X-RAY TABLE AND X-RAY SYSTEM COMPRISING SAME

Abstract

An X-ray table and an X-ray system including the X-ray table are provided. The X-ray table can reversibly rotate without interfering with an X-ray imaging unit while a top surface thereof faces the X-ray imaging unit.

Claims

1. An X-ray table that is reversibly rotatable without interfering with an X-ray imaging unit while a top surface thereof faces the X-ray imaging unit, the X-ray table comprising: an X-ray receiver that rotates together.

2. The X-ray table according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray table rotates to a vertical posture or a horizontal posture.

3. The X-ray table according to claim 1, further comprising: a top plate; and a mobile member that is rotatably coupled to the top plate, wherein a rotation axis of the mobile member is located at the center of the top plate or in the vicinity of the center.

4. The X-ray table according to claim 3, further comprising a fixed member that is rotatably coupled to the mobile member, wherein when the top plate rotates into the vertical posture, the mobile member overlaps the fixed member.

5. The X-ray table according to claim 3, further comprising a driving unit that allows the mobile member to rotate.

6. The X-ray table according to claim 3, wherein the mobile member is rotatably coupled to the top plate by a link.

7. The X-ray table according to claim 1, further comprising a mobile member that is rotatably coupled to a top plate.

8. The X-ray table according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray receiver is coupled to be movable in a length direction of the X-ray table.

9. The X-ray table according to claim 1, further comprising a top plate, wherein a part or an overall part of a front surface of the top plate is opened to expose the X-ray receiver to the outside.

10. The X-ray table according to claim 9, wherein the X-ray receiver is rotatable about the top plate.

11. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 1.

12. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 2.

13. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 3.

14. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 4.

15. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 5.

16. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 6.

17. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 7.

18. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 8.

19. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 9.

20. An X-ray system comprising the X-ray table according to claim 10.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating operation of an X-ray table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an X-ray table according to a first embodiment of the present invention is located horizontal.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a state in which a top plate rotates with rotation of a mobile member in the X-ray table according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a state in which the X-ray table according to the first embodiment of the present invention is located vertical.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of the X-ray table according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating an X-ray table according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an X-ray table according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams illustrating an X-ray table according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The invention can be modified in various forms and can have various embodiments. Specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, but it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and replacements belonging to the concept and the technical scope of the invention. When it is determined that detailed description of known techniques involved in the invention makes the gist of the invention obscure, the detailed description thereof will not be made.

[0031] The terms used in the following description are intended to merely describe specific embodiments, but not intended to limit the invention. An expression of the singular number includes an expression of the plural number, so long as it is clearly read differently. The terms such as “include” and “have” are intended to indicate that features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof used in the following description exist and it should thus be understood that the possibility of existence or addition of one or more other different features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof is not excluded.

[0032] Terms such as first and second can be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited to the terms. The terms are used only for distinguishing one element from another element. Terms such as horizontal and vertical should be understood as a concept including cases in which there are some errors as well as mathematical horizontal and vertical.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are referenced by like reference numerals or signs regardless of the drawing numbers and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating operation of an X-ray table t according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, supports that support the X-ray table t on a floor b are not illustrated.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray table t according to the invention is located below an X-ray imaging unit x and reversibly rotates. The X-ray table rotates without interfering with the X-ray imaging unit x which is fixed in the course of rotation. In the course of rotation, the top surface of the X-ray table t always faces the X-ray imaging unit x.

[0036] When the X-ray table t rotates from a horizontal posture illustrated in FIG. 1(a), the X-ray table t horizontally moves to a wall w and is located at a vertical posture illustrated in FIG. 1(c). Referring to FIG. 1(b) corresponding to a rotation course of the X-ray table t, it can be seen that the X-ray table t does not interfere with the X-ray imaging unit x which is located above the X-ray table t.

[0037] Accordingly, a subject (not illustrated) lying down in the state illustrated in FIG. 1(a) can be subjected to X-ray imaging and then the subject standing up in the state illustrated in FIG. 1(c) can be subjected to X-ray imaging. The imaging order can be reversed.

