Radiography system

Abstract

To provide a radiography system capable of easily moving a radiation source unit with respect to a decubitus table while stabilizing the radiation source unit.SOLUTION: A radiography system comprises: a decubitus table; and a radiation source unit that is configured to be independently movable from the decubitus table and includes a radiation source. The radiation source unit is capable of being attached to and detached from the decubitus table, and has an attachment portion that supports at least a part of a weight of the radiation source unit in a state in which the radiation source unit is attached to the decubitus table. The decubitus table has a guide mechanism that guides a movement of the radiation source unit attached via the attachment portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a radiation imaging system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a radiation image capturing apparatus including a radiation source that outputs radiation, a radiation source main body that houses the radiation source, a radiation detector that detects radiation transmitted through a subject when the radiation source irradiates the subject with radiation and converts it into a radiation image, a cassette main body that transmits radiation and houses the radiation detector, an attachment mechanism to which the radiation source main body is attached and that is detachable from the cassette main body or from a imaging table on which the cassette main body is disposed.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a radiation generating apparatus including a radiation generating unit that generates radiation, a support unit that supports the radiation generating unit, a power supply unit that supplies power to the radiation generating unit, and a moving unit that is mounted with the power supply unit and is movable, wherein the moving unit is detachable from the support unit.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a radiation mobile examination vehicle including a radiation irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with radiation from a radiation generating unit, a moving unit that moves the radiation irradiation unit along a predetermined guide, an adjustment unit that adjusts an irradiation angle of the radiation irradiated from the radiation generating unit so that the radiation is irradiated to a radiation detection unit that moves in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the radiation irradiation unit as the radiation irradiation unit moves by the moving unit and that detects radiation transmitted through the subject irradiated by the radiation irradiation unit, a control unit that synchronizes an irradiation operation of irradiating the subject with radiation from the radiation irradiation unit and a detection operation of detecting radiation by the radiation detection unit and controls to irradiate the subject with radiation from the radiation irradiation unit and detect the radiation by the radiation detection unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-136028 Patent Document 2 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-208573 Patent Document 3 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-50523 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a technique of fixing a radiation source body that houses a radiation source to a imaging table via an attachment mechanism. On the other hand, Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe a radiation imaging apparatus provided with a moving mechanism that enables the radiation source to move relative to a subject.

[0007] However, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not consider moving the radiation source along the imaging table with the radiation source attached to the imaging table. Therefore, the technique of the present disclosure provides a radiation imaging system that can easily move the source unit relative to the imaging table while stabilizing the source unit. Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A first aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is a radiation imaging system including an imaging table and a source unit having a radiation source that is capable of traveling independently of the imaging table, wherein the source unit enables detachable attachment to the imaging table and has an attachment portion that supports at least a part of its own weight in a state of being attached to the imaging table, and the imaging table has a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the source unit attached via the attachment portion.

[0009] A second aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the first aspect, in which, with the line source unit attached to the lying table, the radiation source is located above the lying table, and the position of the center of gravity of the line source unit is located on the same side as the radiation source with respect to the side surface of the lying table facing the line source unit when viewed from the moving direction by the guide mechanism.

[0010] A third aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the second aspect, in which the center of gravity of the line source unit is located on the radiation source side with respect to the attachment position.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the first aspect, in which, with the line source unit attached to the lying table, the line source unit is separated from the floor surface on which the lying table is installed.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the first aspect, in which the attachment portion is an inclined surface formed on the tip side in the attachment direction of the line source unit, and has a first inclined surface that is inclined upward as it goes toward the tip side.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the first aspect, in which the guide mechanism has a guide rail extending along the moving direction of the line source unit and a holding member movable along the guide rail, and the attachment portion is attached to the holding member.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the sixth aspect, in which the holding member is a flat plate-shaped stage member, and the attachment portion is attached to the lying table in a state where the lower surface of the attachment portion is placed on the upper surface of the stage member.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the sixth aspect, in which the holding member has a second inclined surface formed at the end on the line source unit side, and is inclined downward as it goes toward the line source unit side.

[0016] A ninth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the sixth aspect in which the holding member has a roller member on a surface facing the mounting portion.

[0017] A tenth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the first aspect in which the radiation source unit has a first part and a second part provided on the side of the lying table with respect to the first part and movable in the vertical direction with respect to the first part, and the mounting portion is detachable from the lying table in a space formed by the upward movement of the second part.

[0018] An eleventh aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the first aspect in which the placement surface on which the subject is placed on the lying table has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in plan view, and the moving direction by the guide mechanism is along the longitudinal direction of the placement surface.

[0019] A twelfth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiographic imaging system according to the first aspect in which the guide mechanism is provided on a surface different from the placement surface on which the subject is placed on the lying table.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the technology of the present disclosure, there is provided a radiographic imaging system capable of easily moving the radiation source unit with respect to the lying table while stabilizing the radiation source unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] An example of an embodiment of a radiation imaging system 10 according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the front-rear direction (also referred to as the depth direction), width direction, and height direction of the radiation imaging system 10 are indicated by three arrows X, Y, and Z. First, the height direction is indicated by the arrow Z, the direction of the arrow Z indicated by the arrow Z is defined as the upward direction of the radiation imaging system 10, and the opposite direction is defined as the downward direction. The width direction is indicated by the arrow X orthogonal to the arrow Z, the direction indicated by the arrow X is defined as the front direction of the radiation imaging system 10, and the opposite direction is defined as the rear direction. The left-right direction is indicated by the arrow Y orthogonal to the arrows Z and X, the direction indicated by the arrow Y is defined as the left direction of the radiation imaging system 10, and the opposite is defined as the right direction. Also, in the following, expressions using sides such as the upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side have the same meaning as expressions using directions.

