X-ray imaging device for animals

Abstract

The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging device (100) for animals. An X-ray tube (121) and an X-ray detector (123) of the present invention can provide optimal images desired by veterinarians. Through a dynamic mechanism of table assemblies, not only normal 2D imaging but also 3D rotational imaging and standing imaging can be effectively performed by only a single X-ray imaging device.

Description

X-ray equipment for animals

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray photographing device for animals.

[0002] X-ray imaging equipment is used to accurately diagnose and treat animals. It's crucial that the X-ray equipment used in veterinary hospitals targets animals, especially small animals like dogs and cats. If the subject is a human, communication between the operator and the subject is possible, allowing the operator to easily obtain the desired image using the equipment. However, if the subject is an animal, such communication is impossible. Consequently, various difficulties arise, such as the operator having to hold the subject while imaging.

[0003] Meanwhile, various X-ray imaging devices have been developed based on their purpose and form. For example, devices designed to obtain 2D images differ in form and structure from those designed to obtain 3D images. The two are typically manufactured and used as separate equipment. Because the latter is more expensive than the former, such devices are primarily used in hospitals that provide advanced treatment. Hospitals for people, ranging from private clinics to general hospitals, often have multiple X-ray imaging devices depending on the level of their medical system. Patients can easily choose a hospital based on the area of ​​diagnosis and severity of their condition. However, for animals, access to hospitals is different from that for humans. Above all, cost and space constraints have made it difficult for veterinary hospitals to equip multiple devices appropriate for their specific purposes. Furthermore, small animals often require both imaging diagnosis and treatment in a single location, making human-grade equipment inadequate.

[0004] The inventor of the present invention has completed the present invention after much thought and long research to solve the above problems.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a system device for diagnosing small animals used in veterinary hospitals. More specifically, the purpose is to complete a single X-ray imaging device that can flexibly handle general photography, 3D photography, or standing photography, thereby providing a diagnostic system that can perform multiple types of X-ray photography necessary for diagnosing and treating small animals, such as simple diagnosis, advanced treatment, image acquisition of various parts of small animals, real-time diagnosis, and treatment, with a single device.

[0006] Consequently, another object of the present invention is to contribute to reducing the costs of animal hospitals, while also contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine and the promotion of the health of companion animals.

[0007] Meanwhile, other unspecified purposes of the present invention will be additionally considered within a range that can be easily inferred from the detailed description and effects thereof below.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned task, the first aspect of the present invention is an animal X-ray imaging device including a main body, an arm action unit structured in a state in which an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are aligned in a row while facing each other, and an arm rotation unit that rotates while connecting the arm action unit to the main body, wherein a table connected to the main body and on which a subject is positioned is composed of a central table assembly and displacement table assemblies installed while being respectively connected to the central table assembly, and in the first photographing mode, the displacement table assemblies are respectively located on the left and right sides of the longitudinal direction of the central table assembly to ensure the correct position of the operator, and in the second photographing mode, a first table rotation means connecting the central table assembly and a first displacement table assembly among the displacement table assemblies operates to move the first displacement table assembly to the left in the widthwise forward direction of the central table assembly, and a second table rotation means connecting the central table assembly and a second displacement table assembly among the displacement table assemblies operates to move the second displacement table assembly to the central table assembly. It is characterized in that the rotation of the arm action part is ensured by moving it to the right in the width direction of the table assembly.

[0009] The second aspect of the present invention is an X-ray imaging device for animals, comprising a main body, an arm action unit structured in a state where an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are aligned in a row while facing each other, and an arm rotation unit that rotates while connecting the arm action unit to the main body, wherein a table connected to the main body and on which a subject is positioned is composed of a central table assembly and displacement table assemblies installed while being respectively connected to the central table assembly, and in the first photographing mode, the displacement table assemblies are respectively located on the left and right sides of the longitudinal direction of the central table assembly to ensure the correct position of the operator, and in the second photographing mode, a first table rotation means connecting the central table assembly and a first displacement table assembly among the displacement table assemblies operates to move the first displacement table assembly to the left in the width direction of the central table assembly, and a second table rotation means connecting the central table assembly and a second displacement table assembly among the displacement table assemblies operates to move the second displacement table assembly in the width direction of the central table assembly. By moving to the right side in front, the rotation of the arm action part is ensured, and in the third shooting mode, the arm rotation part is displaced downward from the main body, a detachably coupled connecting member among the connecting members connected to the main body of the central table assembly is separated, and then the central table assembly is eccentrically rotated through a rotating hinge installed at the end of the other connecting member to make the central table assembly as far apart as possible from the main body, thereby ensuring horizontal shooting at the lowest position level of the arm action part.

