A reversible vertical CT apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a reversible vertical CT device. It relates to the technical field of medical imaging devices, and comprises a base arranged on the ground, a rotating shaft arranged on the base, a lifting column rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, a patient support movably connected to the lifting column, the patient support being capable of fixing a patient to be measured, and a scanning frame movably connected to the lifting column, the scanning frame having a scanning hole and being sleeved with the patient support for fixing a part of the patient to be measured. The lifting column is capable of rotating relative to the rotating shaft within a preset angle range, so that the patient to be measured can be switched between a standing state and a lying state or hovered to an intermediate state between the standing state and the lying state. The scanning frame is capable of moving and scanning different parts of the patient to be measured. The application achieves the technical effect of realizing flexible switching between vertical and horizontal scanning without an additional standard scanning bed and significantly improving the applicability and operation convenience of the device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical imaging equipment, in particular to a reversible vertical CT device. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the vertical CT devices on the market generally can only perform vertical scanning, which is difficult to meet the scanning needs of multiple angles and postures, and the application scenarios are limited.

[0003] In view of this problem, Canon Company has launched a reversible scanning frame, which can realize the switching of vertical and horizontal scanning modes.

[0004] However, the scanning frame must be equipped with a standard scanning bed to work normally when performing horizontal scanning, which not only increases the complexity and use cost of the device, but also puts forward higher requirements for the site and operation, and reduces the flexibility and convenience of use.

[0005] Therefore, the existing vertical CT device still has obvious deficiencies in scanning posture switching and operation convenience. SUMMARY

[0006] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a reversible vertical CT device to solve the technical problems that the conventional CT device in the prior art cannot cover multiple body position physiological states in the same scanning process and needs to rely on a standard scanning bed, resulting in complicated operation, and to achieve the technical effects of realizing flexible switching scanning between vertical and horizontal without additional standard scanning bed, and significantly improving the device applicability and operation convenience.

[0007] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present application provides a reversible vertical CT device, comprising:

[0008] A base is arranged on the ground, and a turnover shaft is arranged on the base;

[0009] A lifting column is rotatably connected to the turnover shaft;

[0010] A patient support is movably connected to the lifting column, and the patient support can fix a patient to be measured;

[0011] A scanning frame is movably connected to the lifting column, and the scanning frame has a scanning hole and a part of the scanning hole is arranged in the patient support for fixing a part of the patient to be measured;

[0012] The lifting column can rotate relative to the turnover shaft within a preset angle range, so that the patient to be measured can be switched between a standing state and a lying state, or suspended to an intermediate state between the standing state and the lying state.

[0013] During the movement of the scanning gantry relative to the lifting column, the scanning gantry can move and scan different parts of the patient to be tested.

[0014] In some examples, the patient stent and the lifting column are connected by a first transmission mechanism. The first transmission mechanism is connected to a first driving component, which can drive the first transmission mechanism to move. The first transmission mechanism can drive the patient stent to move relative to the lifting column within a range of a first preset trajectory, so as to adjust the relative orientation of the patient stent within the scanning aperture.

[0015] And / or, the scanning frame and the lifting column are connected through a second transmission mechanism, and a second driving component is connected to the second transmission mechanism. The second driving component can drive the second transmission mechanism to drive, and the second transmission mechanism can drive the scanning frame to move relative to the lifting column within a range of a second preset trajectory, so as to realize the relative movement of the scanning frame and the patient support.

[0016] In some examples, the patient stent includes a patient receiving portion and two connecting portions disposed at both ends of the patient receiving portion, the two connecting portions being respectively connected to the lifting column via a first transmission mechanism;

[0017] And / or, the scanning frame includes a protective housing, a scanning device and two transmission parts. The protective housing has an annular receiving cavity, the scanning device is installed in the annular receiving cavity, and a transmission part is provided on each side of the protective housing. The two transmission parts are respectively connected to the lifting column through a second transmission mechanism.

[0018] In some examples, at least one of the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism is configured as at least one of the following: a lead screw and nut mechanism, a belt mechanism, a gear mechanism, a gear and rack mechanism, and a worm gear mechanism.

[0019] In some examples, the first transmission mechanism is a lead screw and nut mechanism, which includes a lead screw body connected to the lifting column and a threaded connection hole provided on the connection part. The lead screw body is connected to the threaded connection hole, and the first driving component is a first drive motor connected to the lead screw body.

[0020] And / or, the second transmission mechanism is a belt mechanism and a lead screw mechanism. The belt mechanism includes at least two pulleys connected to the lifting column and a belt disposed on the pulleys. The second drive member is a second drive motor connected to one of the pulleys. The pulleys not connected to the second drive member are directly or indirectly connected to the lead screw mechanism. The lead screw mechanism is connected to the scanning frame to drive the scanning frame to slide relative to the lifting column.

[0021] In some examples, the lifting column is at least partially hollow, with a pulley system and a counterweight structure adapted to the pulley system inside. The counterweight structure is adapted to the second transmission mechanism, and the counterweight structure and the lifting column are connected by rolling friction.

[0022] Alternatively, both the first and second transmission mechanisms are equipped with encoders to detect and provide feedback on the movement position of the scanning frame or patient support in real time.

[0023] In some examples, the scanning gantry, patient support, and lifting column can rotate as a whole around a tilting axis on the base to switch between horizontal and vertical directions, and can stop at any intermediate position to scan the patient.

[0024] A circular hole adapted to the tilting shaft is provided at a position slightly below the center of the lifting column. Two slewing support bearings are installed in the circular hole and are sleeved on the tilting shaft.

[0025] In some examples, a worm gear is installed at one end of the circular hole near the base, and the worm gear meshes with a worm mounted on the base to drive the lifting column to rotate as a whole;

[0026] The worm gear has meshing teeth in a local area to limit the rotation range of the lifting column to between -5 degrees and 95 degrees.

[0027] In some examples, the flip shaft is provided with a locking pin, and the lifting column has a track groove adapted to the pin. The pin slides in the track groove, and when the pin slides to the groove wall at the inner end of the track groove, it forms a limit and stops the lifting column from flipping.

[0028] A magnetic scale is installed at the edge of the track groove, and a magnetic head that matches the magnetic scale is installed at the pin. When flipped, the magnetic scale and the magnetic head move relative to each other to provide feedback on the flipping angle.

[0029] In some examples, the tiltable vertical CT device also includes signal transmission lines and power lines, with the tilt axis being a hollow axis, through which the signal transmission lines and power lines are electrically connected to at least one of the lifting column, patient support, or scanning gantry.

[0030] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application may include the following beneficial effects:

[0031] In this application, by setting a lifting column that can rotate around a flip axis within a preset angle range, and a patient support and scanning frame that are movably connected to the lifting column, the scanning frame has a scanning hole and is fitted onto the patient support, so that the patient to be tested can switch between standing, lying and intermediate states and complete scanning of different parts without relying on an external scanning bed, which significantly improves the applicability and ease of operation of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flip-up vertical CT device provided in this application when performing an examination on a patient;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flip-up vertical CT device provided in this application when the patient to be tested is in a standing position;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flip-up vertical CT device provided in this application when the patient to be tested is in a lying position;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flip-up vertical CT device provided in this application when the patient to be tested is in an intermediate state;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the base of the flip-up vertical CT device provided in this application;

[0038] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flip-up vertical CT device under partial fluoroscopy provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flip-up vertical CT device provided in this application, showing another perspective during partial fluoroscopy;

[0040] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the base, lifting column, and scanning gantry of the flip-up vertical CT equipment provided in this application.

