Computed tomography apparatus having radiation protection device for covering opening

Abstract

The invention relates to a computed tomography apparatus having a radiation protection device for covering an opening,-wherein the radiation protection device has a holding structure, a radiation protection curtain and a pivoting device,-wherein an examination object can be introduced into the opening along a system axis of the gantry when the holding structure is in a first position relative to the gantry,-wherein the radiation protection curtain is arranged in a second position relative to the gantry. The holding structure is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis relative to the machine frame by means of a pivot device such that the holding structure can be lowered from a first position to a second position relative to the machine frame by means of a first pivot movement of the holding structure about the pivot axis, the radiation protection curtain being arranged on the holding structure, in particular fixed to the holding structure, -wherein a lower region of the radiation protection curtain depends from the holding structure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a computed tomography apparatus (CT apparatus). BACKGROUND

[0002] Mobile computed tomography apparatuses are increasingly used in environments which were not originally designed for operating an apparatus which emits ionizing scattered radiation. Examples of such environments are care units, operating rooms and intervention rooms and mobile stroke units. In order to protect the environment of a computed tomography apparatus from scattered radiation, a cover part of the computed tomography apparatus can have a layer composed of a radiation protection material, for example lead. Furthermore, measures are required to protect the environment of the computed tomography apparatus from scattered radiation which escapes from the opening of the computed tomography apparatus, for example at the front side or at the rear side of the gantry of the computed tomography apparatus. These measures for radiation protection should be able to be adapted as flexibly as possible to the position requirements of body parts and / or accessories for connecting to the examination object.

[0003] As prior art, US 8 057 097 B1, US 2021 / 0 369 214 A1 and US 2023 / 0094 920 A1 can be cited here. SUMMARY

[0004] It is the task of the invention to enable an improvement in the protection of the environment of a computed tomography apparatus from scattered radiation which escapes from the opening of the gantry of the computed tomography apparatus. Each subject of the invention solves this task. Further advantageous aspects of the invention are considered in the description.

[0005] The invention relates to a computed tomography apparatus having a gantry with an opening and a radiation protection device for covering the opening,

[0006] - wherein the radiation protection device has a holding structure, a radiation protection curtain and a pivoting device,

[0007] - wherein, when the holding structure is located in a first position relative to the gantry, an examination object can be introduced into the opening along a system axis of the gantry,

[0008] - wherein the holding structure is pivotably supported relative to the gantry about a pivot axis by means of the pivoting device, such that by a first pivoting movement of the holding structure about the pivot axis, the holding structure can be lowered from the first position to a second position relative to the gantry,

[0009] - wherein the radiation protection curtain is arranged on the holding structure, in particular is fixed on the holding structure,

[0010] - wherein a lower region of the radiation protection curtain hangs down from the holding structure.

[0011] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the upper region of the radiation protection curtain is placed on the holding structure.

[0012] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the upper region of the radiation protection curtain is placed on the holding structure such that, especially when the holding structure is in the second position of the holding structure, the upper region of the radiation protection curtain shields the region of the environment U of the gantry against scattered radiation of the X-rays which originate from the opening and which are directed at the region of the environment of the gantry and which pass through the holding structure.

[0013] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the lower region of the radiation protection curtain and the upper region of the radiation protection curtain adjoin each other along an edge of the radiation protection curtain, wherein the radiation protection curtain is arranged on the holding structure such that the edge of the radiation protection curtain extends along a first edge of the holding structure.

[0014] It can be provided in particular that the vertical position of the first edge of the holding structure is lower in the second position of the holding structure than in the first position of the holding structure. The first edge of the holding structure can be located in particular on a side of the holding structure which faces away from the pivot axis. The pivot axis can be located for example in the region of a second edge of the holding structure. It can be provided in particular that the upper region of the radiation protection curtain extends from the first edge of the holding structure to the pivot axis and / or to the second edge of the holding structure.

[0015] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the lower region of the radiation protection curtain and the upper region of the radiation protection curtain are sewn into each other at the edge of the radiation protection curtain. The radiation protection curtain can be manufactured for example in such a way that the blocks which form the lower region of the radiation protection curtain and the blocks which form the upper region of the radiation protection curtain are sewn into each other at the joint position which forms the edge of the radiation protection curtain.

[0016] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the holding structure extends planarly, wherein the upper region of the radiation protection curtain is placed planarly on the holding structure. It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the holding structure is made of plastic, in particular of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The holding structure can thus be constructed lightweight, stably and simply cleanable. The holding structure can be constructed for example in the form of a cover, in particular in the form of a completely closed and / or upwardly arched cover.

[0017] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the radiation protection curtain is connected fixedly to the holding structure by means of a set of button connections. The radiation protection curtain can thus be fixed reliably and simply on the holding structure and / or detached from the holding structure.

