Device, method and x-ray system for locking and unlocking position of head of x-ray tube

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method and an X-ray system comprising such a device, the device comprising: a first contact element configured to engage with a first engagement element, a second contact element configured to engage with a second engagement element, a cam element movably disposed, an actuator and a spring attached to the cam element, wherein the cam element is arranged between the actuator and the spring. The first contact element and the second contact element are configured to be movable by the cam element, where the first contact element and the second contact element are configured to be movable between a locked position in which the first contact element is engaged with the first engagement element and an unlocked position in which the second contact element is disengaged from the second engagement element. The second contact element is jointed with the second jointing element; wherein in the unlocked position the first contact element is spaced apart from the first engagement element and the second contact element is spaced apart from the second engagement element. The actuator is configured for rotating the cam element upon activation such that the cam element is configured for moving the first contact element and the second contact element from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of X-ray acquisition, and more particularly to the positioning of an X-ray tube head and the locking of the position of the X-ray tube head for X-ray acquisition. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for locking and unlocking the position of an X-ray tube head and an X-ray system including such an apparatus. Background Art

[0002] In practice, an X-ray system can be attached to a ceiling and includes a ceiling-suspended X-ray holding system, which consists of a carriage that moves along the ceiling in a horizontal plane via X-axis and Y-axis mechanisms provided on a ceiling rail. In addition, the system includes a telescope column that is attached to the carriage. The telescope column can be extended via a Z-axis mechanism also mounted on the carriage. The lower part of the telescope column carries an X-ray tube head. The X-ray tube head includes an X-ray tube, a collimator, an X-ray operation panel mounted on the front of the X-ray tube device, and a base handle for moving the X-ray tube head. The X-ray tube head can move relative to the telescope column along a rotation axis and a tilt axis. The rotation axis mechanism is mounted below the telescope column, and the tilt axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis in the plane of the cross-section of the telescope column. The X-ray system is equipped with a locking mechanism for fixed-axis movement. Each axis mechanism for moving the X-ray device and / or the X-ray tube head is locked by a corresponding locking mechanism. The locking mechanisms used include large components assembled together, and these mechanisms have a limited lifespan due to wear and durability. In addition, the present locking mechanism is very complex and bulky, which causes many on-site problems in X-ray tube positioning due to sliding or rotation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There is a need to optimize the locking mechanism for positioning an X-ray tube head. Specifically, there is a need for an improved component such that the size of the components for the locking device can be reduced. Therefore, it is easy to manufacture and the cost is reduced.

[0004] The object of the present invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated into the dependent claims.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved locking device for locking and unlocking the position of an X-ray tube head such that the locking device has a long durability, i.e., lasts longer, is easy to manufacture, and has a reduced size. In addition, the device provides locking, which includes improved friction and sliding behavior, especially during rotation of the X-ray tube head and / or during adjustment of the locking and unlocking positions.

[0006] It should be noted that any feature, function, and / or element described below with reference to the device is equally applicable to the method and / or the X-ray system including the device, and vice versa. Therefore, any feature, function, step, and / or element described below with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure is equally applicable to any other aspect of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for locking and unlocking the position of an X-ray tube head includes: a first engaging element and a second engaging element; a first contact element configured to engage with the first engaging element; a second contact element configured to engage with the second engaging element; a cam element movably arranged, wherein the first contact element and the second contact element are attached at relative positions on the same surface of the cam element; an actuator; and a spring attached to the cam element, wherein the cam element is arranged between the actuator and the spring. The first contact element and the second contact element are configured to be movable through the cam element, and the first contact element and the second contact element are configured to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first contact element engages with the first engaging element, and the second contact element engages with the second engaging element. In the unlocked position, the first contact element is spaced apart from the first engaging element, and the second contact element is spaced apart from the second engaging element. In this embodiment, the actuator is configured to rotate the cam element when activated, such that the cam element is configured to move the first contact element and the second contact element from the locked position to the unlocked position, whereby the spring is configured to move due to the rotation of the cam element. Specifically, the spring is configured and arranged such that when the actuator moves the cam element, the spring follows the movement of the cam element. In addition, the spring is configured to rotate the cam element due to the restoring force of the spring when the actuator is deactivated, such that the cam element is configured to move the first contact element and the second contact element from the unlocked position to the locked position. In other words, when the actuator is deactivated, the movement of the cam element is generated by the spring, and the cam element is pushed into its normal state by the restoring force of the spring.

[0008] In the context of the present invention, the term "engaging element" should be understood to describe a mechanical component of the device that, when in contact, another component can form a connection therewith during attachment. The connection, i.e., engagement, can be formed in a releasable manner such that the connection can be non-permanent and can be eliminated.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, the term "movably arranged" shall be understood to describe that the cam element can be moved by any other component which is arranged and configured to move the cam element. Specifically, it describes that the attachment of the cam element at the device is arranged in such a way that the cam element is not fixed in its attachment position. Instead, the cam element includes a structural attachment that allows movement, in particular along its central axis. Thus, the cam element can be moved by another component of the device. Specifically, the cam element can be moved or can be stationary, i.e., resting in a position and not moving.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, the term "actuator" shall be understood to describe any component and / or element that can be used to activate the movement of the cam element. Specifically, the actuator can be any kind of element that can be attached to / attached at the cam element such that the cam element can be moved by the actuator. The actuator can be activated electrically and / or manually by the device, the X-ray system, and / or the user, where a combined activation formed by the mentioned electrical activation and manual activation is also feasible.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the term "locked position" shall be understood to describe the position of the device in which the elements of the device are arranged in such a way that the position of the X-ray tube head is locked and the X-ray tube head can no longer move. Furthermore, the term "locked position" shall be understood to describe the position of multiple components of the device in which these components are also locked and can no longer move.

