Guiding device for a pipeline guiding device and with a pipeline guiding device

Abstract

A guide device for a pipeline guide, having at least one such pipeline guide, which has a free inner cross section for receiving at least one pipeline and a plurality of successively arranged, spatially offset from one another, segments, and can be arranged in an assembly having a lower section, an upper section and a turning region connecting them, which has a turning axis, the guide device being configured at least with its longitudinal section or over its entire length with a C-arc-shaped guide region, which guides the pipeline guide in its longitudinal direction with said entire length, which has a curvature axis of the C-arc and has a convex inner curvature and a concave outer curvature. The guide device has a turning device with a turning axis, around which the turning region of the pipeline guide is guided, the axis of the turning device encloses an angle with the curvature axis of the C-arc-shaped guide region of the guide device, one of the side boundaries of the pipeline guide being arranged facing the concavely curved outer side of the C-arc-shaped guide region of the guide device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a pipeline guide device, a guide apparatus comprising such a pipeline guide device, and an appliance or machine having such a guide apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Guide apparatuses of this kind have a C-shaped guide region for guiding a pipeline guide device, such that the pipeline guide device is also arranged in its longitudinal extension C-shaped arcuately on the guide apparatus. Such guide apparatuses are used, for example, in C-arc-shaped roentgen appliances or other medical diagnostic appliances. On the opposing end regions of the C-shaped arcuate guide region of the guide apparatus or its extension, signal-emitting devices, such as roentgen emitters, are usually arranged on one side, and signal-receiving devices, such as detectors, for example also as image intensifiers or imaging systems, or other corresponding consumers for media transported by the pipeline, are arranged. Here, the guide apparatus is usually arranged on a holding part of the appliance or machine comprising the guide apparatus, wherein the holding part is arranged, for example, on the curved outer side of the C-shaped arcuate guide region of the guide apparatus. Here, the guide apparatus is usually movable in its longitudinal direction relative to the holding part, wherein the holding part usually acts locally with respect to the longitudinal extension of the guide apparatus, i.e. extends over a relatively small longitudinal extension region of the guide apparatus. In the case of a movement of the guide apparatus, this describes an envelope with respect to the curvature axis of the C-shaped arcuate guide region; in the case of a guide region configured as a circular arc segment, therefore, a cylinder is circumnavigated in its peripheral direction. Thereby, an object arranged in the center of the C-shaped arcuate guide region, for example a patient, can be examined from multiple directions without changing its orientation. These embodiments with respect to guide apparatuses and / or appliances or machines of this kind can also be realized in connection with the subject matter of the invention, as long as they do not contradict the description of the subject matter of the invention.

[0003] There is now a demand to extend the extent of the C-shaped arcuate guide region of the guide device such that the C-shaped arcuate guide region extends over a larger angle of extension or, respectively, rotation about the axis of curvature of the arcuate curvature; and / or to make the C-shaped arcuate guide region movable over a larger angle about the axis of curvature, i.e. over a larger path in the longitudinal extension of the C-shaped arcuate guide region, in particular in the direction towards the seating surface of the appliance or machine comprising the guide device. This, however, leads to various problems in such devices. On the one hand, in guide devices known hitherto in which the line guide is arranged unsupported and in which the upper section and the lower section of the line guide are arranged one above the other and at a distance from one another with respect to the direction of gravity, if the extent of the C-shaped arcuate guide region is enlarged, the unsupported length is too great. This leads to the upper section and the lower section locally abutting one another, which severely impairs the running smoothness of the line guide and can cause increased wear. On the other hand, turned line guides in which the upper section and the lower section are arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of curvature of the C-shaped arcuate guide region of the line guide occupy a considerable structural height. This, however, generally limits the movement of the guide device towards the seating surface of the appliance or machine comprising the guide device, which thus limits the range of application of the appliance or, respectively, machine. SUMMARY

[0004] The task on which the invention is based is to improve a guide device of this kind or, respectively, an appliance or machine having such a guide device in that the C-shaped arcuate guide region of the guide device is movable over a larger angle of rotation about its axis of curvature, if necessary in the case of a narrow space with respect to the ground clearance of the appliance or machine comprising the guide device and also in the case of a larger longitudinal extension of the line guide, and to provide good running smoothness.

[0005] This task is solved by a guide device with a line guide according to the invention or, respectively, by an appliance or machine comprising such a guide device according to the invention.

[0006] According to the application, the guide device has a deflection device with a deflection axis which is arranged in the deflection region of the line guide device and about which the deflection region of the line guide device is guided. Here, the deflection device is preferably coupled on the inside at the deflection region. In this way, in different or preferably all movement positions of the line guide device, the deflection device is arranged in the deflection region of the line guide device and the line guide device is deflected about the deflection device, i.e. guided in the deflection region in abutment on the deflection device. Furthermore, the deflection device is arranged such that its axis encloses an angle, i.e. an angle not equal to 0°, with the axis of curvature of the C-shaped arc-shaped guide region of the guide device, i.e. is arranged obliquely or preferably transversely to the axis of curvature. Furthermore, the line guide device is arranged such that one of its side boundaries faces the curved outside of the concave curvature of the C-shaped arc-shaped guide region. Here, the side boundaries of the line guide device are presented as the upper section and the lower section of the line guide device and preferably the continuous side boundaries of the deflection region and thus extend transversely or in particular perpendicularly to the faces of the upper section and the lower section which face one another. Here, the guide device determines the orientation of the line guide device with respect to its longitudinal orientation by guiding the line guide device. The line guide device is guided in a C-shaped arc-shaped manner with respect to its longitudinal extent by the C-shaped arc of the guide device.

[0007] A particularly small construction height of the line guide device or of the line guide device together with the guide device is provided by the configuration according to the application, since the line guide device with the upper section and the lower section can be said to be "placed onto the side" with respect to the guide region of the C-shaped arc of the guide device, contrary to the conventional arrangement, since the line guide device is arranged with one of its side boundaries facing the C-shaped arc of the guide device. Here, the construction height is the construction height in the radial direction with respect to the axis of curvature of the C-shaped arc. As a result of this, the guide device is able to be moved further in the direction of the mounting surface of the appliance or machine, or the mounting surface does not impede the movement. The mounting surface is here usually the floor of the room, i.e. the space of the building.

[0008] Furthermore, by arranging the deflection device in the deflection region of the line guide device, which is thus also arranged in the deflection region of the line guide device in different movement positions of the line guide device and the line guide device is guided about the deflection device in abutment on the deflection device, a relatively tight and stable guiding of the line guide device is achieved, which thus in particular prevents the upper section and the lower section of the line guide device from abutting on one another and thus from interfering with the operating stability when moving the line guide device, even in the case of a large circumferential extent of the C-shaped arc of the guide device or in the case of a large length of the line guide device.

[0009] Generally within the scope of the present application, the C-shaped arc of the guiding device of the guiding region is referred to as "C-shaped arc of the guiding device" or "C-shaped arc" for short. Generally within the scope of the present application, a "turning region" is understood to be a turning region of a pipeline guiding device.

[0010] Thus, the axis of curvature of the C-shaped arc corresponds to the axis of rotation of the C-shaped arc. The axis of curvature thus lies in the center of the C-shaped arc. In the case of a circular-arc-shaped C-shaped arc, the axis of curvature or, as the case can be, the axis of rotation thus corresponds to the axis of the C-shaped arc, i.e. is arranged at the midpoint of the C-shaped arc and is perpendicular to the main axis of the C-shaped arc.

