element or object preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "linked" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they limited to direct or indirect connections.

[0033] Figure 1 An X-ray imaging system 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the X-ray imaging system 100 includes an X-ray tube column assembly 110, a detector column assembly 120, and a detection bed assembly 130 disposed in a scanning chamber 101, and a control device 150 disposed in a control chamber 102. The X-ray tube column assembly 110 includes a column 111, a cross arm 112, and an X-ray tube assembly (including an X-ray tube 113, a collimator 114, and an X-ray tube control device 115). The cross arm 112 is used to support the X-ray tube assembly and is mounted on the column 111.

[0034] Although some embodiments of this application are described based on a dual-column X-ray imaging system, the embodiments of this application are not intended to be limiting. For example, the medical imaging system may also be other types of X-ray imaging systems, such as a portable X-ray imaging system, or other types of imaging systems, such as a computed tomography (CT) system, a positron emission tomography (PET) system, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, etc.

[0035] For ease of description, in this application, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are defined as follows: the x-axis and y-axis are located in the horizontal plane and are perpendicular to each other, and the z-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the extension direction of the horizontal arm 112 or the width direction of the testing bed device is defined as the x-axis, the direction in the horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the horizontal arm or the length direction of the testing bed device is defined as the y-axis, and the extension direction of the column is defined as the z-axis. The z-axis is the vertical direction.

[0036] The X-ray tube column assembly 110 further includes a guide rail mounted on the floor, which is arranged along the y-axis, and the column 111 moves along the guide rail, i.e., moves along the y-axis. The cross arm 112 is also capable of moving relative to the column 111 in a vertical direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). Furthermore, a tilting device can be provided between the X-ray tube assembly and the cross arm 112, which can tilt the X-ray tube assembly at a certain angle relative to the x-axis. Of course, a rotating device can also be provided between the X-ray tube assembly and the cross arm 112, which can rotate the X-ray tube assembly around the x-axis. The specific structures of the tilting and rotating devices will be described below.

[0037] The X-ray tube contains an X-ray tube that can generate X-rays and project them onto the patient's region of interest (ROI).

[0038] The collimator 114 is typically mounted below the X-ray tube. X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube pass through the opening of the collimator 114 and irradiate the object being inspected. The size of the opening of the collimator 114 determines the irradiation range of the X-rays, i.e., the size of the field of view (FOV). As is well known, X-rays are harmful to the human body; therefore, it is necessary to control the X-rays so that they only irradiate the areas of the object to be examined, i.e., the region of interest (ROI).

[0039] The X-ray tube control device 115 is mounted on the X-ray tube assembly. The X-ray tube control device 115 includes a user interface such as a display screen and control buttons for pre-exposure preparation, such as patient selection, protocol selection, and positioning.

[0040] The detector column assembly 120 includes a first detector assembly 121, a second column 122, and a connecting portion (not shown). The connecting portion includes a connecting arm perpendicularly connected to the height direction of the second column 122 and a rotating bracket mounted on the connecting arm. The first detector assembly 121 is mounted on the rotating bracket. The detector column assembly 120 further includes a detector driving device disposed between the rotating bracket and the first detector assembly 121. Driven by the detector driving device, the first detector assembly 121 moves along a direction parallel to the height direction of the second column 122 on the plane supported by the rotating bracket. The first detector assembly 121 can also further rotate relative to the connecting arm, forming a certain angle with the column. The first detector assembly 121 has a plate-like structure with a variable orientation, so that the X-ray incident surface can be made vertical or horizontal according to the incident direction of the X-rays.

[0041] The examination bed device 130 includes a second detector assembly (not shown). The selection or use of the first detector assembly 121 and the second detector assembly can be determined based on the patient's imaging site and / or imaging protocol, or based on the position of the subject being examined obtained by the camera, for imaging examination in a supine or standing position. Figure 1 Only one example diagram of the column and testing bed is shown. Those skilled in the art should understand that any form or arrangement of the column and / or testing bed can be selected, or only the column can be installed. The column and / or testing bed are not limited to the overall scheme of this application.

[0042] In some embodiments, the control device 150 may include a source controller and a detector controller. The source controller commands the X-ray source to emit X-rays for image exposure. The detector controller selects a suitable detector from among multiple detectors and coordinates the control of various detector functions, such as automatically selecting the corresponding detector based on the position or posture of the object being inspected, or performing various signal processing and filtering functions, specifically for initial adjustment of dynamic range, interleaving of digital image data, etc. In some embodiments, the control device 150 may provide power and timing signals for controlling the operation of the X-ray source and detector.

