X-ray table with one-touch clamp

Abstract

To provide an X-ray table with a one-touch clamp. [Solution] The X-ray table 1 comprises a base 2, a pair of first support columns 3 extending upward from the base 2, a connecting section 4 connecting the upper ends of the pair of first support columns 3, a pair of second support columns 5 extending from the base 2 to the connecting sections 4, an image receiving section 6 attached to the pair of second support columns 5 so as to be movable in the vertical direction and which detects X-rays and converts them into images, a one-touch clamp provided on the image receiving section 6 and configured to be able to fix and release the image receiving section 6 to the second support columns 5, and a handrail section 8 extending from midway up and down on the first support columns 3 to the base 2. It is possible to stably hold the image receiving section while improving operability and safety.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique relating to an X-ray table with a one-touch clamp. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, so-called standing radiography tables have been widely used as X-ray radiography tables for radiographing the chest, abdomen, etc. This type of radiography table is configured so that a subject (patient) stands on a base, and an image obtained after X-rays have passed through the subject is recorded on an image receiving unit such as film or a flat panel detector (FPD). For example, Patent Document 1 describes an X-ray radiography apparatus that includes a radiography table 10 on which a subject 100 stands, a film case 12 that houses an X-ray film 11 and is arranged opposite the radiography table, and an X-ray generation unit 20 that irradiates X-rays from an X-ray tube 21.

[0003] In this conventional device, a film case 12 (image receiving unit) is supported by two support columns 13a and 13b so that it can slide up and down, and these support columns are erected on a base 14. During imaging, the height of the image receiving unit is raised and lowered along the support columns 13a and 13b to match the part of the patient to be imaged (chest, abdomen, etc.), and the X-ray tube 21 is also raised and lowered as necessary, maintaining the opposing arrangement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-010996 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the image receptor is supported by only two support columns, so when a heavy image receptor is used, the support columns may bend or vibrate, which may result in a decrease in imaging accuracy. Furthermore, when changing the vertical position of the image receptor, the image receptor must be fixed or released from the support columns by operating knob screws, etc., which takes time to prepare for imaging. Furthermore, there are no handrails for the patient to hold on to, which makes it difficult for elderly patients and those who have difficulty walking independently to maintain their imaging posture.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide an X-ray table that stably holds the image receiving unit while improving operability and safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment disclosed in this specification is an X-ray table comprising: a base; a pair of first support pillars extending upward from the base; a connecting portion connecting the upper ends of the pair of first support pillars; a pair of second support pillars extending from the base to the connecting portion; an image receiving unit attached to the pair of second support pillars so as to be movable in the vertical direction and which detects X-rays and converts them into an image; a one-touch clamp provided on the image receiving unit and configured to be able to fix and release the image receiving unit to the second support pillars; and a handrail portion extending from midway up and down on the first support pillars to the base. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the X-ray table of the present embodiment as seen from the front side. [Figure 2] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of a box portion and a constant load damper provided inside a connecting portion. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a vertical movement guide structure using a central rail type slider provided in the image receiving unit. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a one-touch clamp 7 provided on the side of the image receiving unit. FIG. [Figure 5]10 is a plan view showing a state in which the clamp frame of the one-touch clamp is in contact with the second support pillar. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the configuration described below is one embodiment, and the present invention can be modified in design and with the addition or deletion of components as appropriate within the scope of the claims.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the X-ray table of this embodiment as seen from the front side.

[0011] The X-ray table 1 includes a base 2, a pair of first support columns 3, a connecting section 4, a pair of second support columns 5, an image receiving section 6, a one-touch clamp 7, and a handrail section 8.

[0012] The base 2 is a flat base member that stably supports the entire X-ray table 1, and its upper surface functions as a footrest for the subject to stand on. A support fixing portion is formed on the rear side of the base 2, where the lower ends of the first support column 3 and the second support column 5 are erected, enabling these columns to be firmly held upright. The base 2 also has sufficient width and depth, and is structured to ensure high rigidity and stability overall, so that the center of gravity does not shift even when the image receiving unit 6 moves up and down, making it less likely to tip over.

[0013] The pair of first support columns 3 are cylindrical support columns that stand upright upward from the rear side of the base 2 and extend over the entire height of the X-ray table 1. The first support columns 3 are arranged parallel to the second support column 5 that supports the image receiving unit 6, and function as the main structure that forms the framework of the entire X-ray table 1.

[0014] The connecting portion 4 is a plate-shaped structural member provided to connect the upper ends of the pair of first support columns 3. By maintaining a constant distance between the first support columns 3, the connecting portion 4 increases the rigidity of the entire imaging table 1 in the left-right direction, and also serves as an attachment portion for supporting the upper ends of the second support columns 5.