[0011] The pipeline guide can be configured, for example, as a ring chain, as it occurs in energy guide chains, in which a plurality of individual chain links are connected to one another in an articulated manner and adjacent chain links can be swung relative to one another about a swing axis, wherein the spatial displacement is produced by this swinging. Such chain links are mostly composed of two laterally spaced side parts and an upper and a lower slat, which together define the inner cross section of the pipeline guide. The side parts and the lateral slats can be embodied as individual components or integrally connected to one another, for example in the case of a U-shaped section configured with one lateral slat and two shaped side parts or the like. Here, the chain links (Kettenmitglieder) are preferably swingable about an articulation axis configured by their articulation elements, but are not limited thereto. For example, the individual chain links of the pipeline guide can also be connected to one another in an articulated manner by articulation connections in the form of ball-and-socket joints or in other ways. The pipeline guide can be configured, for example, as a joint pipe with a plurality of pipe sections connected to one another in an articulated manner. However, in general, the pipeline guide can also be configured in one piece or comprise a plurality of longitudinal sections, which each have a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced side tabs or lateral boundaries of the inner cross section and thus also of the pipeline guide itself. Thus, for example, a U-shaped chain link can be provided with an openable or divided lateral slat, which is detachably fastened on a belt extending over the entire length of the pipeline guide or integrally shaped thereon. The aforementioned circulating belt can additionally have the function of a lateral slat and delimit the inner cross section or receiving space of the pipeline guide, wherein the side parts of the sections of the pipeline guide can also be directly shaped on the circulating belt. The pipeline guide can also be embodied, for example, as a deformable tube or hose, for example a slotted tube or hose, wherein the desired flexibility or bendability of the pipeline guide is provided by the slots or corresponding other material notches or material weakenings, wherein the spatial displaceability of adjacent sections of the pipeline guide is configured by this flexibility or bendability. Thus, in general within the scope of the present application, the "displaceability" of the sections of the pipeline guide is not limited to the configuration of a specifically defined articulation region between the aforementioned sections. Thus, in general within the scope of the present application, the spatial displaceability is provided respectively perpendicular and / or transverse to the longitudinal direction of the pipeline guide, wherein "perpendicular" is to be understood here in the direction of the upper section towards the lower section or vice versa. Thus, in general, adjacent, spatially displaceable sections of the pipeline guide relative to one another are preferably spatially displaceable about at least two mutually angled directions, wherein the directions are preferably perpendicular to one another.

[0012] The pipeline guide can have, for example, a circular cross section, i.e. for example the shape of a pipe with a circular cross section, or a rectangular cross section, but is not limited thereto.

[0013] It is particularly preferred according to the guide device of the application that the axis of curvature of the C-arc of the guide device is arranged at an angle of 30° to 150°, preferably 45° to 135° or especially 60° to 120°, particularly preferably approximately 90°, with respect to the direction of gravity. The direction of gravity is usually at the same time the Z-direction of the installation space of the appliance or machine comprising the guide device. The advantages according to the application act here in particular.

[0014] Preferably, the axis of the turning device (especially in the embodiment as a turning roller) and thus also the turning axis of the turning region of the line guide device is arranged at an angle of 30° to 150° or 45° to 135°, preferably at an angle of 60° to 120°, particularly preferably at an angle of approximately 90°, with respect to the axis of curvature of the C-arc of the guide device. Thereby, a stable spatial orientation of the line guide device is provided with its arrangement on the C-arc of the guide device, wherein the line guide device is "placed onto the side" with respect to the guide surface of the C-arc. In moving the line guide device, it is thus avoided that the upper section of the line guide device rubs against its lower section. Thereby, a comparatively small construction height of the line guide device and thus also of the guide device comprising the line guide device is also provided. This is especially the case if the axis of curvature of the C-arc has an angle with respect to the direction of gravity or the Z-axis of the installation space of the appliance or machine comprising the guide device, especially if the axis of curvature of the C-arc is arranged transversely or preferably at an angle of 90° to the direction of gravity.

[0015] Preferably, the C-arc-shaped guide region of the guide device extends over ≥ 50% or ≥ 75%, preferably ≥ 85%, of the longitudinal extension of the line guide device, further preferably over the entire longitudinal extension of the line guide device. The "entire longitudinal extension" of the line guide device is to be understood as its length in the moved state or in the case that the line guide device is arranged with its two opposite ends at their maximum mutual distance, i.e. for example when the two connection devices on the two opposite ends of the line guide device are maximally spaced apart from each other. Thereby, the line guide device can adapt to the shape design of the C-arc of the guide device over its entire length and is preferably also guided C-arc-shaped by the guide device over said longitudinal extension. Thereby, an arc-shaped movement of the guide device and thus of the consumer arranged on the guide device, which is supplied by the line supplied in the line guide device, can be realized particularly simply. If necessary, for example for other application scenarios, the C-arc of the guide device can also only extend over a partial region of the entire longitudinal extension of the line guide device, for example greater than or equal to 30% thereof or greater than or equal to 50% thereof, especially greater than 75% thereof or greater than or equal to 85% thereof.

[0016] Preferably, the C-shaped arc of the guide device extends over a range of > 90° or > 120° or up to 180° or more.

[0017] The C-shaped arc of the guide device preferably extends in height over at least one portion of the upper section and at least one portion of the lower section, preferably over the entire height extension of the upper section and / or over the entire height extension of the lower section. Here, the "height" of the upper section and of the lower section is determined in the direction in which the upper section and the lower section are arranged one above the other or are spaced apart from one another in height. Thereby, a good and efficient guiding of the pipeline guide by the C-shaped arc of the guide device can be configured, and the upper section and the lower section of the pipeline guide can be guided laterally by the C-shaped arc, i.e. transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the pipeline guide.

[0018] Preferably, the C-shaped arc of the guide device is configured as a rail, which presents a structurally simple and at the same time mechanically stable configuration. The rail preferably extends in the height of the pipeline guide, so that the upper section and the lower section of the pipeline guide can be laterally applied against said rail. Here, the rail can be configured in multiple parts, however also integrally. Here, the pipeline guide guided by the guide device can be laterally applied against the rail.

[0019] Generally within the scope of the present application, the respective end regions of the pipeline guide are preferably connected to respective connection devices in a force-receiving manner. The connection devices can each comprise a force reduction device for one or more pipelines guided in the pipeline guide. One of the connection devices is preferably fixed on a carrier of the pipeline guide, or is movable with such a carrier or is part of such a carrier, wherein by the movement of the carrier the end of the pipeline guide connected thereto is moved. One or the other of the connection devices is preferably configured as a fixed point relative to the pipeline guide, and is preferably fixed on or connected in a force-receiving manner to a holding of an appliance or machine for the guide device. The respective fixing is preferably each carried out such that the orientation of the parts fixed to one another relative to one another is not variable. Within the scope of the present application, the section of the pipeline guide arranged on or fastened to the movable connection element is referred to as "upper section", and the other section of the pipeline guide is referred to as "lower section".

[0020] Preferably, the C-arc-shaped guide region of the guide device extends over at least 50% or particularly preferably > 75% or > 90% or 100% of the longitudinal extension of the line guide in the moving state of the line guide with the maximum spacing between the two end regions of the line guide. Thereby, the C-arc can be moved around the axis of curvature of the C-arc over as large an angular region as possible. Thereby, the range of application of the respective appliance or machine is expanded, since the line guide can be held very precisely in the orientation of the arc defined by the C-arc of the guide device, for example, without the upper section and the lower section thereof coming undesirably into abutment with one another when the line guide is moved. Here, the line guide preferably abuts against the C-arc-shaped guide region of the guide device with > 25% or > 50%, particularly preferably > 75% or > 90% of the total length thereof, or virtually with 100% of the total length thereof. The line guide can abut against the available region in a relaxed manner or also by exerting a certain force against the available region.

[0021] Generally within the scope of the application, the line guide can be guided around the turning device in such a manner that it relaxes against the turning device. The line guide can also be guided around the turning device in the longitudinal direction thereof with the force exerted by the turning device on the turning region of the line guide, so that a further improvement of the guidance of the line guide and a further reduction of the sagging of the sections thereof is produced, since the line guide can be said to be tensioned in the longitudinal direction thereof by the turning device. If necessary, the turning device can abut against the turning region of the line guide with a constant force.

