Slip ring system for energy transmission to a rotating system, system with a rotating component, and method for supplying energy to this system

Abstract

The invention relates to a slip ring system (12) comprising a slip ring component (13) with a number of sliding contact tracks (14) arranged coaxially around a rotation axis (8) and a contact component (15), - wherein the slip ring component (13) and the contact component (15) are arranged to be rotatable relative to each other about the axis of rotation (8) and are aligned such that the number of sliding contact tracks (14) has an electrically conductive contact with the contact component (15) by means of a number of brushes (17), - wherein the slip ring component (13) is C-shaped and forms an arc shape with an opening having an opening angle greater than 20° with respect to the axis of rotation (8), - wherein the contact component (15) comprises a plurality of brush elements (16) which are arranged at different locations of the slip ring component (13) according to a rotation about an arrangement angle around the axis of rotation (8) such that they can form the electrically conductive contact with it, - wherein the arrangement angle of the brush elements (16) to each other is greater than the opening angle of the opening.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a slip ring system for power transmission in a rotating system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system with such a slip ring system and a method for supplying power to such a system. In particular, the invention relates to a slip ring for power transmission for a CT system with an open C-geometry (and full 360° rotation).

[0002] Slip ring systems have long been known in the art. They consist of an assembly consisting of a slip ring with annular contact paths and a so-called brush, which forms a sliding contact with these contact paths. Slip ring systems enable the transmission of electrical currents and signals between counter-rotating components.

[0003] Slip rings are used particularly in computed tomography (CT). CT systems, or their scanners (also called "gantry"), rotate around the patient (360°) to create a complete CT image.

[0004] For interventional CT or CT on operating tables, it is advantageous if the gantry can be moved laterally away from the patient. This requires using an open-sided circuit or at least a gantry that can be opened laterally, rather than the closed circuit of a conventional CT system.

[0005] CT systems are known in the state of the art that can be moved sideways from the patient table. To do this, the scanner's closed ring structure, with all its functions—storage, drive, data, power transmission, enclosures, etc.—is opened, the scanner is moved, and then closed again. This is disadvantageous because it requires complicated, heavy, and expensive technical solutions to implement this function.

[0006] The prior art in this regard includes JP H02-228 946 A, DE 603 ​​01 619 T2, DE 198 39 825 C1 and US 9 724 058 B2.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a slip ring system for transmitting energy to a rotating system, which is particularly designed for a computed tomography (CT) system. In particular, it is an object of the invention to transmit energy to a rotating system, in particular a CT scanner, via an open slip ring in a contact-based manner.

[0008] This object is achieved by a slip ring system according to patent claim 1, a system with such a slip ring system according to patent claim 9 and a method for supplying energy to such a system according to patent claim 11.

[0009] A slip ring system according to the invention is used, for example, for power transmission in a rotating system, e.g., a CT scanner. The slip ring system comprises a slip ring component with a number of sliding contact tracks arranged coaxially around a rotational axis, and a contact component. The components are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to one another about the rotational axis and are aligned such that the number of sliding contact tracks make electrically conductive contact with the contact component during rotation by means of a number of brushes (which rub over the sliding contact tracks).

[0010] The slip ring system is characterized in that the slip ring component is C-shaped and forms an arc shape with an opening with an opening angle greater than 20°, and the contact component comprises a plurality of brush elements which are arranged at different locations of the slip ring component according to a rotation by an arrangement angle around the rotation axis and form an electrically conductive contact with the latter, and the arrangement angle of the brush elements to one another is greater than the opening angle of the opening.

[0011] As mentioned above, a slip ring system is known to have a slip ring (the "slip ring component") with at least one sliding contact track. Typically, there are multiple sliding contact tracks, since current must always flow, meaning at least one sliding contact track for a positive pole and one for a negative pole. The sliding contact tracks are located on the surface of the slip ring and are electrically insulated from each other to prevent short circuits between the sliding contact tracks. For example, the sliding contact tracks can be copper tracks and / or metal arcs on the surface of the slip ring.

[0012] To enable current transmission, the slip ring system also includes a contact component with brushes that enable electrical contact with the sliding contact tracks. The sliding contact tracks are arranged coaxially to ensure continuous contact with the brushes when the slip ring rotates around a pivot point (the center of the coaxial arrangement).

[0013] The special feature of the slip ring system according to the invention is that the slip ring (and thus also its sliding contact paths) is C-shaped, i.e., open. This opening is also comparatively large, with an opening angle greater than 20°, i.e., a center angle of the arc shape less than 340°. The opening can, in particular, be radially aligned. The arrangement angle can, in particular, be an angular distance relative to the rotation axis.

