Patient table for positioning a patient

Abstract

A patient table for positioning a patient, comprising a support column (3), a longitudinal carriage (6) arranged on the upper side of the support column (3), and a tabletop (7) arranged on the longitudinal carriage (6), wherein the longitudinal carriage (6) is connected to the support column (3) in a longitudinally displaceable manner via at least one longitudinal guide (11), wherein the replaceable tabletop (7) is detachably attached to the longitudinal carriage (6) via several fastening means (16), at least two of which are arranged laterally opposite each other on the tabletop (7) and which can transmit transverse forces between the longitudinal carriage (6) and the tabletop (7), characterized in that the fastening means (16) arranged laterally opposite each other on the tabletop (7) each form a clamping connection or comprise one which can be closed by means of at least one actuating element (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a patient table for positioning a patient, comprising a support column, a longitudinal carriage arranged on the upper side of the support column and a tabletop arranged on the longitudinal carriage.

[0002] Patient positioning tables are used for positioning or receiving patients during medical procedures and / or examinations. These tables are frequently used for imaging procedures, particularly angiographic examinations. In these procedures, the patient, positioned or lying on the tabletop, is examined using X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also a possible imaging technique.

[0003] Often, the upper surface of the longitudinal carriage, together with the upper surface of the tabletop, forms a single imaging area on which the patient can be positioned. It is advantageous if the area of ​​the patient being imaged is positioned exclusively on the tabletop and not on the longitudinal carriage to avoid artifacts during imaging, as the often more complex structure of the longitudinal carriage could lead to corresponding difficulties in image acquisition. Furthermore, the use of interchangeable tabletops is desirable, offering several advantages. For example, the dimensions of the respective tabletop can be adapted to the specific conditions of a medical treatment or examination room and / or the patient's stature, i.e., their height and weight.

[0004] Mechanical requirements placed on patient tables, particularly the mechanical connection of the tabletop to the carriage and / or the carriage to the support column, often pose a problem. This issue is especially pronounced with interchangeable tabletops. The weight of the tabletop and the patient can cause deformation of the carriage and / or deflection of the tabletop, resulting in limited functionality of the patient table, particularly regarding the longitudinal movement of the carriage. In the worst-case scenario, the guide elements connecting the carriage to the support column can become so far apart that the carriage, along with the tabletop, could fall off. This is detrimental.

[0005] Publication JP 2016 - 168 066 A describes a medical examination table for radiography and a stop mechanism used for it.

[0006] Document US 2007 / 0074347A1 discloses a patient positioning table for radiotherapy, consisting of a frame containing at least two movable, radiolucent support beams that project into the treatment / imaging area and can be moved laterally on a linear bearing guide. Due to a structure that does not require a connection between the support beams at the table's end, there is no metal or other feature that could impair image quality or interfere with the high-energy radiotherapy beam.

[0007] German patent application DE 20 2008 016 701 U1 describes a modular table system for radiotherapy for attaching support elements to the base module. The patient positioning table system consists of a base frame to which a base unit is attached. One or more support elements can be interchangeably connected to the base unit. The table system has a longitudinal axis, and the base unit has at least one coupling interface to which various support elements can be interchangeably connected.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved concept for a patient table with a tabletop, particularly with regard to mechanical stability.

[0009] According to the invention, the problem is solved in a patient table of the type mentioned above by the fact that the longitudinal carriage is connected to the support column in a longitudinally displaceable manner via at least one longitudinal guide, wherein the replaceable tabletop is detachably attached to the longitudinal carriage via several fastening means, at least two of which are arranged laterally opposite each other on the tabletop and via which transverse forces between the longitudinal carriage and the tabletop can be transmitted.

[0010] The invention is based in particular on the idea that the transferability of lateral forces from the longitudinal carriage to the tabletop and vice versa provides additional mechanical stability to the patient table. Thus, when the patient table is under load, lateral forces are not only transferred or dissipated via the longitudinal guide from the longitudinal carriage to the support column, but are also or alternatively transferred to the tabletop. This places the tabletop under tension and, consequently, actively integrates it into the mechanical force system of the patient table, which ensures its mechanical stability, thereby stiffening the overall structure of the patient table.

[0011] The support column is connected or connectable to a floor or surface on its underside, for example via a screw connection. The support column can be designed as a height-adjustable lifting column, thus including in particular a lift unit by means of which the patient's position on the patient table can be adjusted with respect to the vertical direction.

