X-ray diagnostic equipment and medical bed equipment

Abstract

To enable X-ray photographing at end parts of a couchtop.SOLUTION: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a couchtop, an irradiation unit, a support member, a first opening, and an X-ray detector. The couchtop is a component on which a subject is placed. The irradiation unit outputs X-rays from above the subject. The support member supports both ends of the couchtop in a lateral direction from below and forms a gap between the support member and the couchtop in a center part corresponding to an area excluding both ends. The first opening is formed at either one or both of the ends of the couchtop in the longitudinal direction and is accessible to the gap. The X-ray detector is provided in the gap through the first opening and detects the X-rays.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and a medical bed apparatus and relate to.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a general X-ray imaging apparatus, imaging of a subject placed on a top plate is performed using the top plate provided at a position sandwiched between an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector.

[0003] By the way, for example, in urological examinations, there are cases where X-ray imaging is performed while inserting a catheter into the urethra with the subject lying supine on the top plate with their legs spread apart. In such a case, by positioning the waist of the subject at the end of the top plate, the catheter insertion operation can be easily performed. However, in a conventional general X-ray imaging apparatus, a frame for holding the top plate is provided at the end of the top plate, and the X-ray detector cannot be moved to the end of the top plate, making imaging at the end position of the top plate difficult.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable X-ray imaging at the end of the top plate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment comprises a top plate, an irradiation unit, a support member, a first opening, and an X-ray detector. The top plate is on which the subject is placed. The irradiation unit irradiates the subject with X-rays from above. The support member supports both ends of the top plate in the short direction from below, and forms a gap between itself and the top plate in the central region, which is the area excluding these ends. The first opening is accessible from the gap provided at either one or both ends of the top plate in the longitudinal direction. The X-ray detector is provided in the gap through the first opening and detects the X-rays. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the top plate of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the top plate edge of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a urological examination using an X-ray diagnostic device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing the longitudinal end of the tabletop according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates an example of insertion and removal of an X-ray detector according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates an example of an opening in which the shutter according to the embodiment is in a closed state. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a front view showing the longitudinal end of the top plate according to the modified example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus and medical bed apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus will be described as a general X-ray imaging apparatus. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 has an imaging device 10 and a console 20. The imaging device 10 is an example of an imaging unit.

[0010] The imaging device 10 includes an X-ray tube holder 12, an X-ray detector 13, a high-voltage power supply 14, an aperture control device 15, a drive circuit 16, a controller 17, and a patient bed device 42. For example, when X-ray imaging a subject P in a supine position, as shown in Figure 1, the subject P in a supine position is placed on the top plate 41 of the patient bed device 42. The imaging device 10 may also have a separate stand for imaging a subject P in an upright position.

[0011] The X-ray tube holder 12 includes an X-ray tube 31, a collimator 32, an operation panel 33, and a camera 34.

[0012] The X-ray tube 31 is a vacuum tube that irradiates thermionic electrons from the cathode (filament) to the anode (target) by applying a high voltage from the high-voltage power supply 14. The X-ray tube 31 is an example of an irradiation unit. The X-ray tube 31 is positioned opposite the X-ray detector 13 with the subject P in between.

[0013] The diaphragm 32 has multiple vanes made of a metal that blocks X-rays, such as lead. It has a mechanism to adjust the irradiation field of the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 31.

[0014] The operation panel 33 is provided on the housing of the X-ray tube holding device 12 and has hard keys such as buttons that give unique instruction signals to the processor when pressed by the user, and a display input device. The display input device has a display as a display unit and a touch sensor as an input unit provided near the display.

[0015] The display of the operation panel 33 displays various images such as an image showing information about the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 and a reference image of the subject P photographed by the camera 34. Further, the user can input various instructions for the image displayed on the display to the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 via the touch sensor or hard keys of the operation panel 33. The operation panel 33 outputs a signal corresponding to this user input to the processing circuit 24 of the console 20.

