Medical imaging system with a main rail system and a backup rail system

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical imaging system (1) comprising a computer tomography gantry (20), a carriage (F), a main rail system (L) and a safety rail system (S), - wherein the computer tomography gantry (20) is movably mounted by means of the carriage (F) and the main rail system (L) such that a translational movement of the computer tomography gantry (20) can be carried out along the main rail system (L), - wherein the carriage (F) and the main rail system (L) are designed to transmit a drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry (20) from the carriage (F) to the main rail system (L) in a force-locking manner, - wherein the safety rail system (S) comprises at least one safety rail (SL) and at least one coupling element (KO), wherein the at least one safety rail (SL) is arranged on a floor section and is aligned in the same direction as the main rail system (L), wherein the coupling element (KO) is arranged on the carriage (F) or on the computed tomography gantry (20), wherein the coupling element (KO) is connected to the safety rail (SL) by means of a rear grip and / or in a form-fitting manner to prevent the computed tomography gantry (20) from tipping over.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical imaging system having a main rail system and a securing rail system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for moving and / or securing a computed tomography gantry.

[0002] In computed tomography (CT), the precise longitudinal position of the gantry is changed during the scan of an object under examination. This is based on a continuous translational movement, which is continuously recorded for the imaging system. The accuracy of this movement and the position detection is crucial for image quality, with sub-millimeter accuracy often required.

[0003] Conventional positive-locking drives, such as rack and pinion drives or belt drives, are often used and require a structured engagement area that is difficult to clean and creates tripping hazards and mechanical sensitivities.

[0004] A computed tomography (CT) system is sometimes used for two adjacent treatment rooms. This is partly due to the cost aspect of not having to install a CT system in each of the two rooms. On the other hand, a mobile CT system that can be moved to another room also offers advantages in terms of space requirements.

[0005] When operating two treatment rooms opposite each other, the patient beds can be arranged head-to-head, for example. The CT system can then move back and forth between the two patient beds, so that the computed tomography gantry is positioned with one side facing the patient bed in one treatment room and with the other side facing the patient bed in the opposite treatment room. These different arrangements of the computed tomography gantry relative to the respective patient bed must be taken into account when processing the imaging data.

[0006] In some CT systems, the scan plane is essentially centered or centrically positioned in the housing of the computed tomography gantry. However, in some CT systems, the scan plane is not centered in the housing of the computed tomography gantry. There is therefore a front of the computed tomography gantry and a back of the computed tomography gantry. To serve two opposite treatment rooms, it would then be advantageous to always align the computed tomography gantry with the front facing the respective patient bed. For a two-room solution with two patient beds arranged head-to-head, the computed tomography gantry must therefore be able to be rotated 180° so that its front is always facing the respective patient bed.

[0007] Movable CT systems, especially rail-guided and / or rotatable CT systems, can easily tip over. Earthquakes and / or start-up problems during translational movement can cause such tipping. Furthermore, the CT system's high center of gravity increases its susceptibility to tipping.

[0008] The invention aims to provide an earth-proof and / or tip-over-proof medical imaging system with a movable computed tomography gantry.

[0009] Each subject matter of an independent claim solves this problem. Further advantageous aspects of the invention are considered in the dependent claims. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, it encompasses persons with male, female, or other gender identities.

[0010] The invention relates to a medical imaging system comprising a computed tomography gantry, a carriage, a main rail system and a safety rail system, - wherein the computed tomography gantry is movably mounted by means of the carriage and the main rail system such that a translational movement of the computed tomography gantry can be carried out along the main rail system, - wherein the carriage and the main rail system are configured to transmit a drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry from the carriage to the main rail system in a force-locking manner, - wherein the safety rail system comprises at least one safety rail and at least one coupling element, wherein the at least one safety rail is arranged on a floor section and aligned in the same direction as the main rail system, wherein the coupling element is arranged on the carriage or on the computed tomography gantry, wherein the coupling element is connected to the safety rail by means of a rear grip and / or positively locking to prevent the computed tomography gantry from tipping over.

[0011] In particular, it can be provided that the main rail system and / or the safety rail system rests relative to a base surface and / or is firmly anchored relative to the base surface. In particular, it can be provided that an object under examination rests relative to the main rail system and / or the safety rail system and / or relative to the base surface. The main rail system can, in particular, form a linear guide for the carriage.

[0012] For example, the medical imaging system can have an examination table for supporting the examination subject. The examination table can, in particular, rest relative to the main rail system and / or the safety rail system and / or relative to the base surface and / or be firmly anchored relative to the main rail system and / or the safety rail system and / or relative to the base surface. The examination subject can, for example, be a person to be examined, in particular a patient, and / or can be supported on the examination table, in particular, resting relative to the examination table.

[0013] The translational movement can occur, in particular, relative to the main rail system and / or the safety rail system, relative to the base surface, relative to the examination table, and / or relative to the examination subject. The translational movement can, in particular, be substantially horizontal. The base surface can, in particular, be substantially horizontal. The base surface can, in particular, be the floor of an examination room.

