Examination device with a pulling element and a clamping unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an examination device for carrying out an examination on an object, - wherein the examination device comprises a housing, a lid, a connecting mechanism, a specimen holder arranged at least partially in a movable manner for holding the object and an examination unit arranged in the housing for non-destructive examination of the object, - wherein the housing has a through-opening and an access opening, wherein the slide can be arranged in the through-opening, wherein the access opening can be closed by means of the lid, wherein the lid can be fixed to the housing by means of the connecting mechanism, - wherein the connection mechanism comprises a first connection unit with a tension element circumferential around the access opening, a second connection unit with at least one retaining element and a clamping unit for clamping the tension element, wherein one of the two connection units is arranged on the housing and the other of the two connection units is arranged on the cover, - wherein at least one retaining element is designed to cooperate with the tensioned tension element for securing the cover to the housing.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an examination device for performing an examination on an object, wherein the examination device comprises a housing, a lid, a connecting mechanism, a specimen holder arranged at least partially movably for holding the object, and an examination unit arranged in the housing for non-destructive examination of the object, wherein the housing has a through-opening and an access opening, wherein the specimen holder can be arranged in the through-opening, wherein the access opening can be closed by means of the lid, and wherein the lid can be fixed to the housing by means of the connecting mechanism. The invention further relates to a method for fixing the lid to the housing of the examination device.

[0002] Examination devices used to investigate objects, particularly those employing X-rays or magnetic fields, are extensively known in the prior art, so that, in principle, a separate written reference is not required. These devices, especially imaging devices such as computed tomography (CT) scanners, X-ray machines, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, or the like, are used to examine an object in order to determine at least part of its structure. Such examinations are frequently used in materials testing, but also in the field of medical diagnostics, for example, in diagnosing biological material, living organisms, or the like. The object can therefore be, for example, a product of an industrial manufacturing process, a mining byproduct, the body of a living organism, or the like.

[0003] Tomography is, among other things, an imaging technique capable of providing, for example, a layer-by-layer representation of an object. Within the framework of tomography, internal spatial structures of the object can be determined, and cross-sectional images can be created. Computed tomography (CT) is a particularly important imaging technique used in radiology. For this purpose, the examination device has a processing unit housed within its casing, containing the components necessary for conducting the examination. X-rays are frequently used, but magnetic fields can also be employed. For example, the X-rays can be directed at the object from different directions and detected by the radiation sensor. By analyzing the radiation signals, absorption values ​​of the X-rays by the object can be determined, which allows for the analysis of the object's structure.The evaluation unit can be integrated into the examination unit or it can be connected to the examination device as a separate unit. The result of the evaluation can be, for example, an image relating to the structure of the object.

[0004] The slide is preferably a device that allows the object to be positioned and inserted or removed into a detection area for examination. The detection area, sometimes also called the scan area, can be formed, for example, by the through-hole of the imaging device, which has openings at its axial ends. These openings can then provide a rim. Alternatively, the detection area can be formed, for example, by an open C-frame, such as a gantry, or the like. The C-frame can then provide the rim. The slide can therefore serve to insert the object, particularly when the detection area is a through-hole, into the through-hole of the imaging device for examination.

[0005] For the purpose of introducing the object into the detection area, the slide may preferably have a suitably designed and movable object support that can be moved into the detection area, in particular the through-opening. The slide may be fixedly mounted on the imaging device at the edge of the detection area, especially at the opening of the through-opening. Alternatively, the slide may be movable and positioned as needed at the edge of the detection area, particularly at the opening of the through-opening, so that the object on the slide can be inserted into and / or removed from the detection area or through-opening. The object may be positioned on the object support.Preferably, the object can remain arranged or positioned on the object support essentially due to a weight force.

[0006] The examination unit is protected within the housing. This not only protects the examination unit from external influences, but also provides protection for the surrounding area, for example, protecting people from radiation, electric shock, and / or the like.

