Device for mechanically connecting a component to a rack

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mechanically connecting a component to a rack. The device comprises a fixing means which is guided through a through-opening in the component, wherein the fixing means is threadedly connected to the rack, a spring pack which is placed onto the fixing means, wherein the spring pack comprises one or more springs, wherein at least one spring is arranged between a head of the fixing means and the component, wherein the at least one spring is compressed in order to generate a prestress which securely holds the component on the rack, wherein the component has a fixing section in which the through-opening is arranged, wherein the through-opening has a conically expanding section on the side facing the rack, wherein the fixing means has a form-locking section, wherein the form-locking section is form-locked arranged in the conically expanding section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for mechanically connecting a component to a frame, the apparatus comprising a retaining device guided through a through opening in the component, a frame threadedly connected to the retaining device, and a spring assembly placed on the retaining device, wherein the spring assembly comprises one or more springs, wherein at least one spring is arranged between the head of the retaining device and the component, wherein at least one spring is compressed in the threaded connection state of the retaining device to the frame to generate a prestress that securely holds the component on the frame. Background Technology

[0002] This invention relates to the technical field of medical technology, and more particularly to the mechanical connection between components and the gantry in a computed tomography (CT) system. A specific area of ​​expertise involves the secure fixation of components while taking into account the high mechanical stresses and thermal expansion resulting from gantry rotation. This invention is particularly relevant to the monitoring and stability of components in rotating medical devices to ensure the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic methods.

[0003] As the computed tomography (CT) scanner rotates, significant radial forces arise, causing deformation of the rotating drum / disc. This deformation transfers to components mounted in the gantry, generating high mechanical stresses there. Existing solutions include direct threaded connections to components or the use of spring assemblies to compensate for thermal expansion. However, these methods do not ensure complete decoupling of the mechanical stresses generated by the drum / disc deformation.

[0004] Current developments in the field of medical technology focus on improving mechanical stability and reducing stress in components. For example, various methods for mitigating and decoupling mechanical forces are described in the literature. Despite these advances, challenges remain in effectively decoupling components from stresses induced by rotation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem solved by this invention is that the mechanical stress generated by the deformation of the drum / disc in a computed tomography (CT) machine is not transferred to the fixed components. In particular, the object of this invention is to provide a device that enables components to be securely and stress-free fixed to the frame, and is particularly simple and inexpensive in manufacture and / or use.

[0006] The present invention addresses the problems defined above by providing a device for mechanically connecting a component to a frame, the device comprising a retaining element, a through opening in the component, a frame, and a spring assembly. The spring assembly, containing one or more springs, is arranged between the head of the retaining element and the component and is compressed in a threaded connection state to generate prestress. This prestress securely holds the component to the frame and prevents the transfer of mechanical stress towards the component.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a means for mechanically connecting a component to a frame, the means comprising:

[0008] A fixing device that is guided through a through opening in the component;

[0009] The frame is threadedly connected to the fixing device.

[0010] A spring assembly, which is placed on a fixing device, comprises one or more springs, wherein at least one spring is arranged between the head of the fixing device and the component, and wherein at least one spring is compressed when the fixing device is threadedly connected to the frame to generate a prestress that securely holds the component on the frame.

[0011] The component has a fixed section with a through opening in the fixed section. The through opening has a tapered extension on the side facing the frame. The fixing device has a form-locking section, which is arranged in a form-locking manner in the tapered extension.

[0012] The device includes a fastening element that is guided through a through opening in a component. The fastening element is used to mechanically connect the component to a frame. A fastening element is an element used to connect two or more parts to each other. Common examples are screws, bolts, or rivets. The through opening is an opening that completely penetrates the material, allowing the fastening element to be guided through. The fastening element can have different shapes, such as screws, bolts, or pins. The through opening is generally cylindrical but may have tapered sections, for example, at one or both ends. Preferably, the fastening element is formed as a screw that is guided through a hole (as a through opening) to hold it to the frame. Depending on the specific requirements of the application, the fastening element can be based on different materials, such as steel, titanium, or plastic, and / or composed of said different materials.

[0013] The apparatus includes a frame threadedly connected to the fixing components. The frame is a structure that serves as a framework or carrier and can be fixed to other components. The frame is preferably the fixed component portion of a computed tomography (CT) machine. The frame forms the structure that supports and stabilizes the rotating parts of the equipment. The frame can be made of different materials, such as aluminum, steel, or composite materials, and can have different designs to meet the specific requirements of the CT machine. A typical example of a frame is the rotating structure of a CT machine that supports the X-ray source and detector. The frame serves as a stable foundation for the fixed components and contributes to the overall stability and functionality of the CT machine.