[0024] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "vertical direction" refers to the vertical direction including, in addition to the perfect vertical direction, an error generally allowed in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and not contrary to the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. The same applies to the "horizontal direction", which refers to the horizontal direction including, in addition to the perfect horizontal direction, an error generally allowed in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and not contrary to the gist of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0025] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic system 10 is a system for performing radiography on a subject A (see FIG. 2). The radiographic system 10 includes a radiation source unit 20 and a couch 30. The radiation source unit 20 includes a radiation source 26A and is a device that irradiates the subject A with radiation (e.g., X-rays or gamma rays) generated from the radiation source 26A. The couch 30 is a table on which the subject A can be placed. With the subject A placed on the couch 30, the subject A is irradiated with radiation, and radiography is performed. The radiographic system 10 is an example of the "radiographic system" according to the technology of the present disclosure, the radiation source unit 20 is an example of the "radiation source unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the couch 30 is an example of the "couch" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] The radiation source unit 20 includes a main body 22, an arm 24, and a radiation irradiation unit 26. The main body 22 is a part forming the main body of the radiation source unit 20 and houses a power supply system for supplying power to the radiation source 26A, a control device for controlling the entire radiation source unit 20, and a mechanism for driving the arm 24.

[0027] The arm 24 is a part extending from the main body 22, with one end attached to the main body 22 and the radiation irradiation unit 26 provided at the other end. The arm 24 enables the radiation irradiation unit 26 to move relative to the subject A. The arm 24 is extendable and retractable in the vertical direction and also in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the radiation irradiation unit 26 is enabled to move relative to the subject A via the arm 24.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the arm 24 extends from the upper surface of the main body 22. Specifically, the arm 24 has an L shape having a portion along the vertical direction extending from the upper surface of the main body 22 and a portion bent from the upper end thereof and along the left-right direction. Here, an example in which the arm 24 has an L shape has been described, but this is merely an example. The arm 24 may be a C-shaped arm when viewed from the front-rear direction, or may be an arm having a plurality of joints.

[0029] The radiation irradiation unit 26 irradiates the subject A with radiation. The radiation irradiation unit 26 is attached to the tip of the arm 24. Inside the radiation irradiation unit 26, a radiation source 26A is housed. The radiation generated in the radiation source 26A has its irradiation direction defined by an irradiation field limiter (not shown) inside the radiation source 26A. Then, the radiation is irradiated from the radiation source 26A to the subject A. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the radiation irradiation unit 26 irradiates radiation downward. The radiation source 26A is an example of the "radiation source" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0030] Further, the radiation irradiation unit 26 includes a grip portion 26B. The grip portion 26B is a portion that can be gripped by a user (for example, a radiologic technologist or a doctor) of the radiation imaging system 10. Although details will be described later, the user can grasp the grip portion 26B and move the radiation irradiation unit 26 relative to the examination table 30.

[0031] An attachment portion 28 is provided at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the main body 22. The attachment portion 28 is a portion where the radiation source unit 20 can be detachably attached to the examination table 30. That is, the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the examination table 30 via the attachment portion 28. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the attachment portion 28 is a portion protruding from the left side surface of the main body 22. Note that the position where the attachment portion 28 is provided is merely an example, and it may be provided on the front side surface or the rear side surface of the main body 22. Details of the attachment portion 28 will be described later. The attachment portion 28 is an example of the "attachment portion" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0032] Further, wheels 29 are provided on the lower surface of the main body portion 22. The line source unit 20 is configured to be able to travel independently of the lying table 30 via the wheels 29 provided on the main body portion 22. The line source unit 20 may travel via the wheels 29 by being pushed by a user, for example, or may travel by receiving power from a power source (e.g., a motor, etc.) (not shown) and rotating the wheels 29. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the wheels 29 are provided at the four corners of the lower surface of the main body portion 22. The wheels 29 are, for example, casters.

[0033] The lying table 30 includes a placement portion 32, leg portions 34, and a guide mechanism 40. The placement portion 32 is a flat plate-shaped portion for placing the subject A. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the placement portion 32 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction. The placement portion 32 has a placement surface 32A on which the subject A is placed on the upper side. That is, the placement surface 32A has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in plan view. The lying table 30 is, for example, a dedicated bed for radiographic imaging. A radiation detector (not shown) is provided on the lying table 30, which detects radiation that has been irradiated from the radiation source 26A and passed through the part of the subject A to be diagnosed, and outputs a radiation image. The radiation detector is called an FPD (Flat Panel Detector).

