CN213129510U

CN213129510U - Medical imaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN213129510U
Application number: CN202020184582.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯特凡·格罗斯; 亚历山大·克雷默; 约阿希姆·特鲁默; 克里斯托夫·埃梅里希; 马蒂亚斯·霍夫; 迈克尔·迈耶
Original assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
Current assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
Priority date: 2019-02-19
Filing date: 2020-02-19
Publication date: 2021-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-19
Also published as: DE202019100924U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical imaging device (10), in particular an X-ray device, comprising at least one imaging unit (14) for generating image data of an examination object, in particular a patient, which is supported in an examination region, said imaging unit being mounted such that it can be moved about at least one first axis of rotation (D1) extending through the examination region. The flexible line connected to the at least one imaging component (14) is guided at least in sections in a power supply (30) mounted so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation (D3). The control mechanism is designed to control the angular position of the energy supply unit (30) about the second axis of rotation (D3) in relation to the angular position of the imaging element (14) about the first axis of rotation (D1).

Description

Medical imaging apparatus

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a medical imaging device.

Background

The imaging components of a medical imaging apparatus, such as X-ray radiators or detectors, are usually movably supported, for example, in order to detect X-ray images from different viewing directions. Other applications are tomography or tomosynthesis, in which projection data recorded from different directions are detected to produce a three-dimensional image. The current guides, in particular the lines, must therefore be arranged such that the necessary rotational and longitudinal movements of the imaging member can be carried out. In some X-ray devices, such as, for example, C-arm X-ray devices, a movement about a plurality of axes is involved here. The lines usually require mechanical protection when in motion. In particular, damage to the current lead by wear can occur at the hinge point.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing an improved medical imaging device, so that wear caused by a movement of a component can be counteracted in particular.

The object is achieved by a medical imaging apparatus according to the invention.

The invention is based on the following object.

A medical imaging apparatus, in particular an X-ray apparatus, comprises at least one imaging device for generating image data of an examination object, in particular a patient, which is supported in an examination region, which imaging device is movably supported about at least one first axis of rotation extending through the examination region. The flexible line connected to the at least one imaging element is guided at least in sections in a power supply mounted so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The control mechanism is configured to control an angular position of the energizing portion about the second axis of rotation in accordance with an angular position of the imaging member about the first axis of rotation.

For example, a cable guide for one or more cables is considered as an energy supply. The power supply unit accommodates at least one longitudinal section of the flexible line. At least one flexible line guided in the energy supply section extends in particular along the second axis of rotation. The at least one flexible line is, for example, a cable, in particular a cable for conducting current and/or voltage. The at least one flexible line is used in the design for transmitting analog or digital signals, data, in particular image data, or for supplying the at least one imaging component with a voltage and/or a current.

In the usual devices for medical image recording, the lines or cables are typically guided in externally located corrugated hoses or tubes. Especially at the location where the bellows is connected to the housing of the medical imaging device, a rotating hinge is usually provided. This is disadvantageous for the cable connection, since the cable is subjected to torsional forces there if the at least one imaging element is moved during the image acquisition and is rotated, in particular, about a first rotational axis extending through the examination region. However, it is to be understood that the twisting force on the wire caused by the movement of the components may also be induced at other locations.

It is known that the usual pivot joints reduce the load on the line only insignificantly. Furthermore, problems often arise with externally located cable guides, which are largely undefined, so that uncontrolled movements of the cable guide occur.

The invention therefore proposes that at least one flexible line is guided within a rotatably mounted energy supply unit. In order to minimize the torsional forces exerted on the at least one line, it is furthermore proposed that the rotational movement of the energy supply section about the second axis of rotation is controlled in dependence on the angular position of the at least one imaging element about the first axis of rotation. In this way, in particular a defined cable movement and/or a mechanical overload against at least one flexible line guided in the energy supply section can be ensured.

Since the line or lines guided in the energy supply do not twist, their retention is significantly increased or more cost-effective lines can be used. By limiting the freedom of movement of the guided wire, uncontrolled movements are avoided.

The term "control device" is to be interpreted broadly in the context of the present description and includes in particular an electrical, electronic or mechanical control device. Accordingly, the control device is designed in various embodiments to electrically, electronically or mechanically control the angular position of the energy supply about the second axis of rotation.

In one embodiment, the mechanical control device has at least one link guide which applies a torque acting about the second axis of rotation, which torque is dependent on the angular position of the imaging element about the first axis of rotation.