[0043] In some embodiments, the control device 150 may also be configured to use digital signals to reconstruct one or more desired images and / or determine useful diagnostic information corresponding to the patient, wherein the control device 150 may include one or more dedicated processors, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other suitable processing devices.

[0044] Of course, medical imaging systems may also include other numbers, configurations, or forms of control devices. For example, control devices may be local (e.g., located in the same location as one or more X-ray imaging systems 100, such as within the same facility and / or the same local network); in other implementations, control devices may be remote and therefore accessible only via a remote connection (e.g., via the Internet or other available remote access technologies). In certain implementations, control devices may also be configured in a cloud-like manner and may be accessed and / or used in a manner substantially similar to accessing and using other cloud-based systems.

[0045] System 100 also includes a storage device (not shown) in which the processor can store digitized signals. For example, the storage device may include a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, optical disc read / write drive, digital universal disk drive, flash memory drive, and / or solid-state memory. The storage device may also be integrated with the processor to efficiently utilize floor space and / or meet desired imaging requirements.

[0046] System 100 also includes an input device 160, which may include a keyboard, mouse, voice-activated control device, touch screen (which may also be used as a display device described later), trackball or any other suitable input device, and the operator can input operation signals / control signals to the control device through the input device 160.

[0047] The system 100 also includes a display device 151 (e.g., a touch screen or a display screen), which can be used to display an interface for displaying a list of objects to be inspected, the placement or exposure settings of the objects to be inspected, and images of the objects to be inspected.

[0048] In such Figure 1 In the X-ray imaging system shown, the X-ray tube column assembly 110 includes the following movements: the column 111 moves along the axis (x-axis) of the horizontal arm, the horizontal arm 112 drives the X-ray tube to move along the vertical direction (z-axis), and the X-ray tube rotates around the axis (x-axis) of the horizontal arm.

[0049] This application provides a X-ray tube rotating device that uses a motor to drive a rotating shaft via a synchronous belt and a synchronous pulley. The overall X-ray tube rotating device is short in length and small in size, avoiding various problems caused by a motor driving a rotating shaft.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the X-ray tube assembly and the cross arm according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating tube device according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a rotating tube apparatus according to some embodiments of this application. For example... Figures 2 to 4As shown, the X-ray tube rotation device 200 includes a rotation bracket 210, a connector 220, and a drive assembly 230. The rotation bracket 210 is connected to the X-ray tube 113, and the connector 220 is connected to the rotation bracket 210. The axis of the connector 220 is provided with a rotation shaft 201, and the rotation bracket 210 can rotate around the rotation shaft 201. The drive assembly 230 includes a drive motor 231, which is connected to the rotation shaft 201 through a synchronization unit 232 and drives the rotation bracket 210 to rotate.

[0051] Specifically, the rotating bracket 210 is a roughly I-shaped bracket, comprising a base, a first side frame, and a second side frame. The first side frame is used to connect to the tube. When the tube column assembly also includes a tube tilting device, the first side frame can connect to the tube tilting device. In some embodiments, the first side frame is roughly rectangular, with multiple slots, mounting holes, etc., which can be used to fix the clamping parts of the tube tilting device (for clamping the tube), the angle adjustment components (for controlling the tilting angle of the tube), etc. When the tube column assembly does not include a tube tilting device, the first side frame can connect to the tube clamping parts. The second side frame is used to connect to the connector 220, which is roughly circular to facilitate connection with the bearing. Those skilled in the art should understand that the shape of the rotating bracket and the shapes of its various parts can be adapted and are not limited to the shapes shown in the figures, as long as the connection and installation functions can be achieved.

[0052] In some embodiments, the connector 220 includes a flange 221 and a bearing 222. A rotating shaft 201 is arranged along the axis of the flange 221. The inner ring of the bearing 222 is fixedly connected to the rotating bracket 210 and the rotating shaft 201, and the outer ring of the bearing 222 is fixedly connected to the flange 221. Specifically, the inner ring of the bearing 222 is fixedly connected to the rotating bracket 210 by a first set of screws 225. Specifically, the inner ring of the bearing 222 is fixedly connected to the second side frame of the rotating bracket 210 by a first set of screws 225, and the outer ring of the bearing 222 is fixedly connected to the flange 221 by a set of fixing screws 226 (the second set of screws).