[0018] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the radiation protection curtain has a set of curtain-side connection elements, wherein the holding structure has a set of holding structure-side connection elements, wherein the set of curtain-side connection elements and the set of holding structure-side connection elements together form a set of button connections.

[0019] It can be provided in particular that the upper region of the radiation protection curtain has the connecting elements of the set of curtain sides and / or the upper side of the holding structure has the connecting elements of the set of holding structure sides. It can be provided in particular that the connecting elements of the curtain sides are button heads and / or the connecting elements of the holding structure sides are button recesses for accommodating the button heads. In principle, other assignments of button recesses and button heads are also possible.

[0020] The embodiment provides that the set of connecting elements of the holding structure sides has a first row of connecting elements of the holding structure sides, wherein the first row of connecting elements of the holding structure sides is arranged following the course of a first edge of the holding structure, wherein the set of connecting elements of the curtain sides has a first row of connecting elements of the curtain sides, wherein the first row of connecting elements of the curtain sides is arranged following the course of an edge of the radiation protection curtain and corresponds to the first row of connecting elements of the holding structure sides.

[0021] It can be provided in particular that the set of connecting elements of the holding structure sides has a second row of connecting elements of the holding structure sides, wherein the second row of connecting elements of the holding structure sides is arranged following the course of a second edge of the holding structure, wherein the set of connecting elements of the curtain sides has a second row of connecting elements of the curtain sides, wherein the second row of connecting elements of the curtain sides is arranged following the course of an edge of the radiation protection curtain and corresponds to the second row of connecting elements of the holding structure sides.

[0022] The embodiment provides that the pivot device has at least one frictional hinge, wherein the holding structure is pivotably supported with respect to the frame about a pivot axis by means of the at least one frictional hinge, wherein the at least one frictional hinge is designed for holding the holding structure in the second position with respect to the frame, in particular in that the starting torque of the frictional hinge is greater than the torque caused by the weight of the holding structure and the radiation protection curtain with respect to the pivot axis.

[0023] The embodiment provides that the pivot device has a frame-side region,

[0024] - wherein the holding structure is pivotably supported with respect to the frame-side region about a pivot axis by means of the pivot device,

[0025] - wherein the frame has a set of screws,

[0026] - wherein the frame-side region has a set of recesses for accommodating the set of screws,

[0027] - wherein the set of screws is accommodated in the set of recesses such that the frame-side region is fixed form-fittingly against a movement with respect to the frame in a plane which is essentially perpendicular to the system axis and / or to the screws of the set of screws.

[0028] The region on the gantry side can be configured substantially bar-shaped and / or extend substantially along the pivot axis, for example. The region on the gantry side can be made substantially of aluminum, for example.

[0029] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the screws of the set of screws are oriented substantially parallel to the system axis. It can be provided in particular that for each screw of the set of screws, the axial direction of the screw is substantially horizontal and / or substantially parallel to the system axis.

[0030] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that at least one screw of the set of screws has a recess,

[0031] - wherein the region on the gantry side has a fixing element in at least one recess of the set of recesses,

[0032] - wherein the fixing element is introduced into the recess perpendicular to the axial direction of the at least one screw such that the region on the gantry side is fixed in a form-locked manner against a movement relative to the gantry in the axial direction of the at least one screw, in particular against a movement away from the gantry in the axial direction of the at least one screw.

[0033] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the region on the gantry side has a spring which is designed to press the fixing element into the recess perpendicular to the axial direction of the at least one screw.

[0034] It is provided in accordance with an embodiment that the region on the gantry side has an operating element which is arranged on a surface of the region of the gantry and which is connected to the fixing element such that a pressure onto the operating element can cause, in particular can cause against the spring force of the spring, the pressing-out of the fixing element from the recess. The pressure onto the operating element can be realized manually and / or by means of the fingers of an operator, for example.

[0035] The holding structure can be configured in particular in a form-stable manner. The pivot axis can be substantially perpendicular to the system axis, in particular, for example. The pivot axis can be substantially parallel to the system axis, in particular, for example. The pivot axis can be inclined relative to the system axis and in this regard can be neither substantially perpendicular nor substantially parallel to the system axis, for example.

[0036] The opening can be tunnel-shaped and / or extend along the system axis, for example. The system axis can extend through the opening, in particular through a central region of the opening, for example. The system axis can extend through the Isozentrum of the computed tomography device, for example. It can be provided in particular that the vertical position of the first edge of the holding structure is higher than the vertical position of the system axis both in the first position of the holding structure and in the vertical position in the second position of the holding structure.

[0037] The pivot device can in particular be a pivot bearing and / or be configured in the form of a folding mechanism. The radiation protection device is designed such that, when the holding structure is in the first position relative to the gantry, a patient can be positioned relative to the gantry such that the patient's head is in the opening, and, when the holding structure is in the second position relative to the gantry, the holding structure does not contact the patient.