[0007] For this reason, in particular, testing devices must be maintained or repaired due to usage specifications, legal regulations, and / or similar requirements. To this end, the housing has an access opening that allows at least partial access to the testing unit so that the necessary work can be carried out. The access opening can be arranged circumferentially around the through-hole and / or radially outward from the through-hole.

[0008] For the intended use of the examination device to perform the examination on the object, the access opening is closed by means of a cover. The cover can be secured to the housing, for example, by means of the connection mechanism, in such a way that the access opening can be closed by means of the cover. In this state, the cover is detachably connected to the housing, so that it can be removed from the housing for the purpose of maintenance or repair of the examination unit. For this purpose, the connection mechanism in the prior art has threaded bolts, which are usually arranged on the housing and can engage in corresponding bores in the cover. Nuts are screwed onto the threaded bolts to secure the cover to the housing.

[0009] In MRI or CT scanners, the access opening is often designed as an annular opening on at least one axial end face. The cover is designed accordingly to close this access opening. Although the state-of-the-art connection technology has proven effective, a disadvantage, particularly with MRI or CT scanners, is that the cover is difficult to handle due to its required size. Furthermore, the need to manage multiple screw connections is a drawback, resulting in a comparatively high assembly effort.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of further developing an examination device in such a way that maintenance or repair of the examination device can be improved.

[0011] Solutions to this problem are proposed according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments arise from characteristics of the dependent claims. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female, or other gender identities are included.

[0012] In particular, it is proposed that the connection mechanism comprises a first connection unit with a tension element circumferential around the access opening, a second connection unit with at least one retaining element and a tensioning unit for tensioning the tension element, wherein one of the two connection units is arranged on the housing and the other of the two connection units is arranged on the cover, wherein the at least one retaining element is designed to cooperate with the tensioned tension element to secure the cover to the housing.

[0013] The detachable fastening of the cover to the housing can be improved, for example, by a specific connection mechanism that eliminates the need for the conventional connection based on screws or rotating locking hooks. The disadvantages associated with these technologies can therefore be completely avoided. For instance, it is no longer necessary for an installer to be aware that, for some installations, the corresponding actuating elements, such as the locking hooks, must be turned clockwise, and for others counterclockwise. This is particularly disadvantageous because the required direction of rotation is often not readily apparent to the installer. Furthermore, the installer can achieve faster assembly and disassembly, especially when using an external tool such as a cordless screwdriver.

[0014] With the aid of the invention, these activities can be completely eliminated. Instead, it is possible to achieve a reliable, releasable connection of the cover to the housing solely through the connection mechanism, which comprises a pulling element and a holding element. Screw or hook connections, as are common in the prior art, are no longer necessary. Rather, it is sufficient to actuate the clamping unit t connected to the pulling element to secure or release the cover.

[0015] The tensioning element can be located either on the housing or on the cover, while the retaining element is located on the other part. The tensioning element, which surrounds the access opening, ensures that when the tensioning element is applied by the clamping unit, it acts upon the retaining element, thus securing the cover to the housing when the tensioning element is applied. This interaction can be achieved, for example, through positive locking, frictional locking, and / or similar mechanisms. The interaction between the tensioning element and the retaining element prevents the cover from detaching from the housing.

[0016] The tension element can be, for example, a flexible component such as a wire, a band, or the like. It can be made of a material such as metal, particularly a metal alloy like steel, or plastic, such as fiber-reinforced plastic, and / or the like. Tensioning the element with the clamping unit reduces its radius or circumference. Releasing the tension reverses this reduction, increasing the radius or circumference compared to the tensioned state. This allows the tensioned element to interact with the holding element, which is attached to the other part, thus achieving a secure locking action.To release the connected state, the pulling element simply needs to be relaxed, so that a holding effect between the pulling element and the holding element can be reduced or eliminated, allowing the cover to be removed from the housing.

