Imaging device, air supply device and method for mounting an air supply device to an imaging device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an imaging device and an air supply device for an imaging device.

[0002] Imaging devices, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanners, have a scanner tube in which the object to be examined, for example, a patient, is positioned. To ensure an adequate supply of air, the imaging devices have air supply units designed to draw air from the surrounding environment and deliver it into the scanner tube. A laminar airflow through the scanner tube is particularly important to facilitate heat dissipation.

[0003] Since a longitudinal section in the center of the imaging tube, which may be an examination section, is enclosed by a magnetic device or other measuring device, it is not technically feasible to arrange channels or hoses of the ventilation system in this area of ​​the imaging device to allow air to be discharged through the ventilation system into the longitudinal section in the center of the imaging tube. Therefore, the air supply is provided in a peripheral section adjacent to a rear opening of the imaging tube, which is also referred to as the rear funnel section.

[0004] Even when the air is discharged towards the center of the image tube along its longitudinal axis, the problem arises that a main airflow through the image tube may be insufficient for heat dissipation from the area being examined. This problem is particularly relevant when examining a section of the object, such as a patient's head, using local coils. The image tubes of imaging devices designed for this purpose often have a smaller diameter. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the image tube that can be traversed is further reduced by the local coil assembly located within the image tube in the area being examined, for example, a head coil positioned around a patient's head.

[0005] One object of the invention is to optimize an air supply into a receiving tube of an imaging device with a local coil assembly arranged therein.

[0006] This problem is solved by the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to an imaging device. The imaging device may, in particular, be a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The imaging device comprises a receiver tube. The receiver tube may be at least partially enclosed by a magnetic element of the imaging device. The receiver tube may be designed to hold an object to be examined by the imaging device.

[0008] The imaging tube has a receiving opening at one of its front longitudinal ends for inserting the object to be examined by the imaging device. In other words, the imaging device encloses the imaging tube, with the receiving opening located at its front longitudinal end. This receiving opening may, for example, be designed to allow the insertion of a support or a carrying device for positioning the object to be examined within the imaging tube.

[0009] The receiving tube has a rear opening at its rear longitudinal end, opposite the front longitudinal end. In other words, the receiving tube is designed to have the receiving opening at its front longitudinal end and the rear opening at its rear longitudinal end.

[0010] The imaging device includes a ventilation device configured to supply air to an air supply unit of the ventilation device, the air supply unit being located in a rear funnel section of the imaging tube adjacent to the rear opening. In other words, the ventilation device is configured to draw in air and supply it to the air supply unit. The air supply unit may, for example, comprise the end of a tube, hose, or nozzle. The air supply unit is located in the rear funnel section of the imaging tube adjacent to the rear opening. The air supply unit may, for example, be located within a rear cover of the imaging device.The air supply device may include an opening on or in the intake tube, which may be located within the rear funnel section.

[0011] The imaging device includes an air supply unit configured to direct a main airflow of the supplied air from the air supply unit along a longitudinal direction of the imaging tube over a predetermined air supply length and to discharge it into the imaging tube at an air supply opening of the air output unit located at one end of the air supply length. In other words, the imaging device includes the air supply unit. The air supply unit is configured to direct the air supplied by the air supply unit into the imaging tube. The air supply unit may, in particular, be configured to direct the supplied air into an examination area of ​​the imaging tube, which may be located in the center of the imaging tube.The air can be directed, in particular, along the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube towards the receiving opening. The air supply device is configured to guide the main airflow of the discharged air from the air supply device along the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube over the predetermined air supply length and discharge it at a supply opening of the air supply device. The air supply device can, for example, include a channel system through which one or more channels can be provided, running along the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube and directing the air into a section in the center of the receiving tube. The air supply length can preferably be dimensioned such that the air is discharged into an examination section of the receiving tube.The examination section can, for example, describe a predetermined period in which the local coil device is located during the examination of the object by the imaging device.

[0012] The invention offers the advantage that sufficient air supply can be provided in spatially limited recording tubes of the imaging device.

[0013] A further development of the invention provides that the supply opening is arranged in or on an examination section of the receiving tube. In other words, it is provided that the supply opening of the air supply device is located within the examination section of the receiving tube, or that the supply opening of the air supply device is located at one end of the examination section in the receiving tube. The examination section of the receiving tube can, for example, be a section of the receiving tube arranged along the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube, located in a central section of the receiving tube, in which the object to be examined and / or a local coil device for examining the object by the imaging device is arranged.This could, for example, be an area where the local coil assembly is located within the imaging tube when the patient's reclining position is retracted. The further development offers the advantage that air can be supplied to the affected examination area.