[0038] In particular not only for lowering the holding structure from the first position but also for raising the holding structure from the second position, such a radiation protection device can be reached well from both edge regions to the left or right of the patient bed, in which edge regions the operating personnel stands for the examination and / or for preparing the examination.

[0039] It can furthermore be provided that the holding structure is pivotably supported relative to the gantry about a pivot axis by means of a pivot device, such that, by a second pivoting movement of the holding structure about the pivot axis, the holding structure can be raised relative to the gantry from the second position into the first position,

[0040] An embodiment provides that the gantry has an inner region and a cover for separating the inner region from the environment, wherein, when the holding structure is in the first position of the holding structure, the holding structure rests on a region of the cover, wherein, when the holding structure is in the second position of the holding structure, the holding structure projects from the region of the cover.

[0041] An embodiment provides that the holding structure extends planarly in a cover plane and the cover plane is substantially parallel to the pivot axis. The angle between the cover plane and the system axis can be greater than 30 degrees and / or less than 60 degrees, in particular approximately 45 degrees, when the holding structure is in the second position of the holding structure. Another embodiment provides that the holding structure extends planarly in a cover plane and the cover plane and the pivot axis intersect at an angle which is significantly different from zero, for example approximately 45 degrees.

[0042] The pivot axis can be located in the region of a second edge of the holding structure, for example. The first edge of the holding structure and the second edge of the holding structure can be arranged opposite one another relative to a central region of the holding structure, in particular. The distance between the first edge of the holding structure and the pivot axis can be greater than 10 cm, in particular greater than 20 cm, in particular greater than 30 cm, for example. The distance between the first edge of the holding structure and the second edge of the holding structure can be greater than 10 cm, in particular greater than 20 cm, in particular greater than 30 cm, for example.

[0043] It can furthermore be provided that the holding structure can be lowered beyond the second position, for example such that the holding structure can assume a position relative to the gantry in which the cover plane is essentially perpendicular, in particular perpendicular, to the system axis and / or in which the holding structure lies against the edge of the opening. This can be helpful, for example, for calibration measurements, in which the examination object can be arranged in the form of a phantom in the opening, without parts connected to the examination object protruding from the opening.

[0044] It is provided in an embodiment that the system axis is essentially horizontal, in particular horizontal, and that the pivot axis is essentially horizontal, in particular horizontal. It is provided in an embodiment that the pivot axis is located above the opening.

[0045] It can in particular be provided that the vertical position of the first edge of the holding structure in the first position of the holding structure is higher than the vertical position of the pivot axis and / or that the vertical position of the first edge of the holding structure in the second position of the holding structure is lower than the vertical position of the pivot axis.

[0046] By means of the radiation protection curtain, for example, a gap between the cover of the gantry on the one hand and the patient and / or the patient bed on the other hand can be covered. The radiation protection curtain can in particular have a flexible planar radiation protection material and / or be essentially impermeable to scattered radiation of X-rays used in a computed tomography device for examining an examination object. The flexible planar radiation protection material can be, for example, lead-free or lead-containing. The radiation protection curtain can have, for example, a region transparent to visible light, for example in the form of a lead glass window.

[0047] It is provided in an embodiment that a first side portion of the radiation protection curtain extends from the gantry to the first edge of the holding structure, in particular essentially parallel to the system axis, and that a second side portion of the radiation protection curtain extends from the gantry to the first edge of the holding structure, in particular essentially parallel to the system axis.

[0048] It can furthermore be provided that a front portion of the radiation protection curtain extends from the first side portion of the radiation protection curtain to the second side portion of the radiation protection curtain, in particular essentially perpendicular to the system axis. It can furthermore be provided that, when the holding structure is in the second position of the holding structure, the system axis is located between the first side portion of the radiation protection curtain and the second side portion of the radiation protection curtain.

[0049] By lowering and raising the holding structure, the radiation protection curtain is moved essentially vertically relative to the patient. Thereby, the risk of cables and / or hoses connected to the patient being torn and damaged by the radiation protection curtain is reduced. By being fixed on the holding structure, the radiation protection curtain can be positioned relative to the patient such that as little weight of the radiation protection curtain as possible presses on the patient and such that the weight of the radiation protection curtain pressing on the patient is distributed as evenly as possible over the relevant region of the patient.

[0050] The embodiments provide that the gantry has a first gantry part, a second gantry part and a third gantry part, wherein the first gantry part has a rotatably supported rotor having a projection data acquisition system, wherein the third gantry part has at least one section of an opening, wherein the holding structure is connected to the third gantry part by means of a pivot device and is pivotably supported relative to the third gantry part about a pivot axis. The projection data acquisition system may, for example, have an X-ray source and an X-ray detector which interacts with the X-ray source.

