X-ray imaging apparatus

An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising:

• an imaging system including an X-ray tube supported by a support mechanism and an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube and passed through a subject;
• a top board arranged between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector and capable of placing the subject on a surface;
• an X-ray tube moving mechanism configured to change a distance between the X-ray tube and the top board by moving the X-ray tube supported by the support mechanism;
• and
• a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the imaging system and the top board in synchronization with each other about an axis extending in a horizontal direction,
• wherein the support mechanism includes:
• a fixed supporting column;
• and
• a moving supporting column movable with respect to the fixed supporting column;
• a fixed cover that covers the fixed supporting column;
• a moving cover that covers the moving supporting column and moves together with the moving supporting column;
• an intermediate cover arranged between the fixed cover and the moving cover and movable in a same direction as the moving cover;
• a first engagement member arranged near an end portion of the moving cover on a side of the fixed cover and configured to move the intermediate cover in the same direction as a movement direction of the moving cover by being engaged with a second engaging member arranged near an end portion of the intermediate cover on a side of the moving cover;
• and
• a spring having a spring force for forcing intermediate cover in the direction of the fixed cover.