Gantry for a computed tomography apparatus and computed tomography apparatus

Abstract

The utility model relates to a gantry for computed tomography apparatus and a computed tomography apparatus. The gantry has a housing region, an opening and a warning light for warning X-ray radiation, wherein the opening extends in a tunnel-like manner along a system axis of the gantry, such that an examination object can be introduced into the opening along the system axis and can be examined in the opening by means of X-ray radiation, wherein the housing region is located between a lateral region of the surroundings of the gantry and the system axis with respect to a radial direction perpendicular to the system axis of the gantry, wherein the warning light extends along a longitudinal axis of the warning light, wherein the warning light is arranged on the housing region such that the longitudinal axis of the warning light is substantially parallel to the system axis of the gantry and the warning light is visible from the lateral region of the surroundings of the gantry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a frame for a computed tomography (CT) imaging device and a CT imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] In imaging examinations using computed tomography (CT) equipment, X-ray radiation is triggered during scanning. Warning lights are used to warn of X-ray radiation. In certain imaging examinations, particularly those using stationary CT equipment, the medical personnel performing the procedure are typically located in the operating space outside the examination room and can usually have a good view of the CT equipment through the glass when observing the examination opening. In these cases, it is sufficient that the warning lights are installed on the front and / or rear of the CT equipment and are visible from the operating space. For example, the warning lights may be integrated as push-button lights on the front and / or rear of the cover. However, warning lights in these locations are not visible from any position within the examination room.

[0003] Especially when using mobile computed tomography (CT) equipment for imaging examinations, medical personnel can be together in the examination room. This includes considering different areas within the examination room for the medical personnel to remain in during the scan. For this reason, warning lights should be visible from as many areas of the examination room as possible. Utility Model Content

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a rack for a computed tomography (CT) apparatus that improves the visibility of warning lights for X-ray radiation. This objective is addressed according to each subject matter of this invention. Further advantageous aspects of this invention are considered in the description.

[0005] This utility model relates to a frame for a computed tomography (CT) imaging device.

[0006] -The frame includes a housing area, openings, and warning lights for alerting users to X-ray radiation.

[0007] - The opening extends in a tunnel shape along the system axis of the frame, allowing the object to be introduced into the opening along the system axis and examined within the opening using X-ray radiation.

[0008] -In this context, the radial direction of the housing region about the system axis perpendicular to the frame is located between the lateral region of the frame's surrounding environment and the system axis.

[0009] -The warning light extends along the longitudinal axis of the warning light, which is arranged on the housing area. The longitudinal axis of the warning light is substantially parallel to the system axis of the rack, and the warning light is visible from the side area of ​​the surrounding environment of the rack.

[0010] In particular, the warning light can be arranged on the housing area so that it is visible from the side area of ​​the surrounding environment to a person looking at the rack from that side. Specifically, the warning light can be arranged on the housing area so that it is visible from the side area of ​​the surrounding environment in a lateral viewing direction, wherein the lateral viewing direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light. It can be specified that the lateral viewing direction and the radial direction are coplanar and / or lie in a plane perpendicular to the system axis. It can also be specified that the housing area lies radially between the side area of ​​the surrounding environment and the opening, and / or the housing area extends substantially perpendicular to the radial direction in a tower-like manner.

[0011] The rack may, for example, have an X-ray source for generating X-ray radiation. In particular, the rack may be specified to have a radiation shield that protects the lateral areas of the rack's surrounding environment from scattering of X-ray radiation, which is directed from the openings toward the lateral areas of the rack's surrounding environment and / or oriented in the radial direction. The radiation shield may, for example, be located between the housing area and the system axis in a radial direction perpendicular to the system axis of the rack. This protects personnel looking at the rack from scattering of X-ray radiation from the lateral areas of the rack's surrounding environment.

[0012] Warning lights can be, for example, a spatially continuous structure or composed of multiple individual lamp units arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the warning light. In particular, it can be specified that the warning light extends substantially in a rod shape along the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or the warning light is fixed to a housing area. The light produced by the warning light for warning of X-ray radiation can, for example, be orange. For example, the rack can have a control unit configured to operate the warning light such that when X-ray radiation is generated in the rack, for example by means of an X-ray source, the warning light produces light specifically for warning of X-ray radiation. The warning light can, for example, be additionally configured to produce other light, which is not for warning of X-ray radiation, but rather, for example, to indicate the rack's operating status without X-ray radiation and / or information relating to the object being inspected. The control unit can, for example, be a computer.

