X-ray imaging device

Abstract

This X-ray imaging device (100, 110) comprises: a support column (17); an X-ray detection unit (20); a support part (21) that is provided to the support column, the support part supporting the X-ray detection unit so as to be movable in the vertical direction; a grip part (23) that is provided so as to move in the vertical direction integrally with the X-ray detection unit as the X-ray detection unit moves in the vertical direction; and a first movement mechanism (33) that is provided to the support part, the first movement mechanism moving the grip part relative to the X-ray detection unit in the vertical direction.

Description

X-ray equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an X-ray imaging device including an X-ray detection unit and a gripping unit has been known. Such an X-ray imaging device is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-67842.

[0003] The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-67842 discloses an X-ray imaging device including a device main body (X-ray detection unit) and a gripping bar (gripping unit). The device main body is moved up and down by an image receiving unit drive unit. The image receiving unit drive unit is provided within a support column. The gripping bar is provided so that it can be grasped by a subject when imaging the subject from the side. The gripping bar is moved up and down by the gripping bar drive unit. The gripping bar drive unit is provided within a casing attached to the back surface of the support column.

[0004] JP 2016-67842 A

[0005] However, in the X-ray imaging device disclosed in JP 2016-67842 A, the device body (X-ray detection unit) is configured to be movable vertically over a long distance along a support column in order to accommodate imaging of different body parts, such as the chest and lower limbs, for subjects of different heights. The grip bar (gripping unit) is then moved vertically by a grip bar drive unit to accommodate the long vertical movement of the device body. Therefore, the grip bar drive unit is configured with a long vertical stroke length, resulting in a large-scale configuration. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent the size of the moving mechanism that moves the grip bar vertically from increasing.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging device that can prevent the moving mechanism that moves the gripping part in the vertical direction from becoming too large.

[0007] An X-ray imaging device in a first aspect of the present invention includes an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays, a support column, an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit and is movable up and down along the support column, a support column that is provided on the support column and supports the X-ray detection unit so that it can move up and down, a gripping unit that is held by the subject's hand and is provided to move up and down integrally with the X-ray detection unit as the X-ray detection unit moves up and down, and a first moving mechanism that is provided on the support column and moves the gripping unit up and down relative to the X-ray detection unit.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, an X-ray imaging device includes a support pole; an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays that have passed through a subject and is movable up and down along the support pole; a support part that is attached to the support pole and supports the X-ray detection unit so that it can move up and down; a gripping part that is held by the subject's hand and moves up and down integrally with the X-ray detection unit as the X-ray detection unit moves up and down; and a first moving mechanism that is attached to the support part and moves the gripping part up and down relative to the X-ray detection unit.

[0009] The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first and second aspects includes a support section mounted on a support column and supporting the X-ray detection section so as to be movable in the vertical direction; a grip section mounted to move vertically integrally with the X-ray detection section in accordance with the vertical movement of the X-ray detection section; and a first movement mechanism mounted on the support section and moving the grip section vertically relative to the X-ray detection section. Here, when, for example, radiographing a chest image from the side of a subject, the grip section can be gripped by the subject's hand with the hand raised, thereby preventing the subject's arm from appearing in the image. Therefore, the vertical position of the grip section may be such that it can be gripped by the subject's hand with the hand raised. Therefore, in clinical practice, for example, when radiographing a chest image from the side of a subject, the X-ray detection section and the grip section are not excessively spaced apart. Furthermore, although the vertical position of the X-ray detection unit during imaging differs between tall and short subjects, adjusting the position of the gripper based on the vertical position of the X-ray detection unit eliminates the need to increase the vertical stroke length of the gripper. In light of these points, the present invention provides a gripper that moves vertically integrally with the X-ray detection unit in accordance with the vertical movement of the X-ray detection unit, and a first movement mechanism that is provided on the support and moves the gripper vertically relative to the X-ray detection unit. As a result, both the X-ray detection unit and the first movement mechanism that moves the gripper vertically relative to the X-ray detection unit are provided on the support, making it easy to move the X-ray detection unit and the gripper together in accordance with the vertical movement of the X-ray detection unit. This allows the stroke length of the first movement mechanism to be reduced, thereby preventing the first movement mechanism that moves the gripper vertically from becoming too large.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the device configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relative movement of a gripping unit in the up and down direction by a first moving mechanism. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a first schematic diagram for explaining adjustment of the position of the X-ray detection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a second schematic diagram for explaining adjustment of the position of the X-ray detection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the device configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second moving mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a first schematic diagram for explaining adjustment of the position of the X-ray detection unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a second schematic diagram for explaining adjustment of the position of the X-ray detection unit according to the second embodiment.

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] First Embodiment An outline of an X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (Outline of X-ray imaging device) As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging device 100 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 10, an irradiation unit holding mechanism 13, a support 17, an X-ray detection unit 20, a support unit 21, a gripping unit 23, a connecting member 27, a position holding unit 30 (see FIG. 2), a first moving mechanism 33, a second moving mechanism 40 (see FIG. 2), an operation unit 50 (see FIG. 2), and a control unit 51 (see FIG. 5).