[0053] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating support of the X-ray tube rotating device according to some embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the end of the rotating bracket 210 (the end of the second side bracket) is provided with a slot 211 opened in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the slot 211 is opened in a roughly circumferential direction, but it does not run through the entire circumference. There is no slot at the preset position at the top of the entire end (it remains flush with other positions of the end).

[0054] Return to reference Figure 4At least one of the set of fixing screws 226 can be accommodated within the slot 211. Preferably, the lower fixing screw of the set of fixing screws 226 can be accommodated within the slot 211. Specifically, one of the fixing screws 226 is shorter, with its top approximately flush with the outer ring of the bearing, while the other fixing screw is longer, with its top accommodated within the slot 211, and its top significantly higher than the outer ring of the bearing. With this design, when the rotating shaft rotates, the flange does not rotate, and the inner ring of the bearing drives the rotating support to rotate, thereby driving the ball tube to rotate. In some embodiments, due to the gravity of the ball tube, it is preferable that the lower fixing screw of the set of fixing screws 226 is accommodated within the slot 211, thus minimizing the stress on the assembly.

[0055] By providing a slot at the end of the rotating bracket, and then setting one of the fixing screws between the bearing and the flange higher and being accommodated in the slot, the rotation range of the rotating bracket can be limited by the slot and the screw, that is, the extreme position of the rotation of the X-ray tube can be limited, which is to limit the movement.

[0056] In some preferred embodiments, bearing 222 is a crossed roller bearing. Compared with ordinary connecting bearings, the inner and outer rings of the crossed roller bearing are segmented structures, the clearance can be pre-adjusted, the rotational accuracy is high, the rigidity is very high, and it can simultaneously withstand radial load, axial load and torque load. Furthermore, the structure of the crossed roller bearing is more compact, the volume is smaller, and the overall cost is lower.

[0057] Return to reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the drive motor 231 does not directly drive the rotating shaft 201, but instead drives it through a synchronization unit 232. Specifically, the synchronization unit 232 includes a synchronization belt 2321, a first synchronization pulley 2322, and a second synchronization pulley 2323. A relatively large pulley, the second synchronization pulley 2323, is mounted on the rotating shaft 201, while a relatively smaller pulley, the first synchronization pulley 2322, is mounted next to the drive motor 231. The synchronization belt 2321 is fitted over the two pulleys to form the synchronization unit. The drive motor 231 can drive the first synchronization pulley 2322 to rotate, which in turn drives the second synchronization pulley 2323 to rotate via the synchronization belt 2321, thereby rotating the rotating shaft 201. By making the synchronization pulley next to the drive motor smaller than the synchronization pulley on the rotating shaft, the error in motor drive can be reduced, and the rotational accuracy improved.

[0058] Furthermore, in previous designs, a clutch was required to switch between motor drive and manual rotation. In this application, the drive assembly does not have a clutch. By selecting a suitable transmission ratio between the large and small pulleys in the synchronous pulley, the drive assembly can still switch between manual operation and motor drive without using a clutch. That is, when the user manually rotates the X-ray tube assembly, the rotating shaft will rotate, which will cause the drive motor to reverse through the synchronous unit. In this way, the user can rotate the X-ray tube with a small operating force.

[0059] The drive assembly 230 further includes a brake 235 and an encoder 236. The brake 235 is mounted on the rotating shaft 201 and adjacent to the connector 220. The encoder 236 is mounted at the end of the rotating shaft 201. Specifically, the components mounted on the rotating shaft 201, starting from the flange 221, are, in sequence, the brake 235, the second synchronous pulley 2323, and the encoder 236.