[0034] Further, leg portions 34 are provided on the lower surface of the placement portion 32. The leg portions 34 are members that support the placement portion 32. The placement portion 32 is set to a predetermined height from the floor surface by the leg portions 34. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the leg portions 34 are provided at both ends in the front-rear direction of the placement portion 32, respectively. Each of the pair of leg portions 34 is provided with a wheel 34A. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the wheels 34A are provided one by one at both ends in the left-right direction of the leg portions 34. The lying table 30 is made movable by the wheels 34A. Note that the lying table 30 may be in a state where it does not have the wheels 34A and is fixed to the floor surface.

[0035] The guide mechanism 40 is a mechanism that enables the movement of the radiation source unit 20 attached via the attachment portion 28 relative to the lying table 30. Specifically, the guide mechanism 40 is a mechanism for guiding the movement along one side of the mounting surface 32A of the radiation source unit 20. The guide mechanism 40 is an example of the "guide mechanism" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0036] More specifically, the guide mechanism 40 is provided on the mounting portion 32. The guide mechanism 40 includes a pair of guide rails 42 and a stage member 44 guided by the pair of guide rails 42. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the guide mechanism 40 is provided at the right end portion of the mounting surface 32A of the mounting portion 32. And the pair of guide rails 42 extends along the longitudinal direction (here, the front-rear direction) of the mounting surface 32A, and the stage member 44 is movable along the guide rails 42 along the longitudinal direction of the mounting surface 32A. That is, the moving direction of the radiation source unit 20 by the guide mechanism 40 is along the longitudinal direction of the mounting surface 32A. The pair of guide rails 42 is an example of the "guide rail" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the stage member 44 is an example of the "holding member" and "stage member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2 as an example, a radiographic imaging is performed on the subject A placed on the lying table 30. In this case, in order to arrange the radiation source 26A at a predetermined position with respect to the subject A, the arm 24 is extended. Specifically, the arm 24 is extended upward with respect to the main body portion 22 or extended toward the lying table 30 side (here, toward the left side). Thereby, the radiation source 26A is arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the subject A.

[0038] Here, in order to move the radiation source 26A, when the arm 24 extends, the radiation irradiation unit 26 will move accordingly. The radiation irradiation unit 26 is provided with various mechanisms and electronic devices in addition to the radiation source 26A. Therefore, as the radiation irradiation unit 26 moves, the center of gravity of the source unit 20 also moves. For example, when the arm 24 is extended for radiation imaging and the radiation source 26A is positioned above the examination table 30, the center of gravity of the source unit 20 moves upward and toward the examination table 30 side (here, the left side). For this reason, the center of gravity of the source unit 20 moves away from the main body 22, and it is conceivable that the posture of the source unit 20 becomes unstable (for example, it is more likely to fall or wobble during movement). In particular, since the source unit 20 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to travel via the wheels 29, the influence of destabilization is greater compared to a stationary radiation irradiation device fixed to the floor surface or ceiling.

[0039] Therefore, in the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, when radiation imaging is performed, the source unit 20 is attached to the examination table 30 via the attachment portion 28. When radiation imaging is performed, in a state where the source unit 20 is attached to the examination table 30, the radiation source 26A is positioned above the examination table 30. The examination table 30 has sufficient weight with respect to the source unit 20 and the position of the center of gravity is also low. Therefore, by attaching the source unit 20 to the examination table 30, the posture of the source unit 20 is stabilized even when the arm 24 is extended.

[0040] And when radiation imaging is performed, the radiation source 26A may be moved not only in the left - right direction and the up - down direction but also in the front - rear direction (the direction along the X direction shown in FIG. 2). When moving the radiation source 26A in the front - rear direction, the user grasps the gripping portion 26B provided on the radiation irradiation unit 26 and moves it in the front - rear direction. In this case, according to the operation by the user, the entire source unit 20 will also move in the front - rear direction. However, since the source unit 20 is relatively heavy, it may be difficult for the user to grasp and move the gripping portion 26B.

[0041] Therefore, as an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 28 supports at least a part of the weight of the radiation source unit 20 in a state where the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30. The mounting portion 28 is attached to the guide mechanism 40 of the lying table 30. Specifically, the mounting portion 28 is attached to the stage member 44 of the guide mechanism 40. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 28 is a portion protruding from the main body portion 22 and having a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front-rear direction. Further, the stage member 44 is a flat plate member. Then, the mounting portion 28 is attached to the stage member 44 in a state where the lower surface 28A of the mounting portion 28 is placed on the upper surface 44A of the stage member 44.

[0042] The load from the radiation source unit 20 is transmitted to the stage member 44 via the mounting portion 28. Then, the load from the radiation source unit 20 is transmitted to the lying table 30. Thus, the weight of the radiation source unit 20 is supported by the mounting portion 28. In the example shown in FIG. 3, all of the weight of the radiation source unit 20 is supported by the mounting portion 28. In this case, the radiation source unit 20 is separated from the floor surface F. That is, a gap W is formed between the lower surface of the wheel 29 of the radiation source unit 20 and the floor surface F. The floor surface F is an example of the "floor surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0043] Here, an example has been described in which all of the weight of the radiation source unit 20 is supported by the mounting portion 28, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A mode in which about 80% of the weight of the radiation source unit 20 is supported by the mounting portion 28 and the remaining about 20% is supported by the wheels 29 may be used.