[0022] Generally within the scope of the application, the turning device permanently abuts, for example loosely or if necessary with a force applied, against the turning region of the line guide device at least during some or rather predetermined movement positions of the line guide device, for example over > 50% or > 75% of the movement path of the line guide device, or particularly preferably during the entire movement of the line guide device in the longitudinal direction of the extension of the line guide device. Thus, the turning device is permanently positioned in the turning region of the line guide device during the movement of the line guide device by means of the aforementioned device for changing the orientation of the turning roller, so that the line guide device is guided around the turning device in abutment against the turning device. Thereby, the turning region of the line guide device is stabilized when moving the line guide device. In particular, the line guide device can thereby also be permanently tensioned during some or rather predetermined movement positions of the line guide device or particularly preferably during the entire movement of the line guide device in the longitudinal direction thereof, and preferably simultaneously laterally against the C-shaped arc of the guide apparatus, so that the orientation of the line guide device is defined particularly precisely and for example sagging of segments thereof is effectively reduced. A certain tension is produced, by which possible longitudinal clearances of the line guide device are reduced or eliminated, wherein such longitudinal clearances can for example arise on the basis of clearances in the articulations of adjacent segments of the line guide device, for example in the case of a ring chain or in the case of elastic expansion of the articulation region of the device. Preferably, the force is applied such that the line guide device is tensioned without clearance in the longitudinal direction thereof by the force applied.

[0023] Preferably, even if a plurality of line guide devices are provided, a turning device is provided on each turning region of the line guide devices.

[0024] According to one preferred embodiment, the turning device is generally configured as a turning roller within the scope of the application about which the line guide is turned. Here, the turning roller is preferably freely rotatable about its rotational axis, also referred to as "axis". It is also possible to provide a plurality of turning rollers in the form of an arc arrangement on the holding part. However, other turning devices are also conceivable, for example the line guide device can be moved in sliding motion on a turning part. If a plurality of line guide devices are provided on the guide apparatus, the turning device for each of these line guide devices is preferably configured as a turning roller. The configuration as a turning roller is structurally simple, achieves a precise positioning of the line guide device and if necessary a low-wear implementation when the turning device applies a force in the longitudinal direction thereof on the turning region of the line guide device.

[0025] Preferably, a device for changing the orientation of the deflection device is provided in the longitudinal direction of the line guide device, which positions the deflection device on the deflection region when the line guide device is moved in its longitudinal direction, i.e. holds the deflection device in its position on the deflection region of the line guide device independently of the moving position of the line guide device. Here, the deflection device can be loosely resting on the deflection region or be forced against the deflection region in the longitudinal direction of the line guide device. The aforementioned device is preferably configured such that the deflection device is permanently resting, if necessary in a forced manner, against the deflection region of the line guide device at least during some or rather predetermined moving positions of the line guide device or particularly preferably during the entire moving movement of the line guide device in the longitudinal direction of the extension of the line guide device. By the force, the line guide device obtains a certain pre-tension, so that its spatial arrangement is better defined by the guide device, in particular also by the interaction with the deflection device, and to an increased extent, an undesired sagging of the segments of the line guide device is prevented. Thereby, it is avoided that during the movement of the line guide device, segments of the line guide device undesirably rest against or sag against other segments of the guide device, including other segments of the line guide device, which would impair the running smoothness of the line guide device or increase the wear.

[0026] Preferably, the deflection device is orientation variable during the movement of the line guide device, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the C-shaped arc-shaped guide region of the guide device, so that the deflection region of the line guide device and its spatial arrangement can be stabilized as a whole. During the movement of the guide device, preferably, the deflection device is moved relative to the guide device in the longitudinal direction of the C-shaped arc-shaped guide region of the guide device.

[0027] According to one preferred embodiment, the deflection device is forced to move with the line guide device, i.e. to move with the line guide device when the line guide device is moved due to a given coupling on the line guide device, without the need for an additional device for changing the orientation of the deflection device.

[0028] Alternatively, the device is preferably configured as an actuator-operated device for positioning on the deflection region and, if necessary, also for exerting a force by the deflection device on the deflection region in the longitudinal direction of the line guide device, wherein the actuator can be operated, for example, in a spring-elastic, electric-motor, hydraulic or pneumatic manner. The actuator is separate from the line guide device. By operating the actuator, the deflection device can be exerted with a force relative to the deflection region. Thereby, the orientation of the deflection device can be adjusted in a self-adjusting manner. The actuator can be held on the guide apparatus, for example, on its C-arc, if necessary, with a bearing configured for positioning or exerting a force. The deflection device can also be configured such that it is positioned on its deflection region by a movement of the line guide device, for which it is coupled to the line guide device for orientation change, for example, on the line guide device, so that an additional actuator can be dispensed with.

[0029] Preferably, the region of the guide apparatus, in particular the region of its C-arc, which is contacted or contactable by the line guide device when it is moved, is equipped with a surface that reduces the sliding friction, in order to reduce the sliding frictional resistance when the line guide device is in contact with the guide region of the guide apparatus.

[0030] Preferably, the deflection device is freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis by means of a bearing. The bearing can be held in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the C-arc-shaped guide region of the guide apparatus. Thereby, a structurally simple embodiment is provided, in which the orientation change of the deflection device ensures that it is always in its deflection region when the line guide device is moved. Furthermore, it is thereby ensured in a simple manner that the line guide device can be laterally applied to the C-arc in the event of a longitudinal displacement of the deflection roller bearing. Furthermore, this structure is particularly advantageous in terms of structural configuration and wear minimization when the guide apparatus is moved.

[0031] The turning device preferably suspends the pipeline guiding device at least in height, i.e. extends over at least a portion of the height of the upper section and / or over at least a portion of the height of the lower section. The "height" of the upper section and of the lower section is the extension of the upper section and of the lower section, respectively, in the direction towards the opposite section. By the suspension of the turning device with respect to the suspension area of the pipeline guiding device, the pipeline guiding device is stabilized in its orientation on the turning device in its transverse direction, i.e. in the direction towards or away from the guiding device, and is protected from unintentional spacing from the turning device, i.e. for example from sliding laterally off the turning device. Thus, the turning device particularly preferably suspends the upper section and / or the lower section at least section-wise in height on the side of the pipeline guiding device opposite the guiding region of the C-shaped arc of the guiding device, preferably at ≥ 10% or ≥ 20%, particularly preferably at ≥ 30% or 50% or more of the height of the upper section and / or of the lower section. Additionally or, if necessary, alternatively, the turning device preferably suspends the upper section and / or the lower section at least section-wise in height on the side of the pipeline guiding device facing the guiding region of the C-shaped arc of the guiding device, preferably at ≥ 10% or ≥ 20%, particularly preferably at ≥ 30% or 50% or more of the height of the upper section and / or of the lower section, so that the pipeline guiding device is spaced apart from the guiding device in the turning region, so that its operating characteristics are improved.

[0032] Preferably, a support device is provided for the upper section and / or for the lower section of the pipeline guiding device, which supports the upper section and / or the lower section in the direction towards the respective other section outside the turning region of the respective section, which leads to a more uniform movement of the pipeline guiding device in its longitudinal direction. Thus, the region of the support device supporting the respective section is preferably arranged between the upper section and the lower section, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the support device can be arranged on the upper side of the upper section and / or on the lower side of the lower section. A plurality of support devices can be arranged distributed over the length of the pipeline guiding device. Preferably, a given support device can lie against the upper section and the lower section. If the axis of curvature or, respectively, the axis of rotation of the arc-shaped guiding device is not arranged perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity, the operating characteristics of the pipeline guiding device are improved by the support device, in particular. The support device can be embodied as a rotatable roller, for example, or, if necessary, as a device whose orientation with respect to the holding portion of the support device is not variable or in another suitable form, respectively, which can lie against the upper section and / or the lower section.

[0033] The support device can cause the section to be supported accordingly to hang at least partially in height on the side opposite to and / or facing the guiding region of the C-arc of the guiding device, for which reference is made to the embodiments with respect to the turning device. Thereby, if the line guiding device is arranged in a given mobile position of the guiding device below it with respect to the gravitational device, i.e. for example in its 6 o'clock position, the line guiding device is supported in a direction transverse thereto by the region of the support device through which it is hung.