[0013] Specifically, it can be specified that the system axis is horizontal, and / or the radial direction perpendicular to the system axis of the rack is horizontal. Specifically, it can be specified that the warning lights are arranged in the housing area such that the longitudinal axis of the warning lights is substantially horizontal. Specifically, it can be specified that, at least in the rack's operating state (where the rack's extension along the system axis is minimal), the extension of the warning lights along the system axis is greater than 25% of the rack's extension along the system axis, for example, greater than 50%.

[0014] One embodiment specifies that the warning light has a first light emitting area on a longitudinal side extending along the longitudinal axis of the warning light, wherein the warning light is arranged on the housing area such that the first light emitting area on the longitudinal side is visible from the side area of ​​the surrounding environment of the rack.

[0015] In particular, the warning light can be arranged on the housing area such that, in a side view of the rack, the first light-emitting area on the longitudinal side is visible from the side area of ​​the surrounding environment, wherein the projection direction of the side view of the rack is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or perpendicular to the system axis. The first light-emitting area on the longitudinal side can be, for example, spatially continuous or composed of multiple separate partial areas arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the warning light. The first light-emitting area on the longitudinal side can, for example, be a first light-emitting surface on the longitudinal side and / or extend planarly along the longitudinal axis of the warning light. The first light-emitting surface on the longitudinal side can, for example, be curved, particularly curved around the longitudinal axis of the warning light.

[0016] One embodiment specifies that the first light emitting area on the longitudinal side is joined flush to the surface of the side area of ​​the housing region facing the surrounding environment of the frame, and in particular, the joining is such that the gap between the first light emitting area on the longitudinal side and the surface of the side area of ​​the housing region facing the surrounding environment of the frame extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the warning light.

[0017] One embodiment specifies that the warning light has a first light emitting area on an end side intersecting the longitudinal axis of the warning light, wherein the warning light is arranged on the housing area such that the first light emitting area on the end side is visible from the front area of ​​the surrounding environment of the frame in a first axial viewing direction, wherein the first axial viewing direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the warning light.

[0018] In particular, the warning light can be arranged on the housing area such that the first light-emitting area on the end side is visible from the front area of ​​the surrounding environment in the front view of the rack, wherein the projection direction of the front view of the rack is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or parallel to the system axis. The first light-emitting area on the end side can be spatially continuous or composed of multiple separate partial areas arranged side-by-side perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or spaced apart perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light. The first light-emitting area on the end side can be, for example, a first light-emitting surface on the end side. The first light-emitting surface on the end side can be curved, particularly curved around a bending axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light. It can be specified that the first light-emitting area on the longitudinal side and the first light-emitting area on the end side transition seamlessly and / or steplessly into each other and / or integrally into each other.

[0019] Specifically, the warning light may be configured to have a second light-emitting area at one end, intersecting the longitudinal axis of the warning light. The warning light is arranged on the housing area such that the second light-emitting area at the end is visible from the rear region of the surrounding environment of the frame in a second axial viewing direction, wherein the second axial viewing direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and opposite to the first axial viewing direction. Furthermore, the warning light may extend along its longitudinal axis from the first light-emitting area at the end to the second light-emitting area at the end.

[0020] In particular, the warning light can be arranged on the housing area such that the second light-emitting area on the end side is visible from the rear area of ​​the surrounding environment in the rear view of the rack, wherein the projection direction of the rear view of the rack is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or parallel to the system axis. In particular, the projection direction of the rear view of the rack can be opposite to the projection direction of the front view of the rack. The second light-emitting area on the end side can, for example, be spatially continuous or composed of multiple separate partial areas arranged side-by-side perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or spaced apart perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light.

[0021] The second light emitting area on the end side can be, for example, a second light emitting surface on the end side. The second light emitting surface on the end side can be curved, for example, particularly curved around a bending axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light. In particular, it can be specified that the first light emitting area on the longitudinal side and the second light emitting area on the end side transition seamlessly and / or steplessly into each other and / or integrally into each other.