[0044] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the state of attaching the attachment portion 28 to the stage member 44 will be described. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the dotted line frame in FIG. 3. As an example, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, first, in the state before attaching the line source unit 20, the line source unit 20 is moved toward the lying table 30. Here, the attachment portion 28 is positioned to face the stage member 44 in the moving direction of the line source unit 20. Therefore, when the line source unit 20 is moved toward the lying table 30, the attachment portion 28 comes into contact with the stage member 44. Here, the moving direction when attaching the line source unit 20 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "attachment direction") is the left direction.

[0045] Next, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 4, when the attachment portion 28 comes into contact with the stage member 44, the attachment portion 28 continues to move while remaining in contact with the stage member 44. Here, on the attachment portion 28, a slope 28B is formed on the tip side in the attachment direction. The slope 28B is a surface that slopes upward toward the tip side of the attachment portion 28. In the example shown in FIG. 4, on the lower surface 28A of the attachment portion 28, the slope 28B is formed at the left end. The slope 28B is a surface that slopes upward toward the left end. The slope 28B is an example of the "first slope" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0046] Also, on the stage member 44, a slope 44B is formed at the end on the line source unit 20 side in the attachment direction. The slope 44B is a surface that slopes downward toward the line source unit 20 side. In the example shown in FIG. 4, on the upper surface 44A of the stage member 44, the slope 44B is formed at the right end. The slope 44B is a surface that slopes downward toward the right side. The slope 44B is an example of the "second slope" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0047] When the attachment portion 28 contacts the stage member 44, first, the inclined surface 28B of the attachment portion 28 contacts the inclined surface 44B of the stage member 44. Then, while the inclined surface 28B and the inclined surface 44B slide, the attachment portion 28 moves relative to the stage member 44. In this case, since the attachment portion 28 moves in the upper left direction along the inclined surface 44B, the entire linear source unit 20 also moves in the upper left direction together. That is, the linear source unit 20 moves not only in the attachment direction but also upward. As a result, the linear source unit 20 is in a state separated from the floor surface F (see FIG. 3).

[0048] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, when the movement of the attachment portion 28 in the attachment direction continues, the sliding between the inclined surface 28B of the attachment portion 28 and the inclined surface 44B of the stage member 44 ends. Then, the attachment portion 28 gets over the inclined surface 44B and the movement in the attachment direction continues as it is. When the movement of the attachment portion 28 in the attachment direction ends, the lower surface 28A of the attachment portion 28 is placed on the upper surface 44A of the stage member 44. In this state, the attachment portion 28 is fixed to the stage member 44 by the lock member 50. For example, the lock member 50 is a U-shaped member, and one of the pair of rod-shaped members penetrates the attachment portion 28 and the stage member 44. Thereby, the attachment portion 28 and the stage member 44 are fixed to each other. In this way, the linear source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28. The linear source unit 20 is made movable by the guide mechanism 40 in a state of being attached to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28.

[0049] Note that the above-described lock mechanism is merely an example. It is sufficient that the attachment portion 28 and the stage member 44 can be fixed, and they may be fixed in a manner of sandwiching both from above and below by a clamp member, or may be fixed by utilizing magnetic attraction between the lower surface 28A and the upper surface 44A.

[0050] In addition, in a state where the linear source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30, the position of the center of gravity P of the linear source unit 20 is located on the side of the radiation source 26A rather than on the right side surface 32B of the placement portion 32 of the lying table 30 when viewed from the moving direction (here, the front-rear direction) by the guide mechanism 40. Here, the position of the center of gravity P is located on the left side rather than on the right side surface 32B. That is, the position of the center of gravity P of the linear source unit 20 is located on the side of the radiation source 26A rather than on the surface of the lying table 30 on the side of the linear source unit 20.

[0051] Furthermore, in a state where the linear source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30, the position of the center of gravity P of the linear source unit 20 is located on the side of the radiation source 26A rather than the attachment position S when viewed from the moving direction of the linear source unit 20 by the guide mechanism 40. Here, the attachment position S is the position where the attachment portion 28 and the stage member 44 are fixed when viewed from the moving direction of the linear source unit 20 by the guide mechanism 40. When the attachment portion 28 and the stage member 44 are fixed by surface contact, the attachment position S is the intermediate position of the contact area when viewed from the moving direction of the linear source unit 20 by the guide mechanism 40.

[0052] In this way, in a state where the linear source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30, the user moves the linear source unit 20. Specifically, the user stands on the left side of the lying table 30 and grasps the gripping portion 26B of the radiation irradiation unit 26. Then, the linear source unit 20 is moved in the front-rear direction via the gripping portion 26B. In this case, the weight of the linear source unit 20 is supported by the attachment portion 28. In addition, the attachment portion 28 is attached to the stage member 44 of the guide mechanism 40, and the linear source unit 20 moves in the front-rear direction along the pair of guide rails 42. As a result, the adjustment of the front-rear direction position of the radiation source 26A is performed by the user.

[0053] As described above, the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment includes an X-ray source unit 20 and a horizontal table 30. The X-ray source unit 20 is provided with an X-ray source 26A, and the X-ray source unit 20 is capable of traveling independently of the horizontal table 30. By attaching the X-ray source unit 20, which can travel independently of the horizontal table 30, to the horizontal table 30, the posture of the X-ray source unit 20 is stabilized. For example, even when the arm 24 is extended along the vertical direction, the posture of the X-ray source unit 20 is stabilized. Here, although the X-ray source unit 20 attached to the horizontal table 30 needs to be moved along the horizontal table 30 for position adjustment, it is difficult to move because of the weight of the X-ray source unit 20.