[0012] The longitudinal guide serves two purposes: firstly, to mechanically connect the longitudinal carriage to the support column, and secondly, to allow the longitudinal carriage and tabletop to move longitudinally. The patient's position on the table can therefore be adjusted along the longitudinal direction of the carriage and / or tabletop. This longitudinal movement is particularly useful for repositioning the patient during medical procedures or examinations. The longitudinal direction runs, for example, in a horizontal plane, or, if the longitudinal carriage and tabletop can be tilted around a horizontal axis, at an angle to it. The tabletop typically has an elongated, and often rectangular, shape. The significantly larger longitudinal dimension of the tabletop can define the longitudinal direction.If, for example, the tabletop is rectangular, its length, which defines the longitudinal direction, is typically significantly greater than its width.

[0013] The term "longitudinal carriage" refers specifically to an assembly comprising several components of the patient table, which are connected to the upper side of the support column via the longitudinal guide. Components of the longitudinal guide can also be components of the longitudinal carriage. The longitudinal carriage forms a mechanical connection between the support column and the tabletop.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one longitudinal guide is a linear rolling bearing, particularly a single-track one. Specifically, the linear rolling bearing can be a ball, roller, or cylinder bearing. The linear degree of freedom of the longitudinal guide can be directed along the longitudinal direction and may optionally define this direction.

[0015] A particularly preferred longitudinal guide is a simple crossed roller guide. The crossed roller guide preferably comprises at least one roller cage received in a guide groove, on which the rollers are rotatably mounted, with the axes of rotation of the rollers being tilted 90° relative to each other. The roller cage, or its rollers, interact with the guide grooves such that the rollers roll along the surfaces of the guide grooves, thereby enabling the longitudinal displacement of the carriage. The term "simple" crossed roller guide means that in each of the longitudinal guides, the respective crossed roller guide is single-track, i.e., that exactly one, in particular one-piece, roller cage is provided, which is guided along a single longitudinal axis or guide groove.

[0016] The simple cross-roller guide preferably consists of a guide groove on the column side and a guide groove on the longitudinal carriage side, which, viewed in cross-section, have a V-shape and are directly opposite each other. In this embodiment, the guide grooves form a receiving space which, viewed in cross-section, is preferably square and tilted at 45° to the vertical. The roller cage with the pins or rollers is received or arranged in this receiving space.

[0017] A multiple, particularly double, cross-roller guide is also conceivable, though less preferred, for longitudinal guidance. In this configuration, the longitudinal guide, or each of the longitudinal guides, utilizes a multi-track, particularly double-track, cross-roller guide. This means that several, particularly two, roller cages are provided, each guided along a separate longitudinal axis or guide groove. The longitudinal axes or guide grooves run parallel to each other.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the patient table according to the invention, the longitudinal carriage is connected to the support column via several longitudinal guides, two of which are arranged laterally opposite each other on the tabletop. The two longitudinal guides extend parallel to each other and, in particular, to the longitudinal direction of the patient table. By mounting the longitudinal carriage via several longitudinal guides, the mechanical stability of the patient table is further increased.

[0019] It is conceivable that the longitudinal carriage comprises a plate section extending the tabletop lengthwise and two beams extending from this plate section along the longitudinal direction of the tabletop. The plate section, or rather its upper surface, thus forms, together with the tabletop or its upper surface, at least part of the mounting surface.

[0020] The tabletop can be at least partially arranged between the uprights, with at least a section of one of the laterally opposite longitudinal guides extending along each upright. In this embodiment, the tabletop is attached to the longitudinal carriage partly or exclusively via the uprights. At least one component forming the longitudinal guide can be attached to or integrally formed with the respective upright.

[0021] The fastening means arranged laterally opposite each other on the tabletop can each be positioned at the end of the respective frame member facing away from the plate-like section. The advantage of the patient table according to the invention becomes particularly clear in this embodiment, since if the lateral forces could not be transferred to the tabletop via the fastening means, the frame members would spread apart under a sufficiently heavy tabletop or patient, thus exacerbating the disadvantages described above. However, such spreading is prevented or at least mitigated by the stiffening of the patient table provided by the tabletop.

