CT imaging device

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to the structure of a dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) device, the basic structure of which comprises two elongated frame parts (11, 21), of which a first frame part (11) is arranged to support an X-ray imaging means (14, 15), and the frame parts (11, 21) are mechanically connected to each other via an articulated structure (22) to enable tilting of the first frame part (11) supporting the X-ray imaging means (14, 15) relative to the second frame part (21).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computed tomography imaging apparatus. In particular, features of the apparatus according to the invention are applicable for use in the context of dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Computed tomography (CT) is a type of X-ray imaging in which the imaged volume is irradiated from different directions, thus allowing a desired two- or three-dimensional image to be reconstructed from the acquired image information.

[0003] Conventional CT machines are large and heavy, and they are typically floor mounted. The patient is typically positioned for imaging within the machine's examination opening on a horizontally extending, laterally movable examination platform.

[0004] For example, since the development of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology, in which a slower rotation speed of the imaging means is used, devices that weigh less than conventional CT devices have been developed. Some CBCT devices are configured to be mobile, for example, rather than being floor mounted. Also, configurations have been designed that include a vertically extending frame and a horizontally extending support for the imaging means.

[0005] In general, when considering medical x-ray imaging devices, there are varieties that do not have any patient support configuration in the device itself, and those that do have a patient support configuration are typically designed for imaging either a standing, sitting, or lying patient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention and its preferred embodiments is a CT device, in particular a CBCT device, which is applicable for universal use and allows imaging of different parts of the anatomical structure in different ways. The characteristic features of the present invention are defined in claim 1. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating certain components as an example of a portion of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] 2 shows structural details applicable for use in the context of the elongated frame of the device of FIG. 1; [Figure 2b] 2 shows structural details applicable for use in the context of the elongated frame of the device of FIG. 1; [Figure 3a] Some details of patient support configurations applicable for use in an apparatus such as that shown in FIG. 1 are given by way of example. [Figure 3b] 2 shows an example cross-section of a patient support configuration applicable for use in an apparatus such as that shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic side view illustrating certain components of an example embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 showing certain components of the configuration driven into an inclined position. [Figure 6] 6 shows components of an arrangement that can be used as a displacement and locking mechanism for the functioning of a device such as that shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of certain components as examples of portions of an apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating examples of components that a control system of an apparatus according to the present invention may be configured to control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of certain components of one exemplary embodiment of a portion of an apparatus according to the invention. The dental or medical CT imaging device of Fig. 1 comprises an elongated frame part 11 extending in a first direction and having a first end and a second end. From this elongated frame part 11 extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction a support arrangement 12 supporting an X-ray source 14 and an image detector 15, which are not themselves visible in Fig. 1. The X-ray source 14 and the image detector 15, which together form the X-ray imaging means 14, 15, may be mounted on the support arrangement 12 essentially opposite each other, but in further embodiments may be arranged such that their mutual positions are adjustable.

[0009] Figure 1 further illustrates patient support 18, which is a structure that is mechanically connected to and extends substantially parallel to elongated frame portion 11. In the embodiment of Figure 1, patient support 18 is essentially the same length as elongated frame portion 11.

[0010] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the elongated frame portion 11 is on the order of 240 cm.

[0011] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the elongated frame portion 11 is between 220 cm and 260 cm.

[0012] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of patient support 18 is 80-90% of the length of elongated frame portion 11.

[0013] According to one embodiment, for example, patient support 18 has a longer dimension in a first direction and a shorter dimension in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment, for example, patient support 18 is in at least a first orientation, at least for a major portion thereof.

[0015] According to one embodiment, for example, the radiolucent portion of patient support 18 is essentially the same length as elongated frame portion 11 .

[0016] According to one embodiment, for example, patient support 18 includes a section that is not radiolucent at at least one of its ends in a first direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the radiolucent portion of patient support 18 in the first direction is 80-90% of the length of elongated frame portion 11.

[0018] According to one embodiment, for example, the support arrangement 12 supporting the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 is a circular gantry having a central axis 13. The gantry may partially surround or completely house the X-ray imaging means 14, 15.

[0019] According to one embodiment, not directly visible in Fig. 1, for example, the device comprises a drive mechanism 16 arranged to drive the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 about an axis of rotation, which may coincide with the central axis 13 of the support arrangement 12 in the form of a gantry, which may be a physical axis, as in the case of Fig. 1, or a virtual axis of rotation.