[0041] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the base of the flip-up vertical CT device provided in this application, in conjunction with a worm gear and a servo motor.

[0042] Figure label:

[0043] 100, Base; 110, Tilting shaft; 200, Lifting column; 210, First transmission mechanism; 220, First driving component; 230, First reducer; 240, Second transmission mechanism; 250, Second driving component; 260, Second reducer; 270, Counterweight structure; 300, Patient support; 310, Patient receiving part; 320, Connecting part; 400, Scanning frame; 410, Protective housing; 420, Scanning hole; 430, Transmission part; 500, Patient to be tested; 610, Worm gear; 620, Worm; 630, Servo motor. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0046] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0047] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," "linking," and "socketing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] Current vertical CT equipment generally adopts a fixed posture setting, which only supports scanning patients in a standing position. It is difficult to meet the clinical imaging needs for supine, oblique or dynamic position transition states. While traditional horizontal CT can achieve supine scanning, it requires additional standard scanning bed and matching track system, resulting in large equipment footprint, complex installation, and cumbersome operation procedures. In addition, the patient needs to be moved repeatedly during the switching from standing to lying position, which has the dual defects of safety risks and low examination efficiency.

[0050] Especially in orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, and geriatrics, where patients are unable to lie flat independently or require assessment of joint / spinal function under gravity load, existing equipment lacks integrated, bedless, and continuously adjustable posture adaptation capabilities. This embodiment aims to address the technical challenge of achieving continuous, stable, and controllable switching between standing and lying positions for patients without relying on an external scanning bed, through structural integration and motion coupling, while supporting hovering scanning at any intermediate angle.

[0051] This disclosure proposes a CT structure that enables flexible switching between vertical and horizontal scanning without the need for an additional standard scanning bed, improving the applicability and ease of operation of the equipment. It solves the problem that existing vertical CT scanners can only scan in one direction or require a standard scanning bed for horizontal scanning, enabling flexible switching of scanning postures, simplifying the operation process, and lowering the barrier to entry for users.

[0052] CT (Computed Tomography) equipment is an important tool for clinical diagnosis, widely used for morphological and functional examinations of various parts of the body. Current vertical CT systems typically employ a fixed, upright structure, requiring patients to stand within the scanning gantry to complete scans of areas such as the head and neck, spine, or lower limbs. This is suitable for orthopedics, rehabilitation, and standing functional assessments. Conventional horizontal CT, on the other hand, relies on a standard scanning bed. Patients lie supine on the bed, and the scan is performed through a circular scanning aperture. This is suitable for emergency, critical care, and patients unable to stand. The two systems are structurally separate; vertical CT lacks horizontal scanning capabilities, and horizontal CT cannot perform standing scans. Clinically, it is often necessary to configure two sets of equipment or use an external adjustable scanning bed to achieve posture switching. However, such solutions are complex, costly, space-consuming, and suffer from poor mechanical compatibility and low positioning repeatability.

[0053] However, there is currently no integrated CT structure that can continuously, stably, and safely perform standing, lying, and arbitrary intermediate posture scanning on the same device without the need for an additional standard scanning bed. This results in limited applicable scenarios, cumbersome operation procedures, high learning costs for medical staff, and inconvenience for patients to change positions. In particular, it is difficult to meet the needs of cutting-edge clinical applications that have rigid requirements for multi-posture imaging, such as rehabilitation assessment, gravity load research, and spinal dynamic biomechanics analysis.

[0054] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, refer to Figures 1 to 9 This application provides a flip-up vertical CT device, the core innovation of which lies in the integration of mechanical structures to achieve flexible switching of patient positions and continuous adjustment of scanning posture. Specifically, the device uses a base 100 as a supporting foundation and forms a rotatable connection between a flip axis 110 and a lifting column 200, allowing the lifting column 200 to rotate around the flip axis 110 within a preset angle range. This structure breaks the fixed posture limitations of traditional vertical and horizontal CT scanners, allowing the patient support 300 and the scanning gantry 400 to flip synchronously with the lifting column 200, thereby achieving a smooth transition between standing, lying, and any intermediate state.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 4 In some examples, the flip-up vertical CT device includes:

[0056] A base 100 is placed on the ground, and a flipping shaft 110 is provided on the base 100;

[0057] The lifting column 200 is rotatably connected to the tilting shaft 110;

[0058] The patient support 300 is movably connected to the lifting column 200, and the patient support 300 can fix the patient 500 to be tested.

[0059] The scanning frame 400 is movably connected to the lifting column 200. The scanning frame 400 has a scanning hole 420 and the scanning hole 420 is fitted onto the patient support 300 to fix a portion of the patient 500 to be tested.

[0060] Among them, the lifting column 200 can rotate relative to the flipping axis 110 within a preset angle range so that the patient 500 can switch between standing and lying down, or hover in an intermediate state between standing and lying down.

[0061] During the movement of the scanning frame 400 relative to the lifting column 200, the scanning frame 400 can move and scan different parts of the patient 500 to be tested.

[0062] In the above structure, the tiltable vertical CT device achieves flexible switching and hovering scanning between standing, lying, and any intermediate positions of the patient by rotating the lifting column 200 around the tilting axis 110 within a preset angle range, eliminating the need for an external scanning bed. The scanning gantry 400 and the patient support 300 are both movably connected to the lifting column 200, allowing the scanning gantry 400 to scan different parts of the patient through the scanning port 420, and meeting the imaging needs of multiple scenarios by combining body position switching. The base 100, lifting column 200, patient support 300, and scanning gantry 400 form an organic whole, reducing the equipment footprint and installation complexity, and simplifying the operation process. At the same time, the self-locking function of the worm gear drive ensures that the lifting column 200 can stay stably at any angle, and the magnetic scale and encoder achieve precise motion control, improving the safety and reliability of the equipment operation.

[0063] Specifically, the base 100 serves as the basic support platform for the entire machine. For example, it can be fixed to the ground with anchor bolts, providing mechanical stability and seismic support. A hollow rotating shaft 110 is integrated at the top center for mounting the slewing support bearing and facilitating the routing of power / signal cables. The base 100's fixing position is not limited to the ground; it can also be installed on corresponding brackets, carriages, containers, ship plates, engine rooms, etc., as needed, allowing for adaptive adjustments based on actual requirements. The base 100 enables horizontal leveling and long-term fixation of the equipment, ensuring a rigid reference for the rotating motion. The hollow rotating shaft 110 solves the problem of power supply and data transmission across the rotation interface, preventing cable entanglement.

[0064] The tilting shaft 110 is the core rotating component connecting the base 100 and the lifting column 200. Its outer surface supports the slewing bearing, while its interior houses a flexible cable bundle and fiber optic signal lines. As the rotation center for the tilting of the lifting column 200, the tilting shaft 110's precision-machined surface (Ra≤0.8μm) ensures low-friction and long-life operation of the bearings. Its hollow structure enables continuous transmission of signals and power, providing functional support for the lifting column 200 and its auxiliary components.

[0065] The lifting column 200 can be a hollow steel column with a rectangular cross-section, connected to the tilting shaft 110 via a slewing support bearing, serving as the mounting carrier for the patient support 300 and the scanning frame 400, and the main actuator for the tilting motion. The lifting column 200 can rotate around the tilting shaft 110 within a range of -5° to 95°, directly driving the patient's position to switch between standing, lying, and intermediate positions.