[0051] Here, the first gantry part can be movably supported relative to the second gantry part and relative to the third gantry part such that a translational movement of the first gantry part relative to the second gantry part and relative to the third gantry part can be implemented, while at the same time the second gantry part and the third gantry part are stationary relative to the examination object and the radiation protection device is stationary relative to the examination object and relative to the at least one section of the opening when the examination object is located in the opening.

[0052] The examination object may, for example, be a body part of a patient, in particular a head of a patient. The computed tomography device may, in particular, be configured as a head computed tomography device and / or as a mobile computed tomography device.

[0053] The patient may, for example, be a human being, in particular a baby, or an animal. The longitudinal axis of the patient may, for example, be parallel to the system axis, in particular identical, or inclined or intersecting the system axis.

[0054] The examination object may, for example, be an object, in particular a phantom for calibrating the computed tomography device.

[0055] The embodiments provide that the first gantry part has a rotary bearing and a carrier structure, wherein the rotor is connected to the carrier structure by means of the rotary bearing and is rotatably supported relative to the carrier structure about the system axis. The second gantry part may, for example, have a running gear and / or a headrest.

[0056] The computed tomography device may, for example, also have an illumination system which is designed to at least illuminate the opening when the holding structure is located in the second position of the holding structure.

[0057] The illumination system may, for example, have a holding structure-side light source which is fixed on the holding structure such that the light source illuminates the opening when the holding structure is located in the second position relative to the gantry. The illumination system may, for example, have a rear-side light source which is fixed on a radiation protection body which closes the rear side of the opening.

[0058] When the rear side of the opening is closed by a radiation protection body which is not permeable to visible light, sufficient illumination of the opening is also possible by means of the illumination system.

[0059] The computed tomography apparatus can also have, for example, a camera system which is designed to optically detect at least the examination object when the examination object is located in the opening and when the holding structure is located in the second position of the holding structure.

[0060] The use of a camera system within the radiation shielded area, for example within the opening, makes it possible to implement patient observation even when visible light cannot penetrate out of the opening or when patient observation cannot be carried out through the region of the holding structure which is transparent to visible light. The computed tomography apparatus can in particular have a display. The image of the examination object generated by the camera system can be displayed on the display, for example.

[0061] The camera system can have, for example, a camera which is fixed on the gantry and / or a camera which is fixed on the holding structure and / or a camera which is fixed on a radiation shield which encloses the rear side of the opening. The camera which is fixed on the gantry can in particular be fixed on the portion of the cover of the gantry which defines the opening. It can furthermore be provided that the camera system has at least one camera light source and thus forms an illumination system. The camera light source can have, for example, a flange composed of light-emitting diodes which annularly surrounds the lens of the camera.

[0062] The computed tomography apparatus can also have, for example, an acoustic system which is designed to emit at least acoustic signals to the examination object and / or to receive at least acoustic signals which emanate from the examination object when the examination object is located in the opening and when the holding structure is located in the second position of the holding structure.

[0063] The acoustic system can have, for example, a microphone and / or a loudspeaker. The microphone can be fixed on the gantry or on the holding structure or on a radiation shield which encloses the rear side of the opening, for example. The loudspeaker can be fixed on the gantry or on the holding structure or on a radiation shield which encloses the rear side of the opening, for example.

[0064] The computed tomography apparatus can also have, for example, an optical system which is designed to emit at least optical signals to the examination object when the examination object is located in the opening and when the holding structure is located in the second position of the holding structure.

[0065] The optical system can have, for example, a display for showing the optical signals in the form of text and / or images and / or a projector for projecting the optical signals in the form of a light beam, in particular a laser beam. The display can be fixed on the gantry or on the holding structure or on a radiation shield which encloses the rear side of the opening, for example. The projector can be fixed on the gantry or on the holding structure or on a radiation shield which encloses the rear side of the opening, for example.

[0066] Furthermore, the computed tomography apparatus can have a radiation protection body which can be detachably connected with the gantry such that the radiation protection body covers a rear side of the opening. The rear side of the opening can be located in particular on a rear side of the gantry, wherein a front side of the gantry faces the radiation protection device. It can be provided in particular that the first gantry portion has the rear side of the opening and the third gantry portion has the front side of the opening. The radiation protection body can have, for example, an interface for energy supply and / or an interface for data transmission for at least one component of an illumination system, a camera system, an acoustic system and / or an optical system.

[0067] Within the scope of the present application, features described with respect to different embodiments and / or different claim categories (method, use, device, system, arrangement, etc.) of the present application can be combined into further embodiments of the present application. For example, a claim directed to a device can also be extended with features described or claimed in connection with a method, and vice versa. Herein, functional features of a method can be implemented by corresponding configured components. The use of indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not exclude that relevant features can also exist multiple times.

[0068] Features of the present application are subsequently set out by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrations in the drawings are schematic, highly simplified and not necessarily to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0069] Figure 1 A computed tomography apparatus is shown which has a gantry and a radiation protection device for covering an opening.

