Radiation irradiation apparatus and radiography system

Abstract

To provide: a radiation irradiation apparatus that is capable of displacing a holding portion in which a radiation irradiation portion is provided in a state in which a posture of the radiation irradiation apparatus is stable; and a radiography system.SOLUTION: A radiation irradiation apparatus capable of traveling independently of a decubitus table on which a subject can be placed, comprises: an attachment portion that allows the radiation irradiation apparatus to be attached to and detached from the decubitus table; a radiation irradiation portion capable of irradiating the subject with radiation; a holding portion which is provided, at a distal end portion thereof, with the radiation irradiation portion and that holds the radiation irradiation portion to be displaceable; and a restriction mechanism that restricts displacement of the holding portion. Therein the radiation irradiation apparatus is attached to the decubitus table through the attachment portion to release restriction of the displacement in the restriction mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a radiation image imaging device 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, and an attachment mechanism that is attachable and detachable to the cassette main body or to a imaging table on which the cassette main body is disposed and to which the radiation source main body is attached.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a radiation generating device 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, and the moving unit is detachable from the support unit.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a mobile radiology 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 adjusting 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 detects the 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 the 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 Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-136028 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-208573 Patent Document 3 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open 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 can move a radiation source relative to a subject.

[0007] However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3, with a radiation irradiation apparatus having a radiation source and capable of traveling being attached to a lying table, displacement of a holding portion provided with a radiation irradiation portion is not considered. Therefore, the technique of the present disclosure provides a radiation irradiation apparatus and a radiation imaging system capable of displacing a holding portion provided with a radiation irradiation portion while the posture of the radiation irradiation apparatus is stable. Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A first aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is a radiation irradiation apparatus capable of traveling independently of a lying table on which a subject can be placed, the radiation irradiation apparatus including an attachment portion detachably attachable to the lying table, a radiation irradiation portion capable of irradiating radiation to a subject, a holding portion provided with the radiation irradiation portion at a tip end thereof and holding the radiation irradiation portion displaceably, and a restricting mechanism that restricts displacement of the holding portion, wherein when the radiation irradiation apparatus is attached to the lying table via the attachment portion, displacement restriction in the restricting mechanism is released.

[0009] A second aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiation irradiation device according to the first aspect, in which the displacement includes the movement of the holding portion including a vertical component.

[0010] A third aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiation irradiation device according to the first aspect, in which the displacement includes the movement of the holding portion including a horizontal component.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiation irradiation device according to the first aspect, in which the displacement includes the rotation of the holding portion when the radiation irradiation device is viewed from above.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiation irradiation device according to the first aspect, in which the restricting mechanism includes an engaging member that can engage with the holding portion, and the displacement is restricted by the engaging member disengaging from the holding portion in conjunction with the attachment operation via the attachment portion.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiation irradiation device according to the fifth aspect, in which the lying table includes a guide mechanism that enables the radiation irradiation device attached via the attachment portion to move relative to the lying table. The guide mechanism includes a guide rail extending along the moving direction of the radiation irradiation device and a moving member movable along the guide rail. The attachment portion is attached to the moving member, and the engaging member is disengaged from the holding portion by the releasing member provided on the moving member directly or indirectly displacing the engaging member.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure further includes a detection unit capable of detecting the attachment state of the attachment portion to the lying table, and the restricting mechanism is configured to be able to release the displacement restriction when it is detected by the detection unit that the attachment portion is attached to the lying table.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a radiation irradiation device according to the first aspect, in which the attachment portion has a plurality of contact portions, and in a state where the radiation irradiation device is attached to the lying table via the attachment portion, the plurality of contact portions support the rotational moment in the direction in which the radiation irradiation device falls.

[0016] The ninth aspect according to the technology of the present disclosure is that the lying table is provided with a support member to which an attachment portion can be attached, and the attachment portion attaches the radiation irradiation device according to the eighth aspect by sandwiching the support member from above and below via a plurality of contact portions.

[0017] The tenth aspect according to the technology of the present disclosure is a radiation imaging system including the radiation irradiation device according to the first aspect and a lying table to which the radiation irradiation device can be attached.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the technology of the present disclosure, there are provided a radiation irradiation device and a radiation imaging system capable of displacing a holding portion provided with a radiation irradiation portion in a state where the posture of the radiation irradiation device is stable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 up-down direction corresponds to the vertical 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 direction 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.

[0022] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "vertical direction" refers to not only the complete vertical direction but also the vertical direction including errors generally allowed in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and that do not contradict the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. The same applies to the "horizontal direction", which refers to the horizontal direction including errors generally allowed in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and that do not contradict the gist of the technology of the present disclosure in addition to the complete horizontal direction.

[0023] <First Embodiment> As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging system 10 is a system for performing radiation imaging on a subject A (see FIG. 2). The radiation imaging system 10 includes a radiation source unit 20 and a lying table 30. The radiation source unit 20 includes a radiation source 26A and is a device that irradiates the subject A with radiation (for example, X-rays or gamma rays) generated from the radiation source 26A. The lying table 30 is a table on which the subject A can be placed. With the subject A placed on the lying table 30, the subject A is irradiated with radiation, and radiation imaging is performed. The radiation imaging system 10 is an example of the "radiation imaging system" according to the technology of the present disclosure, the radiation source unit 20 is an example of the "radiation irradiation device" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the lying table 30 is an example of the "lying table" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0024] The radiation source unit 20 includes a main body portion 22, an arm 24, and a radiation irradiation portion 26. The main body portion 22 is a portion that forms the main body of the radiation source unit 20 and houses a power supply system that supplies power to the radiation source 26A, a control device that controls the entire radiation source unit 20, and a mechanism for driving the arm 24, etc. The arm 24 is an example of the "holding portion" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0025] The arm 24 is a portion extending from the main body portion 22, with the proximal end attached to the main body portion 22 and the radiation irradiation portion 26 provided at the distal end. The arm 24 is displaceable to move the radiation irradiation portion 26 relative to the subject A. That is, the arm 24 holds the radiation irradiation portion 26 in a displaceable manner. Specifically, the arm 24 is extendable and retractable in the vertical direction. Also, the arm 24 is extendable and retractable in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the radiation irradiation portion 26 is movable relative to the subject A via the arm 24. The arm 24 is an example of the "arm" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] 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. That is, the arm 24 includes a vertical portion 24A along the vertical direction and a horizontal portion 24B extending from the upper end of the vertical portion 24A in 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.