[0014] A further development of the invention provides that the air supply device is materially bonded to an inner wall of the receiving tube. In other words, the air supply device is materially bonded to the inner wall. The receiving tube can, for example, have an inner wall into which channels extending along the longitudinal direction can be provided. This further development offers the advantage that, due to the form-fitting integration, no fasteners are required to secure the channels.

[0015] A further development of the invention provides that the air supply length has a length of at least 80 cm. In other words, the air supply device is designed to guide the main airflow into the receiving tube over a length of at least 80 cm along the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube.

[0016] A further development of the invention provides that the air supply device is configured to discharge the main airflow at the supply opening in the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube. In other words, it is provided that the main airflow discharged at the receiving tube is discharged along the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube. For example, the supply opening can be oriented such that the main airflow runs along the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube. This further development offers the advantage that an airflow can be provided that flows through the receiving tube.

[0017] A further development of the invention provides that the air supply device is configured to deliver the main airflow in the longitudinal direction with a laminar main flow characteristic. In other words, the air is delivered along the longitudinal direction by the air supply device, which is parameterized such that the main airflow of the delivered air exhibits the laminar main flow characteristic. By providing the laminar main flow characteristic, it is possible to reduce deterioration of the air supply caused by turbulence.

[0018] According to the invention, the air duct assembly comprises a connection device, wherein the connection device is arranged on the air supply device and is configured to guide the air from the air supply device into the duct assembly. The air duct assembly is configured to guide the air from the connection device to the supply opening. In other words, the air supply device comprises at least the air duct assembly and the connection device. The connection device can, for example, be a connection module for arrangement on the air supply device, which can be arranged, for example, on a pipe or hose of the air supply device and which is configured to guide the main flow from the air supply device into the air duct assembly.The connection device can, for example, have an angle and be configured to guide the main airflow along the longitudinal direction of the duct into the air duct assembly. The connection device can be parameterized, particularly with regard to airflow geometry, such that turbulence is reduced when the main airflow is guided from the air supply device into the air duct assembly. The air duct assembly can be arranged on the connection device. The arrangement can be connected, for example, by a plug connection, a screw connection, or a clamp connection.

[0019] A further development of the invention provides that the connection device is detachably arranged on the air supply device. In other words, the air supply device is designed such that the connection device can be removed from the air supply device without damage. The connection device can, for example, have clamping elements or screw elements for connection to the air supply device. This further development offers the advantage that the air supply device can be integrated into existing imaging devices and can be variably added or removed depending on the operation of the imaging device.

[0020] A further development of the invention provides that the air duct assembly is detachably arranged on the connection device. In other words, the air supply device is designed such that the air duct assembly can be removed from the connection device without damage. The air duct assembly can, for example, be slid, clamped, or screwed into the connection device, wherein the air duct assembly and the connection device can have mechanically corresponding elements. This further development offers the advantage that the air duct assembly can be exchanged depending on the operating conditions. It can be provided that the air duct assembly can be exchanged depending on the local coil assembly used or depending on the type of arrangement of the local coil assembly.

[0021] According to the invention, the air supply device has a length adjustment mechanism for setting the air supply length. In other words, the air supply device is designed to allow a change in the air supply length. It can therefore be provided that the air duct device has a telescopic mechanism, whereby the air supply length of the air duct device can be changed by moving an element of the length adjustment mechanism of the air duct device. This further development offers the advantage that the air supply length can be adjusted without replacing the air duct device.

[0022] A further development of the invention provides that the inner wall of the receiving tube has a connecting device for arranging the air duct assembly within the receiving tube. In other words, the inner wall of the receiving tube has the connecting device for arranging the air duct assembly on the inner wall. The inner wall of the receiving tube can, for example, have form-fitting elements corresponding to the air duct assembly, which enable the air duct assembly to be arranged on the inner wall. For example, the inner wall can have guide rails that are parameterized such that they allow the air duct assembly to be inserted or clamped onto the inner wall. This further development offers the advantage that vibrations can be reduced by providing the connecting device for arranging the air duct assembly.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the air supply device projects into the receiving tube at a lower height within the examination section than outside of the examination section. In other words, the height of the air supply device is determined by its radial projection from the inner wall of the receiving tube into the receiving tube. The height of the air supply device within the examination section is thus smaller than its height outside of the examination section. This further development offers the advantage that the air supply device can project into the examination section without colliding with the local coil assembly.For example, the air duct system may be designed to provide an identical cross-sectional area for airflow both outside and inside the test section. The height of the air duct system may decrease along its longitudinal path to the test section. Simultaneously, the air duct system may take a tangential dimension to compensate for this decrease in height.