[0015] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, a box section 41 is formed inside the connecting section 4 to house constant force dampers 40 with built-in spiral springs for assisting the up and down movement of the image receiving section 6. A total of six constant force dampers 40, three on each side, can be attached to the box section 41, corresponding to the upper ends of the two second support columns 5 that guide the image receiving section 6. A spiral spring is wound inside each constant force damper 40, and this spiral spring generates a constant biasing force that attempts to pull upward wires (not shown) connected to the dampers 40. Each wire is led downward via a guide inside the connecting section 4 and connected to the image receiving section 6.

[0016] As a result, each constant load damper 40 acts with a constant biasing force in the lifting direction against the weight of the image receiving unit 6, significantly reducing the operating force required to adjust the height of the image receiving unit 6 and improving stability at the stop position. Also, in this embodiment, by adjusting the number of constant load dampers 40 installed, it is possible to set the biasing force according to the weight of the FPD unit mounted on the image receiving unit 6.

[0017] Specifically, (1) when two constant load dampers 40 are installed on each side, for a total of four, it can handle an image receiving unit weight of approximately 4.5 kg, which is suitable for configurations that mainly incorporate digital half-size flat panels. (2) When the equivalent of 2.5 dampers on each side (a total of five dampers installed) is installed, it can handle an image receiving unit weight of approximately 6.0 kg, which is suitable for mounting digital full-size flat panels. (3) When three constant load dampers 40 are installed on each side, for a total of six, it can handle image receiving units weighing up to approximately 7.5 kg, which is particularly effective when mounting large or heavy FPDs.

[0018] In this way, in this embodiment, by adjusting the number of constant load dampers 40, it is possible to flexibly accommodate a wide range of FPD weights, and it is possible to keep the lifting and lowering operation of the image receiving unit 6 always smooth and without jumping.

[0019] The pair of second support columns 5 are cylindrical support columns extending upward from the base 2 toward the connecting section 4, and function as guide rails that guide the image receiving section 6 in the vertical direction. The second support columns 5 are arranged parallel to the first support column 3, and by supporting the image receiving section 6 from both sides as a pair, they suppress tilting and vibration during vertical movement of the image receiving section 6, ensuring high linearity and stability. Furthermore, the upper end of the second support columns 5 is firmly held by the connecting section 4, and the lower end is securely fixed by the support fixing section of the base 2, resulting in a support structure with excellent rigidity and durability as a whole. The outer surface of the second support columns 5 is also given a smooth surface finish to allow the one-touch clamp 7 of the image receiving section 6 to slide smoothly.

[0020] The image receiving unit 6 is a box-shaped unit that houses components such as a flat panel detector (FPD) that receives X-rays and converts them into an image, and is attached to the pair of second support columns 5 so that it can move up and down. Furthermore, the image receiving unit 6 of this embodiment is provided with a chin rest 60 on its front side so that the subject can maintain an appropriate posture when undergoing chest radiography, etc. This chin rest 60 has the function of lightly supporting the subject's chin to prevent head displacement and stabilize the subject's position during radiography. The fixing and sliding mechanisms of the image receiving unit 6 have the following distinctive configurations.

[0021] First, when the second support column 5 is fixed using the operating lever 70, it is not clamped directly with metal, but is pressed against it via a copper plate attached to the clamp frame 74 on the image receiving unit 6 side. This copper plate allows for moderate deformation when pressed, ensuring uniform contact with the pipe surface, allowing for secure fixation without damaging the second support column 5. Conventional pipe clamp structures generally use screws to tighten and fix the pipe from both ends of the image receiving unit, which can easily cause scratches or dents on the pipe surface when tightened, but this embodiment prevents such damage.

[0022] Next, four bearing abutments are provided inside the image receiving unit 6 as a guide structure for when the image receiving unit 6 moves up and down along the second support column 5. These bearings rotate while constantly abutting against the support column 5, allowing the image receiving unit 6 to move very smoothly. In conventional structures, the metal surface of the image receiving unit slides directly against the pipe, which creates a lot of resistance at the start of movement and is prone to generating wear powder due to friction between the metal parts, but the bearing support system solves these problems.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a rail-type slider is provided at the center of the image receiving unit 6, separate from the contact surface with the pipe. This central slider moves on a guide rail along the central axis of the image receiving unit 6, stabilizing the up and down movement of the entire image receiving unit 6. This configuration ensures that the center of the image receiving unit 6 is always held in the correct position, allowing for smooth up and down movement. Conventional simple structures sometimes use a guide method that simply places two rods against the image receiving unit, which can pose a risk of the rods popping out from below and can easily cause rattle due to low guiding precision. The rail-type slider of this embodiment eliminates these risks and achieves stable guiding performance.