[0027] The radiation irradiation unit 26 is capable of irradiating a 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 accommodated. 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 irradiation unit 26 is an example of the "radiation irradiation unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0028] 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. The user can grasp the grip portion 26B and move the radiation irradiation unit 26 relative to the examination table 30.

[0029] An attachment portion 28 is provided in the middle portion of the main body portion 22 in the vertical direction. The attachment portion 28 is a portion where the radiation source unit 20 can be detachably attached to the lying table 30. That is, the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying 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 portion 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 portion 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.

[0030] Further, wheels 29 are provided on the lower surface of the main body portion 22. The radiation source unit 20 can travel independently of the lying table 30 via the wheels 29 provided on the main body portion 22. The radiation source unit 20 may travel via the wheels 29, for example, by being pushed by a user, or may travel by receiving power from a power source (for example, 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.

[0031] 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 in 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, and it detects radiation that is irradiated from the radiation source 26A and passes 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).

[0032] Further, legs 34 are provided on the lower surface of the mounting portion 32. The legs 34 are members that support the mounting portion 32. The mounting portion 32 is set to a predetermined height from the floor surface by the legs 34. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the legs 34 are provided at both ends in the front-rear direction of the mounting portion 32, respectively. A pair of wheels 34A are provided on each of the pair of legs 34. 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 legs 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.

[0033] The guide mechanism 40 is a mechanism that enables the radiation source unit 20 attached via the attachment portion 28 to move 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.

[0034] 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 of the mounting surface 32A of the mounting portion 32. 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 in 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 "moving member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as an example, radiographic imaging is performed on the subject A placed on the lying table 30. In this case, the arm 24 is displaced in order to position the radiation source 26A at a predetermined position with respect to the subject A. Specifically, the arm 24 extends upward with respect to the main body 22, or extends toward the lying table 30 side (here, toward the left side). Thereby, the radiation source 26A is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the subject A.

[0036] Here, when the arm 24 is displaced to move the radiation source 26A, the radiation irradiation unit 26 also moves accordingly. The radiation irradiation unit 26 includes 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 radiographic imaging and the radiation source 26A is positioned above the lying table 30, the center of gravity of the source unit 20 moves upward and toward the lying 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 type radiation irradiation apparatus fixed to the floor surface or the ceiling.

[0037] Therefore, in the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, when radiographic imaging is performed, the source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28. When radiographic imaging is performed, in a state where the source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30, the radiation source 26A is positioned above the lying table 30. Since the lying table 30 has sufficient weight with respect to the source unit 20 and the position of the center of gravity is low, by attaching the source unit 20 to the lying table 30, the posture of the source unit 20 is stabilized even when the arm 24 is displaced.

[0038] In addition, the X-ray source unit 20 attached to the lying table 30 is movable by a guide mechanism 40. Specifically, the X-ray source unit 20 is attached to the stage member 44 via the attachment portion 28. Then, as the stage member 44 moves along the guide rail 42, the X-ray source unit 20 is also moved along the lying table 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray source unit 20 is movable along the front-rear direction.

[0039] On the other hand, there may be a case where radiography is performed with the X-ray source unit 20 not attached to the lying table 30. For example, there is a case where radiation is irradiated horizontally from the radiation source 26A of the X-ray source unit 20 to the subject A in a standing state. In this case, a detector unit (not shown) is arranged at a position facing the X-ray source unit 20. Then, the radiation that has passed through the subject A is detected by the radiation detector provided in the detector unit. In such a imaging method, the X-ray source unit 20 is independent of the lying table 30, and when the arm 24 is displaced, the posture of the X-ray source unit 20 becomes unstable. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the inadvertent displacement of the arm 24. Further, when the X-ray source unit 20 is run independently from the lying table 30 (for example, when the X-ray source unit 20 is moved from around the lying table 30 to another place), it is similarly necessary to suppress the inadvertent displacement of the arm 24.

[0040] Therefore, as an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the line source unit 20 according to the present embodiment includes a regulating mechanism 50 that regulates the displacement of the arm 24. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the dotted-line frame in FIG. 3. The regulating mechanism 50 includes an engaging member 51. The engaging member 51 is a member that can engage with the arm 24, and regulates the displacement of the arm 24 by engaging with the arm 24. Here, engagement includes contacting the arm 24 in a manner capable of regulating the displacement of the arm 24. Specifically, a part of the engaging member 51 is inserted into the arm 24 from a direction intersecting the direction in which the arm 24 is displaced, thereby regulating the displacement of the arm 24. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, as the displacement of the arm 24, the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24 will be taken as an example for explanation. The regulating mechanism 50 is an example of the "regulating mechanism" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the engaging member 51 is an example of the "engaging member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0041] In the example shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the engaging member 51 includes an engaging portion 52, a contact portion 54, and a connecting portion 56. The engaging portion 52 and the contact portion 54 are a pair of rod-shaped members arranged side by side in the vertical direction and extending along the left-right direction, and the connecting portion 56 is a member that connects the engaging portion 52 and the contact portion 54 along the vertical direction. The contact portion 54 is located below the vertical portion 24A of the arm 24 and is a portion capable of contacting a release pin 44B described later. The engaging portion 52 is a portion capable of engaging with the arm 24. The connecting portion 56 is located on the right side of the arm 24 and connects the right end portion of the engaging portion 52 and the right end portion of the contact portion 54.