[0014] Due to the size of the opening (for a slip ring with a diameter of one meter, the opening would be larger than 17 cm), continuous contact transmission using a brush per sliding contact track is problematic. Therefore, the contact component comprises a plurality of brush elements (with at least one brush per sliding contact track) arranged at different locations on the slip ring component, forming an electrically conductive contact with it.

[0015] When considering the arrangement of these brush elements, it is required that they be arranged according to a rotation angle around the rotation axis (of the slip ring system). The arrangement angle is fixed and corresponds to the angle of rotation by which the brush elements are rotated relative to each other around the rotation axis. The arrangement angle must be greater than the opening angle of the opening so that at least one brush element always has electrical contact with its sliding contact paths in every position of the slip ring (i.e., the slip ring component).

[0016] A system according to the invention with a rotatable component comprises a slip ring system according to the invention. The system is preferably a computed tomography system and comprises a gantry (i.e., a CT scanner) with a stator and a rotator as a rotatable component. The slip ring system transmits energy and signals between the stator and rotator. The gantry is C-shaped and has a lateral opening (i.e., in the side of the ring) through which an object to be examined, in particular a person, can be moved laterally into the gantry. The opening of the slip ring component is preferably larger than or equal to this opening.Preferably, the slip ring component of the slip ring system is attached to the rotator and the contact component of the slip ring system is attached to the stator, but an exactly reversed arrangement is also possible, in which the slip ring component of the slip ring system is attached to the stator and the contact component of the slip ring system is attached to the rotator.

[0017] In a method according to the invention for supplying energy to a system according to the invention, an electrical contact for a current flow between a power supply (at the stator) and a load in the rotatable component of the system (rotator) is established by means of the slip ring system according to the invention and the rotatable component is rotated.

[0018] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description, wherein the claims of one claim category can also be developed analogously to the claims and description parts to form another claim category and, in particular, individual features of different embodiments or variants can be combined to form new embodiments or variants.

[0019] According to a preferred slip ring system, the slip ring component has a C-shaped arc with an end face and a lateral surface. It is therefore in the shape of a (thin) cylinder with an opening on the side. The end faces are in the shape of a circular ring arc, and the lateral surfaces are in the shape of a curved strip with an interruption where the opening is located. A number (preferably a plurality) of sliding contact tracks are arranged on the lateral surface of the slip ring component. These sliding contact tracks are concentric but spaced from one another with respect to the height of the lateral surface (thickness of the ring). Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of sliding contact tracks are arranged concentrically to one another with different radii on the end face of the slip ring component.

[0020] It is particularly preferred that at least one brush from a plurality of brush elements is assigned to each sliding contact track. Thus, one brush per sliding contact track may well lose contact with the slip ring component through the opening, but the other brush still maintains electrical contact with this sliding contact track.

[0021] According to a preferred slip ring system, the opening angle is less than 180°, meaning the slip ring component is at least a semicircle. The contact component comprises at least one pair of brush elements; however, with large openings, three or more brush elements can also be present. The arrangement angle of the two brush elements to one another should preferably be between 120 and 240°, particularly preferably between 160° and 200°. Care should always be taken to ensure that, in every orientation of the slip ring component, at least one brush element always has electrical contact with the sliding contact tracks. In practice, an opening is preferred that is just large enough to allow a designated object to be inserted laterally through the opening of the slip ring component.In the case of a C-shaped CT scanner (the "gantry"), it is advantageous in practice if the opening angle is less than or equal to 120°, i.e., the slip ring corresponds to at least two-thirds of a circular ring. In this case, an opposing arrangement of the brush elements (arrangement angle of 180°) can be a simple design that always ensures electrical contact. Three brush elements, each arranged at an angle of 120° (in an equilateral triangle), could also be used. This could compensate for the failure of a brush component.

[0022] As the slip ring component rotates, individual brush elements of the contact component repeatedly lose contact with their sliding contact paths due to the opening of the slip ring component. This could result in a disruption of the current flow, e.g., due to sparking, and can lead to fluctuations in the power supply or interference pulses during signal transmission. Therefore, interference caused by a brush element losing contact should be suppressed, particularly when recording measurement data, e.g., in CT scanners.

[0023] Since the brushes of the brush elements are usually spring-mounted or made of springs, mechanical stress could also occur when contact is resumed by an edge of the slip ring component. This could reduce the service life of the brushes and also lead to further disruptions in the current flow.