[0022] To further stiffen the patient table, at least one longitudinal fastening element can be arranged at the opposing ends of the panel section and the tabletop, with respect to the longitudinal direction. This fastening element additionally connects the longitudinal carriage and the tabletop to one another, particularly by means of a tongue-and-groove connection. Specifically, a hook-shaped section with at least one groove and one tongue can be provided at each of the opposing ends of the panel section and the tabletop. These hook sections can be interlocked when the tabletop is attached to the longitudinal carriage. The corresponding grooves and tongues preferably extend along the transverse direction of the patient table.

[0023] According to the invention, the fastening means arranged laterally opposite each other on the tabletop each form or comprise a clamping connection. To attach the tabletop to the longitudinal carriage, the tabletop can first be positioned accordingly, with the final connection of the tabletop to the longitudinal carriage being achieved by closing the clamping connection. The clamping connection can be closed by means of an actuating element, which is in particular a clamping lever or an electromechanical actuator. Thus, closing the clamping connection can be done manually and therefore very simply by manually actuating the clamping lever. If the actuating element is the electromechanical actuator, this can be done by means of a control signal, which can be generated, for example, via a control device on the patient table.For this purpose, the operating device and the electromechanical actuator can be connected to a control unit of the patient table, which is designed and configured to evaluate the operating signal and to generate a corresponding control signal that can be transmitted to the electromechanical actuator. The control unit can also be designed and configured to control the lift unit and / or an electromechanical displacement actuator, by means of which the longitudinal displacement of the longitudinal guide, including the tabletop, can be effected based on corresponding operating signals.

[0024] Preferably, at least one of the several fastening means has a bolt on the longitudinal carriage side or on the tabletop side and a bore on the tabletop side or on the longitudinal carriage side, wherein the bolt engages in the bore. This allows the tabletop to be positioned to be fastened to the longitudinal carriage by first inserting the at least one bolt into the at least one bore. A sleeve, particularly made of metal, can also be inserted into the bore, especially for mechanical reinforcement.

[0025] Preferably, the diameter of the bolt is smaller than the diameter of the bore, so that when the bolt is inserted into the bore to fasten the tabletop to the longitudinal carriage, a degree of play is created between the longitudinal carriage and the tabletop. This play can be eliminated by closing the clamping connection. Thus, after the bolt is inserted into the bore, the tabletop is movably, preferably floatingly, mounted, the extent of which depends on the difference between the diameter of the bolt and the diameter of the bore. If the sleeve is inserted into the bore, the diameter of the bolt is correspondingly smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve. Closing the clamping connection causes the components of the respective fastening device to clamp against each other, thereby eliminating the play of the tabletop relative to the longitudinal carriage that results from the mounting.In this embodiment, the additional advantage is achieved that any manufacturing tolerances regarding the relative positioning between the bolt and the bore are eliminated.

[0026] Regarding the clamping connection, it can be provided that at least one of the several fastening means has at least one clamping plate which is floating with respect to its plane, wherein the bolt, when inserted into the bore, can be guided through a wide end of a recess in the clamping plate, wherein, when the clamping connection is closed, the clamping plate is displaced along the plane of the plate, in particular along the longitudinal direction of the tabletop, such that a narrow end of the recess engages a tapered area of ​​the bolt. The clamping plate, which is arranged in particular parallel to the plane of the tabletop or horizontally, thus comprises an opening or perforation, in particular an elongated one, which, with respect to the transverse direction, has a wider diameter at one longitudinal end than at the other longitudinal end.The tapered section of the bolt is positioned between a wider bolt head and a bolt base. As the bolt is inserted into the bore, the bolt head is guided through the wider end of the recess. The bolt is inserted until the tapered section is level with the clamping plate. When the clamping connection is closed, the recess in the clamping plate shifts so that its narrow end is guided towards the bolt, thus eliminating any movement of the bolt along its longitudinal axis, as the clamping plate engages between the bolt head and the bolt base.

[0027] Regarding the specific design of this clamping connection, it can be provided that the actuating element is coupled to a driver in such a way that any movement of the actuating element during its actuation can be transferred to the driver, causing the clamping plate to be displaced along the plane of the plate. The driver can have a recessed area in which the clamping plate is arranged or, in particular, floatingly mounted, wherein, during the movement of the driver, a lateral wall of the recessed area runs against the clamping plate and carries it along accordingly. This carrying can also occur indirectly by coupling the clamping plate and the driver to each other via another component, such as an elastic element, as will be explained in more detail below.The recessed area can be larger than the clamping plate itself, relative to the plane of the clamping plate, allowing for a certain degree of freedom of movement when the actuator moves, thus compensating for any manufacturing tolerances. The actuating element can be coupled to a actuator via a bracket.