[0022] One embodiment specifies that the first light emitting area on the end side is flush-mounted to the surface of the front area of ​​the housing region facing the surrounding environment of the frame, and in particular, the mounting is such that the gap between the first light emitting area on the end side and the surface of the front area of ​​the housing region facing the surrounding environment of the frame extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light.

[0023] Specifically, it can be specified that the second light emitting area on the end side is flush-mounted to the surface of the rear area of ​​the housing region facing the surrounding environment of the frame, and in particular, the mounting is such that the gap between the second light emitting area on the end side and the surface of the rear area of ​​the housing region facing the surrounding environment of the frame extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light.

[0024] One embodiment specifies that the warning light has an upper first light-emitting area extending along the longitudinal axis of the warning light, wherein the warning light is arranged on the housing area such that the upper light-emitting area is visible in a top view of the rack. Specifically, the warning light may be arranged on the housing area such that the upper light-emitting area is visible from the upper area of ​​the surrounding environment of the rack, and / or the upper light-emitting area is located within the field of view of a camera. The camera may, for example, be arranged on the ceiling and / or above the rack.

[0025] The projection direction of the rack's top view can be, for example, vertical and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or perpendicular to the system axis. The upper light emitting area can be, for example, an upper light emitting surface. The upper light emitting surface can be, for example, curved, particularly curved around a curved axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light. In particular, it can be specified that the first light emitting area on the longitudinal side and the upper light emitting area transition seamlessly and / or steplessly into each other and / or integrally into each other, and / or the first light emitting area on the end side and the upper light emitting area transition seamlessly and / or steplessly into each other and / or integrally into each other, and / or the second light emitting area on the end side and the upper light emitting area transition seamlessly and / or steplessly into each other and / or integrally into each other.

[0026] One embodiment specifies that the contact surface of the warning lamp extends planarly along the longitudinal axis of the warning lamp, wherein the warning lamp is arranged on the housing region such that the contact surface of the warning lamp rests planarly against the contact surface of the housing region. The contact surface of the housing region may, for example, be horizontal and / or parallel to the system axis. In particular, the warning lamp may be arranged on the housing region such that the contact surface of the warning lamp is parallel to the contact surface of the housing region, and / or the contact surface of the warning lamp is horizontal and / or parallel to the system axis.

[0027] One embodiment specifies that the warning light has a raised portion constructed relative to the contact surface of the warning light and extending along the longitudinal axis of the warning light, wherein a housing region has a recess constructed relative to the contact surface of the housing region and extending substantially parallel to the system axis, wherein the warning light is arranged on the housing region such that the raised portion is shape-locked and received in the recess.

[0028] In particular, it can be specified that the warning light includes a lamp-side connecting element, the housing area has a housing-side connecting element, and a connection is established by means of the lamp-side connecting element and the housing-side connecting element that acts in opposition to the removal of the raised portion from the recess.

[0029] The connecting element on the housing side may be, for example, a screw. The connecting element on the lamp side may be, for example, a nut and / or have threads for a screw. A cavity may exist in the raised portion, for example. The warning lamp cable and / or the warning lamp's electronic components may be housed in the cavity, for example.

[0030] One embodiment specifies that the housing area has a cover for separating the interior area of ​​the housing area from the surrounding environment of the rack, wherein the cover is opaque to light generated by the warning light.

[0031] Specifically, the cover may be specified to have a side surface of the housing region facing the surrounding environment of the frame, and / or a front surface of the housing region facing the surrounding environment of the frame. The cover may, for example, have a contact surface and / or recess of the housing region.

[0032] One embodiment specifies that the warning light has a cover for separating the internal area of ​​the warning light from the surrounding environment of the rack, wherein the cover is translucent to the light generated by the warning light. Specifically, the cover of the warning light may be translucent to the light generated by the warning light, and the cover plate of the housing area may be opaque. Specifically, the cover may have a first light-emitting area on a longitudinal side and / or a second light-emitting area on a longitudinal side. Specifically, the cover may have a first light-emitting area on an end side and / or a second light-emitting area on an end side. Specifically, the cover may have an upper light-emitting area.