[0024] There are several ways to overcome these disadvantages. In all of these options, a loss of contact is deliberately initiated and then restored. This can be achieved, for example, by means of entry and exit bevels in the slip ring component or by lifting the brush element. The electrical contact of the brush element in question to a power supply or measuring station can be switched off immediately before lifting or setting down, thus preventing voltage spikes or damage to the brush or the sliding contact track.

[0025] A preferred slip ring system is shaped and / or designed such that, upon rotation of a brush element beyond an end region of the slip ring component facing the opening, an electrically conductive contact is established between the slip ring component and a brush element on the slip ring component outside the end region. The "end region" should be at least 5 mm, in particular at least 1 cm or even at least 5 cm (up to the opening, i.e., the end of the slip ring component in the direction of rotation), so that contact between a brush and a sliding contact path can still be established or broken even during rapid rotation.

[0026] Preferably, the slip ring system is shaped and / or designed such that, upon a relative movement of a brush element toward the opening, the electrically conductive contact is first broken and only then is the end region passed, and / or that, upon a relative movement of a brush element from the opening to the slip ring component, the end region is first passed and only then is the electrically conductive contact established. Particularly preferably, the electrical contact is broken before reaching the opening and is only re-established after the end region has been passed over again.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the slip ring system is shaped or designed such that, upon a relative movement of a brush element toward the opening in a transition region of the slip ring component adjacent to the end region, the relative distance between the slip ring component and a holder for the brushes of the contact component steadily increases, so that the electrically conductive contact breaks before reaching the end region. The brush element thus moves away from the surface of the slip ring component with a relative movement until the contact breaks.Conversely, it is correspondingly preferred that, during a relative movement of a brush element away from the opening in a transition region of the slip-ring component adjacent to the end region, the relative distance between the slip-ring component and a holder of the brushes of the contact component decreases continuously, so that electrically conductive contact is established after crossing the end region. This can be achieved, for example, by lifting the brushes or by a beveled end of the slip-ring component.

[0028] According to a preferred slip ring system, the slip ring component is shaped in the end region, and preferably also in a transition region, such that it continuously diverges from a rotationally symmetrical surface in which the contact elements are located. This surface would correspond to a circular cylindrical surface, and "distancing" means that the surface tapers inward in a wedge shape. These are the aforementioned end bevels.

[0029] It is preferred that a number of the sliding contact tracks are arranged on the end face of the slip ring component and the end region, and preferably also the transition region, is shaped such that the end face with the number of sliding contact tracks moves away from a rotationally symmetrical plane on which the remaining end face lies (i.e. a ring with wedge-shaped ends with respect to the end face).

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that a number of the sliding contact tracks are arranged on the shell side of the slip ring component and the end region, and preferably also the transition region, is shaped such that the end face with the number of sliding contact tracks is removed from a rotationally symmetrical shell surface on which the remaining end face lies (i.e. a ring with wedge-shaped ends with respect to the shell surface),

[0031] Since the brush elements are usually spring-mounted, the spring travel of the brushes in the embodiment described above should be designed in such a way that the brushes only hit the "inlet bevel" above the slip ring component (i.e. in the transition area) (without being damaged at the edge) or the contact is broken off before the edge is reached.

[0032] According to a preferred slip ring system, the contact component has movement elements configured to move brushes of brush elements relative to the slip ring component, so that the distance of the brushes from the slip ring component and / or the pressure of the brushes on the slip ring component can be changed. This movement can be active or passive. For active movement, the slip ring system preferably comprises a control device configured to measure the position of a brush element relative to the slip ring component and, in the event that a brush element approaches an end of the slip ring, to actively control the movement element (i.e., to lift it off when it leaves the slip ring component and to touch it down when it has reached the slip ring component again).

[0033] A movement element preferably comprises a hinge and a tilting device by means of which a brush element can be tilted relative to the surface of the slip ring component. Here, the entire brush element is preferably pivoted by motor, pneumatic, magnetic, or hydraulic means, so that the brushes of the entire brush element are moved further away from or closer to the sliding contact paths.

[0034] A moving element preferably comprises a brush lifting device, by means of which at least one brush of a brush element can be moved closer to or further away from the slip ring component, preferably with the brush lifting device acting on a brush holder or on individual brushes. A preferred brush lifting device is an eccentric guide, in which an axis is arranged eccentrically parallel to a motor axis and acts orthogonally on springs of the brushes, so that upon rotation of the motor axis, the brushes are moved further away from or closer to the sliding contact tracks.