[0014] The typical rotational speed of the gantry in a computed tomography (CT) machine is between 1 and 4 revolutions per second, which results in significant centrifugal forces acting on the components on the order of several grams. These forces place special requirements on the fixation of the components and the fixtures.

[0015] The device includes a spring assembly placed on a fixed component, wherein the spring assembly comprises one or more springs. A spring assembly is an arrangement of one or more springs that cooperate with each other to perform a specific function. A spring is an elastic element capable of storing and releasing mechanical energy. A spring assembly may include different types of springs, such as compression springs, tension springs, or torque springs. The number and type of springs may vary depending on the application requirements. The spring assembly particularly ensures an elastic connection between the fixed component and the assembly, thereby generating prestress that securely holds the assembly to the frame.

[0016] The device, particularly the spring assembly, includes at least one spring arranged between the head of the fixing device and the component, wherein at least one spring is compressed in the threaded connection of the fixing device to the frame to generate a prestress that securely holds the component to the frame. The prestress is the force generated in the spring when it is compressed or extended to maintain a specific stress. The head of the fixing device is the portion of the fixing device that typically has a larger diameter and is used to hold the fixing device in place. The prestress can be generated by different types of springs, and the strength of the prestress can be adapted to the requirements of the application. An example is a screw with a compression spring, which is compressed when the screw is tightened to maintain a constant stress. The prestress ensures that the component is securely held to the frame by applying a constant force to the connection.

[0017] The device includes a component having a fixed section with a through opening. This component is designed to be secured to a frame and to withstand radial forces during operation. The fixed section is a portion of the component specifically designed to accommodate and securely hold the fixing device. This section can be reinforced or otherwise designed to meet mechanical requirements. The fixed section is preferably a bottom section or frame. It can be, for example, a floor or base plate.

[0018] The through opening in this fixed section has a tapered extension on the side facing the frame. This tapered extension is an extension of the tapered opening to ensure better adaptability and stability of the fixing device. The tapered shape helps to center and stabilize the fixing device during installation, resulting in a stronger and more secure connection.

[0019] The fastening device itself has a form-locking section, which is at least partially form-locked within a tapered extension. The form-locking section is a specially shaped portion of the fastening device designed to fit into the tapered extension in a form-locking manner. This means that the form-locking section and the tapered extension coordinate with each other to form a robust and stable connection capable of withstanding mechanical loads. Preferably, the fastening device has a threaded section, particularly disposed on the end opposite the head of the fastening device. The form-locking section is preferably connected to the threaded section and / or disposed between the center of the fastening device and the threaded end. The form-locking section is particularly constructed continuously around the perimeter. In particular, the form-locking section may have a recessed portion around the perimeter.

[0020] This invention enables a secure and technically inexpensive connection between components and a frame, which can withstand high rotational forces during operation. This design ensures that the mechanical connection between the components and the frame remains reliable even under extreme conditions. Specifically, the form-locking between the form-locking section of the retaining device and the tapered extension of the through-opening results in a retaining bearing that securely secures the components. Simultaneously, this arrangement allows for the balancing of stresses that may arise during rotation due to dynamic loads.

[0021] Particularly preferred is a through opening forming a through hole. This means that the opening completely passes through the component. Through holes allow for simple and accurate installation of fasteners because the fasteners can be guided directly through the component and threaded onto the frame. An example of this is a hole in a metal plate through which a screw is guided to secure the plate to the structure. This type of hole ensures that the fastener is firmly and securely in place, which is particularly important when the connection is subjected to high loads.

[0022] In particular, the conical extension with a through-hole is constructed in the form of a cone, hemisphere, or spherical segment. This extension shape allows for better distribution of forces affecting the connection and thus improves connection stability. The conical or spherical segment ensures that the fastener is form-locked within the extension, which further stabilizes the connection. An example of this is a conical recess in a metal plate, to which the conical form-locking segment fits. This design prevents the fastener from loosening or shifting under load and ensures uniform force distribution along the connection.

[0023] The conical extension is preferably constructed in a conical shape, wherein the shape-locking section of the fixing device forms a spherical section or is constructed in a hemispherical shape. This combination enables a flexible yet stable connection that can be adapted to different angles and positions. The spherical section on the fixing device adapts to the conical extension with the through opening, and enables a certain degree of mobility in the connection without affecting stability.

[0024] The device preferably includes at least one additional securing device, which is guided through an additional through opening in the component and threadedly connected to the frame. The additional securing device has an additional spring assembly placed on it. The additional spring assembly includes one or more springs arranged between the head of the additional securing device and the component. With the additional securing device threadedly connected to the frame, at least one spring is compressed to generate a prestress that holds the component to the frame. The additional securing device particularly forms a floating bearing for securing the component to the frame.

