Rack and cooling method for computed tomography (CT) equipment

Abstract

This invention relates to a frame for a computed tomography (CT) scanner, the frame having a support frame, a rotating bearing, and a rotating frame. The rotating frame is rotatably supported relative to the support frame by means of the rotating bearing about a rotation axis and has a first rotating frame component assembly. The support frame has a fan, a pressure channel, and the first support frame component. The pressure channel has a first pressure channel wall that defines the pressure channel in a first axial direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis. The first pressure channel wall has a first set of openings on the rotating frame side for branching off a first rotating frame airflow from the airflow for cooling the first rotating frame component assembly. The pressure channel has a second pressure channel wall that defines the pressure channel in at least one radial direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. The second pressure channel wall has a first opening for branching off a first support frame airflow from the airflow for cooling the first support frame component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rack for a computed tomography (CT) scanner and a method for cooling a CT scanner. Background Technology

[0002] On the one hand, a large number of electrical and electronic components need to be integrated into the gantry of a computed tomography (CT) scanner. On the other hand, the gantry of a CT scanner should be as small and compact as possible. This results in the formation of high heat levels within the gantry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an alternative to conventional cooling designs for racks used in computed tomography (CT) scanners.

[0004] This invention relates to a rack for a computed tomography (CT) scanner.

[0005] -The frame includes a load-bearing frame, a rotating bearing, and a rotating frame.

[0006] -The rotating frame is rotatably supported relative to the load-bearing frame about a rotation axis by means of a rotating bearing, and has a first rotating frame component assembly.

[0007] -The supporting frame has a fan for generating airflow, a pressure channel for guiding airflow along at least one flow path, and a first supporting frame component, wherein at least one flow path is curved about a rotation axis.

[0008] -The pressure channel has a first pressure channel wall that defines the pressure channel in a first axial direction, which is substantially parallel, and in particular, parallel to, the axis of rotation. The first pressure channel wall has a first set of openings on the rotating frame side, which is designed to branch off a first rotating frame airflow from the airflow. The first rotating frame airflow is configured to cool the first rotating frame component assembly.

[0009] -The pressure channel has a second pressure channel wall that limits the pressure channel in at least one radial direction, wherein the at least one radial direction is substantially perpendicular, in particular, to the axis of rotation, wherein the second pressure channel wall has a first opening that is designed to branch off a first carrier frame airflow from the airflow, wherein the first carrier frame airflow is configured to cool the first carrier frame component.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the first opening group on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side arranged along at least one flow path after the first opening, particularly arranged such that the first opening is before the at least one opening on the rotating frame side and after the fan. Furthermore, it can be proposed that the first opening group on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side arranged along at least one flow path before the first opening, particularly arranged before the first opening and after the fan.

[0011] The fan can be a radial fan, such as a forward-curved radial fan or a backward-curved radial fan. For example, the axis of rotation of a radial fan, especially the axis of rotation of the radial impeller of a radial fan, can be parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating frame.

[0012] One implementation proposes that the first load-bearing frame component is an electronic device, particularly a microelectronic device.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the first supporting frame component is a data processing unit for controlling the rack and / or an image processing unit for processing image data recorded by means of a computed tomography device.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the first load-bearing frame component is a power electronic device and / or a transformer for supplying power to the rack. For example, the first load-bearing frame component may be a filter for filtering electrical interference and / or a choke for supplying power to the rack.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the first load-bearing frame component is a frequency converter, such as a rotary drive for driving the rotating frame to rotate relative to the load-bearing frame about a rotation axis, and / or a braking resistor, such as a braking resistor for braking the rotating frame to rotate relative to the load-bearing frame about a rotation axis.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the rotating frame has a first rotating frame wall, which is arranged following the first pressure channel wall in a first axial direction, and / or the first rotating frame wall limits the rotating frame in a second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is oriented opposite to the first axial direction. In particular, the first rotating frame wall may extend planarly perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0017] Specifically, it can be proposed that the first rotating frame wall has a first set of openings on the pressure channel side, the first set of openings on the pressure channel side being designed to receive the first rotating frame airflow, particularly after leaving the pressure channel through the first set of openings on the pressure channel side and / or during the rotational movement of the rotating frame relative to the supporting frame about the rotation axis.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the rotating frame has a second rotating frame component assembly, wherein the pressure channel has a third pressure channel wall, the third pressure channel wall defining the pressure channel in a second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is substantially parallel to the rotation axis and oriented opposite to the first axial direction, wherein the third pressure channel wall has a second opening assembly on the rotating frame side, the second opening assembly on the rotating frame side being designed to branch off a second rotating frame airflow from the airflow, wherein the second rotating frame airflow is configured to cool the second rotating frame component assembly.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the rotating frame has a second rotating frame wall, which is arranged after the third pressure channel wall in the second axial direction, and / or the second rotating frame wall limits the rotating frame in the first axial direction, wherein the second rotating frame wall has a second set of openings on the pressure channel side, which is designed to receive the second rotating frame airflow, particularly after leaving the pressure channel through the second set of openings on the rotating frame side and / or during the rotational movement of the rotating frame relative to the supporting frame about the rotation axis.