[0014] The computed tomography gantry can, for example, have a support frame and a rotor mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the support frame, with the radiation source and the radiation detector being arranged on the rotor. Optionally, the computed tomography gantry can have a tilting frame mounted so as to be tiltable relative to the support frame, with the rotor being arranged on the tilting frame. The radiation source and the radiation detector can cooperate to record a projection data set of the examination subject. The computed tomography gantry can, for example, have an opening. In particular, the rail system, the examination table, and the opening can be arranged relative to one another such that the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry inserts the examination table into the opening, in particular together with the examination subject mounted on the examination table.

[0015] One embodiment provides that a set of wheel-rail rolling contacts is formed between the carriage and the main rail system, wherein the carriage and the main rail system are configured to transmit the drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry from the carriage to the rail system in a force-fitting manner by means of the set of wheel-rail rolling contacts.

[0016] One embodiment provides that the set of wheel-rail rolling contacts absorbs the entire weight of the carriage and the computed tomography gantry, wherein each wheel-rail rolling contact, which is included in the set of wheel-rail rolling contacts and absorbs at least a portion of the entire weight of the carriage and the computed tomography gantry, transmits at least a portion of the drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry in a force-locking manner, in particular by friction.

[0017] In particular, it can be provided that at least one part of the total weight of the carriage and the computed tomography gantry is not insignificant, for example, greater than one-tenth of the total weight of the carriage and the computed tomography gantry. In particular, it can be provided that at least one part of the drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry is not insignificant, for example, greater than one-tenth of the drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry.

[0018] In particular, for the medical imaging system, it can be excluded that there is a wheel-rail rolling contact that absorbs part of the total weight force of the carriage and the computed tomography gantry, but does not transmit part of the drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry.

[0019] Compared to a friction wheel drive, the inventive solution fundamentally enables the transmission of a higher drive force. The friction force available for the drive depends on the coefficient of friction and the normal force applied to the friction wheel. Particularly when the wheel is directly driven and the friction of the wheel-rail rolling contact is utilized, the entire weight of the carriage and the computed tomography gantry can be used as the normal force. With a friction wheel, the weight is distributed between the rail wheels and the friction wheel, so that only a portion of the weight is available as the normal force.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the main rail system comprises a set of main rails, wherein the carriage comprises a set of wheels, wherein the set of wheels is arranged to roll on the set of main rails.

[0021] In particular, it can be provided that the set of main rails and the set of wheels form the set of wheel-rail rolling contacts. In particular, it can be provided that each main rail of the set of main rails is a round rail and / or that each wheel of the set of wheels is a concave roller and / or is designed to roll on a round rail. The main rails and / or the wheels can be made of steel, for example. In particular, the safety rail system comprises at least one safety rail. The safety rail is designed, for example, as a round rail and / or made of steel.

[0022] The circular rails can be integrated into the floor without a cover or drive elements, allowing patient beds and instrument tables to be moved over them. The drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry can be transferred from the carriage to the main rail system, for example, based on a force connection, particularly frictional connection, between the wheels of the set of wheels and the main rails of the set of main rails.

[0023] One embodiment provides that the carriage has a direct wheel drive for each wheel of the set of wheels, which interacts with this wheel and contributes proportionally to the drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry.

[0024] In particular, it can be provided that for each wheel of the set of wheels, the wheel direct drive that interacts with this wheel directly drives this wheel and thereby contributes proportionally to the drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry. In particular, it can be provided that the drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry is generated jointly by the wheel direct drives of the wheels of the set of wheels. The wheel direct drive can, for example, comprise an electric motor, in particular an electric wheel hub motor.

[0025] The safety rail system comprises at least one safety rail. The at least one safety rail can be designed as a round rail, a flat guide rail, and / or a pure profile guide rail. The safety rails are preferably made of a metal, such as steel or aluminum. Alternatively, the safety rails can be made of a composite material or an alloy.

[0026] The at least one, preferably all, safety rails are aligned in the same direction, in particular parallel, to the main rail system and / or the main rails of the main rail system. The main rails extend, for example, in a longitudinal direction, wherein the longitudinal direction is aligned with translational movement. The safety rails extend, for example, in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the safety rails are arranged in the same horizontal plane as the main rails. The at least one safety rail is arranged on a floor section. Preferably, the at least one safety rail is anchored to the floor section, in particular the subsurface, and / or mechanically connected to it.

[0027] The safety rail system comprises at least one coupling element. The coupling element is preferably arranged on the carriage and / or the computed tomography gantry, in particular mechanically connected and / or anchored thereto. The coupling element preferably has a vertical extension. The coupling element is connected at one vertical end, for example, to the carriage and / or the computed tomography gantry and / or is oriented toward the safety rail at the other vertical end. The coupling element is preferably rigid and / or based on a metallic material.