[0070] Figures 2 to 9 Different views of the radiation protection device and / or parts of the gantry are shown.

[0071] Figure 10 A computed tomography apparatus is shown which has a gantry and a radiation protection device for covering an opening.

[0072] Figure 11 A computed tomography apparatus is shown which has a gantry and a radiation protection device for covering an opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Figure 1 A computed tomography apparatus 1 is shown which has a gantry 20 and a radiation protection device 75 for covering an opening 9, wherein the holding structure 7 is located in a first position. Figures 2 to 9 Different views of the radiation protection device 75 and / or parts of the gantry 20 are shown.

[0074] By the cantilevered holding structure 7 in the second position, a corresponding space is provided below the radiation protection curtain 5. Thus, there is more space below the radiation protection curtain 5 for example for tubes, hoses and similar accessories for medical imaging examinations.

[0075] The radiation protection device 75 has a radiation protection curtain 5, wherein the radiation protection curtain 5 is fixed on the holding structure 7 and hangs down from the holding structure 7. A first side portion 51 of the radiation protection curtain 5 extends from the gantry 20 to a first edge 71 of the holding structure 7. A second side portion 52 of the radiation protection curtain 5 extends from the gantry 20 to the first edge 71 of the holding structure 7. A front portion 50 of the radiation protection curtain 5 extends from the first side portion 51 of the radiation protection curtain 5 to the second side portion 52 of the radiation protection curtain 5. When the holding structure 7 is in the second position of the holding structure 7, the system axis SA is located between the first side portion 51 of the radiation protection curtain 5 and the second side portion 52 of the radiation protection curtain 5.

[0076] The pivot axis 7A is located in the region of the second edge 72 of the holding structure 7. The first edge 71 and the second edge 72 are arranged opposite each other with respect to a central region of the holding structure 7.

[0077] According to the example shown, the computed tomography device 1 has a gantry 20 with an opening 9 and a radiation protection device 75 for covering the opening 9,

[0078] - wherein the radiation protection device 75 has a holding structure 7, a radiation protection curtain 5 and a pivoting device 70,

[0079] - wherein, when the holding structure 7 is located in the first position with respect to the gantry 20, an examination object 14 can be introduced into the opening 9 along the system axis SA of the gantry 20,

[0080] - wherein the holding structure 7 is pivotably supported with respect to the gantry 20 about a pivot axis 7A by means of the pivoting device 70, such that by a first pivoting movement of the holding structure 7 about the pivot axis 7A, the holding structure 7 can be lowered from the first position to the second position with respect to the gantry 20,

[0081] - wherein the radiation protection curtain 5 is arranged on the holding structure 7, in particular fixed on the holding structure 7,

[0082] - wherein a lower region 5L of the radiation protection curtain 5 hangs down from the holding structure 7,

[0083] - wherein an upper region 5H of the radiation protection curtain 5 rests on the holding structure 7.

[0084] The example shown provides that the upper region 5H of the radiation protection curtain 5 is placed on the holding structure 7 such that, in particular when the holding structure 7 is in the second position of the holding structure 7, the upper region 5H of the radiation protection curtain 5 shields the region 8 of the environment U of the gantry 20 from scattered radiation of the X-rays 4 that originate from the opening 9, are directed at the region 8 of the environment U of the gantry 20 and pass through the holding structure 7.

[0085] The example shown provides that the lower region 5L of the radiation protection curtain 5 and the upper region 5H of the radiation protection curtain 5 adjoin one another along an edge 5K of the radiation protection curtain 5,

[0086] - wherein the radiation protection curtain 5 is arranged on the holding structure 7 such that the edge 5K of the radiation protection curtain 5 extends along a first edge 71 of the holding structure 7.

[0087] It can be provided in particular that the first edge 71 of the holding structure 7 is located vertically lower in the second position of the holding structure 7 than in the first position of the holding structure 7. The first edge 71 of the holding structure 7 can be located in particular on a side of the holding structure 7 that faces away from the pivot axis 7A. The pivot axis 7A can be located for example in the region of the second edge 72 of the holding structure 7. It can be provided in particular that the upper region 5H of the radiation protection curtain 5 extends from the first edge 71 of the holding structure 7 to the pivot axis 7A and / or to the second edge 72 of the holding structure 7.

[0088] The example shown provides that the lower region 5L of the radiation protection curtain 5 and the upper region 5H of the radiation protection curtain 5 are sewn into one another at the edge 5K of the radiation protection curtain 5. The example shown provides that the holding structure 7 extends planarly, wherein the upper region 5H of the radiation protection curtain 5 is placed planarly on the holding structure 7. The example shown provides that the holding structure 7 is made of plastic, in particular of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0089] The example shown provides that the radiation protection curtain 5 is fixed on the holding structure 7 by means of a set of button connections D. The example shown provides that the radiation protection curtain 5 has a set of curtain-side connection elements D5,

[0090] - wherein the holding structure 7 has a set of holding structure-side connection elements D7, wherein the set of curtain-side connection elements D5 and the set of holding structure-side connection elements D7 together form the set of button connections D.