[0025] The device optionally includes at least two additional fixing devices, wherein through openings for fixing the devices are arranged between the two additional through openings. This arrangement enables uniform force distribution and improves connection stability. Here, the connection of components forms a floating bearing by means of the additional fixing devices, and the connection arranged between them forms a fixed bearing by means of the fixing devices. Floating bearings are basically used for general connections between components and frames, wherein the fixing devices, as fixed bearings, further stabilize the connection and are safe while allowing deformation during operation.

[0026] Fixed bearings keep components in a fixed position, while floating bearings allow for a certain degree of mobility to compensate for thermal expansion or other movements.

[0027] The fixed sections of the components have less stiffness than the frame. This means that the fixed sections are more flexible and can better adapt to the shape and position of the frame. An example of this is a component made of a flexible material that can be easily deformed to ensure perfect fit with the frame, while the frame itself is made of a stiffer material that provides the necessary stability.

[0028] The fasteners and / or additional fasteners are particularly constructed in the form of pins. The pin-shaped construction allows for simple and precise installation because the pin can be easily guided through the hole in the component and threaded into the frame.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a device. The device is used to securely fasten a component to a gantry in a medical device. A fastening element is guided through a through opening in the component and threadedly connected to the gantry. A spring assembly, comprising one or more springs, is placed on the fastening element to generate a prestress that securely holds the component to the gantry. An example of this is fastening an X-ray detector to a gantry in a medical imaging apparatus. The spring assembly ensures that the detector is firmly and securely held to the gantry, even in the event of equipment vibration or movement.

[0030] The device is used to securely fasten a component to a gantry in a medical device, wherein, in particular, at least one additional fixation device is guided through an additional through-opening in the component and threadedly connected to the gantry. An additional spring assembly, comprising one or more springs, is placed on the additional fixation device to generate a prestress that holds the component to the gantry.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention forms a computed tomography (CT) machine, wherein the CT machine includes a frame and components fixed thereon according to the described apparatus and purpose. Fixing devices and spring assemblies securely hold the components to the frame. An example for this is a CT machine in which an X-ray detector is securely fixed to the frame to ensure accurate imaging. The spring assemblies ensure that the detector is firmly held to the frame, even in the event of rapid movement and vibration that may occur during the scanning process.

[0032] These features and examples illustrate the diverse application possibilities of devices for securely fixing components to a frame within a medical device. The use of spring assemblies and additional securing devices ensures a stable and secure connection, meeting the requirements of medical environments. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Further advantages, functions, and design features can be derived from the accompanying drawings and their description. Here:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a computed tomography (CT) scanner according to the prior art is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a frame with a rack frame and a support arm according to the prior art is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 The device showing the mechanical connection between the component and the frame is illustrated.

[0037] Figures 4a and 4b show detailed views and cross-sectional views of the device used to mechanically connect the components to the frame.

[0038] Figures 5a and 5b show the fixing device and additional fixing device according to the device of Figures 4a and 4b. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1A general schematic diagram of a computed tomography (CT) machine 1 is shown to illustrate its general structure. The arrangement includes a gantry 2 having a fixed portion 3 (also referred to as the gantry frame) and a portion 4a with a drum 4 that rotates or is rotatable about a system axis 5. The rotating portion 4a, which functions as an imaging system (X-ray system), includes, in addition to the drum, an X-ray source 6 and an X-ray detector 7, which are arranged opposite each other within the drum 4. The X-ray source 6 and the X-ray detector 7, together with the drum 4, form the imaging system 4a. During operation of the CT machine 1, X-ray radiation 8 is emitted from the X-ray source 6 towards the X-ray detector 7, passes through the object being measured P, such as the patient P, and is detected by the X-ray detector 7 in the form of measurement data or measurement signals.

[0040] In addition, Figure 1 The patient bed 9, used to support the patient P, can be seen in the image. The patient bed 9 includes a bed base 10 on which a patient support plate 11 is arranged for actually supporting the patient P. The patient support plate 11 can be adjusted relative to the bed base 10 along the system axis 5 so that it can be inserted together with the patient P into the opening 12 of the gantry 2 or the patient recording area 12 to record the X-ray projection of the patient P. The computational processing of the X-ray projection recorded using the imaging system 4a, or the reconstruction of tomographic images, 3D images, or 3D data sets based on the measurement data or measurement signals of the X-ray projection, is performed using the image processor 13 of the computed tomography machine 1, wherein the tomographic images or 3D images can be displayed on the display device 14. The image processor 13 can also be configured as a control device for controlling the imaging process to manipulate the gantry 2 and, in particular, the imaging system 4a.