[0020] For example, the first rotating frame assembly may have at least one X-ray radiation source and / or at least one X-ray detector. For example, the second rotating frame assembly may have at least one X-ray radiation source and / or at least one X-ray detector.

[0021] Specifically, it can be proposed that the first rotating frame assembly has a pair of X-ray sources and a pair of X-ray detectors of a dual-source computed tomography (CT) device, or the second rotating frame assembly has a pair of X-ray sources and a pair of X-ray detectors of a dual-source CT device.

[0022] One embodiment proposes that the support frame has a second support frame component, wherein the second pressure channel wall has a second opening, the second opening being designed to branch off a second support frame airflow from the airflow, wherein the second support frame airflow is configured to cool the second support frame component, and wherein the first opening and the second opening are arranged sequentially along at least one flow path.

[0023] One implementation proposes that the second support frame component is an electronic device, particularly a microelectronic device.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the second support frame component is a data processing unit for controlling the rack and / or an image processing unit for processing image data recorded by means of a computed tomography device.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the second load-bearing frame component is a power electronic device and / or a transformer for supplying power to the rack. For example, the second load-bearing frame component can be a filter for filtering electrical interference and / or a choke for supplying power to the rack.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the second load-bearing frame component is a frequency converter, such as a rotary actuator for driving the rotating frame to rotate relative to the load-bearing frame about a rotation axis, and / or a braking resistor, such as a braking resistor for braking the rotating frame to rotate relative to the load-bearing frame about a rotation axis. In particular, it can be proposed that the first load-bearing frame component is a microelectronic device and / or a data processing unit for controlling the rack, and the second load-bearing frame component is a power electronic device and / or a transformer for supplying power to the rack.

[0027] One embodiment proposes that the first opening group on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side arranged along at least one flow path between the first opening and the second opening, particularly arranged before the first opening and after the second opening.

[0028] One embodiment proposes a load-bearing frame having an inclined frame, an inclined bearing, and a support frame, wherein the inclined frame is tiltably supported relative to the support frame about an inclined axis by means of the inclined bearing, wherein the inclined frame has a fan and a pressure channel, wherein the rotating frame is rotatably supported relative to the inclined frame about a rotation axis by means of a rotating bearing, wherein the support frame has a first load-bearing frame component, wherein the first load-bearing frame component is connected to a first opening by means of a conduit for transmitting airflow from the first load-bearing frame, wherein the conduit has a flexible section and / or a rotary joint so as to follow the tilting movement of the inclined frame relative to the support frame.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the rack has a covering for separating the internal area of ​​the rack relative to the surrounding environment of the rack, wherein the internal area of ​​the rack has an intermediate space that extends between the load-bearing frame and the rotating frame and the covering.

[0030] Specifically, it can be proposed that the intermediate space is designed to receive hot airflow from the first rotating frame component group and hot airflow from the first load-bearing frame component, and guide it to the fan.

[0031] Specifically, it can be suggested that the intermediate space is also designed to receive hot airflow from the second rotating frame component group and hot airflow from the second load-bearing frame component, and to direct it to the fan.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method for cooling a computed tomography (CT) scanner.

[0033] -The computed tomography (CT) scanner has a frame, which includes a load-bearing frame, rotating bearings, and a rotating frame.

[0034] -The rotating frame is rotatably supported relative to the load-bearing frame about a rotation axis by means of a rotating bearing, and has a first rotating frame component assembly.

[0035] The load-bearing frame includes a fan, a pressure channel, and a first load-bearing frame component. The pressure channel has a first pressure channel wall that defines the pressure channel in a first axial direction, which is substantially parallel (particularly parallel) to the axis of rotation. The first pressure channel wall has a first set of openings on the rotating frame side.

[0036] -The pressure channel has a second pressure channel wall that limits the pressure channel in at least one radial direction, wherein the at least one radial direction is substantially perpendicular (particularly perpendicular) to the axis of rotation, and wherein the second pressure channel wall has a first opening.

[0037] - This involves using a fan to generate airflow.