[0017] The invention thus enables a significantly simplified assembly process with regard to attaching or connecting the cover to the housing, particularly securing the cover to the housing, as well as with regard to detaching the cover from the housing. For this purpose, the clamping unit simply needs to be actuated accordingly to tighten or loosen the tensioning element as required. Especially with a circular access opening, it is also possible to rotate the cover relative to the housing within a predetermined range. The invention therefore allows the cover to be rotated circumferentially relative to the housing within a predetermined range, thereby further simplifying assembly.Compared to the prior art, especially with circular access openings, it is no longer necessary to achieve a precise, specific position of the cover relative to the housing to accomplish the desired mounting. This proves particularly advantageous when the cover is intended to have shielding properties and is therefore made of a suitable material, especially a metal. Such a cover typically has a relatively large weight and is therefore difficult to handle.

[0018] According to the invention, the first connecting unit can be arranged on the housing and the second connecting unit on the cover. Conversely, it can also be arranged that the first connecting unit is on the cover and the second connecting unit on the housing. This is not relevant to the function of the invention. Rather, what matters is the interaction that can be achieved by the pulling element and the holding element.

[0019] In principle, the invention can be implemented with a single retaining element. However, for many applications, it can prove advantageous to provide more than one retaining element. With multiple retaining elements, the retaining elements can preferably be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The retaining elements are preferably fixed to the cover or the housing. The clamping unit serves, in particular, to hold the tensioning element in a tensioned state.

[0020] The clamping unit can, in principle, be positioned at virtually any location on the test device that allows it to interact with the tensioning element to achieve the desired states with respect to the tensioning element. Preferably, however, it is proposed that the clamping unit be incorporated into the first connecting unit. This allows for a compact first connecting unit that also enables actuation of the tensioning element. The tensioning element can thus be directly associated with the clamping unit. It is particularly advantageous that the first connecting unit allows the tensioning element to be permanently mechanically connected to the clamping unit, enabling actuation of the tensioning element by means of the clamping unit without any further measures. This proves especially advantageous when the clamping unit is located on the housing, particularly in the area of ​​the housing's access opening.The clamping unit can be designed in such a way that it can be easily operated by a fitter during the assembly of the cover on the housing, not only to secure the cover to the housing, but also to remove the cover from the housing.

[0021] The clamping unit can be designed as a manually operated clamping unit, allowing the tensioning or untensioning of the tensioning element to be achieved through simple manual operation, for example, using a hand crank, a clamping lever, or the like. The clamping unit can include a locking element that allows the tensioning element to be held in its tensioned state. This locking element can be released by operation, such as manual operation, to bring about the untensioned state. In this way, reliable manual operation of the clamping unit can be easily implemented.

[0022] The access opening can have a circular and / or a rectangular contour. It is particularly advantageous for the access opening to be essentially circular or annular. In particular, it can be provided that, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the passage opening has an essentially circular cross-section and the access opening has an essentially annular cross-section.

[0023] It is further proposed that the retaining element include a retaining claw. The retaining claw makes it possible to further improve the holding function when the tensioning element is under tension. The retaining claw enables a positive-locking connection to the tensioning element when the cover is in the fixed position on the housing. It can be provided that, when the cover is in the fixed position on the housing, the tensioning element engages behind the retaining claw to create a reliable, and in particular secure, connection. Preferably, when the tensioning element is released, the retaining claw is disengaged by the tensioning element, allowing the cover to be easily removed from the housing.

[0024] In particular, clamping can cause a shortening of the circumference of the tensioning element in the circumferential direction, specifically such that the closed circumference along which the tensioning element is arranged in the circumferential direction is moved radially inwards. It is further proposed that the retaining claw has a wedge. In particular, the wedge can be designed such that the shortening of the circumference of the tensioning element causes an axial force on the cover and / or an axial movement of the cover relative to the housing, specifically such that the cover is pre-tensioned relative to the housing with a predetermined force and / or that the cover and the housing are pressed against each other.