[0028] The coupling element is connected to the at least one safety rail in a captive and / or positive-locking manner, in particular by means of a rear grip. For example, the coupling element is connected to the safety rail by means of the end oriented towards the safety rail. The captive, positive-locking, and / or rear-engaging connection between the coupling element and the safety rail is movable, in particular, in the longitudinal direction and / or by performing the translational movement and / or along the safety rail. In particular, the positive-locking, captive, and / or rear-engaging connection and / or the position of this connection follows the translational movement. The computed tomography gantry is secured against tipping over by means of the captive, positive-locking, and / or rear-engaging connection.In the event that the computed tomography gantry attempts to tilt and, for example, the connection to the main rails becomes loose, the computed tomography gantry is held in place by the rear-engaging and / or positive-locking connection of the coupling element and the safety rail.

[0029] One embodiment of the invention provides that the safety rail system comprises exactly one safety rail, wherein the main rail system comprises a plurality of main rails. Preferably, the main rail system comprises an even number of main rails, in particular two or four main rails. The main rails are arranged in the same direction and / or parallel in the transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the main rails. The main rails of the main rail system are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a mirror-symmetry axis oriented in the longitudinal direction. The embodiment provides that exactly one safety rail forms the mirror-symmetry axis. This embodiment is based on the idea of ​​enabling a computed tomography gantry that can be rotated by 180 degrees and / or a carriage that can be rotated by 180 degrees without having to modify the main rails and / or the safety rail.

[0030] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the safety rail system comprises a plurality of safety rails, in particular an integer number of safety rails. The safety rails are arranged in the same direction and / or parallel in the transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the main rails. The main rail system comprises a plurality of main rails. Preferably, the main rail system comprises an even number of main rails, in particular two or four main rails. The main rails are arranged in the same direction and / or parallel in the transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the main rails. The safety rails and the main rails are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a common mirror axis, wherein the mirror axis is directed in the same direction as the safety rails and the main rails.The idea behind this design is to enable a 180-degree rotatable computed tomography gantry and / or a 180-degree rotatable carriage without having to modify the main rails and / or the safety rail.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the securing rail comprises a groove. The groove is designed and / or arranged for the positive and / or engaging reception of the coupling element. The groove can, for example, form a guide for the coupling element. The groove forms, for example, an elongated recess and / or indentation for receiving the coupling element, in particular for captively receiving the coupling element. The coupling element can be designed as a spring and / or tongue for the groove.

[0032] Optionally, the medical imaging system includes a rotary bearing and a lifting device, - wherein, in a translational operating state of the medical imaging system, the carriage is mounted so as to be movable along the main rail system such that a first translational movement of the carriage can be carried out along the main rail system, wherein the computed tomography gantry, the rotary bearing and the lifting device are each accommodated in the carriage such that they follow the first translational movement of the carriage, - wherein, in a transitional operating state of the medical imaging system, the carriage is mounted by means of the lifting device so as to be movable relative to the main rail system along a vertical axis of rotation such that a lifting movement of the carriage relative to the main rail system can be carried out along the vertical axis of rotation, wherein the computed tomography gantry is accommodated in the carriage such that it follows the lifting movement of the carriage relative to the main rail system, - wherein in a rotational operating state of the medical imaging system, the carriage is raised by means of the lifting device relative to the main rail system along the vertical axis of rotation such that the carriage is detached from the main rail system, and the carriage is rotatably mounted by means of the pivot bearing relative to the main rail system about the vertical axis of rotation such that a rotational movement of the carriage relative to the main rail system about the vertical axis of rotation can be carried out, wherein the computed tomography gantry is accommodated in the carriage such that it follows the rotational movement of the carriage relative to the main rail system about the vertical axis of rotation.

[0033] In particular, it can be provided that in the transitional operating state of the system, the carriage is mounted by means of the lifting device so as to be movable relative to the main rail system along the vertical axis of rotation in such a way that a lowering movement of the carriage relative to the rail system can be carried out along the vertical axis of rotation, wherein the computed tomography gantry is accommodated in the carriage in such a way that it follows the lowering movement of the carriage relative to the main rail system.

[0034] In particular, it can be provided that the system has a travel drive and / or a rotary drive. The travel drive can be configured, in particular, to drive the first translational movement of the carriage and / or to drive the second translational movement of the carriage. The rotary drive can be configured, in particular, to drive the rotational movement of the carriage relative to the main rail system about the vertical axis of rotation. The rotary bearing can, for example, be a rolling bearing, in particular an axial rolling bearing. Instead of providing a rotary drive, the main rail system can also be configured to manually drive the rotational movement of the carriage relative to the main rail system about the vertical axis of rotation, for example, by the physical force of an operator.