[0066] The patient support 300 is an ergonomic modular support structure, connected to the lifting column 200 via linear guides / ball screw pairs, and has a vertical / horizontal displacement adjustment capability of ±150mm. The patient support 300 can adapt to the surface constraints of patients of different body types, maintaining posture stability relative to gravity when the lifting column 200 tilts, preventing patient slippage; through synchronous motor movement, it ensures forward and backward movement in vertical posture and vertical movement in horizontal posture, always keeping the patient centered in the scanning position.

[0067] The scanning gantry 400 can be ring-shaped, and the scanning aperture 420 can embed structures such as an X-ray generator and detector array. It is connected to the lifting column 200 via a linear slide, and its axial movement capability can be set within a range of 1900mm ± 300mm as needed. The scanning aperture 420 of the scanning gantry 400 always forms a closed-loop scanning path around the key areas of the patient. Regardless of the tilt angle of the lifting column 200, it can cover different anatomical segments such as the thoracic abdomen and lumbar spine through axial movement. The spatial nesting relationship with the patient support 300 ensures image quality while improving patient position adaptability.

[0068] The scanning aperture 420 can be a circular through-hole with a diameter of 1000mm, serving as the scanning functional area of ​​the scanning frame 400 to realize the emission and detection of X-ray beams. Other sizes of through-holes, such as 450mm–1600mm, can also be used as needed. The scanning aperture 420 can also be set as an elliptical through-hole. Other sizes or shapes of through-hole structures can also be used as needed.

[0069] When the scanning aperture 420 is set to be large, it can accommodate obese patients or patients with other special circumstances such as physical disabilities or spinal curvature.

[0070] The scanning aperture 420 can be dynamically matched with the patient support 300 (if needed, the initial scanning state can be quickly moved to align with the thorax vertically and the abdomen horizontally), ensuring that the scanning area accurately covers the target anatomical site; the above-mentioned open structure facilitates patient positioning and emergency intervention.

[0071] The above describes a special scan only for specific circumstances. Regardless of whether it is horizontal or vertical, the scanning aperture 420 can dynamically and sequentially cover all parts of the body. This dynamic coverage capability is based on the movement of the scanning aperture 420. In a horizontal state, it can move smoothly along the patient's body axis, gradually completing a full-body scan from head to toe or from toe to head. In a vertical state, as the lifting column 200 is flipped and adjusted, the scanning aperture 420 can still scan along the longitudinal direction of the body, ensuring that all parts of the body can be detected comprehensively and meticulously, providing more complete and accurate imaging information for medical diagnosis.

[0072] Furthermore, the base 100 of the tiltable vertical CT device in the above structure is made of high-strength alloy material to ensure the stability and durability of the overall structure. The tilting shaft 110 can be equipped with a precision bearing system, making the rotation of the lifting column 200 smoother and reducing the impact of vibration caused by rotation on the scanning results. The lifting column 200 integrates a high-efficiency drive device that can control the rotation angle and speed of the lifting column 200 to meet the needs of different patient positioning. The patient support 300 is designed according to ergonomic principles, comfortably fixing the patient 500 while ensuring the patient's safety during positioning changes. The scanning gantry 400 is equipped with an advanced imaging system that can scan different parts of the patient 500 in real time and accurately while the patient support 300 is moved to a preset position and remains stable, providing doctors with high-quality imaging data.

[0073] Reference Figures 5 to 7 In some examples, the patient stent 300 and the lifting column 200 are connected by a first transmission mechanism 210. A first driving member 220 is connected to the first transmission mechanism 210. The first driving member 220 can drive the first transmission mechanism 210 to drive. The first transmission mechanism 210 can drive the patient stent 300 to move relative to the lifting column 200 within a range of a first preset trajectory, so as to realize the adjustment of the relative orientation of the patient stent 300 within the scanning hole 420.

[0074] And / or, the scanning frame 400 and the lifting column 200 are connected through a second transmission mechanism 240. A second driving member 250 is connected to the second transmission mechanism 240. The second driving member 250 can drive the second transmission mechanism 240 to drive. The second transmission mechanism 240 can drive the scanning frame 400 to move relative to the lifting column 200 within a range of a second preset trajectory, so as to realize the relative movement between the scanning frame 400 and the patient support 300.

[0075] In the above structure, the cooperative arrangement of the first transmission mechanism 210 and the second transmission mechanism 240 further enhances the functionality and flexibility of the tiltable vertical CT. The first transmission mechanism 210, controlled by the first drive component 220, enables the patient support 300 to move smoothly along a first preset trajectory on the lifting column 200. This arrangement not only facilitates adjusting the patient's position relative to the scanning aperture 420 according to the patient's specific body shape and scanning needs, but also ensures accurate positioning of the patient in different positions (such as standing, lying down, or intermediate positions), thereby improving scanning accuracy and comfort.

[0076] Similarly, the cooperation between the second transmission mechanism 240 and the second drive component 250 enables the scanning gantry 400 to move independently relative to the lifting column 200 along a second preset trajectory. This configuration allows the scanning gantry 400 to automatically or manually adjust its position when the patient's posture changes, maintaining the optimal scanning angle and coverage for key areas of the patient. The flexible mobility of the scanning gantry 400 is particularly valuable when performing continuous scanning of multiple areas or when imaging at specific angles is required, expanding the application scenarios and diagnostic value of the entire CT equipment.

[0077] Furthermore, both the first transmission mechanism 210 and the second transmission mechanism 240 can employ high-precision transmission components, such as precision gears, lead screws, or guide rails, to ensure smooth and accurate transmission. Simultaneously, these transmission mechanisms are equipped with reliable locking mechanisms to prevent movement of the patient support 300 or the scanning gantry 400 due to accidental external forces during the scanning process, thereby ensuring the safety and stability of the scanning process.

[0078] In practical applications, medical staff can easily control the first drive component 220 and the second drive component 250 through the operating interface, based on the patient's specific condition and scanning needs, to achieve precise positioning and flexible adjustment of the patient support 300 and the scanning gantry 400. This intelligent operation method not only improves work efficiency but also reduces the workload of medical staff, making the flip-up vertical CT a more user-friendly and efficient medical diagnostic device.

[0079] Reference Figures 5 to 7 In some examples, the patient support 300 includes a patient receiving portion 310 and two connecting portions 320 disposed at both ends of the patient receiving portion 310. The two connecting portions 320 are respectively connected to the lifting column 200 through the first transmission mechanism 210.

[0080] And / or, the scanning frame 400 includes a protective housing 410, a scanning device and two transmission parts 430. The protective housing 410 has an annular receiving cavity, the scanning device is installed in the annular receiving cavity, and a transmission part 430 is provided on each side of the protective housing 410. The two transmission parts 430 are respectively connected to the lifting column 200 through the second transmission mechanism 240.

[0081] In the above structure, the patient support 310 directly supports the patient and is designed with ergonomic principles in mind to ensure patient comfort and stability in different positions. The connecting part 320 acts as a bridge between the patient support 310 and the lifting column 200, enabling flexible movement and precise positioning of the patient support 300 on the lifting column 200 via the first transmission mechanism 210. This design not only facilitates medical staff in adjusting the patient's position according to their specific body shape and scanning needs but also ensures that the patient is stably fixed within the scanning aperture 420 in different positions, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of the scan.

[0082] The protective housing 410 of the scanning gantry 400 is made of high-strength material to protect the internal scanning device from external interference and damage. The annular receiving cavity allows for a tight fit of the scanning device while providing sufficient space for heat dissipation and maintenance. Two transmission units 430 enable the scanning gantry 400 to move independently relative to the lifting column 200. Connected to the lifting column 200 via a second transmission mechanism 240, this allows for automatic or manual adjustment of the scanning gantry 400 in response to changes in patient position. This design ensures that the scanning gantry 400 maintains the optimal scanning angle and coverage for critical patient areas, thereby improving scanning flexibility and diagnostic value.