[0024] A further development of the invention provides that the air supply device comprises at least two air supply units. In other words, the air supply device comprises at least two air supply units configured to guide a respective main airflow through the receiving tube. The at least two air supply units can, for example, have two respective channels, allowing the air to be guided through the receiving tube along two respective main airflows. A further development of the invention provides that the imaging device comprises a lying position, wherein the lying position includes a local coil arrangement for receiving at least a partial volume of the object to be examined. The imaging device is configured to move the lying position such that the local coil arrangement is located in the receiving tube within the section to be examined.In other words, the imaging device is designed to include a manually or electrically adjustable table on which the subject is positioned. The table can include a local coil unit, which, for example, can be attached to the table at a predetermined position or simply rest on it. This improved design offers the advantage of allowing the table to position the local coil unit within the predetermined examination area.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to an air supply device for a receiving tube of an imaging device.

[0026] The air supply device is designed to direct a main airflow from a through a

[0027] The air supplied by the air supply unit is designed to guide the air delivered by the air supply unit along a longitudinal axis of a recording tube over a predetermined air supply length and to discharge it into the recording tube at an inlet opening provided at one longitudinal end of the air supply length. In other words, the air supply unit is designed for installation in the imaging device and is configured to guide the air delivered by the air supply unit of the imaging device into the recording tube.

[0028] A method for mounting an air supply device to an imaging device is also disclosed.

[0029] One step of the procedure involves attaching a connection device of the air supply device to an air output device of the imaging device.

[0030] A further step in the procedure involves the arrangement of an air duct device at the connection device.

[0031] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0032] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

[0033] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, may be encompassed by the invention not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations. In particular, the invention may also encompass embodiments and combinations of features that do not have all the features of an originally formulated claim. Furthermore, the invention may encompass embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the cross-references to the claims.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments and associated schematic drawings. In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements may be designated with the same reference numerals. The description of identical or functionally equivalent elements is not necessarily repeated with respect to different figures.

[0035] The figures show FIG. 1 a schematic representation of an imaging device; FIG. 2 a further schematic representation of an imaging device with an air supply device; FIG. 3 a schematic representation of an arrangement of the air supply device on the ventilation system of the imaging device; FIG. 4 a schematic representation of an air duct device; FIG. 5 a schematic representation of a receiving tube having an air duct device; FIG. 6 a schematic representation of a connection device of the air supply device; and FIG. 7 a schematic representation of a sequence of a method for mounting an air supply device on an imaging device.

[0036] FIG 1 shows a schematic representation of an imaging device.

[0037] The imaging device 1 shown can be, in particular, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The imaging device 1 can have a scanning tube 2, which may be designed to receive an object 3 to be examined by the imaging device 1. The object 3 can be, for example, a patient. For examination by the imaging device 1, the object 3 can be arranged, for example, on a table 4 of the imaging device 1 to allow the object 3 to be guided into the scanning tube 2. A local coil assembly 5, which may be, for example, a head coil, can be arranged on the table 4. The local coil assembly 5 can be guided into a predetermined examination area within the scanning tube 2 to examine the object 3.The image tube 2 can, for example, have a cylindrical shape and extend along a longitudinal direction 6. At one longitudinal end of the image tube 2, the image tube 2 can have a receiving opening 7 into which the object 3 to be examined can be inserted. At a longitudinal end opposite the receiving opening 7, the image tube 2 can have a rear opening 8. The image tube 2 can extend over a total length 9, wherein the image tube 2 can be enclosed in an inner region of the total length 9 by a magnetic device 10 of the imaging device 1. The predefined examination area can be located inside the image tube 2. At an edge region of the image tube 2 adjacent to the rear opening 8, the image tube 2 can be enclosed by a rear funnel or a rear cover. For heat dissipation, it may be necessary to circulate air through the image tube 2.For this purpose, the imaging device 1 can have a ventilation device 14, which can be configured to supply air to an air supply device 15 of the ventilation device 14. The air can be supplied by the ventilation device 14, for example, within the rear cover or within the rear funnel.

[0038] According to current technology, it is common practice to introduce air within the edge section 12, which may be a rear funnel section, into the intake tube 2 to ventilate the intake tube 2. However, this presents the problem that the airflow provided through the intake tube 2 may be insufficient to ensure adequate ventilation.