[0042] Here, the engaging member 51 is biased in a direction toward the arm 24 (here, the left direction) by a biasing member (for example, a spring member) not shown. Further, a hole 24A1 is formed at the lower end of the vertical portion 24A of the arm 24. Then, when the engaging portion 52 of the engaging member 51 is inserted into the hole 24A1, the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24 are restricted. That is, even if the arm 24 attempts to be displaced in the vertical direction, the engaging portion 52 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the hole 24A1 and restricts the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24. In this way, in a state where the radiation source unit 20 is not attached to the lying table 30, the displacement of the arm 24 is restricted by the restricting mechanism 50 in the radiation source unit 20.

[0043] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the state of attaching the radiation source unit 20 to the lying table 30 will be described. When attaching the radiation source unit 20 to the lying table 30, the radiation source unit 20 is moved toward the lying table 30 at a position where the attachment portion 28 faces the stage member 44. In the example shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the radiation source unit 20 is moved leftward. Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the attachment portion 28 is attached to the stage member 44. Specifically, the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 by placing the lower surface 28A of the attachment portion 28 on the upper surface 44A of the stage member 44.

[0044] When the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 by the restricting mechanism 50 is released. Specifically, in conjunction with the attachment operation via the attachment portion 28, the engaging member 51 releases the engagement with the arm 24, thereby releasing the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24.

[0045] In the example shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the stage member 44 is provided with a release pin 44B. The release pin 44B is a rod-shaped member protruding from the surface of the stage member 44 on the radiation source unit 20 side (here, the right side surface). In a state where the mounting portion 28 is placed on the stage member 44, the release pin 44B is inserted into the inside of the radiation source unit 20. Then, the tip of the release pin 44B abuts against the contact portion 54 of the engaging member 51. As a result, the engaging member 51 is displaced. In the example shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the entire engaging member 51 has moved in the pressing direction (here, the right direction) by the release pin 44B. The release pin 44B is an example of a "release member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0046] With the displacement of the engaging member 51, the engagement between the engaging member 51 and the arm 24 is released. Specifically, since the engaging member 51 moves to the right, the engaging portion 52 also moves to the right together. As a result, the engaging portion 52 comes out of the hole 24A1 of the arm 24, so that the arm 24 can be displaced in the vertical direction. In this way, in conjunction with the mounting operation via the mounting portion 28, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 is released. The user displaces the arm 24 (here, expands and contracts in the vertical direction) to move the radiation irradiation unit 26 to a predetermined position with respect to the subject A. The arm 24 may be manually expanded and contracted in the vertical direction by the user, or may be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction by a drive mechanism (for example, a power source such as a motor and a feed screw mechanism that operates in response to the power generated by the power source) not shown.

[0047] As described above, the linear source unit 20 according to the present embodiment is provided with a mounting portion 28, a radiation irradiation portion 26, an arm 24, and a regulating mechanism 50. The radiation irradiation portion 26 is provided at the tip of the arm 24. Further, the arm 24 is displaceable to move the radiation irradiation portion 26 relative to the examination table 30. The regulating mechanism 50 regulates the displacement of the arm 24. Then, when the linear source unit 20 is attached to the examination table 30 via the attachment portion 28, the regulation of the displacement of the arm 24 by the regulating mechanism 50 is released. Here, in the imaging performed with the subject A placed on the examination table 30 (i.e., prone imaging), the arm 24 is displaced (for example, extended in the vertical direction) to adjust the position of the radiation source 26A. In this configuration, since the linear source unit 20 can travel independently of the examination table 30, when the arm 24 is extended, the center of gravity moves upward and the posture becomes unstable. Therefore, it is conceivable to attach the linear source unit 20 to the examination table 30 and perform prone imaging, but there is a case where the arm 24 may be displaced before being attached to the examination table 30.

[0048] In this configuration, a regulating mechanism 50 for regulating the displacement of the arm 24 is provided, and by attaching it to the examination table 30 via the attachment portion 28, the regulation of the displacement of the arm 24 by the regulating mechanism 50 is released. Therefore, it is realized that the linear source unit 20 displaces the arm 24 in a stable state.

[0049] For example, in prone imaging, if the linear source unit 20 is not attached to the examination table 30 to stabilize it, in order to cope with the displacement of the arm 24, it is conceivable to reduce the center of gravity by increasing the size of the lower part of the linear source unit 20. In this case, it is necessary to take up a lot of space around the examination table 30, and the linear source unit 20 itself also becomes larger. In this configuration, the linear source unit 20 can be miniaturized, and the space around the examination table 30 can be made space-saving.

[0050] Also, for example, when the X-ray source unit 20 is run independently of the examination table 30 or when an imaging method that does not require extending the arm 24 (for example, upright imaging performed on the standing subject A) is performed, since the displacement of the arm is restricted, the arm is prevented from being displaced inadvertently. Thus, in this configuration, it is possible to contribute to stabilizing the posture of the X-ray source unit 20 according to the imaging method.

[0051] Also, in the X-ray source unit 20 according to the present embodiment, the displacement of the arm 24 includes the telescoping of the arm 24 including a component in the vertical direction. When the arm 24 telescopes in the vertical direction, the center of gravity of the X-ray source unit 20 moves in the vertical direction, and the posture of the X-ray source unit 20 may become unstable. In this configuration, by attaching to the examination table 30 via the attachment portion 28, the restriction of the displacement of the arm 24 by the restriction mechanism 50 is released. Therefore, it is realized that the X-ray source unit 20 can extend and contract the arm 24 in a direction including a component in the vertical direction in a stable state.

[0052] Also, in the X-ray source unit 20 according to the present embodiment, the restriction mechanism 50 includes an engagement member 51 that can engage with the arm 24. Then, by the engagement member 51 releasing the engagement with the arm 24 in conjunction with the attachment operation of the X-ray source unit 20 via the attachment portion 28, the restriction of the displacement of the arm 24 is released. Thereby, compared with the case where the attachment operation and the release operation of the restriction by the restriction mechanism 50 are separate, the operation burden on the user is reduced. That is, after the attachment operation, there is no need to confirm the release of the restriction of the arm 24. Further, since the restriction is released by mechanical parts that operate in conjunction with the attachment operation, there is no need to arrange expensive sensors and wiring in the X-ray source unit 20, and the configuration of the X-ray source unit 20 is made less costly.