[0033] In particular, the cover can be configured as a diffuser for the light produced by the warning light. The cover can be made of, for example, polycarbonate and / or polymethyl methacrylate and / or manufactured by injection molding. Specifically, the cover of the warning light can be painted and / or coated and / or have a structured surface such that the cover of the warning light is substantially consistent with the cover of the housing area in terms of color impression and / or gloss effect, especially such that the cover of the warning light and the cover of the housing area are visually indistinguishable when the warning light is off. In particular, it can be specified that when the warning light is off, the cover of the warning light and the cover of the housing area appear in the same hue, for example, in the same white. The structured surface of the cover can be achieved, for example, by means of a correspondingly structured surface constructed in the injection molding tool used to manufacture the cover.

[0034] One embodiment specifies that the frame has a first frame portion and a second frame portion, wherein the first frame portion has an X-ray source for generating X-ray radiation and is movably supported relative to the second frame portion by means of a linear guide, such that translational movement of the first frame portion relative to the second frame portion along the system axis can be performed, wherein the first frame portion annularly surrounds the opening, and wherein the second frame portion has a housing area and a warning light.

[0035] Specifically, it can be specified that during the translational movement of the first frame portion relative to the second frame portion along the system axis, the lateral region of the second frame portion relative to the surrounding environment of the frame remains stationary. Specifically, it can be specified that the linear guide has a track system and a slide system cooperating with the track system, wherein the first frame portion has the slide system and the second frame portion has the track system.

[0036] Specifically, it can be specified that the rotor has an X-ray detector for detecting X-ray radiation. The first frame portion may, for example, have a rear side of a frame cover, wherein the rear side of the frame cover annularly surrounds the rear side of the opening. The frame may, for example, have a third frame portion, wherein the third frame portion has a front side of a frame cover, wherein the front side of the frame cover annularly surrounds the front side of the opening.

[0037] One embodiment specifies that the warning light is arranged on the housing area such that it does not protrude beyond the highest point of the first frame portion. Therefore, the arrangement of the warning light does not increase the frame height, which is important, for example, when driving through a door.

[0038] One embodiment specifies that the warning light has a second light emitting area on a longitudinal side extending along the longitudinal axis of the warning light, wherein the warning light is arranged on the housing area such that when the first frame portion extends into the space area, the first frame portion blocks the observation of the second light emitting area on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area, and when the first frame portion leaves the space area due to a first translational movement of the first frame portion relative to the second frame portion along the system axis, the first frame portion releases the observation of the second light emitting area on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area.

[0039] This utility model also relates to a method for operating such a rack, wherein, when a first rack portion extends into a spatial region, the first rack portion blocks observation of a second light-emitting region on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the spatial region, wherein the observation of the second light-emitting region on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the spatial region is released by the first rack portion, wherein a first translational movement of the first rack portion relative to the second rack portion is implemented along the system axis, such that the first rack portion leaves the spatial region.

[0040] The second light-emitting area on the longitudinal side may be spatially continuous or composed of multiple separate partial areas arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the warning light.

[0041] The second light-emitting area on the longitudinal side can be, for example, a second light-emitting surface on the longitudinal side and / or extend planarly along the longitudinal axis of the warning light. The second light-emitting surface on the longitudinal side can be, for example, curved, particularly curved around the longitudinal axis of the warning light. In particular, it can be specified that during a first translational movement of the first frame portion relative to the second frame portion along the system axis, the second frame portion remains stationary relative to the spatial area and / or relative to the lateral area of ​​the frame's surrounding environment. In particular, it can be specified that during the first translational movement of the first frame portion relative to the second frame portion along the system axis, the third frame portion remains stationary relative to the first frame portion.

[0042] Specifically, it can be specified that the side region of the rack's surrounding environment is a first side region of the rack's surrounding environment, and the warning light is arranged on the housing region such that a first light-emitting area on the longitudinal side is visible from the first side region of the rack's surrounding environment in a first side view of the rack, wherein the projection direction of the first side view of the rack is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or perpendicular to the system axis. Specifically, it can be specified that when the first rack portion leaves the spatial region due to a first translational movement relative to the second rack portion along the system axis, the first rack portion releases the observation of the second light-emitting area on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through said spatial region, such that the portion of the second light-emitting area on the longitudinal side visible from the second side region of the rack's surrounding environment in a second side view of the rack is increased, wherein the projection direction of the second side view of the rack is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warning light and / or perpendicular to the system axis and opposite to the projection direction of the first side view of the rack.