[0012] In contrast, the term "unlocked position" shall be understood to describe any position of the device in which the elements of the device are arranged in such a way that the position of the X-ray tube head can be changed, which means that the X-ray tube head can be moved or is movable. Furthermore, the term "unlocked position" shall be understood to describe the position of multiple components of the device in which these components are also unlocked and can be moved.

[0013] The locked position and / or the unlocked position may not be limited to a specific position. The locked position and the unlocked position can be any position of the elements and / or components allowed by the device. Specifically, the locked position / unlocked position can be any position to which the cam element can be rotated. From the position of the cam element, the cam rotation can result in locking and unlocking within a rotation of around 45° between the locked position and the unlocked position. The angular difference between the two positions can be sufficient such that the rotation of the cam element can cause the contact element to be fully retracted. The locked position and / or the unlocked position can be any position that the X-ray tube head should take, i.e., any position to which the X-ray tube head can be positioned.

[0014] It should be noted that, for better understanding, some embodiments may be described by referring only to one contact element. However, the features described only with respect to the first contact element and / or the first engagement element may also be applied in a similar manner to the second contact element and / or the second engagement element, and vice versa.

[0015] The structural components of the present invention are an actuator, a cam element, a first engagement element, a second engagement element, a first contact element, a second contact element, and a spring. The device achieves two positions for locking and unlocking, where these positions can generally be achieved due to the movement of the actuator, and this movement of the actuator causes the movement of other structural elements of the device in order to arrange the device in the locked position or the unlocked position, and thus arranges its multiple components in the locked position or the unlocked position. Generally, these two positions do not mean that the device is limited to two spatial positions. It should be understood that the mechanical elements of the device can achieve locking and unlocking, where for such a state, the mechanical elements are arranged at specific positions relative to each other. Specifically, an X-ray tube head equipped with such a device can rotate around any angle, especially around +180° and -180°, and the device can lock the position of the X-ray tube head at any desired angle. The present invention allows the device to provide flexibility for the X-ray tube head in such a way that the X-ray tube head assembly can rotate around +180° and around -180°. For example, if the X-ray tube head and the device attached thereto are arranged in an X-ray tube head system (which is arranged at a ceiling suspension system), the X-ray tube head can rotate around +180° and -180° of the telescopic column of the suspension system.

[0016] In this embodiment, especially when the actuator is activated, the cam element can be configured and arranged to be able to rotate around the rotation axis of the cam element, where the rotation axis corresponds to the central axis of the cam element. When the cam element rotates, the contact element follows the cam element, and further details can be described in the following embodiments and Figures 1 to 4 are described. In the locked position, the first contact element and / or the second contact element rests or stops at the engagement element and abuts against the engagement element, where in the unlocked position, the contact element is spaced apart from the engagement element. Activation of the actuator causes the movement of the contact element, where the contact element disengages from the engagement element and thus moves away from the engagement element. In other words, the contact element can be retracted by the cam element and unlocking occurs. On the other hand, when the actuator is deactivated, the spring pushes the contact element back (by movement, such as pushing back the cam element) and towards the engagement element, and brings the device into the locked position, which can also be referred to as the locked state, locked condition.

[0017] In other words, the device can be configured to be attached to the X-ray tube head for locking and / or unlocking the position of the X-ray tube head in the horizontal plane and / or the vertical plane. Specifically, the device can be attached to the X-ray tube head such that it can lock / unlock the position of the rotational axis movement, which means, for example, the rotation of the X-ray tube head relative to the telescopic column in the horizontal plane. For example, the housing, which will be described herein together with other embodiments, can be fixed to the end of the telescopic column of the X-ray tube head. In addition, the X-ray tube head with its components (such as the housing) can be connected to the rotating disk of the device, and the rotating disk will be described herein together with other embodiments. Due to this arrangement, the device can transfer the movement of the X-ray tube head to one or more components of the device, such as to the rotating disk and / or the cam element, and thus can lock / unlock the movement at a certain position of the X-ray tube head. For example, the corresponding locking / unlocking occurs between the engaging element of the device and the X-ray tube head. The engaging element can be fixed to the housing of the device (e.g., by screws) and can remain stationary during the movement of the X-ray tube head. Therefore, the engaging element and / or the housing do not transfer the movement of the X-ray tube head. The contact elements can be configured and arranged such that they perform a linear movement from the central axis and / or away from the central axis towards the engaging element to lock / unlock the position of the X-ray tube head. Therefore, the contact elements can be in indirect contact with the X-ray tube head. When the contact elements can disengage from the engaging element, the X-ray tube head and / or the rotating disk can move, for example, can rotate relative to the telescopic column.

[0018] On the other hand, the device can be attached to the X-ray tube head for the tilting movement of the X-ray tube head, and the X-ray tube head can also be referred to as the α-axis. Specifically, the device can be attached to the α housing, for example, the housing is attached to the α housing of the X-ray tube head such that the rotation of the X-ray tube head relative to the housing is feasible. With the device attached to the X-ray tube head in this way, the position of the X-ray tube head can be locked / unlocked in the vertical plane.

[0019] Therefore, if the device is to lock / unlock the position of the X-ray tube head in the horizontal plane, it can be attached to the rotational axis movement mechanism, and when the device is to lock / unlock the position of the X-ray tube head, it can be attached to the tilting axis movement mechanism. For example, more than one device as described in different embodiments herein can be attached to the X-ray tube head to lock / unlock different positions.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the first engaging element and the second engaging element are arranged above one another in a stacked manner. Thus, the first contact element can be constructed and shaped such that it can only engage with the first engaging element, and the second contact element can be constructed and shaped such that it can only engage with the second engaging element. According to this construction, the device can provide locking and unlocking in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and thus provide locking and unlocking in the backward and forward rotation directions along, for example, the horizontal plane of the X-ray tube head.