[0016] The camera 34 is provided on the housing of the X-ray tube holding device 12. The camera 34 is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The camera 34 captures an image of the subject P standing on the stand 11 or the subject P placed in a lying position on the top plate 41, and outputs the captured image to the processing circuit 24 of the console 20 via the controller 17. A wide-angle lens or a fish-eye lens may be attached to the camera 34 so that a wider camera image of the subject P can be obtained. Further, the camera 34 may be provided on a wall surface including the ceiling of the examination room.

[0017] The X-ray detector 13 is composed of a flat panel detector (FPD: Flat Panel Detector) having a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged two-dimensionally, detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject P and irradiated to the X-ray detector 13, and based on the detected X-rays, outputs projection data of the X-rays. This projection data is provided to the console 20 via the controller 17. Note that the X-ray detector 13 may include an image intensifier, a TV camera, or the like. Hereinafter, the X-ray detector 13 is also referred to as FPD13.

[0018] The high-voltage power supply 14 is composed of an electric circuit such as a transformer and a rectifier, and includes a high-voltage generator having a function of generating a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 31, and an X-ray control device that controls the output voltage according to the X-ray irradiated by the X-ray tube 31.

[0019] The aperture control device 15 controls the aperture 32. For example, the aperture control device 15 controls the aperture 32 via the controller 17 to adjust the irradiation range of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray tube 31.

[0020] The drive circuit 16 controls the drive of each part of the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1. For example, the drive circuit 16 controls the X-ray tube 31 via the controller 17, and performs control in conjunction with the movement of the X-ray detector 13 so as to maintain a state where the center position of the X-ray tube 31 and the substantially center position of the X-ray detector 13 face each other.

[0021] Also, for example, the drive circuit 16 controls the X-ray tube holder 12 and the X-ray detector 13 via the controller 17, and performs control to interlock them so as to maintain the positional relationship between the center position of the X-ray tube 31 and the position of the X-ray detector 13.

[0022] The controller 17 has at least a processor and a memory circuit. The controller 17 is controlled by the console 20 according to the program stored in this memory circuit, and comprehensively controls each component of the imaging apparatus 10. For example, the controller 17 controls the X-ray irradiation system to execute long-axis imaging for generating a long-axis image of the subject P, generates projection data, and outputs it to the console 20.

[0023] The bed apparatus 42 has a top plate 41 on which the subject P is placed. The drive circuit 16 controls the top plate 41 via the controller 17 to perform control to move it in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the top plate 41. Similarly, the drive circuit 16 controls the top plate 41 to perform control to move it in the long-axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0024] Here, the configuration of the patient bed device 42 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the top plate of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, in addition to the top plate 41, the patient bed device 42 includes a reinforcing frame 421, guide rails 422a and 422b, and an FPD tray 423.

[0025] The reinforcing frame 421 is a member that supports the top plate 41. The reinforcing frame 421 is an example of a support member. The reinforcing frame 421 is provided on a base (not shown) that supports the top plate 41 and the reinforcing frame 421. The reinforcing frame 421 extends in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 41 and supports the bottom surface of the top plate 41 at both ends in the short direction (X-axis direction).

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the top plate end of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the reinforcing frame 421 has a recess in which the cross shape in the short direction is concave, and in the central part in the short direction, excluding the ends mentioned above, a space SP (gap) is formed between the top plate 41 and the reinforcing frame 421. Here, the central part corresponds to the area on which the subject P is placed. The ends in the longitudinal direction of the space SP are open, forming an opening 427. The opening 427 may be provided on one end in the longitudinal direction or on both ends.

[0027] The opening 427 is large enough to allow the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed, and the FPD 13 can be placed in the space SP through the opening 427. Specifically, the space SP is provided with an FPD tray 423 from which the FPD 13 can be inserted and removed. The user can place the FPD 13 in the space SP by inserting and removing the FPD 13 from the FPD tray 423 using the opening 427. The FPD tray 423 is also provided so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 41. The opening 427 will be described later.