[0034] The support device can be arranged on the guiding device, in particular on its C-arc, respectively.

[0035] Preferably, the line guiding device is guided by the C-arc of the guiding device, wherein on the side of the line guiding device opposite to the guiding device a holding portion for the guiding device is arranged on the appliance or machine. The holding portion preferably has a C-arc-shaped holding portion section. Preferably, the guiding device is movable in its longitudinal direction with respect to the holding portion. Thus, the line guiding device can be arranged in at least some mobile positions on at least a portion of its longitudinal extension between the C-arc of the guiding device and the C-shaped holding portion section, for example > 25% or > 50%. Thereby, on the one hand, the line guiding device is protected by the two opposite C-arc; on the other hand, the C-arc-shaped region of the holding portion extending in the longitudinal extension of the line guiding device enables an arc-shaped movement of the guiding device, wherein the aforementioned arcs are preferably each implemented as a circular arc.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the holding region of the guiding device in the longitudinal direction of the guiding device is movable on the C-arc-shaped holding portion section in the longitudinal direction of the holding portion section, so that the guiding device can be moved on the one hand with respect to its holding portion and on the other hand the holding portion region for the guiding device on the appliance or machine can also be moved on the C-arc of the holding portion, thereby increasing the total possible movement path of the guiding device in the longitudinal direction of the line guiding device.

[0037] If the holding portion of the guiding device is configured as a C-arc, in particular as a circular arc section, the C-arc region of the holding portion extends over preferably > 30° or > 45° or > 60° and if necessary < 90°.

[0038] The total angle of rotation of the C-arc of the guide device (including the movement of the guide device relative to the holding portion of its C-arc) is preferably > 120° or > 180° or > 195°, without the upper section and the lower section of the line guide device arranged on the guide device abutting against each other. This applies in particular also in the movement position of the guide device when the guide device is moved to the greatest extent relative to the holding portion, in which the free end of the guide device is located between the 12 o'clock position and the 4 o'clock position, for example in the 3 o'clock position, and the guide device is moved counterclockwise, i.e. the line guide device passes through the 12 o'clock position when moving and thus moves overhead (i.e. through the 12 o'clock position).

[0039] Preferably, the line guide device always abuts on the guide device, in particular on its C-arc, with at least a region of one of its side boundaries over its entire movement path. Preferably, the line guide device always abuts on the guide device, in particular on its C-arc, with the entire longitudinal extension of one of its side boundaries over its entire movement path. Thus, preferably in all movement positions of the line guide device, only one and always the same of the two side boundaries abuts on the guide device. Thereby, the exact orientation of the line guide device is always provided, which also ensures better and more uniform movement properties thereof. The constant abutment of the line guide device on the guide device can be ensured, for example, by positioning a turning device on the line guide device in a suitable manner.

[0040] It is particularly preferred that the guide region of the C-arc of the guide device or the guide device as a whole is embodied as a circular-arc section. Thus, when the guide device is moved in its longitudinal direction, the end region of the guide device is also moved on the aforementioned circular arc, and the envelope of the end region of the movement path described or performed by the guide device is thus on the circular arc. In this way, the movement path of a device mounted on the end region of the guide device or the movement paths of two devices mounted on two opposite end regions of the guide device are each located on a circular arc. Thereby, for example, an optimized geometry is provided in order to be able to detect or treat an examination or treatment subject (for example a patient) arranged on the curvature axis of the C-arc from different spatial directions. Thereby, for example, a medical diagnosis can be improved in the case of an examination of a patient. In general, within the scope of the present application, the C-arc of the guide device can however be configured non-circular-arc-shaped, for example in the form of a section of an ellipse or in the form of another arc shape, if necessary.

[0041] Preferably, the C-arc of the guide device (or particularly preferably the guide device) is arranged in a plane with respect to its guide region for the line guide in its entire movement path. The guide device or the C-arc moves in a plane when the guide device moves and thus also its C-arc around the curvature axis of the guide device. This is particularly advantageous if an object (for example a patient) arranged in the center of the guide device or its curvature axis is to be examined by means of a device having at least one or more line guides, for example in a C-arc-shaped roentgen apparatus or MRT apparatus. The object or person having the region to be examined or, if necessary, also to be treated, is then preferably arranged at the intersection of the C-arc and the curvature axis of the guide device. For certain application cases, the C-arc of the guide device can however also have other shape designs and for example also be configured as a part of a helix or spiral, wherein the slope of the helix or spiral is significantly smaller than the radius of the C-arc, for example smaller than / equal to one fifth or smaller than / equal to one tenth thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the guide device has a first and a second connection device, wherein the first connection device is connected with the first end region of the line guide and the second connection device is connected with the second end region of the line guide. The first and the second end region of the line guide are preferably connected in a force-transmitting manner with the respective connection device. One of the two connection devices (for example the first connection device) is preferably connected positionally fixedly with the guide device or in general positionally immovably, preferably permanently, with the guide device in the longitudinal direction of the guide device when moving the line guide. The other connection device (for example the second connection device) is preferably positionally movable with respect to the guide device, for example positionally movable with respect to the guide device and / or with respect to the line guide when moving the line guide, in particular positionally movable with respect to the longitudinal extension of the guide device and / or of the line guide. On or in the region of the first and / or the second connection device, a tension relief device for one or more lines (for example hoses, cables or the like) guided in the inner cross section or receiving space of the line guide can be provided.

[0043] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the guide device has (at least) a second line guide in addition to the first line guide, wherein both line guides, i.e. the first and the second line guide, are connected with a first end region each to the first connection device and both line guides are connected with a second end region each to the second connection device, wherein the first line guide extends from the first connection device in the direction of the first end region of the C-shaped arc of the guide device, while the second line guide extends from the first connection device in the direction of the second end region of the C-shaped arc of the guide device. Thus, the first and the second line guide are arranged opposite to each other on the guide device, i.e. in a loop-like manner. Thus, in the movement of the guide device in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the C-shaped arc of the guide device, one of the two line guides, e.g. the first line guide, is moved in the direction of the end position, in which the lower section of the line guide has the greatest length and the opposite section, i.e. the upper section, has the smallest length, with respect to the movement of the line guide. This movement state of the first line guide shall be referred to here as movement state Imax. Thus, in the movement state of the guide device, in which the first line guide is in the movement state Imax, the movement state is just the opposite, i.e. the lower section of the second line guide is in the movement state Imax with the smallest length and the upper section is in the greatest length. Thus, the first and the second line guide substantially form a closed loop, wherein both line guides extend towards the other end or end region of the guide device. Here, the first and the second line guide are preferably guided by the same guide device; depending on the movement state of the two line guides, a predefined region of the guide device can thus guide a partial region of the first or the second line guide, in particular with respect to the upper section of this line guide. The provision of a common guide device for the first and the second line guide has the advantage that a particularly simple construction and also a construction which only requires a small space is achieved. If necessary, however, it is also possible, albeit less preferred, to provide the first and the second line guide with separate guide regions or separate guide devices, which are, for example, arranged with a high offset with respect to the curvature axis, i.e. are arranged with different axial offsets from the curvature axis. If necessary, the first and the second guide device can also have a lateral offset with respect to each other, i.e. can be arranged on different sections of the curvature axis of the guide device, in particular of the guide device for the first line guide, i.e. can be arranged successively with respect to the longitudinal direction of the curvature axis. If necessary, more than two line guides can also be provided on the guide device.

[0044] By arranging the first and second line guiding devices on the guiding device, a greater number of lines, such as cables or hoses, can be guided from the first connection device to the second connection device. This is, for example, advantageous if the receiving space of the first line guiding device for the lines is occupied and additional lines need to be guided from the first connection device to the second connection device in order to adequately supply the technical device, for example a consumer, on the end region of the guiding device with the medium guided in the lines.