[0024] The one-touch clamp 7 is provided on the image receiving unit 6. The one-touch clamp 7 is a clamping mechanism for fixing and releasing the image receiving unit 6 to and from the second support column 5, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , is composed of an operating lever 70, a pressure shaft 71, a disc spring 72, a compression coil spring 73, and a clamp frame 74. Note that the compression coil spring 73 is not shown in FIG. 5. The operating lever 70 of the one-touch clamp 7 is rotatably attached to the side of the image receiving unit 6, and by pressing the operating lever 70 down, the pressure shaft 71 moves forward, performing a fixing operation that presses the clamp frame 74 toward the second support column 5. Conversely, by raising the operating lever 70, the pressure shaft 71 moves backward, releasing the pressure on the clamp frame 74, and the image receiving unit 6 can slide freely up and down relative to the second support column 5.

[0025] A disc spring 72 is disposed on the outer side of the pressing shaft 71, and this disc spring 72 ensures an appropriate amount of "play" when the operating lever 70 is tilted, preventing excessive tightening. In addition, a compression coil spring 73 is provided on the inside of the pressing shaft 71, which prevents the pressing shaft 71 from wobbling even when the operating lever 70 is released. By combining these two types of springs, the operating characteristics of the operating lever 70 are appropriately adjusted, achieving both reliability when fastened and smoothness when released.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, a V-shaped contact portion 74a is provided on the inside of the clamp frame 74, which is configured to generate a locally high frictional force against the outer circumferential surface of the second support column 5. This V-shaped contact portion 74a is designed to hold the support column 5 in the center while suppressing horizontal wobble, and a copper plate is affixed to the surface of the contact portion 74a to increase the coefficient of friction. When the operating lever 70 is tilted, the tip of the pressing shaft 71 presses the clamp frame 74 to the right, and the V-shaped contact portion 74a comes into close contact with the support column 5, thereby ensuring a secure fixation.

[0027] As described above, the one-touch clamp 7 allows the image receiving unit 6 to be quickly fixed and released with a slight lever operation, and is designed to greatly simplify height adjustment work during inspection. In addition, the operating force of the operating lever 70 is appropriately controlled by the disc spring 72 and compression coil spring 73, achieving high levels of both holding force in the fixed state and agility when releasing the image receiving unit.

[0028] The handrail 8 is a rod-shaped support member that extends diagonally downward and forward from a position midway along the first support column 3 and is connected further downward to the base 2. The handrail 8 is attached to the first support column 3 via a fixing bracket and functions as an auxiliary grip when the subject maintains an upright posture during imaging. As shown in Figure 1, the handrail 8 protrudes forward at a moderate angle, allowing the subject to place their hands on it in a natural posture, which has the effect of preventing falls and improving posture maintenance safety, particularly for elderly and physically unstable subjects.

[0029] As described above, according to this embodiment, the weight of the image receiving unit is appropriately offset by the constant-load damper, allowing it to be raised and lowered smoothly with minimal force, significantly improving operability. Furthermore, the bearing support and center rail slider keep the image receiving unit in a stable position at all times, preventing wobble and wear. Furthermore, the copper-plate clamping mechanism ensures secure fixation without damaging the support column, ensuring high safety. These configurations make it possible to stably hold the image receiving unit while simultaneously improving operability during inspection and safety during use.

[0030] The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, among the technical features of the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, those corresponding to the technical features of each form described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced and combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, technical features not described as essential in this specification can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 1. X-ray table 2...Base 3…1st pillar 4...Connection part 5…Second pillar 6...Image receiving unit 60...chin rest 7...One-touch clamp 8...Handrail 40...Constant load damper 41...Box section 70...Operating lever 71...Pressing shaft 72...Disc spring 73...Compression coil spring 74...Clamp frame 74a...Contact part

Claims

[Claim 1] An X-ray table, A base and a pair of first struts extending upward from the base; a connecting portion connecting the upper ends of the pair of first support columns; a pair of second struts extending from the base portion to the connecting portion; an image receiving unit attached to the pair of second support columns so as to be movable in the vertical direction, which detects X-rays and converts them into an image; a one-touch clamp provided on the image receiving unit and configured to be able to fix and release the image receiving unit to and from the second support rod; a handrail portion extending from the middle of the first support pillar in the vertical direction to the base portion; An X-ray table equipped with

Images