[0010] According to the present invention, even if only one X-ray imaging device is operated in a veterinary hospital, it can effectively perform not only general imaging that acquires 2D images, but also 3D rotation imaging and standing imaging, thereby demonstrating the outstanding effect. Conventional standing imaging devices had the problem of requiring a separate X-ray detector stand and requiring a large imaging space.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention can solve space constraints and reduce financial burdens for veterinary hospitals. Medical staff can easily access the equipment necessary for advanced treatment, enabling them to provide better veterinary care.

[0012] Meanwhile, even if the effect is not explicitly mentioned herein, it is added that the effect and its provisional effect described in the following specification expected by the technical features of the present invention are treated as described in the specification of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of an animal X-ray imaging device (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate the configuration and use of an X-ray photographing device in a first photographing mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate the configuration and use of an X-ray photographing device in a second photographing mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the configuration and use of an X-ray photographing device in a third photographing mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the configuration of a central table assembly (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the configuration of displacement table assemblies (300, 400) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 10 schematically shows a state in which the central table assembly (200) of Fig. 8 and the displacement table assemblies (300, 400) of Fig. 9 are combined in the first shooting mode.

[0020] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate the coupling relationships of the lower components of a table assembly (200, 300, 400) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a process of shifting from a first shooting mode to a second shooting mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a process of shifting from a first shooting mode to a second shooting mode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] * It is to be noted that the attached drawings are provided for reference only to help understand the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited thereby.

[0024] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating the configuration of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known functions that are obvious to those skilled in the art and that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0025]

[0026] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the overall configuration of an animal X-ray imaging device (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] An animal X-ray imaging device (100) includes a main body (110), an arm operating part (120), an arm rotating part (130), a central table assembly (200), and a pair of displacement table assemblies (300, 400).

[0028] An X-ray tube (121) is installed at one end of the arm action unit (120), and an X-ray detector (123) is installed at the other end. The X-ray tube (121) and the X-ray detector (123) are structured to be aligned in a row while facing each other. The X-ray tube (121) irradiates light toward a subject. The X-ray detector (123) receives light irradiated from the opposing X-ray tube (121). The light irradiation mechanism of the X-ray tube (121) and the light receiving mechanism of the X-ray detector (123) may be configured to include a shutter, a control unit, a monitor, a communication element, and a power element. Since these components are known technologies widely used in X-ray photographing devices, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] One end of a cylindrical arm rotation part (130) is connected to an arm action part (120), and the other end is installed in a lifting part (113) of a main body (110). A motor and mechanical elements are built into the arm rotation part (130). By their mechanical operation, the arm rotation part (130) moves up and down through the lifting part (113) of the main body (110), and also rotates in a range of 360 degrees. The arm action part (120) rotates according to the rotation of the arm rotation part (130), and the arm action part (120) also displaces up and down according to the elevation of the arm rotation part (130). As a result, the X-ray photographing mode executed by the X-ray tube (121) and the X-ray detector (123) dynamically changes. However, as seen in the city example, the mechanical fluctuations of this arm action part (120) inevitably conflict with the positions of the central table assembly (200) and the displacement table assemblies (300, 400). The animal X-ray imaging device (100) of the present invention flexibly resolves this conflict problem. The mechanical solution will be disclosed throughout this specification.

[0030] The subject (10) is positioned on the central table (210) of the central table assembly (200), the first displacement table (310) of the first displacement table assembly (300), and the second displacement table (410) of the second displacement table assembly (400). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these tables may be formed of the same material. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central table (210) may be formed of a plate material of an X-ray transparent material, and the first displacement table (310) and the second displacement table (410) may be formed of a plate material to which an X-ray shielding material is applied. This is because the X-ray tube (121) may be positioned upward (or downward) in one direction with respect to the central table (210), and the X-ray detector (123) may be positioned downward (or upward) in the other direction. In the urban example, the central table (210), the first displacement table (310) and the second displacement table (410) are connected longitudinally.