[0045] For embodiments with two or more line guiding devices, the features with respect to the line guiding devices and / or the guiding device and / or the appliance or machine generally apply mutatis mutandis to the remaining embodiments of the application, if necessary taking into account the respective different extension directions of the respective line guiding devices. This also applies mutatis mutandis to the embodiments with only one line guiding device with respect to the embodiments with two or more line guiding devices, if this is not contradicted by this or is not otherwise specified in detail from the context, taking into account the respective different extension directions of the respective line guiding devices. This also applies mutatis mutandis to further devices described within the scope of the application, such as support devices or other devices.

[0046] For embodiments with only one line guiding device, the embodiments with two or more line guiding devices also apply mutatis mutandis, if they are not contradicted by this.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that the two turning devices of the two line guide devices are positioned in the two turning regions of the line guide devices and / or are applied with force in the longitudinal direction of the two line guide devices by a common device. Preferably, the turning devices are configured as turning rollers here. By means of the common positioning device of the turning devices, it is ensured that the two turning regions of the two line guide devices are always arranged in their desired position with respect to the two line guide devices, preferably over the entire movement path of the line guide devices. Thereby, in particular, an undesired change in the orientation of a section of the line guide devices, such as a sagging of such a section, which would impair the smooth running in the movement of the line guide devices, is avoided. In a particularly simple manner, the axes of the turning devices, such as their turning rollers, of the line guide devices can be held at a predefined distance with respect to one another by means of a distance holder. The distance holder can be rigidly configured. Thereby, the overall length of the arrangement of the two line guide devices is defined by the position of the turning devices, wherein each of the line guide devices is guided in its turning region around one of the turning devices in such a way that it rests on this turning device. If both line guide devices are arranged in a loop, the distance holder for the turning devices can also be arranged in the loop, wherein the distance holder can be supported in a floating manner and is guided together by the movement of the line guide devices. The distance holder can be rigidly configured. With regard to the positioning of the turning devices on the turning regions of the line guide devices, reference is also made to the above description, for example, in order to position the turning devices, an actuator can also be provided, here one actuator is coupled with the two turning devices, which are applied with force in different directions together. The actuator can be arranged, for example, between the two turning devices or turning rollers and exerts an expansion force on the two turning rollers and / or their bearings or holding portions in the direction of the distance of the two turning rollers, so that the expansion force holds the two turning rollers at a constant distance from one another and thereby positions the turning devices at the two turning regions of the two line guide devices and / or also applies force to the turning devices in the longitudinal direction of the line guide devices with respect to the turning regions.

[0048] If necessary, a separate turning device can also be provided for each of the turning regions of one or more line guide devices. If necessary, a separate turning device can also be provided for each of the two (or generally more) turning devices in order to position the respective turning device on the turning region of the respective line guide device.

[0049] In the case of an arrangement with at least one or at least two line guide devices and with the steering devices being positioned in the respective steering regions of the line guide devices, the steering devices for the respective steering regions, which are steered about the steering devices, can be moved in different ways. This applies in particular to an arrangement with two line guide devices arranged in a loop, wherein the two steering regions of the two line guide devices are aligned with the end regions of the guide device in opposition and are preferably arranged at a constant spacing in the longitudinal direction of the line guide devices. Preferred embodiments are described below.

[0050] According to a first preferred embodiment U-I, the at least one or at least two steering devices are forced to be guided by the line guide devices steered on said steering devices, i.e. by the movement of one or more end regions of at least one or preferably both end regions of the two line guide devices arranged in a loop, the steering devices are forced to change in their orientation. In the two line guide devices arranged in a loop, the two steering devices arranged on the steering regions can be held in their desired position by a spacing holder arranged in the loop, i.e. between the opposite steering regions. The spacing holder can be at least substantially rigid, it can also be elastically compressible in its longitudinal direction if necessary under the application of force and internally abut on the two opposite steering regions in a force- transmitting manner. The spacing holder can be freely changeable in its orientation with respect to the guide device in its longitudinal direction. The two end regions of the two line guide devices are preferably arranged on or in a force-transmitting manner fixed on a connection device here. The connection device can be fixed in a force-receiving manner on the guide device and thus serves as a carrier or is coupled in a force-transmitting manner on a carrier of the guide device, so that by a change in the orientation of the carrier, the movement of one or more end regions of one or more line guide devices and thus also of their steering regions takes place.

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment U-III, the desired position of at least one or of at least two steering devices of the one or more pipeline guiding devices can be adjusted compensatorily. For this purpose, a sensoric force reception is carried out on the carrier and / or on the fixing point of the one or more pipeline guiding devices and / or on a section of the one or more pipeline guiding devices, and the steering device on the respective steering region of the pipeline guiding device is moved into its desired position with a suitable drive in a compensatory adjustment, in which the force reception is set to be free of force, i.e. with a force action of zero and thus is compensated.

[0052] According to another preferred embodiment U-III, the desired position of at least one or of at least two steering devices of the one or more pipeline guiding devices can be adjusted compensatorily. For this purpose, a sensoric force reception is carried out on the carrier and / or on the fixing point of the one or more pipeline guiding devices and / or on a section of the one or more pipeline guiding devices, and the steering device on the respective steering region of the pipeline guiding device is moved into its desired position with a suitable drive in a compensatory adjustment, in which the force reception is set to be free of force, i.e. with a force action of zero and thus is compensated.

[0053] According to a further preferred embodiment U-IV, at least one or at least two of the turning devices are positioned in their desired orientation in the respective turning region of the line guide device by means of a spring device spring-prestressed. The spring device can be coupled to the turning device respectively for prestressing the spring and prestress the turning device or rather exert a force on the turning device by means of the spring force, preferably in the line guide longitudinal direction. If one line guide device is provided, the support of the spring prestressing device can be arranged on the guide apparatus or rather on its C-arc, preferably position- fixedly. If two line guide devices are provided which are arranged in a loop, i.e. run towards opposite ends of the C-arc of the guide apparatus, one spring tensioning device can be provided which acts on both opposite turning regions or rather turning devices and holds them in their desired orientation or rather exerts a force in the spacing direction relative to each other by means of the spring force. It is also possible to provide a separate spring prestressing device for each of the turning regions, which for example has a support on the guide apparatus or on its C-arc respectively.

[0054] The invention also comprises an apparatus or machine, in particular a C-arc-shaped roentgen or C-arc-shaped MRT apparatus, having a guide apparatus comprising a line guide device according to the invention. In general, the respective apparatus or machine can be a medical apparatus, such as a diagnostic apparatus, or also an apparatus or machine for material processing, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0055] Preferably, the apparatus or machine has a holding portion for the guide apparatus, wherein the guide apparatus can be moved in its longitudinal direction relative to the holding portion. In general within the scope of the invention, at least one, two or if necessary more line guide devices guided by the guide apparatus are also surrounded by a C-shaped member on the side opposite the C-arc of the guide apparatus, so that the one, two or if necessary more line guide devices are surrounded on both opposite sides by a C-arc-shaped member. The C-shaped member opposite the C-arc of the guide apparatus with respect to the one or more line guide devices, in particular in the embodiment as a C-arc, is preferably a holding portion for the guide apparatus on the apparatus or machine or a part of or connected to the holding portion, or is a part of a housing surrounding the one or more line guide devices, wherein in general the housing can be completely closed or also configured partially open. Thus, in the case of a movement of the guide apparatus relative to the C-shaped member, for example the holding portion part, a telescoping movement, more precisely a telescoping movement with an arc-shaped run, can be performed. In the sense of a holding portion for the guide apparatus, the C-arc of the guide apparatus and the arc-shaped holding portion region or rather the C-arc of the holding portion can here be configured as concentric arcs, in particular as concentric circular arcs.

[0056] The C-shaped member opposite the guide device preferably extends over ≥ 15% or ≥ 25% or, if necessary, ≥ 50% of the longitudinal extension of the one or more line guide devices, which is to be understood as meaning the maximum length of the one or more line guide devices in their fully extended state.