[0035] The lifting device can, for example, comprise a set of lifting cylinders and / or a lifting drive. In particular, it can be provided that the pivot bearing is arranged between two lifting cylinders of the set of lifting cylinders with respect to a horizontal direction and / or that the lifting cylinders of the set of lifting cylinders are synchronized with each other, for example by means of a shaft. The horizontal direction can, in particular, be substantially perpendicular to the first translational movement.

[0036] For example, the computed tomography gantry can be arranged so that it can rotate, in particular by 180°, that in two opposite treatment rooms, each of two patient beds arranged head-on can be approached with the front of the computed tomography gantry. The two treatment rooms would then be equivalent in terms of imaging data generation, as far as the orientation of the computed tomography gantry relative to the respective patient bed is concerned.

[0037] The first translational movement can be, in particular, horizontal and / or parallel to the base surface. The second translational movement can be, in particular, horizontal and / or parallel to the base surface. The first translational movement can, for example, take place along a straight first path and / or along a curved first path. The second translational movement can, for example, take place along a straight second path and / or along a curved second path. The rail system can, in particular, be configured for translating the carriage between two treatment rooms.

[0038] The system can, in particular, comprise a cable guide configured to connect the computed tomography gantry and / or the carriage to a power transmission device that is stationary relative to the base surface and / or to a data transmission device that is stationary relative to the base surface, in particular during the first horizontal translational movement of the carriage and / or during the rotational movement of the carriage relative to the rail system. The cable guide can, for example, be ceiling-based and / or floor-based. The cable guide can, for example, comprise a cable column that is permanently connected to the carriage and / or to the computed tomography gantry and is flexibly connected to the power transmission device that is stationary relative to the base surface and / or to the data transmission device that is stationary relative to the base surface.The system can, for example, have a transmission interface for transmitting, in particular bidirectionally, power and / or data between the carriage and the computed tomography gantry. The transmission interface can, for example, be contact-based and / or contactless.

[0039] In particular, the positive connection and / or connection by means of a rear grip between the coupling element and the safety rail is present in the translational operating state, the transitional operating state, and the rotational operating state. In other words, the coupling element is permanently and / or permanently connected to the safety rail. This design is based on the idea of ​​providing the safety connection to the safety rail even during rotation, lifting, and / or translational movement, so that the system is constantly secured against tipping.

[0040] Specifically, the coupling element is arranged at the center of rotation of the computed tomography gantry and / or at the pivot point of the pivot bearing. In particular, the coupling element is arranged such that the coupling element remains stationary when the gantry rotates. Furthermore, it can be provided that the coupling element is arranged at least partially along the axis of rotation. For example, the coupling element has an intermediate section, wherein the intermediate section is arranged between the safety rail and the carriage or computed tomography gantry. Preferably, the coupling element in the intermediate section is aligned with and / or parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0041] The coupling element preferably comprises a connecting section and a positive-locking section. The positive-locking section has a lower end in the vertical direction, wherein the positive-locking section is held and / or connected in the securing rail in a positive-locking manner and / or by means of a rear grip. The connecting section is arranged on the carriage and / or the computed tomography gantry, wherein the connecting section has a vertical extension and spaced the positive-locking section from the carriage and / or the computed tomography gantry. Preferably, the intermediate section forms the vertical extension of the connecting section.

[0042] One embodiment of the invention provides that the coupling element comprises an element pivot bearing. The element pivot bearing is designed to allow, in particular to guide and / or support, rotation between the form-locking section and the carriage and / or between the form-locking section and the computed tomography gantry. The element pivot bearing is preferably designed as a ball bearing or roller bearing. Alternatively, the element pivot bearing can be designed as a plain bearing, axial bearing, or pivot bearing.

[0043] A further embodiment provides that the form-fitting section is shaped and / or formed such that the form-fitting section, which is connected and / or held in a form-fitting manner and / or by means of a rear grip, is rotatable about a vertical axis. In particular, the form-fitting section is rotatable in the securing rail. Specifically, the form-fitting section is designed and / or shaped such that the form-fitting section is rotatable in the groove of the securing rail. For example, the form-fitting section is round and / or circular in plan view, wherein the diameter of the round and / or circular form-fitting section is smaller than the diameter or the width of the groove of the securing rail.

[0044] In particular, it is provided that the form-fitting section is arranged in a form-fitting, captive and / or engaging manner in the groove of the securing rail, wherein the form-fitting section is shaped and / or designed such that the form-fitting section is rotatable in the groove about a vertical axis.

[0045] Optionally, a covering device is provided, wherein the covering device is designed to cover the securing rail before and / or after the coupling element. In particular, the covering device is designed to cover the groove of the securing rail. In particular, the covering device has a covering strip for covering the securing rail. The covering strip can be designed, for example, as a metal strip or plastic strip. In particular, the covering strip can be based on a composite material. The covering strip is arranged in particular along the securing rail and / or in the longitudinal direction. The covering strip is preferably guided through the coupling element, in particular in a captive manner. The coupling element is in particular designed to lift the covering strip and / or to expose the guide rail or groove for the form-fitting section.