[0054] In this configuration, at least a part of the weight of the X-ray source unit 20 is supported by the attachment portion 28 of the X-ray source unit 20. Further, the X-ray source unit 20 is made movable along the horizontal table 30 by a guide mechanism 40 provided on the horizontal table 30. Thereby, it becomes easy to move the X-ray source unit 20 relative to the horizontal table 30 while stabilizing the posture of the X-ray source unit 20.

[0055] Also, in radiation imaging, when adjusting the position of the X-ray source 26A in the direction along the horizontal table 30 (here, the front-rear direction), fine position adjustment may be required. Also in this case, because of the weight of the X-ray source unit 20, it is difficult to move the X-ray source unit 20 for fine position adjustment. In this configuration, since at least a part of the weight of the X-ray source unit 20 is supported by the attachment portion 28, it is easy to move the X-ray source unit 20, so that fine position adjustment of the X-ray source unit 20 is realized.

[0056] In the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, with the radiation source unit 20 attached to the supine table 30, the radiation source 26A is positioned above the supine table 30, and when viewed from the moving direction (for example, the front-rear direction) by the guide mechanism 40, the position of the center of gravity P of the radiation source unit 20 is located on the same side as the radiation source 26A with respect to the side surface 32B of the supine table 30 facing the radiation source unit 20. Here, the user often grasps the gripping portion 26B of the radiation irradiation unit 26 and moves the radiation source unit 20 from the side opposite to the side to which the radiation source unit 20 is attached (here, the left side). In this configuration, since the center of gravity P of the radiation source unit 20 is on the same side as the radiation source 26A with respect to the side surface 32B of the supine table 30 to which the radiation source unit 20 is attached, the positions of the point of action and the center of gravity P are close to each other. As a result, the movement operation by the user on the radiation source unit 20 attached to the supine table 30 becomes easier. Also, in the radiation imaging system 10, space saving is achieved on the side opposite to the supine table 30 (here, the right side) compared to the radiation source unit 20.

[0057] For example, as shown in FIG. 5 as a comparative example, consider the radiation source unit 20A in the radiation imaging system 10A. In the radiation source unit 20A, the lower part of the main body 22 protrudes to the side opposite to the supine table 30 (here, the right side). In this case, the center of gravity P1 of the radiation source unit 20A is located on the right side of the portion along the vertical direction of the arm 24. That is, the center of gravity P1 of the radiation source unit 20A is located on the side opposite to the radiation source 26A with respect to the side surface 32B of the supine table 30. In this case, when trying to move the radiation source unit 20A by grasping the gripping portion 26B, since the positions of the point of action and the center of gravity P1 are separated, it becomes difficult to move the radiation source unit 20A. On the other hand, in this configuration, since the position of the center of gravity P is located on the same side as the radiation source 26A with respect to the side surface 32B of the supine table 30, the positions of the point of action and the center of gravity P are closer compared to the comparative example. Therefore, it becomes easier to move the radiation source unit 20A attached to the supine table 30.

[0058] Further, in the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, when viewed from the moving direction (for example, the front-rear direction) by the guide mechanism 40, the position of the center of gravity P of the radiation source unit 20 is located closer to the radiation source 26A side than the attachment position S. As a result, since the center of gravity P is closer to the radiation source 26A, the moving operation of the radiation source unit 20A in the state of being attached to the examination table 30 becomes easier.

[0059] Further, in the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, in the state where the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the examination table 30, the radiation source unit 20 is separated from the floor surface F on which the examination table 30 is installed. As a result, the resistance between the radiation source unit 20 and the floor surface F is eliminated, and the radiation source unit 20 is moved by the guide mechanism 40, so that the movement of the radiation source unit 20 becomes easier.

[0060] Further, in the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, on the attachment portion 28, a slope 28B is formed on the tip side in the attachment direction of the radiation source unit 20, and the slope 28B is inclined upward toward the tip side. As a result, when the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the examination table 30, the radiation source unit 20 rises with respect to the examination table 30 along the slope 28B as it is. As a result, the resistance from the floor surface F is reduced, and the movement of the radiation source unit 20 after being attached to the examination table 30 becomes easier.

[0061] Further, in the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the examination table 30 is provided with a guide mechanism 40. The guide mechanism 40 includes a guide rail 42 extending along the moving direction of the radiation source unit 20 and a stage member 44 movable along the guide rail 42. The attachment portion 28 is attached to the stage member 44. As a result, the stage member 44 to which the attachment portion 28 is attached is made movable along the guide rail 42. As a result, the movement of the radiation source unit 20 is stabilized and the moving direction is defined.

[0062] In the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the stage member 44 is in a flat plate shape, and the mounting portion 28 is attached to the lying table 30 in a state where the lower surface 28A of the mounting portion 28 is placed on the upper surface 44A of the stage member 44. As a result, since the mounting portion 28 is supported from below by the stage member 44, it becomes easy to support the weight of the radiation source unit 20.