[0083] In some examples, at least one of the first transmission mechanism 210 and the second transmission mechanism 240 is configured as at least one of the following: a lead screw and nut mechanism, a belt mechanism, a gear mechanism, a gear and rack mechanism, and a worm gear mechanism.

[0084] When a lead screw and nut mechanism is chosen as the transmission mechanism, it offers advantages such as high transmission accuracy and smooth operation. In a tiltable vertical CT scanner, the lead screw and nut mechanism converts rotational motion into linear motion. By controlling the rotation angle and speed of the lead screw, precise movement of the patient support 300 or the scanning gantry 400 can be achieved. For example, when adjusting the position of the patient support 300, the lead screw and nut mechanism ensures that the patient receiving part 310 moves smoothly along a preset trajectory, allowing the patient to be accurately positioned within the optimal location within the scanning aperture 420, thus improving scanning accuracy.

[0085] When a belt-driven mechanism is used, it offers advantages such as smooth transmission, low noise, and simple structure. The belt mechanism can drive the patient support 300 or the scanning gantry 400 via belt transmission. In a tiltable vertical CT scanner, it can achieve a wide range of transmission, and the belt tension can be adjusted as needed to ensure transmission stability. For example, during large-range axial movement of the scanning gantry 400, the belt mechanism can effectively transmit power, enabling the scanning gantry 400 to cover different anatomical segments such as the thoracic and abdominal regions and the lumbar spine.

[0086] Gear mechanisms are also a common transmission method, characterized by accurate transmission ratios, high transmission efficiency, and reliable operation. In tiltable vertical CT scanners, gear mechanisms can be used to achieve transmission between different components. For example, through gear meshing, the movement distance and speed of the patient support 300 relative to the lifting column 200 can be controlled, ensuring that the patient can be stably fixed and positioned in different body positions.

[0087] Worm gear mechanisms are characterized by their large transmission ratio, good self-locking ability, and compact structure. In tiltable vertical CT scanners, worm gear mechanisms can be used to control the rotation of the lifting column 200. The self-locking function of the worm gear ensures that the lifting column 200 remains stably stationary at any angle, guaranteeing the safety of the scanning process. Simultaneously, the compact structure of the worm gear mechanism reduces the space occupied by the equipment, making the overall structure of the tiltable vertical CT scanner more rational.

[0088] The aforementioned transmission mechanisms can be used individually or in combination of at least two. By combining different transmission mechanisms, the tiltable vertical CT scanner can flexibly adjust the movement and accuracy of each component according to the actual scanning scenario and requirements, providing more reliable and comprehensive imaging support for medical diagnosis. For example, the second transmission mechanism can be a combination of a belt mechanism and a lead screw mechanism.

[0089] Reference Figures 5 to 7 In some examples, the first transmission mechanism 210 is a lead screw and nut mechanism, which includes a lead screw body connected to the lifting column 200 and a threaded connection hole provided on the connecting part 320. The lead screw body is connected to the threaded connection hole, and the first driving member 220 is a first driving motor connected to the lead screw body.

[0090] And / or, the second transmission mechanism is a belt mechanism and a lead screw mechanism. The belt mechanism includes at least two pulleys connected to the lifting column and a belt disposed on the pulleys. The second drive member is a second drive motor connected to one of the pulleys. The pulleys not connected to the second drive member are directly or indirectly connected to the lead screw mechanism. The lead screw mechanism is connected to the scanning frame to drive the scanning frame to slide relative to the lifting column.

[0091] When the first transmission mechanism 210 adopts a lead screw and nut mechanism, its operation can be initiated by the first drive motor, which drives the lead screw body to rotate. Since the connecting part 320 is provided with a threaded connection hole that matches the lead screw body, the rotation of the lead screw body is converted into linear movement of the connecting part 320 along the lead screw body, thereby achieving precise movement of the patient support 300 relative to the lifting column 200. This design ensures the stability and reliability of the patient support 300 during position adjustment, allowing the patient to be accurately positioned within the scanning aperture 420, thus improving scanning accuracy and comfort.

[0092] When the second transmission mechanism uses a combination of a belt mechanism and a lead screw mechanism, its working process is as follows: the second drive motor drives one of the pulleys to rotate, which in turn drives the other pulleys to rotate synchronously through the belt transmission. The pulleys not connected to the second drive component are directly or indirectly connected to the lead screw mechanism, transmitting the rotational motion to the lead screw mechanism. The lead screw mechanism then converts the rotational motion into linear motion, thereby causing the scanning frame to slide relative to the lifting column 200 along a second preset trajectory.

[0093] This combined transmission method integrates the advantages of belt drive (smooth operation, low noise, simple structure) and lead screw drive (high precision), enabling the scanning gantry 400 to automatically or manually adjust its position when the patient's posture changes, maintaining the optimal scanning angle and coverage for key areas of the patient. When performing continuous scanning of multiple areas or requiring imaging at specific angles, the flexible mobility of the scanning gantry 400 can meet different scanning needs, expanding the application scenarios and diagnostic value of the entire CT equipment.

[0094] Furthermore, this combination of belt and screw mechanisms achieves efficient power transmission and conversion. The cooperation between the pulley and belt smoothly transmits the power generated by the second drive motor, ensuring the stability of the lifting column 200 during movement. The screw mechanism further converts this rotational motion into linear motion, precisely driving the scanning frame 400 to slide relative to the lifting column 200, thereby flexibly adjusting the position of the scanning frame 400 to meet the needs of different scanning scenarios. This composite transmission method not only improves the transmission efficiency of the equipment but also enhances its operational reliability and flexibility.

[0095] The design of these two transmission mechanisms also fully considers the stability and safety of the equipment. The lead screw and nut mechanism has self-locking properties, which can maintain the stable position of the patient support 300 when the drive stops, preventing the patient support 300 from moving due to accidental external forces. The combination of the belt mechanism and the lead screw mechanism, through reasonable structural design and reliable locking mechanism, also ensures the stability of the scanning gantry 400 during the scanning process. These designs provide strong guarantees for the safe and stable operation of the tiltable vertical CT equipment.

[0096] In practical applications, medical staff can control the start, stop, speed and direction of the first drive motor and the second drive motor through the operating interface according to the patient's specific condition and scanning needs, thereby achieving precise positioning and flexible adjustment of the patient support 300 and the scanning frame 400.

[0097] In some examples, the lifting column 200 is at least partially hollow, and a pulley system and a counterweight structure 270 adapted to the pulley system are provided inside the lifting column 200. The counterweight structure 270 is adapted to the second transmission mechanism 240, and the counterweight structure 270 and the lifting column 200 are subjected to rolling friction.

[0098] Alternatively, both the first transmission mechanism 210 and the second transmission mechanism 240 may have encoders to detect and provide feedback on the movement position of the scanning frame 400 or the patient support 300 in real time, thereby achieving closed-loop control of the movement of the first transmission mechanism 210 or the second transmission mechanism 240.