[0021] Generally, a plurality of components of the device as described above can be centered on the same axis, which can be the rotation axis of the cam element, i.e., the central axis of the cam element. This means that the actuator, the cam element, the spring, and the first and second engaging elements can be centered on the rotation axis and thus arranged such that their central axes are located at the same rotation axis. In addition, the actuator can be attached to the cam element such that the bolt / pin of the actuator extends through an opening formed in the cam element, where the opening can be formed at the center of the cam element. Specifically, the opening at the center of the cam element can be a through-hole.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact element can be attached to the cam element by a first guiding element extending through a first groove formed at the cam surface, where the second contact element is attached to the cam element by a second guiding element extending through a second groove formed at the cam surface. The grooves formed at the cam element can be elongated through-holes, and the corresponding guiding elements can extend through the through-holes. Thus, the guiding elements can move inside the grooves. Due to the attachment of the contact elements to the guiding elements, the contact elements can follow the movement of the cam element. Therefore, the cam element can transfer the movement around the central axis of the cam element to the contact elements via the guiding elements, such that the contact elements can move between the locked position and the unlocked position, for example, move backward and forward in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cam element. The contact elements are fixedly attached to the guiding elements, for example, these elements are permanently fixed to each other.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first guiding element and / or the second guiding element is at least one of a screw, a pin, or a bolt. The guiding element can fixedly attach the corresponding contact element (the first contact element and / or the second contact element) to the cam element such that when the cam element moves, one or each of the contact elements is directly moved and follows the movement of the cam element.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact element and / or the second contact element may be configured to provide positive locking with the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element. In other words, the device may be configured to provide form-locking (positive locking) between one or more contact elements and the corresponding engagement elements. Thus, the first contact element may engage with the engagement element in a form-fitting manner in the locked position, where the shape of the contact element is adapted to the shape of the engagement element. Specifically, the shape of the contact element (the first contact element and / or the second contact element) may be a positive form, and the corresponding engagement element (the first and / or the second) may have a corresponding negative form. Thus, the device is capable of providing positive locking for positioning the X-ray tube head at all angles for X-ray imaging (and thus for radiographic applications).