[0020] According to one embodiment, for example, the central axis 13 of the gantry coincides with the centre / axis of rotation of the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 as they are driven along a curved path.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation is an instantaneous (virtual) axis of rotation, and the location of the instantaneous axis of rotation relative to the central axis 13 can be arranged to be changed.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the light source 14 and / or image detector 15 components are positioned so that they are laterally movable from a location exactly opposite the other component.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the structure 12 supporting the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 comprises a gantry having a central axis, and the structure of the device allows to move the X-ray source 14 laterally between a position where the central ray it generates coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where the central ray it generates does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry, and / or to move the image detector 15 laterally between a position where the vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where the vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry. The lateral movement of the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 may include moving the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 to a position where they face each other, while the central ray generated by the X-ray source 14 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry and the vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry.

[0024] According to another embodiment, another drive mechanism 17 is arranged on the apparatus to allow the support arrangement 12 to move back and forth in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the elongated frame portion 11. According to one embodiment, the drive mechanism 17 may be configured to move the support arrangement 12 along or alongside the elongated frame portion 11.

[0025] In the example according to Fig. 2a, the drive mechanism 17 of the support structure 12 discussed above comprises a motor 110 and a gear 111 arranged to rotate a pulley 112. In the configuration shown as an embodiment of Fig. 2a, the motor 110 and the pulley 112 are located near the second end of the elongated frame part 11, while another pulley 112' is located near the first end of the elongated frame part 11, around which a correspondingly functioning component such as a belt 113 or a chain runs. This mechanism is then functionally connected to the support structure 12 to drive it along the elongated frame part 11, such as the one shown as an example in Fig. 2b, in which a groove 114 is arranged in the elongated frame part 11 and a protrusion 121 is arranged on the support structure 12 so as to be adapted to slide along the groove 114. In one embodiment, to minimize friction, a roller-type linear guideway is used, in which the movement is rolling rather than sliding.

[0026] According to one embodiment not shown in any of the figures, for example, the drive mechanism for driving the support structure 12 comprises a motor disposed on the support structure 12 itself.

[0027] Regardless of the details of the construction of the drive mechanism 17 that drives the support arrangement 12 along or alongside the elongated frame portion 11, in one embodiment the configuration of the apparatus allows the support arrangement 12 to be driven over essentially the entire length between the first and second ends of the elongated frame portion 11.

[0028] According to yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus includes connection arrangements 19, 20 connecting the patient support 18 to the elongated frame portion 11.

[0029] According to another embodiment, an example of which is shown in FIG. 3 a , the apparatus comprises connection arrangements 19 , 20 that mechanically connect a patient support 18 to the elongated frame portion 11 .

[0030] The connection arrangement 19 , 20 may include a patient support adjustment mechanism 19 ′, 20 ′ configured to allow the patient support 18 to be displaced closer or farther from the elongated frame portion 11 .

[0031] According to another embodiment, the drive mechanism 19'', 20'' is disposed in operative connection with the patient support adjustment mechanism 19', 20'.

[0032] According to another aspect, the patient support adjustment mechanism 19', 20' may comprise a first adjustment mechanism 19' disposed substantially at a first end of the elongated frame portion 11 together with a drive mechanism 19" included in the drive mechanism 19", 20", and a second adjustment mechanism 20' disposed substantially at a second end of the elongated frame portion 11 together with a drive mechanism 20" included in the drive mechanism 19", 20".

[0033] According to one embodiment, for example, the patient support adjustment mechanisms 19', 20' are disposed in operative connection with a control system of the apparatus, the control system being configured to control the drive mechanisms 19", 20" of the adjustment mechanisms 19', 20'.

[0034] According to one aspect, for example, the control system is configured to control the connection arrangement 19, 20, which includes a first adjustment mechanism 19', together with a drive mechanism 19", substantially positioned at a first end of the elongated frame portion 11, and a second adjustment mechanism 20', together with a drive mechanism 20", substantially positioned at a second end of the elongated frame portion 11, to maintain the same distance between the elongated frame portion 11 and the patient support 18 at the first and second ends of the elongated frame portion 11 when adjusting the distance between the two.

[0035] According to another aspect, the distance between the end of the elongated frame portion 11 and the patient support 18 can be adjusted differently. According to one aspect, the first and second adjustment mechanisms 19', 20' are arranged to be independently controlled.