[0041] In order for the rotating portion 4a forming the imaging system 4a to rotate relative to the fixed portion 3 of the gantry 2, a support for the rotating portion 4a is required. For this purpose, for example, an annular rolling bearing is used, which is arranged axially approximately at the center of the gantry 2 and surrounds the patient recording area 12 in an annular shape.

[0042] Figure 2 A rack 2 is shown, which has a conventional rack frame 3 and support arms 22. The rack frame 3 includes a support structure 21 supporting the rear side of the rack frame 3. The support structure 21 is constructed relatively narrow in the axial direction, but has a large diameter in the radial direction to accommodate a cylindrical drum 4. A plurality of support arms 22 are arranged on the outer side of the support structure 21, extending in the axial direction and extending out of the drum 4. So-called brackets 27 are fixed to the support arms 22, which extend at a 90º angle relative to the support arms 22 or radially relative to the axis of rotation of the drum 4. Functional elements, such as an operation panel, a display, and similar units (not shown) accessible from the front side of the rack 2, can be fixed to the brackets 27.

[0043] Figure 3 A segmental diagram of a computed tomography (CT) machine 1 is shown. This segmental diagram further shows a segment of a gantry 2 and a component 30 fixed thereto. Component 30 is connected to the gantry 2, particularly the drum 4, via a fixing device 31. Component 30 is, for example, an electronic component. Component 30 has a fixing section 32, which forms a protrusion or flange. Alternatively and / or additionally, the fixing section 32 may form a base plate or a section of a base plate. As the drum 4 rotates, component 30 rotates together, thus subjecting component 30 to large forces, particularly radial and / or centrifugal forces, during operation of the CT machine 1. When stationary, component 30 is subjected to gravity, which exhibits different effects depending on the component's position (e.g., at the 9 o'clock or 12 o'clock position). The connection and / or fixing of component 30 to the gantry 2 or drum 4 must be designed such that it can withstand these forces and balance any possible resulting deformation. This is provided by the fixing according to the invention.

[0044] Figures 4a and 4b show simplified fragment diagrams of how component 30 is fixed to the frame 2 of the computed tomography (CT) machine 1. This may involve, for example, fixing... Figure 3 Component 30, wherein, for simplicity, only the base plate and / or fixing section 32 are shown, and all other details, such as the electronic components themselves, are omitted. The fixing section 32 is preferably arranged in the edge and / or marginal regions of component 30 or the base plate. Two fixing devices 32 are shown here, which are ultimately arranged in the fixing section 32.

[0045] The retaining device 31 has a head 33, which is preferably configured to thread the retaining device 31 to the frame 2 and / or the drum 4 in interaction with a corresponding tool (e.g., a screwdriver). Below the head 33, the retaining device 31 is substantially cylindrical, which in this context means substantially except for the shape-locking section 34.

[0046] The fixing section 32 has two through openings 35. The through openings 35 are essentially based on through holes in the base plate and / or component 30. The fixing device 31 is guided through the through openings 35. A nut 36 is arranged in the region of the head 33 of the fixing device 31, which engages in particular with the threads of the fixing device 31.

[0047] Between the nut 36 and the fixed section 32, a spring assembly 37 is placed onto the fixing device 31. The spring assembly 37 includes at least one spring and can be set and / or adjusted in prestress by means of the nut 36. Here, the prestress is set such that the spring assembly 37 and / or the spring will compress the component 30 against the frame 2 and / or the drum 4.

[0048] At the opposite end of the head 33, the retaining device 31 has a thread 38. The retaining device 32 is threadedly connected to the frame 2 and / or the drum 4 by means of the thread 38. In other words, the retaining device 31 and the component 30 are held on the frame 2 and / or the drum 4 by this threaded connection.

[0049] The fastening device 31 has a shape-locking section 34. The shape-locking section is arranged at the middle third of the longitudinal direction of the fastening device 31. The shape-locking section 34 forms, for example, a tapered section and / or a spherical surrounding flange and / or a raised portion.

[0050] Preferably, the shape-locking section 34 is constructed of the same material as the fastener 31, such as metal or metal alloy; alternatively, the shape-locking section 34 may be constructed and / or formed of other materials, especially placed on the cylindrical section of the fastener 31.