[0053] In addition, in the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the lying table 30 is provided with a guide mechanism 40 that enables the X-ray source unit 20 to move relative to the lying table 30. The guide mechanism 40 includes a pair of guide rails 42 extending along the moving direction of the X-ray source unit 20, and a stage member 44 that is movable along the guide rails 42. The attachment portion 28 of the X-ray source unit 20 is attached to the stage member 44. A release pin 44B is provided on the stage member 44. When the release pin 44B displaces the engagement member 51, the engagement between the engagement member 51 and the arm 24 is released. Since the stage member 44 is movable along the guide rails 42, the position where the attachment portion 28 is attached can be changed within the moving range of the stage member 44. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting the position for releasing the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 is improved as compared with the case where the restriction on the arm 24 must always be released at the same position.

[0054] In the above-described first embodiment, the mode in which the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24 are restricted has been described as an example. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the engagement member 51 of the restriction mechanism 50 may restrict the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24 or the rotation of the arm 24 within the horizontal plane (for example, the rotation of the horizontal portion 24B about the vertical portion 24A as the rotation axis). In this case, the engagement member 51 of the restriction mechanism 50 may be provided inside the arm 24, and power may be transmitted to the engagement member 51 by a wire disposed from the main body portion 22 through the inside of the arm 24. Further, the displacement of the arm 24 restricted by the engagement member 51 of the restriction mechanism 50 may be any one of the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24, the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24, and the rotation of the arm 24, or a combination of two or more of the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24, the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24, and the rotation of the arm 24.

[0055] In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the regulation mechanism 50 includes the engagement member 51 has been described. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in the regulation mechanism 50, the engagement member 51 may be indirectly displaced by a member that transmits the pressing force from the release pin 44B. That is, the regulation mechanism 50 may include a plurality of members in addition to the engagement member 51, and may be configured to release the regulation of the arm 24 by the interlocking of the plurality of members.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the regulation by the regulation mechanism 50 is released by the displacement of the engagement member 51 in conjunction with the attachment operation has been described. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, the regulation by the regulation mechanism 50 is released according to the detection result of the detection unit 66.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5 as an example, the radiation source unit 20 according to the present embodiment includes a regulation mechanism 50 that regulates the displacement of the arm 24. The regulation mechanism 50 includes an electromagnetic brake 60 as an example. The electromagnetic brake 60 includes a magnetized member 62 provided on the vertical portion 24A of the arm 24 and a magnet 64 that generates a magnetic force when energized. The magnetized member 62 and the magnet 64 are provided at opposing positions. In the electromagnetic brake 60, when a magnetic force is generated in the magnet 64, the magnetized member 62 and the magnet 64 are magnetically attracted to each other. Further, the magnet 64 is fixed to the main body portion 22. Therefore, the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24 with respect to the main body portion 22 is regulated. In this way, in a state where the radiation source unit 20 is not attached to the lying table 30, the displacement of the arm 24 in the radiation source unit 20 is regulated.

[0058] Further, the line source unit 20 includes a detection unit 66. The detection unit 66 is a sensor capable of detecting the attachment state of the attachment portion 28 to the lying table 30. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the detection unit 66 is provided on the attachment portion 28. Here, the attachment state to the lying table 30 includes whether the attachment portion 28 is attached or the position where the attachment portion 28 is attached. The detection unit 66 is, for example, a mechanical switch in which a pressing portion protrudes from the lower surface 28A of the attachment portion 28. The detection unit 66 is an example of the "detection unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0059] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the state of attaching the line source unit 20 to the lying table 30 will be described. When attaching the line source unit 20 to the lying table 30, the line source unit 20 is moved toward the lying table 30. Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, when the attachment portion 28 is placed on the stage member 44, the line source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30.

[0060] When the line source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 is released. Specifically, when the detection unit 66 detects that the attachment portion 28 has been attached to the lying table 30, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 by the restriction mechanism 50 is released.

[0061] In the example shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, when the attachment state is detected by the detection unit 66, a detection signal is output from the detection unit 66 to the control device 68. For example, when the detection unit 66 is a mechanical switch, when the attachment portion 28 is placed on the stage member 44, the mechanical switch is pressed. As a result, a signal indicating that the attachment portion 28 has been attached to the lying table 30 (that is, an attachment completion signal) is output from the mechanical switch to the control device 68. The attachment completion signal is, for example, a current value equal to or greater than a threshold value indicating an ON state.

[0062] The control device 68 is a device that controls the operation of the electromagnetic brake 60. The control device 68 is, for example, a computer including a processor, a storage, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). Note that, as the control device 68, instead of a computer, a device including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and / or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) may be applied. Further, instead of a computer, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used. Also, the control device 68 does not necessarily have to be a dedicated device for controlling the electromagnetic brake 60, and a control device that controls the entire line source unit 20 may function as the control device 68.

[0063] The control device 68 acquires a signal indicating the attachment state of the attachment portion 28 from the detection unit 66. Then, the control device 68 outputs an operation signal to the electromagnetic brake 60 based on the acquired signal. For example, when the control device 68 acquires an attachment completion signal from the detection unit 66, it outputs a regulation release signal to the electromagnetic brake 60. The regulation release signal is a signal indicating an operation to release the magnetic adsorption between the magnetizing member 62 and the magnet 64.

[0064] In the electromagnetic brake 60, when the regulation release signal is received, the magnetic adsorption between the magnetizing member 62 and the magnet 64 disappears. Also, the magnet 64 is retracted to a position separated from the arm 24. Then, the arm 24 can expand and contract in the vertical direction. Thus, when the detection unit 66 detects that the attachment portion 28 has been attached to the lying table 30, the regulation of the displacement of the arm 24 by the regulation mechanism 50 is released.