[0028] In this embodiment, the FPD 13 is configured to be insertable and removable from the FPD tray 423. However, the FPD 13 may be fixedly installed in the space SP and not removable by integrating the FPD 13 and the FPD tray 423, for example.

[0029] Furthermore, guide rails 422a and 422b are provided in the space SP formed between the top plate 41 and the reinforcing frame 421. The guide rails 422a and 422b are provided at both ends of the reinforcing frame 421 in the short direction, extending in the longitudinal direction parallel to each other. The guide rails 422a and 422b also support the FPD tray 423 via sliding members such as sliders, thereby supporting the FPD tray 423 so that it can slide freely in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing frame 421.

[0030] The FPD tray 423 houses the FPD 13. The FPD tray 423 is an example of a storage compartment. The FPD tray 423 is positioned at the end of a space SP that can be connected to the opening 427 and supports the FPD 13 so that it can be inserted and removed.

[0031] The FPD tray 423 is attached to guide rails 422a and 422b via sliding members such as sliders. The slider slides along the guide rails 422a and 422b driven by a drive source such as a motor or actuator. The guide rails 422a and 422b, the slider, and the drive source such as a motor or actuator are an example of a first moving mechanism.

[0032] Now, with reference to Figure 2, the movement of the FPD tray 423 will be explained. Note that Figures 2 and 3 show the FPD tray 423 when the FPD 13 is not contained within it. As shown in Figure 3, the bed device 42 has a drive switch SW1.

[0033] The drive switch SW1 is a switch for driving the drive source that slides the FPD tray 423. By operating the drive switch SW1, the user moves the FPD tray 423 and adjusts its position. The drive switch SW1 may also be used to move the top plate 41. Furthermore, the movement of the FPD tray 423 may be controlled by a foot switch SW2 (see Figure 4) or the like.

[0034] The FPD tray 423 slides along guide rails 422a and 422b at the user's operation, moving from one end to the other of the top plate 41 in the longitudinal direction (see arrow in Figure 2). This allows the FPD 13 housed in the FPD tray 423 to move between the two ends of the top plate 41. Furthermore, the X-ray tube 31 moves in accordance with the position of the FPD tray 423 (FPD 13) under the control of the movement control function 243 of the processing circuit 24, which will be described later, so as to maintain the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 31 and the FPD 13, it becomes possible to perform X-ray imaging of the subject P even at the ends of the top plate 41.

[0035] Therefore, according to the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of this embodiment, even if the area of ​​interest of the subject P is located at one end of the tabletop 41, X-ray imaging of the area of ​​interest can be performed. For example, in X-ray imaging during urological examinations, there are cases where X-ray imaging is performed while inserting a catheter into the urethra with the subject lying supine on the tabletop with their legs spread. In such cases, positioning the subject's waist at the end of the tabletop makes the catheter insertion operation easier, but with the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of this embodiment, imaging can be performed at the end position, thus improving convenience in urological examinations.

[0036] Here, Figure 4 illustrates an example of a urological examination using an X-ray diagnostic device according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, the examiner D (user), such as a physician, adjusts the position of the top plate 41 and the FPD tray 423 by operating the foot switch SW2.

[0037] As described above, the FPD 13 is housed in the FPD tray 423, and the FPD tray 423 can move to the edge of the tabletop 41 by sliding on the guide rails 422a and 422b. The X-ray tube 31 also moves in accordance with the position of the FPD tray 423 so as to maintain the positional relationship between the center of the X-ray tube 31 and the FPD tray 423 (FPD 13). For this reason, for example, as shown in Figure 4, examiner D can insert a catheter into the urethra of subject P with subject P lying supine and with legs spread on the tabletop 41 and perform X-ray imaging of the urinary tract.

[0038] Incidentally, when performing a urological examination as described above at the edge of the tabletop 41, the examiner D's feet may be underneath the tabletop, potentially increasing their radiation exposure. For example, in the example shown in Figure 4, since examiner D's feet are underneath the tabletop, if X-rays are irradiated from above the tabletop 41, the X-rays that pass through the subject P may reach examiner D's feet.