[0038] X-ray tables t according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an X-ray table 110 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is located in a horizontal posture. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a state in which a top plate 112 rotates with rotation of a mobile member 114 in the state illustrated FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a state in which the mobile member 114 further rotates in the state illustrated in FIG. 3 such that the top plate 112 is located in a vertical posture. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of the X-ray table 110 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A first support 118 and a second support 120 are not illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the X-ray table 110 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is included in an X-ray system 100 and includes an X-ray receiver 130 for X-ray imaging on one surface of the top plate 112. The top plate 112 can be located in the horizontal posture as illustrated in FIG. 2 or the vertical posture as illustrated in FIG. 4. When the top plat e112 is located in the horizontal posture, a subject 150 can lie down thereon and can be subjected to horizontal imaging using X-rays. When the top plate 112 is located in the vertical posture, the subject 150 can stand up in the front thereof and can be subjected to vertical imaging using X-rays. Since the X-ray receiver 130 is movable in the length direction of the top plate 112, the position of the X-ray receiver can be adjusted depending on the horizontal imaging and the vertical imaging.

[0041] Since the X-ray table 110 according to this embodiment can allow the horizontal imaging and the vertical imaging on a subject 150, it is not necessary to include an independent imaging stand and an independent X-ray receiver for vertical imaging in the conventional art. Accordingly, since the X-ray system 100 according to this embodiment does not need to include an independent imaging stand and an independent X-ray receiver for vertical imaging, it is possible to reduce installation costs and to facilitate maintenance.

[0042] The top plate 112 is located on a mobile member 114 and a fixed member 116 and corresponds to a single plate formed as a unified body. Referring to FIG. 2, when the horizontal imaging using X-rays is performed, a subject 150 can be located on a flat top surface of the top plate 112. Referring to FIG. 4, when the vertical imaging using X-rays is performed, the top plate 112 is located vertically and serves as an imaging stand.

[0043] The top plate 112 can be formed of a material (for example, a plastic resin) which can transmit X-rays and which has some hardness. The top plate 112 can be formed of a single member, or may be formed of two members which are rotatably coupled to each other. When the top plate is formed of two members which are rotatably coupled to each other, a particular locking unit (not illustrated) may be used to fix the members.

[0044] The top plate 112 is formed with a size enough to allow a subject 150 to lie down thereon.

[0045] The top plate 112 can be configured to be movable in a front-rear direction and a right-left direction relative to the mobile member 114 with a four-way structure. The four-way structure is a structure in which the top plate includes rollers or the like, is locked by supply of power such that the top plate 112 does not move, and moves by pushing a switch (such as a foothold). By this four-way structure, only the top plate 112 can move easily without moving a subject 150 to accurately image a desired region with X-rays.

[0046] Various structures other than the four-way structure can be used as the structure for allowing the top plate 112 to move.

[0047] The mobile member 114, the fixed member 116, and the X-ray receiver 130 are located on one surface (for example, a bottom surface) of the top plate 112.

[0048] The mobile member 114 has a fallen “U” shape and is located on one surface of the top plate 112. An end of the mobile member 114 is rotatably coupled to the fixed member 116.

[0049] The fixed member 116 is a fallen “U” shape and is coupled to one surface of the top plate 112 to be symmetric to the mobile member 114. The mobile member 114 is rotatably coupled to an end of the fixed member 116 by a rotary hinge 115. The rotary hinge 115 can be disposed at the center in the length direction of the top plate 112 or in the vicinity of the center.

[0050] When the top plate 112 is located in the horizontal posture as illustrated in FIG. 2, the mobile member 114 is also located in the horizontal posture and comes in contact with the one surface of the top plate 112. The mobile member 114 can be separated and rotated from the top plate 112 such that the top plate 112 is located in the vertical posture as illustrated in FIG. 4. The mobile member 114 separated from the top plate 112 rotates in one direction (a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3) and overlaps the fixed member 116 in the vertical posture as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0051] In this way, by causing the mobile member 114 to rotate relative to the fixed member 116, the top plate 112 can be located in the horizontal posture as illustrated in FIG. 2 or the vertical posture as illustrated in FIG. 4. The top plate 112 may be located in a tilted posture depending on the degree of rotation of the mobile member 114.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the top surface of the top plate 112 always face an X-ray imaging unit 140 in the course of rotating. In the course of rotating, the top plate 112 does not interfere with the X-ray imaging unit 140 which is located above the top plate. When the top plate 112 rotates to the vertical posture as illustrated in FIG. 4, the top plate 112 is located in the vicinity of the wall w.