[0099] When the lifting column 200 adopts at least a partially hollow structure and has an internal pulley system and a counterweight structure 270 adapted to the pulley system, this configuration utilizes the principle of counterweight to balance the weight of the scanning frame 400. The counterweight structure 270 is adapted to the second transmission mechanism 240, and during the scanning process of the scanning frame 400, the counterweight structure 270 can be adjusted accordingly to maintain the overall balance. Simultaneously, the counterweight structure 270 and the lifting column 200 are connected by rolling friction. This connection method not only reduces frictional resistance, making movement smoother, but also reduces energy loss and improves the operating efficiency of the equipment.

[0100] Encoders can be installed in both the first transmission mechanism 210 and the second transmission mechanism 240, improving the motion and controllability of the equipment. As a device capable of real-time detection and feedback of motion position, the encoder accurately transmits the motion position information of the scanning frame 400 or the patient support 300 to the control system. Upon receiving this information, the control system can react quickly and perform closed-loop control of the motion of the scanning frame 400 or the patient support 300. This closed-loop control method ensures that the scanning frame 400 or the patient support 300 moves according to a preset trajectory and speed, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the scan.

[0101] A first reducer 230 is provided between the first drive member 220 and the lead screw body; and / or, a second reducer 260 is provided between the second drive member 250 and the pulley.

[0102] The first reducer 230 serves a crucial function by being positioned between the first drive component 220 and the lead screw body. Since the first drive component 220, such as the first drive motor, typically operates at a high speed, and the lead screw body requires relatively smooth speed control when moving the patient support 300, the first reducer 230 effectively reduces the output speed of the first drive component 220 while increasing the output torque. This allows the lead screw body to rotate at an appropriate speed, ensuring that the movement of the patient support 300 on the lifting column 200 is both smooth and precise. This design not only improves the reliability of the patient support 300's movement but also extends the equipment's lifespan and reduces wear and malfunctions that may result from high-speed operation.

[0103] Similarly, the second reducer 260, positioned between the second drive component 250 and the pulley, plays a similar crucial role. The second drive component 250, such as a second drive motor, also needs to control its speed and torque when driving the pulley to ensure the belt can smoothly move the scanning carriage 400. The introduction of the second reducer 260 makes the output of the second drive component 250 more aligned with the movement requirements of the scanning carriage 400, ensuring both flexible movement within a wide range and stability during movement. This is undoubtedly beneficial for complex scanning tasks such as continuous scanning of multiple parts and imaging at specific angles.

[0104] In practical applications, the combined use of the first reducer 230 and the second reducer 260 further enhances the overall performance of the tiltable vertical CT scanner. Medical staff can control the start / stop, speed, and direction of the first drive unit 220 and the second drive unit 250 through the operating interface, based on the patient's specific condition and scanning needs. The first reducer 230 and the second reducer 260 then translate these control commands into the actual movement of the patient support 300 and the scanning gantry 400, achieving intelligent and precise scanning.

[0105] Reference Figures 5 to 7 In some examples, the scanning gantry 400, patient support 300 and lifting column 200 can be rotated as a whole around the flip axis 110 on the base 100 to switch between horizontal and vertical directions, and can stop at any intermediate position to scan the patient 500.

[0106] The lifting column 200 has a circular hole at a position slightly below the center that matches the tilting shaft 110. Two slewing support bearings are installed in the circular hole and are sleeved on the tilting shaft 110.

[0107] This configuration allows the entire assembly of the scanning gantry 400, patient support 300, and lifting column 200 to rotate flexibly around the tilt axis 110, enabling free switching between horizontal and vertical directions. In the horizontal direction, the device can perform routine scanning operations like a traditional CT scanner, meeting most basic scanning needs. When vertical scanning is required, the entire structure can smoothly rotate to a vertical position, providing a more suitable angle and field of view for scanning specific areas.

[0108] The circular hole is positioned slightly below the center of the lifting column 200. This placement is primarily because, during horizontal scanning, the center of the scanning frame 400 cannot be too high above the ground, and consequently, the patient support 300 will not be too high above the ground either, facilitating the patient's movement of the patient support 300 up and down in a horizontal position. Furthermore, it lowers the center of gravity of the overall structure, improving stability during rotation and facilitating connection with the tilting shaft 110. Two rotary support bearings are mounted on the tilting shaft 110, providing reliable support and guidance for the rotation of the overall structure. These rotary support bearings feature high load-bearing capacity, low friction coefficient, and good rotational accuracy, ensuring smooth and stable rotation of the overall structure, reducing vibration and errors caused by rotation, thereby improving scanning accuracy and reliability.

[0109] In practical applications, medical staff can flexibly control the rotation angle and stopping position of the entire structure according to the patient's specific condition and scanning needs. For example, for lesions requiring scanning at a specific angle, medical staff can control the overall structure to rotate to the optimal scanning angle through the operating interface, then stop and begin scanning. This flexible rotation and positioning function allows the flip-up vertical CT to adapt to more complex scanning scenarios, providing more comprehensive and accurate information for clinical diagnosis.

[0110] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some examples, a worm gear 610 is installed at one end of the round hole near the base 100. The worm gear 610 meshes with a worm 620 installed on the base 100 to drive the lifting column 200 to rotate as a whole.

[0111] The worm gear 610 has meshing teeth in a local area to limit the rotation range of the lifting column 200 to between -5 degrees and 95 degrees.

[0112] The meshing of the worm gear 610 and worm 620 provides a stable and reliable power transmission method for the overall rotation of the lifting column 200. The worm gear 610 and worm 620 transmission features a large transmission ratio and good self-locking properties. When driving the lifting column 200 to rotate, it can achieve a large rotation angle with a small driving force. Furthermore, after stopping the drive, the self-locking function of the worm gear 610 and worm 620 ensures that the lifting column 200 remains stably in its current position and will not rotate accidentally due to external forces, thus ensuring the safety of the scanning process.

[0113] By setting meshing teeth in a localized area of ​​the worm gear 610, the rotation range of the lifting column 200 can be precisely controlled between -5 degrees and 95 degrees by limiting the range of the meshing teeth. This specific rotation range setting was determined after careful consideration of actual clinical needs. In actual medical scanning scenarios, different scanning sites and scanning methods require the equipment to have different angle adjustment ranges. A rotation range of -5 degrees to 95 degrees can meet the needs of most routine scanning, such as common scanning angle adjustments in the horizontal and vertical directions, while avoiding the operational complexity and safety hazards that may result from an excessively large rotation range.

[0114] When a horizontal scan of a patient is required, medical staff can control the worm gear transmission system to position the lifting column 200 near horizontally, ensuring that the scanning gantry 400 can scan the patient at a suitable angle. Similarly, when a vertical scan or a scan at a specific angle is needed, the transmission system can be used to rotate the lifting column 200 to the appropriate angle, allowing the scanning gantry 400 to accurately align with the target area of ​​the patient. This angle control capability allows the tiltable vertical CT scanner to more flexibly adapt to various complex scanning scenarios, providing more accurate and comprehensive information for clinical diagnosis, further enhancing the practicality and value of the equipment in the field of medical diagnosis.

[0115] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some examples, the flip shaft 110 is provided with a locking pin, and the lifting column 200 is provided with a track groove that matches the pin. The pin slides in the track groove, and when the pin slides to the groove wall at the inner end of the track groove, it forms a limit and stops the lifting column 200 from flipping.

[0116] A magnetic scale is installed at the edge of the track groove, and a magnetic head that matches the magnetic scale is installed at the pin. When flipped, the magnetic scale and the magnetic head move relative to each other to provide feedback on the flipping angle.