[0028] It is conceivable that an elastic element, in particular a helical spring, is provided, either supported on one side by the clamping plate and on the other by the driver. When the clamping plate is moved, causing it to engage or release the tapered area, the elastic element can deform against its elastic restoring force. The elastic element can be supported on one side of the clamping plate and on the other side of the recessed area. The recessed area can have a section extending horizontally or along the plane of the plate, within which the elastic element extends at least partially.

[0029] Preferably, when the clamping connection is in an open state, the pre-tensioned elastic element presses the clamping plate against a lateral wall of the recessed area. This lateral wall defines the frontal boundary of the recessed area with respect to the clamping plate's direction of movement during closing. Actuating the actuating element to close the clamping connection then causes the driver to shift, during which the clamping plate is carried along by the elastic element due to its coupling to the driver. In this process, the narrow end of the elastic element moves against or into the tapered area. Once the tapered area is fully enclosed, further actuation of the actuating element causes the elastic element to deform or compress further against its elastic restoring force, creating a gap between the lateral wall and the clamping plate.The elastic restoring force secures the clamping connection by pressing the narrow end into the tapered section. When the actuating element is re-engaged to open the clamping connection, the elastic element initially relaxes until the side wall again contacts the clamping plate and shifts it, thus releasing the engagement of the narrow end in the tapered section and allowing the bolt to return to the area of ​​the wide end. The tabletop can then be removed again.

[0030] Particularly preferably, when the clamping connection closes, a chamfered area of ​​the driver runs against an oppositely chamfered area of ​​a bearing surface on which the driver is mounted, so that a clamping force is generated that acts, in particular perpendicularly, at an angle to the surface of the clamping plate. As soon as the chamfered areas run against each other or against each other when the clamping connection closes, their opposing geometric structures, in particular ramp-like structures, cause the driver to be pressed vertically from below against the clamping plate, which in turn is also pressed vertically from below against a bearing surface extending above the clamping plate.This creates a frictional connection between the bearing surface of the driver and the driver, between the driver and the clamping plate, and between the clamping plate and any upper wall that may be present and closes off the top of the beam, through which the transverse forces can be transferred to the table top via the bolt and the clamping plate.

[0031] The present invention further relates to a set for forming a patient table according to the preceding description, comprising at least two differently designed tabletops. The tabletops can differ in their geometric dimensions and / or their mechanical strength and / or radiolucency and / or their materials. Depending on the patient's stature and / or the intended purpose of the patient table, the appropriate tabletop can be selected and attached to the longitudinal carriage.

[0032] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiment described below and from the figures. These show schematically: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the patient table according to the invention and an embodiment of the set according to the invention, Fig. 2 a supervisor on a longitudinal carriage of the patient table of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through the longitudinal carriage of the Fig. 2 including a tabletop attached thereto, with the cutting line in Fig. 1 is indicated by III - III, Fig. 4 a cross-section through the patient table of the Fig. 1, where the line of intersection is in Fig. 1 is indicated by IV - IV, Fig. 5 an enlarged section of the in Fig. 4. Area indicated by the dashed box, Fig. 6 A perspective view of the longitudinal carriage and the tabletop of the patient table of the Fig. 1, and Fig. 7 - 10 Details regarding the temporal sequence of a closing of a clamping connection of the patient table from Fig. 1. subsequent movement sequence.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a set 1 according to the invention, by means of which a patient table 2 according to the invention, with respect to which there is also an embodiment in Fig. Figure 1 shows a coordinate system where the x-axis runs along the longitudinal direction of the patient table 2, the y-axis runs along a transverse direction of the patient table 2, and the z-axis points upwards against the direction of gravity.

[0034] Patient table 2 is used to position a patient during a medical examination and / or treatment, particularly during imaging procedures such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Such imaging is performed, for example, during an angiographic examination.

[0035] The patient table 2 comprises a support column 3, which is attached to the floor 4 or subfloor of a medical treatment or examination room via a screw connection on its underside. The support column 3 includes a lift unit 5, by means of which the length of the support column 3 can be changed, thus enabling the vertical positioning of the patient lying on the patient table 2. A longitudinal carriage 6 is arranged on the upper side of the support column 3, which is longitudinally displaceable about the x-axis. It is also conceivable that the longitudinal carriage is additionally tiltable about the y-axis, so that the corresponding longitudinal displaceability is given along a direction perpendicular to the y-axis, which may be tilted with respect to the horizontal direction. Without loss of generality, it is assumed below that the longitudinal displaceability of the longitudinal carriage 6 is given along the horizontally extending x-axis.