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cam surface of the cam element may extend in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the cam element. The first groove may extend circumferentially around the rotational axis of the cam element on the cam surface, and the second groove may be formed at the cam surface and opposite to the first groove, where the second groove may extend circumferentially around the rotational axis of the cam element. The first guiding element may be disposed inside the first groove and may be configured to guide the first contact element along the first groove during the movement of the cam element. The second guiding element may be disposed inside the second groove and may be configured to guide the second contact element along the second groove during the movement of the cam element. In other words, each groove may include a shape forming a so-called slotted profile, where due to the corresponding guiding element disposed inside the groove, the contact element may follow the slotted profile.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cam element may be configured to pull each of the first contact element and the second contact element from the locked position to the unlocked position during the rotation of the cam element. The cam element may also be configured to push each of the first contact element and the second contact element from the unlocked position to the locked position during the rotation of the cam element. In other words, the contact elements are disposed at the cam element such that due to the movement of the cam element (e.g., rotation around the central axis), the contact elements are pushed away from the central axis of the cam element in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cam element, and thus the device is in the locked position. When the contact elements are pushed as far as possible, the contact elements engage with the engagement elements. When the contact elements are pulled, the contact elements are moved (e.g., pulled) in a direction towards the central axis of the cam element, such that the contact elements are configured to move in a direction towards the central axis of the cam element in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the cam element. Thus, the engagement is released and the contact elements are spaced apart from the engagement elements.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contact element may include a rectangular shape. For example, each contact element may be a rectangular rod. The rod extends along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the cam element. The first side of the rod (contact element) is attached to the cam element. The opposite side of the rod is configured and shaped for engaging with a corresponding engagement element. Specifically, the opposite side extends beyond the cam element in a direction away from the rotational axis of the cam element. For the guiding element, at the rod, a through-hole may be formed at the side of the rod attached to the cam element, such that the guiding element can be inserted into the through-hole for attaching the contact element (rod) at the cam element. For example, the guiding element is fixedly attached to the contact element but is movably arranged at the cam element. This embodiment can be applied to all contact elements and / or guiding elements described in other embodiments.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first groove may include an elongated shape having a first end and a second end, and the first groove is formed between the first end and the second end. In addition, the center of the first end of the first groove may be arranged at a first radius extending along the circumferential direction from the rotational axis of the cam element, wherein the center of the second end of the first groove may be arranged at a second radius extending along the circumferential direction from the rotational axis of the cam element. Additionally and / or alternatively, the first radius of the first groove may be greater than the second radius of the first groove. Moreover, the second groove may include an elongated shape having a first end and a second end, and the second groove is formed between the first end and the second end. In addition, the center of the first end of the second groove may be arranged at a first radius extending along the circumferential direction from the rotational axis of the cam element, wherein the center of the second end of the second groove is arranged at a second radius extending along the circumferential direction from the rotational axis of the cam element. Additionally and / or alternatively, the first radius of the second groove may be greater than the second radius of the second groove. The grooved profile of the cam element may be shaped as described above. Specifically, due to the different radii of the ends of each corresponding groove, the grooved profile may extend along the circumferential direction on the cam surface at a variable distance (x) from the central axis of the cam element. The total stroke of the contact element (through the guiding element) inside the groove along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis may be equal to the difference between the first radius and the second radius. This feature can also be applied to the first groove and the second groove.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the actuator may be a rotary solenoid having a central axis arranged at the center of the cam element. The rotary solenoid may be actuated electrically and / or manually. Generally, the actuator may be actuated electrically and / or manually. As an alternative embodiment, the actuator may be any element capable of moving the cam element, enabling it to move and / or transfer the first and second cam elements between a locked position and an unlocked position, and vice versa. For example, the actuator may be a rotary magnet, an electric motor, etc.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the spring can be a torsion spring. Further, in addition, the spring can be attached to the cam element through an opening in the cam element, wherein the opening is spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the cam element. Alternatively, the spring can also be attached to the cam element in a different manner, for example the spring can be attached to a surface of the cam element, which faces the spring, which is a surface opposite to the surface facing the contact element. The spring can be attached to the cam element by welding. On the other hand, the spring can be attached to the cam element by any other structural element, which can be attached to the cam element and is configured to receive a portion of the spring. By attaching the spring to the cam element, the cam element can be forced to move by the reset force of the spring, especially when the actuator is deactivated.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may further include a housing, which is arranged and configured to attach the device to an X-ray tube head. The first engaging element and the second engaging element and the first contact element and the second contact element, the cam element, the actuator and the spring may be arranged inside the housing. In addition, a rotating disk may be arranged in the housing, wherein the rotating disk may be arranged at a surface of the cam element opposite to the surface on which the first contact element and the second contact element are arranged. In addition, the rotating disk is configured and arranged to support the cam element and the first contact element and the second contact element when the cam element and the first contact element and the second contact element are moved. The rotating disk may support the movement of one or each of the contact elements. Specifically, a first supporting element may be arranged at the rotating disk, and the first contact element may be movably arranged at the first supporting element. In addition, a second supporting element may be arranged, and the second contact element may be movably arranged at the second supporting element. In addition, the supporting element may have the shape of a guide rail, so that the contact element may be arranged so that one side (the side or surface facing the cam element) is in the guide rail and can move forward and backward. In the context of this embodiment, forward movement is understood to describe a movement in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis from the contact element (first contact element and / or second contact element) away from the rotation (center) axis of the cam element, thus in the direction of the engagement element in order to engage with the engagement element. A backward movement may be a movement in the opposite direction, thus in the direction of the rotation (center) axis of the cam element away from the engagement element.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotating disk may include a plate and a shaft, wherein the shaft extends in the direction of the housing, so that the shaft can be configured to be attached to the X-ray tube head and the housing. In addition, the plate can be a main disk element, wherein the plate can be arranged at a surface of the cam element opposite to the surface on which the first contact element and the second contact element are arranged. In addition, at the plate, the first support element and the second support element can be attached at a surface of the plate facing the cam element, and this surface (of the plate) is the surface of the plate opposite to the shaft.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first engaging element may include a ring shape, along the inner circumferential surface of which a plurality of first recesses are arranged. In addition, the second engaging element may also include a ring shape, along the inner circumferential surface of which a plurality of second recesses are arranged. Specifically, the first engaging element and the second engaging element are both centered on the central axis of the cam element. The first contact element can engage with at least one of the plurality of first recesses in the locking position, and the second contact element can engage with at least one of the plurality of second recesses in the locking position. Specifically, the recess may include a tooth shape, so that the engaging elements (first and second) may be toothed rings, gears. The size of the recess of the engaging element is adapted to the size of the contact element, so that a shape-fitting positive locking engagement can be formed.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact element may include one end and another end having a first protrusion, the first protrusion being configured to engage with the first engagement element, and the other end being in contact with the cam element. In addition, the first protrusion may extend in the radial direction of the central axis of the cam element along a plane perpendicular to the central axis. In addition, the second contact element may include one end and another end having a second protrusion, the second protrusion being configured to engage with the second engagement element, and the other end being in contact with the cam element. In addition, the second protrusion extends in the radial direction of the central axis of the cam element along a plane perpendicular to the central axis. Specifically, the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion at the corresponding contact element may be formed in such a way that they include a shape formed so that it fits into the corresponding recess of the engagement element. For example, the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion may be a tooth extending from the center of the cam away from the axis of rotation, and the tooth protrusion may fit into the tooth-shaped recess of the engagement element. The size of the recess of the engagement element is adapted to the size of the protrusion of the contact element, so that a positive locking engagement of shape fit may be formed. Specifically, the size of the first protrusion is adapted to the size of the plurality of first recesses, and the size of the second protrusion is adapted to the size of the plurality of second recesses.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion may have a triangular shape and the first engaging element has a corresponding triangular shape configured for engagement with the first protrusion, wherein the second protrusion has a triangular shape and the second engaging element has a corresponding triangular shape configured for engagement with the second protrusion. According to this embodiment, the protrusion may include teeth having a triangular shape and the recess at the engaging element may include a toothed shape such that they form a plurality of teeth having a triangular shape.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device can be configured to lock the position of the X-ray tube in the horizontal plane and / or the vertical plane. Specifically, the device can be configured to lock in two different directions in the horizontal plane, for example in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction in which the X-ray tube head can rotate.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for locking and unlocking the position of an X-ray tube head comprises the following steps. A cam element is provided, which can be moved by an actuator around the central axis of the cam element. When the cam element moves, the first contact element is moved between a locked position and an unlocked position by the cam element. When the cam element moves, the second contact element is moved between a locked position and an unlocked position by the cam element. In the locked position, the first contact element is engaged with the first engagement element. In the locked position, the second contact element is engaged with the second engagement element. When moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, the first contact element is released from the first engagement element. When moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, the second contact element is released from the second engagement element. The actuator is activated so as to rotate the cam element so that the cam element moves the first contact element and the second contact element from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby causing a spring arranged at the cam element to be moved due to the rotation of the cam element. Another step may be to deactivate the actuator so that the movement of the cam element is stopped, and the spring rotates the cam element due to the restoring force of the spring so that the cam element moves the first contact element and the second contact element from the unlocked position to the locked position. The order of the steps may not be limited to the order described above or in any other embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the order of the steps may be changed, wherein only one step may be exchanged with another step, or more than one step may be exchanged by more than one other step.