[0036] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3b, considering the first orientation of the patient support configuration 18 discussed above, its cross section for its major portion is curved to better support the patient against the concave surface of the patient support configuration 18.

[0037] According to another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3b, at the cross-sectional edges 181 of the patient support arrangement 18, the cross-sectional shape is curved in the opposite direction.

[0038] According to another embodiment, and as further shown in Figure 3b, a retaining structure 182 is disposed near an edge of the above-discussed cross section of the patient support arrangement 18 opposite the concave surface of its main portion. The retaining structure 182 may be, for example, an elongated handle or attachment structure used to receive a strap designed to span on or over the concave surface of the patient support arrangement 18 to provide additional support to the patient and help maintain stillness during imaging exposure.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4 , which shows, as a schematic side view, certain components of an example embodiment of a device according to the present invention, in addition to what may be referred to as the first elongated frame portion 11 discussed above, there is a second elongated frame portion 21 mechanically connected to the first elongated frame portion 11 of essentially the same length as the first elongated frame portion 11.

[0040] According to one embodiment, still referring to Fig. 4, an articulation arrangement 22 is arranged near a first end of the first elongated frame portion 11, which mechanically connects the first and second elongated frame portions 11, 12 and allows tilting the first elongated frame portion 11 relative to the second elongated frame portion 21 about at least one tilt axis. The at least one tilt axis is orthogonal to both the above-mentioned first and second directions in which the elongated frame portion 11 and the support arrangement 12 extend. Or, in other words, the tilt axis may be an axis orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second elongated frame portions 11, 21 extend and to the direction in which the support arrangement 12 for the X-ray imaging assembly 14, 15 extends perpendicularly from the first longitudinally extending frame portion 11.

[0041] In the embodiments shown in the figures and discussed in detail in this application, at least one tilt axis is horizontal. This should not be understood as requiring that the tilt axis be horizontal.

[0042] According to another embodiment, a mounting structure 23, not directly visible in Figure 4, is arranged on a side of the second elongated frame portion 21 in connection with the articulation arrangement 22. The mounting structure 23 is arranged movably along or alongside the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0043] According to another aspect, for example, a locking mechanism 24 configured to allow connection and separation of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 is disposed near the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21. In particular, the locking mechanism 24 is disposed near the second ends of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21, and the locking mechanism is configured to allow connection and separation of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 together near the second ends of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0044] When the second elongated frame portion 21 is stably mounted and the locking mechanism 24 is not connecting the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21, the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 is free to move laterally and the articulated connection 22 between the frame portions 11, 21 allows the first elongated frame portion 11 to rotate about a horizontal tilt axis near the first end of the first elongated frame portion 11. For the vertical start position, the movably arranged mounting structure as discussed above allows the first end of the first elongated frame portion 11 to be lowered and raised.

[0045] Figure 5 shows the device according to Figure 4 at a stage where the first end of the first elongated frame part 11 has moved downwards and the second end of the first elongated frame part 11 has moved horizontally on the surface. The device may be configured to allow the first end of the first elongated frame part 11 to be lowered all the way to the vicinity of the second end of the second elongated frame part 21.

[0046] According to yet another embodiment, not directly visible in Figures 4 and 5, a drive mechanism 27 is disposed in operative connection with the second elongated frame portion 21 that drives the mounting structure 23 along or aligned with the second elongated frame portion 21. When mechanically connected to the first elongated frame portion 11, adjacent its first end, the drive mechanism 27 is capable of moving the first end of the first elongated frame portion 11 in the direction that the second elongated frame portion 21 extends.

[0047] The drive mechanism 27 which drives the mounting structure 23 may be of similar structure as the drive mechanism 17 which drives the support arrangement 12 for the X-ray imaging means 14 , 15 along or alongside the first elongated frame portion 11 .

[0048] According to one aspect, the drive mechanism 27 that drives the mounting structure 23 comprises a chain drive.

[0049] To illustrate some of the features discussed above, in other words, in an embodiment mechanically connected to the articulating connection arrangement 22, a mounting structure 23 is arranged on a side of the second elongated frame part 21 such that it is movable along or alongside the second elongated frame part 21, such that such arrangement provides freedom of movement along or alongside the second frame part 21 relative to the articulating connection arrangement 23 and relative to a first end of the first elongated frame part 11 which is mechanically connected to the articulating connection arrangement 23.