[0057] Generally within the scope of the application, the guide device, in particular the C-shaped arc thereof, can be arranged on a carriage, wherein the guide device is arranged displaceably relative to the carriage in the longitudinal direction thereof. Here, the guide device can be fastened on the carriage. The carriage itself can be arranged on a holding part of the appliance or machine for the guide device, wherein the carriage can be displaceable relative to the holding part in the longitudinal direction of the holding part and / or in the longitudinal direction of the guide device. By arranging the carriage, a distance is created between the C-shaped arc of the guide device and the holding part, in which distance the one or more line guide devices are preferably arranged. Furthermore, by this arrangement, the consumer or technical device arranged on the guide device, which is supplied with a medium by the one or more lines arranged in the one or more line guide devices, can be moved over a larger arc-shaped area, if necessary over the total length of the two C-shaped arcs, which expands the range of use of the appliance or machine.

[0058] Generally within the scope of the application, the axis of the C-shaped arc of the guide device is preferably arranged transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of gravity, i.e. transversely or perpendicularly to the Z-axis of the installation space of the appliance or machine (including the guide device). Preferably, the axis of the C-shaped arc, i.e. the axis of curvature, can have an angle of 30° to 150°, preferably 45° to 135°, particularly preferably 60° to 120° or about 90° to the direction of gravity. In this arrangement, the advantages of the guide device according to the application act in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0059] Preferably, the connecting device for the two first end regions of two pipeline guiding devices (or, if necessary, more than two pipeline guiding devices) is configured as a fixed point (in terms of the movement of one or more pipeline guiding devices), and preferably is fixedly mounted on the retaining part for the guiding device in a position that cannot be longitudinally displaced or is particularly preferred to be fixed in position. Here, the two or more end regions of the pipeline guiding device can be fixed to a common component, and if necessary, can also be arranged on multiple components, which are preferably invariably oriented relative to each other. The connecting elements of the connecting device, which respectively directly hold or fix the end regions of the corresponding pipeline guiding devices, can be arranged spaced apart from each other, wherein this spacing preferably does not change when the guiding device is moved and therefore also when the pipeline guiding device is moved. The two connecting elements can be arranged on one and the same component of the retaining part, or generally on one and the same component of the appliance or machine (e.g., a flange or ferrule), or they can also be arranged on different components of the appliance or machine. Independently or in combination with this, it is also possible to apply to two connecting elements of another (second) connecting device, which, for example, can be arranged on the carrying element of the pipeline guide device to move the pipeline guide device. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The invention is described below by way of example and illustrated with reference to embodiments, and is also described in the accompanying drawings. All features of the embodiments are disclosed independently of each other within the general scope of the invention. Identical components are given the same reference numerals in different drawings. It is shown that:

[0061] Figure 1: A schematic diagram of a guiding device according to the present invention, having a pipeline guiding device in a first (Figure 1A), second (Figure 1B), and third (Figure 1C) moving position.

[0062] Figure 2: In the side view ( Figure 2A Top view () Figure 2B ) and 3D diagram ( Figure 2C A schematic diagram of a guiding device according to the present invention, having two pipeline guiding devices, is shown in the figure.

[0063] Figure 3: In the side view ( Figure 3A Top view () Figure 3B ) and 3D diagram ( Figure 3C A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the guiding device according to the invention, which has two pipeline guiding devices.

[0064] Figure 4: Schematic diagrams of different embodiments UI to U-IV for adjusting one or more steering devices to their desired orientation in the corresponding steering areas of one or more pipeline guide devices ( Figures 4A-4D ),

[0065] Figure 5: Part of an appliance or machine with a pipeline guiding device according to the application and according to a first assembly (Figure 5a) and according to a second assembly (Figure 5b) of a pipeline guiding device. Figure 5A ) and according to a second assembly ( Figure 5B ) of a pipeline guiding device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The appliance or machine 1 according to the application (here exemplarily a C-arc roentgen appliance or a C-arc MRT appliance) comprises a guiding device 5 for a pipeline guiding device 10 (see Figures 1-5) having at least one such pipeline guiding device 10. The pipeline guiding device 10 has a continuous free inner cross section 11 extending in its longitudinal direction for receiving at least one pipeline 12, such as a hose, a cable or the like. The pipeline guiding device 10 has a plurality of segments 13 arranged in succession in its longitudinal direction, which are spatially displaceable relative to each other. The pipeline guiding device 10 is arranged in an assembly having a lower section 14, an upper section 15 and a turning region 16 connecting them, wherein the turning region 16 has a turning axis 16a about which the pipeline guiding device 10 is turned. The pipeline guiding device 10 has two side boundaries 17a, 17b, whose lateral distance relative to each other determines the width of the pipeline guiding device 10, wherein the side boundaries are arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the mutually facing upper and lower sides 15a, 14a of the upper and lower sections 15, 14. The guiding device 5 is constructed at least with its longitudinal segments or over its entire length with a C-arc-shaped guiding region 6, which guides the pipeline guiding device 10 in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline guiding device with said entire length, which C-arc-shaped guiding region has a curvature axis 6a of the C-arc and has an inner curvature 6c of the convex arc and an outer curvature 6d of the concave arc.

[0067] On one end region of the guiding device 5 a holding portion 76 for a technical device 75, such as a consumer, is provided, which is supplied with pipelines guided by one or more pipeline guiding devices 10, 100, wherein the pipelines from the appliance or machine are fed from a connection point la.

[0068] According to the subject matter of the application and the Figures 1-5, the guiding device 5 has a turning device 20 with a turning axis 20a, wherein the turning region 16 of the pipeline guiding device 10 is guided around the turning device 20. The axis 20a of the turning device 20 encloses an angle (here an angle of 90°) with the curvature axis 6a of the C-arc-shaped guiding region 6 of the guiding device 5. The angle of the turning axis 20a of the turning device 20 for the pipeline guiding device 10 and the curvature axis 6a of the C-arc-shaped guiding region of the guiding device is here 90°. The curvature axis 6a here corresponds to the axis of rotation about which the guiding device can be turned.

[0069] One of the side borders 17a of the line guide device 10 is arranged facing the outer side 6d of the concave curvature of the C-shaped arc-shaped guide region 6 of the guide apparatus 5. The side border 17a of the line guide device 10, and preferably only this side border, lies against the outer side of the concave curvature of the C-shaped arc-shaped guide region of the guide apparatus when the line guide device is moved over at least one portion of its longitudinal extension, here over the entire movement path or rather the entire movement of the line guide device between its two end points of the movement path, i.e. the maximum movement in one and the other movement direction. The line guide device can here lie laterally against the C-shaped arc of the guide apparatus over ≥ 50% or ≥ 75% or ≥ 90% of its entire length, preferably at least approximately actually over its entire length (for example with the exception of the region of the line guide device on the turning device). The guide apparatus here lies only against the side border of the line guide device, i.e. for example not against the upper side of the upper section or against the lower side of the lower section, which reduces the friction and structural outlay, if necessary also.

[0070] Due to the described structural design, the guide apparatus 5 with the line guide device 10 has only a small structural height, i.e. a small radial extension from the curvature axis of the C-shaped arc of the guide or rather from the rotational axis of the guide apparatus. Thereby, the guide can be moved further in the direction of the installation surface A of the appliance or machine, or rather, the installation surface does not hinder the movement of the guide apparatus with the line guide device in the direction of the installation surface and beyond the installation surface, i.e. in the direction of the 3 o'clock position from the 6 o'clock position U6. Furthermore, it is thereby avoided that the upper section sags and can lie against the lower section in the case of a line guide apparatus arranged "overhead" (i.e. in the 2 o'clock position U12), as is the case conventionally, since the line guide device is "placed to the side" (i.e. is supported laterally on the guide apparatus).

[0071] Here, the C-shaped arc-shaped guide region 6 of the guide apparatus 5 extends over ≥ 50% (more precisely 100%) of the longitudinal extension of the line guide device 10 in the movement state of the line guide device with the maximum spacing of the two end region 10a, 10b of the line guide device 10 relative to one another (in both movement directions of the line guide device).