[0014] The X-ray irradiation unit 10 includes an X-ray tube 11 and a collimator 12. The X-ray tube 11 is configured to irradiate the subject 1 with X-rays. The collimator 12 is configured to adjust the irradiation field of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11.

[0015] The irradiation unit holding mechanism 13 is configured to movably hold the X-ray irradiation unit 10. The irradiation unit holding mechanism 13 includes a ceiling suspension device 15 and a support member 16. The irradiation unit holding mechanism 13 is supported by rails 14 provided on the ceiling of the radiography room. The ceiling suspension device 15 is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction by the rails 14. The ceiling suspension device 15 is configured to support the support member 16. The support member 16 is configured to support the X-ray irradiation unit 10. The support member 16 is configured to be extendable and retractable in the vertical direction. The X-ray irradiation unit 10 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by the support member 16.

[0016] The support pillar 17 is configured to support the X-ray detection unit 20. The support pillar 17 is configured to support the X-ray detection unit 20 via a support portion 21 so that the X-ray detection unit 20 can be moved up and down. The support pillar 17 is an imaging stand for performing X-ray imaging of the subject 1 in an upright position (standing position). During X-ray imaging, the X-ray irradiation unit 10 is positioned horizontally opposite the X-ray detection unit 20, which is attached to the support pillar 17 via the support portion 21. The X-ray imaging device 100 images the subject 1 standing in front of the support pillar 17 between the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detection unit 20, which are horizontally opposed to each other.

[0017] The support column 17 includes guide portions 18 (see FIG. 3 ) extending in the vertical direction. The guide portions 18 are provided on the left and right sides of the support column 17. The guide portions 18 are configured to guide the support portion 21 when the support portion 21 moves up and down together with the X-ray detection unit 20 and the first movement mechanism 33. That is, the support portion 21 moves up and down together with the X-ray detection unit 20 and the first movement mechanism 33 while being guided by the guide portions 18. The guide portions 18 are also configured to guide the connecting member 27 when the connecting member 27 moves up and down together with the grip portion 23. That is, the connecting member 27 moves up and down together with the grip portion 23 while being guided by the guide portions 18. The guide portions 18 have a groove shape that engages with the support portion 21 and the connecting member 27. The structure of the guide portions 18 is not particularly limited as long as it can engage with the support portion 21 to guide the support portion 21 and the connecting member 27 and can engage with the connecting member 27 to guide the connecting member 27.

[0018] The X-ray detection unit 20 is configured to detect X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and that have passed through the subject 1. The X-ray detection unit 20 includes, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The X-ray detection unit 20 is provided on the support column 17 via a support portion 21. The X-ray detection unit 20 is configured to be movable in the up and down direction along the support column 17 via the support portion 21.

[0019] 2, the support unit 21 is provided on the support column 17 and configured to support the X-ray detection unit 20 so that it can move up and down. The support unit 21 is configured to allow the X-ray detection unit 20 to move up and down by a second movement mechanism 40. The support unit 21 is disposed between the support column 17 and the X-ray detection unit 20. The X-ray detection unit 20 is attached to the support unit 21 on the side opposite to the support column 17.

[0020] The support portion 21 includes a first guided portion 22 provided on the support pillar 17 side. The first guided portion 22 is guided by a guide portion 18 (see FIG. 3 ) formed on the support pillar 17. The first guided portion 22 has a convex shape that protrudes toward the guide portion 18 side. Two convex first guided portions 22 are provided so as to extend in the up-down direction and to be arranged opposite each other on the left and right. The convex first guided portion 22 engages with the groove-shaped guide portion 18. As a result, the first guided portion 22 is guided by the guide portion 18.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , the gripping unit 23 is configured to be gripped by the hand of the subject 1, for example, when radiographing the chest from the side of the subject 1. The gripping unit 23 is provided on a connecting member 27. The gripping units 23 (see FIG. 3 ) are provided on the left and right sides of the connecting member 27, respectively. The connecting member 27 is also provided on the upper part of a first moving mechanism 33. The first moving mechanism 33 is also provided on the support unit 21. Therefore, the gripping unit 23 moves vertically together with the X-ray detection unit 20 via the connecting member 27 in accordance with the vertical movement of the X-ray detection unit 20. The gripping unit 23 may be configured to support the hand or arm of the subject 1 without being gripped by the hand of the subject 1.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , the gripping unit 23 includes a first member 24 and a second member 25. The first member 24 is gripped by the hand of the subject 1. The first member 24 has a rod shape. The second member 25 connects the first member 24 to the connecting member 27. The second member 25 also has a rod shape. The second member 25 is connected to the first member 24 so as to intersect with the first member 24 and is rotatably attached to the connecting member 27. The gripping unit 23 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 26 (see FIG. 2 ). Specifically, the gripping unit 23 is attached to the connecting member 27 so as to be rotatable between a grippable position where the first member 24 extends in a substantially horizontal direction toward the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and can be gripped by the hand of the subject 1, and a retracted position where the first member 24 extends in a substantially vertical direction along the support 17 and prevents contact between the first member 24 and the subject 1. When in the graspable position, the first member 24 of the gripper 23 is disposed above the upper end of the X-ray detection unit 20. In Fig. 3, the gripper 23 in the retracted position is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0023] Here, the gripper 23 is configured to move vertically integrally with the X-ray detection unit 20 in accordance with the vertical movement of the X-ray detection unit 20, and therefore the stroke length of the first moving mechanism 33 can be made shorter than when the gripper 23 is not configured to move integrally with the X-ray detection unit 20. As a result, there is a limit to the upper position to which the gripper 23 can be retracted by the first moving mechanism 33. Therefore, the gripper 23 is configured to be able to prevent contact between the first member 24 and the subject 1 by rotating from the grippable position to the retracted position.