[0025] This allows, for example, the implementation of a sealing function by applying force to a sealing element that is arranged around the access opening or around the lid to achieve the desired sealing effect. The sealing element can be, for example, an elastic element such as a rubber element, an element made of an elastic plastic such as silicone, or the like. The sealing element can also be, for example, an EMC sealing element, a spring seal, and / or the like. The retaining claw can be formed integrally with the wedge. However, it is also possible for the retaining claw and the wedge to be designed as separate parts that are connected to each other.

[0026] According to a further development, it is proposed that the first connecting unit has at least one guide element with a through-opening, wherein the tension element is movably passed through the through-opening, the through-opening having a radially inner end and a radially outer end, the inner end being spaced from the outer end by a greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the tension element. This makes it possible to hold the tension element in a predetermined position on the cover or the housing, particularly when the tension element is relaxed. Here, too, it is possible to provide more than one guide element. Preferably, several guide elements are provided, which are arranged at appropriate intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the tension element.Depending on the arrangement of the first connecting unit, the guide elements can be rigidly connected either to the cover or to the housing, particularly in the area of ​​the access opening. The guide elements allow the tensioning element to be held in a predetermined position relative to the access opening, especially when the tensioning element is relaxed. The at least one tensioning element can be made of a metal, particularly a metal alloy, a plastic, particularly a fiber-reinforced plastic, or the like. The access opening is preferably designed as a longitudinal opening, with the large extent of the longitudinal opening being substantially radially oriented, especially in the case of a circular access opening.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous if the tensioning element comprises a rope. This allows for the simple realization of a flexible tensioning element. The rope can be an elongated, tensile-resistant, flexible, and preferably also torsionally flexible element consisting of twisted or braided fibers, wires, or the like. The rope is particularly suitable for absorbing tensile forces, which is why it is especially suitable for the purposes of the invention. If the rope consists of fibers, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or even wire fibers can be used.

[0028] Preferably, the clamping unit includes a drive unit. Actuating the clamping unit can be particularly easy using the drive unit. The drive unit can, for example, comprise a machine, in particular an electric machine, a pneumatic machine, a hydraulic machine, or the like. The machine can be actuated by means of an actuating unit to actuate the clamping unit, especially for clamping. However, the drive unit can also be used to release the tension element. The drive unit can be actuated by means of an actuating element, such as a button, a switch, or the like.

[0029] It is further proposed that the first connecting unit has at least one spring element configured to apply a radially outward force to the tension element. This makes it possible to easily decouple the tension element from the holding element in its relaxed state. At the same time, the spring element can also enable the tension element to be at least partially held in position relative to the access opening. The spring element thus allows the tension element to be at least partially and automatically disengaged from the holding element, so that, for example, the interaction between the tension element and the holding element can be released while under tension. The spring element can be made, for example, of spring steel or the like.Depending on whether the first connecting unit is located on the cover or the housing, the spring element can be rigidly connected to the housing or the cover, respectively. Preferably, however, several spring elements are provided, which are spaced apart from each other, particularly in the circumferential direction with respect to the tension element. The number and arrangement of the spring elements can be selected according to the contour of the access opening.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, it is proposed that the testing device has a guide element designed to guide the cover when connecting it to the housing such that, in the circumferential direction, the at least one guide element is offset from the at least one retaining element. This eliminates the need for the assembler to carefully ensure that the cover is positioned in a specific rotational position relative to the housing when connecting it. Instead, the guide element enables at least partially automated rotation of the cover relative to the housing, thus achieving the desired functionality for securing the cover to the housing. For this purpose, the cover can, for example, have a projection that engages in a correspondingly shaped recess in the housing. The recess can, for example, be wedge-shaped or funnel-shaped.