[0043] To prepare for the imaging examination, the first translational movement can be performed, for example, before the X-ray radiation is triggered. Therefore, shortly before the X-ray radiation is triggered, the portion of the second light emission area on the longitudinal side that is visible from the second side region of the gantry's surrounding environment in the second side view of the gantry is the largest.

[0044] Specifically, the warning light can be positioned on the housing area such that when the first frame portion is outside the space area, it does not obstruct observation of the second light-emitting area on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area; and when the first frame portion enters the space area due to a second translational movement relative to the second frame portion along the system axis, it obstructs observation of the second light-emitting area on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area.

[0045] Specifically, it can be specified that during the second translational movement of the first rack section relative to the second rack section along the system axis, the third rack section remains stationary relative to the second rack section. In particular, when the warning light illuminates, the position of the first rack section relative to the second rack section and / or the progress of the imaging inspection can be indicated in this manner, especially as an illuminated progress bar. The observation direction across the spatial area can be, in particular, horizontal and / or perpendicular to the system axis.

[0046] This invention also relates to a computed tomography (CT) apparatus having a frame according to this invention. The CT apparatus may be, for example, a mobile and / or head-mounted CT apparatus.

[0047] Within the scope of this utility model, features described with reference to different embodiments of this utility model and / or different claim categories (methods, uses, apparatus, systems, arrangements, etc.) can be combined to form other embodiments of this utility model.

[0048] For example, a claim relating to an apparatus may be modified by combining features described or claimed in conjunction with the method, or vice versa. Here, the functional features of the method can be implemented by specific components of a corresponding construction. The use of the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not preclude the presence of multiple instances of the feature in question. In the context of this application, the expression “based on” can be understood, particularly in the sense of “using.” Attached Figure Description

[0049] The features of this invention will then be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The illustrations in the drawings are schematic, highly simplified, and not necessarily to scale.

[0050] Figure 1 The frame of the computed tomography (CT) equipment is shown in a front view.

[0051] Figure 2 The rack of the computed tomography (CT) equipment is shown in a first side view.

[0052] Figure 3 The rear view shows the rack of the computed tomography (CT) equipment.

[0053] Figure 4 The rack of the computed tomography (CT) equipment is shown in a second side view.

[0054] Figure 5 The computed tomography (CT) device is shown.

[0055] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a warning light is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1The rack 20 of the computed tomography apparatus 1 is shown in a front view. The rack 20 has a housing region T, an opening 9, and warning lights L, particularly warning lights L1 and / or L2, for warning of X-ray radiation 7. The opening 9 extends in a tunnel shape along the system axis SA of the rack 20, such that the object to be examined 14 can be introduced into the opening 9 along the system axis SA and examined in the opening 9 by means of X-ray radiation 7. The housing region T is located between the side region B of the surrounding environment of the rack 20 and the system axis SA in a radial direction perpendicular to the system axis SA of the rack 20.

[0057] Warning lights L extend along their longitudinal axis LA, and are positioned on the housing area T such that the longitudinal axis LA is substantially parallel to the system axis SA of the rack 20, and are visible from the side area B of the surrounding environment of the rack 20. In fact, warning lights L1 and / or L2 are visible from any position within the inspection chamber. Both warning lights are seamlessly integrated into the cover plate V.

[0058] Warning light L1 extends along its longitudinal axis LA1, and is positioned on housing region T1 such that its longitudinal axis LA1 is substantially parallel to the system axis SA of rack 20, and is visible from the side region B1 of the surrounding environment of rack 20. Warning light L2 extends along its longitudinal axis LA2, and is positioned on housing region T2 such that its longitudinal axis LA2 is substantially parallel to the system axis SA of rack 20, and is visible from the side region B2 of the surrounding environment of rack 20.

[0059] The warning light L has a first light-emitting area on its end side that intersects the longitudinal axis LA of the warning light L. The warning light L is arranged on the housing region T such that the first light-emitting area on the end side is visible from the front region of the surrounding environment of the frame 20 in a first axial viewing direction, wherein the first axial viewing direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the warning light L. The first light-emitting area on the end side is flush-mounted to the surface of the housing region T facing the front region of the surrounding environment of the frame 20, and in particular, the mounting is such that the gap between the first light-emitting area on the end side and the surface of the housing region T facing the front region of the surrounding environment of the frame 20 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the warning light L.