[0036] In the Fig. In the patient table shown in Figure 1, a tabletop 7 is arranged on or attached to the longitudinal carriage 6. The tabletop 7 also extends along the x-axis in its longitudinal direction. The upper surface of the longitudinal carriage 6, together with the upper surface of the tabletop 7, forms a receiving surface 8 onto which the patient, particularly in a lying position, can be placed.

[0037] Set 1 includes several different tabletops (7), with the Fig. Figure 1 shows two tabletops 7. One of these tabletops 7 is shown in a state mounted on the longitudinal carriage 6. Next to it, in Fig. Figure 1 shows another tabletop 7. The two tabletops 7 shown differ only in their length. Further tabletops 7 are planned, which will differ not only in their geometric dimensions but also in their mechanical strength, their X-ray transparency, and their materials. The tabletops 7 can be interchangeably attached to the longitudinal carriage 6.

[0038] Details regarding the longitudinal carriage 6 and the tabletop 7 are explained below. In addition to the Fig. 1 on the Fig. 2, which shows a top view of the longitudinal carriage 6 or table top 7, on which Fig. 3, which make a longitudinal section through the longitudinal carriage 6 including the table top 7 along line III - III in Fig. 1 shows, and on the Fig. 4, which form a cross-section through patient table 2 along line IV - IV in Fig. 1 shows, referred.

[0039] With reference to the Fig. 2 The longitudinal carriage 6 has a plate section 9 and two beams 10 extending from it along the longitudinal direction. A section of the tabletop 7 is what can be seen from the Fig. As can be seen, 10 are arranged between the beams.

[0040] The longitudinal carriage 6 is connected to the support column 3 via several longitudinal guides 11. Details regarding the longitudinal guides 11 are described below. Fig. 4 and the Fig. 5, which includes an enlarged section of the Fig. Figure 4, indicated by the dashed box, shows that the longitudinal carriage 6 is connected to the support column 3 via two longitudinal guides 11, which are arranged laterally opposite each other on the tabletop 7. The longitudinal guides 11 enable the longitudinal carriage 6 to be moved longitudinally along the x-axis.

[0041] Specifically, each of the longitudinal guides 11 is a linear roller bearing designed as a simple crossed roller guide 12. The crossed roller guide 12 consists of a guide groove 13 on the column side and a guide groove 14 on the longitudinal carriage side, which, viewed in cross-section, each have a V-shape and are directly opposite each other. The guide grooves 13, 14 thus form a receiving space which, viewed in cross-section, is square and tilted at 45° to the vertical. A roller cage 15 is arranged in this receiving space, which has several rotatably mounted bolts or rollers that roll on the walls of the guide grooves 13, 14. The axes of rotation of the rollers or rollers are tilted relative to each other at 90°.

[0042] The tabletop 7 is detachably attached to the longitudinal carriage 6 by means of fasteners 16. The fasteners 16 are arranged laterally opposite each other on the tabletop 7, specifically on each of the beams 10. Each fastener 16 is located on the respective beam 10 at the end of the longitudinal carriage 6 furthest from the plate-like section 9.

[0043] Additionally, a longitudinal fastening element 17 is provided, which is arranged at the opposing ends of the plate section 9 and the tabletop 7. The tabletop 7 is connected to the longitudinal carriage 6 via the longitudinal fastening element 17, in addition to the fastening elements 16. Fig. Figure 3 shows that a tongue-and-groove connection is formed by means of the longitudinal fastening means 17. This comprises a table-top-side fastening hook 18 and a longitudinal-carriage-side fastening hook 19, each of which has a groove extending along the transverse direction and a tongue, wherein the hook sections 18, 19 are interlocked to fasten the table top 7.

[0044] The two fastening elements 16, each forming a clamping connection, are in the Fig. 6 is recognizable. Details of the fasteners 16 are described below based on the Fig. Sections 6 and 7 to 10 are explained. Fig. Figures 7 to 10 show details of one of the two fasteners 16, which also apply to the other fastener 16. Fig. Figures 7 to 10 show the sequence of events during the actuation of the fastening device 16, i.e., during the closing of the clamping connection. The upper side of the stiles 10 is in the Fig. 7 to 10 are shown transparently, so that the components of the fastening device 16 are recognizable.