[0024] 2, the connecting member 27 is configured to connect the second member 25 of the gripping unit 23 and the first movement mechanism 33. The upper part of the first movement mechanism 33 is attached to the lower part of the connecting member 27. The second member 25 of the gripping unit 23 is rotatably attached to the upper part of the connecting member 27. In addition, the connecting member 27 is provided with an electromagnet 31 included in the position holding unit 30.

[0025] The connecting member 27 includes a second guided portion 28 provided on the support 17 side. The second guided portion 28 is guided by a guide portion 18 (see FIG. 3 ) formed on the support 17. The second guided portion 28 has a convex shape that protrudes toward the guide portion 18 side. Two convex second guided portions 28 are provided so that they extend in the up-down direction and are arranged opposite each other on the left and right. The convex second guided portions 28 engage with the groove-shaped guide portion 18. As a result, the second guided portions 28 are guided by the guide portion 18.

[0026] The position-holding unit 30 is configured to hold the vertical position of the gripping unit 23 relative to the support 17. The position-holding unit 30 holds the gripping unit 23 at the predetermined position 2, for example, by magnetic force. The position-holding unit 30 includes an electromagnet 31 and a magnetic body 32. The electromagnet 31 of the position-holding unit 30 is provided on the connecting member 27. The magnetic body 32 of the position-holding unit 30 is, for example, a metal plate such as an iron plate. The magnetic body 32 of the position-holding unit 30 is provided on the support 17. When the electromagnet 31 of the position-holding unit 30 is energized at the predetermined position 2, the gripping unit 23 is held at the predetermined position 2 by the magnetic force between the electromagnet 31 of the position-holding unit 30 and the magnetic body 32 included in the position-holding unit 30 provided on the support 17. Here, "predetermined position" in this specification means a position of the gripping portion 23 such that, when the subject's 1 hand is raised and gripping the gripping portion 23 with the subject's 1 hand, the subject's 1 arm is not captured in the X-ray.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 , the first moving mechanism 33 is configured to move the gripper 23 relative to the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first moving mechanism 33 moves the connecting member 27 in the vertical direction, thereby moving the gripper 23 relative to the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction. The first moving mechanism 33 is, for example, a linear actuator and includes a first driving unit 34 (see FIG. 5 ), such as a motor. The first moving mechanism 33 is provided on the support unit 21, which is disposed between the support column 17 and the X-ray detection unit 20. An upper portion of the first moving mechanism 33 is connected to the connecting member 27. Based on an operation input from the operation unit 50, the first driving unit 34 moves the gripper 23 relative to the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction via the connecting member 27. The driving of the first driving unit 34 is controlled by the control unit 51. Note that the configuration of the first moving mechanism 33 is not particularly limited, and known mechanisms and components may be used.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the second movement mechanism 40 is configured to move the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction via the support unit 21. In detail, the second movement mechanism 40 moves the support unit 21 in the vertical direction, thereby moving the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction. The second movement mechanism 40 is provided on the support column 17. The second movement mechanism 40 includes, for example, a pulley 41, a counterweight 42, a belt 43, and a position fixing unit 46 (see Fig. 5). In the first embodiment, the X-ray detection unit 20 is moved in the vertical direction by the second movement mechanism 40 manually by a radiologist.

[0029] Furthermore, the position of the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction is fixed by a position fixing unit 46 (see FIG. 5 ) based on an operation input by the operation unit 50. The position fixing unit 46 includes an electromagnet. Based on the operation input by the operation unit 50, the control unit 51 is configured to regulate the rotation of the pulley 41 by the magnetic force of the electromagnet.