[0039] Therefore, in the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, an X-ray protective member such as lead acrylic resin is provided at the longitudinal end of the top plate 41 (reinforcement frame 421).

[0040] The configuration near the edge of the top plate 41 will now be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a front view showing the longitudinal edge of the top plate 41 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 5 shows the FPD tray 423 located at the edge (opening 427) of the top plate 41.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, an X-ray shielding member 424 is provided on the bottom plate 421a that forms the central part of the reinforcing frame 421. Specifically, the X-ray shielding member 424 is provided over an area where the feet of the inspector D may fall under the top plate. For example, in the example of Figure 4, it is preferable to provide the X-ray shielding member 424 on the protruding portion below the reinforcing frame 421 where there is an open space. Although Figure 5 shows an example where the X-ray shielding member 424 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate 421a, it is also possible to configure it so that the X-ray shielding member 424 is provided on the lower surface of the bottom plate 421a.

[0042] Next, the detailed configuration of the FPD tray 423 will be described. The FPD tray 423 comprises an FPD holding portion 425, guide rails 426a and 426b, and an adjustment knob SW3. The FPD holding portion 425 is a holding member that holds the FPD 13 so that it can be inserted and removed.

[0043] Guide rails 426a and 426b are provided at both ends of the FPD tray 423 in the longitudinal direction, extending longitudinally and parallel to each other. Furthermore, guide rails 426a and 426b support the FPD holder 425 via sliding members such as sliders, thereby supporting the FPD holder 425 so that it can slide freely in the longitudinal direction of the FPD tray 423.

[0044] The FPD holder 425 is attached to the guide rails 426a and 426b via a sliding member such as a slider. The slider slides along the guide rails 426a and 426b driven by a drive source such as a motor or actuator. The guide rails 426a and 426b, the slider, and the drive source such as a motor or actuator are an example of a second moving mechanism.

[0045] The adjustment knob SW3 is used to fine-tune the position of the FPD 13. The user fine-tunes the position of the FPD 13 by operating the adjustment knob SW3. The drive circuit 16 controls the FPD holder 425 via the controller 17 to move it in the shorter direction in response to the operation of the adjustment knob SW3 by the inspector D. The position of the FPD 13 may also be fine-tuned using the drive switch SW1 or the foot switch SW2, etc.

[0046] Next, the insertion and removal of the FPD 13 into and from the FPD tray 423 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of insertion and removal of an X-ray detector according to the embodiment. Figure 6 shows the insertion and removal of the FPD 13 at the lower longitudinal end of the top plate 41. As shown in Figure 6, the reinforcing frame 421 has an opening 427. The user inserts and removes the FPD 13 into and from the FPD tray 423 through the opening 427, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 6.

[0047] Furthermore, the FPD 13 has a locking mechanism 131. The locking mechanism 131 locks the FPD 13 in place to prevent it from coming out of the FPD holder 425. When the user removes the FPD 13, they release the locking mechanism 131, and when they insert the FPD 13, they lock the locking mechanism 131.

[0048] Furthermore, the opening 427 has a shutter. The shutter is a component that opens and closes the opening 427. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an opening in which the shutter according to the embodiment is in a closed state. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the opening 427 at the lower end in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 41. As shown in Figure 7, the opening 427 has a shutter 428. Figure 7 shows the shutter 428 in a closed state.

[0049] The shutter 428 opens from a closed state when the FPD tray 423 moves to a predetermined insertion / removal position for the FPD 13. When the shutter 428 is open, the opening 427 is in the state shown in Figure 5. At this time, the shutter 428 is driven, for example, by the control of the drive circuit 16, and is housed in the space (not shown) between the top plate 41 and the FPD tray 423. When the shutter 428a is open, the user can insert and remove the FPD 13 using the opening 427.

[0050] Furthermore, the shutter 428 closes when the FPD tray 423 moves to a position other than the predetermined insertion / removal position for the FPD 13. The closing of the shutter 428 prevents dust and debris from entering the opening 427. Additionally, the closing of the shutter 428a prevents the user from contacting the inside of the opening 427 except when necessary.