[0065] As described above, in the linear source unit 20 according to the second embodiment, the detection unit 66 is provided. In the regulation mechanism 50, when the detection unit 66 detects that the attachment portion 28 is attached to the lying table 30, the displacement regulation of the arm 24 can be released. Thereby, compared with the case where the attachment operation and the operation for releasing the regulation by the regulation mechanism 50 are separate, the operation burden on the user is reduced. That is, after the attachment operation, there is no need to confirm the release of the regulation of the arm 24. Further, since the displacement regulation of the arm 24 can be controlled according to the detection result of the detection unit 66, it is not necessary to incorporate a complicated mechanical mechanism in the linear source unit 20, and the configuration of the linear source unit 20 is simplified.

[0066] In addition, in the above second embodiment, the form example in which the detection unit 66 is a mechanical switch has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The detection unit 66 only needs to be able to detect the attachment state of the attachment portion 28 to the lying table 30. For example, the detection unit 66 may be a photoelectric sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a proximity sensor. These sensors are provided, for example, on the lower surface 28A of the attachment portion 28, and detect the attachment state of the attachment portion 28 by detecting that the attachment portion 28 is placed on the stage member 44.

[0067] Further, in the above second embodiment, the form example in which the detection unit 66 is provided in the attachment portion 28 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 66 may be provided outside the attachment portion 28. For example, the detection unit 66 may be a distance measuring sensor provided on the surface (here, the left side surface) of the main body portion 22 facing the lying table 30. In this case, when the distance between the lying table 30 and the main body portion 22 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, the detection unit 66 may detect that the attachment portion 28 is attached to the lying table 30. However, since the detection unit 66 is provided in the attachment portion 28, it becomes easier to detect that the linear source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30. This is because the linear source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28, and thus it is easier to detect the attachment state compared to other locations.

[0068] In the second embodiment described above, an example in which the regulating mechanism 50 is an electromagnetic brake 60 has been described. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the regulating mechanism 50 may be a brake mechanism other than the electromagnetic brake 60. Further, the displacement of the arm 24 may be regulated by the engaging member 51 as described in the first embodiment. In this case, the regulation of the displacement of the arm 24 is released by driving the engaging member 51 according to the detection result of the detection unit 66.

[0069] (Modification example) In the second embodiment described above, an example in which the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24 is regulated has been described. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this modification example, the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24 and / or the rotation of the arm 24 within the horizontal plane are regulated by the regulating mechanism 50.

[0070] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the arm 24 is configured to be expandable and contractible along the horizontal direction. Specifically, the horizontal portion 24B of the arm 24 is configured to be expandable and contractible with respect to the vertical portion 24A. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal portion 24B has a movable portion 24B1 and a fixed portion 24B2. The fixed portion 24B2 is a portion attached to the vertical portion 24A. The movable portion 24B1 is a portion that can move along the horizontal direction with respect to the fixed portion 24B2. A radiation irradiation unit 26 is provided at the tip of the movable portion 24B1 (that is, the end on the side opposite to the fixed portion 24B2). By the movable portion 24B1 moving with respect to the fixed portion 24B2, the arm 24 is configured to be expandable and contractible along the horizontal direction.

[0071] An electromagnetic brake 60A is provided as a restricting mechanism 50 on the horizontal portion 24B of the arm 24. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the electromagnetic brake 60A is provided inside the fixed portion 24B2. Specifically, the electromagnetic brake 60A is provided at a position facing the movable portion 24B1 inside the fixed portion 24B2. Then, the electromagnetic brake 60A magnetically adsorbs to the base end portion of the movable portion 24B1 (that is, the end portion opposite to the tip portion where the radiation irradiation portion 26 is provided), thereby restricting the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24. Note that the configuration of the electromagnetic brake 60A is the same as that of the electromagnetic brake 60 described above, so the description here is omitted.

[0072] Further, the arm 24 is rotatable when viewed from above the radiation source unit 20. Specifically, the horizontal portion 24B of the arm 24 is rotatable in a horizontal plane with respect to the vertical portion 24A. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal portion 24B is rotatably supported about a rotary shaft member 24A2 provided at the upper end of the vertical portion 24A. Here, the rotary shaft member 24A2 is a columnar member having a central axis along the vertical direction.

[0073] An electromagnetic brake 60B is provided as a restricting mechanism 50 on the vertical portion 24A of the arm 24. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the electromagnetic brake 60B is provided inside the vertical portion 24A. Specifically, the electromagnetic brake 60B is provided at a position facing the horizontal portion 24B in the vertical portion 24A. Then, the electromagnetic brake 60B magnetically adsorbs to the lower surface of the horizontal portion 24B, thereby restricting the rotation of the arm 24. Note that the configuration of the electromagnetic brake 60B is the same as that of the electromagnetic brake 60 described above, so the description here is omitted.

[0074] When the X-ray source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 is released. Specifically, when the detection unit 66 detects that the attachment portion 28 has been attached to the lying table 30, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 by the electromagnetic brakes 60A and 60B is released. Here, the expansion and contraction of the arm 24 in the horizontal direction are released, and the rotation of the arm 24 when the X-ray source unit 20 is viewed from above is released. Note that the expansion and contraction of the arm 24 in the horizontal direction and the rotation of the arm 24 may be manually performed by the user or may be performed by a drive mechanism (not shown) provided inside the arm 24.

[0075] As described above, in the X-ray source unit 20 according to the present embodiment, the displacement of the arm 24 includes the expansion and contraction of the arm 24 including a horizontal component. When the arm 24 expands and contracts in the horizontal direction, the center of gravity of the X-ray source unit 20 moves in the horizontal direction, and the posture of the X-ray source unit 20 may become unstable. In this configuration, by attaching to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 by the electromagnetic brake 60A is released. Therefore, it is possible to expand and contract the arm 24 in a direction including a horizontal component with the X-ray source unit 20 in a stable state.

[0076] For example, in lying position imaging, imaging is performed with the radiation source 26A positioned above the lying table 30 (i.e., overhanging). In this case, it is required to expand and contract the arm 24 in the horizontal direction. In this configuration, even when the displacement of the arm 24 includes expansion and contraction including a horizontal component, the arm 24 can be displaced with the posture of the X-ray source unit 20 being stable. Further, adjustment of the position of the radiation source 26A in the left-right direction becomes easy.