[0046] A further subject of the invention is a method for moving a computed tomography gantry, wherein the computed tomography gantry is movably mounted by means of a carriage and a main rail system such that a translational movement of the computed tomography gantry can be carried out along the main rail system, wherein the computed tomography gantry is connected to a safety rail by means of a coupling element, wherein the at least one safety rail is arranged on a floor section and is aligned in the same direction as the main rail system, wherein the method comprises: - performing the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry along the main rail system (L), wherein a drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry is transmitted force-lockingly from the carriage to the main rail system (L), - securing the computed tomography gantry against tipping, whereby the coupling element is connected to the safety rail by means of a rear grip and / or a form-fitting connection.

[0047] Within the scope of the invention, features which are described in relation to different embodiments of the invention and / or different claim categories (method, use, device, system, arrangement, etc.) can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention. For example, a claim relating to a system can also be further developed with features which are described or claimed in connection with a method, and vice versa. Functional features of a method can be implemented by appropriately designed physical components. The use of the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude the possibility that the feature in question may also be present multiple times. In the context of the present application, the expression “based on” can be understood in particular in the sense of the expression “using”.In particular, a formulation according to which a first characteristic is calculated (alternatively: determined, generated, etc.) based on a second characteristic does not exclude that the first characteristic can further be calculated (alternatively: determined, generated, etc.) based on a third characteristic.

[0048] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. The representations in the figures are schematic, highly simplified, and not necessarily to scale. The Fig. 1 shows a medical imaging system with a computed tomography gantry, a carriage, and a main and a backup rail system in a translational operating state of the system. The Fig. Figure 2 shows the medical imaging system with the computed tomography gantry, the carriage and the main and a safety rail system in a rotation operating state of the system. The Fig. 3 shows a medical imaging system without a lift-and-rotate module. The Fig. Figure 4 shows the medical imaging system in a side view. The Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for moving a computed tomography gantry.

[0049] The Fig. 1 shows the medical imaging system 1, comprising the computed tomography gantry 20, the carriage F, the main rail system L, the safety rail system S, the pivot bearing D and the lifting device H in a translational operating state of the medical imaging system 1, wherein in the translational operating state of the medical imaging system 1, the carriage F is mounted so as to be movable along the main rail system L such that a first translational movement of the carriage F can be carried out along the main rail system L, wherein the computed tomography gantry 20, the pivot bearing D and the lifting device H are each received in the carriage F such that they follow the first translational movement of the carriage F. The computed tomography gantry 20 has the opening 9.

[0050] In a transitional operating state of the medical imaging system 1, the carriage F is mounted by means of the lifting device H so as to be movable relative to the main rail system L along a vertical axis of rotation DA such that a lifting movement of the carriage F relative to the main rail system L can be carried out along the vertical axis of rotation DA, wherein the computed tomography gantry 20 is accommodated in the carriage F such that it follows the lifting movement of the carriage F relative to the main rail system L. The medical imaging system 1 has a travel drive FN and a rotary drive DN. The travel drive FN is configured to drive the first translational movement of the carriage F and / or to drive the second translational movement of the carriage F. The rotary drive DN is configured to drive the rotational movement of the carriage F relative to the main rail system L about the vertical axis of rotation DA.

[0051] The safety rail system S comprises a safety rail SL and at least one coupling element KO. The safety rail is arranged centrally between the two rails of the main rail system L and extends parallel in the longitudinal direction to the rails of the main rail system L. The rail can be designed, in particular, as a rail SL embedded in the floor, such as a groove-shaped recess between the two rails L, wherein the recess extends in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the safety rail SL is enclosed by a support structure DU, wherein the support structure is provided, in particular, when using a lifting device.

[0052] The coupling element KO is permanently or irreversibly connected to and / or arranged on the carriage F, the gantry 20 or the lifting device H. In particular, the coupling element KO is arranged on the lifting-rotating module M, the pivot bearing D or the base structure DU. The coupling element KO is arranged centrally between the two wheels FL and / or the rails L of the main rail system L. In particular, the coupling element is arranged with a vertical extension equal to the axis of rotation DA and / or the coupling element KO is arranged below the pivot bearing D in a plan view from above. When the computed tomography gantry 10 rotates and thus the wheels FL change sides, the coupling element remains essentially stationary and / or the coupling element remains connected to the safety rail SL.The coupling element KO is connected to the securing rail by means of a rear grip and / or a form-fitting connection to prevent the computed tomography gantry 20 from tipping over. For example, the securing rail comprises a groove, wherein the coupling element is arranged in the groove in a captive and / or rear-engaging manner. For example, the rail SL and / or the groove has a collar for this purpose, which partially closes the groove and holds a section of the coupling element KO arranged in the groove in the groove. Despite the captive and / or rear-engaging connection to the securing rail, the coupling element KO is movable in the longitudinal direction and / or along the longitudinal extent of the securing rail SL. In particular, the coupling element connected in a captive and / or rear-engaging manner follows the translational movement.In particular, it is provided that the coupling element KO remains connected to the securing rail SL even during the lifting movement and / or a rotational movement of the computed tomography gantry 20. For this purpose, the lower end of the coupling element KO, which is arranged, for example, in the groove, can be rotatable about a vertical axis, in particular rotatable as a whole. Alternatively and / or additionally, the coupling element KO can comprise an element pivot bearing DE, so that two sections of the coupling element can be rotated relative to one another. This allows the coupling element KO to remain connected to the securing rail during a rotation of the computed tomography gantry 20.