Alternatively or additionally, the mechanical control device has at least one spring, in particular at least one torsion spring, tension spring, leaf spring, compression spring, helical spring and/or gas spring, which exerts a torque acting about the second axis of rotation, which is dependent on the angular position of the imaging member about the first axis of rotation.

In one embodiment, the electrical or electronic control device has at least one actuator for the electrical adjustment of the angular position of the energy supply section about the second axis of rotation, which actuator can be actuated by an electrical or electronic control device, in particular a controller, microcontroller and/or integrated circuit, such that the actuator applies a torque acting about the second axis of rotation to the energy supply section, which torque is dependent on the angular position of the imaging element about the first axis of rotation. The actuator is, for example, an electric drive, in particular a servomotor.

The design of the power supply about the second axis of rotation in an electrical manner, in particular adjustable by means of an electrical drive, can in particular be designed to adjust the angular position directly or indirectly, for example by means of a transmission connected therebetween.

In one embodiment, the first and second axes of rotation run parallel to one another.

In one embodiment, the energy supply unit of the medical imaging device is designed as a rigid and essentially tubular rotor. The rotor has, for example, curved end pieces, which are arranged on opposite ends of the rotor. The curved end pieces form a cable inlet and a cable outlet for at least one line guided in the energy supply unit. The bent end piece is designed in such a way as to serve as a fastening element for a bellows or the like, in which at least one flexible line is guided.

The movably mounted imaging component comprises, for example, an X-ray detector, an X-ray emitter and/or a light shielding unit, in particular a grid (Streustrahlenraster). In one embodiment, the X-ray detector is designed, for example, as a flat-panel image detector.

In one embodiment, the medical imaging device is designed as a C-arm X-ray device, in particular as a stationary or mobile C-arm. The at least one imaging component is fastened, for example, to a substantially C-shaped carrier arm. In one embodiment, at least one imaging component is mounted so as to be movable along the carrying arm, so that the imaging component can be positioned in different orbital angular positions with respect to an orbital axis of rotation extending through the examination region. In particular, at least one X-ray emitter (also referred to as X-ray tube, X-ray source, X-ray emitter) is arranged at one end of the C-shaped carrying arm and at least one X-ray detector is arranged at the opposite end of the C-shaped carrying arm. The carrying arm can be designed at least in sections in the shape of a circular arc. In one embodiment, the at least one movably mounted imaging part fixed to the carrying arm can be pivoted about a plurality of axes of rotation, for example, with respect to a carrier that carries the carrying arm. In particular, the at least one imaging component can be pivoted about an orbital axis of rotation and an angular axis of rotation, wherein the orbital and angular axes of rotation run perpendicular to each other and intersect in the center of the examination region.

In one embodiment, the imaging component or the imaging components fixed to the carrier arm can be pivoted about the first axis of rotation, in particular the orbital axis of rotation, preferably by a maximum angular extent of approximately 200 °.

In a different embodiment of the medical imaging apparatus in the form of a C-arm X-ray apparatus, the carrier arm is connected indirectly to the support via a movably mounted intermediate slide. The intermediate slide is at least partially movable about a first axis of rotation, in particular about an axis of orbital rotation. The energy supply section forms a lead-through for a flexible line guided therein, which runs through the intermediate slide in a direction parallel to the second axis of rotation.

In one embodiment, a flexible protective tube, in particular a corrugated tube or a corrugated tube, is connected to the end face of the energy supply part in the form of a feedthrough, in which at least one flexible line is guided. The protective tube can be fastened in particular to the curved end piece already described.

In one embodiment, the flexible protective tubes, which are connected in each case at the end, have substantially the same length.

In one embodiment, the support has a running gear. In this sense, the medical imaging apparatus is designed as a mobile device that can be moved. In a further embodiment, the holder is designed for static fixing in a space, in particular as a holder for mounting to a floor or ceiling.

Drawings

For the following description of the invention, reference is made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Shown in the schematic diagram:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a medical imaging apparatus configured as a C-arm X-ray apparatus, in accordance with one possible embodiment;

figures 2 to 7 show the C-arm X-ray device of figure 1 with the imaging member positioned in different angular positions about the orbital rotation axis;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of a possible embodiment for a mechanical control mechanism that controls rotational movement of an energizing portion of a medical imaging device;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic configuration for another embodiment of a mechanical control mechanism that controls rotational movement of an energy-providing portion of a medical imaging device;

fig. 10 shows a schematic configuration of another embodiment for an electrical or electronic control mechanism that controls rotational movement of an energy-supplying portion of a medical imaging device.