[0072] Here, a device 25 for changing the orientation of the turning device 20 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline guide device 10, which positions the turning device 20 in its position on the turning region 16 of the pipeline guide device 10 independently of the moving position of the pipeline guide device 10. This is achieved here in that the turning device 20 is arranged and fastened on the guide apparatus and the guide apparatus thus positions the turning device 20 on the turning region 16. For setting the position, the turning device can be displaced in its longitudinal direction relative to the guide apparatus, for example manually, and can be fixed, more precisely fastened, in its desired position relative to the guide apparatus. However, the positioning of the turning device 20 can also be achieved in other ways, so that according to an alternative embodiment, for example, the turning device can be positioned on the turning region by an actuator, wherein the actuator is actuated, for example, depending on the moving position of the guide apparatus and / or of the pipeline guide device.

[0073] The turning device 20 is rotatably supported by means of a bearing 21. The bearing 21 is here held in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the C-shaped arc-shaped guide region of the guide apparatus. The turning device 20 is here configured as a rotatable turning roller.

[0074] Here, the turning device 20 suspends the pipeline guide device 10 about the upper section and the lower section over a part of their height, according to this embodiment about 25% of their height, respectively, for which the turning device configured as a turning roller has a radially outer face which is trough-shaped, around which the pipeline guide device is turned, so that the pipeline guide device is arranged in the trough.

[0075] Furthermore, a support device 28 for the upper section and / or the lower section of the pipeline guide apparatus is provided, which supports the upper section and / or the lower section outside the turning region in the direction towards the respective other section. The support device here rests against the upper section and the lower section, if necessary also only against the upper section or the lower section, wherein a separate support device can be provided for the respective other section. The support device is here configured as a rotatable support roller. The support device suspends the respective section on which it rests in the height of the side, or here both sides, opposite the C-shaped arc of the guide apparatus, for example about 20%. Thereby, the desired orientation of the pipeline guide device is additionally stabilized in the case where the rotation axis of the C-shaped arc of the guide apparatus is arranged perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity, however especially in the inclined position relative to the direction of the force of gravity, i.e. at a non-perpendicular angle. The support roller can be configured like the turning roller.

[0076] The pipeline guide device 10 always has at least one region of one of its side boundaries 17a, here actually over the entire longitudinal extension of the side boundary, resting on the guide apparatus 5 over its entire moving path.

[0077] The C-shaped arc of the guide region 6 of the guide device 5 is embodied as a circular arc. The C-shaped arc of the guide region 6 of the guide device is arranged in one plane.

[0078] The guide device 5 has a first connection device 30 and a second connection device 35, wherein the first connection device 30 is connected with the first end of the line guide device 10 and the second connection device 35 is connected with the second end of the line guide device 10. Here, the first connection device 30 is azimuthally variable with respect to the guide device 5 and thus also with respect to its C-shaped guide region 6 and is arranged on or rather fixed on a holding part for the guide device of an appliance or machine, for example, wherein the guide device is movable with respect to the holding part. The first connection device 30 constitutes a fixed point in terms of the movement of the line guide device. The second connection device 35 is arranged positionally fixed with respect to the guide device 5 and its C-shaped arc and rather fixed on the guide device 5. The second connection device 35 is thus a carrier for the line guide device 10 in its movement.

[0079] It is understood that the guided line is guided in a suitable manner from the first connection device 30 to the connection point la of the appliance or machine, which is not shown in the drawing.

[0080] Here, the guide device 5 has, in addition to the first line guide device 10, a second line guide device 100, wherein both line guide devices 10, 100 are connected with their first end to the first connection device 30 and both line guide devices 10, 100 are connected with their second end to the second connection device 35. The first line guide device 10 extends from the first connection device 30 in a direction towards a first end of the C-shaped arc of the guide region 6 of the guide device 5. The second line guide device 100 extends from the first connection device 30 in a direction towards a second end of the C-shaped arc of the guide region 6 of the guide device 5. The aforementioned first and second ends are ends which are opposite in the longitudinal direction of the guide device. Both line guide devices 10, 100 are thus arranged in a loop-like manner.

[0081] The embodiments with respect to the first line guide device 10, including the embodiments with respect to the turning device, are here correspondingly also applicable to the second line guide device 100, taking into account the different extension directions of the two line guide devices 10, 100.

[0082] One or here both of the connection devices 30, 35 has a separate connection element for both line guide devices 10, 100, wherein the two connection elements can be arranged next to each other on the respective connection device. On or in the region of the connection elements, a tension relief device for the line guided by the line guide device connected with the respective connection element is provided.

[0083] The two deflection devices 20, 120 of the two pipeline guide devices 10, 100 are positioned on the two deflection regions 16, 116 of the pipeline guide devices 10, 100 by a common device. This common device is the guide apparatus, more precisely its C-shaped arc. The two deflection devices 20, 120 are applied in relation to their respective deflection regions in the longitudinal direction of the two pipeline guide devices 10, 100, for which purpose, in the simplest case, the deflection devices are positioned on the deflection regions in the force- applying manner at their assembly and this position is then fixed, for example, on the guide apparatus.

[0084] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of different embodiments U-I to U-IV for positioning one or more deflection devices in their desired orientation on the respective deflection region of one or more pipeline guide devices Figures 4A-4D ). The embodiments are presented with the guide apparatus 5 with two pipeline guide devices 10 arranged in a loop, it being understood that the respective embodiments can also be implemented with a guide apparatus with only one pipeline guide device.

[0085] According to the first embodiment U-I Figure 4A ), the two deflection devices 420 are forced to be guided by the pipeline guide devices 410 on which they are deflected, and their orientation is forced to be changed by the movement of the end regions of the two ends of the two pipeline guide devices arranged in a loop which are guided jointly on movable connection devices. The two deflection devices are arranged in the loop of the two pipeline guide devices. The two deflection devices are held in their desired position in relation to each other by a rigid spacing holder 415, and thus in their respective desired position on the deflection region in the case of moving the pipeline guide devices. Thus, the spacing holder moves together with the pipeline guide devices when the pipeline guide devices are moved in one direction.

[0086] According to the embodiment U-II Figure 4B ), the two deflection devices 420 of one or more pipeline guide devices 410 are motorically driven by means of respective drives 430 in order to position the one or more deflection devices on the one or more deflection regions when the pipeline guide devices are moved. In the case of a change in the orientation of the deflection device, the motorically driven drives 430 act directly on the deflection device 420 with the respective deflection region of the deflection axis 420a. The motorically driven drives are electronically controlled by means of a controller 432 in accordance with the detected change in the orientation of the guide apparatus, here in the case of detecting operating parameters of the drives of the guide apparatus. Each of the deflection devices 420 is assigned a separate drive 430 for the change in its orientation; if necessary, a common drive can also be provided by means of suitable coupling mechanisms. The drives are here held in the guide apparatus 5 in an orientation-variable manner.

[0087] According to embodiment U-III Figure 4C ), the desired orientation of the deflection device 420 on the deflection region 416 of the line guide device 410 is adjusted in a compensating manner. To this end, a sensorized force receiver 437 is arranged on the carrier 438 and / or on the fixing point of at least one or both line guide devices, and / or on a section of at least one or both line guide devices. The deflection device 420 on the respective deflection region 416 of the line guide device 410 is moved into its desired orientation by means of a suitable drive 440 in a compensating manner. A common drive can be provided for both deflection devices, which are each controlled in a compensating manner, or separate drives can be provided. Here, a connection device for one or both end regions of the line guide device can be provided, which is not coupled to the guide apparatus, which can generally be the case in the context of the present application.