[0053] The Fig. 2 shows the medical imaging system 1 comprising the computed tomography gantry 20, the carriage F, the main rail system L, the safety rail system S, the pivot bearing D, and the lifting device H in a rotational operating state of the medical imaging system 1. In the rotational operating state of the medical imaging system 1, the carriage F is raised relative to the rail system L along the vertical axis of rotation DA by means of the lifting device H such that the carriage F is detached from the main rail system L, and the carriage F is rotatably mounted relative to the main rail system L about the vertical axis of rotation DA by means of the pivot bearing D such that a rotational movement of the carriage F relative to the main rail system L about the vertical axis of rotation DA can be carried out. The computed tomography gantry 20 is accommodated in the carriage F in such a way thatthat it follows the rotational movement of the carriage F relative to the main rail system L around the vertical axis of rotation DA.

[0054] The main rail system L comprises a set of rails, wherein the carriage F comprises a set of wheels FL, wherein the rotational movement of the carriage F relative to the main rail system L about the vertical axis of rotation DA occurs from a first angle about the vertical axis of rotation DA to a second angle about the vertical axis of rotation DA, wherein the set of wheels FL is arranged with respect to the vertical axis of rotation DA such that the set of wheels FL can roll on the set of rails when the carriage F is arranged relative to the main rail system L at the first angle about the vertical axis of rotation DA, and that the set of wheels FL can roll on the set of rails when the carriage F is arranged relative to the main rail system L at the second angle about the vertical axis of rotation DA.

[0055] The medical imaging system 1 optionally further comprises the support structure UD, wherein the main rail system L is at rest relative to the support structure UD, wherein in the translational operating state of the medical imaging system 1 the carriage F is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure UD along the main rail system L such that the first translational movement of the carriage F relative to the support structure UD can be carried out along the main rail system L, wherein in the transitional operating state of the system 1 and in the rotational operating state of the medical imaging system 1 the carriage F is supported on the support structure UD by means of the lifting device H and the pivot bearing D.

[0056] The medical imaging system 1 has the base structure DU, wherein the base structure DU is mounted by means of the lifting device H so as to be movable relative to the carriage F along the vertical axis of rotation DA, wherein the base structure DU is mounted by means of the pivot bearing D so as to be rotatable relative to the carriage F about the vertical axis of rotation DA, wherein the lifting device H is configured, starting from the translational operating state of the medical imaging system 1, to increase a distance between the base structure DU and the carriage F along the vertical axis of rotation DA and, by pushing the base structure DU against the support structure UD, to raise the carriage F relative to the main rail system L along the vertical axis of rotation DA such that the carriage F is detached from the rail system L,wherein by pressing the base structure DU against the support structure UD, the base structure DU is fixed against an angular change about the vertical axis of rotation DA relative to the support structure UD in such a way that the carriage F is rotatably mounted about the vertical axis of rotation DA relative to the support structure UD by means of the pivot bearing D, so that the medical imaging system 1 transitions into the rotation operating state of the medical imaging system 1.

[0057] By pressing the base structure DU against the support structure UD, the base structure DU is frictionally fixed against the angular change about the vertical axis of rotation DA relative to the support structure UD in such a way that the carriage F is rotatably mounted about the vertical axis of rotation DA relative to the support structure UD by means of the pivot bearing D.

[0058] The top side of the support structure UD is essentially flat. The underside of the base structure DU is essentially flat. Pressing the base structure DU against the support structure UD creates a frictional connection between the top side of the support structure UD and the underside of the base structure DU. This frictional connection secures the base structure DU against the angular change about the vertical rotation axis DA relative to the support structure UD in such a way that the carriage F is mounted for rotation about the vertical rotation axis DA relative to the support structure UD by means of the pivot bearing D.

[0059] The lifting device H is configured to reduce the distance between the base structure DU and the carriage F along the vertical axis of rotation DA, starting from the rotational operating state of the medical imaging system 1, and thereby lower the carriage F relative to the main rail system L along the vertical axis of rotation DA until the carriage F is parked on the main rail system L, so that the medical imaging system 1 transitions into the translational operating state of the medical imaging system 1.