[0038] -In this system, airflow is guided along at least one flow path by means of a pressure channel, wherein at least one flow path bends about the axis of rotation.

[0039] -The first rotating frame airflow branches off from the airflow by means of the first opening group on the rotating frame side.

[0040] -The first rotating frame component assembly is cooled by airflow through the first rotating frame.

[0041] -The first supporting frame airflow branches off from the airflow through the first opening.

[0042] -The first load-bearing frame components are cooled by airflow through the first load-bearing frame.

[0043] One implementation proposes that the first load-bearing frame component is an electronic device, particularly a microelectronic device.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be proposed that the rotating frame has a first rotating frame wall arranged after the first pressure channel wall in a first axial direction, and / or the first rotating frame wall limits the rotating frame in a second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is oriented opposite to the first axial direction.

[0045] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the first rotating frame wall has a first set of openings on the pressure channel side, wherein the first rotating frame airflow is received by means of the first set of openings on the pressure channel side, particularly after leaving the pressure channel through the first set of openings on the pressure channel side and / or during the rotational movement of the rotating frame relative to the supporting frame about the rotation axis.

[0046] One embodiment proposes that the rotating frame has a second rotating frame component assembly, wherein the pressure channel has a third pressure channel wall that limits the pressure channel in a second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is substantially parallel to the rotation axis and oriented opposite to the first axial direction, and wherein the third pressure channel wall has a second set of openings on the rotating frame side.

[0047] -The second rotating frame airflow branches off from the airflow by means of a second opening group on the rotating frame side.

[0048] -The rotating frame has a second rotating frame wall, which is arranged after the third pressure channel wall in the second axial direction, wherein the second rotating frame wall has a second set of openings on the pressure channel side.

[0049] -The second rotating frame airflow is received by means of the second opening group on the pressure channel side.

[0050] -The second rotating frame component assembly is cooled by airflow through the second rotating frame.

[0051] One embodiment proposes that the support frame has a second support frame component, wherein the second pressure channel wall has a second opening.

[0052] -The second supporting frame airflow branches off from the airflow by means of a second opening, wherein the first and second openings are arranged sequentially along at least one flow path.

[0053] -The second load-bearing frame components are cooled by airflow through the second load-bearing frame.

[0054] One embodiment proposes that the load-bearing frame has an inclined frame, an inclined bearing, and a support frame, wherein the inclined frame is tiltably supported relative to the support frame about an inclined axis by means of the inclined bearing.

[0055] -The tilting frame has a fan and a pressure channel, while the rotating frame is rotatably supported relative to the tilting frame about a rotation axis by means of a rotating bearing.

[0056] -The supporting frame has a first load-bearing frame component.

[0057] -The first load-bearing frame component is connected to the first opening by means of a conduit for transmitting airflow through the first load-bearing frame, wherein the conduit has a flexible section and / or a rotary joint.

[0058] -In this process, the tilting motion of the inclined frame relative to the supporting frame is implemented.

[0059] -The pipeline follows the tilting movement of the inclined frame relative to the supporting frame by means of flexible sections and / or rotary joints.

[0060] In particular, the tilting motion of the tilting frame relative to the support frame can be implemented by driving the tilting motion of the tilting frame relative to the support frame with the aid of a tilting actuator.

[0061] One embodiment proposes that the rack has a covering for separating the internal areas of the rack relative to the rack's environment.

[0062] -The internal area of ​​the rack has a central space that extends between the load-bearing frame and the rotating frame and the cladding.

[0063] -The hot airflow from the first rotating frame component group and the hot airflow from the first supporting frame component are received by means of the intermediate space and directed to the fan.

[0064] Furthermore, the intermediate space can receive hot airflow from the second rotating frame component group and / or from the second supporting frame component, and direct it to the fan.

[0065] Within the scope of this invention, features described with respect to different embodiments of the invention and / or different categories of claims (methods, uses, devices, systems, apparatuses, etc.) can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention. For example, a claim relating to a device can also be improved by combining features described or claimed in connection with a method, and vice versa. Here, the functional features of the method can be implemented by correspondingly constructed physical components. Attached Figure Description

[0066] The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The representations in the drawings are schematic, strongly simplified, and not necessarily to scale.

[0067] Figure 1 A computed tomography (CT) device with a frame and a cover C is shown.

[0068] Figure 2 The rack of a computed tomography (CT) scanner is shown.

[0069] Figure 3 Another view of the rack used for a computed tomography (CT) scanner is shown.

[0070] Figure 4 A rack for a computed tomography (CT) scanner is shown, wherein the CT scanner is a dual-source CT scanner.