[0031] According to further training, the testing device includes a monitoring unit. This monitoring unit allows the condition of the tensioning element to be monitored. For example, the monitoring unit may be configured to trigger an emergency stop function provided by the testing device, which can be activated by the monitoring unit if the tensioning element, particularly if it is a rope, breaks or experiences another malfunction. Furthermore, the monitoring unit may be configured to monitor the tensioned state of the tensioning element, especially the rope. For this purpose, the monitoring unit may be mechanically and / or electronically coupled to the tensioning unit. Alternatively, the monitoring unit may include one or more sensors located on the first connecting unit, which can be used to monitor the position of the tensioning element.This advanced training takes into account that the tensioning element can change its position, particularly its radial position, between the relaxed and tensioned states. For example, with a circular access opening, the tensioning element may describe a larger circumference in the relaxed state than in the tensioned state. This allows for the detection of a radial change between the tensioned and relaxed states. If the relaxed state occurs even though the tensioning unit indicates a tensioned state, this can be detected as a fault, triggering the emergency stop function. The emergency stop function can be provided by a control unit of the testing device. However, it can also be triggered mechanically by the relaxed cable if, for example, triggering by the tensioning unit is enabled.

[0032] The invention further relates to a method for fixing the cover to the housing of the examination device according to the invention, wherein the tensioning element is tensioned by means of the tensioning unit, wherein the at least one retaining element interacts with the tensioned tensioning element in such a way that the cover is fixed to the housing.

[0033] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments not explicitly shown and explained in the figures are also included in the invention or are considered disclosed, but can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features. The features, functions, and / or effects illustrated with reference to the exemplary embodiments can each, in themselves, represent individual features, functions, and / or effects of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and further develop the invention independently.Therefore, the exemplary embodiments should also include combinations other than those described in the embodiments already explained. Furthermore, the described embodiments may also be supplemented by further features, functions and / or effects of the invention already described.

[0034] 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.

[0035] For example, a claim relating to a device can also be further developed with features 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 preclude the possibility that the feature in question may be present multiple times. The expression "based on" can, in the context of this application, be understood in particular as meaning "using" or "based on".

[0036] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same features or functions.

[0037] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an X-ray machine, Fig. 2 in a schematic top view of an end face of the X-ray device according to Fig. 1, where a cover has been removed so that an access opening is visible, Fig. 3 in a schematic view a section of the lid according to Fig. 1 and a retaining element arranged on the lid, and Fig. 4 in a schematic view a guide element which is arranged in the area of ​​the access opening.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an X-ray device 10 as a device for performing an examination of an object using X-rays, which in this case is designed as an X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner. In the embodiment described below, the X-ray device 10 serves to perform an X-ray examination on a patient 12. However, the X-ray device 10 is not limited to use on patients and can, in principle, be used on any object, for example in materials testing or the like.

[0039] The X-ray machine 10 has a patient positioning device 46, which in turn has a traversing table 48 and a patient table 50, which is traversable in a longitudinal direction 52 relative to the traversing table 48 and serves as a support for the object, in this case the patient 12. By means of the patient positioning device 46, the patient 12, positioned on the patient table 50, can be positioned longitudinally 52 in a through-opening 42 of a gantry 54. The gantry 54 is a short annular tunnel formed by the through-opening 42, in which an examination area 30 of the patient 12 is arranged for performing the X-ray examination.The patient can be positioned in a predetermined manner through the central opening 42 of the gantry 54 using the transfer table 48, so that the examination area 30 can be effectively exposed to the X-ray radiation 14 and secondary X-ray radiation 20 can be accurately detected by an X-ray detection unit 18 acting as a radiation sensor. The X-ray detection unit 18 and an X-ray source 16 are part of an examination unit 44. The X-ray source 16, which emits the X-ray radiation 14, is located in a ring area 98 of the gantry 54 surrounding the opening 42.

[0040] Radially opposite the X-ray source 16, the X-ray detection unit 18 is arranged in the ring area 98. The function, arrangement, and construction of a suitable X-ray detection unit are described, for example, in DE 10 2008 050 838, and reference is made to the explanations therein for further information.