[0063] In the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the stage member 44 is formed with an inclined surface 44B that is a surface formed at the end on the side of the radiation source unit 20 and is inclined downward as it goes toward the radiation source unit 20 side. As a result, when the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30, the radiation source unit 20 rises with respect to the lying table 30 along the inclined surface 44B as it is. As a result, the resistance between the floor surface F is reduced, and the movement of the radiation source unit 20 after being attached to the lying table 30 becomes easy.

[0064] In the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the placement surface 32A, which is the surface on which the subject A is placed on the lying table 30, has a rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed in plan (that is, when viewed from above), and the moving direction of the radiation source unit 20 by the guide mechanism 40 is along the longitudinal direction of the placement surface 32A. As a result, since the amount of movement by the guide mechanism 40 is longer than in the case of movement along the short side direction, the effect of facilitating the movement of the radiation source unit 20 is more exhibited.

[0065] (First Modification Example) In the above embodiment, the form example in which the guide mechanism 40 is provided on the placement surface 32A has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the first modification example, the guide mechanism 40 is provided on a surface different from the placement surface 32A in the lying table 30.

[0066] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the lying table 30 includes a guide mechanism support portion 36. The guide mechanism support portion 36 is a member for supporting the guide mechanism 40. The guide mechanism support portion 36 is provided below the placement portion 32. The guide mechanism support portion 36 has a length approximately the same as the length of the guide rail 42 of the guide mechanism 40.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the guide mechanism support portion 36 is provided at an intermediate portion of the columnar portion 34B of the leg portion 34. The columnar portion 34B is attached to the lower surface of the placement portion 32 and is a columnar member extending in the vertical direction. The guide mechanism support portion 36 extends along the short side direction of the placement portion 32 from the intermediate portion of the columnar portion 34B. The guide mechanism support portion 36 is spanned between the columnar portions 34B of the pair of leg portions 34.

[0068] The guide mechanism 40 is provided on the upper surface 36A of the guide mechanism support portion 36. The attachment portion 28 of the radiation source unit 20 is provided at a position facing the stage member 44 of the guide mechanism 40 provided on the upper surface 36A of the guide mechanism support portion 36. When the radiation source unit 20 is moved toward the lying table 30, the attachment portion 28 is attached to the stage member 44 of the guide mechanism 40 provided on the guide mechanism support portion 36. Here, the lower surface 28A of the attachment portion 28 is placed on the upper surface 44A of the stage member 44. The upper surface 36A is an example of the "surface different from the placement surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0069] Here, a configuration example in which the guide mechanism support portion 36 is provided below the placement portion 32 has been described, but this is merely an example. For example, the guide mechanism support portion 36 may be provided on the side of the placement portion 32. A configuration example in which the guide mechanism support portion 36 is provided on the columnar portion 34B has been described, but this is merely an example. The guide mechanism support portion 36 may be attached to a dedicated member extending from the lower surface of the placement portion 32.

[0070] As described above, in this first modification example, the guide mechanism 40 is provided on the upper surface 36A of the guide mechanism support portion 36 provided below the placement portion 32. As a result, the placement surface 32A becomes wider by the width of the guide mechanism 40. Further, since the guide mechanism 40 has the guide rail 42 and the stage member 44, it protrudes from the placement surface 32A by the amount of these members. In this configuration, since the guide mechanism 40 is provided on the guide mechanism support portion 36, the placement surface 32A can be made flat.

[0071] (Second Modification Example) In the above-described embodiment, in the line source unit 20, the form example in which the arm 24 extends from the upper surface of the main body portion 22 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this second modification example, the arm 24 is provided on the side of the lying table 30 rather than the main body portion 22. In this case, the attachment portion 28 is detachable from the lying table 30 in the space formed by the upward movement of the arm 24.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the arm 24 includes a vertical portion 24A along the vertical direction and a horizontal portion 24B extending horizontally from the upper end of the vertical portion 24A. The vertical portion 24A is attached to the surface of the main body portion 22 on the side of the lying table 30 (here, the left side surface). That is, the arm 24 is provided on the side of the lying table 30 rather than the main body portion 22. The main body portion 22 is an example of the "first part" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the arm 24 is an example of the "second part" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0073] Further, the arm 24 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the main body portion 22 by the elevating mechanism 25. The elevating mechanism 25 includes, for example, a power source such as a motor and a drive mechanism such as a feed screw mechanism. Before the arm 24 rises with respect to the main body portion 22, a part of the attachment portion 28 is accommodated inside the vertical portion 24A. Specifically, the vertical portion 24A has a pair of wall portions 24A1 and 24A2. The pair of wall portions 24A1 and 24A2 are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction (the X direction shown in FIG. 7). And the attachment portion 28 is accommodated between the pair of wall portions 24A1 and 24A2.

[0074] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the arm 24 is raised by the elevating mechanism 25, a space K is formed below the vertical portion 24A of the arm 24. In other words, the space K is the region where the arm 24 existed before it was raised when the radiation source unit 20 is viewed from the front-rear direction. Then, the mounting portion 28 exposed by the raising of the arm 24 is attached to the lying table 30. That is, in the space K, the mounting portion 28 is detachable from the lying table 30.