[0051] Returning to Figure 1, the console 20 will be described. The console 20 has an input interface 21, a display 22, a memory circuit 23, and a processing circuit 24. In this embodiment, the console 20 is installed outside the examination room. Note that the console 20 does not necessarily have to be provided independently; for example, the functions of the input interface 21 and display 22 of the console 20 may be handled by the operation panel 33 of the imaging device 10, and the functions of the memory circuit 23 and processing circuit 24 may be handled by the memory circuit and processor of the controller 17 of the imaging device 10, respectively.

[0052] The input interface 21 of the console 20 consists of common pointing devices such as joysticks, trackballs, trackball mice, keyboards, touch panels, and numeric keypads, as well as hand switches for instructing X-ray exposure timing, and outputs operation signals corresponding to user operations to the processing circuit 24.

[0053] The display 22 is, for example, an LCD or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display). It consists of a general display output device such as a diode display, and displays various information according to the control of the processing circuit 24.

[0054] The memory circuit 23 is implemented using, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, a hard disk, or an optical disc. For example, the memory circuit 23 stores projection data.

[0055] Furthermore, the memory circuit 23 stores dedicated programs for implementing the shooting control function 241, image generation function 242, movement control function 243, and opening / closing control function 244, which will be described later.

[0056] The processing circuit 24 controls the operation of the entire general X-ray imaging apparatus 1. The processing circuit 24 includes, for example, an imaging control function 241, an image generation function 242, a movement control function 243, and an opening / closing control function 244.

[0057] Note that the movement control function 243 is an example of a movement control unit.

[0058] In this embodiment, the processing functions performed by the constituent elements, namely the shooting control function 241, the image generation function 242, the movement control function 243, and the opening / closing control function 244, are stored in the memory circuit 23 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer.

[0059] The processing circuit 24 is a processor that reads programs from the memory circuit 23 and executes them to realize the functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 24, in the state where each program has been read, will have the functions shown in the processing circuit 24 of Figure 2.

[0060] In Figure 2, the processing functions performed by the shooting control function 241, image generation function 242, movement control function 243, and opening / closing control function 244 are explained as being realized by a single processing circuit 24. However, the processing circuit 24 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may realize the functions by executing a program.

[0061] In other words, each of the above functions may be configured as a program, with one processing circuit executing each program, or a specific function may be implemented in a dedicated, independent program execution circuit.

[0062] In the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and Programmable Logic Devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)).

[0063] The processor performs its functions by reading and executing the program stored in the memory circuit 23. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 23, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its own circuitry. In this case, the processor performs its functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuitry.

[0064] The imaging control function 241 controls the X-ray tube 31, X-ray detector 13, and diaphragm 32 to perform X-ray imaging of the subject P. Specifically, when the imaging control function 241 receives an imaging instruction from the user, it works in cooperation with the movement control function 243 (described later) to move the center of the X-ray tube 31 to a position corresponding to the imaging area of ​​the subject P, and controls the X-ray tube 31, X-ray detector 13, and diaphragm 32 to perform X-ray imaging of the subject P at that position.

[0065] Furthermore, when performing long-length imaging, the imaging control function 241 works in cooperation with the movement control function 243 to move the center of the X-ray tube 31 to a position corresponding to each of the multiple imaging areas that make up the imaging range of the long-length image, and then performs X-ray imaging.

[0066] The image generation function 242 generates X-ray images based on X-ray imaging. For example, if long-length imaging is performed, the image generation function 242 generates a long-length image based on X-ray imaging performed in each of the multiple imaging areas. The X-ray images and long-length images generated by the image generation function 242 are stored in the memory circuit 23.

[0067] The movement control function 243 controls the movement of each part of the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1. The movement control function 243 also controls the movement of the X-ray tube 31 so that the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 31 and the X-ray detector 13 becomes a predetermined positional relationship, following the position of the X-ray detector 13.