[0041] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the X-ray device 10 also has a control unit 56 which, among other things, provides a control signal 58 by means of which the patient table 50 can be positioned in the gantry 54. In addition, the control unit 56 provides a control signal 60 which, among other things, serves to control a synchronized movement of the X-ray source 16 and the X-ray detection unit 18 in the gantry 54.

[0042] The X-ray device 10 also has a user interface 62, which can be used to at least partially specify the control signals 58, 60. The user interface 62 can, for example, include a joystick, a computer mouse, a keyboard, combinations thereof, and / or the like.

[0043] The examination area 30 of the patient 12 is examined by sliding the patient 12 longitudinally 52 into the gantry 54 using the patient table 50. During this movement, the X-ray source 16 and the X-ray detection unit 18 preferably move synchronously in a circular motion around the patient 12. The X-ray source 16 emits X-rays 14, which penetrate the examination area 30 of the patient 12. The X-rays 14 are partially absorbed, scattered, and / or deflected within the examination area 30 of the patient 12, so that secondary X-rays 20 emerge on the opposite side of the examination area 30. The secondary X-rays 20 can be detected by the X-ray detection unit 18.The X-ray detection unit 18 provides corresponding detector signals 22 as radiation signals, which are fed to an X-ray evaluation unit 24. The X-ray evaluation unit 24 is also part of the examination unit 44. The X-ray evaluation unit 24 performs a corresponding evaluation of the detector signals 22 and transmits the evaluated data to the control unit 56. In the control unit 56, this data can be further processed, for example, to convert projection images into image information 64. The image information 64 can be transmitted by the control unit 56 to a display unit 66, which provides a graphical visual display for a user of the X-ray device 10.

[0044] Between the X-ray detector 18 and the X-ray source 16, a radiation zone 36 is formed, which comprises the examination zone 30. A collimator 26 is also arranged as a functional element in the radiation zone 36 and is movable in a direction 32. For this purpose, the collimator 26 is coupled to a linear drive (not shown) which can be controlled by the control unit 56. The linear drive allows the collimator 26 to be moved to a desired position in the radiation zone 36. The collimator 26 can be used to influence the X-ray radiation in the radiation zone 36.

[0045] Since information about the position of the collimator 26 is important for carrying out the examination of the patient 12, the X-ray device 10 has a position sensor 28 which detects the position of the collimator 26 in the radiation area 36 and transmits a corresponding position signal 34 to the control unit 56.

[0046] Out of Fig. Figure 1 further shows that the X-ray device 10 has a housing 40, which in this case has an essentially torus-shaped structure. The housing 40 provides the through-opening 42 as the central opening of the torus-shaped structure. From Fig. Figure 1 further shows that the housing 40 is closed at each end with a cover 38, so that a torus-shaped annular space or ring area 98 is provided for the examination unit 44. In the present embodiment, the covers 38 are connected to the housing 40 by means of a respective connecting mechanism 70.