[0060] Figure 2 The rack 20 of the computed tomography apparatus 1 is shown in a first side view. The warning lamp L has a first light emitting area LL1 extending along the longitudinal axis LA of the warning lamp L on a longitudinal side, wherein the warning lamp L is arranged on the housing area T such that the first light emitting area LL1 on the longitudinal side is visible from the side area B of the surrounding environment of the rack 20.

[0061] The first light-emitting area LL1 on the longitudinal side is flush-mounted to the surface of the side region B of the housing region T facing the surrounding environment of the rack 20, specifically, the mounting is such that the gap between the first light-emitting area LL1 on the longitudinal side and the surface of the side region B of the housing region T facing the surrounding environment of the rack 20 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the warning light L. The housing region T has a touch-sensitive screen M for operating the computed tomography device 1. The touch-sensitive screen M faces the side region B of the rack 20.

[0062] Figure 3 The rear view shows the gantry of the computed tomography (CT) equipment.

[0063] Figure 4 The gantry 20 of the computed tomography apparatus 1 is shown in a second side view. The gantry 20 has a first gantry portion 21 and a second gantry portion 22, wherein the first gantry portion 21 has a rotor 24 with an X-ray source 7A for generating X-ray radiation 7 and is movably supported relative to the second gantry portion 22 by means of a linear guide, such that translational movement of the first gantry portion 21 relative to the second gantry portion 22 along the system axis SA can be performed, wherein the first gantry portion 21 annularly surrounds the opening 9, and wherein the second gantry portion 22 has a housing area T and a warning light L.

[0064] The example shown specifies that rotor 24 has an X-ray detector 7B for detecting X-ray radiation 7. The first frame portion 21 may, for example, have a rear side of the cover of frame 20, wherein the rear side of the cover of frame 20 annularly surrounds the rear side of opening 9. Frame 20 may, for example, have a third frame portion 23, wherein the third frame portion 23 has a front side of the cover of frame 20, wherein the front side of the cover of frame 20 annularly surrounds the front side of opening 9. A warning light L is arranged on the housing region T such that the warning light L does not protrude beyond the highest point of the first frame portion 21.

[0065] The warning light L, especially the warning light L1, has a second light emitting area LL2 extending along the longitudinal axis LA of the warning light L on the longitudinal side. The warning light L is arranged on the housing area T such that when the first frame portion 21 extends into the space area, the first frame portion 21 blocks the observation of the second light emitting area LL2 on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area, such observation direction is, for example, emanating from the side area B2, and when the first frame portion 21 leaves the space area due to a first translational movement of the first frame portion 21 relative to the second frame portion 22 along the system axis SA, the first frame portion 21 releases the observation of the second light emitting area LL2 on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area.

[0066] The example shown specifies that the warning light L is arranged on the housing area T such that when the first frame portion 21 is outside the space area, the first frame portion 21 does not obstruct the observation of the second light emitting area LL2 on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area, and when the first frame portion 21 enters the space area due to the second translational movement of the first frame portion 21 relative to the second frame portion 22 along the system axis SA, the first frame portion 21 obstructs the observation of the second light emitting area LL2 on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area.

[0067] Figure 5 A computed tomography (CT) apparatus 1 is shown, which has a gantry 20 with an opening 9. The CT apparatus 1 is a mobile head CT apparatus. The CT apparatus 1 has a head housing 19 for examining a subject 14, which may be, for example, a human head. The gantry 20 has a walking mechanism, wherein the gantry 20 is movably supported relative to the ground, particularly horizontally, by means of the walking mechanism. The gantry 20 is thus mobile.

[0068] The frame 20 may, for example, have a travel direction camera, which is arranged on the housing region T2 such that the optical axis of the travel direction camera is substantially perpendicular to the system axis SA. The travel direction camera may be configured to detect the area of ​​the surrounding environment of the frame 20 located in front of the housing region T2 in the travel direction of the traveling mechanism, specifically detecting it such that a camera image of that area of ​​the surrounding environment can be displayed on the screen M. In particular, a person can observe this area of ​​the surrounding environment by means of the travel direction camera and the screen M, as the person moves the frame 20 towards this area of ​​the surrounding environment along the travel direction of the traveling mechanism, wherein the frame 20 obstructs the person's direct observation of this area of ​​the surrounding environment. The travel direction of the traveling mechanism may, in particular, be horizontal and / or perpendicular to the system axis SA. The screen M may, for example, be pivotally arranged relative to the housing region T1 about a pivot axis parallel to the system axis SA.