[0053] One end of the mobile member 114 is provided with a first support 118. The first support 118 causes the mobile member 114 to have a constant height from the floor. The first support 118 is rotatably coupled to the mobile member 114 by a rotary hinge 119.

[0054] A second support 120 is coupled to an end of the fixed member 116. The second support 120 causes the fixed member 116 to have a constant height from the floor.

[0055] The first support 118 and the second support 120 include casters 117 and 121 and thus are movable relative to the floor. The first support 118 may be rotatably coupled to one spot of the floor and the second support 120 may be freely separated from the floor. The second support 120 may be rotatably coupled to the top plate 110 and the second support 120 may be brought into close contact with the top plate 110 when the top plate 110 is located in the vertical posture.

[0056] The mobile member 114 and the fixed member 116 have the same height. The mobile member 114 has a width slightly larger than that of the fixed member 116. Accordingly, when the mobile member 114 rotates and the top plate is located in the vertical posture as illustrated in FIG. 4, the mobile member 114 and the fixed member 116 completely overlap each other, whereby the total thickness which is the total sum of the thicknesses of the top plate 112 and the fixed member 116 does not increase.

[0057] In the X-ray table 110 according to this embodiment, the mobile member 114 and the fixed member 116 have a fallen “U” shape and are arranged symmetrical to each other, but this configuration is only an example and the present invention is not limited by the shapes of the mobile member and the fixed member. The mobile member and/or the fixed member may have various shapes such as a plate shape or a rod shape other than the fallen “U” shape. The X-ray table according to the present invention may not include the fixed member. For example, an independent fixing member may not be provided by rotatably coupling the fixed member 116 to a bottom surface or a side surface of the top plate 112.

[0058] The X-ray receiver 130 receives X-rays which are generated from the X-ray imaging unit 140 and which passes through a subject 150, and converts the received X-rays into an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the X-rays to enable real-time diagnosis.

[0059] A single X-ray receiver 130 is disposed on one surface of the top plate 112. The X-ray table 110 according to this embodiment can perform the vertical imaging as well as the horizontal imaging by causing the top plate 112 to rotate, and thus does not need to include two or more X-ray receivers 130. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce initial installation costs of the X-ray system and to reduce maintenance costs.

[0060] The X-ray receiver 130 is coupled to one surface of the top plate 112 to be movable in the length direction thereof. The X-ray table 110 according to this embodiment includes guide rails 122, a stage 124, an actuator 126, and a connecting rod 128 for the purpose of linear reciprocation of the X-ray receiver 130.

[0061] A pair of guide rails 122 is disposed in parallel on one surface of the top plate 112 and serves to guide the stage 124 to linearly reciprocate. The stage 124 is guided by the guide rails 122 and reciprocates linearly in the length direction of the top plate 112. The guide rails 122 and the stage 124 are generally known and thus specific description thereof will not be made.

[0062] The X-ray receiver 130 is fixed onto the stage 124 and thus the X-ray receiver 130 can reciprocate linearly in the length direction of the top plate 112 along with the stage 124. Accordingly, when the horizontal imaging (see FIG. 2) and the vertical imaging (see FIG. 4) are performed, the X-ray receiver 130 can be located at optimal positions for performing X-ray imaging of a subject 150.

[0063] The actuator 126 provides a driving force for causing the stage 124 to reciprocate linearly and the driving force output from the actuator 126 is transmitted to the stage 124 via the connecting rode 128. The actuator 126 may be a ball screw or a linear motor, and the present invention is not limited by the actuator 126 for driving the stage 124.

[0064] The X-ray receiver 130 may not include the independent stage 124 but may be directly driven by the actuator 126. An X-ray table according to another embodiment may not include an independent actuator but a user may directly drive the X-ray receiver 130.

[0065] Use of the X-ray table 110 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which a subject 150 is subjected to the horizontal imaging. In the horizontal imaging, a waist, a pelvis, or the like of the subject 150 can be imaged with X-rays. In case of the horizontal imaging, the mobile member 114 does not rotate and comes in close contact with one surface of the top plate 112 and thus the top plate 112 is disposed horizontal or almost horizontal. In case of the horizontal imaging, the X-ray receiver 130 is located in an imaging region (for example, a waist or a pelvis) of the subject 150. When setting of the X-ray table 110 is completed, the imaging unit (which is denoted by reference numeral 140 in FIG. 4) moves just above the imaging region and then performs the X-ray imaging.