[0038] In this embodiment, the actuator may rotate the cam element such that the cam element moves the first contact element and the second contact element between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an X-ray tube head may include an X-ray tube, an operation panel, a handle configured to be grasped by a user to move the X-ray tube head, a rotating mechanism configured to move the X-ray tube head in a horizontal plane, and a device for locking and unlocking the position of the X-ray tube head adjusted by the rotating mechanism according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0040] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an X-ray system comprises an X-ray tube head, an X-ray tube head positioning device, and an apparatus according to any embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus is configured to lock and unlock the position of the X-ray tube head adjusted by the positioning device. The apparatus provides the tube head with the freedom to rotate in a horizontal plane and tilt along a tilt axis, so that the tube head can take different positions for radiographic imaging. Specifically, the position of the X-ray tube can be locked and / or unlocked at any angle around +180° and around -180° by the apparatus according to any embodiment of the present invention described herein.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the X-ray system may further include a ceiling, a carriage and a telescopic column. The carriage may be movably attached to the ceiling so as to move along the ceiling along a horizontal plane. The upper end of the telescopic column is attached to the carriage, and the telescopic column may extend along an axis in a direction away from the ceiling, wherein the axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The X-ray tube head is attached to the lower end of the telescopic column, wherein the X-ray tube head may rotate at the lower end of the telescopic column along a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

[0042] It must be noted that embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. Specifically, some embodiments have been described with reference to device type claims, while other embodiments have been described with reference to method type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will know from the above and following descriptions that, unless otherwise notified, any combination of features related to different subject matters, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, any combination between features related to different subject matters, in particular any combination between features of device type claims and features of method type claims, is also considered to be disclosed in the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 An exploded view of a device for locking and unlocking the position of an X-ray tube head according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 2 A bottom view of the device in a locked position is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3A bottom view of the device in an unlocked position is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 A cam element of a device according to one embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 5 An X-ray system according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0048] The aspects defined above and further aspects of the invention are apparent from the examples of embodiment to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to the examples of embodiment.The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples of embodiment but to which the invention is not limited. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The illustrations in the drawings are schematically. It should be noted that in different drawings, similar or identical elements have the same reference signs.

[0050] exist Figure 1, an exploded view of a device 100 for locking and unlocking the position of an X-ray tube head according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device 100 includes a first engagement element 106 and a second engagement element 107, a first contact element 109 configured to engage with the first engagement element 106, and a second contact element 110 configured to engage with the second engagement element 107. The device 100 also includes a movably arranged cam element 111, wherein the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 are attached at opposite positions on the same surface 220 of the cam element 111. The device also includes an actuator 112 and a spring 108 attached to the cam element 111, wherein the cam element 111 is arranged between the actuator 112 and the spring 108. The first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 are configured to be movable by the cam element 111, wherein the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 are configured to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first contact element 109 is engaged with the first engagement element 106, and the second contact element 110 is engaged with the second engagement element 107. In contrast, in the unlocked position, the first contact element 109 is spaced apart from the first engagement element 106, and the second contact element 110 is spaced apart from the second engagement element 107. The actuator 112 is configured to rotate the cam element 111 about a central axis, which is also the rotation axis R of the cam element 111, when activated, so that the cam element 111 is configured to move the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 from the locked position to the unlocked position, whereby the spring 108 is configured to move due to the rotation of the cam element 111. In addition, the spring 108 is configured to rotate the cam element 111 due to the restoring force of the spring 108 when the actuator 112 is deactivated, so that the cam element 111 is configured to move the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0051] The first engagement element 106 and the second engagement element 107 may be arranged above each other so that only the respective contact element 109, 110 may engage with the respective engagement element 106, 107. Specifically, the first contact element 109 may engage only with the first engagement element 106, and the second contact element 110 may engage only with the second engagement element 107. The order of the engagement elements 106, 107 may also be changed so that the first engagement element 106 may be arranged between the cam element 111 and the second engagement element 107, and vice versa.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the first contact element 109 is attached to the cam element 111 by extending through the first guide element 113 formed in the first groove 222 at the cam surface 220 (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 andFigure 3 as shown). The second contact element 110 is also attached to the cam element 111 by a second guiding element 114 that extends through a second groove 221 formed at the cam surface 220 (also as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown).

[0053] The cam element 111 is configured to push each of the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 from a locked position to an unlocked position during rotation of the cam element 111 about the rotation axis R. On the other hand, the cam element 111 is configured to pull each of the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 from an unlocked position to a locked position during rotation of the cam element 111.

[0054] In Figure 1 shown, the actuator 112 is a rotary solenoid that includes a central axis disposed at the center of the cam element 111. Specifically, the actuator 112 is disposed at the central axis of the cam element 111 such that the actuator 112 can cause the cam element 111 to rotate about the central axis. To attach the actuator 112 to the cam element 111, a connecting recess may be formed at the center of the cam element 111, and the actuator 112 can be attached to the recess. The spring 108 is a torsion spring.

[0055] The device may further include a housing 101 that is arranged and configured to attach the device 100 to the X-ray tube head of an X-ray system. The first engaging element 106 and the second engaging element 107, and the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110, the cam element 111, the actuator 112, and the spring 108 are disposed inside the housing 101. In addition, a rotating disk 102 is disposed in the housing 101, where the rotating disk 102 is disposed at a surface of the cam element opposite to the surface 220 where the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 are arranged. The rotating disk 102 is configured and arranged to support the cam element 111 and the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 when the cam element 111 and the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110 are moved. In addition, the rotating disk 102 is a component of the X-ray tube head, particularly a component of the X-ray tube mount, such that the movement of the X-ray tube head can be transmitted to the device 100, and the device 100 can lock and unlock the position to which the X-ray tube head is moved.