[0031] Preferably, a pair of main body connecting rods (241, 243) of the central table assembly (200) are installed so as to be connected to the lower part (111) of the main body (110), but the first displacement table assembly (300) and the second displacement table assembly (400) are free from the main body (110). This serves as one element of the mechanical flexibility of the animal X-ray imaging device (100) of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the end of the first main body connecting rod (241) is configured as a detachable member (242) so as to be connected to or separated from the lower part of the main body (111). On the other hand, the second main body connecting rod (244) is preferably fixedly connected to the lower part of the main body (111). The effect of the difference in the way in which the first main body connecting rod (241) and the second main body connecting rod (243) are connected to the lower part of the main body (111) will be described again below.

[0032] The heights of the central table assembly (200) and the displacement table assemblies (300, 400) are the same. Preferably, casters are installed at the ends of these assemblies (200, 300, 400) that come into contact with the floor.

[0033] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates the configuration of a central table assembly (200) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A first vertical support member (231) and a second vertical support member (233) are connected to the aforementioned main body connecting members (241, 243), respectively. The lower ends of the first vertical support member (231) and the second vertical support member (233) are connected to each other by a cross member (245). The first vertical support member (231) and the second vertical support member (233) are connected to the first table support member (221) and the second table support member (223), respectively, when they reach a predetermined height of the central table assembly (200). On these table supports (221, 223), linear motion guide members (211, 213) are installed to support the central table (210) and assist in slight displacement of the central table (210) in the longitudinal and transverse directions. And a central table (210) is placed on top of them. The linear motion guide member (211, 213) is a commonly used means in this field that facilitates the task of determining the X-ray photographing area of ​​the subject (collimation).

[0034] A rotation hinge (235) is installed at the bottom of the second vertical support (233). This rotation hinge (235) rotates the entire central table assembly (200) counterclockwise eccentrically with the second vertical support (233) as the rotation axis while the second main body connecting member (243) is fixed to the main body (110).

[0035] On the side of the displacement table assembly (300, 400) of the main body connecting member (241, 243), a detachable member (244, 244) that can be detached from the support end of the displacement table assembly (300, 400) is installed, respectively. A holding connection using a magnetic body is preferable.

[0036] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a displacement table assembly (300, 400) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The first displacement table assembly (300) is, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, located on the left side of the aforementioned central table assembly (200). The first vertical support (331) and the second vertical support (333) support the first displacement table (310), and the first support (341) and the second support (343), which are respectively connected to the first vertical support (331) and the second vertical support (333), contact the floor surface through casters and support the first displacement table assembly (300). A detachable member (344) is installed at one end of the second support (343), and is detachable from a corresponding configuration of the central table assembly (200) or a corresponding means (447) of the second displacement table assembly (400). Additionally, a corresponding means (347) that corresponds to and engages with the detachable member (444) of the second support (443) of the second displacement table assembly (400) can be installed on the second support (343).

[0038] At the lower part of the first displacement table (310), linear motion guide members (311, 313) are installed to support the first displacement table (310) and assist the first displacement table (310) in a slight displacement in the longitudinal and transverse directions, similar to the configuration of the central table (210). The first displacement table (310) is then placed on top of them.

[0039] The crossbar (335) connects and fixes the first vertical support (331) and the second vertical support (333). The hinge end of the first table rotation arm is installed on the hinge support (337) adjacent to the second vertical support (333) of the crossbar (335).

[0040] The second displacement table assembly (400) is, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, located on the right side of the aforementioned central table assembly (200). The first vertical support (431) and the second vertical support (433) support the second displacement table (410), and the first support (441) and the second support (443), which are respectively connected to the first vertical support (431) and the second vertical support (433), contact the floor surface via casters and support the second displacement table assembly (400). A detachable member (444) is installed at one end of the second support (443), and is detachable from a corresponding configuration of the central table assembly (200) or a corresponding means (347) of the first displacement table assembly (300). Additionally, a corresponding means (447) that is coupled to the detachable member (344) of the first support (343) of the first displacement table assembly (300) can be installed on the second support (443).

