CT imaging device

Abstract

The present invention particularly relates to the structure of a dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) device. The basic construction of the device comprises two elongated frame members (11, 21), wherein the first frame member (11) is arranged to support an X-ray imaging device (14, 15) and wherein the frame members (11, 21) are mechanically connected to each other via a hinged construction (22) so as to permit the first frame member (11) supporting the X-ray imaging device (14, 15) to be tilted relative to the second frame member (21). A locking mechanism (24) is provided in the vicinity of the second ends of the first and second elongated frame members (11, 21), the locking mechanism being configured to enable the first and second elongated frame members (11, 21) to be connected together and disconnected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to computed tomography imaging devices. In particular, the features of the devices according to the present invention are applicable in the context of dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging devices. Background Art

[0002] Computed tomography (CT) is an X-ray imaging in which the volume to be imaged is irradiated from different directions, and based on the image information thus obtained, the desired two-dimensional or three-dimensional image can be reconstructed.

[0003] Conventional CT devices are large and bulky, and they are usually installed on the floor. For imaging, the patient is positioned within the examination opening of the device (usually on a horizontally extending and laterally movable examination platform).

[0004] Since the development of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology (wherein, for example, a lower rotational speed of the imaging device is used), devices that are lighter in weight than more conventional CT devices have been developed. In CBCT devices, there are also devices, for example, that are not installed on the floor but are configured to be movable. In addition, a configuration including a vertically extending frame and a horizontally extending support for the imaging device has been designed.

[0005] Generally speaking, considering medical X-ray imaging devices, there are some devices that do not have a patient support structure at all in the device itself, while those devices that include a patient support structure are usually designed for imaging a standing patient, a sitting patient, or a lying patient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention and its preferred embodiments is a CT device, in particular a CBCT device, which is applicable for multiple uses and enables imaging of various parts of the anatomical structure in various ways. The features of the present invention are defined in claim 1. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 is a general side view schematic diagram, which shows, by way of example, certain components of a part of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2a and Figure 2b shows structural details applicable for use in the context of an elongate frame of a device for Figure 1 of the device.

[0010] Figure 3aSome details of a patient support construction suitable for use in a device as shown in Figure 1 are shown by way of example.

[0011] Figure 3b An example of a cross-section of a patient support construction suitable for use in a device as shown in Figure 1 is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 Is a general side view schematic diagram which shows by way of example certain components of an embodiment of a device according to the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 a general side view schematic diagram of a device which shows certain components of the construction when driven to an inclined position.

[0014] Figure 6 Shows components which can be used as an arrangement of a shift and lock mechanism related to the function of a device as shown in Figure 5 Is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 Is a general side view schematic diagram which shows by way of example another embodiment of certain components of a part of a device according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 Is a block diagram showing an example of such components, and a control system of a device according to the present invention can be configured to control the components. Detailed Description

[0017] Figure 1 A general side view schematic diagram shows by way of example certain components of an embodiment of a part of a device according to the present invention. Figure 1 The dental or medical CT imaging device of includes an elongate frame member 11 extending in a first direction and having a first end and a second end. A support construction 12 extends from the elongate frame member 11 in a second direction which is generally orthogonal to the first direction, and the support construction supports an X-ray source 14 and an image detector 15, however the X-ray source and the image detector are not visible in Figure 1 The X-ray source 14 and the image detector 15 which together form the X-ray imaging device 14, 15 can be mounted to the support construction 12 substantially opposite to each other, however in an embodiment, their relative positions can also be arranged to be adjustable.

[0018] Figure 1 Further shown is a patient support 18 which is a structure mechanically connected to the elongate frame member 11 and extending generally parallel to the elongate frame member 11. In Figure 1In an embodiment, the patient support 18 has substantially the same length as the elongate frame member 11.

[0019] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the elongate frame member 11 is approximately 240 cm.

[0020] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the elongate frame member 11 is between 220 cm and 260 cm.

[0021] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the patient support 18 is 80 - 90% of the length of the elongate frame member 11.

[0022] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support 18 has a longer dimension in a first direction and a shorter dimension in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0023] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support 18 is at least ray - transmissive along the first direction, at least for its main part.

[0024] According to one aspect, for example, the ray - transmissive part of the patient support 18 has substantially the same length as the elongate frame member 11.

[0025] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support 18 includes a ray - non - transmissive section at at least one of its ends along the first direction.

[0026] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the ray - transmissive part of the patient support 18 along the first direction is 80 - 90% of the length of the elongate frame member 11.