[0030] The operation unit 50 is configured to accept operation inputs for operating the X-ray imaging apparatus 100. As an example, the operation unit 50 accepts operation inputs for holding the grip unit 23 with the position holding unit 30 and for relatively moving the grip unit 23 in the up and down direction with the first drive unit 34 (see FIG. 5 ). The operation unit 50 includes a plurality of operation buttons. When a radiologist operates the operation buttons, the various operations described above are input to the control unit 51. As an example, when the operation unit 50 accepts an operation for relatively moving the grip unit 23 in the up direction with the first drive unit 34, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 to relatively move the grip unit 23 in the up direction.

[0031] The operation unit 50 is provided on a side surface of the support unit 21. The position of the operation unit 50 is not particularly limited, and for example, the operation unit 50 may be provided on a side surface of the X-ray detection unit 20 or on the support column 17. The operation unit 50 may be a remote control that accepts the various operation inputs described above, or may be a terminal such as a smartphone or tablet on which application software for the various operations described above is installed.

[0032] The control unit 51 (see FIG. 5 ) includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 51 (processor) executes an operation program stored in a storage unit (not shown) to function as the control unit 51 that controls the position holding unit 30 and the first drive unit 34.

[0033] After the position of the gripper 23 is positioned at the predetermined position 2 with respect to the support column 17, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 (see FIG. 5 ) to move the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction while maintaining the position of the gripper 23. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6C , in adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit 20, after positioning the gripper 23, the control unit 51 controls the position holder 30 to maintain the position of the gripper 23 with respect to the support column 17, and controls the first drive unit 34 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction relative to the gripper 23. In this way, the position of the X-ray detection unit 20 is adjusted.

[0034] (Adjustment of the position of the X-ray detection unit by the first driving unit) With reference to Figures 6(a) to (c), we will explain how the first driving unit 34 (see Figure 5) adjusts the vertical position of the X-ray detection unit 20 when taking a chest image from the side of the subject 1.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 6(a) , after the subject 1 enters the imaging room, a radiologist manually roughly aligns the X-ray detection unit 20 with respect to the chest of the subject 1 so that the X-ray detection unit 20 is located on the chest of the subject 1. That is, the radiologist manually moves the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction via the second movement mechanism 40 (see Fig. 2 ). At this time, the gripper 23 is also moved in the vertical direction integrally with the X-ray detection unit 20 via the connecting member 27 in accordance with the vertical movement of the X-ray detection unit 20. As an example, in Fig. 6(a) , the X-ray detection unit 20 is manually moved in the vertical direction by the radiologist via the second movement mechanism 40.

[0036] Then, the radiological technologist operates the operation unit 50 to move the gripping unit 23 in the vertical direction so that the gripping unit 23 can be held by the hand of the subject 1 with the hand raised. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B , with the hand of the subject 1 raised and the gripping unit 23 being held by the hand of the subject 1, the radiological technologist operates the operation unit 50 to adjust the vertical position of the gripping unit 23 so that the arm of the subject 1 is not captured in the chest radiograph. That is, in response to the operation input of the operation unit 50 by the radiological technologist, the control unit 51 moves the gripping unit 23 in the vertical direction relative to the X-ray detection unit 20 by the first drive unit 34, and positions the gripping unit 23 at a predetermined position 2 with respect to the support column 17. As an example, in FIG. 6B , the control unit 51 moves the gripping unit 23 in the vertical direction relative to the X-ray detection unit 20 by the first drive unit 34.

[0037] Then, when the radiologist operates the operating unit 50, the control unit 51 energizes the electromagnet 31 of the position holding unit 30, and the magnetic force between the electromagnet 31 of the position holding unit 30 and the magnetic body 32 holds the gripping unit 23 in the positioned position.

[0038] 6(c) and 7, with the gripper 23 held at the determined position, the radiologist adjusts the vertical position of the X-ray detection unit 20 relative to the chest of the subject 1 by operating the operation unit 50. Here, while the position of the gripper 23 is held relative to the support 17 by the position holder 30, the X-ray detection unit 20, not the gripper 23, is driven by the first drive unit 34 to move vertically relative to the gripper 23 held at the determined position. That is, in response to the radiologist's operation input on the operation unit 50, the control unit 51 causes the first drive unit 34 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 vertically relative to the gripper 23. This allows the first drive unit 34 to adjust the position of the X-ray detection unit 20 relative to the chest of the subject 1. As an example, in FIGS. 6(c) and 7, the control unit 51 causes the first drive unit 34 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 upward relative to the gripper 23.

[0039] The vertical position of the gripper 23 may be finely adjusted after the first driver 34 has finished adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit 20 relative to the chest of the subject 1. Specifically, after the first driver 34 has finished adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit 20, the radiologist may input an operation to the operation unit 50, causing the control unit 51 to stop the supply of electricity to the electromagnet 31 of the position holder 30, and the first driver 34 may move the gripper 23 vertically relative to the X-ray detection unit 20.