[0041] At the bottom of the second displacement table (410), linear motion guide members (411, 413) are installed to support the second displacement table (410) and assist the second displacement table (410) in slightly displacing in the longitudinal and transverse directions, similar to the configurations of the first displacement table (310) and the central table (210). The second displacement table (410) is then placed on top of them.

[0042] The crossbar (435) connects and fixes the first vertical support (431) and the second vertical support (433). The hinge end of the second table rotation arm is installed on the hinge support (437) adjacent to the second vertical support (433) of the crossbar (435).

[0043] So, how are the displacement system of the first displacement table assembly (300) and the displacement system of the second displacement table assembly (400) configured? Let us refer to the embodiment of Fig. 10 in this regard.

[0044] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the configuration of a first table rotation arm (530) and a second table rotation arm (540) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] The first table pivot arm (530) connects the first vertical support (231) of the central table assembly (200) and the hinge support (337) of the first displacement table assembly (300). Hinges are installed at both ends of the first table pivot arm (530). The hinge (531) at one end is installed at the first vertical support (231), and the hinge (537) at the other end is installed at the hinge support (337) of the first displacement table assembly (300). Preferably, a disconnecting configuration is additionally installed at the body of the first table pivot arm (530). By separating the first table pivot arm (530) into two parts, it becomes possible to separate the first displacement table assembly (300) from the central table assembly (200).

[0046] The second table rotation arm (540) connects the second vertical support (233) of the central table assembly (200) and the hinge support (437) of the second displacement table assembly (400). Hinges are installed at both ends of the second table rotation arm (540). The hinge (541) at one end is installed at the second vertical support (233), and the hinge (547) at the other end is installed at the hinge support (437) of the second displacement table assembly (400). Preferably, the body of the second table rotation arm (540) is additionally provided with a configuration for releasing the connection by separating it into two parts, thereby ensuring the third shooting mode described below. As illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 1 again. In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 10, the central table assembly (200) and the displacement table assemblies (300, 400) are connected longitudinally left and right to the central table assembly (200). At the same time, the central table assembly (200) is connected to the main body (110), thereby forming an animal X-ray imaging device (100). This animal X-ray imaging device (100) of the present invention can correspond to three imaging modes. The three imaging modes of the present invention are defined as follows.

[0048] The first shooting mode is an X-ray shooting method for obtaining a two-dimensional planar image. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the arm action unit (120) is in the correct position, and at this time, the X-ray tube (121) is located above the central table assembly, and the X-ray detector (123) is located below the central table assembly, so that X-ray shooting is performed vertically up and down (the positions of the X-ray tube (121) and the X-ray detector (123) may be reversed). The embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 schematically illustrate the table system in the first shooting mode. In this first shooting mode, the operator is in a position facing the main body (110) with the table assembly between them (operator correct position). The operator refers to a virtual device user who holds and shoots or treats a subject. In actual shooting, since two operators are usually likely to hold and shoot a subject in the longitudinal direction, the X-ray shooting device may move left and right when it is operated, moving away from the "O" position.

[0049] The second shooting mode is an X-ray shooting method for obtaining a three-dimensional stereoscopic image necessary for three-dimensional diagnosis of a small animal's body. The arm rotation unit (130) operates, and accordingly, the arm action unit (120) is positioned at the operator's desired position within a 360-degree range. However, in the first shooting mode, the first displacement table (310) and the second displacement table (410) are located in the left and right longitudinal directions of the central table (210), and there is a support system under the table, making it difficult for the arm action unit (120) to rotate. Therefore, the first displacement table assembly (300) and the second displacement table assembly (400) rotate at the positions of the first shooting mode and displace forward in the width direction of the central table assembly (200), thereby ensuring the rotation of the arm action unit (120). This makes it possible to integrate the general shooting mode (first shooting mode) and the 3D rotation shooting mode (second shooting mode), which were difficult in the past. Even for long-bodied dog breeds, which were a problem in conventional 3D rotational photography, the table has been extended in the width direction, making it sufficiently supportive. The embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate the system in the second photography mode.

