Cleaning device for a tomographic installation with an examination tunnel and tomographic installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (10) for tomographic apparatuses (1), in particular MRIs, having an examination tunnel (4). The cleaning device (10) has a nozzle arrangement (12) for applying a liquid cleaning agent to the tunnel inner face (8) facing the tunnel axis, holding means which are designed to hold the nozzle arrangement (12) movably on a structural unit (6) of the tomographic apparatus (1) parallel to the tunnel axis and along the examination tunnel (4), and a control device (18) which is designed to predefine the application of the cleaning agent in dependence on the movement of the nozzle arrangement (12) in a normal cleaning operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for a tomography apparatus having an examination channel. The invention further relates to such a tomography apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As its name suggests, tomography is primarily used to create cross-sectional images of the subject, such as a patient. A variation for creating cross-sectional images is the use of X-ray radiation, such as in computed tomography (CT). Another variation is so-called magnetic resonance tomography (also known as nuclear spin tomography), used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRT). Combined systems are also known, such as positron emission tomography-MRT (PET-MRT), PET-CT, etc. Typically, a tomography apparatus has an examination channel into which the subject is pushed. In computed tomography, this examination channel is formed by a gantry, which holds an X-ray source and typically opposing X-ray detectors on a rotating ring. In magnetic resonance imaging (MR) devices, the examination channel is formed by a ring of magnet coils.

[0003] Especially when examining patients, the cleanliness of the surfaces of the tomography facility is important to avoid contact infection when patients touch the surfaces. However, especially in MRT, the examination channel (in terms of its diameter) is relatively small (typically in the range of 60 to 70 cm) and is also usually relatively long. Therefore, in MR-based tomography facilities (especially for whole-body examinations), channel lengths exceeding 1 meter are common, and lengths exceeding 1.6 meters up to almost 3 meters are also known. This channel length, along with the relatively small diameter, is known to result in relatively poor accessibility to the inner side of the examination channel (i.e., the "inner channel surface").

[0004] Furthermore, modern MRTs have magnetic field strengths exceeding 2 Tesla, and in some cases even 7 Tesla. These magnetic field strengths are typically generated by superconducting magnet coils, but these coils remain conductive and therefore magnetic when the energy supply is disconnected. Due to occupational safety regulations, personnel must not be exposed to magnetic fields exceeding 2 Tesla or to similar exposures caused by time-varying magnetic flux density (e.g., while moving in a scattered field).

[0005] For this reason, cleaning of the MRT is often only performed at relatively large intervals and is costly (especially in terms of time), which can be problematic in clinical operations, for example, due to hygiene requirements and / or scheduling of examination appointments.

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to improve the cleaning of tomographic imaging apparatuses with inspection channels. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This task is solved according to the present invention by a cleaning device having the features of the present invention. This task is also solved according to the present invention by a cleaning device having the features of the present invention. Furthermore, this task is also solved according to the present invention by a cleaning device having the features of the present invention.

[0008] The cleaning device according to the invention is constructed and configured for use in tomography apparatuses, particularly MRT, having an examination channel. The cleaning device thus includes a nozzle arrangement for applying a liquid cleaning agent to the inner surface of the channel facing the channel axis. Furthermore, the cleaning device includes a retaining device configured to movably hold the nozzle arrangement parallel to the channel axis (i.e., the axis around which the examination channel extends) and along the examination channel on a structural unit of the tomography apparatus.

[0009] Therefore, the cleaning equipment is constructed to be self-sufficient, so that the manual application of liquid cleaning agents is not required. Preferably, the cleaning equipment is also completely self-sufficient, so that only an automatic (suitably monitored or controlled by a control device) cleaning process needs to be triggered by the cleaning equipment.

[0010] The term "structural unit" is understood here and hereinafter in particular as a structural component, preferably also accessible from the outside of the tomography apparatus. For example, a structural unit is a patient table on which the patient lies and is moved through the examination channel during normal operation of the tomography apparatus, or a supporting structure for this patient table.

[0011] “MRT” is understood here and in particular as a “simple” magnetic resonance imaging facility, and also as a combined device that also uses magnetic resonance, such as PET-MRT or MR-LINAC (the latter including a linear accelerator for radiation therapy).

[0012] The advantages provided by this invention are that cleaning personnel do not need to go into the inspection channel, and especially due to the nozzle facility, comprehensive cleaning agent application can be achieved with high repeatability (compared to manual application).