[0040] (Effects of First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0041] As described above, the first embodiment includes the support part 21 provided on the support column 17 and supporting the X-ray detection unit 20 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, the grip part 23 provided so as to move in the vertical direction integrally with the X-ray detection unit 20 as the X-ray detection unit 20 moves in the vertical direction, and the first movement mechanism 33 provided on the support part 21 and moving the grip part 23 in the vertical direction relative to the X-ray detection unit 20. Here, for example, in chest radiography from the side of the subject 1, the X-ray detection unit 20 and the grip part 23 are not spaced apart excessively. Furthermore, if the position of the grip part 23 is adjusted based on the vertical position of the X-ray detection unit 20, it is not necessary to increase the vertical stroke length of the grip part 23. With the above configuration, the X-ray detection unit 20 and the first movement mechanism 33 that moves the gripper 23 relatively in the up-down direction are both provided on the support unit 21, which makes it easy to move the X-ray detection unit 20 and the gripper 23 together as a unit in accordance with the up-down movement of the X-ray detection unit 20. Therefore, the stroke length of the first movement mechanism 33 can be reduced, which makes it possible to prevent the first movement mechanism 33 that moves the gripper 23 in the up-down direction from becoming too large.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the following additional effects can be obtained by configuring as follows.

[0043] That is, in the first embodiment, as described above, the first moving mechanism 33 is provided on the support part 21 that is disposed between the support column 17 and the X-ray detection unit 20. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the first moving mechanism 33 from coming into contact with the support column 17 and the X-ray detection unit 20 in the upward direction.

[0044] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the first moving mechanism 33 includes the first drive unit 34, and further includes an operation unit 50 that receives an operation input for moving the gripper 23 relative to the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction by the first drive unit 34. This makes it possible to easily perform the vertical relative movement of the gripper 23 by the first drive unit 34 using the operation unit 50.

[0045] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 51 that controls the driving of the first drive unit 34 is further provided, and after the position of the gripper 23 is positioned at the predetermined position 2 with respect to the support column 17, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction while maintaining the position of the gripper 23, thereby adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit 20. In this way, by driving the first drive unit 34, it is possible to easily adjust the position of the X-ray detection unit 20 after the position of the gripper 23 is positioned at the predetermined position 2 with respect to the support column 17.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the position holding unit 30 that holds the vertical position of the gripper 23 with respect to the support column 17 is further provided, and in adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit 20, after positioning the gripper 23, the control unit 51 controls the position holding unit 30 to hold the position of the gripper 23 with respect to the support column 17, and controls the first drive unit 34 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 relative to the gripper 23 in the vertical direction. As a result, the position of the gripper 23 is held with respect to the support column 17 by the position holding unit 30, and by driving the first drive unit 34, it is possible to move the X-ray detection unit 20, not the gripper 23, relative to the gripper 23 in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately adjust the position of the X-ray detection unit 20 after the gripper 23 has been positioned at the predetermined position 2 with respect to the support column 17.

[0047] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the position holding unit 30 includes the electromagnet 31 and the magnetic body 32, and holds the gripping unit 23 at the predetermined position 2 by the magnetic force between the electromagnet 31 and the magnetic body 32. This makes it possible to easily and reliably hold the gripping unit 23 at the predetermined position 2 by switching the energization of the electromagnet 31.

[0048] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the support column 17 includes the guide portion 18 provided to extend in the vertical direction, and the support portion 21 moves up and down together with the first movement mechanism 33 while being guided by the guide portion 18. As a result, the support portion 21 moves up and down while being guided by the guide portion 18, and therefore the up and down movement of the support portion 21 and the first movement mechanism 33 provided on the support portion 21 can be appropriately guided.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, the first embodiment further includes a connecting member 27 that connects the gripper 23 and the first moving mechanism 33, and the connecting member 27 moves up and down while being guided by the guide portion 18, and the support portion 21 also moves up and down while being guided by the guide portion 18. This makes it possible to suppress horizontal swinging of both the X-ray detection unit 20 and the gripper 23 when the X-ray detection unit 20 and the gripper 23 move up and down.

[0050] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment described above, which does not include a drive unit for moving the X-ray detection unit 20 in the up and down direction, an example will be described in which the second movement mechanism 40 includes a second drive unit 45 and moves the X-ray detection unit 20 in the up and down direction. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0051] 8, the second movement mechanism 40 includes a second drive unit 45 such as a motor. The drive of the second drive unit 45 is controlled by a control unit 51. Note that in the second embodiment, the position holding unit 30 is not provided.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 9 , the second movement mechanism 40 is configured to move the X-ray detection unit 20 in the up-down direction via the support unit 21. In detail, the second movement mechanism 40 moves the support unit 21 in the up-down direction, thereby moving the X-ray detection unit 20 in the up-down direction. The second movement mechanism 40 is provided on the support column 17. As shown in Fig. 10 , the second movement mechanism 40 includes, for example, a pulley 41, a counterweight 42, a belt 43, a clutch 44, and a second drive unit 45.