[0071] Figure 5 A frame with a tilted frame is shown for use in computed tomography (CT) scanning equipment.

[0072] Figure 6 Another view of the rack used for a computed tomography (CT) scanner is shown.

[0073] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for cooling a computed tomography (CT) scanner is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 A computed tomography (CT) scanner 1 is shown, having a gantry 20 and a cover C. The CT scanner 1 has a gantry 20 with a tunnel-shaped opening 9. Specifically, a patient can be introduced into the tunnel-shaped opening 9 for examination using the CT scanner 1.

[0075] Figure 2 A frame 20 for a computed tomography (CT) scanner 1 is shown, wherein the frame 20 has a load-bearing frame TR, a rotating bearing DL, and a rotating frame DR, wherein the rotating frame DR is rotatably supported relative to the load-bearing frame TR by means of the rotating bearing DL about a rotation axis DA, and has a first rotating frame component group D1, D2.

[0076] The support frame TR has a fan V for generating an airflow L, a pressure channel P for guiding the airflow L along a flow path LP, and a first support frame component N1. The flow path LP is curved about a rotation axis DA. The pressure channel P has curved guide plates PB, which extend planarly and substantially parallel to the rotation axis DA, for example, to induce a specific air pressure distribution along the flow path LP and / or to counteract turbulence in the airflow L.

[0077] The pressure channel P has a first pressure channel wall W1, which limits the pressure channel P in a first axial direction Z, wherein the first axial direction Z is parallel to the rotation axis DA, wherein the first pressure channel wall W1 has a first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side, wherein the first opening group on the rotating frame side is designed to branch a first rotating frame airflow LZ from the airflow L, wherein the first rotating frame airflow LZ is configured to cool the first rotating frame component groups D1 and D2.

[0078] The pressure channel P has a second pressure channel wall W2 that limits the pressure channel P in at least one radial direction X, Y, wherein the at least one radial direction X, Y is perpendicular to the axis of rotation DA, wherein the second pressure channel wall W2 has a first opening P1 that is designed to branch a first support frame airflow L1 from the airflow L, wherein the first support frame airflow L1 is configured to cool the first support frame component N1.

[0079] The axis of rotation DA is a straight line. The first pressure channel wall W1 extends planarly perpendicular to the axis of rotation DA. The second pressure channel wall W2 extends planarly perpendicular to the first pressure channel wall W1. The first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side includes multiple openings on the rotating frame side, which are arranged sequentially along the flow path. The first rotating frame airflow LZ consists of multiple sub-airflows, wherein each of the multiple sub-airflows flows through a corresponding opening on the rotating frame side in the first opening group on the rotating frame side.

[0080] The first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side, which is arranged along the flow path LP after the first opening P1, specifically arranged such that the first opening P1 is before the at least one opening on the rotating frame side and after the fan V. The first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side, which is arranged along the flow path LP before the first opening P1 and after the fan.

[0081] The support frame TR has a second support frame component N2, wherein the second pressure channel wall W2 has a second opening P2, the second opening being designed to branch off a second support frame airflow L2 from the airflow L, wherein the second support frame airflow L2 is configured to cool the second support frame component N2, wherein the first opening P1 and the second opening P2 are arranged sequentially along the flow path LP.

[0082] The first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side, which is arranged along the flow path LP between the first opening P1 and the second opening P2, specifically before the first opening P1 and after the second opening P2.

[0083] Figure 3 Another view of the gantry 20 for a computed tomography (CT) scanner 1 is shown. The rotating frame DR has a first rotating frame wall WD, which is arranged following a first pressure channel wall W1 in a first axial direction Z, and defines the rotating frame DR in a second axial direction Z2. The second axial direction Z2 is oriented opposite to the first axial direction Z. The first rotating frame wall WD extends planarly perpendicular to the rotation axis DA.

[0084] The first rotating frame wall WD has a first opening group PD on the pressure channel side, which is designed to receive the first rotating frame airflow LZ, especially after leaving the pressure channel P through the first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side and during the rotational motion of the rotating frame DR relative to the carrier frame TR about the rotation axis DA.

[0085] Figure 4 A rack 20 for a computed tomography (CT) scanner 1 is shown, wherein the CT scanner is a dual-source CT scanner.

[0086] The rotating frame DR has a second rotating frame component group D21, D22, wherein the pressure channel P has a third pressure channel wall W3, which limits the pressure channel P in a second axial direction Z2, wherein the second axial direction Z2 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis DA and oriented opposite to the first axial direction Z, wherein the third pressure channel wall W3 has a second opening group PZ2 on the rotating frame side, which is designed to branch a second rotating frame airflow LZ2 from the airflow L, wherein the second rotating frame airflow LZ2 is configured to cool the second rotating frame component group D21, D22.