[0091] The example shown provides that the set of holding structure-side connecting elements D7 has a first row of holding structure-side connecting elements D7, wherein the first row of holding structure-side connecting elements D7 is arranged to follow the course of the first edge 71 of the holding structure 7, wherein the set of curtain-side connecting elements D5 has a first row of curtain-side connecting elements D5, wherein the first row of curtain-side connecting elements D5 is arranged to follow the course of the edge 5K of the radiation protection curtain 5 and corresponds to the first row of holding structure-side connecting elements D7.

[0092] The example shown provides that the pivot device 70 has at least one frictional hinge 76,

[0093] - wherein the holding structure 7 is pivotably supported about the pivot axis 7A with respect to the gantry 20 by means of the at least one frictional hinge 76,

[0094] - wherein the at least one frictional hinge 76 is configured to hold the holding structure 7 in the second position with respect to the gantry 20, in particular in that the starting torque of the frictional hinge 76 is greater than the torque caused by the weight of the holding structure 7 and the radiation protection curtain 5 with respect to the pivot axis 7A.

[0095] The example shown provides that the pivot device 70 has a gantry-side region B2,

[0096] - wherein the holding structure 7 is pivotably supported about the pivot axis 7A with respect to the gantry-side region B2 by means of the pivot device 70,

[0097] - wherein the gantry 20 has a set of screws C2,

[0098] - wherein the gantry-side region B2 has a set of recesses C7 for accommodating the set of screws C2,

[0099] - wherein the set of screws C2 is accommodated in the set of recesses C7 such that the gantry-side region B2 is fixed in shape to prevent movement with respect to the gantry 20 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the system axis SA and / or the screws of the set of screws C2.

[0100] The gantry-side region B2 can be configured substantially rod-shaped and / or extend substantially along the pivot axis 7A, for example. The gantry-side region B2 can be made substantially of aluminum, for example.

[0101] The example shown provides that the screws of the set of screws C2 are oriented substantially parallel to the system axis SA.

[0102] The example shown provides that at least one screw of the set of screws C2 has a recess C21,

[0103] - wherein the region B2 on the gantry side has a fixing element C71 in at least one recess C7 of a set of recesses C7, wherein the fixing element C71 is introduced into the recess C21 perpendicular to the axial direction of the at least one bolt such that the region B2 on the gantry side is fixed in a form-locked manner against a movement in the axial direction of the at least one bolt relative to the gantry 20, in particular against a movement away from the gantry 20 in the axial direction of the at least one bolt.

[0104] The example shown provides that the region B2 on the gantry side has a spring C0 which is designed to press the fixing element C71 against the recess C21 perpendicular to the axial direction of the at least one bolt.

[0105] The example shown provides that the region B2 on the gantry side has an operating element C01 which is arranged on the surface of the region B2 of the gantry and which is connected with the fixing element C71 such that a pressing onto the operating element C01 can cause, in particular can overcome the spring force of the spring, the pressing-out of the fixing element C71 from the recess C21.

[0106] The metal plate C3 is screwed from the inside onto the cover V. Each bolt of the set of bolts C2 is threadedly connected with a respective metal plate C3. The fixing element C71 comprises a plate-shaped region with a respective hole which is snapped into the recess C21. The spring C0 holds the fixing element C71 in the recess C21. Thus, the region B2 on the gantry side is fixed relative to the gantry 20. For example in the interior of an ambulance, for cleaning purposes and / or in order to use the gantry 20 without the radiation protection device 75, the radiation protection device 75 can thus be detached from the gantry 20 in a simple manner.

[0107] The plate-shaped region of the fixing element C71 extends planarly in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the bolt C2 and has a circular hole through which the bolt C2 extends. Furthermore, the plate-shaped region of the fixing element C71 has a long hole C72 which extends perpendicular to the axial direction of the bolt C2. The screw C22 extends through the long hole C72 and forms together with the long hole C72 a guide for the fixing element C71.

[0108] The region B2 on the gantry side is connected with a gantry-side portion of the at least one friction hinge 76. The holding structure-side portion of the at least one friction hinge 76 can be, for example, threadedly connected with a threaded plate which is laminated into the holding structure 7, in particular into a respective end piece B7 of the holding structure 7. At each of the two end pieces B7 of the holding structure 7, respectively, a holding structure-side connecting element of the set of holding structure-side connecting elements D7 is fixed.