[0047] Not shown in the figures is that a sealing element is arranged between the respective cover 38 and the housing 40, by means of which the annular space is sealed against an external atmosphere of the X-ray device 10.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of one of the two end faces of the X-ray device 10 according to Fig. 1, where the respective cover 38 is removed, so that an access opening 68 is exposed. From Fig. Figure 2 shows that the connection mechanism 70 has a first connection unit 72 which includes a steel cable 74 circulating around the access opening 68 as a tension element. The steel cable 74 is held in its position relative to the passage opening 42 by means of guide elements 86 arranged at circumferential intervals. It is provided that the steel cable 74 can be held in the desired position by means of six guide elements 86.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of one of the guide elements 86. From Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the guide element 86 has a passage opening 88, which in this case is designed as an elongated hole. The steel cable 74 is movably guided through the passage opening 88. The passage opening 88 has an inner end 90 and an outer end 92 in the radial direction. The inner end 90 is spaced from the outer end 92 by a distance greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the steel cable 74. The steel cable 74 can thus be moved radially within the elongated hole or passage opening 88 with respect to the annular region 98. This is shown in Figure 4. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the different positions of the steel cable 74 in the opening 88. As will be explained below, the steel cable 74 can assume different positions in the opening 88, as shown in Figure 4. Fig. Figure 4 shows positions 100, 102, and 104. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0050] Out of Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the steel cable 74 is radially pre-tensioned outwards by spring elements 94. The steel cable 74 is also connected to a tensioning unit 80, which can be manually actuated to move or hold the steel cable 74 between a tensioned and a relaxed state.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 4 shows position 104, the position of the steel cable 74 in its relaxed state, whereas position 100 shows the position of the steel cable 74 in its tensioned state. Position 102 shows the steel cable 74 in an intermediate position between the fully relaxed position 104 and the fully tensioned position 100. As can be seen from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the steel cable 74 changes its position in the passage opening 88 depending on the tension state, which is set with the tensioning unit 80.

[0052] The clamping unit 80 can have a handle by means of which the clamping unit 80 can be manually operated by a fitter. In the present embodiment, in Fig. 2 the steel cable 74 is shown in the relaxed state, that is, in its maximum radially outward position.

[0053] Although the present embodiment provides for the clamping unit 80 to be manually driven, alternative embodiments may provide for the clamping unit 80 to have a drive unit that can be operated, for example, by an electric motor. This allows for particularly simple and quick operation of the clamping device 80.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the tensioning unit 80 is further provided for by gripping opposite ends of the steel cable 74 and exerting a corresponding tensioning force on the ends of the steel cable 74 to tension it, thereby shortening the circumference provided by the steel cable 74. During release, the tensioning unit 80 operates in the opposite direction. This makes it possible to actuate the steel cable 74 between the released and tensioned states. In this embodiment, the tensioning unit 80 is part of the first connecting unit 72. The first connecting unit 72 is arranged on the housing 40.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a section of one of the two lids 38 according to Fig. 1 and a retaining element 78 arranged on the lid. It is not apparent that a plurality of retaining elements 78 are arranged circumferentially in the area of ​​the pull cable 74, which are firmly connected to the lid 38. The retaining elements 78 have respective retaining claws 82. In Fig. Figure 3 shows one of the retaining claws 82. The retaining elements 78 thus form a second connecting unit 76, which is provided on the cover 38. The retaining element 78 is therefore designed to cooperate with the tensioned pull cable 74 to secure the cover 38 to the housing 40.

[0056] Out of Fig. Figure 3 shows that the retaining claw 82 is arranged such that it provides an opening in the radial direction which is closed on the inside in the radial direction. Furthermore, the retaining claw 82 has a wedge 84 such that the opening width decreases inwards in the radial direction. Fig. 3 further shows that the retaining claw 82 can receive the pull rope 74 in the opening. Accordingly Fig. There are 4 different positions 100, 102, 104 shown there, which correspond to positions 100, 102, 104 according to Fig. 4. It can be seen from this that the pull rope 74 is out of engagement with the retaining claw 82 in position 104, which is why in this position, in which the steel rope 74 is relaxed, the cover 38 can be easily removed from the housing 40.

[0057] To secure the cover 38 to the housing 40, it is positioned on the ring section 98, for example, by one or more fitters placing the cover 38 against the ring section 98 of the housing 40. Once in place, the clamping unit 80 is actuated, which tensions the pull cable 74. As the tension increases, the steel cable 74 moves radially inwards, reaching positions 102 and 100 successively. This engages the retaining claws 82 on the cover 38, thus securing the cover 38 to the housing 40.

[0058] The wedge 84 also ensures that an axial force is exerted on the cover 38 in the direction of the housing 40, so that a reliable sealing effect can be achieved with the assistance of the sealing element.