[0068] For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, when a user operates the drive switch SW1 or the like to move the FPD 13 (FPD tray 423) along the longitudinal direction of the top plate 41, the movement control function 243 controls the drive circuit 16 and moves the X-ray tube 31 in conjunction with the movement of the FPD 13 so that the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 31 and the FPD 13 maintains a predetermined positional relationship.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, in the example shown in Figure 5, if the user operates the adjustment knob SW3 or the like to move the FPD 13 (FPD holder 425) in the shorter direction of the top plate 41, the movement control function 243 controls the drive circuit 16 and moves the X-ray tube 31 in conjunction with the movement of the FPD 13 so that the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 31 and the FPD 13 maintains a predetermined positional relationship.

[0070] As a result, even if the user manually makes fine adjustments to the position of the FPD 13, the position of the X-ray tube 31 is automatically adjusted by the movement control function 243, eliminating the need for the user to manually adjust the position of the X-ray tube 31 to match the position of the FPD 13.

[0071] The positions of the X-ray tube 31 and FPD 13 may be determined based on images taken of the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 by the camera 34, or they may be determined based on the rotation speed of the motors that drive each part of the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1. In addition, the movement control function 243 may control the movement of the X-ray detector 13 to follow the position of the X-ray tube 31 so that the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 31 and the X-ray detector 13 becomes a predetermined positional relationship.

[0072] The opening / closing control function 244 controls the opening and closing of the shutter 428 that opens and closes the opening 427. For example, when the FPD tray 423 moves to a predetermined insertion / removal position for the FPD 13, the opening / closing control function 244 controls the drive circuit 16 to open the shutter 428 from a closed state. Also, for example, when the FPD tray 423 moves to a position other than the predetermined insertion / removal position for the FPD 13, the opening / closing control function 244 controls the drive circuit 16 to close the shutter 428 from an open state.

[0073] This eliminates the need for the user to manually open and close the shutter 428. Therefore, the user will not inadvertently touch the inside of the opening 427 except when inserting or removing the FPD 13. In addition, the opening / closing control function 244 automatically prevents dust and debris from entering the inside of the opening 427 by controlling the closing of the shutter 428 when the FPD tray 423 moves to a position other than the FPD 13 insertion / removal position.

[0074] As described above, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a reinforcing frame 421 that supports both ends of the top plate 41 in the short direction from below and forms a space SP between itself and the top plate 41 in the central area excluding the ends of the top plate 41, an opening 427 that provides access to the space SP provided at the longitudinal end of the top plate 41, and an FPD 13 that detects X-rays and is provided in the space SP through the opening 427.

[0075] Therefore, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can move the X-ray tube 31 in accordance with the position of the FPD 13, thereby making the part of the subject P placed on the longitudinal end of the top plate 41 the target area for imaging. In other words, according to the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, even when the area of ​​interest of the subject P is located at one end of the top plate 41, X-ray imaging of the area of ​​interest of the subject P can be performed.

[0076] Furthermore, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with an FPD tray 423 in which the FPD 13 can be inserted and removed at a space SP that is connectable to the opening 427. The FPD 13 is then housed in the FPD tray 423 through the opening 427.

[0077] As a result, with the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the user can insert and remove the FPD 13 at the longitudinal end of the tabletop 41. For example, if the user is a physician performing a urological examination on a subject P, the user is at the longitudinal end of the tabletop 41, making it easier to insert and remove the FPD 13.

[0078] Furthermore, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a drive source such as a motor or actuator that moves the FPD tray 423 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 41. This allows the user to arbitrarily adjust the longitudinal position of the FPD 13 housed in the FPD tray 423 by utilizing the force generated by the drive source.

[0079] Furthermore, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a drive source such as a motor or actuator that moves the FPD tray 423 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 41. This allows the user to arbitrarily adjust the position of the FPD 13 housed in the FPD tray 423 in the short direction by utilizing the force generated by the drive source.