[0050] In one embodiment, the mounting structure 23 is arranged to be movable at least essentially along or alongside the second elongated frame portion 21 a distance corresponding to the length of the first elongated frame portion 11, and the articulating connection arrangement 22 is arranged to enable tilting of the first elongated frame portion 11 between an orientation in which the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend essentially parallel and an orientation in which the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend essentially perpendicular.

[0051] According to yet another aspect, the locking mechanism 24 includes a displacement mechanism 25, not directly visible in the figures discussed above, that moves the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 a fixed distance away from the second elongated frame portion 21 when the locking mechanism 24 separates the first and second elongated frame portions 11, 21.

[0052] According to one embodiment not shown in detail in the figures discussed thus far, the locking mechanism 24 comprises a motorized structural side and a motor drive arrangement having mating elements on the first elongated frame portion 11, respectively.

[0053] The locking mechanism 24 may further comprise a guiding structure configured to guide the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 straight on the locking mechanism 24 when the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 is moving towards the locking mechanism 24. Or, in other words, when the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves towards and approaches the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0054] According to yet another embodiment, as shown by way of example in Figures 4 and 5, the first elongated frame portion 11 includes at least one wheel or roller 26 near its second end.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, instead of wheels or rollers, a structure designed to slide on a surface may be arranged at the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 .

[0056] A more detailed embodiment of some of the features discussed above is presented in FIG. 6, generally showing the second ends of the first and second elongated frame portions 11, 21, yet with the very end of the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 cut off, partially cut off completely, and partially with only one wall cut off so that what may be referred to as the rear wall 11' is still visible.

[0057] The embodiment shown in Fig. 6 includes a structure in which the displacement mechanism 25 comprises two toothed bars 31 mounted near the second end of the second elongated frame part 21 essentially perpendicular to the direction in which the second elongated frame part 21 extends, and two toothed wheels 32 mounted near the second end of the first elongated frame part 11. The toothed wheels 32 are configured to be compatible with the toothed bars 31. Although two toothed bars and wheels are shown, their number could be just one, or two or more.

[0058] The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 further comprises a displacement mechanism 25 comprising a displacement motor 33 arranged in operative connection with the toothed wheel 32 .

[0059] According to one embodiment, to operate the displacement mechanism 25, the control system of the apparatus may be configured to, in response to a control signal which changes the orientation of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21, such that the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend essentially parallel to each other, firstly, operate the displacement mechanism 25 to move the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 a fixed distance away from the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21, and secondly, operate the third drive mechanism 27 to drive the mounting structure 23 along or alongside the second elongated frame portion 21 towards the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21 to move the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 a further fixed distance away from the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0060] The locking mechanism 24 shown in FIG. 6 further comprises a sensing element 29 configured to detect when the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 reaches a predefined locked position as it moves towards the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0061] The locking mechanism 24 shown in FIG. 6 further comprises a lock actuator 28, and in response to a control signal from the sensing element 29 that a predefined locked position has been reached as the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves towards the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21, a control system of the apparatus may be configured to send a control signal to the lock actuator 28 which locks the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 in the predefined locked position.

[0062] The guiding arrangement according to the embodiment of Fig. 6 comprises two guide rails 30 attached to the second elongated frame part 21 from their first ends near their second ends and extending essentially perpendicular to the direction in which the second elongated frame part 21 extends, forming two guide passages. Although two guide rails 30 are shown in Fig. 6, the number of rails can also be different. However, if only one rail is used, it can be difficult to form a passage with the correct guiding function.

[0063] 6 shows a guide arrangement comprising a first elongated frame part 11 with two wheels or rollers 26 at a first distance from each other near its second end, and two guide rails 30 forming two guide passages at essentially the same first distance from each other, the guide rails 30 further comprising beveling at their second ends to make the distance between the guide passages smaller than the first distance at that end of the passage. Such an arrangement serves to guide the second end of the first elongated frame part 11 to find the passage designed to move it towards the second elongated frame part 21.

[0064] According to one embodiment, for example as shown in Fig. 7, the support arrangement 12 for the imaging means 15, 16 in the form of a gantry does not essentially completely surround the imaging means 14, 15, but serves mainly or solely as a support structure for holding the imaging means 14, 15 and as a structure arranged in the gantry that drives the imaging means 14, 15 about an axis. This kind of solution makes it possible to realize a gantry that reduces weight and provides better access to the volume between the imaging means 14, 15, and also physically allows to take into account areas that may have a clear line of sight to that volume.