[0077] Further, in the line source unit 20 according to the present embodiment, the displacement of the arm 24 includes the rotation of the arm 24 when the line source unit 20 is viewed from above. When the arm 24 rotates, the center of gravity of the line source unit 20 moves, and the posture of the line source unit 20 may become unstable. In this configuration, by attaching to the lying table 30 via the attachment portion 28, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 by the electromagnetic brake 60B is released. Therefore, it is realized that the arm 24 is rotated in a stable state of the line source unit 20.

[0078] For example, in lying position imaging, the radiation source 26A may be temporarily retracted from above the lying table 30. In this case, it is required to rotate the arm 24 when the line source unit 20 is viewed from above. In this configuration, even when the rotation of the arm 24 is included in the displacement of the arm 24, the arm 24 can be displaced in a stable state of the posture of the line source unit 20.

[0079] In addition, in the above modification, although the configuration example in which both the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24 and the rotation of the arm 24 are released has been described, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Any aspect in which either the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24 or the rotation of the arm 24 is released may be acceptable.

[0080] In addition, in the above modification, although the configuration example in which the horizontal portion 24B of the arm 24 rotates with respect to the vertical portion 24A has been described, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an aspect in which the entire arm 24 rotates with respect to the main body portion 22 may be acceptable.

[0081] In addition, in the above second embodiment and modification, the displacement of the arm 24 restricted by the electromagnetic brakes 60, 60A, and 60B as the restriction mechanism 50 may be any one of the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24, the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24, and the rotation of the arm 24, or a combination of two or more of the vertical expansion and contraction of the arm 24, the horizontal expansion and contraction of the arm 24, and the rotation of the arm 24.

[0082] <Third Embodiment> In the above-described first embodiment, an example of the form in which the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 by placing the attachment portion 28 on the stage member 44 of the guide mechanism 40 has been described. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the third embodiment, the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30 via an attachment portion 70 including a plurality of contact portions 71.

[0083] As an example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the radiation source unit 20 includes an attachment portion 70. The attachment portion 70 is provided on the surface (here, the left side surface) of the main body portion 22 on the side of the lying table 30. The attachment portion 70 has a plurality of contact portions 71. The plurality of contact portions 71 support the rotational moment in the direction in which the radiation source unit 20 falls when the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30. The attachment portion 70 is an example of the "attachment portion" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the plurality of contact portions 71 are examples of the "plurality of contact portions" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0084] The lying table 30 is provided with a guide mechanism 40. The guide mechanism 40 includes a guide rail 42 and a support member 46 that is movable along the guide rail 42. The attachment portion 70 can be attached to the support member 46. The support member 46 is an example of the "support member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0085] Specifically, the support member 46 has a base portion 46A supported by the guide rail 42 and a protruding portion 46B protruding from the base portion 46A toward the side of the radiation source unit 20. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the support member 46 is a flat plate-like member. Among the plate-like members, the portion supported by the guide rail 42 from below is the base portion 46A, and the portion protruding to the right from the guide rail 42 is the protruding portion 46B.

[0086] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the mounting portion 70 has a pair of clamping portions 72 and 74. The pair of clamping portions 72 and 74 are plate-like portions protruding from the radiation source unit 20. The pair of clamping portions 72 and 74 face each other in the vertical direction. A plurality of contact portions 71 are provided between the pair of clamping portions 72 and 74. The plurality of contact portions 71 provided between the pair of clamping portions 72 and 74 are capable of contacting the protruding portion 46B of the support member 46 when the radiation source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30.

[0087] Specifically, a protrusion 72A is provided on the lower surface of the clamping portion 72. Also, a protrusion 74A is provided on the upper surface of the clamping portion 74. In the example shown in FIG. 8, four protrusions 74A are provided on the upper surface of the clamping portion 74. The four protrusions 74A are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the four corners of the clamping portion 74. The protrusion 74A has, for example, a quadrangular pyramid shape. Although not shown, protrusions 72A are also arranged on the lower surface of the clamping portion 72 in the same manner as the clamping portion 74. Thus, a plurality of contact portions 71 are provided on the mounting portion 70.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 9 as an example, the mounting portion 70 is attached to the support member 46. Specifically, the protruding portion 46B of the support member 46 is inserted between the pair of clamping portions 72 and 74. Then, the protrusion 72A of the clamping portion 72 contacts the upper surface of the protruding portion 46B from above, and the protrusion 74A of the clamping portion 74 contacts the lower surface of the protruding portion 46B from below. In this way, the support member 46 is clamped from the vertical direction via the plurality of contact portions 71, and thus the mounting portion 70 is attached to the support member 46.

[0089] When the attachment portion 70 is attached to the support member 46, as described above, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 is released. For example, when the detection unit 66 (see FIG. 5 etc.) detects that the plurality of contact portions 71 have come into contact with the support member 46, the restriction on the displacement of the arm 24 by the restriction mechanism 50 (see FIG. 5 etc.) is released. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the arm 24 extends in the vertical direction and further extends in the horizontal direction (here, the left direction). As a result, the center of gravity of the radiation source unit 20 moves to the upper left, so the posture of the radiation source unit 20 becomes unstable. Specifically, due to the load of the radiation irradiation unit 26, a rotational moment around the center of gravity of the radiation source unit 20 is generated. This rotational moment is a rotational moment in the direction in which the radiation source unit 20 falls. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a rotational moment M in the direction in which the radiation source unit 20 falls toward the lying table 30 (here, counterclockwise as viewed from the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 9) is generated.