[0117] The pin on the tilting shaft 110 and the track groove on the lifting column 200 work together to form a simple yet effective limiting and angle feedback mechanism. As the lifting column 200 rotates around the tilting shaft 110, the pin slides within the track groove. This sliding not only guides the movement, ensuring the lifting column 200 rotates along a predetermined trajectory, but also provides a reliable limit when the pin reaches the inner wall of the track groove, stopping the lifting column 200 from tilting. This limiting method is simple in structure, easy to operate, and accurately controls the rotation range of the lifting column 200, preventing potential damage to the equipment or the patient due to excessive rotation.

[0118] A magnetic scale installed along the edge of the track groove and a magnetic head mounted on a pin work together to form a high-precision angle feedback system. When the lifting column 200 rotates, relative movement occurs between the magnetic scale and the magnetic head. The magnetic head can detect this movement in real time and convert the rotation angle information into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the control system. Upon receiving these signals, the control system can quickly calculate and provide feedback on the rotation angle of the lifting column 200, thereby controlling the rotation process. This angle feedback mechanism features high precision and high reliability, ensuring that the lifting column 200 remains within a predetermined angle range during rotation, thus improving the accuracy and stability of the scanning.

[0119] In practical applications, medical staff can monitor the rotation angle of the lifting column 200 in real time through the operating interface and control the rotation process according to the patient's specific condition and scanning needs. For example, when a specific angle scan is required, medical staff can set the target rotation angle through the operating interface. The control system will automatically adjust the rotation speed and direction of the lifting column 200 based on the angle information fed back by the magnetic scale, ensuring it accurately reaches the target angle and stops. This intelligent operation method not only improves scanning efficiency and accuracy but also significantly reduces the workload of medical staff, enabling the tiltable vertical CT equipment to play a greater role in medical diagnosis. Simultaneously, this angle feedback and control mechanism also facilitates equipment maintenance and upkeep. Medical staff can check the working status of the magnetic scale and magnetic head to promptly identify and resolve potential problems, ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.

[0120] When the lifting column 200 rotates to the horizontal position, the lifting motion of the scanning frame 400 is converted into horizontal movement; the worm gear transmission has a self-locking function to ensure that the lifting column 200 will not move on its own when the motor stops rotating at any angle.

[0121] When the lifting column 200 rotates to the horizontal position, the original lifting trajectory of the scanning gantry 400 changes to a horizontal movement trajectory. This transformation expands the device's scanning capability in the horizontal direction. During horizontal movement, the scanning gantry 400 can scan smoothly along the horizontal direction, thus meeting the horizontal scanning needs of some special areas or large areas. For example, when performing a detailed horizontal scan of a patient's chest, the scanning gantry 400 can move horizontally to completely cover all areas of the chest, acquiring more comprehensive and detailed image information, providing strong evidence for doctors to accurately diagnose the condition.

[0122] The self-locking function of the worm gear transmission in the above structure plays a safety role during the operation of the equipment. At any angle, when the motor stops rotating, the lifting column 200 will not move due to its own weight or other external forces. This characteristic ensures that the equipment remains stable throughout the scanning process. Whether scanning in the horizontal, vertical, or at any intermediate angle, there will be no interruption of the scan or blurry images due to accidental movement of the lifting column 200. This not only improves the accuracy and reliability of the scan but also avoids secondary harm to patients that may be caused by equipment instability, significantly enhancing the safety of the equipment in medical applications and enabling the tiltable vertical CT scanner to serve patients more safely and effectively.

[0123] By controlling the synchronous movement of the motor of the patient stent 300, the patient stent 300 can move back and forth in a vertical position and up and down in a horizontal position to ensure that the patient is located in the center of the scan.

[0124] By controlling the synchronous movement of the patient support 300 motor, flexible movement of the patient support 300 in two different postures is achieved. When the patient support 300 is in a vertical posture, the motor drives it to move back and forth. This setting allows the patient to adjust their position as needed during vertical scanning, ensuring that the scanned area is accurately located in the scan center, thereby obtaining clearer and more accurate images. For example, when performing a vertical scan of the patient's spine, the back-and-forth movement function of the patient support 300 allows different segments of the spine to be sequentially placed in the scan center, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the overall condition of the spine by the physician.

[0125] When the patient support 300 is in a horizontal position, the motor drives it to move up and down. In horizontal scanning scenarios, this function ensures that different parts of the patient's body are accurately positioned in the scan center. Taking a horizontal scan of the patient's head as an example, the up and down movement of the patient support 300 allows different positions of the head to be scanned sequentially, specifically using a spiral scan, with one spiral completing the entire head scan. This provides doctors with complete head image information, helping to diagnose head diseases more accurately.

[0126] This system, which controls the movement of the patient stent 300 according to its different postures, fully considers the diverse needs of actual medical scanning. It not only improves scanning flexibility and accuracy, ensuring the patient is always in the optimal scanning position, but also significantly increases scanning efficiency. Medical staff no longer need to frequently adjust the patient's position or the equipment's location; they can easily achieve precise positioning of the patient stent 300 simply by controlling the synchronous movement of the motor. This provides more reliable and comprehensive image data for clinical diagnosis, further enhancing the practicality and advantages of the tiltable vertical CT scanner in the field of medical diagnosis.

[0127] In some examples, the tiltable vertical CT device also includes signal transmission lines and power lines, with the tilt axis 110 being a hollow axis, through which the signal transmission lines and power lines pass and are electrically connected to at least one of the lifting column 200, the patient support 300, or the scanning gantry 400.

[0128] By designing the tilting axis 110 as a hollow axis, and allowing signal transmission lines and power lines to pass through it and electrically connect to at least one of the lifting column 200, patient support 300, or scanning gantry 400, this design solves the problem of cable tangling and interference during the device's tilting process. In traditional CT equipment, the cable arrangement is often complex due to the electrical connections between components, especially when the equipment needs to rotate or tilt. Cables are prone to tangling, which not only affects the normal operation of the equipment but may also cause damage due to excessive stretching or twisting.

[0129] The hollow shaft design of the tilting vertical CT scanner allows signal transmission lines and power cables to maintain relatively fixed paths during the device's tilting process, avoiding cable tangling and interference. The signal transmission lines can stably transmit various signals required for device operation, such as control signals and data signals, ensuring unimpeded communication between the various components. The power cables provide a stable power supply to components such as the lifting column 200, patient support 300, and scanning gantry 400, ensuring normal operation of the equipment under various working conditions.

[0130] This design also improves the overall aesthetics and neatness of the equipment. Because the cables are concealed inside the hollow shaft, the equipment appears simpler and more compact from the outside, reducing the clutter caused by exposed cables. At the same time, it reduces the risk of cable damage from external environmental factors such as dust and moisture, extending cable lifespan and lowering equipment maintenance costs.

[0131] In practical applications, this hollow shaft and cable configuration also facilitates equipment installation and commissioning. Medical staff or technicians can simply pass the signal transmission lines and power cables through the hollow shaft and connect them to the corresponding components during installation, eliminating the need to spend considerable time and effort dealing with complex cable routing. During equipment commissioning, it also allows for easier inspection of cable connections and signal transmission, enabling timely identification and resolution of potential problems and improving installation and commissioning efficiency. In short, this unique configuration provides a strong guarantee for the stable operation and efficient use of the tiltable vertical CT scanner.

[0132] Specifically, the workflow of the tiltable vertical CT scanner is as follows: When a patient needs to undergo a scan, the patient is first secured to the patient support 300. The patient support 300 is connected to the lifting column 200 via a first transmission mechanism 210. Driven by a first drive unit 220, the first transmission mechanism 210 moves the patient support 300 relative to the lifting column 200 along a first preset trajectory, thereby adjusting the relative position of the patient support 300 within the scanning aperture 420, so that the patient is in a suitable initial position.