[0060] The lifting device H and the pivot bearing D are directly coupled to one another so that they form a lifting-rotating module M, wherein the carriage F has a recess FM for receiving the lifting-rotating module M, wherein the lifting-rotating module M is arranged in the recess such that the lifting device H can extend downwards out of the recess FM along the vertical axis of rotation DA in order to lift the carriage F relative to the rail system L along the vertical axis of rotation DA.

[0061] The lifting-rotating module M is detachably connected to the carriage F via a mechanical interface C and an electrical interface B. This allows the lifting-rotating module M to be easily removed from or mounted on the carriage F. The lifting-rotating module M can, in particular, be designed in the form of a plunger.

[0062] The Fig. 3 shows a medical imaging system without the lifting-rotating module M. Instead of the lifting-rotating module M, only the structural element M1 is installed. Instead of the structural element M1, this section of the carriage F can also be designed as a continuous section. The coupling element KO is arranged on the carriage F or the structural element M1. The coupling element KO is T-shaped at the lower end, or in other words, it has a horizontal section and a vertical section there, wherein the horizontal section is arranged in the groove of the safety rail SL and is, for example, circular. The groove of the safety rail has a collar that slightly narrows the opening of the safety rail SL towards the top and / or partially wears it down, so that only the vertical section of the coupling element fits through and the horizontal section remains captively in the safety rail.The optional element pivot bearing DE can, for example, be arranged in the vertical section.

[0063] To show an optional cover device AV, Fig. 4 shows a side view of the medical imaging system 1. The securing rail SL, which is recessed into the floor, is covered in the longitudinal direction with a cover strip AB. The cover strip is preferably a metal strip. The coupling element KO has, preferably in an upper section, a passage for the cover strip AB, e.g., in the form of a recess. The cover strip is locally raised by the passage arranged above the securing rail SL, thus exposing the securing rail SL and / or its groove for the lower end of the coupling element KO. In the longitudinal direction before and after the coupling element KO and / or the passage, the cover strip drops back to floor level.

[0064] The Fig.5 shows a flowchart of a method for moving the computed tomography gantry 20, the method comprising: - performing S1 a first translational movement of a carriage F along a rail system L, while a system 1, which has the computed tomography gantry 20, the carriage F, the rail system L, a pivot bearing D and a lifting device H, is in a translational operating state of the system 1, wherein in the translational operating state of the system 1, the carriage F is movably mounted along the rail system L, wherein the computed tomography gantry 20, the pivot bearing D and the lifting device H are each accommodated in the carriage F in such a way that they follow the first translational movement of the carriage F, - performing S2 a lifting movement of the carriage F relative to the rail system L along a vertical axis of rotation DA while the system 1 is in a transitional operating state of the system 1, wherein in the transitional operating state of the system 1, the carriage F is movably mounted by means of the lifting device H relative to the rail system L along a vertical axis of rotation DA, wherein the computed tomography gantry 20 is accommodated in the carriage F such that it follows the lifting movement of the carriage F relative to the rail system L, - carrying out S3 a rotational movement of the carriage F relative to the rail system L about the vertical axis of rotation DA while the system 1 is in a rotational operating state of the system 1, wherein in the rotational operating state of the system 1 the carriage F is raised by means of the lifting device H relative to the rail system L along the vertical axis of rotation DA such that the carriage F is detached from the rail system L, and the carriage F is rotatably mounted by means of the pivot bearing D relative to the rail system L about the vertical axis of rotation DA, wherein the computed tomography gantry 20 is accommodated in the carriage F such that it follows the rotational movement of the carriage F relative to the rail system L about the vertical axis of rotation DA.

[0065] The method comprises securing S4 the computed tomography gantry 20 against tilting. Here, the coupling element KO is held and / or received by the securing rail SL in a captive and / or gripping manner. Securing S4 occurs continuously and / or simultaneously with the method steps of executing S1 a first translational movement, executing S2 a lifting movement, and executing S3 a rotational movement.