[0035] A movement element preferably comprises a lifting device by means of which a brush element can be moved closer to or further away from the slip ring component. The lifting device preferably acts on an entire brush element, e.g., on a brush mounting block. By means of a motor-, pneumatically, magnetically, or hydraulically induced movement, the entire brush element can then be moved further away from or closer to the sliding contact tracks.

[0036] Of course, the spring travel of the brushes should be taken into account when making the respective movements.

[0037] According to a preferred slip ring system, the slip ring component has, in the end region and preferably also in the transition region, a number of slide rails that protrude in an arc shape (along the direction of rotation) from the surface of the slip ring component and, in particular, extend to the opening. The brush elements have sliding elements that are shaped and arranged such that, during a relative movement of the slip ring component and the brush unit, they slide on the slide rails and guide the brush unit along the arc of the slide rail. Due to the arc of the slide rails, the brushes are continuously lifted off the surface of the sliding contact tracks or guided onto them as they slide over them.The arched shape is preferably mirror-symmetrical, so that a brush element, which meets one end of the slip ring component from the opening, is first lifted by the sliding element on the slide rail and then gently placed onto the sliding contact track.

[0038] As noted above, in addition to lifting or placing the brushes on the sliding contact tracks, the electrical contact can also be interrupted by a switch. This can be done alternatively, but is particularly preferred in combination.

[0039] A preferred slip ring system comprises a control device designed to control the current flow through the slip ring system such that, before an electrically conductive contact between a brush element and the slip ring component is broken, the current flow through this contact is interrupted, and after an electrically conductive contact between a brush element and the slip ring component is established, an interrupted current flow through this contact is restored. For this purpose, the control device preferably comprises an electronic or mechanical position detector with which it is measured whether a brush element has reached the transition region or the end region and then switches off the electrical contact of the brush element by means of a switch. The contact to a load or measuring unit in the rotating part and / or to a power supply or a data acquisition unit in the static part can be switched off.

[0040] A preferred position detection system measures electronically or simply mechanically. "Position detection" also means that a lever on the brush unit operates a switch on the slip-ring component, or vice versa. Thus, it is not the electrical contact between the brush element and the slip-ring component that is broken, but rather the electrical contact between the brush element and components outside the slip-ring system. As mentioned, a combination with the aforementioned embodiments is particularly preferred, as this prevents both electrical interference and mechanical damage to the brushes.

[0041] The control device is preferably designed to interrupt the contact of the brush element with a power supply or to interrupt the contact of the brush element with a load. In an embodiment in which the brush element is arranged on the rotator, its contact with the load or with a sensor or detector or a data interface is preferably interrupted.

[0042] According to a preferred method, during a relative movement of a brush element directed to open the slip ring component, its brushes are moved away from the slip ring component by means of a movement element, so that their electrically conductive contact with the sliding contact tracks is broken, in particular before an end region of the slip ring system is passed.

[0043] According to a preferred method, during a relative movement of a brush element directed away from the opening of the slip ring component, its brushes are moved towards the slip ring component by means of a movement element, so that first the end region is passed and then an electrically conductive contact is established between the brushes and the slip ring component.

[0044] According to a preferred method, during a relative movement of a brush element directed to open the slip ring component, the current flow through this brush element is switched off, in particular before it passes an end region of the slip ring system.

[0045] According to a preferred method, when a brush element moves relative away from the opening of the slip ring component, the current flow through this brush element is switched on, in particular after it has passed the end region.

[0046] The advantage of the invention is that an open slip ring can be implemented. This is the only way to create a simple whole-body CT for interventional use, which can be moved laterally over a patient. This offers many advantages for doctor and patient during the examination, particularly during surgical interventions. In particular, this includes time savings, better accessibility and, last but not least, cost-effective implementation. The closed slip rings previously used in CT systems have a high level of reliability. This is also achieved with the open slip ring system according to the invention. A closing and opening mechanism is no longer required in a CT scanner, which allows for a simple mechanical solution with a high level of reliability. Since one part (in practice approx.Since the entire slip ring (one third) is not present, there is also a weight saving, which is particularly advantageous for transport and floor loading of mobile CT systems.