[0050] The third shooting mode is a mode in which X-ray photography is performed while the subject is standing. In the case of small animals, both of these shots are essential for swallowing and walking examinations. Conventionally, a separate X-ray detector stand had to be provided. This is not the case in the present invention. In this mode, the arm rotation part (130) is displaced downward from the main body lifting part (113) to ensure horizontal photography at the lowest position level (horizontal photography can be performed or can have a slight incline). The table assembly system of the present invention must not interfere with the low-level alignment of the arm action part (120). The embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically illustrate the system in the third shooting mode.

[0051]

[0052] Now, the mechanism of the X-ray imaging device of the present invention for each of these imaging modes will be described in detail. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment of the first imaging mode of the present invention.

[0053] The length of the entire table is increased by connecting the first displacement table (310) and the second displacement table (410) on both sides of the central table (210). That is, the displacement tables (310, 410) are connected to the central table (210) on the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction, respectively. And the subject (10) is positioned on top of them. For the understanding of those skilled in the art, the subject (10) is shown large. Small breed dogs and most cats will be smaller than this. The operator's normal position, which should hold the subject (10), is indicated by "O". The shortest straight line direction between the operator's normal position (O) and the main body (110) is called the width direction. Currently, the subject (10) is lying in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] As described above, the first displacement table assembly and the second displacement table assembly are not connected to the main body (110). However, they are connected to the first main body connecting member (241) and the second main body connecting member (243) of the central table assembly by a detachable member (e.g., a magnetic material) of the second support member (343) of the first displacement table assembly and the second support member (443) of the second displacement table assembly, respectively. In addition, the first main body connecting member (241) and the second main body connecting member (243) of the central table assembly are connected to the main body (110). In this state where the central table assembly is connected to the device main body (110), the three table assembly elements are connected to each other at the bottom of the table system to ensure structural stability. Thanks to this structural stability, the operator can stably support even a subject (10) with a lot of shaking and perform normal shooting. In addition, if the displacement tables (310, 410) are not fixed during normal shooting, there is a risk that a gap will be created between the displacement tables (310, 410) and the center table (210) due to the shaking of the subject (10), and the subject (10) will fall through the gap.

[0055]

[0056] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments of the second shooting mode of the present invention.

[0057] As illustrated, unlike the first shooting mode, in the second shooting mode, the subject (10) lies in the width direction. In this embodiment, the central table assembly does not displace from its original position. However, both the first displacement table assembly and the second displacement table assembly displace on both sides. As a result, the first displacement table (310), which was on the left in the longitudinal direction in the first shooting mode, is positioned on the left in the width direction in the front, and the second displacement table (410), which was on the right in the longitudinal direction in the first shooting mode, is positioned on the right in the width direction in the front.

[0058] As above, the displacement is because the first table rotation arm (530) and the second table rotation arm (540), which were facing the main body (110), rotated 180 degrees in the opposite direction of the main body (110). To this end, the second support (343) of the first displacement table assembly was removed from the first main body connecting member (241) of the central table assembly, and the second support (443) of the second displacement table assembly was removed from the second main body connecting member (243).

[0059] However, in the second shooting mode, the first displacement table (310) and the second displacement table (410) may not be attached to each other and a gap may occur. Therefore, in FIG. 9, the detachable member (444) of the second support (443) of the second displacement table assembly is coupled to the corresponding means (347) of the second support (343) of the first displacement table assembly, and at the same time, the detachable member (344) of the second support (343) of the second displacement table assembly is coupled to the corresponding means (447) of the second support (443) of the second displacement table assembly.

[0060] Then, the arm action part (121) is rotated in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 5. This makes it possible to obtain a 3D image of the subject (10). The operator can specify the diagnostic area of ​​the subject (10) and then obtain the desired 3D image.

[0061]

[0062] Figures 6 and 7 relate to a third shooting mode according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The subject (10) is not positioned on the table, but stands on the floor. This is a method of photographing a standing small animal from the side, which is an essential photographing method when diagnosing the animal. Previously, separate equipment had to be used. In particular, in this photographing mode, the X-ray tube (121) and the X-ray detector (123) must be able to perform horizontal photography close to the floor. That is, the arm action part (120) must be lowered to the lowest position level, and the arm rotation part (130) must be lowered to the lowest level along the lifting part (113) of the main body (110). With the arm rotation part (130) displaced downward in this manner, the X-ray tube (121) irradiates X-rays toward the subject (10), as illustrated.