[0051] Component 30, particularly the through opening 35, has a tapered extension 39 on the side facing the frame 4. The tapered extension 39 is preferably constructed in a conical shape, for example, as a conical bore through the opening 35. In the fixed state of component 30, a form-locking section 34 is arranged in the tapered extension 39. Specifically, the form-locking section 34 forms a spherical section, and the tapered extension 39 forms a conical extension. The form-locking section 34 is arranged in the tapered extension 39 in a form-locking manner, particularly in a force-locking manner and / or a friction-locking manner. Through the form-locking connection of the form-locking section 34 and the tapered extension 39, the fixing device 31 forms a fixed support point.

[0052] Figure 5a shows the fixing device 31 of Figures 4a and 4b, where it can be seen that the shape-locking section 34 is shape-locked in the tapered extension 39, so that the fixing device 31 forms a fixed bearing.

[0053] Figure 5b shows an additional fastening device 40, which is constructed substantially the same as fastening device 31. The additional fastening device 40 is guided through an additional through opening 41 in component 30 and threadedly connected to the frame 2. The additional fastening device 40 includes an additional spring assembly 42 placed on the additional fastening device 40, wherein the additional spring assembly 42 includes one or more springs, wherein at least one spring is arranged between the head 43 of the additional fastening device 40 and component 30, wherein at least one spring is compressed to generate a prestress that holds component 30 on the frame 2.

[0054] Unlike the fixing device 31, the additional fixing device may be constructed without the form-locking section 34 or with a smaller additional form-locking section 44. The additional form-locking section 44 is constructed to be smaller than the tapered additional extension 45 and therefore engages with it without form-locking. A gap 46 is arranged between the additional form-locking section 44 and the tapered additional extension 45. This can be achieved, for example, by making the tapered additional extension 45 extend more than the tapered extension 39, so that the additional form-locking section 41 is too small to be form-locked. Alternatively and / or additionally, the additional form-locking section 41 may be constructed smaller than the form-locking section 39, for example, by removing material from the form-locking section 39. This additional fixing device 40 forms a floating support point.

[0055] According to the preferred design specifications, a fixing device 31 is arranged between the two additional fixing devices 40. The fixing device 31 provides additional stability and fixation by functioning as a fixed bearing, especially when the connected component 30 stops at the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position after the frame 2 has rotated.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mechanically connecting a component (30) to a frame (2), the apparatus comprising: A fixing device (31) is guided through a through opening (35) in the component (30), wherein the fixing device (31) is threadedly connected to the frame (2). A spring assembly (37) is placed on the fixing device (31), wherein the spring assembly (37) includes one or more springs, wherein at least one spring is arranged between the head (33) of the fixing device (31) and the component (30), wherein the at least one spring is compressed to generate a prestress that securely holds the component (30) on the frame (2). The component (30) has a fixed section (32) in which the through opening (35) is arranged, wherein the through opening (35) has a tapered extension (39) on the side facing the frame (2), wherein the fixing device (31) has a shape-locking section (34), wherein the shape-locking section (34) is arranged in the tapered extension (39) in a shape-locking manner.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through opening (35) forms a through hole.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The conical extension (39) is constructed to be conical or hemispherical.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conical extension (39) is constructed in a conical shape and the shape-locking section (34) forms a spherical section.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... At least one additional fastening device (40) is guided through an additional through opening (41) in the component (30) and threadedly connected to the frame (2), wherein the additional fastening device (40) has an additional spring assembly (42) placed on the additional fastening device (40), wherein the additional spring assembly (42) comprises one or more springs, wherein the at least one spring is arranged between the head (43) of the additional fastening device (40) and the component (30), wherein the at least one spring is compressed to generate a prestress that holds the component (30) on the frame (2).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that... At least two additional fixing devices (40), wherein the through opening (35) for the fixing device (31) is arranged between the two additional through openings (41).

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The fixing device (31) forms a fixed bearing, and the additional fixing device (40) forms a floating bearing.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fixed section (32) has less stiffness than the frame (2) and / or the drum (4).

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fixing device (31) and / or the additional fixing device (40) are constructed in the form of pins.

10. Use of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for securing a component (30) to a frame (2), wherein, The fixing device is guided through the through opening (35) in the component (30) and threaded to the frame (2), wherein a spring assembly (37) including one or more springs is placed on the fixing device (31) to generate a prestress that securely holds the component (30) on the frame (2).

11. Use of the device according to any one of claims 5 to 9 for securing a component (30) to a frame (2), wherein, At least one additional fastening device (40) is guided through an additional through opening in the component (30) and threaded to the frame (2), wherein an additional spring assembly comprising one or more springs is placed on the additional fastening device (40) to generate a prestress that holds the component (30) on the frame (2).

12. A computed tomography (CT) machine (1), comprising a frame (2) and a component (30) fixed to the frame according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing device (30) and the spring assembly hold the component (30) on the frame (2).

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