[0087] The rotating frame DR has a second rotating frame wall WD2, which is arranged after the third pressure channel wall W3 along the second axial direction Z2 and limits the rotating frame DR in the first axial direction Z. The second rotating frame wall WD2 has a second opening group PD2 on the pressure channel side, which is designed to receive the second rotating frame airflow LZ2, particularly after leaving the pressure channel P through the second opening group PD2 and during the rotational movement of the rotating frame DR relative to the supporting frame TR about the rotation axis DA. The second rotating frame wall WD2 extends planarly perpendicular to the rotation axis DA.

[0088] Figure 5 A rack 20 with a tilted frame KR is shown for a computed tomography (CT) scanner 1.

[0089] The load-bearing frame TR has an inclined frame KR, an inclined bearing KL, and a support frame SR, wherein the inclined frame KR is tiltably supported relative to the support frame SR about an inclined axis KA by means of the inclined bearing KL.

[0090] -The inclined frame has a fan V and a pressure channel P, wherein the rotating frame DR is rotatably supported relative to the inclined frame KR by means of a rotating bearing DL about the rotation axis DA.

[0091] -The supporting frame SR has a first load-bearing frame component N1.

[0092] -The first load-bearing frame component N1 is connected to the first opening P1 by means of a conduit PN for transmitting the airflow L1 of the first load-bearing frame, wherein the conduit PN has a flexible section and / or a rotary joint so as to follow the tilting movement of the tilting frame KR relative to the support frame SR.

[0093] The frame 20 has a tilt drive KN, which is designed to drive the tilting motion of the tilt frame KR relative to the support frame SR.

[0094] Figure 6 Another view of a rack 20 for a computed tomography (CT) scanner 1 is shown. The rack 20 has a cover C for separating an internal region 4 of the rack 20 relative to the rack's environment 5, wherein the internal region 4 of the rack 20 has an intermediate space 40 extending between the load-bearing frame TR and the rotating frame DR and the cover C.

[0095] The intermediate space 40 is designed to receive hot airflow from the first rotating frame component groups D1 and D2 and hot airflow H1 from the first load-bearing frame component N1, and guide it to the fan V.

[0096] The intermediate space 40 is also designed to receive hot airflow from the second rotating frame component groups D21 and D22 and hot airflow H2 from the second load-bearing frame component N2, and to guide it to the fan V.

[0097] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for cooling a computed tomography (CT) scanner 1 is shown.

[0098] -The computed tomography (CT) scanner 1 has a frame 20, which includes a load-bearing frame TR, a rotary bearing DL, and a rotary frame DR.

[0099] -The rotating frame DR is rotatably supported relative to the load-bearing frame TR by means of a rotating bearing DL around the rotation axis DA, and has a first rotating frame component group D1, D2.

[0100] The load-bearing frame TR includes a fan V, a pressure channel P, and a first load-bearing frame component N1. The pressure channel P has a first pressure channel wall W1, which limits the pressure channel P in a first axial direction Z, where the first axial direction Z is parallel to the rotation axis DA. The first pressure channel wall W1 has a first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side.

[0101] -The pressure channel P has a second pressure channel wall W2, which limits the pressure channel P in at least one radial direction X, Y, wherein the at least one radial direction X, Y is perpendicular to the rotation axis DA, and the second pressure channel wall W2 has a first opening P1.

[0102] -In this process, fan V generates an airflow M1 L.

[0103] -The M2 airflow L is guided along the flow path LP by means of a pressure channel P, wherein the flow path LP bends around the rotation axis DA.

[0104] -The first rotating frame airflow LZ (M3) branches off from the airflow L via the first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side.

[0105] -The first rotating frame components D1 and D2 of M4 are cooled by the airflow LZ from the first rotating frame.

[0106] -The first supporting frame airflow L1 of M5 branches out from the airflow L through the first opening P1.

[0107] -The first load-bearing frame component N1 of M6 is cooled by the airflow L1 of the first load-bearing frame.

[0108] The rotating frame DR has a first rotating frame wall WD, which is arranged after the first pressure channel wall W1 in the first axial direction Z, and the first rotating frame wall limits the rotating frame DR in the second axial direction Z2, wherein the second axial direction Z2 is oriented opposite to the first axial direction Z.