[0069] For example, a driving direction camera can be arranged relative to the vertical direction between the travel mechanism and the warning light L2 in the housing area T2. The driving direction camera can be arranged, in particular, recessed in a slit in the cover plate V, especially to avoid any part protruding from the cover plate V and / or to protect the driving direction camera from collisions.

[0070] The first frame portion 21 has a rotatably supported rotor 24, which has a projection data acquisition system 27. The projection data acquisition system 27 has an X-ray source 7A for generating X-ray radiation 7 and an X-ray detector 7B for detecting X-ray radiation 7. The first frame portion 21 has a swivel support 25 and a support frame 26, wherein the rotor 24 is connected to the support frame 26 by means of the swivel support 25 and is rotatably supported relative to the support frame 26 around the system axis SA of the frame 20. The system axis SA is horizontal.

[0071] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a warning lamp L, particularly a warning lamp L1, is shown. The warning lamp L has an upper light-emitting region LL0 extending along its longitudinal axis LA. The warning lamp L is arranged on a housing region T such that the upper light-emitting region LL0 is visible in a top view of the frame 20. A contact surface LK of the warning lamp L extends planarly along its longitudinal axis LA. The warning lamp L is arranged on the housing region T such that the contact surface LK of the warning lamp L rests planarly against the contact surface TK of the housing region T.

[0072] The warning light L has a raised portion LN constructed relative to the contact surface LK of the warning light L and extending along the longitudinal axis LA of the warning light L. The housing region T has a recess TN constructed relative to the contact surface TK of the housing region T and extending substantially parallel to the system axis SA. The warning light L is arranged on the housing region T such that the raised portion LN is shaped-locked into the recess TN.

[0073] The example shown specifies that the warning lamp L includes a lamp-side connecting element LC, the housing region T has a housing-side connecting element TC, and a connection is established by means of the lamp-side connecting element LC and the housing-side connecting element TC in opposition to the removal of the raised portion LN from the recess TN.

[0074] The housing region T has a cover V for separating the internal region T0 of the housing region T from the surrounding environment of the rack 20, wherein the cover V is opaque to light generated by the warning light L. The warning light L has a cover LV for separating the internal region L0 of the warning light L from the surrounding environment of the rack 20, wherein the cover LV is translucent to light generated by the warning light L.

[0075] The warning light L has a support structure LT, wherein the support structure LT has a contact surface LK and a raised portion LN of the warning light L and is connected to a cover LV of the warning light L. For example, a pin of the cover LV of the warning light L can be inserted into a hole provided for this purpose in the support structure LT and / or welded and / or bonded to the support structure LT. The support structure LT is threadedly connected to the housing region T by means of a plurality of threaded connectors, which are arranged continuously and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis LA of the warning light L. The warning light L includes a light-emitting diode module LDM having a plurality of light-emitting diodes LD. The light-emitting diode module LDM is located in the internal region L0 of the warning light L and is connected to the support structure LT, for example by threading and / or bonding. The plurality of light-emitting diodes LD can be arranged, for example, in a plurality of side-by-side rows, particularly on a surface-mount circuit board, which extend along the longitudinal axis LA of the warning light L.

[0076] The warning lamp L has a lamp-side interface for power supply and / or data transmission, for example, in the form of a socket. The socket may be located on the supporting structure LT and / or constructed on the raised portion LN. The housing region T has a housing-side interface for power supply and / or data transmission. The housing-side interface may be constructed, for example, in the form of a plug corresponding to the socket. The plug may be guided through a hole in the cover plate V of the housing region T and / or connected to the socket, the hole being particularly constructed in the recess TN. The plug may be connected, for example, to the control unit 7L of the rack 20 via a cable. The rack 20 has a control unit 7L, which is located, for example, in the internal region T0 of the housing region T and / or configured to operate, particularly to synchronously operate, the warning lamps L1 and L2, such that when X-ray radiation 7 is generated in the rack 20 by means of an X-ray source 7A, the warning lamps L1 and L2 respectively produce light for warning of X-ray radiation 7.