[0045] A manually operated actuating element 20, namely a clamping lever, is provided for actuating the fastening device 16. Alternatively, the actuating element 20 can be an electromechanical actuator that can be controlled via operating signals generated by a control device on the patient table.

[0046] The fastening device 16 comprises a bolt 21 on the tabletop side and a bore 22 on the longitudinal carriage side, into which a sleeve may optionally be inserted. When the tabletop 7 is attached to the longitudinal carriage 6, the bolt 21 engages in the bore 22 or sleeve, respectively. The diameter of the bolt 21 is smaller than the diameter of the bore 22, so that when the bolt 21 is inserted into the bore 22 to attach the tabletop 7 to the longitudinal carriage 6, a degree of play is created between the longitudinal carriage 6 and the tabletop 7. The tabletop 7 is thus suspended in a floating position in this state. This play is eliminated when the clamping connection is closed. Alternatively, the bolt 21 can be located on the longitudinal carriage side and the bore 22 on the tabletop side.

[0047] To eliminate play when closing the clamping connection, a clamping plate 23 is provided, which is floatingly mounted with respect to its plane, which extends within the xy-plane, before the clamping connection is closed. The clamping plate has a recess 24 or opening, wherein the bolt 21 is guided through a wide end 25 of the recess 23 when inserted into the bore 22. The recess 24 also has a narrow end 26 opposite the wide end 25 in the x-direction.

[0048] The actuating element 20 is coupled to a driver 28 via a bracket 27. The driver 28 has a recessed area 29 in which the clamping plate 23 is arranged. When the actuating element 20 is actuated, i.e., when the clamping connection is closed, the movement of the actuating element 20 is transmitted to the driver 28, whereby the clamping plate 23 is indirectly carried along by the driver 28, or rather by a lateral wall of the recessed area 29, and moved along the plane of the plate in the longitudinal or x-direction. The corresponding sequence of movements is successively in the following order. Fig. Figures 7 to 10 are shown. Closing the clamping connection results in the narrow end 26 of the recess 24 forming a tapered area 30 (see Figure 7). Fig. 5) of the bolt 21. This eliminates the freedom of movement of the bolt 21 along its longitudinal or z-direction. The corresponding state is described in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 10 shown.

[0049] In connection with this movement sequence, an elastic element 31, designed as a helical spring, is provided, which is supported on one side by the clamping plate 23 and on the other side by the driver 28. The recessed area has a section extending horizontally or along the plane of the plate, within which the elastic element 31 partially extends.

[0050] Regarding the Fig. Figure 7, which shows the clamping connection in the open state, shows the compressed or pre-tensioned elastic element 31 pressing the clamping plate 23 against a lateral wall 35 of the recessed area 29, which limits this area forward with respect to the direction of movement of the clamping plate 23 during the closing of the clamping connection. Actuation of the actuating element 20 causes the driver 28 to move in the negative x-direction, whereby the clamping plate 23 is carried along by the elastic element 31 due to its coupling to the driver 28. In this process, the narrow end 26 runs against the tapered area 30. As soon as the tapered area 30 has fully engaged, the elastic element 31 is further deformed or compressed against its elastic restoring force by further actuation of the actuating element 20, and a gap is created between the lateral wall 35 and the clamping plate 23 (see Figure 7). Fig. 10) To secure the clamping connection, the elastic restoring force causes a pressing force of the narrow end 26 into the tapered area 30. When the actuating element is actuated again to open the clamping connection, the elastic element 31 initially relaxes until the side wall 35 runs against the clamping plate 23 again and displaces it in such a way that the engagement of the narrow end 26 in the tapered area 30 is released and the bolt 21 is finally located again in the area of ​​the wide end 25 (see figure). Fig. 7). Removing the tabletop 7 is therefore possible again in this state.

[0051] The driver 28 has a chamfered area 32 on its underside, which, when the clamping connection is closed, runs against an oppositely chamfered area 33 of a bearing surface 34 of the driver 28. The wedge- or ramp-shaped and oppositely formed chamfered areas 32, 33 cause the driver 28 to be pressed upwards in the z-direction when the clamping connection is closed. This creates a frictional connection between the chamfered areas 32, 33, between the driver 28 and the clamping plate 23, and between the clamping plate 23 and an upper wall of the beam 10 adjoining it on its upper side. This frictional connection enables lateral forces to be transmitted from the longitudinal carriage 6 to the tabletop 7 and vice versa via the fastening element 16, so that the tabletop 7 is actively integrated into the mechanical system for compensating the corresponding forces and thus stiffening the patient table 2.