[0013] Preferably, the liquid cleaning agent used is a disinfectant or a combination of a "typical" cleaning agent (which typically contains detergent-active substances, such as surfactants) and a "typical" disinfectant (which typically consists mainly of alcohol, etc.).

[0014] In a suitable embodiment, under normal use, the retaining device holds the nozzle assembly on the patient table of the tomography apparatus, preferably such that the nozzle assembly moves with the patient table. In other words, in this embodiment, the nozzle assembly is secured to the patient table by means of the retaining device.

[0015] In an alternative implementation, the retaining device has a track guide. This track guide allows the nozzle assembly to be movably guided within the examination channel, separate from the patient table.

[0016] In a suitable improvement, the retaining device includes a track slider that is connected to the guide rail of the patient table during normal use. In this case, the cleaning equipment, especially the nozzle assembly, is thus movably guided on the guide rail of the patient table during normal use. This allows the nozzle assembly to move independently of the patient table.

[0017] In the case where it has its own track guide, the cleaning device preferably also has a driver that causes the nozzle assembly to move along the track guide and thus through the inspection channel.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the nozzle arrangement is formed by a nozzle head having multiple nozzle openings. These nozzle openings point in different radial directions relative to the axis of motion of the nozzle head. The resulting spray geometry is designed such that the inner surface of the channel to be cleaned can be sprayed in a surface manner (i.e., at least linearly in the radial plane). The nozzle head is arranged, for example, on the axis of the channel. For example, the nozzle head has a diameter of approximately 10 cm.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle arrangement has a retaining bow (or retaining frame) on which a plurality of individual nozzles are arranged. These individual nozzles are distributed along the retaining bow, similar to nozzle heads, and preferably point in different radial directions. This again constitutes the aforementioned spray geometry. In normal use, the individual nozzles are also suitably arranged at a relatively small distance from the inner surface of the channel.

[0020] In suitable variations, the retaining bow is constructed as a circular or arcuate segment. Particularly, the retaining bow is constructed as an arcuate segment when the examination channel is flattened on its underside and has an integrated guide structure for the patient table. In this case, preferably only the patient-accessible surface area of ​​the examination channel, which is not covered by the patient table during normal operation, is coated with cleaning agent. The retaining bow in this case therefore preferably conforms to the shape of the internal contour of the examination channel (at least in the patient-accessible area). This advantageously allows for the arrangement of individual nozzles at at least nearly equal distances from the inner surface of the channel.

[0021] In alternative variations, the bow-shaped part is kept to be polygonal, for example, rectangular.

[0022] In another suitable embodiment, or which forms an invention on its own, the cleaning device (therefore, as an alternative or optional to the nozzle facility) has a wiping facility. This wiping facility is configured to mechanically clean the inner surface of the channel under the action of a (liquid) cleaning agent and / or, especially when combined with a nozzle facility, absorb the cleaning agent. For this purpose, the wiping facility preferably carries a plurality of mechanical cleaning elements. In the case of combination with a nozzle facility, the wiping facility is advantageously supported behind the nozzle facility along the normal direction of advance of the nozzle facility. In other words, the wiping facility is arranged such that it follows the nozzle facility and is therefore preferably capable of distributing, handling, and / or absorbing the applied liquid cleaning agent. This is advantageous because wiping disinfection is generally more effective than pure spray disinfection.

[0023] In the aforementioned inventive implementation, the nozzle assembly may also be absent from the cleaning device. In this case, a retaining device is configured to movably hold the wiping assembly parallel to the channel axis and along the examination channel onto the tomographic imaging apparatus.

[0024] The features of the retaining device described herein with reference to the nozzle facility are preferably also applicable to embodiments in which only the wiping facility exists.

[0025] Preferably, the cleaning apparatus also includes a control device (especially the control device mentioned above), which is configured to pre-determine the movement (e.g., advance speed) of the nozzle facilities and / or wiping facilities through the inspection channel during normal cleaning operation, and thus control the cleaning process. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to pre-determine the application of cleaning agent depending on the movement of the nozzle facilities (relative to the tomographic apparatus) and / or depending on the movement of the wiping facilities. "Application of cleaning agent" should be understood here in particular as being carried out by spraying via the nozzle facilities and by mechanical coating, such as by means of the impregnated cleaning elements of the wiping facilities.