[0064] In order to perform this shooting mode, the central table assembly and displacement table assemblies described above must be outside the rotation radius of the arm action part (120) and must not be within the alignment line of the X-ray tube (121) and the X-ray detector (123).

[0065] The first body connecting member (241) connected to the main body (110) of the central table assembly is released from the main body, and then the pivot hinge (235) at the bottom of the second vertical support member (223) is eccentrically rotated counterclockwise about the second vertical support member (223) as the rotation axis, thereby allowing the central table assembly to be spaced as far apart from the main body (110) as possible, as illustrated. Then, the first displacement table assembly connected to the central table assembly also moves together. Meanwhile, the second displacement table assembly is separated from the central table assembly and moved to a separate location.

[0066]

[0067] Figures 11 to 13 again illustrate in detail the lower configuration of the table assemblies of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 11 shows the configuration below the table of an animal X-ray imaging device in the current first imaging mode. The detachable components in this state are as follows:

[0069] (1) The first main body connecting member (241) is separated from the lower part of the main body (111). In the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode, the detachable member (242) is connected to the lower part of the main body (111). In the third shooting mode, the connection is released, thereby separating the first main body connecting member (241) from the lower part of the main body (111).

[0070] (2) In the first shooting mode, the second support (443) of the second displacement table assembly is integrally connected to the side of the second body connecting member (243) through a detachable member (444). However, in the second shooting mode, the second support (443) of the second displacement table assembly is separated from the second body connecting member (243) by releasing the connection of the detachable member (444). After separation, the second displacement table assembly is moved forward in the width direction as illustrated in FIG. 12. The completely moved state is illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0071] Likewise, the relationship between the first main body connecting member (241) and the second support member (343) of the first displacement table assembly is the same as the configuration described for the first main body connecting member (243) and the second support member (443) of the second displacement table assembly.

[0072] (3) The bodies of the first table rotation arm (530) and the second table rotation arm (540) can be separated. The first table rotation arm (530) and the second table rotation arm (540) serve to couple the central table assembly and the displacement table assemblies in the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the central table assembly and the displacement table assembly do not need to be separated in the third shooting mode. In particular, the second displacement table assembly must be separated from the central table assembly. That is, at least at this time, by configuring the body of the second table rotation arm (540) to be separated, the second displacement table (410) can be separated and isolated from the central table (210) as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0073] Again, referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the rotatable components of the table assembly system of the present invention are as follows. The rotatable components of the present specification are configured by hinge means. First, the rotatable components operate when the system is changed from the first shooting mode to the second shooting mode, or from the second shooting mode to the first shooting mode. These are the hinges of the drawing reference numerals 531, 537, 541, and 547. That is, the hinges installed on the table rotation arms (530, 540) operate. In addition, the rotatable component that operates when the system is changed from the first shooting mode to the third shooting mode, or from the third shooting mode to the first shooting mode, is the rotation hinge (235) installed at the bottom of the second vertical support (233).

[0074]

[0075] FIG. 14 illustrates a process of implementing a table displacement system from a first shooting mode to a second shooting mode according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14(a) illustrates the first shooting mode, and FIG. 14(e) illustrates the second shooting mode. In the first shooting mode, the tables are connected in the longitudinal direction, and in the second shooting mode, the tables are connected in the width direction.

[0076] As illustrated, the table displacement system of this embodiment is such that the first displacement table (310) located on the left in the first shooting mode is also located on the left in the second shooting mode. Similarly, the second displacement table (410) located on the right in the first shooting mode is also located on the right in the second shooting mode. Just as the front and back of the letter "A" do not change, the front and back in the width direction of the displacement tables (310, 410) in the embodiment of FIG. 14 do not change. This is a result of the operation of the table rotation arms (530, 540) described above.

[0077]

[0078] Figure 15 illustrates a process of implementing a table displacement system from a first shooting mode to a second shooting mode according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15(a) illustrates the first shooting mode, and Figure 15(e) illustrates the second shooting mode. In the first shooting mode, the tables are connected in the longitudinal direction, and in the second shooting mode, the tables are connected in the width direction. This result is the same as the embodiment of Figure 14.