[0088] According to embodiment U-IV Figure 4D ), at least one or at least two deflection devices 420 with a deflection axis 420a are positioned in their desired orientation on the respective deflection region 416 of the line guide device 410 in a spring-prestressed manner by means of a spring device 450. The spring device can be coupled to the deflection device for spring prestressing and prestress the deflection device with respect to the respective deflection region or exerts a force on the deflection device in the longitudinal direction of the line guide, preferably by means of a spring force. Depending on the arrangement of the bearing of the spring device and the direction of movement of the line guide device, the spring element can be configured as a tensile spring or a compression spring. If two line guide devices 410 arranged in a loop are provided, the spring tensioning device can act on two opposite deflection regions 416 and hold them in their desired orientation, for example in the direction of the spacing of the deflection regions away from one another with a spring force.

[0089] The appliance or machine 1 (Fig. 5) has a holding part 50 for the guide apparatus, wherein the guide apparatus 5 can be moved in its longitudinal direction with respect to the holding part 50. On the side of the line guide device 10 opposite the guide apparatus there is a C-shaped arcuate section 51, which according to the embodiment is also fixed on the holding part 50 and is configured here as a circular arc section. The two C-shaped arcs 6, 51 are arranged concentrically with respect to one another about a curvature axis 6a.

[0090] Here, the guide device 5 is held on the slide 60 and can be moved relative to this in the longitudinal direction of the device 5. The slide 75 is in turn held on the holding portion 50, i.e. on its C-shaped arc, and can also be moved in its longitudinal direction on the C-shaped arc of the holding portion 50. The guide device 5 and the holding portion 50 are thus spaced apart from one another in the radial direction, and one or more line guide arrangements 10, 100 are arranged in this spacing region.

[0091] The C-shaped arc 6 of the guide device extends over approximately 180°. The C-shaped arc of the holding portion extends over approximately 90°. According to Figures 1A and 1C, the end region of the guide device 5, on which the technical device 75 is arranged to which the guided line is supplied, can thus be moved freely over approximately 280°, for which a guide device according to the application with a line guide arrangement is particularly suitable.

[0092] The guide device 5 is held on the appliance or machine 1 such that the curvature axis 6a of the C-shaped guide region 6 is arranged at an angle to the direction of gravity, here at an angle of 90°. The direction of gravity is thus in the main axis of the C-shaped arc 6 of the guide device. Here, the guide device is configured to be able to swing in the event of a change in the angle of the curvature or rotation axis to the direction of gravity, wherein, according to this embodiment, the swing axis extends through the centre of the holding region of the holding portion 50 for the guide device. The holding portion 50 with the C-shaped arc 51 is held together with the guide device 5, and one or more line guide arrangements 10, 100 arranged on this guide device can thus be held swingably on the appliance or machine. By this swinging, the spatial orientation of the one or more line guide arrangements 10, 100 also changes, wherein the configuration of the guide device according to the application stabilises the one or more line guide arrangements in the exact orientation in a particularly suitable manner in different spatial arrangements and ensures a good operating characteristic with low wear of the line guide arrangements.

[0093] Furthermore, the holding portion 50 holding the guide device can, if necessary independently of this or in combination with this, be able to tilt together with the guide device 5 in a plane which is inclined relative to the arrangement plane of the guide device according to Figure 1, i.e. the paper plane in the illustration, such that the guide device is thus tilted out of or into the main plane with respect to the main plane of the guide device according to Figure 1.

Claims

1. A guiding device for a pipeline guiding apparatus, the guiding device having at least one such pipeline guiding apparatus, wherein, The pipeline guiding device has a continuous free inner cross-section extending in its longitudinal direction to receive at least one pipeline, such as a hose, cable, or the like. The pipeline guiding device has a plurality of sequentially arranged, spatially offset sections in its longitudinal direction, and is arranged as an assembly having a lower section, an upper section, and a movable turning region connecting them. The turning region has a turning axis around which the pipeline guiding device turns. The pipeline guiding device has two side boundaries whose lateral spacing relative to each other determines the width of the pipeline guiding device. The side boundaries are arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower faces of the upper and lower sections facing each other. The device is configured with a C-shaped guiding region at least in a longitudinal section or along the entire length of the guiding device, the guiding device using the entire length to guide the pipeline guiding device in the longitudinal direction, the C-shaped guiding region having a C-shaped arc curvature axis in the form of an arc segment and having concave inner curvature and convex outer curvature, characterized in that the guiding device has a steering device with a steering axis, and the steering region of the pipeline guiding device is guided around the steering device, the axis of the steering device forming an angle with the curvature axis of the C-shaped guiding region of the guiding device, and one of the side boundaries of the pipeline guiding device is arranged facing the concave curved outer side of the C-shaped guiding region of the guiding device.

2. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the steering axis of the steering device used for the pipeline guiding device and the curvature axis of the C-shaped arc guiding area of ​​the guiding device is 45° to 135°.

3. The guiding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle between the steering axis of the steering device used for the pipeline guiding device and the curvature axis of the C-shaped arc guiding area of ​​the guiding device is approximately 90°.

4. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The C-shaped arc-shaped guiding area of ​​the guiding device extends over at least 50% or 100% of the longitudinal extension of the pipeline guiding device in a state of movement where the two end regions of the pipeline guiding device are at their maximum distance from each other.

5. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A device for changing the orientation of the steering device is provided in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline guiding device. The device for changing the orientation of the steering device positions the steering device in the steering area of ​​the pipeline guiding device independently of the movement of the pipeline guiding device.

6. The guiding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The steering device is rotatably supported by bearings, and the bearings are longitudinally displaceable and held on the C-shaped arc guide area of ​​the guide device.

7. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The steering device is constructed as a rotatable steering roller.

8. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pipeline guiding device is always in contact with the guiding device by at least one area of ​​one of its side boundaries throughout the entire movement path of the pipeline guiding device.

9. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The C-shaped arc of the guiding area of ​​the guiding device is implemented as a circular arc.

10. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The C-shaped arc-shaped guiding area of ​​the guiding device is arranged in a plane.

11. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guiding device has a first connecting device and a second connecting device, wherein the first connecting device is connected to a first end of the pipeline guiding device, and the second connecting device is connected to a second end of the pipeline guiding device.

12. The guiding device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first connecting device is variably positioned relative to the C-shaped guiding area of ​​the guiding device, while the second connecting device is fixedly positioned relative to the C-shaped guiding area of ​​the guiding device.

13. The guiding device according to claim 11, characterized in that, In addition to the first pipeline guiding device, the guiding device also has a second pipeline guiding device, wherein the two pipeline guiding devices are respectively connected to the first connecting device at their first ends and are respectively connected to the second connecting device at their second ends. The first pipeline guiding device extends from the first connecting device in a direction toward the first end of the C-shaped arc guiding area of ​​the guiding device, while the second pipeline guiding device extends from the first connecting device in a direction toward the second end of the C-shaped arc guiding area of ​​the guiding device.

14. The guiding device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The two steering devices of the two pipeline guiding devices are positioned on the two steering areas of the pipeline guiding devices by a common device and / or are subjected to force relative to the corresponding steering areas of the pipeline guiding devices in the longitudinal direction of the two pipeline guiding devices.

15. The guiding device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The axis of the steering device is held at a predetermined distance from each other by a spacing retainer, and the spacing retainer is arranged in a loop constructed by the first and second pipeline guides.

16. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guiding device is held on the C-shaped retaining portion, and the guiding device can move along the direction of the C-shaped arc of the retaining portion.

17. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pipeline guiding device is guided around the steering device in a loosely attached manner.

18. An appliance or machine having a guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The appliance or machine according to claim 18, characterized in that, The appliance or machine has a retaining portion for the guiding device, and the guiding device is movable relative to the retaining portion in its longitudinal direction.

20. The appliance or machine according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The guiding device is held on the appliance or machine such that the curvature axis of the C-shaped guiding region is arranged at an angle to the direction of gravity.

21. The appliance or machine according to claim 20, characterized in that, The curvature axis of the C-shaped guide region is arranged at a 90° angle to the direction of gravity.

22. The appliance or machine according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The device or machine is constructed as a C-curve Roentgen line device or a C-curve MRT device.

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