[0059] The invention thus makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the cover 38 on the housing 40 in a simple manner. At the same time, the reliability with regard to securing the cover 38 to the housing 40 can be improved.

[0060] Out of Fig. Figure 2 further shows that a monitoring unit 96 is arranged in the ring area 98. The monitoring unit 96 is also in communication with the tensioning unit 80. The monitoring unit 96 makes it possible to monitor the tensioned state of the haul rope 74. In the event of a disturbance relating to the tensioned state of the haul rope 74, for example, if the haul rope 74 breaks while under tension, this can be detected by the monitoring unit 96. The monitoring unit 96 receives information from the tensioning unit 80 about the set tension state of the haul rope 74, i.e., the tensioned state. In the event of the haul rope 74 breaking, the radius increases, which can be mechanically detected by the monitoring unit 96. The radial change in the position of the haul rope 74 that is not caused by the tensioning unit 80 is evaluated by the monitoring unit 96.Depending on the evaluation, monitoring unit 96 then emits an emergency signal, which is transmitted to control unit 56. Control unit 56 then immediately deactivates the function of testing unit 44.

[0061] Even if in Fig. While only a single monitoring unit 96 is shown in Figure 2, several monitoring units 96 can be arranged at circumferential intervals within the ring area 98. This further improves the reliability of the monitoring.

[0062] The exemplary embodiments serve solely to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2008 050 838

[0040]

Claims

[1] Examination device (10) for carrying out an examination on an object (12), - wherein the examination device (10) comprises a housing (40), a cover (38), a connecting mechanism (70), a slide (50) arranged at least partially to be movable for holding the object (12) and an examination unit (44) arranged in the housing (40) for non-destructive examination of the object (12), - wherein the housing has a through-opening (42) and an access opening (68), wherein the slide (50) can be arranged in the through-opening (42), wherein the access opening (68) can be closed by means of the cover (38), wherein the cover (38) can be fixed to the housing (40) by means of the connecting mechanism (70), - wherein the connection mechanism (70) comprises a first connection unit (72) with a tension element (74) rotating around the access opening (68), a second connection unit (76) with at least one retaining element (78) and a clamping unit (80) for clamping the tension element (74), wherein one of the two connection units (72) is arranged on the housing (40) and the other of the two connection units (76) is arranged on the cover (38), - wherein at least one retaining element (78) is designed to cooperate with the tensioned tension element (74) for securing the cover (38) to the housing (40). [2] Examination device according to claim 1, - wherein the first connecting unit (72) comprises the clamping unit (80). [3] Examination device according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the retaining element (78) has a retaining claw (82). [4] Examination device according to claim 3, - wherein the retaining claw (82) has a wedge (84). [5] Examination device according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the first connecting unit (72) has at least one guide element (86) with a through-opening (88), wherein the tension element (74) is movably passed through the through-opening (88), - wherein the passage opening (88) has an inner end (90) in the radial direction and an outer end (92) in the radial direction, wherein the inner end (90) is spaced from the outer end (92) by a greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the tension element (74). [6] Examination device according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the pulling element (74) has a rope. [7] Examination device according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the clamping unit (80) is connected to at least one end of the tension element (74). [8] Examination device according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the clamping unit (80) has a drive unit. [9] Examination device according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the first connecting unit (72) has at least one spring element (94) which is designed to apply a radially outward force to the tension element (74). [10] Examination device according to any of the preceding claims, - characterized by a monitoring unit (96) for monitoring the traction element (74). [11] Method for fixing the cover (38) to the housing (40) of the examination device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, - wherein the tension element (74) is tensioned by means of the tensioning unit (80), - wherein at least one retaining element (78) interacts with the tensioned tensioning element (74) in such a way that the cover (38) is fixed to the housing (40). [12] Method according to claim 11, - wherein the at least one retaining element (78) interacts with the tensioned tension element (74) in such a way that the cover (38) is fixed to the housing (40) by pressing the cover (38) and the housing (40) against each other relative to the housing (40).

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