[0080] Furthermore, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment controls the movement of the X-ray tube 31 so that the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 31 and the FPD 13 becomes a predetermined positional relationship, following the position of the FPD 13.

[0081] As a result, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can automatically move the X-ray tube 31 so that the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 31 and the FPD 13 is a predetermined positional relationship. Therefore, for example, even if the user manually adjusts the position of the FPD 13 in order to perform X-ray imaging of a subject P, it becomes unnecessary to manually adjust the position of the X-ray tube 31.

[0082] Furthermore, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has an X-ray protective member 424 provided below the FPD tray 423. This allows the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment to prevent the user performing the X-ray imaging from being exposed to radiation.

[0083] The embodiments described above can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each device. Therefore, several modifications of the embodiments described above will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the embodiments described above, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0084] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 has an opening 427 at the longitudinal end of the reinforcing frame 421 was described. However, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 may also have an opening at the short end of the reinforcing frame 421. Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 8, a general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 having an opening at the short end of the reinforcing frame 421 will be described.

[0085] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 1. As shown in Figure 8, in this modification, the reinforcing frame 421 has a total of four openings: an opening 427a at the lower end in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 41, an opening 427b at the upper end in the longitudinal direction, an opening 427c at the left end in the short direction of the top plate 41, and an opening 427d at the right end in the short direction. In the following description, when openings 427a, 427b, 427c, and 427d are not specifically distinguished, they may be referred to as opening 427.

[0086] The openings 427c and 427d are formed at the short end of the reinforcing frame 421, for example, by cutting out a portion of one side of the reinforcing frame 421 in the longitudinal direction. This connects the outside of the reinforcing frame 421 to the space SP, so that the openings 427c and 427d can access the space SP.

[0087] Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the user can insert and remove the FPD 13 using any of the openings 427a, 427b, 427c, and 427d by aligning the position of the FPD tray 423 with the positions of the openings 427a, 427b, 427c, and 427d. Furthermore, the FPD holder 425 has a structure that allows the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed from any direction, so that the user can insert and remove the FPD 13 from any of the openings 427.

[0088] According to this modified version, for example, when the subject P is about to get off the top plate 41, the user can change the opening 427 used depending on the situation, such as using an opening 427 other than the one on the side the subject P is facing to insert or remove the FPD 13. In other words, the general X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this modified version can improve user convenience.

[0089] (Modification 2) In the above-described modification 1, a configuration was described in which the FPD holding portion 425 has a structure that allows the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed from any direction. However, the FPD holding portion 425 may also have a structure that allows the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed from only one direction.

[0090] In this case, since the FPD holder 425 has a structure that allows the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed from only one side, the FPD 13 can only be inserted and removed from the opening 427 located in the direction of the side that has the structure that allows the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed.

[0091] Therefore, in this modified example, the FPD holder 425 is provided on the FPD tray 423 so as to be rotatable with an axis extending in the thickness direction of the top plate 41 as the axis of rotation. The movement control function 243 in this modified example controls the drive circuit 16 to rotate the FPD holder 425. The movement control function 243 aligns the side of the FPD holder 425 that has a structure that allows the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed with the direction of the opening 427 used for inserting and removing the FPD 13, so that the FPD 13 can be inserted and removed from any of the openings 427.

[0092] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to Modification 2. For example, when inserting or removing the FPD 13 from the opening 427a, the movement control function 243 rotates the FPD holding part 425 so that the rectangular surface of the FPD 13 in Figure 9 faces the direction in which the opening 427a is located.

[0093] As a result, the side of the FPD holder 425 that has a structure that allows the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed aligns with the direction in which the opening 427a is located, allowing the user to insert and remove the FPD 13 through the opening 427a. The same process is followed when inserting or removing the FPD 13 from any of the other openings 427.

[0094] According to this modified example, by providing a structure that allows the FPD 13 to be inserted and removed from only one side of the FPD holding portion 425, the FPD 13 can be inserted and removed from any of the openings 427, thus preventing the structure of the FPD holding portion 425 from becoming complicated.