[0109] The first rotating frame wall WD has a first opening group PD on the pressure channel side. The first rotating frame airflow LZ is received by means of the first opening group PD on the pressure channel side, especially after leaving the pressure channel P through the first opening group PZ on the rotating frame side and during the rotational movement of the rotating frame DR relative to the supporting frame TR about the rotation axis DA.

[0110] The rotating frame DR has second rotating frame component groups D21 and D22, wherein the pressure channel P has a third pressure channel wall W3, which limits the pressure channel P in the second axial direction Z2, wherein the second axial direction Z2 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis DA and oriented opposite to the second axial direction Z2, and wherein the third pressure channel wall W3 has a second opening group PZ2 on the rotating frame side. A second rotating frame airflow LZ2 branches off from the airflow L by means of the second opening group PZ2 on the rotating frame side.

[0111] The rotating frame DR has a second rotating frame wall WD2, which is arranged after the third pressure channel wall W3 in the second axial direction Z2. The second rotating frame wall WD2 has a second opening group PD2 on the pressure channel side. The second rotating frame airflow LZ2 is received by means of the second opening group PD2 on the pressure channel side. The second rotating frame component groups D21 and D22 are cooled by means of the second rotating frame airflow LZ2.

[0112] The support frame TR has a second support frame component N2, wherein the second pressure channel wall W2 has a second opening P2. A second support frame airflow L2 branches off from the airflow L via the second opening P2, wherein the first opening P1 and the second opening P2 are arranged sequentially along the flow path LP. The second support frame component N2 is cooled by the second support frame airflow L2.

[0113] The load-bearing frame TR has an inclined frame KR, an inclined bearing KL, and a support frame SR, wherein the inclined frame KR is tiltably supported relative to the support frame SR about an inclined axis KA by means of the inclined bearing KL, wherein the inclined frame KR has a fan V and a pressure channel P, wherein the rotating frame DR is rotatably supported relative to the inclined frame KR about a rotating axis DA by means of the rotating bearing DL, wherein the support frame SR has a first load-bearing frame component N1, wherein the first load-bearing frame component N1 is connected to a first opening P1 by means of a conduit PN for transmitting the first load-bearing frame airflow L1, wherein the conduit PN has a flexible section and / or a rotary joint.

[0114] The tilting motion of the inclined frame KR relative to the supporting frame SR is implemented. The pipeline P follows the tilting motion of the inclined frame KR relative to the supporting frame SR by means of a flexible section and / or a rotary joint. In particular, the tilting motion of the inclined frame KR relative to the supporting frame SR can be implemented by means of a tilting actuator KN driving the tilting motion of the inclined frame KR relative to the supporting frame SR.

[0115] The rack 20 has a cover C for separating the internal region 4 of the rack 20 relative to the surrounding environment 5 of the rack, wherein the internal region 4 of the rack 20 has an intermediate space 40, wherein the intermediate space 40 extends between the load-bearing frame TR and the rotating frame DR and the cover C.

[0116] The intermediate space 40 receives hot airflow from the first rotating frame component groups D1 and D2 and hot airflow H1 from the first supporting frame component N1, and directs it to the fan V. Furthermore, the intermediate space 40 receives hot airflow from the second rotating frame component groups D21 and D22 and hot airflow H2 from the second support frame component N2, and directs it to the fan V. Specifically, hot airflows HZ and H are formed within the intermediate space 40.

[0117] Hot air is drawn in and cooled by a fan V along its fan axis VA through a water-cooled heat exchanger VH. The fan V is a radial-flow fan, such as a forward-curved or backward-curved radial-flow fan. The fan axis VA is parallel to the rotation axis DA. The fan axis VA is the rotation axis of the radial-flow fan, particularly the rotation axis of the radial impeller. However, implementations not based on a water-cooled heat exchanger and / or not based on a radial-flow fan are also possible.

[0118] In particular, this invention achieves cooling of both the rotating frame component and the load-bearing frame component using only a single fan. This reduces structural space, cost, error susceptibility, and maintenance workload.