[0039] The imaging device 1 can have an air supply device 16, which can be configured to supply air to the interior of the receiving tube 2. The air supply device 16 can, for example, have an air connection device 17, which can be arranged on the air supply device 15. The connection device 17 can, for example, be detachable and arranged, for example, at an edge region of the receiving tube 2. The air supply device 16 can have an air duct device 18, which can be configured to discharge the air supplied at the connection device 17 along the longitudinal direction 6 of the receiving tube 2 over a supply length 20 at a supply opening 19. The air supply device 16 can be detachable and, for example, positively connected to a connecting device 22 of the inner wall 21 of the receiving tube 2.The air duct assembly 18 can be positively connected to the inner wall 21 of the receiving tube 2. The air supply assembly 16 can have an adjustment mechanism 23 by which it is possible to adjust the supply length 20.

[0040] FIG 2 Figure 16 shows another illustration of an imaging device with an air supply unit. The air supply unit 16 shown can include the air duct assembly 18 and the connection unit 17, wherein both the connection unit 17 and the air duct assembly 18 can be detachably arranged on an inner wall 21 of the receiving tube 2. The arrangement can be, for example, by means of a plug-in system. The air duct assembly 18 can also have a telescopic system, whereby the supply length 20 can be adjusted. The air supply opening 19 can be arranged such that it can discharge a main airflow 13 into the examination area. The discharge can be such that the main flow is discharged along the longitudinal direction 6 of the receiving tube 2. The air duct assembly 18 can be parameterized such that the main airflow 13 can have a laminar main flow characteristic.This can reduce air turbulence.

[0041] FIG 3 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of the air supply device to the ventilation system of the imaging device.

[0042] The illustration shows hoses and / or tubes of the ventilation system along which the air can be guided. The connection device 17 can, for example, be designed to be attached to one of the tubes or hoses of the ventilation device 14. The connection device 17 can also include a hose or tube section for attachment to the ventilation system. The hoses can, for example, be routed through the rear cover or the rear funnel. The connection device 17 can, for example, be inserted, pushed, or screwed into a corresponding feature of the inner wall 21 of the receiving tube 2. The air supply device 16 can, for example, be clamped or pushed into a connection mechanism of the receiving tube 2 and detachably inserted or pushed into the connection device 17.The connection device 17 can, for example, have two connection elements to which respective air duct elements of the air duct device 18 can be connected. This allows, for example, two of the main air flows 13 to be directed through the respective air duct elements.

[0043] FIG 4 shows a schematic representation of an air duct system.

[0044] The air duct assembly 18 can, for example, be arranged on an inner wall 21 of the receiving tube 2. The cross-section of the air duct assembly 18 can change along the longitudinal direction 6, whereby a height 24 within the test section 11 can have a lower value than in the edge section 12.

[0045] FIG 5 shows a schematic representation of a recording tube having an air duct device.

[0046] The air duct assembly 18 can, for example, be glued to an inner wall 21 of the receiving tube 2. The opening of the air duct assembly 18 can be oriented such that the air can be discharged with a main flow direction along the longitudinal direction 6 of the receiving tube 2.

[0047] FIG 6 shows a schematic representation of a connection device for the air supply system.

[0048] The air supply device 16 can include the connection device 17, which can provide a fluidic connection of the air duct device 18 to the ventilation system.

[0049] FIG 7 shows a schematic representation of the sequence of a procedure for mounting an air supply device on an imaging device.

[0050] In a first step S1 of the procedure, it may be provided that a connection device 17 of the air supply device 16 is connected to an air supply device 15 of a ventilation device 14 of the imaging device 1.

[0051] In a second step S2 of the procedure, it may be provided that an air duct device 18 of the air supply device 16 is arranged to the connection device 17.

[0052] In imaging devices 1 primarily used for head scanning, the bore inner diameter of the acquisition tube 2 is smaller than in conventional imaging devices 1 produced in larger quantities. For example, the bore diameter may be only 40 cm in the head region, resulting in poorer patient ventilation. Furthermore, the head coils occupy as much radial space as possible, significantly impairing heat dissipation from the bore.

[0053] Conventional ventilation nozzles for patient ventilation are located in the rear funnel. This results in a relatively long path to the head coil, and the airflow, when used in the head scanner, would more or less dissipate in the area between the head coil located in the isocenter and the rear opening 8 in the rear cover / rear funnel, instead of flowing laminarly through the bore.