[0079] As illustrated, the table displacement system of this embodiment is such that the first displacement table (310) located on the left in the first shooting mode is also located on the left in the second shooting mode. Similarly, the second displacement table (410) located on the right in the first shooting mode is also located on the right in the second shooting mode. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the widthwise front and back of the displacement tables (310, 410) are reversed, just as the front and back of the letter "A" are reversed. In order to implement this embodiment, a pivot hinge must be installed at the corner end where the central table (210) and the displacement tables (310, 410) of FIG. 15(a) meet.

[0080]

[0081] In the present invention, various rotational means and coupling means are disclosed for the central table assembly (200), the first displacement table assembly (300), and the second displacement table assembly (400). Since the rotational means components are known means, they can be variously replaced according to the design needs and field requirements, and such means and substitutes are well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for example, a hinge component is not limited to a specific hinge component.

[0082] Regarding the specifications of the present invention, the central table (210) is designed to be 700 mm long and 800 mm wide. In addition, the displacement tables (310, 410) are designed to be 350 mm x 800 mm. In the first shooting mode, a length of 1,400 mm is secured. Considering the size of large dogs, the design can be changed to several tens of centimeters or more. The specifications of this animal X-ray imaging device are not suitable for humans. However, it is the most suitable device for small animals such as dogs and cats. Above all, what the present invention emphasizes is that with a single device, within the limitations of indoor installation space, it is possible to perform general shooting for obtaining 2D diagnostic images ideally requested in veterinary hospitals, stereoscopic shooting for obtaining 3D diagnostic images, and stand shooting for small animals standing on all fours. This is realized by the dynamic system of the central table assembly and the displacement table assemblies on the left and right sides, as described in detail above.

[0083] Meanwhile, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the description and expression of the embodiments explicitly described above. It is also not limited by the visible shapes, dimensions, and proportions of the drawings provided for convenience of explanation. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of protection of the present invention may not be limited by obvious modifications or substitutions within the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. An X-ray imaging device for animals, comprising a main body, an arm action unit structured in a state where an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are aligned in a row while facing each other, and an arm rotation unit that rotates while connecting the arm action unit to the main body, wherein a table connected to the main body and on which a subject is positioned is composed of a central table assembly and displacement table assemblies installed while being respectively connected to the central table assembly, and in the first photographing mode, the displacement table assemblies are respectively located on the left and right sides of the longitudinal direction of the central table assembly to ensure the correct position of the operator, and in the second photographing mode, a first table rotation means connecting the central table assembly and a first displacement table assembly among the displacement table assemblies operates to move the first displacement table assembly to the left in the widthwise front of the central table assembly, and a second table rotation means connecting the central table assembly and a second displacement table assembly among the displacement table assemblies operates to move the second displacement table assembly to the right in the widthwise front of the central table assembly, thereby causing the arm An X-ray imaging device for animals, characterized by ensuring rotation of the working part.

2. An X-ray imaging device for animals, comprising a main body, an arm action unit structured in a state where an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are aligned in a row while facing each other, and an arm rotation unit that rotates while connecting the arm action unit to the main body, wherein a table connected to the main body and on which a subject is positioned is composed of a central table assembly and displacement table assemblies installed while being connected to the central table assembly, and in the first photographing mode, the displacement table assemblies are respectively located on the left and right sides of the longitudinal direction of the central table assembly to ensure the correct position of the operator, and in the second photographing mode, a first table rotation means connecting the central table assembly and a first displacement table assembly among the displacement table assemblies operates to move the first displacement table assembly to the left in the widthwise front of the central table assembly, and a second table rotation means connecting the central table assembly and a second displacement table assembly among the displacement table assemblies operates to move the second displacement table assembly to the right in the widthwise front of the central table assembly, thereby causing the arm An X-ray photographing device for animals, characterized in that it ensures the rotation of the working part, and in the case of the third photographing mode, the arm rotation part is displaced downward from the main body, a detachably coupled connecting member among the connecting members connected to the main body of the central table assembly is separated, and then the central table assembly is eccentrically rotated through a rotating hinge installed at the end of the other connecting member to make the central table assembly as spaced apart as possible from the main body, thereby ensuring horizontal photographing at the lowest position level of the arm working part.

Images