Claims

1. A rack (20) for a computed tomography (CT) scanner (1), - The frame (20) therein has a load-bearing frame (TR), a rotating bearing (DL) and a rotating frame (DR). - The rotating frame (DR) is rotatably supported relative to the bearing frame (TR) about the rotation axis (DA) by means of the rotating bearing (DL), and has a first rotating frame component group (D1, D2). - The load-bearing frame (TR) has a fan (V) for generating an airflow (L), a pressure channel (P) for guiding the airflow (L) along at least one flow path (LP), and a first load-bearing frame component (N1), wherein the at least one flow path (LP) is curved about the axis of rotation (DA). - The pressure channel (P) has a first pressure channel wall (W1) that defines the pressure channel (P) in a first axial direction (Z), wherein the first axial direction (Z) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (DA), wherein the first pressure channel wall (W1) has a first opening group (PZ) on the rotating frame side, wherein the first opening group on the rotating frame side is designed to branch a first rotating frame airflow (LZ) from the airflow (L), wherein the first rotating frame airflow (LZ) is configured to cool the first rotating frame component group (D1, D2). - The pressure channel (P) has a second pressure channel wall (W2) that limits the pressure channel (P) in at least one radial direction (X, Y), wherein the at least one radial direction (X, Y) is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (DA), wherein the second pressure channel wall (W2) has a first opening (P1) that is designed to branch a first support frame airflow (L1) from the airflow (L), wherein the first support frame airflow (L1) is configured to cool the first support frame component (N1).

2. The frame (20) according to claim 1. - The first opening group (PZ) on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side arranged along the at least one flow path (LP) after the first opening (P1). - The first opening group (PZ) on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side arranged along the at least one flow path (LP) before the first opening (P1).

3. The frame (20) according to claim 1 or 2. - Wherein the first load-bearing frame component (N1) is an electronic device.

4. The frame (20) according to claim 1 or 2. - The rotating frame (DR) has a first rotating frame wall (WD) arranged following the first pressure channel wall (W1) in the first axial direction (Z). - Wherein the first rotating frame wall (WD) has a first opening group (PD) on the pressure channel side, the first opening group on the pressure channel side being designed to receive the first rotating frame airflow (LZ).

5. The frame (20) according to claim 1 or 2. - The rotating frame (DR) has a second rotating frame component group (D21, D22). - The pressure channel (P) has a third pressure channel wall (W3) that defines the pressure channel (P) in a second axial direction (Z2), wherein the second axial direction (Z2) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (DA) and oriented opposite to the first axial direction (Z), wherein the third pressure channel wall (W3) has a second opening group (PZ2) on the rotating frame side, the second opening group on the rotating frame side being designed to branch a second rotating frame airflow (LZ2) from the airflow (L), wherein the second rotating frame airflow (LZ2) is configured to cool the second rotating frame component group (D21, D22). - The rotating frame (DR) has a second rotating frame wall (WD2) arranged following the third pressure channel wall (W3) in the second axial direction (Z2). - The second rotating frame wall (WD2) has a second opening group (PD2) on the pressure channel side, which is designed to receive the airflow (LZ2) from the second rotating frame.

6. The frame (20) according to claim 1 or 2. - The load-bearing frame (TR) wherein the load-bearing frame has a second load-bearing frame component (N2). - The second pressure channel wall (W2) has a second opening (P2) designed to branch off a second support frame airflow (L2) from the airflow (L), wherein the second support frame airflow (L2) is configured to cool the second support frame component (N2). - wherein the first opening (P1) and the second opening (P2) are arranged sequentially along the at least one flow path (LP).

7. The frame (20) according to claim 6. - The first opening group (PZ) on the rotating frame side includes at least one opening on the rotating frame side arranged along the at least one flow path (LP) between the first opening (P1) and the second opening (P2).

8. The frame (20) according to claim 1 or 2. - The load-bearing frame (TR) has an inclined frame (KR), an inclined bearing (KL), and a support frame (SR), wherein the inclined frame (KR) is tiltably supported relative to the support frame (SR) about an inclined axis (KA) by means of the inclined bearing (KL). - The tilting frame has the fan (V) and the pressure channel (P), and the rotating frame (DR) is rotatably supported relative to the tilting frame (KR) about a rotation axis (DA) by means of the rotating bearing (DL). - The support frame (SR) wherein the support frame has the first load-bearing frame component (N1). - The first load-bearing frame component (N1) is connected to the first opening (P1) by means of a conduit (PN) for transmitting the airflow (L1) of the first load-bearing frame, wherein the conduit (PN) has a flexible section and / or a swivel joint so as to follow the tilting movement of the tilting frame (KR) relative to the support frame (SR).