[0027] According to one aspect, for example, the support structure 12 for supporting the X - ray imaging devices 14, 15 is a circular gantry having a central axis 13. The gantry can partially surround or completely accommodate the X - ray imaging devices 14, 15.

[0028] According to Figure 1 an aspect not directly visible herein, for example, the device includes a drive mechanism 16 arranged to drive the X - ray imaging devices 14, 15 about a rotation axis. This rotation axis can coincide with the central axis 13 of the support structure 12 in the form of a gantry, and it can be a physical axis, or a virtual rotation axis as in the case of Figure 1 the situation of

[0029] According to one aspect, for example, when the X - ray imaging devices 14, 15 are driven along a curved path, the central axis 13 of the gantry coincides with the rotation center / rotation axis of the X - ray imaging devices.

[0030] According to one aspect, the axis of rotation is an instantaneous (virtual) axis of rotation, and the position of the instantaneous axis of rotation relative to the central axis 13 can be arranged to be changed.

[0031] According to one aspect, at least one of the two components, the radiation source 14 and the image detector 15, is arranged to be able to move laterally from a position directly opposite the other component.

[0032] According to one aspect, the structure 12 supporting the X-ray imaging devices 14, 15 includes a gantry having a central axis, and the structure of the device permits at least one of the following: laterally moving the X-ray source 14 between a position where the central ray generated by the X-ray source 14 coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where the central ray generated by the X-ray source 14 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry; laterally moving the image detector 15 between a position where a vector orthogonal to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where a vector orthogonal to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry. The lateral movement of the X-ray imaging devices 14, 15 can include moving the X-ray imaging devices 14, 15 to a position where they face each other, while the central ray generated by the X-ray source 14 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry and a vector orthogonal to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry.

[0033] According to another aspect, another drive mechanism 17 is arranged to the device so as to be able to move the support structure back and forth in a direction generally parallel to the extension direction of the elongated frame member 11. According to one aspect, the drive mechanism 17 can be arranged to move the support structure 12 along or beside the elongated frame member 11.

[0034] In the example according to Figure 2a the drive mechanism 17 of the support structure 12 discussed above includes a motor 110 and a gear device 111, and the gear device is arranged to rotate a pulley 112. In Figure 2a the structure shown as an embodiment, when the motor 110 and the pulley 112 are near the second end of the elongated frame member 11, there is also another pulley 112' near the first end of the elongated frame member 11, and around the pulleys 112, 112' is a belt 113 or a chain-like component having a corresponding function. Then, the mechanism is functionally connected to the support structure 12 to drive the support structure along the elongated frame member 11, for example as in Figure 2bAs shown in [the figure], where the slot 114 is arranged on the elongated frame member 11 and the protruding member 121 is arranged on the support structure 12, and the protruding member is assembled to slide along the slot 114. In one embodiment, to minimize friction, a roller-type linear guiding method is used, where the movement is rolling rather than sliding.

[0035] According to an aspect not shown in any of the figures, for example, the drive mechanism for driving the support structure 12 includes a motor arranged on the support structure 12 itself.

[0036] Regardless of the construction details of the drive mechanism 17 for driving the support structure 12 along or beside the elongated frame member 11, in one embodiment, the construction of the device allows the support structure 12 to be driven along substantially the entire length between the first end and the second end of the elongated frame member 11.

[0037] According to yet another aspect and as Figure 1 shown in [the figure], the device includes connection structures 19, 20 that connect the patient support 18 to the elongated frame member 11.

[0038] According to another aspect, and an example of which is shown in Figure 3a [the figure], the device includes connection structures 19, 20 that mechanically connect the patient support 18 to the elongated frame member 11.

[0039] The connection structures 19, 20 may include patient support adjustment mechanisms 19', 20' that are configured to be able to displace the patient support 18 closer to and farther from the elongated frame member 11.

[0040] According to another aspect, drive mechanisms 19", 20" are arranged to be functionally connected to the patient support adjustment mechanisms 19', 20'.

[0041] According to another aspect, the patient support adjustment mechanisms 19', 20' may include a first adjustment mechanism 19' and a second adjustment mechanism 20'. The first adjustment mechanism, together with its drive mechanism 19" included in the drive mechanisms 19", 20", is arranged substantially at the first end of the elongated frame member 11, and the second adjustment mechanism, together with its drive mechanism 20" included in the drive mechanisms 19", 20", is arranged substantially at the second end of the elongated frame member 11.