[0026] "Depending on the movement of the nozzle apparatus" is understood here and hereinafter in particular as depending on the positioning of the nozzle apparatus within the inspection channel and / or on the advance speed of the nozzle apparatus as it moves through the inspection channel to pre-determine the application of cleaning agent. Dependence on positioning can be advantageous, for example, when the inner surface of the channel is an irregular surface, thus requiring more cleaning agent to be applied at some points. Dependence on speed is achieved, for example, by pre-determining a relatively higher cleaning agent flow rate at higher advance speeds than at lower advance speeds, especially to always achieve as uniform a coating per unit area as possible (in terms of the amount of cleaning agent).

[0027] In suitable implementations, particularly where (especially separate) nozzle facilities are absent, the cleaning element of the wiping facility, preferably each of a plurality of cleaning elements if necessary, is connected to a cleaning agent supply unit, for example, to a line (especially a hose, etc.) leading to the corresponding cleaning element, so that the corresponding cleaning element (preferably a sponge, brush, cloth, etc. in this case) (especially automatically) can be soaked in cleaning agent for application. However, in principle, it is also possible and optional to implement the system such that, preferably, the corresponding cleaning agent is manually soaked during normal operation before the wiping facility is moved into the inspection channel.

[0028] In the above scenario, where the corresponding cleaning element is soaked through a line leading to it, the opening of the line is suitably constructed as a nozzle type, allowing the cleaning element to remain sufficiently wetted to enable continuous coating of the cleaning agent onto the inner surface of the channel. Here, a wide-slit nozzle or an adjustable nozzle type can be selected to allow the cleaning agent to be introduced into the corresponding cleaning element over the largest possible area and / or in the most complete possible manner of wetting or saturation.

[0029] The control device is preferably formed, at least within the core, by a microcontroller having a processor and data storage, within which the functionality for performing the cleaning process is implemented in the form of running software (firmware). The cleaning process can suitably be executed automatically (interacting with the operator if necessary) while the running software is implemented within the microcontroller. Optionally, this running software is integrated into a higher-level control device, for example, into a tomography apparatus, thereby forming the control device of the cleaning equipment through the control device of the tomography apparatus. The control device can also be formed within the scope of the invention by non-programmable electronic components, such as by an ASIC, wherein the functionality for performing the cleaning process is implemented using circuitry devices. Alternatively, within the scope of the invention, embodiments are also conceivable and provided in which the control device is implemented mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically. In this case, the application of cleaning agent is suitably driven by the movement (especially propulsive movement) of a nozzle or wiping device, for example by means of a motion receiver (e.g., a friction wheel, a push rod, a push rod, etc.), which, in normal use, contacts the tomography apparatus and causes the application of cleaning agent and / or the movement of the wiping device. Alternatively, the movement of this nozzle or wiping device can also be performed manually (especially by moving the nozzle and / or wiping device within the inspection channel) by the operator.

[0030] In suitable design schemes, especially for cases where the device keeps the nozzle or wiping device on the patient table of the computed tomography facility during normal use, the control device is integrated into the (especially the higher-level) control device of the computed tomography facility.

[0031] Furthermore, the optional drive unit of the track guide unit associated with the cleaning equipment is appropriately associated with the control device in terms of control technology.

[0032] Optionally, the distance (along the propulsion direction) between the nozzle assembly and the wiping assembly is selected such that a sufficiently long action time is achieved for the liquid cleaning agent at a predetermined propulsion speed. Additionally or alternatively, the control device is designed and configured to pre-determine different propulsion speeds depending on the distance and the recommended action time (which often depends on the type of cleaning agent used).

[0033] The wiping device is preferably a second (e.g., circular or polygonal) retaining bow, which is guided in particular together with the nozzle device. A sponge, cloth, brush, and / or scraper lip (also colloquially referred to as a "rubber lip") are arranged on this second retaining bow as cleaning elements, suitable for distributing or absorbing cleaning agents, especially suitable for wiping disinfection. In alternative variations, the sponge, cloth, or brush (if necessary, connected to the aforementioned cleaning agent supply unit) is arranged in the pushing direction (or thrusting direction) in front of the scraper lip (or alternatively, simply a scraper lip conforming to the contour shape of the inner surface of the channel).

[0034] In another alternative embodiment of the nozzle facility (which can also be used when a wiping facility is present), the nozzle facility is not configured for spraying cleaning agent as described above, but is used for "mechanical" application, similar to the aforementioned variants of the wiping facility. For this purpose, the nozzle facility includes one application element, or optionally multiple application elements, which are connected between the nozzle of the nozzle facility and the inner surface of the channel. In each application element, the application element is, for example, a sponge. During normal operation, the application element is impregnated with cleaning agent "on the back side" by means of its respective nozzle, and can be coated onto the inner surface of the channel on the front side by contacting the inner surface of the channel. In this case, the respective nozzles of the nozzle facility are thus configured to deliver cleaning agent to the application element. In the aforementioned spraying application case, the respective nozzles are, conversely, configured to achieve the aforementioned spray geometry on the inner surface of the channel.