[0054] The small inner diameter of the recording tube 2 in the scan area. The space, and thus a flow blocker, occupied by the head coil. The long path between the rear cover / rear funnel and the isocenter. This can be more than 100 cm long, as the rear cover is significantly further away from the magnet due to the special gradient coil.

[0055] The new air ducts supply air to the area closest to the various head coil variants. The length of the ventilation duct can be determined by the longest head coil type in the Z-direction along a longitudinal axis.

[0056] Plug-in solutions with varying duct lengths or cut-to-size duct lengths are also possible. Particular attention is paid to the serviceability of the air ducts, which can be designed using a modular plug-in system.

[0057] The key differences compared to previous patient ventilation systems are as follows: The long air ducts enable laminar airflow through the bore, despite a bulky head coil. Flow losses within the bore are kept to a minimum, preventing air from being blown out into a large cavity. A plug-in system for the individual air duct elements ensures the serviceability of the support tube. Since the nozzles are no longer located in the rear funnel, this requires special attention. The support tube must be removed from the system from the front – patient end – meaning a detachable air duct component is installed.

Claims

1. Imaging apparatus (1), having - a receive tube (2), wherein the receive tube (2) has a receive aperture (7) at a front longitudinal end for inserting an object to be examined (3) by the imaging apparatus (1), and has a rear aperture (8) at a rear longitudinal end opposite the front longitudinal end, and - a ventilation facility (14) which is configured to provide air to an air provision facility (15) of the ventilation facility (14), wherein the air provision facility (15) is arranged in an edge portion (12) of the receive tube (2) adjacent to the rear aperture (8), wherein the imaging apparatus (1) has an air supply facility (16), wherein the air supply facility (16) is configured to guide a main air flow (13) of the air which is output by the air provision facility (15) in a longitudinal direction (6) of the receive tube (2) over a prespecified air supply length (20) and to output the main air flow into the receive tube (2) at a supply aperture (19) of the air output facility provided at a longitudinal end of the air supply length (20), wherein the air supply facility (16) has an air channel facility (18) and a connection facility (17), wherein the connection facility (17) is arranged on the air provision facility (15), and is configured to guide the air from the air provision facility (15) into the air channel facility (18), and the air channel facility (18) is configured to guide the air from the connection facility (17) to the supply aperture (19), characterised in that the air supply facility (16) has an adjustment mechanism (23) for setting the air supply length (20).

2. Imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the supply aperture (19) is arranged in or on an examination section (11) of the receive tube (2).

3. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air supply length (20) has a length of at least 80 cm.

4. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air supply facility (16) is configured to output the main air flow (13) at the supply aperture (19) in the longitudinal direction (6) of the receive tube (2).

5. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air supply facility (16) is configured to output the main air flow (13) in the longitudinal direction (6) with a main flow characteristic that is laminar.

6. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection facility (17) is detachably arranged on the air provision facility (15).

7. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air channel facility (18) is detachably arranged on the connection facility (17).

8. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner wall (21) of the receive tube (2) has a connection facility (22) for arranging the air channel facility (18) in the receive tube (2).

9. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the air supply facility (16) is connected with a material bond to an inner wall (21) of the receive tube (2).

10. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air supply facility (16) in the examination section (11) projects into the receive tube (2) at a lower height (24) than outside the examination section (11).

11. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air supply facility (16) has at least two air supply units.

12. Imaging apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the imaging apparatus (1) has a couch facility (4), wherein the couch facility (4) has a local coil facility (5) for receiving at least a partial volume of the object to be examined (3), wherein the imaging apparatus (1) is configured to move the couch facility (4) such that the local coil arrangement (5) is situated in the examination section (11).

13. Air supply facility (16) for a receive tube of an imaging apparatus (1), wherein the air supply facility (16) is configured to guide a main air flow (13) of air which is output by an air provision facility (15) from the air provision facility (15) in a longitudinal direction (6) of a receive tube (2) over a prespecified air supply length (20) and to output the main air flow into the receive tube (2) at a supply aperture (19) of the air output facility provided at a longitudinal end of the air supply length (20), wherein the air supply facility (16) has an air channel facility (18) and a connection facility (17), wherein the connection facility (17) is arranged on the air provision facility (15), and is configured to guide the air from the air provision facility (15) into the air channel facility (18), and the air channel facility (18) is configured to guide the air from the connection facility (17) to the supply aperture (19), characterised in that the air supply facility (16) has an adjustment mechanism (23) for setting the air supply length (20).