[0042] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support adjustment mechanisms 19', 20' are arranged to be functionally connected to the control system of the device, and the control system is configured to control the drive mechanisms 19", 20" of the adjustment mechanisms 19', 20'.

[0043] According to one aspect, for example, the control system is configured to control the connection structures 19, 20, which include a first adjustment mechanism 19' and its drive mechanism 19" disposed substantially at the first end of the elongated frame member 11, and a second adjustment mechanism 20' and its drive mechanism 20" disposed substantially at the second end of the elongated frame member 11, so as to maintain the same distance between the elongated frame member 11 and the patient support 18 at the first and second ends of the elongated frame member 11 when adjusting the distance between the elongated frame member 11 and the patient support 18.

[0044] According to another aspect, the distances between the respective ends of the elongated frame member 11 and the patient support 18 can be adjusted to be different. According to one aspect, the first and second adjustment mechanisms 19', 20' are arranged to be independently controlled.

[0045] According to one aspect, as Figure 3b shown, considering the above-mentioned first direction of the patient support structure 18, the cross-section of its main part is curved so as to better support the patient against the concave surface of the patient support structure 18.

[0046] According to another aspect, as Figure 3b shown, at the edge 181 of the cross-section of the patient support structure 18, the shape of the cross-section becomes curved in the opposite direction.

[0047] According to another aspect, and as further shown in Figure 3b , near the edge of the above-mentioned cross-section of the patient support structure 18 and on the side opposite to the concave surface of its main part, a holding structure 182 is arranged. The holding structure 182 can be, for example, an elongated handle or an attachment structure to receive a strap designed to extend on or above the concave side of the patient support structure 18 to provide further support for the patient and thus help to keep still during the imaging exposure.

[0048] Turning to Figure 4 , Figure 4 As an example, certain components of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention are shown as a general side view schematic diagram, in which, in addition to the first elongated frame member 11 that can be mentioned as discussed above, there is a second elongated frame member 21 mechanically connected to the first elongated frame member 11, and the second elongated frame member has substantially the same length as the first elongated frame member 11.

[0049] According to one aspect and still referring to Figure 4, an articulated connection structure 22 is arranged near the first end of the first and second elongated frame members 11, 12 to mechanically connect the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21 so as to allow the first elongated frame member 11 to tilt relative to the second elongated frame member 21 about at least one tilt axis. The at least one tilt axis is orthogonal to the above-mentioned first and second extending directions of the elongated frame member 11 and the support structure 12. Or, in other words, the tilt axis can be such an axis that is orthogonal to the directions in which the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21 extend and orthogonal to the direction in which the support structure 12 for the X-ray imaging assemblies 14, 15 extends vertically from the first frame member 11 that extends longitudinally.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in the figures and discussed in more detail in the present application, the at least one tilt axis is horizontal. This should not be construed as meaning that the tilt axis must be horizontal.

[0051] According to another aspect, on the side of the second elongated frame member 21, an installation structure 23 that is not directly visible in Figure 4 is arranged to be connected to the articulated connection structure 22. The installation structure 23 is arranged to be able to move along or beside the second elongated frame member 21.

[0052] According to another aspect, for example, a locking mechanism 24 is arranged near the second end of the second elongated frame member 21, and the locking mechanism is configured to enable the connection and disconnection of the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21. In particular, the locking mechanism 24 can be arranged near the second ends of the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21, and the locking mechanism is configured to enable the connection together and disconnection of the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21 near the second ends of the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21.

[0053] When the second elongated frame member 21 is stably installed and the locking mechanism 24 does not connect the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21, the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 moves freely laterally, while the articulated connection structure 22 between the frame members 11, 21 allows the first elongated frame member 11 to rotate about a horizontal tilt axis near the first end of the first elongated frame member 11. In the case of a vertical starting position, such a movably arranged installation structure as described above allows the first end of the first elongated frame member 11 to descend and ascend.

[0054] Figure 5 Shown according to Figure 4The device is in a stage where the first end of the first elongate frame member 11 has moved downward and the second end of the first elongate frame member 11 has moved horizontally on the surface. The device can be configured to allow the first end of the first elongate frame member 11 to descend all the way to near the second end of the second elongate frame member 21.

[0055] According to yet another aspect not directly visible in Figure 4 and Figure 5 A drive mechanism 27 is arranged in functional connection with the second elongate frame member 21 to drive the mounting structure 23 along or beside the second elongate frame member 21. When mechanically connected to the first elongate frame member 11, near the first end of the first elongate frame member, the drive mechanism 27 can cause the first end of the first elongate frame member 11 to move in the extending direction of the second elongate frame member 21.