[0035] In a suitable improvement, the wiping device has an actuator for mechanically acting on a cleaning element on the inner surface of the channel to perform a movement decoupled from the nozzle device. For example, this actuator includes an electric motor. Alternatively, the actuator is formed by a transmission device, a chute guide, etc., which cooperates with the aforementioned track guide (or a portion of the cleaning channel surface, for example, by means of a friction wheel) so that the cleaning element moves laterally to the pushing motion during the pushing motion.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning equipment includes a storage container, and, if necessary, a collection container for the cleaning agent. During normal cleaning operations, the storage or collection container is preferably located outside the inspection passage. For this purpose, the cleaning equipment includes appropriate connecting devices, particularly associated hoses, to connect the storage container to the nozzle assembly, for example.

[0037] In cases where a collection container is available, a collection trough or similar arrangement can be appropriately installed on the wiping facility, in particular allowing the cleaning agent flowing from the scraper to enter the collection trough and then flow from the collection trough to the collection container. Optionally, a suction device can also be present in this case to "suck" the cleaning agent.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the components of the cleaning equipment that are moved into the inspection channel during normal cleaning operation are constructed of materials that eliminate or at least reduce magnetism, especially ferromagnetism. In particular, these components include nozzle arrangements, wiping facilities if necessary, retaining devices, and wiring for cleaning agents if necessary. This advantageously prevents the components from being attracted by the internal magnetic coils when the cleaning equipment is used in the MRT. Therefore, cleaning of the MRT can be performed while maintaining safety regulations and when no personnel are present near the MRT.

[0039] In an optional implementation, the cleaning equipment may have a UV ray facility as an addition to or alternative to the wiping facility for UV irradiation (for disinfection purposes) of the inner surface of the passage.

[0040] The tomography apparatus according to the invention is preferably configured as an MRT (Mechanical Radiography Unit). The tomography apparatus has an examination channel and the aforementioned cleaning equipment. Therefore, the tomography apparatus has the same features as the cleaning equipment and thus also has the same advantages.

[0041] The conjunction “and / or” here and in the following text is understood in particular as meaning that the features associated by this conjunction can constitute together and can constitute each other as alternatives. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0043] Figure 1A tomographic imaging facility with cleaning equipment is shown in a schematic view;

[0044] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 Another embodiment of the cleaning equipment is shown in the view; and

[0045] Figure 3 A patient table with cleaning equipment is shown in a schematic side view.

[0046] Corresponding parts are labeled with the same reference numerals in all the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0047] exist Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, specifically a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, abbreviated as "MRT 1". MRT 1 has a housing 2, within which a ring-shaped magnet coil is arranged, thus forming an examination channel, abbreviated as "channel 4", at the center of the magnet coil. During normal examination operation, the patient moves through this channel 4 via a patient stage 6 guided on the housing 2.

[0048] A portion of the inner surface 8 of the passageway 4 is accessible to the patient located on the patient table 6. For this reason, it is appropriate to regularly clean, and especially disinfect, this portion of the inner surface 8 of the passageway. The problem here is that, especially according to… Figure 3 As can be seen, channel 4 in MRTs is typically relatively long, often exceeding 1.5 meters when the channel diameter is approximately 60 to 70 centimeters. This makes accessibility for cleaning difficult. Furthermore, in modern MRTs, the magnetic field strength (even in non-operating states due to superconducting materials) is often higher than the permissible workplace load of 2 Tesla, making cleaning by cleaning personnel only possible under extremely difficult conditions.

[0049] For this reason, the MRT 1 is equipped with a cleaning device 10. The cleaning device 10 has a nozzle arrangement 12 configured to apply a liquid cleaning agent (specifically, a disinfectant) to the inner surface 8 of the channel. For this purpose, the nozzle arrangement 12 includes a retaining bow 14 on which a plurality of spray nozzles 16 (also referred to as “individual nozzles”) are arranged, such that the inner surface 8 of the channel to be sprayed (specifically, the portion of the inner surface 8 to be disinfected) can be sprayed in a closed manner. For this purpose, the spray nozzles 16 are oriented in distinct radial directions relative to either the channel axis of the channel 4 or the axis of movement of the patient table 6. In this embodiment, the retaining bow 14 is constructed as an arc segment, so that all spray nozzles 16 (at least approximately) have the same distance from the inner surface 8 of the channel. The cleaning device 10 also has a retaining device (not shown in detail) by means of which the retaining bow 14 of the nozzle arrangement 12 is secured to the patient table 6, specifically to the end of the patient table 6 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 This allows the cleaning device 10, at least the nozzle facility 12, to move through the passageway 4 via the movement of the patient table 6. Therefore, no additional actuator is required.