[0060] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 At least a portion of the X-ray tube rotating device 200 is installed inside the cross arm 112 of the X-ray tube column device. The cross arm 112 includes a hollow cavity, the drive assembly 230 is disposed inside the hollow cavity of the cross arm 112, and the flange 221 is fixedly connected to the end of the cross arm 112.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross arm according to some embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, flange 221 includes a first set of diagonally arranged grooves 224, and a first set of protrusions 202 that mate with the first set of grooves 224 are provided diagonally at the end of crossarm 112. Alternatively, the grooves can be located on the crossarm, and the protrusions on the flange. Both the protrusions and grooves are diagonally arranged, but they are not limited to the diagonal direction shown in the figure; they can be in other diagonal directions. Specifically, by providing a set of protrusions and grooves, when installing the crossarm and flange, the protrusions can be aligned with the grooves, allowing for direct alignment, facilitating installation, and ensuring safer load-bearing capacity.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a mounting bracket according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the crossarm and the mounting bracket according to some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 3 and Figures 7 to 8 As shown, the drive assembly 230 further includes a mounting bracket 233, which can fix the drive motor 231 to the inner wall of the cross arm 112.

[0063] Specifically, the mounting bracket 233 includes a vertically arranged first bracket 2331 and a second bracket 2332. The first bracket 2331 is perpendicular to the direction of the drive shaft and is mainly used to mount the drive motor 231 and the first drive wheel 2322. More specifically, the first drive wheel 2322 is mounted on one side of the first bracket 2331, and the drive motor 231 is mounted on the other side of the first bracket 2331. The second bracket 2332 is perpendicular to the first bracket 2331 and is positioned above the first drive wheel 2322. The second bracket 2332 has a first window 2334, which is mainly used for easy observation of the first drive wheel 2322 and the timing belt during maintenance. The second bracket 2332 also has multiple mounting holes to facilitate fixing the mounting bracket inside the crossarm.

[0064] Specifically, the mounting bracket 233 includes a second set of protrusions 2335; more specifically, the second bracket 2332 is provided with a second set of protrusions 2335, wherein the second set of protrusions 2335 are asymmetrically arranged between the mounting holes. Taking a second bracket with three rows and two columns of mounting holes as an example, one protrusion is located between any two holes in the first column (e.g., the first and second rows), and the other protrusion can be located between any other two holes in the second column (e.g., the second and third rows), that is, as long as they are not located in the same row. Of course, the mounting bracket can also have fewer or more mounting holes, and it can also not follow the same arrangement. Figure 7 The arrangement shown can be made as long as the second set of protrusions are not collinear. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the cross arm 112 is provided with a second set of grooves (not shown in the figure) that correspond to the second set of protrusions. In other embodiments, the second set of protrusions 2335 may not be provided between the mounting holes, or may be provided in any other suitable position.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 8 The cross arm 112 is also equipped with an adjusting screw 1125, which can adjust the tension of the timing belt 2321. Specifically, the side of the cross arm 112 where it is fixed to the mounting bracket 233 is also equipped with an adjusting screw 1125, which can be used to tighten or loosen the timing belt 2321 to adjust the rotation accuracy.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 6In some embodiments, a second window 1121 is provided on the crossarm 112. This second window 1121 is used to expose the entire drive assembly during maintenance, facilitating observation of the condition of relevant components and convenient replacement or repair of parts. Of course, for maintenance convenience, multiple maintenance windows may also be provided on the crossarm 112, and their specific positions and shapes are not limited in this application. Specifically, the crossarm 112 is also provided with one or more removable covers, which are installed on one or more maintenance windows of the crossarm.

[0067] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a tube-to-cable assembly 300 according to some embodiments of this application is shown. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the X-ray tube rotation device further includes an X-ray tube cable assembly 300, which includes a cable 301, a first fixing bracket 310, and a second fixing bracket 320. Specifically, the cable 301 is split into two strands at one end near the X-ray tube 113, and the two strands can converge and be fixed to the cross arm 112. The first fixing bracket 310 can fix the two converging cable strands to the cross arm 112. Specifically, the first fixing bracket 310 is connected to the rotating bracket 210 and can rotate with the rotating bracket 210, thus not affecting the rotation of the X-ray tube. Specifically, the first fixing bracket 310 is composed of multiple bracket segments connected together, which can extend from the rotating bracket to the top of the cross arm. The second fixing bracket 320 is fixed on the cross arm near the column to support the cable 301. The first and second fixing brackets can avoid the problem of the X-ray tube rotation being hindered by the cable due to the cable being thick or numerous.

[0068] Although this application uses a dual-column X-ray imaging system as an example for illustration, those skilled in the art should understand that the X-ray tube rotation device mentioned in this application can be applied to other X-ray imaging systems. It can be applied to any scenario where the rotational movement of components is to be realized, and it is not limited to X-ray imaging systems. It can also be applied to systems such as computed tomography (CT) systems and C-arm imaging systems.