Claims

1. A frame (20) for a computed tomography (CT) imaging device (1), characterized in that, The frame (20) has a housing area (T), an opening (9), and a warning light (L) for warning of X-ray radiation (7). The opening (9) extends in a tunnel shape along the system axis (SA) of the frame (20), so that the object to be inspected (14) can be introduced into the opening (9) along the system axis (SA) and can be inspected in the opening (9) by means of the X-ray radiation (7). The housing region (T) is located radially about the system axis (SA) perpendicular to the frame (20) between the side region (B) of the surrounding environment of the frame (20) and the system axis (SA). The warning light (L) extends along its longitudinal axis (LA), wherein the warning light (L) is arranged on the housing area (T) such that the longitudinal axis (LA) of the warning light (L) is parallel to the system axis (SA) of the rack (20), and the warning light (L) is visible from the side area (B) of the surrounding environment of the rack (20).

2. The frame (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The warning light (L) has a first light emitting area (LL1) on a longitudinal side extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the warning light (L). The warning light (L) is arranged on the housing area (T) such that the first light emitting area (LL1) on the longitudinal side is visible from the side area (B) of the surrounding environment of the frame (20).

3. The frame (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first light-emitting area (LL1) on the longitudinal side is flush-mounted to the surface of the side area of ​​the housing area (T) facing the surrounding environment of the frame (20).

4. The frame (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The warning light (L) has a first light-emitting area on the end side that intersects the longitudinal axis (LA) of the warning light (L). The warning light (L) is arranged on the housing area (T) such that the first light emission area on the end side is visible from the front area of ​​the surrounding environment of the frame (20) in a first axial viewing direction, wherein the first axial viewing direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the warning light (L).

5. The frame (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first light-emitting area on the end side is flush with the surface of the front area of ​​the housing area (T) facing the surrounding environment of the frame (20).

6. The frame (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The warning light (L) has an upper light-emitting area (LL0) extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the warning light (L). The warning light (L) is arranged on the housing area (T) such that the upper light-emitting area (LL0) is visible in the top view of the frame (20).

7. The frame (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The contact surface (LK) of the warning light (L) extends in a planar manner along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the warning light (L). The warning light (L) is arranged on the housing area (T) such that the contact surface (LK) of the warning light (L) is flatly attached to the contact surface (TK) of the housing area (T).

8. The frame (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The warning light (L) has a raised portion (LN) that is constructed relative to the contact surface (LK) of the warning light (L) and extends along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the warning light (L). The housing region (T) has a recess (TN) that is constructed relative to the contact surface (TK) of the housing region (T) and extends parallel to the system axis (SA). The warning light (L) is arranged on the housing area (T) such that the raised portion (LN) is shape-locked into the recess (TN).

9. The frame (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The housing region (T) has a cover plate (V) for separating the interior region (T0) of the housing region (T) from the surrounding environment of the frame (20). The cover (V) is opaque to the light produced by the warning light (L).

10. The frame (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The warning light (L) has a cover (LV) for separating the internal area (L0) of the warning light (L) from the surrounding environment of the rack (20). The cover (LV) is semi-transparent to the light produced by the warning light (L).

11. The frame (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The rack (20) has a first rack portion (21) and a second rack portion (22). The first frame portion (21) has an X-ray source (7A) for generating the X-ray radiation (7) and is movably supported relative to the second frame portion (22) by means of a linear guide, such that translational movement of the first frame portion (21) relative to the second frame portion (22) along the system axis (SA) can be performed. The first frame portion (21) circumferentially surrounds the opening (9). The second frame portion (22) has the housing area (T) and the warning light (L).

12. The frame (20) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The warning light (L) is arranged on the housing area (T) such that the warning light (L) does not protrude beyond the highest point of the first frame portion (21).

13. The frame (20) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The warning light (L) has a second light emitting area (LL2) extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the warning light (L). The warning light (L) is arranged on the housing area (T) such that when the first frame portion (21) extends into the space area, the first frame portion (21) blocks the observation of the second light emitting area (LL2) on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area, and when the first frame portion (21) leaves the space area due to the first translational movement of the first frame portion (21) relative to the second frame portion (22) along the system axis (SA), the first frame portion (21) releases the observation of the second light emitting area (LL2) on the longitudinal side along the observation direction through the space area.

14. A computed tomography (CT) imaging device (1), characterized in that, The computed tomography apparatus has a rack (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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