[0075] Here, an example has been described in which the entire mounting portion 28 is housed in the vertical portion 24A of the arm 24, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the portion on the main body portion 22 side of the mounting portion 28 may be housed in the vertical portion 24A. In this case, the portion where the mounting portion 28 is attached to and detached from the lying table 30 does not necessarily have to be entirely included in the space K, and a mode in which a part thereof is included in the space K may also be possible.

[0076] As described above, in this second modification, the arm 24 is vertically movable with respect to the main body portion 22, and in the space K formed by the raising of the arm 24, the mounting portion 28 is detachable from the lying table 30. Thereby, the radiation source unit 20 can be attached to the lying table 30 in a state where the radiation source unit 20 is close to the lying table 30 by the amount of the space of the vertical portion 24A of the arm 24. Thereby, the center of gravity of the radiation source unit 20 can be brought closer to the lying table 30, and the movement of the radiation source unit 20 becomes easy.

[0077] In addition, in this second modification example, the form in which the arm 24 is directly attached to the main body portion 22 has been described as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an intervening member may be provided between the arm 24 and the main body portion 22. The intervening member is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the main body portion 22, and further, the arm 24 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the intervening member. In this case, the space K is formed by the upward movement of the arm 24 and the intervening member. Also, in the contracted state, a so-called telescopic structure in which the arm 24 and the intervening member overlap may be adopted.

[0078] In addition, in this second modification example, the form in which the attachment portion 28 is accommodated between the pair of wall portions 24A1 and 24A2 of the vertical portion 24A has been described as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. As long as the attachment portion 28 does not interfere with the vertical movement of the arm 24. For example, when the arm 24 is located below, the attachment portion 28 may be accommodated inside the main body portion 22.

[0079] (Third Modification Example) In the above embodiment, the form in which the surface of the stage member 44 facing the attachment portion 28 is a flat surface has been described as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this third modification example, in the stage member 44, a roller member 46 is provided on the surface facing the attachment portion 28.

[0080] As an example, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 9, the stage member 44 has a roller member 46 on the surface facing the attachment portion 28. Specifically, when attaching the attachment portion 28 to the stage member 44, a roller member 46 is provided on the surface of the stage member 44 facing the attachment portion 28.

[0081] More specifically, roller members 46 are provided on the upper surface 44A and the inclined surface 44B of the stage member 44. The roller member 46 is a columnar member having a rotation axis in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction of the mounting portion 28. As shown in the middle of FIG. 9, when the mounting portion 28 comes into contact with the stage member 44, the roller member 46 provided on the inclined surface 44B comes into contact with the inclined surface 28B of the mounting portion 28 and rotates. Further, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 9, when the mounting portion 28 moves, the roller member 46 provided on the upper surface 44A comes into contact with the lower surface 28A of the mounting portion 28 and rotates. In this way, the roller member 46 supports the movement of the mounting portion 28 in the mounting direction. The roller member 46 is an example of the "roller member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0082] As described above, in the third modification, the roller members 46 are provided on the upper surface 44A and the inclined surface 44B of the stage member 44. Thereby, when attaching the attachment portion 28, the roller member 46 rotates as it comes into contact with the attachment portion 28, making it easier to attach the attachment portion 28 to the stage member 44.

[0083] In addition, in the above-described third modification, the form in which the roller members 46 are provided on both the upper surface 44A and the inclined surface 44B has been described as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the roller member 46 may be provided on either the upper surface 44A or the inclined surface 44B.

[0084] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the inclined surface 44B is formed on the stage member 44 and the inclined surface 28B is formed on the attachment portion 28 has been described as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. It is not necessary for both the inclined surfaces 44B and 28B to be formed, and either one of them may be formed.

[0085] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the linear source unit 20 is raised with respect to the lying table 30 by the inclined surface by attaching the attachment portion 28 to the stage member 44 has been described as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, after attaching the attachment portion 28 to the lying table 30, a mechanism for raising the linear source unit 20 with respect to the lying table 30 may be provided.

[0086] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the form example in which the guide rail 42 of the guide mechanism 40 is along the longitudinal direction of the lying table 30 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the guide rail 42 may be in a mode along the short side direction of the lying table 30.

[0087] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the form example of manually moving the radiation source unit 20 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the radiation source unit 20 may be driven by a motor or the like.

[0088] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the form example in which the lying table 30 is a dedicated bed for radiographic imaging has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The lying table 30 may be a bed provided in a general ward or a general examination table. In this case, the guide mechanism 40 is separately attached to the lying table 30.

[0089] The description content and the illustrated content shown above are detailed descriptions of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure, and are only examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the description regarding the above-described configuration, function, operation, and effect is an example of the description of the configuration, function, operation, and effect of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that within the scope not departing from the gist of the technology of the present disclosure, the unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the description content and the illustrated content shown above. In addition, in order to avoid complication and facilitate the understanding of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description regarding common technical knowledge that does not particularly require explanation for implementing the technology of the present disclosure has been omitted from the description content and the illustrated content shown above.

[0090] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Also, in this specification, when expressing three or more matters connected by "and / or", the same concept as "A and / or B" is applied.