[0109] The at least one friction hinge 76 ensures sufficient holding force so that the holding structure 7 can be held in different positions relative to the gantry 20, in particular in each position passed through in a first pivoting movement from the first position to the second position. Thereby, the holding structure 7 can be positioned in different angular positions relative to the gantry 20. It can in particular be provided that the at least one friction hinge 76 is able to hold the holding structure 7 in any position between 90 degrees upwards relative to the system axis SA and 90 degrees downwards relative to the system axis SA.

[0110] Figure 10 In a further view, a computed tomography apparatus is shown, which has a gantry and a radiation protection device for covering the opening, wherein the holding structure 7 is located in the second position. The examination object 14 is the head of a patient 13. The computed tomography apparatus 1 is a mobile head computed tomography apparatus. The computed tomography apparatus 1 further has a headrest 19, which can accommodate the head of the patient 13, and an upper body support plate 15, on which the upper body of the patient 13 can be supported.

[0111] The gantry 20 has a first gantry part 21, a second gantry part 22 and a third gantry part 23, wherein the first gantry part 21 has a rotatably supported rotor 24, which has a projection data acquisition system 27, wherein the third gantry part 23 has at least one section of the opening 9, wherein the holding structure 7 is connected with the third gantry part 23 by means of the pivoting device 70 and is pivotably supported relative to the third gantry part 23 about a pivoting axis 7A.

[0112] The first gantry part 21 is movably supported relative to the second gantry part 22 and relative to the third gantry part 23, so that a translational movement of the first gantry part 21 relative to the second gantry part 22 and the third gantry part 23 can be carried out, while at the same time the second gantry part 22 and the third gantry part 23 are stationary relative to the examination object 14, and the radiation protection device 75 is stationary relative to the examination object 14 and relative to at least one section of the opening 9 when the examination object 14 is located in the opening 9.

[0113] The first gantry part 21 has a rotational support 25 and a carrier structure 26, wherein the rotor 24 is connected with the carrier structure 26 by means of the rotational support 25 and is rotatably supported relative to the carrier structure 26 about a system axis SA. The projection data acquisition system 27 has an X-ray source 4A for generating X-rays 4 and an X-ray detector 4B for detecting the X-rays 4.

[0114] Figure 11 In a further view, a computed tomography apparatus is shown, which has a gantry and a radiation protection device for covering the opening, wherein the holding structure 7 is located in the second position.

[0115] The computed tomography apparatus 1 has a couch 10 for supporting a patient 13. The gantry 20 has an interior region 29 and a cover V for separating the interior region 29 from the environment U, wherein the holding structure 7 lies against a region of the cover V when the holding structure 7 is in the first position of the holding structure 7, wherein the holding structure 7 projects from a region of the cover V when the holding structure 7 is in the second position of the holding structure 7.

[0116] The holding structure 7 extends planarly in a cover plane 7E, wherein the cover plane 7E is substantially parallel to a pivot axis 7A. A system axis SA is horizontal and parallel to a horizontal direction z. The pivot axis 7A is horizontal and perpendicular to the horizontal direction z. The pivot axis 7A is located above the opening 9.

[0117] A vertical position Y1 of the first edge 71 of the holding structure 7 in the second position of the holding structure 7 is lower than in the first position of the holding structure 7. With respect to a vertical direction y, there is an intermediate space between the patient 13 and the holding structure 7. Thereby, the risk of a collision of the patient 13 with the holding structure 7 is reduced.

[0118] The computed tomography apparatus 1 further has an illumination system 81, which is designed for illuminating at least the opening 9 when the holding structure 7 is in the second position of the holding structure 7.

[0119] The computed tomography apparatus 1 further has a camera system 82, which is designed for optically detecting at least the examination object 14 when the examination object 14 is located in the opening 9 and when the holding structure 7 is in the second position of the holding structure 7. The camera system 82 has a camera fixed on the holding structure 7. The computed tomography apparatus 1 has a screen 38. An image of the examination object 14 generated by the camera system 82 can be displayed on the screen, for example.

[0120] The computed tomography apparatus 1 further has an acoustic system 83, which is designed for emitting at least acoustic signals to the examination object 14 and / or receiving acoustic signals emitted from the examination object 14 when the examination object 14 is located in the opening 9 and when the holding structure 7 is in the second position of the holding structure 7. The acoustic system 83 has a microphone and a loudspeaker fixed on the holding structure 7.

Claims

1. A computed tomography (CT) apparatus (1) having a frame (20) with an opening (9) and a radiation protection device (75) for covering said opening (9), -in, The radiation protection device (75) has a retaining structure (7), a radiation protection curtain (5), and a pivoting device (70). - Wherein, when the retaining structure (7) is in a first position relative to the frame (20), the inspection object (14) can be guided into the opening (9) along the system axis (SA) of the frame (20). - wherein the retaining structure (7) is pivotally supported relative to the frame (20) about a pivot axis (7A) by means of the pivoting device (70), such that by a first pivoting movement of the retaining structure (7) about the pivot axis (7A), the retaining structure (7) can be lowered relative to the frame (20) from a first position to a second position. -The radiation protection curtain (5) is arranged on the retaining structure (7). -The lower region (5L) of the radiation protection curtain (5) hangs down from the retaining structure (7). - Characterized in that the upper region (5H) of the radiation protection curtain (5) is placed on the retaining structure (7).