[0133] Next, depending on the examination requirements, if it is necessary to switch the patient from a standing position to a lying or intermediate position, the lifting column 200 begins to rotate under the action of the tilting shaft 110. The tilting shaft 110 is equipped with a locking pin, and a track groove on the lifting column 200 is adapted to the pin, allowing the pin to slide within the track groove. When it is necessary to stop the rotation, the pin slides to the inner end of the track groove wall, forming a limit and stopping the rotation of the lifting column 200. Simultaneously, a magnetic scale installed at the edge of the track groove moves relative to a magnetic head installed at the pin, providing real-time feedback on the tilting angle to ensure the accuracy of the tilting. Furthermore, two rotary support bearings are fitted into a circular hole located slightly below the center of the lifting column 200 and are mounted on the tilting shaft 110. A worm gear installed near the base 100 at the end of the circular hole meshes with a worm on the base 100, further ensuring the safety and stability of the tilting process.

[0134] While the patient's position is being adjusted, the scanning gantry 400 is also functioning. The scanning gantry 400 is connected to the lifting column 200 via a second transmission mechanism 240. Driven by a second drive component 250, the second transmission mechanism 240 moves the scanning gantry 400 relative to the lifting column 200 along a second preset trajectory. The scanning gantry 400 can perform whole-body or partial scans of the patient 500 according to changes in the patient's position and the needs of the examination site. Furthermore, at least one of the first transmission mechanism 210 and the second transmission mechanism 240 can be configured as at least one of a lead screw and nut mechanism, a belt mechanism, a gear mechanism, a gear and rack mechanism, or a worm gear mechanism to meet different transmission requirements. For example, when the first transmission mechanism 210 is a lead screw and nut mechanism, the lead screw body is connected to the lifting column 200, the threaded connection hole provided on the connecting part 320 is connected to the lead screw body, and the first drive motor is connected to the lead screw body as the first drive component 220; when the second transmission mechanism 240 is a belt mechanism, a belt is provided on at least two pulleys connected to the lifting column 200, the belt is connected to the scanning frame 400, and the second drive motor is connected to the pulley as the second drive component 250.

[0135] Furthermore, the lifting column 200 is at least partially hollow, with an internal pulley system and a counterweight structure 270 adapted to the pulley system. The counterweight structure 270 is adapted to the second transmission mechanism 240, and rolling friction between it and the lifting column 200 contributes to the smooth operation of the equipment. Alternatively, at least one of the first transmission mechanism 210 and the second transmission mechanism 240 is equipped with an encoder, which detects and provides feedback on the movement position of the scanning frame 400 or the patient support 300 in real time, improving the accuracy and reliability of the equipment operation.

[0136] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure provide a vertical CT structure integrating posture rotation, patient positioning, and tomographic scanning functions. The functions of the traditional separate scanning bed and gantry can be spatially reconstructed and motion decoupled: the base 100 serves as the basic support platform for the entire machine, providing not only mechanical stability but also enabling continuous transmission of power, signals, and electricity across the rotational interface via a built-in hollow rotation axis 110; the lifting column 200 serves as the main motion carrier, undertaking both vertical lifting and adjustment functions and acting as the rigid support for rotational motion. Its rotational motion around the rotation axis 110 directly drives the synchronous tilting of the scanning subsystem composed of the patient support 300 and the scanning gantry 400, thereby achieving rotation from 0° (complete rotation) within a single structural frame. Precise positioning and locking are achieved from vertical (standing position) to 90° (fully horizontal, lying position) and even at any intermediate angle (such as 30°, 45°, 60°, etc., oblique positions). Neither the patient support 300 nor the scanning gantry 400 is rigidly fixed to the lifting column 200, but maintains independent freedom of movement. The former adapts to the surface contact and constraint of patients of different body types, while the latter, through the spatial nesting relationship between the scanning aperture 420 and the patient support 300, ensures that regardless of the tilt angle of the lifting column 200, the scanning aperture 420 always forms a closed-loop scanning path around the key areas of the patient's torso or limbs. The structure abandons the traditional CT paradigm of bed movement + gantry stillness, instead adopting a collaborative mechanism of overall tilting + local fine-tuning, significantly improving positional adaptability and operational response speed while ensuring image quality.

[0137] The base 100 is a high-strength cast iron or welded steel structure with adjustable anchor bolts at the bottom for leveling and seismic fixation. A hollow cylindrical tilting shaft 110 is integrated at the center of its top. The tilting shaft 110 extends vertically and has a flexible cable bundle and fiber optic signal line running through it to supply power to the lifting column 200 and its auxiliary components and transmit control commands and image data. The outer surface of the tilting shaft 110 is precision ground with a surface roughness Ra≤0.8μm to ensure the long service life of the slewing support bearing.

[0138] The lifting column 200 is a rectangular hollow steel column with a wall thickness of 8–12 mm and a height range of 2200–2800 mm. Its bottom is equipped with an annular flange that is coaxially matched with the tilting shaft 110. It forms a rotating pair with the tilting shaft 110 through two sets of back-to-back double-row angular contact slewing support bearings. The bearing assembly has high radial and axial load capacity and can simultaneously withstand the overturning moment during the tilting process, as well as the static heavy load of the entire system of the scanning frame 400 and the patient support 300. The stiffness of the lifting column 200 has been optimized by finite element simulation. Under the maximum tilting angle of 90° and full load, the top deflection is controlled to ≤0.15 mm, ensuring that the scanning geometric accuracy is not affected by the posture change.

[0139] The patient support 300 is an ergonomic modular support structure, including an adjustable-height back support plate, a retractable leg support, and a multi-point safety strap system. The entire structure is connected to the side of the lifting column 200 via linear guide rails or ball screws, allowing bidirectional displacement adjustment within ±150mm in the vertical and horizontal and front-back directions within the local coordinate system of the lifting column 200. The movable connection method allows the patient support 300 to maintain posture stability relative to gravity during the tilting of the lifting column 200, avoiding patient slippage or discomfort due to changes in tilt angle.

[0140] The scanning gantry 400 has a ring-shaped structure, and its scanning aperture 420 is a circular through hole with a diameter of about 1000mm. The X-ray generator and detector array are embedded in the hole wall, forming a complete CT imaging chain. The scanning gantry 400 is connected to the lifting column 200 on the front through a linear slide mechanism arranged symmetrically on both sides. The slide guide rail is parallel to the axis of the lifting column 200, allowing the scanning gantry 400 to make a reciprocating motion along the lifting column 200 with a stroke of 1900mm±300mm, thereby covering different anatomical segments of the patient such as the chest, abdomen, lumbar spine, and hip joint.

[0141] The rotation of the lifting column 200 relative to the tilting shaft 110 is driven by a worm gear transmission mechanism. The worm gear is fixed to the bottom flange of the lifting column 200, and the worm is installed inside the base 100 and driven by a servo motor. The transmission has a self-locking characteristic, which can maintain a static lock at any set angle even when the motor is powered off, preventing the patient's body position from sliding accidentally. The preset angle range is limited to -5° to 95°. The -5° corresponds to a slightly forward-leaning standing position (to facilitate elderly patients to stand up), and the 95° has a 5° overshoot margin to compensate for assembly tolerances and thermal deformation, ensuring that the actual lying position reaches the clinical accuracy requirement of 90°±0.3°.