[0053] The clutch 44 is an electromagnetic clutch. The second drive unit 45 is, for example, a motor. The clutch 44 is configured to transmit and release the power of the second drive unit 45 to the pulley 41. The drive of the second drive unit 45 and the clutch 44 is controlled by a control unit 51. When the clutch 44 is disengaged, the X-ray detection unit 20 is moved vertically by the second movement mechanism 40 manually by a radiologist. When the clutch 44 is engaged, the X-ray detection unit 20 is moved vertically by the second movement mechanism 40 in response to an operation input by the radiologist via the operation unit 50. The belt 43 is wound around the pulley 41. A counterweight 42 is attached to one end of the belt 43. A support unit 21 is attached to the other end of the belt 43. The configuration of the second movement mechanism 40 is not particularly limited, and known mechanisms and components can be used.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 8 , the operation unit 50 is configured to accept operation inputs for operating the X-ray imaging apparatus 110. For example, the operation unit 50 accepts operation inputs for relatively moving the grip unit 23 in the vertical direction by the first drive unit 34, switching the clutch 44, and moving the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction by the second drive unit 45. The operation unit 50 also accepts operation inputs for relatively moving the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction with respect to the grip unit 23 while maintaining the position of the grip unit 23 by the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45. The operation unit 50 includes a plurality of operation buttons. The radiological technologist operates the operation buttons to input the various operations described above to the control unit 51.

[0055] After the position of the gripper 23 is positioned at the predetermined position 2 with respect to the support column 17, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction while maintaining the position of the gripper 23. Specifically, in adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit 20, after positioning the gripper 23, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to move the gripper 23 and the X-ray detection unit 20 in opposite directions at the same moving speed with the clutch 44 engaged, thereby moving the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction relative to the gripper 23 while maintaining the position of the gripper 23. In this way, the position of the X-ray detection unit 20 is adjusted.

[0056] The first movement mechanism 33 includes a first encoder 35 attached to a motor serving as the first drive unit 34. The second movement mechanism 40 includes a second encoder 47 attached to the motor serving as the first drive unit 34. When controlling the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to relatively move the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction, the control unit 51 is configured to acquire the movement speed of the X-ray detector from the second encoder 47 attached to the second drive unit 45 and control the rotation of the first drive unit 34 based on the acquired movement speed of the X-ray detector, thereby synchronizing the movement speed of the gripper 23 with the movement speed of the X-ray detection unit 20. When controlling the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to relatively move the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction, the control unit 51 is configured to move the gripper 23 and the X-ray detection unit 20 in opposite directions. That is, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 vertically relative to the gripper 23 while maintaining the position of the gripper 23 .

[0057] (Adjustment of the position of the X-ray detection unit by the first driving unit and the second driving unit) With reference to Figures 11 (a) to (c), we will explain how the first driving unit 34 and the second driving unit 45 adjust the vertical position of the X-ray detection unit 20 when taking a chest image from the side of the subject 1.

[0058] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the X-ray detection unit 20 is roughly aligned with respect to the chest of the subject 1 as shown in Fig. 11(a) and the gripper 23 is positioned at a predetermined position 2 with respect to the support column 17 as shown in Fig. 11(b). The rough alignment of the X-ray detection unit 20 and the positioning of the gripper 23 at the predetermined position 2 are performed by the second drive unit 45 with the clutch 44 engaged, in response to an operation input by a radiological technologist on the operation unit 50. The rough alignment of the X-ray detection unit 20 may also be performed manually by the radiological technologist.

[0059] 11C , with the gripper 23 positioned at predetermined position 2, the radiologist adjusts the vertical position of the X-ray detection unit 20 relative to the chest of the subject 1 by operating the operation unit 50 with the clutch 44 engaged. The radiologist operates operation buttons (not shown) for relatively moving the X-ray detection unit 20 in the vertical direction using the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45. Here, by moving the X-ray detection unit 20 using the second drive unit 45, the gripper 23 also moves integrally with the X-ray detection unit 20 in the same direction. However, by moving the gripper 23 in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the X-ray detection unit 20 at the same speed using the first drive unit 34, the position of the gripper 23 can be maintained at the positioned predetermined position 2. Therefore, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 vertically relative to the gripper 23 while maintaining the position of the gripper 23 at the predetermined position 2. In this way, the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 adjust the position of the X-ray detection unit 20 relative to the chest of the subject 1.

[0060] 11C and 12 , the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 upward relative to the gripper 23 while maintaining the position of the gripper 23. By moving the X-ray detection unit 20 upward by the second drive unit 45, the gripper 23 also moves upward together with the X-ray detection unit 20. However, by moving the gripper 23 downward in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the X-ray detection unit 20 at the same moving speed by the first drive unit 34, the position of the gripper 23 can be maintained at the positioned predetermined position 2. Therefore, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 upward relative to the gripper 23 while maintaining the position of the gripper 23.