[0047] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures using exemplary embodiments. In the various figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. The figures are generally not to scale. They show: Fig. 1 an exemplary embodiment of a computed tomography system according to the prior art. Fig. 2 shows in perspective an example of a slip ring system according to the invention with sliding contact tracks on the front side of the slip ring component, Fig. 3 shows in perspective an example of a slip ring system according to the invention with sliding contact tracks on the outer surface of the slip ring component, Fig. 4 a mobile CT system comprising a gantry with a slip ring system according to the invention in several rotation states, Fig. 5 a preferred brush unit for four sliding contact tracks, Fig. 6 a sketch of a brush element in electrical contact with a slip ring component, Fig. 7 an alternative for a preferential separation of an electrical contact between the slip ring component and brush with eccentric rollers, Fig. 8 an alternative for a preferred separation of an electrical contact between the slip ring component and brush with a lift unit, wherein power is switched off after the separation, Fig. 9 an alternative for a preferential separation of an electrical contact between the slip ring component and brush with beveled ends of the slip ring component, wherein current is switched off shortly before contact loss, Fig. 10 an alternative for a preferred separation of an electrical contact between the slip ring component and brush with a hinge, wherein current is disconnected after another brush unit has been coupled, Fig. 11 a brush element with eccentric rollers, Fig. 12 Your brush element with hinge, Fig. 13 an embodiment for a passive separation of brush element and slip ring component, Fig. 14 the process of a passive separation of brush element and slip ring component.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a computed tomography system (CT system) 1 as an example of a device system 1 with a radiation detector 4 and a radiation source 5.

[0049] The radiation source 5 is designed to expose the radiation detector 4 with radiation. The CT system 1 shown comprises a gantry 2 with a rotor 3. The rotor 3 comprises an X-ray source as the radiation source 5 and the radiation detector 4, which is designed to detect X-ray radiation.

[0050] The rotor 3 is rotatable about the rotation axis 8. The examination object 6, here a patient, is supported on the patient couch 7 and is movable along the rotation axis 8 through the gantry 2. The computing unit 9 is provided for controlling the imaging system 1 and / or for generating an X-ray image data set based on signals detected by the radiation detector 4.

[0051] In the case of a computed tomography device, a (raw) X-ray image dataset of the object 6 is typically acquired from a plurality of angular directions using the radiation detector 4. Subsequently, based on the (raw) X-ray image dataset, a final X-ray image dataset can be reconstructed using a mathematical method, for example, comprising a filtered backprojection or an iterative reconstruction method.

[0052] The computing unit 9 may comprise a control unit for controlling the CT system 1 and a generation unit for generating an X-ray image data set.

[0053] Furthermore, an input device 10 and an output device 11 are connected to the computing unit 9. The input device 10 and the output device 11 can, for example, enable interaction by a user or the display of a generated X-ray image data set or output a determined problem solution.

[0054] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show in perspective an example of a slip ring system 12 according to the invention with sliding contact tracks 14 which are arranged concentrically around a rotation axis 8.

[0055] In Fig. 2, the sliding contact tracks 14 are arranged on the end face of the slip ring component 13, or are embedded in its end face. The contact component 15, which is formed from two opposing brush elements 16, is positioned above the end face such that the brushes 17 of the brush elements (not visible here, see subsequent figures) form an electrical contact with the sliding contact tracks 14.

[0056] In Fig. 3, the sliding contact tracks 14 are arranged on the outer surface of the slip ring component 13, or are embedded in its outer surface. The contact component 15, which here is also formed from two opposing brush elements 16, is positioned above the outer surface such that the brushes 17 of the brush elements (not visible here, see subsequent figures) form an electrical contact with the sliding contact tracks 14.

[0057] Fig. Figure 4 shows a mobile CT system 1 comprising a gantry 2 with a slip ring system 12 according to the invention in several rotational states. The view is directed toward the front of the gantry 2 or the slip ring system 12.

[0058] On the left, the CT system 1 can be seen in its open state. The radiation source 5 is located at the top, and the radiation detector 4 (not visible here) is located at the bottom, along with the slip ring component 13 in the rotator 3. The brush units 16 are arranged on the stator, i.e., the housing of the gantry 2. For an examination, the CT system is pushed in the direction of the arrow over a patient (examination subject 6), who could, for example, be resting on a couch (not shown).

[0059] Two different phases of the examination are shown on the right. The rotator 3 now rotates around the patient in the direction of the arrow, while the radiation source 5 irradiates the radiation detector 4. It is clearly visible that in the upper image, the lower brush unit 16 has no contact with the slip ring component 13, as it is currently located in its opening, and in the lower image, the upper brush unit 16 does. However, this is irrelevant, as at least one brush unit 16 is always in contact with the slip ring component 13, allowing energy and signals to be transmitted via it.