Parts that correspond to each other are provided with the same reference numerals throughout the figures.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 7 show a first embodiment of a medical imaging apparatus 10. The medical imaging apparatus 10 is configured in the illustrated and non-limiting embodiment as a C-arm X-ray apparatus (also referred to as a C-arm) and comprises a C-shaped carrier arm 12 which can be positioned in different angular positions with respect to a first axis of rotation D1 (orbital axis of rotation) and a further axis of rotation D2 (angular axis of rotation).

On the carrying arm 12, an imaging component 14, in particular an X-ray radiator 16 (also referred to as X-ray tube, X-ray source, X-ray emitter) and an X-ray detector 20, in particular a flat-panel image detector, are arranged in each case at the end.

The X-ray emitter 16 is arranged opposite the X-ray detector 20, so that a patient supported, in particular, on a table can be positioned in the examination region located therebetween.

Fig. 2 to 7 show side views of the medical imaging device 10, wherein the imaging component 14 is arranged in different orbital positions with respect to its orientation about the first axis of rotation D1 (orbital axis). The carrying arm 12 is guided movably with respect to the stationary component, in the illustrated embodiment with respect to the ceiling-mounted support 24, along a circular arc contour. The carrier arm 12 is indirectly fixed to the carrier 24 via an intermediate slide 26 arranged between them, which is likewise mounted movably.

In other embodiments, the carriage 24 has a walking mechanism. The medical imaging apparatus 10 is in the exemplary embodiment shown in each case designed as a mobile unit.

The orbital movement about the first axis of rotation D1 is performed via a telescopic mechanical guide. The intermediate slide 26 is provided with a running roller and connects two curved, in particular circular-arc-shaped, guide rails. The imaging assembly may pivot about the first axis of rotation D1 through an angle of approximately 200 deg.c.

For the guidance of the cables, in particular between the movably mounted intermediate slide 26 and the carrier arm 12 and between the intermediate slide 26 and the support 24, bellows 28 are used. The bellows 28 is coupled to an energizing portion 30 which forms a transverse feedthrough through the intermediate slide 26. The bellows 28 each form a one-dimensional cable guide arranged laterally on the medical imaging device 10 for the flexible lines or cables guided therein. The lines leading in the bellows 28 run along the energizing part 30.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 1, the bellows 28 is coupled to a curved end piece 32 of the energizing part 30. The energy supply unit 30 is designed as a rigid rotary part which can be rotated about a second axis of rotation D3. The first and second axes of rotation D1, D3 extend parallel to each other. The rotational movement of the energizing part 30 is controlled in order to tension the annular bellows 28 and to minimize the torsional forces acting on the lines guided in the bellows 28 or in the energizing part 30. In particular, the rotational movement of the energy supply section 30 about the second rotational axis D3 is controlled in relation to the angular position of the imaging member 14 about the first (orbital) rotational axis. For this purpose, in particular, mechanical, electrical or electronic control means are provided.

The controlled rotational movement of the energy supply section 30 about the second axis of rotation D3 is carried out such that a torque acting about the second axis of rotation D3 is exerted, which torque is dependent on the rotational position of the imaging component 14 about the first axis of rotation (orbital axis of rotation) D1. As can be seen in particular from fig. 2 to 7, the movements of the two annular bellows 28 are synchronized with one another. The controlled or elastic rotor (energy supply) is provided with a corresponding end stop for this purpose. Bellows 28 does not contact the patient nor the ground regardless of the position of imaging assembly 14.

The principle design of an exemplary embodiment of such a control device is illustrated in a non-limiting manner in fig. 8 to 10.

Fig. 8 shows a possible mechanical control of the rotational movement (shown in dashed lines) of the energy supply section 30 about the second axis of rotation D3. The spring 34 is connected at one end to the carrier arm 12. The other end of the spring 34 is connected to the energy supply unit 30 via a cable traction device (Seilzug)36 in such a way that a torque acting about the second axis of rotation D3 is generated as a function of the angular position of the C-shaped support arm 12 about the first axis of rotation D1.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the mechanical control. The control of the rotational movement of the energy supply part 30 about the second axis of rotation D3 takes place by means of a slotted guide 38 which has a plurality of pivot rods 40 which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and a slotted block 44 which is guided positively along a slotted guide 42. In order to guide the runner block 44 along the runner 42, it is spring biased, for example, in the direction of the runner 42. The position of the runner block 44 along the runner 42 is related in a manner and manner not shown in detail to the angular position of the carrier arm 12 about the first axis of rotation D1. The merely schematically illustrated gate guide 38 produces a torque about the second axis of rotation D3, which is dependent on the position of the gate block 44 along the gate 42 and thus on the rotational position of the carrier arm 12 about the first axis of rotation D1.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic configuration of an electric or electronic control device, in which the rotational movement of the energy supply section 30 about the second axis of rotation D3 is performed by means of an electrically or electronically controlled drive 46. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electric drive 46 is designed as a servo drive, which is connected to the rotatable energy supply unit 30 via a belt 48. In a further embodiment, the drive 46 is connected, for example, directly to the energy supply 30 or indirectly to the energy supply 30 via a chain or a gear, for example a gear.