[0061] 11C and 12 , the second drive unit 45 moves the X-ray detection unit 20 downward relative to the gripper 23, whereas the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 move the X-ray detection unit 20 downward, so that the gripper 23 also moves downward together with the X-ray detection unit 20. However, the first drive unit 34 moves the gripper 23 upward in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the X-ray detection unit 20 at the same speed, so that the position of the gripper 23 can be maintained at the predetermined position 2. Therefore, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to move the X-ray detection unit 20 downward relative to the gripper 23 while maintaining the position of the gripper 23.

[0062] The other configurations of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0063] (Effects of Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0064] As described above, the second embodiment further includes a second movement mechanism 40 that includes a second drive unit 45 and moves the X-ray detection unit 20 in the up-down direction, and the control unit 51 is configured to control the driving of the second drive unit 45. In adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit 20, after positioning the gripper 23, the control unit 51 controls the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 45 to move the gripper 23 and the X-ray detection unit 20 in opposite directions at the same moving speed, thereby moving the X-ray detection unit 20 in the up-down direction relative to the gripper 23 while maintaining the position of the gripper 23. Here, by moving the X-ray detection unit 20 with the second drive unit 45, the gripper 23 also moves integrally with the X-ray detection unit 20 in the same direction, but the position of the gripper 23 can be maintained by moving the gripper 23 in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the X-ray detection unit 20 with the first drive unit 34. Therefore, after the gripper 23 is positioned at the predetermined position 2 relative to the support 17, the position of the X-ray detector 20 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0065] The other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0066] [Modifications] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above-mentioned embodiments, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0067] For example, in the first and second embodiments, one gripping portion is provided on the left side and one on the right side of the connecting member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the gripping portion may be configured to be provided on either the left side or the right side of the connecting member.

[0068] In the first and second embodiments, the gripping portion includes the first and second members, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the gripping portion may not include the second member, and the first member may be configured to be rotatably attached to the connecting member.

[0069] In the first and second embodiments, the first member of the gripping portion has a rod shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first member of the gripping portion may be configured to have an annular shape or a curved shape instead of a rod shape.

[0070] In the first and second embodiments, the gripping unit and the first moving mechanism are connected via a connecting member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the gripping unit and the first moving mechanism may be directly connected without a connecting member.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the position-maintaining unit includes an electromagnet and a magnetic body, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the electromagnet and the magnetic body, the position-maintaining unit may be configured to include a member that can clamp the support post, or a member that can engage and disengage with the support post.

[0072] In the second embodiment, when the control unit controls the first drive unit and the second drive unit to move the X-ray detection unit relatively in the up and down direction, the control unit acquires the movement speed of the X-ray detector from the second encoder attached to the second drive unit and controls the rotation of the first drive unit based on the acquired movement speed of the X-ray detector, thereby synchronizing the movement speed of the gripper and the movement speed of the X-ray detection unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the movement speed of the gripper and the movement speed of the X-ray detection unit can be synchronized, the method for synchronizing the movement speeds is not particularly limited.

[0073] Although the second embodiment has been described as an example in which a position holding unit is not provided, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which both a second driving unit and a position holding unit are provided, and the position of the X-ray detection unit is adjusted by either controlling the position holding unit to hold the position of the gripper and moving the X-ray detection unit vertically relative to the gripper using the first driving unit, or controlling the first driving unit and the second driving unit to move the X-ray detection unit vertically relative to the gripper while holding the position of the gripper.

[0074] In the first and second embodiments, the connecting member includes the second guided portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connecting member may be configured not to include the second guided portion.

[0075] Aspects It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0076] (Item 1) An X-ray imaging device comprising: an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays; a support; an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit and is movable up and down along the support; a support that is provided on the support and supports the X-ray detection unit so that it can move up and down; a gripping unit that is held by a subject's hand and is provided to move up and down integrally with the X-ray detection unit as the X-ray detection unit moves up and down; and a first movement mechanism that is provided on the support and moves the gripping unit up and down relative to the X-ray detection unit.

[0077] (Item 2) The X-ray imaging apparatus according to Item 1, wherein the first moving mechanism is provided on the support portion disposed between the support column and the X-ray detection portion.

[0078] (Item 3) The X-ray imaging device according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the first moving mechanism includes a first drive unit, and further includes an operation unit that accepts an operation input for moving the gripping unit relative to the X-ray detection unit in an up-down direction by the first drive unit.

[0079] (Item 4) The X-ray imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first moving mechanism includes a first drive unit, and further includes a control unit that controls the drive of the first drive unit, and the control unit adjusts the position of the X-ray detection unit by controlling the first drive unit to move the X-ray detection unit in the vertical direction while maintaining the position of the gripper after the gripper is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the support column.