[0069] The X-ray tube rotation device of some embodiments of this application reduces the length and area of ​​the entire drive assembly and achieves high rotational accuracy by setting the motor to drive the rotation shaft through a synchronous pulley and synchronous belt without using a clutch. Secondly, by using crossed roller bearings, it can withstand loads in multiple directions simultaneously, resulting in a more compact structure, smaller size, and lower cost. Furthermore, by fixing a cable bracket on the rotation bracket, the cable routing is simple and will not interfere with other components, thus avoiding any obstruction to the rotation of the X-ray tube.

[0070] An exemplary embodiment of this application provides a tube rotation device. The tube rotation device includes a rotation bracket, a connector, and a drive assembly. The rotation bracket is connected to the tube, the connector is connected to the rotation bracket, the axis of the connector is provided with a rotation shaft, and the rotation bracket is capable of rotating around the rotation shaft. The drive assembly includes a drive motor, which is connected to the rotation shaft via a synchronous belt and drives the rotation shaft to rotate.

[0071] An exemplary embodiment of this application provides a tube support device. The tube support device includes a column, a cross arm connected to the column, a tube, and a tube rotation device. The tube rotation device includes a rotation bracket, a connector, and a drive assembly. The rotation bracket is connected to the tube, and the connector is connected to the rotation bracket. A rotation shaft is provided along the axis of the connector, and the rotation bracket is capable of rotating around the rotation shaft. The drive assembly includes a drive motor, which is connected to the rotation shaft via a synchronous belt and drives the rotation shaft to rotate. The drive assembly is installed inside the cross arm.

[0072] An exemplary embodiment of this application provides an X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system includes the aforementioned X-ray tube column assembly.

[0073] Some exemplary embodiments have been described above; however, it should be understood that various modifications can be made. For example, suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Accordingly, other embodiments also fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rotating device for a pneumatic tube, connected to a pneumatic tube, characterized in that, The rotating device for the X-ray tube includes: A rotating support, which is connected to the ball tube; A connector, which is connected to the rotating bracket, wherein the axis of the connector is provided with a rotating shaft, and the rotating bracket is rotatable about the rotating shaft; and A drive assembly includes a drive motor connected to the rotating shaft via a synchronization unit and driving the rotating shaft to rotate.

2. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes: A flange, the axis of which is provided with the rotating shaft; and The bearing has its inner ring fixedly connected to the rotating bracket and the rotating shaft, and its outer ring fixedly connected to the flange.

3. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bearing is a crossed roller bearing.

4. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer ring of the bearing is connected to the flange by a set of fixing screws, and the end of the rotating bracket is provided with a slot opened in the circumferential direction, at least one of the set of fixing screws can be accommodated in the slot.

5. The rotating device for the X-ray tube as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The lower fixing screw in the set of fixing screws can be accommodated in the slot.

6. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the tube rotating device is installed inside the cross arm of the tube column device.

7. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The crossarm includes a hollow cavity, the drive assembly is disposed within the hollow cavity of the crossarm, and the flange is fixedly connected to the end of the crossarm.

8. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The flange includes a first set of grooves arranged diagonally, and a first set of protrusions that mate with the first set of grooves are provided diagonally at the end of the cross arm.

9. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The drive assembly further includes a mounting bracket capable of securing the drive motor to the inner wall of the cross arm.

10. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes a second set of protrusions, and the inner wall of the cross arm is provided with a second set of grooves that match the second set of protrusions.

11. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The cross arm is also equipped with an adjusting screw, which can adjust the tightness of the synchronization unit.

12. The X-ray tube rotating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component further includes: A brake, mounted on the rotating shaft and adjacent to the connecting member; and An encoder is mounted at the end of the rotating shaft.

13. The X-ray tube rotating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray tube rotating device further includes a first fixed bracket, which is fixed on the rotating bracket and used to fix the X-ray tube cable.

14. A tube support device, characterized in that, The X-ray tube support assembly includes a support column, a cross arm mounted on the support column, an X-ray tube, and an X-ray tube rotating device as described in any one of claims 1-13.

15. An X-ray imaging system, characterized in that, It includes the tube rotating device as described in any one of claims 1-13.

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