[0095] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, an X-ray shielding member 424 was provided on the outside of the FPD tray 423. However, the X-ray shielding member 424 may also be provided on the inside of the FPD tray 423.

[0096] Figure 10 is a front view showing the longitudinal end of the top plate according to Modification 3. As shown in Figure 10, the FPD tray 423 according to Modification 2 has an X-ray shielding member 424 on the inside. The X-ray shielding member 424 is provided at the bottom of the FPD holding part 425. In this modification, the X-ray shielding member 424 moves along the longitudinal axis of the top plate 41 together with the FPD tray 423 under the control of the drive circuit 16.

[0097] According to this modified example, since the X-ray shielding member 424 can be moved together with the FPD 13, it becomes unnecessary to provide the X-ray shielding member 424 at both ends of the reinforcing frame 421, thereby reducing costs.

[0098] (Modification 4) In the above-described embodiment, the bed device 42 was described in a configuration in which it is controlled by the processing circuit 24 of the console 20. However, the bed device 42 may have a processing circuit separate from the console 20. In this case, for example, the processing circuit of the bed device 42 controls the driving of the FPD tray 423 and the opening and closing of the shutter 428.

[0099] According to this modified example, the functions can be distributed between the processing circuit 24 and the processing circuit of the bed device 42, thereby reducing the processing load on the processing circuit 24.

[0100] According to at least one embodiment described above, X-ray imaging is possible at the edge of the tabletop.

[0101] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. X-ray diagnostic equipment (general X-ray imaging equipment) 10. Imaging device 12 X-ray tube holding device 13. X-ray detector (FPD) 14 High-voltage power supply 15 Aperture control device 16 Drive Circuit 17 Controllers 20 Consoles 21 Input Interfaces 22 displays 23 Memory circuit 24 Processing Circuits 31 X-ray tube 32. Squeezer 33 Control Panel 34 Cameras 41 Top plate 42 Bed equipment 241 Shooting control function 242 Image generation function 243 Movement control function 244 Opening / Closing Control Function 421 Reinforcement Frame 422a, 422b, 426a, 426b Guide rails 423 FPD Tray 424 X-ray protective materials 425 FPD holding part 427a, 427b, 427c, 427d opening 428a, 428b, 428c, 428d shutters

Claims

1. A top plate on which the subject is placed, An irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays from above the top plate, Support members that support both ends of the top plate in the shorter direction from below the top plate, and that form a gap between themselves and the top plate in the central region excluding the said ends, A first opening that allows access to the gap is provided at either one or both ends of the longitudinal ends of the top plate, An X-ray detector is provided in the gap through the first opening to detect the X-rays, An X-ray diagnostic device equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The X-ray detector is provided so as to be insertable and removable from the gap through the first opening. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The tabletop further comprises a second opening that provides access to the gap provided at either one or both of the ends of the short side of the tabletop, The X-ray detector is provided so as to be insertable and removable into the gap through the first or second opening. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The structure further includes a housing portion in which the X-ray detector can be inserted and removed, located within the gap that is connectable to the first opening, The X-ray detector is housed in the housing through the first opening so as to be insertable and removable. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The system further includes a first moving mechanism that allows the storage section to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the top plate. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The system further includes a second movement mechanism that allows the storage section to be moved in the short-side direction of the top plate. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The system further includes a movement control unit that controls the movement of the irradiation unit so that the positional relationship between the irradiation unit and the X-ray detector becomes a predetermined positional relationship, following the position of the X-ray detector. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The protective member is further provided below the aforementioned housing section. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. The protective member is provided inside the housing portion, below the position in which the X-ray detector is housed. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.

10. A top plate on which the subject is placed, Support members that support both ends of the top plate in the shorter direction from below the top plate, and that form a gap between themselves and the top plate in the central region excluding the said ends, A first opening that allows access to the gap is provided at either one or both ends of the longitudinal ends of the top plate, A medical bed device equipped with [a specific feature].

Images