9. A method for cooling a computed tomography (CT) scanner (1), - The computed tomography (CT) device (1) therein has a frame (20) having a load-bearing frame (TR), a rotating bearing (DL) and a rotating frame (DR). - The rotating frame (DR) is rotatably supported relative to the bearing frame (TR) about the rotation axis (DA) by means of the rotating bearing (DL), and has a first rotating frame component group (D1, D2). - The load-bearing frame (TR) has a fan (V), a pressure channel (P), and a first load-bearing frame component (N1), wherein the pressure channel (P) has a first pressure channel wall (W1) that limits the pressure channel (P) in a first axial direction (Z), wherein the first axial direction (Z) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (DA), and wherein the first pressure channel wall (W1) has a first opening group (PZ) on the side of the rotating frame. - The pressure channel (P) has a second pressure channel wall (W2) that limits the pressure channel (P) in at least one radial direction (X, Y), wherein the at least one radial direction (X, Y) is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (DA), and wherein the second pressure channel wall (W2) has a first opening (P1). - An airflow (L) is generated (M1) by means of the fan (V). - The airflow (L) is guided (M2) along at least one flow path (LP) by means of the pressure channel (P), wherein the at least one flow path (LP) bends about the rotation axis (DA). - Wherein, by means of the first opening group (PZ) on the side of the rotating frame, the first rotating frame airflow (LZ) branches out (M3) from the airflow (L). - The first rotating frame component group (D1, D2) is cooled (M4) by means of the airflow (LZ) of the first rotating frame. - Wherein, the first supporting frame airflow (L1) branches out (M5) from the airflow (L) by means of the first opening (P1). - The first load-bearing frame component (N1) is cooled (M6) by means of the airflow (L1) of the first load-bearing frame.

10. The method according to claim 9, - Wherein the first load-bearing frame component (N1) is an electronic device.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, - The rotating frame (DR) has a first rotating frame wall (WD) arranged following the first pressure channel wall (W1) in the first axial direction (Z). - The first rotating frame airflow (LZ) is received by means of the first opening group (PD) on the pressure channel side of the first rotating frame wall (WD).

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, - The rotating frame (DR) has a second rotating frame component group (D21, D22). - The pressure channel (P) has a third pressure channel wall (W3) that limits the pressure channel (P) in a second axial direction (Z2), wherein the second axial direction (Z2) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (DA) and oriented opposite to the first axial direction (Z), and wherein the third pressure channel wall (W3) has a second opening group (PZ2) on the rotating frame side. - Wherein, a second rotating frame airflow (LZ2) is branched off from the airflow (L) by means of a second opening group (PZ2) on the rotating frame side. - The rotating frame (DR) has a second rotating frame wall (WD2) arranged after the third pressure channel wall (W3) in the second axial direction (Z2), wherein the second rotating frame wall (WD2) has a second opening group (PD2) on the pressure channel side. - The second rotating frame airflow (LZ2) is received by means of the second opening group (PD2) on the pressure channel side. - The second rotating frame component assembly (D21, D22) is cooled by means of the second rotating frame airflow (LZ2).

13. The method according to claim 9 or 10, - The load-bearing frame (TR) has a second load-bearing frame component (N2), and the second pressure channel wall (W2) has a second opening (P2). - Wherein, a second supporting frame airflow (L2) branches off from the airflow (L) by means of the second opening (P2), wherein the first opening (P1) and the second opening (P2) are arranged sequentially along the at least one flow path (LP). - The second load-bearing frame component (N2) is cooled by means of the airflow (L2) of the second load-bearing frame.

14. The method according to claim 9 or 10, - The load-bearing frame (TR) has an inclined frame (KR), an inclined bearing (KL), and a support frame (SR), wherein the inclined frame (KR) is tiltably supported relative to the support frame (SR) about an inclined axis (KA) by means of the inclined bearing (KL). - The tilting frame has the fan (V) and the pressure channel (P), and the rotating frame (DR) is rotatably supported relative to the tilting frame (KR) about a rotation axis (DA) by means of the rotating bearing (DL). - The support frame (SR) wherein the support frame has the first load-bearing frame component (N1). - The first load-bearing frame component (N1) is connected to the first opening (P1) by means of a conduit (PN) for transmitting airflow (L1) through the first load-bearing frame, wherein the conduit (PN) has a flexible section and / or a swivel joint. - Wherein the tilting movement of the tilting frame (KR) relative to the supporting frame (SR) is implemented. - wherein the pipeline (PN) follows the tilting movement of the tilting frame (KR) relative to the support frame (SR) by means of the flexible section and / or the rotary joint.

15. The method according to claim 9 or 10, - The rack (20) therein has a cover (C) for separating the internal area (4) of the rack (20) relative to the surrounding environment (5) of the rack. - wherein the internal region (4) of the frame (20) has an intermediate space (40) that extends between the load-bearing frame (TR) and the rotating frame (DR) and the covering (C), - wherein the hot air flow from the first rotating frame component group (D1, D2) and the hot air flow from the first bearing frame component (N1) are received by means of the intermediate space (40) and directed to the fan (V).

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