[0080] (Item 5) The X-ray imaging device according to Item 4 further comprises a position holding unit that holds the vertical position of the gripping unit relative to the support pillar, and in adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit, after positioning the gripping unit, the control unit controls the position holding unit to hold the position of the gripping unit relative to the support pillar, and controls the first drive unit to move the X-ray detection unit relative to the gripping unit in the vertical direction.

[0081] (Item 6) The X-ray imaging apparatus according to Item 5, wherein the position holding unit includes an electromagnet and a magnetic body, and holds the gripping unit at the predetermined position by a magnetic force between the electromagnet and the magnetic body.

[0082] (Item 7) The X-ray imaging device according to any one of Items 4 to 6, further comprising a second movement mechanism including a second drive unit and moving the X-ray detection unit in an up-down direction, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive of the second drive unit, and in adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit, after positioning the gripper, the control unit controls the X-ray detection unit to move in the up-down direction relative to the gripper while maintaining the position of the gripper by moving the gripper and the X-ray detection unit in opposite directions at the same moving speed using the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

[0083] (Item 8) The X-ray imaging device according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the support includes a guide portion provided to extend in an up-down direction, and the support portion moves up and down together with the first moving mechanism while being guided by the guide portion.

[0084] (Item 9) The X-ray imaging device according to Item 8, further comprising a connecting member that connects the gripping portion and the first moving mechanism, wherein the connecting member moves up and down while being guided by the guide portion, and the support portion moves up and down while being guided by the guide portion.

[0085] (Item 10) An X-ray imaging device comprising: a support; an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays that have passed through a subject and is movable up and down along the support; a support unit that is attached to the support and supports the X-ray detection unit so that it can move up and down; a gripping unit that is held by the subject's hand and moves up and down integrally with the X-ray detection unit as the X-ray detection unit moves up and down; and a first moving mechanism that is attached to the support unit and moves the gripping unit up and down relative to the X-ray detection unit.

[0086] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 subject 2 predetermined position 10 X-ray irradiation unit 17 support 18 guide unit 20 X-ray detection unit 21 support unit 23 grip unit 27 connection member 30 position holding unit 31 electromagnet 32 ​​magnetic body 33 first movement mechanism 34 first drive unit 40 second movement mechanism 45 second drive unit 50 operation unit 51 control unit 100, 110 X-ray imaging device

Claims

1. An X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates with X-rays, Support posts and An X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit and is movable vertically along the support column, A support portion is provided on the aforementioned support column and supports the X-ray detection unit so that it can move in the vertical direction, A gripping part is provided to be held by the subject's hand and to move vertically integrally with the X-ray detection unit as the X-ray detection unit moves vertically. An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a first movement mechanism provided on the support portion for moving the gripping portion vertically relative to the X-ray detection portion.

2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first moving mechanism is provided on the support portion disposed between the support column and the X-ray detection unit.

3. The first moving mechanism includes a first drive unit, The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operating unit that receives an operation input for moving the gripping unit vertically relative to the X-ray detection unit by the first drive unit.

4. The first moving mechanism includes a first drive unit that moves the gripping unit vertically relative to the X-ray detection unit, The system further comprises a control unit that controls the drive of the first drive unit, The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adjusts the position of the X-ray detection unit by controlling the first drive unit to move the X-ray detection unit vertically while maintaining the position of the gripping unit after the gripping unit has been positioned at a predetermined position relative to the support column.

5. The system further includes a position-holding part that holds the vertical position of the gripping part relative to the support column, In adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit, the control unit, after positioning the gripping unit, causes the position holding unit to hold the position of the gripping unit relative to the support column, and controls the first drive unit to move the X-ray detection unit vertically relative to the gripping unit, as described in claim 4.

6. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the position holding portion includes an electromagnet and a magnetic material, and the gripping portion is held in the predetermined position by the magnetic force between the electromagnet and the magnetic material.

7. The system further includes a second drive unit and a second movement mechanism for moving the X-ray detection unit in the vertical direction, The control unit is configured to control the drive of the second drive unit, In adjusting the position of the X-ray detection unit, the control unit, after positioning the gripping unit, uses the first drive unit and the second drive unit to move the gripping unit and the X-ray detection unit in opposite directions at the same speed, thereby controlling the relative vertical movement of the X-ray detection unit to the gripping unit while maintaining its position, as described in claim 4.

8. The support column includes a guide portion that extends in the vertical direction, The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support portion moves up and down together with the first moving mechanism, guided by the guide portion.

9. The system further includes a connecting member that connects the gripping portion and the first moving mechanism, The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the connecting member moves up and down guided by the guide portion, and the support portion moves up and down guided by the guide portion.

10. Support posts and An X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject and is movable vertically along the support column, A support portion is provided on the aforementioned support column and supports the X-ray detection unit so that it can move in the vertical direction, A gripping part is provided to be grasped by the hand of the subject and to move vertically integrally with the X-ray detection unit as the X-ray detection unit moves vertically. An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a first movement mechanism provided on the support portion for moving the gripping portion vertically relative to the X-ray detection portion.