[0091] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0092] Regarding the above embodiments, the following is further disclosed. <Appendix 1> A radiation imaging system including a lying table and a source unit having a radiation source that is capable of traveling independently of the lying table. The source unit is detachably attachable to the lying table and has an attachment portion that supports at least a part of its own weight when attached to the lying table. The lying table has a guide mechanism for guiding the movement of the source unit attached via the attachment portion. Radiation imaging system. <Appendix 2> When the source unit is attached to the lying table. The radiation source is located above the lying table, and when viewed from the moving direction by the guide mechanism, the position of the center of gravity of the source unit is located on the same side as the radiation source with respect to the side surface of the lying table facing the source unit. The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 1. <Appendix 3> The center of gravity of the source unit is located on the radiation source side rather than the attachment position. The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 2. <Appendix 4> In a state where the above-described X-ray source unit is attached to the above-described supine table, the X-ray source unit is separated from the floor surface on which the supine table is installed. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. <Appendix 5> The attachment portion is an inclined surface formed on the tip side in the attachment direction of the X-ray source unit, and has a first inclined surface that is inclined upward as it goes toward the tip side. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. <Appendix 6> The above-described guide mechanism A guide rail extending along the moving direction of the X-ray source unit, And a holding member movable along the guide rail. The attachment portion is attached to the holding member. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5. <Appendix 7> The holding member is a flat stage member. The attachment portion is attached to the supine table in a state where the lower surface of the attachment portion is placed on the upper surface of the stage member. The radiographic imaging system according to Appendix 6. <Appendix 8> The holding member is an inclined surface formed at the end on the X-ray source unit side, and has a second inclined surface that is inclined downward as it goes toward the X-ray source unit side. The radiographic imaging system according to Appendix 6 or Appendix 7. <Appendix 9> The holding member has roller members on the surface facing the attachment portion. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Appendices 6 to 8. <Appendix 10> The X-ray source unit has a first part, and a second part provided closer to the supine table side than the first part and movable in the vertical direction with respect to the first part. The attachment portion is a space formed by the upward movement of the second part, and is detachable from the supine table. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9. <Appendix 11> The placement surface, on which the subject is placed on the lying table, has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in plan view. The moving direction by the guide mechanism is along the longitudinal direction of the placement surface. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10. <Appendix 12> The guide mechanism is provided on a surface different from the placement surface, on which the subject is placed on the lying table. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 11.

Explanation of Signs

[0093] 10, 10A Radiographic imaging system 20, 20A X-ray source unit 22 Main body 24 Arm 24A Vertical part 24A1, 24A2 Wall part 24B Horizontal part 25 Lifting mechanism 26 Radiation irradiation part 26A Radiation source 26B Gripping part 28 Mounting part 28A Bottom surface 28B Inclined surface 29 Wheel 30 Lying table 32 Placement part 32A Placement surface 32B Right side surface 34 Leg part 34A Wheel 34B Columnar part 36 Guide mechanism support part 36A Top surface 40 Guide mechanism 42 Guide rail 44 Stage member 44A Top surface 44B Inclined surface 46 Roller member 50 Locking member A Subject F Floor surface K Space P, P1 Center of gravity S Mounting position W Gap

Claims

1. An X-ray imaging system comprising a lying table and a source unit having a radiation source that can travel independently of the lying table, wherein the source unit can be detachably attached to the lying table and has an attachment portion that supports at least a part of its own weight when attached to the lying table, and the lying table has a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the source unit attached via the attachment portion. An X-ray imaging system.

2. When the source unit is attached to the lying table, the radiation source is located above the lying table, and when viewed from the moving direction by the guide mechanism, the position of the center of gravity of the source unit is located on the same side as the radiation source with respect to the side surface of the lying table facing the source unit. The X-ray imaging system according to Claim 1.

3. The center of gravity of the source unit is located on the radiation source side rather than the attachment position. The X-ray imaging system according to Claim 2.

4. When the source unit is attached to the lying table, the source unit is separated from the floor surface on which the lying table is installed. The X-ray imaging system according to Claim 1.

5. The attachment portion is an inclined surface formed on the tip side in the attachment direction of the source unit, and has a first inclined surface that inclines upward toward the tip side. The X-ray imaging system according to Claim 1.

6. The guide mechanism includes a guide rail extending along the moving direction of the source unit, and a holding member movable along the guide rail, and the attachment portion is attached to the holding member. The X-ray imaging system according to Claim 1.

7. The holding member is a flat stage member, and the attachment portion is attached to the lying table in a state where the lower surface of the attachment portion is placed on the upper surface of the stage member. The X-ray imaging system according to Claim 6.

8. The holding member is an inclined surface formed at the end on the source unit side, and has a second inclined surface that inclines downward toward the source unit side. The X-ray imaging system according to Claim 6.

9. The holding member has a roller member on the surface facing the attachment portion. The X-ray imaging system according to Claim 6.

10. The line source unit includes a first part and a second part provided closer to the examination table side than the first part and movable in the vertical direction with respect to the first part. The mounting part is a space formed by the upward movement of the second part and is detachable from the examination table. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1.

11. The placement surface on which the subject is placed on the examination table has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in plan view. The moving direction by the guide mechanism is along the longitudinal direction of the placement surface. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1.

12. The guide mechanism is provided on a surface different from the placement surface on which the subject is placed on the examination table. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1.

Images