Claims

[1] Medical imaging system (1) comprising a computed tomography gantry (20), a carriage (F), a main rail system (L) and a safety rail system (S), - wherein the computer tomography gantry (20) is movably mounted by means of the carriage (F) and the main rail system (L) such that a translational movement of the computer tomography gantry (20) can be carried out along the main rail system (L), - wherein the carriage (F) and the main rail system (L) are designed to transmit a drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry (20) from the carriage (F) to the main rail system (L) in a force-locking manner, - wherein the safety rail system (S) comprises at least one safety rail (SL) and at least one coupling element (KO), wherein the at least one safety rail (SL) is arranged on a floor section and is aligned in the same direction as the main rail system (L), wherein the coupling element (KO) is arranged on the carriage (F) or on the computed tomography gantry (20), wherein the coupling element (KO) is connected to the safety rail (SL) by means of a rear grip and / or in a form-fitting manner to prevent the computed tomography gantry (20) from tipping over. [2] Medical imaging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the safety rail system (S) comprises exactly one safety rail (SL), wherein the main rail system (L) comprises a plurality of main rails, wherein the safety rail (SL) forms a mirror symmetry axis of the main rails, wherein the mirror symmetry axis is aligned in the same direction as the safety rail (SL). [3] Medical imaging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the safety rail system (S) comprises a plurality of safety rails (SL) and the main rail system (L) comprises a plurality of main rails, wherein the safety rails (SL) and the main rails are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a common mirror axis, wherein the mirror axis is aligned in the same direction as the safety rails (SL) and the main rails. [4] Medical imaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the safety rail (SL) has a groove for the positive and / or rear-engaging reception of the coupling element (KO), wherein the coupling element (KO) is translationally movable. [5] Medical imaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a pivot bearing (D) and a lifting device (H), - wherein, in a translational operating state of the medical imaging system (1), the carriage (F) is mounted so as to be movable along the main rail system (L) such that a first translational movement of the carriage (F) can be carried out along the main rail system (L), wherein the computer tomography gantry (20), the rotary bearing (D) and the lifting device (H) are each accommodated in the carriage (F) such that they follow the first translational movement of the carriage (F), - wherein, in a transitional operating state of the medical imaging system (1), the carriage (F) is mounted by means of the lifting device (H) relative to the main rail system (L) along a vertical axis of rotation (DA) such that a lifting movement of the carriage (F) relative to the main rail system (L) can be carried out along the vertical axis of rotation (DA), wherein the computed tomography gantry (20) is accommodated in the carriage (F) such that it follows the lifting movement of the carriage (F) relative to the main rail system (L), - wherein, in a rotational operating state of the medical imaging system (1), the carriage (F) is raised by means of the lifting device (H) relative to the main rail system (L) along the vertical axis of rotation (DA) such that the carriage (F) is detached from the main rail system (L), and the carriage (F) is rotatably mounted by means of the pivot bearing (D) relative to the main rail system (L) about the vertical axis of rotation (DA) such that a rotational movement of the carriage (F) relative to the main rail system (L) about the vertical axis of rotation (DA) can be carried out, wherein the computed tomography gantry (20) is accommodated in the carriage (F) such that it follows the rotational movement of the carriage (F) relative to the main rail system (L) about the vertical axis of rotation (DA). [6] Medical imaging system (1) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the positive connection and / or connection by means of a rear grip between the coupling element (KO) and the safety rail (SL) is present by means of a rear grip and / or positively in the translational operating state, the transitional operating state and the rotational operating state. [7] Medical imaging system (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the coupling element (KO) is arranged in the center of rotation of the computer tomography gantry (20), in the pivot point of the pivot bearing (D) and / or at least in sections along the axis of rotation (DA). [8] Medical imaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the coupling element (KO) has a connecting section and a form-fitting section, wherein the form-fitting section comprises a lower end in the vertical direction, wherein the form-fitting section is held and / or connected in the securing rail (SL) in a form-fitting manner and / or by means of a rear grip, wherein the connecting section is arranged on the carriage (F) and / or the computed tomography gantry (20), wherein the connecting section has a vertical extension and vertically spaced the form-fitting section from the carriage and / or the computed tomography gantry (20). [9] Medical imaging system (1) according to claim 8, characterized by in that the coupling element (KO) comprises an element pivot bearing (DE), wherein the element pivot bearing (DE) is designed to allow rotation between the form-fitting section and the carriage (F) and / or the computer tomography gantry (20). [10] Medical imaging system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the form-fitting section is shaped and / or designed such that the form-fitting section connected and / or held in a form-fitting manner and / or by means of a rear grip is rotatable about a vertical axis. [11] Medical imaging system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that the form-fitting section is arranged in a form-fitting, captive and / or rear-engaging manner in the groove of the securing rail, wherein the form-fitting section is shaped and / or designed such that the form-fitting section is rotatable in the groove about a vertical axis. [12] Medical imaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a covering device (AV), wherein the covering device (AV) is designed to cover the safety rail (SL) before and / or after the coupling element (KO). [13] Medical imaging system (1) according to claim 12, characterized by that the covering device (AV) comprises a covering strip (AB) for covering the safety rail (SL), wherein the covering strip (AB) is guided through the coupling element (KO). [14] Method for moving a computer tomography gantry (20), wherein the computer tomography gantry (20) is movably mounted by means of a carriage (F) and a main rail system (L) such that a translational movement of the computer tomography gantry (20) can be carried out along the main rail system (L), wherein the computer tomography gantry (20) is connected to a safety rail (SL) by means of a coupling element (KO), wherein the at least one safety rail (SL) is arranged on a floor section and is aligned in the same direction as the main rail system (L), the method comprising: - carrying out (S1) the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry (20) along the main rail system (L), wherein a drive force for the translational movement of the computed tomography gantry (20) is transmitted force-fittingly from the carriage (F) to the main rail system (L), - securing the computer tomography gantry (20) against tilting, wherein the coupling element (KO) is connected to the safety rail (SL) by means of a rear grip and / or a form-fitting connection.

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