[0060] Fig. Figure 5 shows in perspective a preferred brush unit 16 for four sliding contact tracks 14 arranged on the front side of a slip ring component (see e.g. Fig. 2). A pair of brushes 17 is provided for each of the four sliding contact tracks 14, which serves to ensure transmission reliability. Each brush is elastically connected to a holder H by means of a spring steel F and a common fastening element B. With this fastening element B, the brush unit 16 can be attached to a stator or a rotator 3.

[0061] Fig. Figure 6 shows a sketch of a brush element 16 in electrical contact with a slip ring component 13. In this figure, as well as in the following Fig. 7 to 10 should be compared with the Fig. 5 (and the following Fig. 11 and Fig. 12) it should be noted that the contact surface of the brush 17 points downwards and the force of gravity should also act downwards (hence the occasional bending of the spring steel F). Fig. 5, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 lie on their backs, so to speak, so that the contact surfaces of the brushes 17 point upwards.

[0062] The brush element here comprises brushes 17 which, as in the Fig. 5 are arranged on a fastening element B by means of spring steel F and holder H. The brush 17 slides here in the direction of the arrow straight through the transition area U towards its edge K, at which the opening begins.

[0063] It would be desirable if the brush 17 lost electrical contact with the slip ring component 13 before the end region E. The following figures show how this can be achieved.

[0064] Fig. Figures 7 to 10 show various alternatives for how electrical contact between the slip ring component 13 and the brush could be broken. The preferred method for establishing contact is the exact opposite of the separation. All of these alternatives could also be combined. Shown, from left to right, are a series of three illustrations in which a brush 17 moves toward an opening in a slip ring component 13 and separates from the slip ring component 13 shortly before reaching an end region E (in a transition region U).

[0065] Fig. Figure 7 shows an alternative for a preferred separation of an electrical contact between the slip ring component 13 and brush 17 with eccentric rollers X. These are mounted on an axis of a motor M (not shown here, see Fig. 11) and designed so that they can raise or lower the brush 17 when the motor M rotates.

[0066] Fig. Figure 8 shows an alternative for a preferential separation of an electrical contact between the slip ring component 13 and brush 17 using a lift unit L. The closer the brush 17 comes to the edge K of the slip ring component 13, the more it is lifted by the lift unit L until it separates from the slip ring component 13. In this example, a current flowing through the contact is switched off after separation, which is symbolized by a crossed-out lightning bolt.

[0067] It should be noted here that the shutdown procedure for one example can also be used for the others. Furthermore, it is not necessarily necessary to turn off power; rather, a signal flow can also be interrupted. In general, electrical contact to a power supply, a load, a sensor, a data acquisition unit, or a data interface can be interrupted, e.g., using a switch.

[0068] Fig. Figure 9 shows an alternative for preferentially breaking electrical contact between the slip ring component 13 and brush 17 with beveled ends of the slip ring component 13. The ends of the slip ring component 13 are so wedge-shaped that the brush 17 loses contact despite spring force. In this example, the current is switched off shortly before contact is lost, which has the advantage of preventing effects such as arcing that could occur if contact is lost.

[0069] Fig. Figure 10 shows an alternative for a preferred separation of an electrical contact between the slip ring component 13 and brush 17 with a hinge S. Here, the brush 17 is not hinged as in Fig. 8, but tilted so that it loses contact with the slip ring component 13. In this example, power is disconnected after another brush unit has been coupled. It is sufficient if a single brush element 16 is electrically connected to the rotator 3. The brush element 16 that will next lose contact with the slip ring component 13 can therefore be easily separated from other components of the system at any time if a brush element that has just regained contact with the slip ring component 13 has been "switched on."

[0070] Fig. 11 shows a brush element 16 with eccentric rollers X, as already shown in Fig. 7 has been roughly sketched. The base is the brush element 16 of Fig. 5. In this illustration, one can see one motor M per brush group, on whose axis eccentric rollers X are mounted and which can raise and lower the individual brushes 17 on their spring steels F at the same time.

[0071] Fig. 12 shows a brush element 16 with hinge S (see also Fig. 10), by means of which the entire brush element 16 can be tilted and thereby the contact between brushes 17 and slip ring component 13 can be separated or established.