[0056] The components of the device 100 are arranged on the same central axis, which is the rotational axis R. Specifically, at least the actuator 112, the cam element 111, the spring 108, and the first engagement element 106 and the second engagement element 107 are arranged such that their centers are at the common central axis (rotational axis R). The cam element 111 rotates about the rotational axis R such that due to the attachment of the contact elements 109, 110 to the cam element 111, the contact elements 109, 110 move in a direction away from the rotational axis R or in a direction towards the rotational axis R along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis R. Moreover, the housing 101, the disk 102 and its shaft 115 and the bearings for transmitting the rotation of the X-ray tube head are arranged on the common central axis that serves as the rotational axis. In addition, the housing 101 can be a component connected to the X-ray system, in particular a fixed element (i.e., a non-moving component) of the X-ray system, a component of the telescopic column (shown in Figure 5 ).

[0057] In Figure 2 , a bottom view of the device 100 in the locked position according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in Figure 2 and in the other figures, the first engagement element 106 includes an annular shape, and a plurality of first recesses 225 are arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the annular shape. Thus, the plurality of first recesses extend in a direction towards the rotational axis R from the inner surface of the engagement element 106, where they specifically extend along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis R. In addition, the second engagement element 107 also includes an annular shape, and a plurality of second recesses (which are not visible in Figure 2 ) are arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the annular shape. Thus, the plurality of second recesses extend in a direction towards the rotational axis R from the inner surface of the engagement element 107, where they specifically extend along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis R. The recesses 225 of the first engagement element 106 and the recesses of the second engagement element 107 include similar shapes. However, the directions along which the recesses 225 extend are opposite to each other (which is shown in Figure 1 , where the toothed ring and the plurality of teeth of the first engagement element 106 extend in a different direction from the plurality of teeth of the second engagement element 107). Thus, locking can be performed in two directions, and thus locking is performed in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.

[0058] The first contact element 109 engages with at least one of the plurality of first recesses 225 in the locked position, and the second contact element 110 engages with at least one of the plurality of second recesses in the locked position.

[0059] As Figure 2As shown, the first contact element 109 includes an end 227 having a first protrusion 226 and another end 228. The first protrusion 226 is configured to engage with the first engagement element 106, and the other end 228 contacts the cam element 111. The first protrusion 226 extends in the radial direction of the central axis R of the cam element 111. The second contact element 110 includes an end 334 having a second protrusion 330 and another end 229. The second protrusion 330 is configured to engage with the second engagement element 107, and the other end 229 contacts the cam element 111. The second protrusion 330 extends in the radial direction of the central axis R of the cam element 111. In Figure 2 the second protrusion 330 cannot be seen because it is engaged with the corresponding engagement element 106. When viewed from the bottom view of Figure 2 , the corresponding engagement element 106 is arranged below the second engagement element 107. In addition, the first protrusion 226 has a triangular shape, and the first engagement element 106 has a corresponding triangular shape configured to engage with the first protrusion 226. Similarly, the second protrusion 330 has a triangular shape, and the second engagement element 107 has a corresponding triangular shape configured to engage with the second protrusion 330.

[0060] The cam element 111 can be moved at any angle along the rotation axis R, and the attached contact elements 109, 110 can also be moved around the same angle along the rotation axis R. Specifically, the cam element moves from the locked position to the unlocked position within an angle of 45°.

[0061] In addition, each of the contact elements 109, 110 is supported by support elements 104, 105. When viewed from the bottom view of Figure 2 , the support elements 104, 105 are arranged below the contact elements 109, 110. The support elements 104, 105 are arranged at the disk 102. It can be seen that the housing 101 surrounds all the other components of the device 100.

[0062] In the state as shown in Figure 2 , the actuator is deactivated and the cam element 111 is not rotated by the actuator 112. Instead, the spring 108 may have rotated the cam element 111 such that the contact elements 109, 110 are in the locked position and at the engagement elements 106, 107.

[0063] In Figure 3 , a bottom view of the device 100 in the unlocked position according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In Figure 3 , the same elements of the device 100 as in Figure 2 are shown. Figure 2 And Figure 3The difference lies in the positions of the first contact element 109 and the second contact element 110. In Figure 2 , the contact elements 109, 110 are engaged with the corresponding engagement elements 106, 107, while in Figure 3 , the contact elements 109, 110 are spaced apart from the engagement elements 106, 107. In the state shown in Figure 3 , the actuator 112 is activated such that the cam element 111 rotates and the contact elements 109, 110 move away from the engagement elements 106, 107.

[0064] In Figure 4 , a cam element 111 of the device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in Figure 4 , the cam surface 220 of the cam element 111 extends in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis R of the cam element 111. In addition, the first groove 222 extends circumferentially around the rotation axis R of the cam element 111, and the second groove 221 is formed at the cam surface 220 and is opposite to the first groove 222. The second groove 221 extends circumferentially around the rotation axis R of the cam element 111. The first guiding element 113 can be arranged inside the first groove 222, and the first guiding element 113 is configured to guide the first contact element 109 along the first groove 222 during the movement of the cam element 111. In addition, the second guiding element 114 can be arranged inside the second groove 221, and the second guiding element 114 is configured to guide the second contact element 110 along the second groove 221 during the movement of the cam element 111. As can be seen in Figure 4 , the first groove 222 has an elongated shape with a first end 224 and a second end 331, and the first groove 222 is formed between the first end 224 and the second end 331. The center of the first end 224 of the first groove 222 is arranged at a first radius r1 extending circumferentially from the rotation axis R of the cam element 111, wherein the center of the second end 331 of the first groove 222 is arranged at a second radius r2 extending circumferentially from the rotation axis R of the cam element 111. The first radius r1 of the first groove 222 is greater than the second radius r2 of the first groove 222. Due to this configuration, the trajectories of the guiding elements 114, 113 inside the grooves 221, 222 are achieved. For example, in Figure 4 , a follower profile 442 is shown, which shows the movement of the guiding elements 113, 114. The follower profile 442 extends from the centers of the first ends 223, 224 of the grooves 221, 222 to the centers of the second ends 332, 331 of the grooves 221, 222 inside each of the grooves 221, 222.