[0142] The movement of the scanning frame 400 relative to the lifting column 200 is independent of the flipping motion, and the two movements are decoupled: that is, the scanning frame 400 can only start the axial scanning motion after the lifting column 200 has completed tilting and locking; or the scanning frame 400 can simultaneously perform micro-displacement compensation while the lifting column 200 slowly flips. This setting can reduce or even avoid safety issues such as collisions. The function can be realized through encoder feedback and motion controller coordination to form a closed-loop scanning posture tracking mode.

[0143] The components form a hierarchical motion coupling relationship: the base 100 and the tilting axis 110 constitute the primary rotational reference; the lifting column 200 serves as the secondary motion platform, and its posture determines the patient's overall position; the patient support 300 and the scanning gantry 400 serve as tertiary execution units, achieving local positioning within the coordinate system of the lifting column 200; together, they constitute a dual-scale motion architecture of "macroscopic posture adjustment + microscopic scanning positioning". The tilting motion of the lifting column 200 is a necessary condition for posture switching, while the relative movement of the patient support 300 and the scanning gantry 400 is a sufficient condition for achieving full-area scanning; both are indispensable and jointly support the core functional goal of "bedless multi-position CT".

[0144] Through the above technical solution, this embodiment realizes the entire process of standing gravity-dependent lung perfusion assessment, supine lumbar disc herniation dynamic imaging, and 45° oblique shoulder joint rotational functional imaging on a single device platform. For example, when performing full-length three-dimensional reconstruction of the spine for a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, the lifting column 200 can be placed in a vertical position, and the patient can stand to complete the cervical to thoracic spine scan; then the control system drives the lifting column 200 to rotate at a constant speed to a 75° oblique position, the patient holds the auxiliary handle to maintain stability, and the scanning gantry 400 moves upward to the thoracolumbar junction area to start the scan; finally, it is rotated to a horizontal position, the patient lies down naturally, and the scanning gantry 400 descends to complete the lumbar spine and pelvic scan. The entire process does not require changing the bed or manual handling, and all posture switching and scanning actions are automatically executed by the same control system according to a preset protocol. Because the lifting column 200 can rotate continuously within a preset angle range relative to the tilting axis 110, it directly changes the spatial relationship between the patient's gravity vector and the scanning plane, solving the technical obstacle that traditional equipment cannot cover multiple physiological states in the same scanning process; and because the scanning gantry 400 is always movably connected to the lifting column 200 and can move independently, the scanning aperture 420 can be dynamically aligned with the target anatomical area regardless of the tilt angle of the lifting column 200. Ultimately, it achieves the technical effect of flexibly switching between vertical and horizontal scanning without the need for an additional standard scanning bed, significantly improving the applicability and ease of operation of the equipment.

[0145] It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0146] Obviously, those skilled in the art will understand that the various units or steps of this application described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. Optionally, they can be implemented using computer-executable program code, thereby storing them in a storage device for execution by a computing device, or fabricating them separately as individual integrated circuit modules, or fabricating multiple modules or steps into a single integrated circuit module. Thus, this application is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0147] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A flip-up vertical CT scanner, characterized in that, include: A base is placed on the ground, and a flipping shaft is provided on the base; The lifting column is rotatably connected to the tilting shaft; A patient support is movably connected to the lifting column, and the patient support can fix the patient to be tested. A scanning frame is movably connected to the lifting column. The scanning frame has a scanning hole, and the scanning hole is fitted onto the patient support to fix a portion of the patient to be tested. The lifting column can rotate relative to the flipping axis within a preset angle range, so that the patient to be tested can switch between a standing state and a lying state, or hover in an intermediate state between the standing state and the lying state. During the movement of the scanning frame relative to the lifting column, the scanning frame can move and scan different parts of the patient to be tested; The scanning frame, the patient support, and the lifting column can rotate simultaneously around the flip axis on the base to switch between horizontal and vertical directions, and can stop at any intermediate position to scan the patient to be tested. A circular hole adapted to the tilting shaft is provided at a position slightly below the center of the lifting column. Two rotary support bearings are provided in the circular hole, and the rotary support bearings are sleeved on the tilting shaft. A worm gear is installed at one end of the circular hole near the base. The worm gear meshes with a worm installed on the base to drive the lifting column to rotate as a whole. The worm gear is provided with meshing teeth in a local area to limit the rotation range of the lifting column to between -5 degrees and 95 degrees. The flipping shaft is provided with a locking pin, and the lifting column is provided with a track groove that matches the pin. The pin slides in the track groove, and when the pin slides to the groove wall at the inner end of the track groove, it forms a limit and stops the lifting column from flipping. The rotatable vertical CT device also includes a signal transmission line and a power line. The rotatable shaft is a hollow shaft. The signal transmission line and the power line pass through the rotatable shaft and are electrically connected to at least one of the lifting column, the patient support, or the scanning gantry.

2. The rotatable vertical CT device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The patient support and the lifting column are connected by a first transmission mechanism. A first driving component is connected to the first transmission mechanism. The first driving component can drive the first transmission mechanism to drive. The first transmission mechanism can drive the patient support to move relative to the lifting column within a range of a first preset trajectory, so as to realize the adjustment of the relative position of the patient support within the scanning hole. And / or, the scanning frame and the lifting column are connected through a second transmission mechanism, the second transmission mechanism is connected to a second driving member, the second driving member can drive the second transmission mechanism to drive, and the second transmission mechanism can drive the scanning frame to move relative to the lifting column within a range of a second preset trajectory, so as to realize the relative movement of the scanning frame and the patient support.

3. The rotatable vertical CT device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The patient support includes a patient receiving part and two connecting parts disposed at both ends of the patient receiving part. The two connecting parts are respectively connected to the lifting column through the first transmission mechanism. And / or, the scanning frame includes a protective housing, a scanning device, and two transmission parts. The protective housing has an annular receiving cavity, the scanning device is installed in the annular receiving cavity, and a transmission part is provided on each side of the protective housing. The two transmission parts are respectively connected to the lifting column through the second transmission mechanism.

4. The flip-up vertical CT device according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism is configured as at least one of the following: lead screw and nut mechanism, belt mechanism, gear mechanism, gear and rack mechanism, and worm gear mechanism.

5. The flip-up vertical CT device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first transmission mechanism is a lead screw and nut mechanism, which includes a lead screw body connected to the lifting column and a threaded connection hole provided on the connection part. The lead screw body is connected to the threaded connection hole, and the first driving component is a first drive motor connected to the lead screw body. And / or, the second transmission mechanism is a belt mechanism and a lead screw mechanism. The belt mechanism includes at least two pulleys connected to the lifting column and a belt disposed on the pulleys. The second driving member is a second drive motor connected to one of the pulleys. The pulleys not connected to the second driving member are directly or indirectly connected to the lead screw mechanism. The lead screw mechanism is connected to the scanning frame to drive the scanning frame to slide relative to the lifting column.

6. The flip-up vertical CT device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting column is at least partially hollow, and a pulley system and a counterweight structure adapted to the pulley system are provided inside the lifting column. The counterweight structure is adapted to the second transmission mechanism, and the counterweight structure and the lifting column are connected by rolling friction. Alternatively, both the first and second transmission mechanisms are equipped with encoders to detect and provide feedback on the movement position of the scanning frame or the patient support in real time.

7. The flip-up vertical CT device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, A magnetic scale is installed at the edge of the track groove, and a magnetic head adapted to the magnetic scale is installed at the pin. When flipped, the magnetic scale and the magnetic head move relative to each other to provide feedback on the flipping angle.

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