[0072] Fig. 13 shows an embodiment for a passive separation of brush element 16 and slip ring component 13. On the left, a brush element 16 is shown (in the upper illustration from below and in the lower illustration from the side) as already shown in Fig. 6, but here additionally equipped with a sliding unit 18 with which the brushes 17 and also the entire brush element can be moved.

[0073] The right shows the slip ring component 13, which has a slide rail 19 on each side, which is aligned parallel to the relative movement between the slip ring component 13 and the brush unit 16 and protrudes in an arc from the surface of the slip ring component 13. The slide rails 19 are shown in plan view at the top, and from the side at the bottom.

[0074] Fig. 14 shows the process of a passive separation of brush element 16 and slip ring component 13 with a variant according to Fig.13. The sliding element 18 is shaped and arranged such that, during a relative movement of the slip ring component 13 and the brush unit 16, it can slide along the outlined arrow on the sliding rails 19 and guide the brush unit 16 along the curved shape of the sliding rail 19.

[0075] From left to right, which corresponds to a lifting off before reaching the opening, the brush 17 with the sliding element 18 reaches the slide rail 19 (left), is pushed upwards by this (middle) so that the contact between brush 17 and slip ring component 13 is broken, and then guided downwards again (right), whereby the brush 17 is now located in the opening.

[0076] Viewed from right to left, an example of contact restoration would occur in exactly the opposite direction. It should be noted that the slide rails 19 could also extend beyond the edge.

[0077] Finally, it should be noted once again that the methods described in detail above and the system presented are merely exemplary embodiments which can be modified in a variety of ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles “a” or “an” does not exclude the possibility that the features in question may be present in multiple copies. Likewise, the terms “unit” and “device” do not exclude the possibility that the components in question consist of several interacting sub-components, which may also be spatially distributed. The expression “a number” is to be understood as “at least one”. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, this includes persons with male, female or other gender identities.