[0065] Moreover, the second groove 221 includes an elongated shape having a first end 223 and a second end 332, and the second groove 221 is formed between the first end 223 and the second end 332. The center of the first end 223 of the second groove 221 is disposed at a first radius r1 extending in the circumferential direction from the rotation axis R of the cam element 111, wherein the center of the second end 332 of the second groove 221 is disposed at a second radius r1 extending in the circumferential direction from the rotation axis R of the cam element 111. The first radius r1 of the second groove 221 is greater than the second radius r2 of the second groove 221. Specifically, the first radius r1 of the first groove 222 is equal to the first radius r1 of the second groove 221, and the second radius r2 of the first groove 222 is equal to the second radius r2 of the second groove 221. Therefore, the two contact elements 109, 110 will travel inside the grooves 221, 222 in the same manner guided by the guiding elements 113, 114.

[0066] The spring 108 is attached to the cam element 111 through an opening 441 in the cam element 111, wherein the opening 441 is spaced apart from the rotation axis R of the cam element 111. In this opening 441, the arm of the spring 108 can be arranged in a fixed manner such that the spring 108 is attached to the cam element 111.

[0067] In Figure 5 FIG. , there is shown an X-ray system 560 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The X-ray system 560 includes an X-ray tube head 550, an X-ray tube head positioning device (not visible), and a device 100 according to any of the embodiments of the present invention described above. The device 100 is configured to lock and unlock the position of the X-ray tube head 550 adjusted by the positioning device. The X-ray system 560 further includes a ceiling, a carriage 552, and a telescopic column 551, wherein the carriage 552 is movably attached to the ceiling so as to move along the ceiling in a horizontal plane. The upper end of the telescopic column 551 is attached to the carriage 552, and the telescopic column 551 can extend in a direction away from the ceiling 552 along an axis, wherein the axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The X-ray tube head 550 is attached to the lower end of the telescopic column 551, wherein the X-ray tube head 550 can rotate at the lower end of the telescopic column 551 in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. The device 100 is configured to lock the position of the X-ray tube head 550 in a horizontal plane and / or a vertical plane.

[0068] Figure 5 FIG. a) shows a first side view of an X-ray system 560 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the X-ray tube head 550 is rotated to the left side of the telescopic column 551. The position of the X-ray tube head 550 is locked by the device 100 according to any of the above-described embodiments.

[0069] Figure 5b) in shows a side view of the X-ray system 560 as shown in Figure 5 a) above, where the X-ray tube head 550 has been moved approximately 180° along the telescopic column 551. Moreover, the position of the X-ray tube head 550 is locked by the device 100 according to any one of the embodiments described above. In order to move the X-ray tube head 550 from the position shown in Figure 5 a) above, the device 100 has been in the unlocked position so that the X-ray tube head 550 is movable.

[0070] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Elements associated with different embodiments can also be combined. It should also be noted that the reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0071] List of reference signs:

[0072] 100 Device

[0073] 101 Housing

[0074] 102 Disk

[0075] 103 Bearing

[0076] 104 First support element

[0077] 105 Second support element

[0078] 106 First engagement element

[0079] 107 Second engagement element

[0080] 108 Spring

[0081] 109 First contact element

[0082] 110 Second contact element

[0083] 111 Cam element

[0084] 112 Actuator

[0085] 113 First guide element

[0086] 114 Second guide element

[0087] R Axis of rotation

[0088] 220 Cam surface

[0089] 221 Second groove

[0090] 222 First groove

[0091] The first end of the second slot 223

[0092] The first end of the first slot 224

[0093] The recess 225

[0094] The first protrusion 226

[0095] The ends of the first contact element 227, 228

[0096] The ends of the second contact element 229, 334

[0097] The second protrusion 330

[0098] The second end of the first slot 331

[0099] The second end of the second slot 332

[0100] The central axis of the cam 440

[0101] The opening 441

[0102] The follower profile 442

[0103] The first radius r1

[0104] The second radius r2

[0105] The X-ray tube head 550

[0106] The telescopic column 551

[0107] The ceiling 552

[0108] The X-ray system 560

Claims

1. A device for locking and unlocking the position of an X-ray tube head, comprising: a housing, which is arranged and configured to attach the device to the X-ray tube head, a first engaging element and a second engaging element, a first contact element, which is configured to engage with the first engaging element, a second contact element, which is configured to engage with the second engaging element, a cam element, which is movably arranged, wherein the first contact element and the second contact element are attached at relative positions on the same surface of the cam element, an actuator and a spring attached to the cam element, wherein the cam element is arranged between the actuator and the spring, a rotating disk, which is arranged in the housing and attached to the cam element, the rotating disk being configured to transfer the movement of the X-ray tube head to the device, wherein the first engaging element, the second engaging element, the first contact element, the second contact element, the cam element, the actuator and the spring are arranged inside the housing, wherein the first contact element and the second contact element are configured to be movable by the cam element, wherein the first contact element and the second contact element are configured to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position, the first contact element engages with the first engaging element, and the second contact element engages with the second engaging element; wherein, in the unlocked position, the first contact element is spaced apart from the first engaging element, and the second contact element is spaced apart from the second engaging element, wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the cam element when activated, such that the cam element is configured to move the first contact element and the second contact element from the locked position to the unlocked position, whereby the spring is configured to move due to the rotation of the cam element, wherein the spring is configured to rotate the cam element due to the restoring force of the spring when the actuator is deactivated, such that the cam element is configured to move the first contact element and the second contact element from the unlocked position to the locked position.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, the first contact element is attached to the cam element by a first guiding element extending through a first groove formed at the cam surface, wherein the second contact element is attached to the cam element by a second guiding element extending through a second groove formed at the cam surface.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, the cam surface of the cam element extends in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cam element, wherein the first groove extends circumferentially around the rotation axis of the cam element, and wherein the second groove is formed at the cam surface and is opposite to the first groove, wherein the second groove extends circumferentially around the rotation axis of the cam element, Wherein, the first guiding element is disposed inside the first groove and configured to guide the first contact element along the first groove during the movement of the cam element, and Wherein, the second guiding element is disposed inside the second groove and configured to guide the second contact element along the second groove during the movement of the cam element.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein, the cam element is configured to pull each of the first contact element and the second contact element from the locked position to the unlocked position during the rotation of the cam element, wherein, the cam element is configured to push each of the first contact element and the second contact element from the unlocked position to the locked position during the rotation of the cam element.

5. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, Wherein, the first groove includes an elongated shape having a first end and a second end, and the first groove is formed between the first end and the second end, wherein, the center of the first end of the first groove is disposed at a first radius extending along the circumferential direction from the rotation axis of the cam element, and the center of the second end of the first groove is disposed at a second radius extending along the circumferential direction from the rotation axis of the cam element, wherein, the first radius of the first groove is greater than the second radius of the first groove, wherein, the second groove includes an elongated shape having a first end and a second end, and the second groove is formed between the first end and the second end, wherein, the center of the first end of the second groove is disposed at a first radius extending along the circumferential direction from the rotation axis of the cam element, and the center of the second end of the second groove is disposed at a second radius extending along the circumferential direction from the rotation axis of the cam element, wherein, the first radius of the second groove is greater than the second radius of the second groove.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein, the actuator is a rotary solenoid, which includes a central axis disposed at the center of the cam element, wherein, the rotary solenoid is actuated electrically and / or manually.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein, the spring is a torsion spring, wherein, the spring is attached to the cam element through an opening in the cam element, wherein, the opening is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the cam element.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein, the device further includes: the rotating disk is disposed at a surface of the cam element opposite to the surface where the first contact element and the second contact element are disposed, wherein, the rotating disk is configured and arranged to support the cam element and the first contact element and the second contact element when the cam element and the first contact element and the second contact element are moved.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first engaging element has an annular shape, and a plurality of first recesses are arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the annular shape, wherein the second engaging element has an annular shape, and a plurality of second recesses are arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the annular shape, wherein the first contact element engages with at least one of the plurality of first recesses in the locked position, and the second contact element engages with at least one of the plurality of second recesses in the locked position.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, one end of the first contact element includes a first protrusion and the other end, the first protrusion being configured to engage with the first engaging element, and the other end being in contact with the cam element, wherein the first protrusion extends in a radial direction of the central axis of the cam element, wherein one end of the second contact element includes a second protrusion and the other end, the second protrusion being configured to engage with the second engaging element, and the other end being in contact with the cam element, wherein the second protrusion extends in a radial direction of the central axis of the cam element.

11. The device according to claim 11, wherein, the first protrusion has a triangular shape, and the first engaging element has a corresponding triangular shape configured to engage with the first protrusion, wherein the second protrusion has a triangular shape, and the second engaging element has a corresponding triangular shape configured to engage with the second protrusion.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the device is configured to lock the position of the X-ray tube in a horizontal plane and / or a vertical plane.

13. A method for locking and unlocking the position of an X-ray tube head, the method comprising the following steps: providing a cam element that can be moved around the central axis of the cam element by an actuator, moving a first contact element by the cam element when the cam element moves between a locked position and an unlocked position, moving a second contact element by the cam element when the cam element moves between a locked position and an unlocked position, engaging the first contact element with the first engaging element in the locked position, engaging the second contact element with the second engaging element in the locked position, releasing the first contact element from the first engaging element when moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, releasing the second contact element from the second engaging element when moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, activating the actuator to rotate the cam element so that the cam element moves the first contact element and the second contact element from the locked position to the unlocked position, whereby a spring disposed at the cam element is moved due to the rotation of the cam element, Deactivate the actuator so that the movement of the cam element is stopped and so that the spring rotates the cam element due to the restoring force of the spring, causing the cam element to move the first contact element and the second contact element from the unlocked position to the locked position. Wherein, the first engaging element and the second engaging element, the first contact element and the second contact element, the cam element, the actuator and the spring are arranged inside a housing configured to attach the device to the X-ray tube head. The movement of the X-ray tube head is transmitted to the device through a rotating disk arranged in the housing and attached to the cam element.

14. An X-ray system comprising: an X-ray tube head, an X-ray tube head positioning device; a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device is configured to lock and unlock the position of the X-ray tube head adjusted by the positioning device.

15. The X-ray system according to claim 14, wherein the X-ray system further comprises: a ceiling, a carriage and a telescopic column, wherein the carriage is movably attached to the ceiling so as to move along the ceiling in a horizontal plane, wherein the upper end of the telescopic column is attached to the carriage and the telescopic column is capable of extending away from the ceiling along an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane, wherein the X-ray tube head is attached to the lower end of the telescopic column and the X-ray tube head is capable of rotating at the lower end of the telescopic column in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

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