[0050] Furthermore, the cleaning device 10 has a control device 18, which is illustrated as a "black box" on the patient table 6 in the illustrated embodiment. However, the control device 18 is preferably also integrated as a software component into the MRT's control unit. A storage container 20 for cleaning agents is also included within the illustrated "black box." The control device 18 is configured to control the application of cleaning agents depending on the axial positioning of the patient table 6 and, consequently, the nozzle arrangement 12, and / or the advance speed of the patient table 6.

[0051] In an embodiment not illustrated in detail, the storage container 20 and the suitably associated pump are arranged outside the channel 4, for example, next to the housing 2, and are thus connected to the spray nozzle 16 via connecting lines.

[0052] In a simplified implementation of the cleaning equipment 10, only one spray disinfection is performed on the inner surface 8 of the passage.

[0053] In order to prevent a part of the cleaning device 10 from being attracted (or generally moved) by the magnetic field of the magnet coil, this part of the cleaning device 10, specifically the element that moves into the channel 4 during the cleaning process, is made of a non-ferromagnetic material.

[0054] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cleaning device 10. The retaining bow-shaped member 14 is configured as approximately rectangular in this case. In other aspects, the structure corresponds to... Figure 1 10. Cleaning equipment.

[0055] exist Figure 3Another embodiment of the cleaning device 10 is schematically illustrated. This embodiment includes a wiping device 22 in addition to the nozzle arrangement 12. The wiping device 22 is arranged behind the nozzle arrangement 12 along the advancing direction 24. In other words, the nozzle arrangement 12 is first introduced into the channel 14 as the patient table 6 moves into it. The wiping device 22 has a plurality of cleaning elements held on the retaining bow 26, in addition to the retaining bow 26, where the cleaning elements are in the form of sponges 28. The cleaning elements are either arranged such that a closed contact line or contact surface is formed on the portion of the channel inner surface 8 to be cleaned. Alternatively, the sponge is moved (e.g., rotated) by means of an actuator not shown in detail, enabling a surface-closed wiping of this portion of the channel inner surface 8.

[0056] Upon entering the channel 4, the inner surface 8 of the channel is first sprayed linearly transversely to the advancing direction 24 by the spray nozzle 16, and thus sprayed surface-wise due to the advancing motion. Then, the cleaning agent is wiped off by the sponge 28 after sufficient contact time. The contact time is determined by the advancing speed of the patient table 6 and the distance between the nozzle assembly 12 and the wiping assembly 22.

[0057] In addition to the storage container 20, there is also a collection container 30, in which the cleaning agent absorbed by the sponge 28 is collected. For example, the sponge 28 is connected to a suction device for this purpose.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment (not shown in detail), only the wiping device 22 exists instead of the nozzle device 12. In this case, cleaning agent is supplied to the sponge 28, and the cleaning agent is applied by means of the sponge. In this case, the suction device can also be omitted, and air drying is performed. Other aspects, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described features also apply to wiping facility 22.

[0059] The subject matter of this invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. Rather, other embodiments of the invention can be derived by those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. In particular, the detailed features and design variations of the invention described according to different embodiments can also be combined with each other in other ways.

[0060] List of icon numbers

[0061] 1 MRT

[0062] 2. Shell

[0063] 4 channels

[0064] 6 patient stations

[0065] 8. Inner surface of the channel

[0066] 10 Cleaning equipment

[0067] 12 Nozzle facilities

[0068] 14. Maintain the bow-shaped component.

[0069] 16 Spray nozzles

[0070] 18. Control device

[0071] 20 Storage Containers

[0072] 22 Wiping facilities

[0073] 24. Direction of Advancement

[0074] 26. Maintain the bow shape.