[0056] The drive mechanism 27 for driving the mounting structure 23 can have a construction similar to that of the drive mechanism 17 which drives the support structure 12 of the X-ray imaging devices 14, 15 along or beside the first elongate frame member 11.

[0057] According to one aspect, the drive mechanism 27 for driving the mounting structure 23 includes a chain drive.

[0058] In other words, to describe some of the features discussed above, in an embodiment, a mounting structure 23 is arranged on the side of the second elongate frame member 21 and is mechanically connected to the articulated connection structure 22, and the mounting structure is arranged to be able to move along or beside the second elongate frame member 21. Such a construction thus provides a degree of freedom of movement for the articulated connection structure 23 and the first end of the first elongate frame member 11 mechanically connected to the articulated connection structure 23 along or beside the second frame member 21.

[0059] In one embodiment, the mounting structure 23 is arranged to be able to move along or beside the second elongate frame member 21 by a distance at least substantially corresponding to the length of the first elongate frame member 11, and the articulated connection structure 22 is arranged to allow the first elongate frame member 11 to tilt between an orientation where the first and second elongate frame members 11, 21 extend substantially parallel and an orientation where the first and second elongate frame members 11, 21 extend substantially orthogonally.

[0060] According to yet another aspect, the locking mechanism 24 includes a displacement mechanism 25 that is not directly visible in the figures discussed so far, to move the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 away from the second elongated frame member 21 by a distance when the locking mechanism 24 disconnects the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21.

[0061] According to an aspect not shown in detail in the figures discussed so far, the locking mechanism 24 includes a motor drive arrangement having mating members located on the powered structure and on the side of the first elongated frame member 11, respectively.

[0062] The locking mechanism 24 may further include a guiding structure configured to guide the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 all the way to the locking mechanism 24 when the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 moves towards the locking mechanism 24. Or, in other words, when the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 moves towards the second end of the second elongated frame member 21 and approaches the second end of the second elongated frame member.

[0063] According to yet another aspect, and as shown by way of example in Figure 4 and Figure 5 the first elongated frame member 11 includes at least one wheel or roller 26 near its second end.

[0064] According to another aspect, instead of a wheel or roller, a structure designed to slide on a surface may be arranged at the second end of the first elongated frame member 11.

[0065] A more detailed embodiment of some of the features discussed above is shown in Figure 6 which Figure 6 generally shows the second ends of the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21, however where the extreme end of the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 is cut away, partially completely cut away and only one wall is partially cut away so that a portion that may be referred to as the rear wall 11' remains visible.

[0066] Figure 6 The embodiment shown in includes such a structure where the displacement mechanism 25 includes two racks 31 and two gears 32, the two racks being mounted near the second end of the second elongated frame member 21 and extending substantially orthogonally to the direction in which the second elongated frame member 21 extends, the two gears being mounted near the second end of the first elongated frame member 11. The gears 32 are configured to mate with the racks 31. Although two racks and gears are shown, their number may be only one, or more than two.

[0067] Figure 6The embodiment shown in [description] further includes a displacement mechanism 25, the displacement mechanism including a displacement motor 33, the displacement motor being arranged to be functionally connected to a gear 32.

[0068] According to one embodiment, in order to operate the displacement mechanism 25, the control system of the device may be configured to, when the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21 extend substantially parallel to each other and in response to a control signal for changing the mutual orientation of the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21, first operate the displacement mechanism 25 to move the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 away from the second end of the second elongated frame member 21 by a distance, and secondly, operate the third drive mechanism 27 to drive the mounting structure 23 along or beside the second elongated frame member 21 towards the second end of the second elongated frame member 21, so as to move the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 away from the second end of the second elongated frame member 21 by a further distance.

[0069] Figure 6 The locking mechanism 24 shown in [description] further includes a sensing element 29, the sensing element being configured to detect when the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 has reached a predetermined locking position when the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 moves towards the second end of the second elongated frame member 21.

[0070] Figure 6 The locking mechanism 24 shown in [description] further includes a locking actuator 28, and the control system of the device may be configured to send a control signal to the locking actuator 28 to lock the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 at the predetermined locking position in response to a control signal from the sensing element 29 indicating that the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 has reached the predetermined locking position when moving towards the second end of the second elongated frame member 21.