[0067] When the horizontal imaging is difficult or the vertical imaging is more effective, the top plate 112 is made to stand vertically or almost vertically to perform the vertical imaging as illustrated in FIG. 4. For the vertical imaging, the top plate 112 should be made to stand vertically as illustrated in FIG. 4. The mobile member 114 rotates in one direction (the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3) to completely overlap the fixed member 116 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the mobile member 114 comes in close contact with another part of the bottom surface of the top plate 112.

[0068] In the course of causing the top plate 112 to rotate from the horizontal posture to the vertical posture, the top surface of the top plate 112 does not interfere with the X-ray imaging unit 140 while always facing the X-ray imaging unit 140.

[0069] When the top plate 112 is located in the vertical posture as illustrated in FIG. 4, the top plate 112 is disposed adjacent to the wall w. When the top plate 112 is located in the vertical posture, a subject 150 stands in front of the top plate 112 for the X-ray imaging. The top plate 112 can be maintained in the vertical posture by a locking unit (not illustrated) included in the first support 118.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, the X-ray system 100 according to the present invention includes the X-ray table 110 including the X-ray receiver 130 and the X-ray imaging unit 140. Since the X-ray imaging unit 140 can adjust the position thereof and an X-ray irradiation direction, it is possible to easily cope with the horizontal imaging and the vertical imaging. The X-ray system 100 according to the present invention may include a monitor (not illustrated) for displaying an imaging result in addition to the X-ray table 110 and the X-ray imaging unit 140.

Second Embodiment

[0071] Hereinafter, an X-ray table 210 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The X-ray table 210 has a configuration similar to the configuration of the X-ray table 110 according to the first embodiment and thus description of the same configuration will not be repeated.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating the X-ray table 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0073] The X-ray table 210 according to the second embodiment includes a driving unit 220 that causes a mobile member 214 of the X-ray table 210 to rotate and causes a top table 212 to stand vertically. The driving unit 220 is connected to a fixed member 216 corresponding to the other end of the top table 212 by a wire 222. One end of the mobile member 214 is rotatably coupled to the floor by a first support 218, and the other end of the fixed member 216 is configured to be movable relative to the floor by a second support 220.

[0074] When the driving unit 220 is activated to draw the wire 222, the mobile member 214 in close contact with one surface of the top table 212 rotates in one direction (the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 6) to overlap the fixed member 216. Accordingly, the top table 212 is disposed vertical or almost vertical.

[0075] The X-ray table 210 according to the second embodiment causes the mobile member 214 to rotate using the wire 222, but the present invention is not limited by the unit for causing the mobile member 214 to rotate. Accordingly, the X-ray table 210 according to the second embodiment can use a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or a motor to cause the mobile member 214 to rotate.

Third Embodiment

[0076] Hereinafter, an X-ray table 310 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the X-ray table 310 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, the X-ray table 310 according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to the configuration of the X-ray table 110 according to the first embodiment, except that a part of a front surface of a top plate 312 is opened to expose an X-ray receiver 330. The X-ray receiver 330 is configured to be rotatable relative to the top plate 312 by a predetermined angle.

[0079] A window 314 is rotatably disposed on the front surface of the top plate 312. When the window 314 is opened, an accommodation groove 316 and the X-ray receiver 330 accommodated in the accommodation groove 316 is exposed to the outside. The X-ray receiver 330 is rotatably coupled to the accommodation groove 316.

[0080] The X-ray table 310 according to this embodiment is opened by rotation of the window 314, but the window can open the accommodation groove 316 using a sliding door structure.

[0081] The X-ray receiver 330 is exposed to the outside when the window 314 is opened, whereby a subject can be brought into close contact with the X-ray receiver 330 for imaging and maintenance of the X-ray receiver 330 is facilitated. The X-ray receiver 330 is rotatable, whereby a subject's specific region (for example, a head or a chest) can be brought into close contact with the X-ray receiver for the X-ray imaging.

[0082] A mobile member 320 is rotatably coupled to one surface of the top plate 312 and is the same as the mobile member 114 in the first embodiment and thus specific description thereof will not be repeated. A base 322 is disposed at one end of the mobile member 320. The base 322 may be selectively fixed to the floor to be movable if necessary.

[0083] A part of the front surface of the top plate 312 of the X-ray table 310 according to this embodiment is opened, but the entire front surface of the top plate 312 may be opened.