The control of the actuator or drive 46 in relation to the angular position of the imaging assembly 14 about the first axis of rotation D1 is effected via the usual control device 48. The control device 48 may include, among other things, a controller, a microcontroller, and/or an integrated circuit.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto. Other variants and combinations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the main idea of the invention.

Claims

1. A medical imaging apparatus having at least one imaging component (14) for generating image data of an examination object supported in an examination region, which imaging component is movably supported about at least one first axis of rotation (D1) extending through the examination region,

wherein the flexible line connected to at least one of the imaging components (14) is guided at least in sections in a power supply unit (30) mounted so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation (D3),

wherein the control mechanism is configured to control the angular position of the energizing part (30) about the second axis of rotation (D3) in dependence on the angular position of the imaging assembly (14) about the first axis of rotation (D1).

2. The medical imaging device of claim 1,

wherein the medical imaging apparatus (10) is an X-ray apparatus.

3. The medical imaging device of claim 1,

wherein the examination object is a patient.

4. The medical imaging device of claim 1,

wherein the control means is configured as an electronic control means or a mechanical control means for controlling the angular position of the energy supply section (30) about the second axis of rotation (D3).

5. The medical imaging device of claim 4,

wherein the mechanical control mechanism has at least one slide guide (38) which applies a torque acting about the second axis of rotation (D3) which is dependent on the angular position of the imaging member (14) about the first axis of rotation (D1).

6. The medical imaging device of claim 4,

wherein the mechanical control mechanism has at least one spring (34) exerting a torque acting about the second axis of rotation (D3) which is related to the angular position of the imaging component (14) about the first axis of rotation (D1).

7. The medical imaging device of claim 6,

wherein the at least one spring (34) is at least one torsion spring, tension spring, leaf spring, compression spring, coil spring and/or gas spring.

8. The medical imaging device of claim 4,

wherein the electronic control device has at least one actuator for the electrical adjustment of the angular position of the energy supply unit (30) about the second axis of rotation (D3), which actuator can be actuated by an electronic control device (48) in such a way that the actuator exerts a torque acting about the second axis of rotation (D3) on the energy supply unit (30), which torque is dependent on the angular position of the imaging component (14) about the first axis of rotation (D1).

9. The medical imaging device of claim 8,

wherein the electronic control device (48) is a controller, a microcontroller and/or an integrated circuit.

10. The medical imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 9,

wherein the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extend parallel to each other.

11. The medical imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 9,

wherein the energy supply unit (30) is designed as a rigid, essentially tubular rotor.

12. The medical imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 9,

wherein the imaging component (14) comprises an X-ray detector (20), an X-ray radiator (16) and/or a light shielding unit.

13. The medical imaging device of any one of claims 1 to 9,

wherein the medical imaging device (10) is designed as a C-arm X-ray device and at least one of the imaging components (14) is fastened to a substantially C-shaped carrier arm (12).

14. The medical imaging device of claim 13,

wherein the carrying arm (12) is indirectly connected to a carrier (24) via a movably mounted intermediate slide (26), wherein the intermediate slide (26) is movable at least in sections about the first axis of rotation (D1), and the energy supply section (30) forms a feed section for a flexible line guided therein, which runs through the intermediate slide (26) in a direction parallel to the second axis of rotation (D3).

15. The medical imaging device of claim 14,

wherein the first axis of rotation (D1) is an orbital axis of rotation.

16. The medical imaging device of claim 14,

in each case, a flexible protective tube is connected to the end face of the energy supply part (30) designed as a lead-through, in which at least one flexible line is guided.

17. The medical imaging device of claim 16,

wherein the flexible protective tube is a corrugated tube (28) or a corrugated hose.

18. The medical imaging device of claim 16,

the flexible protective tubes, which are connected in each case at the end, have substantially the same length.

19. The medical imaging device of claim 14,

wherein the support (24) has a running gear or forms a support (24) for static fixing in space.

20. The medical imaging device of claim 19,

wherein the support (24) is designed as a floor-or ceiling-mounted support (24).