[0071] In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally having a configuration that actively moves the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 away from the second end of the second elongated frame member 21 by a distance when the first and second elongated frame members 11, 21 are disconnected by the locking mechanism 24, the locking mechanism 24 includes a displacement mechanism 25, the displacement mechanism being configured to only make it easier for the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 to move away from the second end of the second elongated frame member 21 by a distance. In this case, the displacement mechanism may be or include, for example, a ramp portion inclined away from the second end of the second elongated frame member 21.

[0072] According to Figure 6The guiding structure of the embodiment includes two guide rails 30 which are mounted at their first ends near the second end of the second elongated frame member 21 and extend substantially orthogonally to the extending direction of the second elongated frame member 21 to form two guiding channels. Although two guide rails 30 are shown in Figure 6 the number of guide rails can also be other numbers - however, it may be difficult to form a truly guiding channel using only one guide rail.

[0073] Although in Figure 6 it is shown that the first elongated frame member 11 includes two wheels or rollers 26 spaced a first distance apart from each other near its second end, and the guiding structure includes two guide rails 30 to form two guiding channels that are substantially the same first distance apart from each other, the guide rails 30 further include inclined surfaces at their second ends so that the distance between the guiding channels is less than the first distance at this end of the channels. Such a structure helps to guide the second end of the first elongated frame member 11 to find the designed channel to move towards the second elongated frame member 21.

[0074] According to one aspect, for example and as shown in Figure 7 the support structure 12 in the form of a gantry for the imaging devices 14, 15 does not substantially completely surround the imaging devices 14, 15, but mainly or uniquely serves as a support structure for holding the imaging devices 14, 15 and as a support structure for the structure arranged on the gantry to drive the imaging devices 14, 15 around an axis. Such a solution enables a lighter gantry to be achieved and provides better access to the volume between the imaging devices 14, 15, both physically and in terms of areas where there can be a clear line of sight to this volume.

[0075] Figure 8 As a block diagram, an example of the components of a control system suitable for use in the device according to the present disclosure is shown. In various embodiments, not all of these features must be present in the control system of the device. According to Figure 8 the control system is configured such that it can first control the operations of the X-ray source and the image detector. The components for controlling the operations of the X-ray source and the image detector can include components physically arranged to the X-ray source and / or the image detector and / or arranged elsewhere in the device.

[0076] Figure 8The control system further controls the various drive means of the apparatus, such as those drive means which cause movement of the imaging device supported by the support structure, the support structure itself and the adjustment means of the patient support. As described above, the control system can also control, for example, the drive of the mounting structure. Further, in the case where the apparatus includes a motorized locking mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the first and second elongate frame members, the control system can also control the drive means of the locking mechanism, such as the displacement motor and the locking actuator discussed above. In general, the control system can be arranged to control all of the operations discussed above or any part thereof. The input to the control system can be provided by a remote control. The structures and functions discussed above provide various possibilities for positioning and imaging a patient.

Claims

1. A medical CT imaging device, comprising: - A first elongate frame member (11) that extends in a first direction and includes a first end and a second end; - A support structure (12) that extends from the first elongate frame member (11) in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction; - An X-ray source (14) and an image detector (15) mounted to the support structure (12), the X-ray source and the image detector together forming an X-ray imaging device; - A first drive mechanism (16) that is arranged to move the imaging device about an axis (13); - A second drive mechanism (17) that is arranged to move the support structure (12) in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first direction in which the first elongate frame member (11) extends; - A patient support (18); - A control system; wherein the device includes a second elongate frame member (21) that includes a first end and a second end, wherein an articulated connection structure (22) is arranged near the first end of the first elongate frame member (11) to mechanically connect the first elongate frame member (11) and the second elongate frame member (21) to permit the first elongate frame member (11) to tilt relative to the second elongate frame member (21) about at least one tilt axis that is orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction, and wherein a locking mechanism (24) is arranged near the second ends of the first elongate frame member (11) and the second elongate frame member (21), the locking mechanism being configured to be able to connect and disconnect the first elongate frame member (11) and the second elongate frame member (21) near the second ends of the first elongate frame member (11) and the second elongate frame member (21).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The locking mechanism (24) includes a displacement mechanism (25) that is configured to move the second end of the first elongate frame member (11) away from the second end of the second elongate frame member (21) by a distance or to make it easier for the second end of the first elongate frame member (11) to move away from the second end of the second elongate frame member (21) by a distance when the first elongate frame member (11) and the second elongate frame member (21) have been disconnected by the locking mechanism (24).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The displacement mechanism (25) includes a ramp portion that is inclined away from the second end of the second elongate frame member (21) and / or at least one rack (31) and at least one gear (32), the at least one rack being mounted near the second end of the second elongate frame member (21) and extending substantially orthogonally to the direction in which the second elongate frame member (21) extends, the at least one gear being mounted near the second end of the first elongate frame member (11) and configured to engage with the rack (31).