[0075] 28 Sponges

[0076] 30 Collection Containers

Claims

1. Cleaning device (10) for a tomography installation (1) having an examination tunnel (4), the cleaning device having - a nozzle arrangement (12) for applying a liquid cleaning agent to a tunnel inner face (8) facing a tunnel axis, and - a holding device which is designed to hold the nozzle arrangement (12) on a structural unit (6) of the tomography installation (1) parallel to the tunnel axis and displaceably along the examination tunnel (4), the structural unit being a patient table, in a normal state of use, the holding device holding the nozzle arrangement (12) on the patient table (6) of the tomography installation (1) such that the nozzle arrangement (12) moves along with the patient table (6) when the patient table (6) is moved, or wherein the holding device has a rail guide by means of which the nozzle arrangement (12) is guided displaceably within the examination tunnel (4) separately from the patient table (6).

2. Cleaning device (10) according to claim 1, the cleaning device having - a control device (18) which is designed to predefine the application of cleaning agent in a normal cleaning operation in dependence on the movement of the nozzle arrangement (12).

3. Cleaning device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, the holding device having a rail slide which, in a normal state of use, is coupled to a guide rail of the patient table (6). wherein 4. Cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, the nozzle arrangement (12) being formed by a nozzle head having a plurality of nozzle openings which point in different radial directions relative to an axis of movement of the nozzle head.

5. Cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, the nozzle arrangement (12) comprising a holding arc (14) on which a plurality of individual nozzles (16) are arranged, the individual nozzles pointing in different radial directions and being arranged in a normal state of use with a relatively small distance from the tunnel inner face (8).

6. Cleaning device (10) according to claim 5, the holding arc (14) being configured as a circle or as an arc segment.

7. Cleaning device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the holding arc (14) is configured as a polygon.

8. Cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, the cleaning device (10) having - a wiping arrangement (22) which is supported behind the nozzle arrangement (12) in a normal direction of advance of the nozzle arrangement (12) and which is designed to mechanically clean and / or to absorb cleaning agent on the tunnel inner face (8) facing the tunnel axis under the action of the liquid cleaning agent, and - a wiping holding device which is designed to hold the wiping arrangement (22) on the structural unit (6) of the tomography installation (1) parallel to the tunnel axis and displaceably along the examination tunnel (14). wherein ​ ​ wherein, ​ ​ wherein ​ ​ wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 9. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, the tomographic apparatus (1) being an MRT.

10. Cleaning device (10) according to claim 8, wherein, the wiping facility comprising a holding arch on which a plurality of cleaning elements are held, the wiping facility (22) further having a drive for mechanically acting on the cleaning elements (28) on the tunnel inner face (8) for a movement decoupled from the nozzle facility (12).

11. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the reserve container (20) and, if necessary, the collection container (30) for the cleaning agent are outside the examination tunnel (4) in normal cleaning operation.

12. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, in normal cleaning operation, the elements (12, 20, 22, 30) of the cleaning device (10) which are moved into the examination tunnel (4) are composed of a material which eliminates or at least reduces ferromagnetism.

13. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, the cleaning device has a UV radiation device for UV irradiation of the tunnel inner face (8).

14. Cleaning device (10) for a tomographic apparatus (1) having an examination tunnel (4), the cleaning device (10) having: - a wiping facility (22) which is set up for mechanically cleaning a tunnel inner face (8) facing a tunnel axis under the action of a cleaning agent in liquid form, and - a holding device which is set up for holding the wiping facility (22) on a structural unit (6) of the tomographic apparatus (1) which is a patient table in a manner movable along the examination tunnel (4) parallel to the tunnel axis, wherein, the holding device holding the wiping facility (22) on the patient table (6) of the tomographic apparatus (1) in a normal use state in such a way that the wiping facility (22) moves along with the patient table (6) when the patient table (6) moves, or wherein the holding device has a track guide by means of which the wiping facility (22) is guided in a manner movable within the examination tunnel (4) separately from the patient table (6).

15. Cleaning device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the holding device has a track slide which, in a normal use state, is coupled with a guide rail of the patient table (6).

16. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the reserve container (20) and, if necessary, the collection container (30) for the cleaning agent are outside the examination tunnel (4) in normal cleaning operation.

17. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 15, wherein in normal cleaning operation, the elements (12, 20, 22, 30) of the cleaning device (10) which are moved into the examination tunnel (4) are composed of a material which eliminates or at least reduces ferromagnetism.

18. Cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 15, The cleaning device has a UV ray device for UV irradiation of the tunnel inner face (8).

19. Cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 15, the tomographic apparatus (1) being an MRT.

20. Tomographic apparatus (1) having an examination tunnel and a cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. Tomographic apparatus according to claim 20, the tomographic apparatus being an MRT.

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