[0052] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

[1] Patient table for supporting a patient, comprising a support column (3), a longitudinal carriage (6) arranged on the top of the support column (3) and a table top (7) arranged on the longitudinal carriage (6), wherein the longitudinal carriage (6) is connected to the support column (3) in a longitudinally displaceable manner via at least one longitudinal guide (11), wherein the exchangeable table top (7) is detachably fastened to the longitudinal carriage (6) via a plurality of fastening means (16), at least two of which are arranged laterally opposite one another on the table top (7) and via which transverse forces can be transmitted between the longitudinal carriage (6) and the table top (7), characterized by that the fastening means (16) arranged laterally opposite one another on the table top (7) each form or comprise a clamping connection which can be closed by means of at least one actuating element (20). [2] Patient table according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one longitudinal guide (11) is a linear rolling bearing. [3] Patient table according to claim 2, characterized by that the at least one longitudinal guide (11) is a simple cross roller guide (12). [4] Patient table according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the longitudinal carriage (6) is connected to the stand column (3) via several longitudinal guides (11), two of which are arranged opposite one another on the side of the table top (7). [5] Patient table according to claim 4, characterized byin that the longitudinal carriage (6) has a plate section (9) extending the table top (7) in the longitudinal direction and two beams (10) extending from the plate section (9) along the longitudinal direction of the table top (7), between which the table top (7) is at least partially arranged, wherein at least one section of one of the longitudinal guides (11) arranged laterally opposite one another on the table top (7) extends on each of the beams (10). [6] Patient table according to claim 5, characterized by that the fastening means (16) arranged laterally opposite one another on the table top (7) are each arranged at the end of the respective beam (10) facing away from the plate-like section (9). [7] Patient table according to claim 5 or 6, characterized bythat, with respect to the longitudinal direction, at least one longitudinal fastening means (17) is arranged at the mutually facing ends of the plate section (9) and the table top (7), via which longitudinal fastening means the longitudinal carriage (6) and the table top (7) are additionally connected to one another, wherein in particular a tongue and groove connection is formed by means of the longitudinal fastening means (17). [8] Patient table according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (20) is a clamping lever and / or an electromechanical actuator. [9] Patient table according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the plurality of fastening means (16) has a bolt (21) on the longitudinal carriage side or on the table top side and a bore (22) on the table top side or on the longitudinal carriage side, wherein the bolt (21) engages in the bore (22). [10] Patient table according to claim 9, characterized bythat the diameter of the bolt (21) is smaller than the diameter of the bore (22), so that when the bolt (21) is inserted into the bore (22) to fasten the table top (7) to the longitudinal carriage (6), a play of movement is created between the longitudinal carriage (6) and the table top (7), which play can be eliminated by closing the clamping connection. [11] Patient table according to claim 10, characterized byin that at least one of the plurality of fastening means (16) has at least one clamping plate (23) which is mounted in a floating manner with respect to its plate plane, wherein the bolt (21) can be guided through a wide end (25) of a recess (24) of the clamping plate (23) when inserted into the bore (22), wherein the clamping plate (23) is displaced along the plate plane when the clamping connection is closed, in particular along the longitudinal direction of the table top (7), in such a way that a narrow end (26) of the recess (24) engages around a waisted region (30) of the bolt (21). [12] Patient table according to claim 11, characterized by that the actuating element (20) is coupled in movement to a driver (28) in such a way that a movement of the actuating element (20) during its actuation can be transferred to the driver (28), so that the clamping plate (23) is displaced along the plate plane. [13] Patient table according to claim 12, characterized bythat at least one elastic element (31), in particular a helical spring, is provided, which is supported on the one hand on the clamping plate (23) and on the other hand on the driver (28). [14] Patient table according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by that when the clamping connection is closed, a bevelled region (32) of the driver (28) runs against an oppositely bevelled region (33) of a bearing surface (34) on which the driver (28) is mounted, so that a clamping force is created which acts, in particular perpendicularly, at an angle to the plate surface of the clamping plate (23). [15] Set for forming a patient table (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two table tops (7) which are differently designed, in particular with regard to their geometric dimensions and / or mechanical strengths and / or X-ray transparency and / or materials.

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