Fourth Embodiment

[0084] Hereinafter, an X-ray table 410 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0085] FIGS. 8 to 10 are side views illustrating the X-ray table 410 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and sequentially illustrate the course of causing the X-ray table 410 to rotate along with the rotation of a mobile member 414 from the horizontal posture to the vertical posture.

[0086] The X-ray table 410 according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the X-ray table 110 according to the first embodiment, except that a top plate 412 and the fixed member (see reference numeral 116 in FIG. 3) are formed as a unified body or an independent fixed member is not provided and the rotation directions of the mobile member 414 and the top plate 412 are the same. That is, when the mobile member 414 rotates in one direction (the clockwise direction in FIGS. 8 to 10) in the horizontal posture, the top plate 412 also rotates in the same direction and thus the top plate 412 has a desired angle (a horizontal state, a vertical state, or a tilted state).

[0087] The X-ray table 410 according to this embodiment includes a top plate 412, a mobile member 414 that is rotatably coupled to the top plate 412 by first and second links 422 and 424, and an X-ray receiver 430 that is coupled to the top plate 412 to be linearly movable. A second support 420 is rotatably coupled to the top plate 412, and a first support 418 is rotatably coupled to the mobile member 414.

[0088] The top plate 412 is similar to the top plate 112 according to the first embodiment and thus specific description thereof will not be repeated. The top plate 412 according to this embodiment does not include a fixed member (see reference numeral 116 in FIG. 3) and rotates in the same direction while maintaining a constant positional relationship with the mobile member 414 by the first and second links 422 and 424.

[0089] Ends of the first link 422 and the second link 424 are rotatably coupled to right and left side surfaces of the top plate 412 and the mobile member 414. The first link 422 and the second link 424 have constant rigidity and thus do not have a variation in length. Accordingly, the top plate 412 and the mobile member 414 rotate in the same direction with a constant gap by the first link 422 and the second link 424.

[0090] The X-ray table 410 according to this embodiment includes two rigid links 422 and 424, but this configuration is exemplary and the present invention is not limited by the number of links, the positions, and the characteristics. For example, one or three or more links may be provided and the link may have flexibility.

[0091] The mobile member 414 rotates manually by a user or automatically by a driving unit (not illustrated, such as a motor) and is rotatably coupled to the top plate 412. The mobile member 414 according to this embodiment is the same as the X-ray table 110 according to the first embodiment, except for the rotation direction based on the first and second links 422 and 424.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 8, when the top plate 412 is located in the horizontal posture, the mobile member 414 is also located in the horizontal posture and comes in close contact with the bottom surface of the top plate 412. The top plate 412 is located below an X-ray imaging unit 440 with a predetermined gap therebetween.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 9, when the mobile member 414 rotates in one direction (the clockwise direction in FIG. 9) by a user's manual operation or by a driving unit (not illustrated) such as a motor, the top plate 412 is separated from the mobile member 414 by a constant gap and rotates in the same direction by the first link 422 and the second link 424 (see FIG. 9). At this time, the second support 420 rotatably coupled to the top plate 412 can rotate to come in contact with the top plate 412. The top plate 412 rotates without interfering with the X-ray imaging unit 440. In the course of rotation of the top plate 412, the top surface thereof always faces the X-ray imaging unit 440.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 10, when the mobile member 414 rotates to the vertical posture, the top plate 412 is also located in the vertical posture by the first link 422 and the second link 424 and the mobile member 414 can come in close contact with the bottom surface of the top plate 412. At this time, the top plate 412 is located adjacent to the wall.

[0095] The mobile member 414 may have a plate shape or may have various shapes other than the plate shape like the mobile member 114 according to the first embodiment. A first support 418 is rotatably coupled to the mobile member 414 by a rotary hinge 419. The lower end of the first support 418 may be fixed to or movable relative to the floor.

[0096] A second support 420 is rotatably coupled to the top plate 412 and has the same height as the first support 418. When the top plate 412 is located in the vertical posture as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second support 420 may be maintained in a folded state or may be folded and located in the top plate 412 (which is indicated by a dotted line 420 in FIG. 10).

[0097] The X-ray receiver 430 (indicated by a dotted line) is coupled to the top plate 412 to be movable in the length direction thereof.

[0098] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art can understand that the invention can be modified and changed in various forms without departing from the concept and scope of the invention described in the appended claims.