[0090] When this rotational moment M acts on the radiation source unit 20, at the attachment portion 70, the plurality of contact portions 71 support the rotational moment M. Specifically, a reaction force R is generated on the attachment portion 70 due to the contact between the plurality of contact portions 71 and the support member 46. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a reaction force R is generated on the attachment portion 70 due to the contact between the protrusion 72A and the protruding portion 46B. This reaction force R acts in a direction to cancel the rotational moment M in the direction in which the above-described radiation source unit 20 falls. Also, since a plurality of protrusions 72A are provided, reaction forces R are generated at a plurality of contact points. In this way, at the attachment portion 70, the plurality of contact portions 71 support the rotational moment M in the direction in which the radiation source unit 20 falls.

[0091] As described above, in the linear source unit 20 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of contact portions 71 are provided on the attachment portion 70, and in a state where the linear source unit 20 is attached to the lying table 30, the plurality of contact portions 71 support the rotational moment M in the direction in which the linear source unit 20 falls. Thereby, compared with the case of supporting at a single point, the linear source unit 20 is stabilized even when the arm 24 is displaced in various ways. For example, when the position of the radiation irradiation unit 26 is changed by displacing the arm 24, the position of the center of gravity of the linear source unit 20 changes, and the magnitude of the rotational moment M also changes. In this configuration, since the rotational moment M is supported by the plurality of contact portions 71, it is possible to cope with various displacements of the arm 24, which contributes to the stabilization of the posture of the linear source unit 20.

[0092] Further, in the linear source unit 20 according to the present embodiment, a support member 46 to which the attachment portion 70 can be attached is provided on the lying table 30, and the attachment portion 70 is attached to the support member 46 by sandwiching the support member 46 from above and below via a plurality of contact portions 71. Thereby, compared with the case of supporting from only one of the upper and lower directions by the attachment portion 70, the linear source unit 20 is stabilized even when the arm 24 is displaced in various ways. For example, when the position of the radiation irradiation unit 26 is changed by displacing the arm 24, the direction of the rotational moment M may be reversed. In this configuration, since the support member 46 is sandwiched from above and below, it is possible to cope with various displacements of the arm 24, which contributes to the stabilization of the posture of the linear source unit 20.

[0093] In the third embodiment, an example of a projection having a quadrangular pyramid shape is described as the plurality of contact portions 71, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of contact portions 71 may be projections having a conical shape or a hemispherical shape. Further, it is only necessary that the rotational moment M can be supported by the plurality of contact portions 71, and the number and arrangement of the plurality of contact portions 71 are not particularly limited.

[0094] Also, in the third embodiment, an example has been described in which the support member 46 is a plate-shaped member and is sandwiched by the attachment portion 70. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the support member 46 may be a columnar member, and the attachment portion 70 may be a cylindrical member. In this case, the attachment portion 70 is attached to the support member 46 by inserting the columnar support member 46 into the cylinder of the cylindrical attachment portion 70.

[0095] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the arm 24 expands and contracts independently in the vertical and horizontal directions. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the arm 24 may expand and contract simultaneously in the vertical and horizontal directions. That is, the arm 24 may expand and contract along an oblique direction inclined from the vertical direction toward the lying table 30.

[0096] Also, the displacement of the arm 24 may include not only the expansion and contraction of the arm 24 but also the inclination of the arm 24. As an example, as shown in FIG. 10, the arm 24 may include a link mechanism 80. The link mechanism 80 includes a pair of link arms 82 and 84. One ends of the pair of link arms 82 and 84 are rotatably attached to the main body portion 22, and the other ends are rotatably attached to the radiation irradiation portion 26. The arm 24 can also be displaced by the displacement of the link mechanism 80. In the example shown in FIG. 10, an example in which the link mechanism 80 rotates counterclockwise is shown. In this case, the restriction mechanism 50 restricts the displacement of the arm 24 by restricting the rotation of the link arms 82 and 84 in the link mechanism 80.

[0097] Also, as an example, as shown in FIG. 11, the arm 24 may include a joint mechanism 86. The joint mechanism 86 is a mechanism capable of rotating the arm 24, and is, for example, a universal joint. The arm 24 is attached to each of the main body portion 22 and the radiation irradiation portion 26 via the joint mechanism 86. And the arm 24 is made rotatable with respect to the main body portion 22 and the radiation irradiation portion 26. In the example shown in FIG. 11, an example is shown in which the arm 24 rotates counterclockwise starting from the joint mechanism 86 attached to the main body portion 22. In this case, the displacement of the arm 24 is restricted by the restriction mechanism 50 restricting the rotation in the joint mechanism 86.

[0098] Also, as an example, as shown in FIG. 12, the arm 24 may be attached to the main body portion 22 via a slide mechanism 88. The slide mechanism 88 is a guide mechanism for linearly moving the arm 24. The proximal end side of the arm 24 is slidably attached to the slide mechanism 88. And the arm 24 is made linearly movable with respect to the main body portion 22 along the slide mechanism 88. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the slide mechanism 88 is provided on the surface (here, the left side surface) on the lying table 30 side of the main body portion 22, and the arm 24 is made displaceable in the vertical direction along the slide mechanism 88. In this case, the displacement of the arm 24 is restricted by the restriction mechanism 50 locking the arm 24 in the slide mechanism 88.

[0099] Also, in each of the above embodiments, an example form in which the guide rail 42 of the guide mechanism 40 extends 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 extending along the short side direction of the lying table 30. Also, the guide mechanism 40 may not be provided on the placement surface 32A of the lying table 30, and may be attached via a dedicated member below the placement portion 32.

[0100] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the lying table 30 has been described by way of an example in which it is a dedicated bed for radiography. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. 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.

[0101] 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 merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the descriptions regarding the above-described configuration, function, action, and effect are descriptions regarding an example of the configuration, function, action, 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 description content and the illustrated content shown above may be modified by deleting unnecessary parts, adding new elements, or replacing them. In addition, in order to avoid complication and facilitate the understanding of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure, in the description content and the illustrated content shown above, descriptions regarding common general technical knowledge that do not particularly require explanation for implementing the technology of the present disclosure are omitted.

[0102] 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 three or more matters are connected and expressed by "and / or", the same concept as that of "A and / or B" is applied.

[0103] 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 stated to be incorporated by reference.