Claims

[1] Slip ring system (12) comprising a slip ring component (13) with a number of sliding contact tracks (14) arranged coaxially around a rotation axis (8) and a contact component (15), - wherein the slip ring component (13) and the contact component (15) are arranged to be rotatable relative to one another about the rotation axis (8) and are aligned such that the number of sliding contact tracks (14) has an electrically conductive contact with the contact component (15) by means of a number of brushes (17), - wherein the slip ring component (13) is C-shaped and forms an arc shape with an opening with an opening angle greater than 20° with respect to the rotation axis (8), - wherein the contact component (15) comprises a plurality of brush elements (16) which are arranged at different locations on the slip ring component (13) in accordance with a rotation by an arrangement angle around the rotation axis (8) in such a way that they can form the electrically conductive contact therewith, - wherein the arrangement angle of the brush elements (16) to one another is greater than the opening angle of the opening. [2] Slip ring system according to claim 1, wherein the slip ring component (13) has a C-shaped arc with an end face and a lateral surface and a number of sliding contact tracks (14) are arranged on the lateral surface of the slip ring component (13) and / or wherein a plurality of sliding contact tracks (14) are arranged concentrically to one another with different radii on the end face of the slip ring component (13), preferably wherein each sliding contact track (14) is assigned at least one brush (17) of a plurality of brush elements (16). [3] Slip ring system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening angle is less than 180° and the contact component (15) comprises at least one pair of brush elements (16), wherein the arrangement angle of the two brush elements (16) to each other is preferably between 120 and 240°, particularly preferably between 160° and 200°. [4] Slip ring system according to one of the preceding claims, which is shaped and / or designed so that upon rotation of a brush element (16) over an end region (E) of the slip ring component (13) facing the opening, an electrically conductive contact is established between the slip ring component (13) and a brush element (16) on the slip ring component (13) outside the end region (E), preferably wherein the slip ring system (12) is shaped and / or designed such that, in the case of a relative movement of a brush element (16) directed towards the opening, the electrically conductive contact is first torn off and only then is the end region (E) passed and / or that, in the case of a relative movement of a brush element (16) directed from the opening to the slip ring component (13), the end region (E) is first passed and only then is the electrically conductive contact established, particularly preferably wherein the slip ring system (12) is shaped and / or designed such that, in the case of a relative movement of a brush element (16) directed towards the opening in a transition region (U) of the slip ring component (13) adjacent to the end region (E), the relative distance between the slip ring component (13) and a holder (H) of the brushes (17) of the contact component (15) increases continuously, so that the electrically conductive contact breaks off before the end region (E) is reached. [5] Slip ring system according to claim 4, wherein the slip ring component (13) in the end region (E), and preferably also in a transition region (U), is shaped such that it continuously moves away from a rotationally symmetrical lateral surface in which the contact elements (15) are located, preferably wherein a number of the sliding contact tracks (14) are arranged on the end face of the slip ring component (13) and the end region (E), and preferably also the transition region (U), is shaped such that the end face with the number of sliding contact tracks (14) moves away from a rotationally symmetrical plane on which the remaining end face lies, and / or preferably wherein a number of the sliding contact tracks (14) are arranged on the jacket side of the slip ring component (13) and the end region (E), and preferably also the transition region (U), is shaped such that there the end face with the number of sliding contact tracks (14) moves away from a rotationally symmetrical jacket surface on which the remaining end face lies. [6] Slip ring system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the contact component (15) has movement elements (X, L, S) which are designed to move brushes (17) of brush elements (16) relative to the slip ring component (13) so that the distance of the brushes (17) to the slip ring component (13) and / or the pressure of the brushes (17) on the slip ring component (13) can be changed, preferably wherein a movement element (X, L, S) - comprises a hinge (S) and a tilting device by means of which a brush element (16) can be tilted relative to the surface of the slip ring component (13), - a brush lifting device (X) by means of which at least one brush (17) of a brush element (16) can be moved closer to the slip ring component (13) or further away from the slip ring component (13), preferably wherein the brush lifting device (X) acts on a brush holder (16) or on individual brushes (17), - comprises a lifting device (L) by means of which a brush element (16) can be moved closer to the slip ring component (13) or further away from the slip ring component (13), preferably wherein the slip ring system (12) comprises a control device which is designed to measure the position of a brush element (16) relative to the slip ring component (13) and, in the event that a brush element (16) approaches an end region (E) of the slip ring component (13), to actively control the movement element (X, L, S). [7] Slip ring system according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the slip ring component (13) in the end region (E) and preferably also in the transition region (U) has a number of slide rails (19) which project in an arcuate manner from the surface of the slip ring component (13) and the brush elements (16) have slide elements (18) which are shaped and arranged such that they slide on the slide rails (19) during a relative movement of the slip ring component (13) and the brush unit (16) and guide the brush unit (16) along the arcuate shape of the slide rail (19). [8] Slip ring system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control device, in particular comprising an electronic or mechanical position detection device, which is designed to control the current flow through the slip ring system (12) in such a way that before an electrically conductive contact between a brush element (16) and the slip ring component (13) is torn off, the current flow through this contact is interrupted and after an electrically conductive contact is established between a brush element (16) and the slip ring component (13), an interrupted current flow through this contact is restored, preferably wherein the control device is designed to interrupt the contact of the brush element (16) to a power supply or to interrupt the contact of the brush element (16) to a load. [9] System (1) with a rotatable component comprising a slip ring system (12) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] System according to claim 9, wherein the system (1) is a computer tomography system (1) and comprises a gantry (2) with a stator and a rotator (3) as a rotatable component, wherein the gantry (2) is C-shaped and has a lateral opening through which an object to be examined, in particular a person, can be moved laterally into the gantry (2), wherein the opening of the slip ring system (12) is preferably greater than or equal to this opening, preferably wherein the slip ring component (13) of the slip ring system (12) is attached to the rotator (3) and the contact component (15) of the slip ring system (12) is attached to the stator. [11] Method for supplying power to a system (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein an electrical contact for a current flow between a power supply and a load in the rotatable component of the system (1) is established by means of the slip ring system (12) and the rotatable component is rotated. [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein, in the case of a relative movement of a brush element (16) directed towards the opening of the slip ring component (13), the brushes (17) thereof are moved away from the slip ring component (13) by means of a movement element (X, L, S) so that their electrically conductive contact with the sliding contact tracks (14) is broken, in particular before an end region (E) of the slip ring system (12) is passed, and in the case of a relative movement of a brush element (16) directed away from the opening of the slip ring component (13), the brushes (17) thereof are moved towards the slip ring component (13) by means of a movement element (X, L, S) so that the end region (E) is passed first and then an electrically conductive contact is established between the brushes (17) and the slip ring component (13). [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein in the case of a relative movement of a brush element (16) directed towards the opening of the slip ring system (12), the current flow through this brush element (16) is switched off, in particular before it passes an end region (E) of the slip ring system (12), and in the case of a relative movement of a brush element (16) directed from the opening to the slip ring component (13), the current flow through this brush element (16) is switched on, in particular after it has passed the end region (E).

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