2. The computed tomography (CT) device (1) according to claim 1, -in, The upper region (5H) of the radiation shielding curtain (5) is placed on the retaining structure (7) such that the upper region (5H) of the radiation shielding curtain (5) shields the area (8) of the environment (U) of the rack (20) from the scattered radiation of X-rays (4), which originates from the opening (9), is directed at the area (8) of the environment (U) of the rack (20), and passes through the retaining structure (7).

3. The computed tomography (CT) device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, -in, The lower region (5L) and the upper region (5H) of the radiation protection curtain (5) are adjacent to each other along the edge (5K) of the radiation protection curtain (5). -The radiation protection curtain (5) is arranged on the retaining structure (7) such that the edge (5K) of the radiation protection curtain (5) extends along the first edge (71) of the retaining structure (7).

4. The computed tomography (CT) device (1) according to claim 3, -in, The lower region (5L) and the upper region (5H) of the radiation protection curtain (5) are stitched together at the edge (5K) of the radiation protection curtain (5).

5. The computed tomography apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, -in, The retaining structure (7) extends in a planar manner. -The upper region (5H) of the radiation protection curtain (5) is planarly placed on the retaining structure (7).

6. The computed tomography apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, -in, The retaining structure (7) is made of plastic.

7. The computed tomography apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, -in, The radiation protection curtain (5) is fixed to the retaining structure (7) by means of a set of button connections (D).

8. The computed tomography (CT) device (1) according to claim 7, -in, The radiation protection curtain (5) has a set of connecting elements (D5) on the curtain side. -The retaining structure (7) has a set of connecting elements (D7) on the retaining structure side. - Wherein, the set of curtain-side connecting elements (D5) and the set of retaining structure-side connecting elements (D7) together form the set of button connections (D).

9. The computed tomography (CT) device (1) according to claim 8, -in, The set of retaining structure side connecting elements (D7) has a first row of retaining structure side connecting elements (D7), wherein the first row of retaining structure side connecting elements (D7) is arranged to follow the orientation of the first edge (71) of the retaining structure (7). -The set of curtain-side connecting elements (D5) has a first row of curtain-side connecting elements (D5), wherein the first row of curtain-side connecting elements (D5) is arranged to follow the direction of the edge (5K) of the radiation protection curtain (5) and corresponds to the first row of retaining structure side connecting elements (D7).

10. The computed tomography apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, -in, The pivoting device (70) has at least one friction hinge (76). - wherein the retaining structure (7) is pivotally supported relative to the frame (20) about the pivot axis (7A) by means of the at least one friction hinge (76). - wherein the at least one friction hinge (76) is configured to hold the retaining structure (7) in the second position relative to the frame (20).

11. The computed tomography apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, -in, The pivoting device (70) has a frame-side area (B2), - wherein the retaining structure (7) is pivotally supported by means of the pivoting device (70) about the pivot axis (7A) relative to the region (B2) on the frame side. -The frame (20) has a set of bolts (C2). -The region (B2) on the frame side has a set of recesses (C7) for accommodating the set of bolts (C2). - wherein the set of bolts (C2) is accommodated in the set of recesses (C7) such that the region (B2) on the frame side is shaped-locked to prevent movement relative to the frame (20) in a plane substantially perpendicular to the system axis (SA) and / or the bolts in the set of bolts (C2).

12. The computed tomography (CT) device (1) according to claim 11, - wherein the bolts in the set of bolts (C2) are oriented substantially parallel to the system axis (SA).

13. The computed tomography apparatus (1) according to claim 11 or 12, - wherein at least one of the bolts in the set of bolts (C2) has a groove (C21), -in, The region (B2) on the frame side has a fixing element (C71) in at least one of the recesses (C7). -The fixing element (C71) is inserted into the groove (C21) perpendicular to the axial direction of the at least one bolt, so that the area (B2) on the frame side is fixed in a shape-locking manner to prevent movement relative to the frame (20) in the axial direction of the at least one bolt.

14. The computed tomography apparatus (1) according to claim 13, -in, The region (B2) on the frame side has a spring (C0) designed to press the fixing element (C71) into the groove (C21) perpendicular to the axial direction of the at least one bolt.

15. The computed tomography apparatus (1) according to claim 13 or 14, -in, The region (B2) on the frame side has an operating element (C01) arranged on the surface of the region (B2) of the frame and connected to the fixing element (C71) such that pressure applied to the operating element (C01) can cause the fixing element (C71) to be pressed out of the groove (C21).

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