[0104] Regarding the above-described embodiments, the following is further disclosed. <Appendix 1> A radiation irradiation device that can travel independently of a lying table on which a subject can be placed, An attachment part that can detachably attach the radiation irradiation device to the lying table, A radiation irradiation part that can irradiate radiation to the subject, A holding part provided with the radiation irradiation part at the tip and holding the radiation irradiation part so as to be displaceable, A restricting mechanism that restricts the displacement of the holding part, and is provided with When the radiation irradiation device is attached to the lying table via the attachment part, the restriction of the displacement is released in the restricting mechanism Radiation irradiation device. <Supplementary Note 2> The displacement includes the movement of the holding part including a vertical component The radiation irradiation device according to Supplementary Note 1. <Supplementary Note 3> The displacement includes the movement of the holding part including a horizontal component The radiation irradiation device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2. <Supplementary Note 4> The displacement includes the rotation of the holding part when the radiation irradiation device is viewed from above The radiation irradiation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. <Supplementary Note 5> The restricting mechanism includes an engaging member that can engage with the holding part, By the engaging member releasing the engagement with the holding part in conjunction with the attachment operation via the attachment part, the restriction of the displacement is released The radiation irradiation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4. <Supplementary Note 6> The lying table is provided with a guide mechanism that enables the radiation irradiation device attached via the attachment part to move relative to the lying table, The guide mechanism is A guide rail extending along the moving direction of the radiation irradiation device, and a moving member movable along the guide rail, The attachment part is attached to the moving member, The release member provided on the moving member directly or indirectly displaces the engaging member, thereby releasing the engagement between the engaging member and the holding portion. The radiation irradiation apparatus according to Supplementary Note 5. <Supplementary Note 7> The apparatus further includes a detection unit capable of detecting the attachment state of the attachment portion to the lying table. When the detection unit detects that the attachment portion is attached to the lying table, the regulation mechanism is capable of releasing the regulation of the displacement. The radiation irradiation apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. <Supplementary Note 8> The attachment portion has a plurality of contact portions. In a state where the radiation irradiation apparatus is attached to the lying table via the attachment portion, the plurality of contact portions support the rotational moment in the direction in which the radiation irradiation apparatus falls. The radiation irradiation apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7. <Supplementary Note 9> The lying table is provided with a support member to which the attachment portion can be attached. The attachment portion is attached to the support member by sandwiching the support member from above and below via the plurality of contact portions. The radiation irradiation apparatus according to Supplementary Note 8. <Supplementary Note 10> The radiation irradiation apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, The lying table to which the radiation irradiation apparatus can be attached, and a radiation imaging system including the same.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10 Radiation imaging system 20 Radiation source unit 22 Main body portion 24 Arm 24A Vertical portion 24A1 Hole 24A2 Rotation shaft member 24B Horizontal portion 24B1 Movable portion 24B2 fixing part 26 Radiation irradiation part 26A Radiation source 26B Gripping part 28 Mounting part 28A Bottom surface 29 Wheel 30 Lying table 32 Placing part 32A Placing surface 34 Leg part 34A Wheel 40 Guide mechanism 42 Guide rail 44 Stage member 44A Top surface 44B Release pin 46 Support member 46A Base part 46B Protruding part 50 Regulation mechanism 51 Engaging member 52 Engaging part 54 Contact part 56 Connecting part 60, 60A, 60B Electromagnetic brake 62 Magnetizing member 64 Magnet 66 Detection part 68 Control device 70 Mounting part 71 Contact part 72, 74 Clamping part 72A, 74A Protrusion 80 Link mechanism 82, 84 Link arm 86 Joint mechanism 88 Slide mechanism A Subject M Rotational moment R Reaction force

Claims

1. A radiation irradiation device that can travel independently of a lying table on which a subject can be placed, an attachment portion that can detachably attach the radiation irradiation device to the lying table, a radiation irradiation portion that can irradiate the subject with radiation, a holding portion provided with the radiation irradiation portion at its tip and holding the radiation irradiation portion so as to be displaceable, a restricting mechanism that restricts the displacement of the holding portion, comprising when the radiation irradiation device is attached to the lying table via the attachment portion, the restriction of the displacement is released in the restricting mechanism Radiation irradiation device.

2. The displacement includes the movement of the holding portion including a component in the vertical direction The radiation irradiation device according to claim 1.

3. The displacement includes the movement of the holding portion including a component in the horizontal direction The radiation irradiation device according to claim 1.

4. The displacement includes the rotation of the holding portion when the radiation irradiation device is viewed from above The radiation irradiation device according to claim 1.

5. The restricting mechanism includes an engaging member that can engage with the holding portion, when the engaging member releases the engagement with the holding portion in conjunction with the attachment operation via the attachment portion, the restriction of the displacement is released The radiation irradiation device according to claim 1.

6. The lying table includes a guide mechanism that enables the radiation irradiation device attached via the attachment portion to move relative to the lying table, the guide mechanism a guide rail extending along the moving direction of the radiation irradiation device, a moving member movable along the guide rail, and has the attachment portion is attached to the moving member, a release member provided on the moving member directly or indirectly displaces the engaging member, thereby releasing the engagement between the engaging member and the holding portion The radiation irradiation device according to claim 5.

7. further comprising a detection portion capable of detecting the attachment state of the attachment portion to the lying table, the restricting mechanism is configured to be able to release the restriction of the displacement when the detection portion detects that the attachment portion is attached to the lying table The radiation irradiation device according to claim 1.

8. The attachment portion has a plurality of contact portions, in a state where the radiation irradiation device is attached to the lying table via the attachment portion, the plurality of contact portions support the rotational moment in the direction in which the radiation irradiation device falls The radiation irradiation device according to claim 1.

9. The lying table is provided with a support member to which the attachment portion can be attached. The attachment portion is attached to the support member by sandwiching the support member from above and below via the plurality of contact portions. The radiation irradiation device according to claim 8.

10. The radiation irradiation device according to claim 1, a lying table to which the radiation irradiation device can be attached, and a radiography system including the same.

Images