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, An installation structure (23) mechanically connected to the articulated connection structure (22) is arranged on the side of the second elongated frame member (21). The installation structure is arranged to be movable along or beside the second elongated frame member (21), so as to provide a degree of freedom of movement along or beside the second elongated frame member (21) for the mechanical connection of the articulated connection structure (22) and the first end of the first elongated frame member (11) to the articulated connection structure (22). A third drive mechanism (27) is arranged to drive the installation structure (23) along or beside the second elongated frame member (21), and the control system is configured such that when the first elongated frame member (11) and the second elongated frame member (21) extend substantially parallel to each other and in response to a control signal for changing the mutual orientation of the first elongated frame member (11) and the second elongated frame member (21), first operate the displacement mechanism (25) to move the second end of the first elongated frame member (11) away from the second end of the second elongated frame member (21) by a certain distance, and secondly, operate the third drive mechanism (27) to drive the installation structure (23) along or beside the second elongated frame member (21) towards the second end of the second elongated frame member (21), so as to move the second end of the first elongated frame member (11) away from the second end of the second elongated frame member (21) by a greater distance.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that The locking mechanism (24) includes a sensing element (29), and the sensing element is configured to detect when the second end of the first elongated frame member has reached a predetermined locking position when the second end of the first elongated frame member (11) moves towards the second end of the second elongated frame member (21).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (24) includes a locking actuator (28), and the control system is configured to send a control signal to the locking actuator (28) to lock the second end of the first elongated frame member (11) at the predetermined locking position in response to a control signal from the sensing element (29) indicating that the second end of the first elongated frame member (11) has reached the predetermined locking position when moving towards the second end of the second elongated frame member (21).

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (24) includes a guiding structure, and the guiding structure is configured to guide the second end of the first elongated frame member (11) all the way to the locking mechanism (24) when the second end of the first elongated frame member (11) moves towards the second end of the second elongated frame member (21) and approaches the second end of the second elongated frame member.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guiding structure includes at least one guide rail (30) which is mounted at its first end near the second end of the second elongate frame member (21) and extends substantially orthogonally to the direction in which the second elongate frame member (21) extends, so as to form at least one guiding channel.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first elongate frame member (11) includes at least one wheel or roller (26) near its second end.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An installation structure (23) mechanically connected to the articulated connection structure (22) is arranged on the side of the second elongate frame member (21). The installation structure is arranged to be able to move along or beside the second elongate frame member (21), so as to provide a degree of freedom of movement along or beside the second elongate frame member (21) for the mechanical connection of the articulated connection structure (22) and the first end of the first elongate frame member (11) mechanically connected to the articulated connection structure (22).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The installation structure (23) is arranged to be able to move along or beside the second elongate frame member (21) for a distance at least substantially corresponding to the length of the first elongate frame member (11), and the articulated connection structure (22) is arranged to allow the first elongate frame member to tilt between an orientation in which the first elongate frame member (11) and the second elongate frame member (21) extend substantially parallel and an orientation in which the first elongate frame member (11) and the second elongate frame member (21) extend substantially orthogonally.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The device includes a third drive mechanism (27) to drive the installation structure (23) along or beside the second elongate frame member (21).

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The patient support (18) is a structure mechanically connected to the first elongate frame member (11) and extending substantially parallel to the first elongate frame member (11) in the first direction.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The patient support (18) has substantially the same length as the first elongate frame member (11).

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The patient support (18) includes a radiopaque portion substantially having the same length as the first elongate frame member (11).

16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The driving of the support structure (12) in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction is arranged to be able to be carried out for substantially the entire length between the first end and the second end of the first elongate frame member (11).

17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second elongate frame member (21) has substantially the same length as the first elongate frame member (11).

18. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The displacement mechanism (25) includes a displacement motor (33) which is arranged to be functionally connected to the at least one gear (32).

19. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first elongate frame member (11) includes, near its second end, two wheels or rollers (26) spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and the guiding structure includes at least two guide rails (30) to form two guiding channels that are substantially spaced apart from each other by the first distance, wherein the at least two guide rails (30) include inclined surfaces at their second ends so that the distance between the guiding channels is less than the first distance at this second end of the channels.

20. The device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first elongate frame member (11) includes, near its second end, a structure designed to slide on a surface.

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