[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates, as a block diagram, examples of components of a control system applicable for use in an apparatus according to the present disclosure. In various embodiments, not all of these features are necessarily present in the control system of the apparatus. The control system described in FIG. 8 is configured to allow, first, control of the operation of the X-ray source and the image detector. The components controlling the operation of the X-ray source and the image detector may include components physically located at the X-ray source and / or the image detector and / or elsewhere in the apparatus.

[0066] The control system of FIG. 8 further controls various drive means of the device, such as those that move the imaging means supported by the support structure, the support structure itself, and the adjustment mechanism of the patient support. The control system may also control the drive of the mounting structure, for example, as discussed above. Furthermore, in case of a device that includes an electric locking mechanism for connecting and separating the first and second elongated frame parts, the control system may also control the drive means of the locking mechanism, such as the displacement motor and lock actuator discussed above. Overall, the control system may be arranged to control all or any part of the above operations. Input to the control system may be provided by a remote control. The structure and functionality discussed above provide various possibilities for patient positioning and imaging.

Claims

1. A dental or medical CT imaging device, comprising: a first elongated frame portion 11 extending in a first direction and having a first end and a second end; a support arrangement 12 extending from said first elongated frame portion 11 in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction; an X-ray source 14 and an image detector 15 mounted on said support structure 12 and forming together X-ray imaging means 14, 15; a first drive mechanism 16 arranged to move said X-ray imaging means 14, 15 about an axis of rotation 13; a second drive mechanism 17 arranged to move said support arrangement 12 in a direction parallel to said first direction in which said first elongated frame portion 11 extends; - a patient support 18, - a control system, The device comprises a second elongated frame portion 21 having a third end and a fourth end, essentially the same length as the first elongated frame portion 11, and an articulated connection configuration 22 is arranged near the first end of the first elongated frame portion 11, which mechanically connects the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 and enables the first elongated frame portion 11 to be tilted relative to the second elongated frame portion 21 about at least one tilt axis, the at least one tilt axis being perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the mechanical connection with the articulating connection arrangement 22, a mounting structure 23 is arranged on the second elongated frame part 21 side, which is arranged to be movable along or alongside the second elongated frame part 21, thereby providing the articulating connection arrangement 22 and the first end of the first elongated frame part 11 mechanically connected to the articulating connection arrangement 22 with a degree of freedom of movement along or alongside the second elongated frame part 21.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the mounting structure 23 is arranged at least essentially movably along or alongside the second elongated frame portion 21 a distance corresponding to the length of the first elongated frame portion 21, and the articulated connection configuration 22 is arranged to enable tilting of the first elongated frame portion between an orientation in which the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend parallel to each other and an orientation in which the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend perpendicular to each other.

4. 4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a third drive mechanism (27) for driving the mounting structure (23) along or alongside the second elongated frame portion (21).

5. the patient support 18 is mechanically connected to the first elongated frame portion 11 and extends parallel to the first elongated frame portion 11 in the first direction; and / or Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the patient support (18) is essentially the same length as the first elongated frame portion (11).

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the patient support 18 is radiolucent in at least the first direction.

7. a locking mechanism 24 is disposed near the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21, the locking mechanism 24 being configured to allow the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 to be connected together and disconnected near the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21; the locking mechanism 24 comprises a displacement mechanism 25 configured to move the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 a fixed distance away from the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21 when separating the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21; Or, The lock mechanism 24 does not include the displacement mechanism 25. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that

8. the displacement mechanism 25 comprises at least one toothed bar 31 attached near the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second elongated frame portion 21, and at least one toothed wheel 32 attached near the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 and configured to be compatible with the toothed bar 31; the displacement mechanism 25 comprises a displacement motor 33 arranged in operative connection with the at least one toothed wheel 32; Or, The displacement mechanism 25 does not include the displacement motor 33.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that

9. 9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend in parallel and in response to a control signal changing the orientation of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 with respect to each other, the control system is configured to: firstly, operate the displacement mechanism 25 to move the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 a fixed distance away from the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21, and secondly, operate a third drive mechanism 27 to drive the mounting structure 23 along or alongside the second elongated frame portion 21 towards the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21 to move the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 a further fixed distance away from the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21.

10. A locking mechanism 24 is disposed near the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21, the locking mechanism 24 being configured to enable the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 to be collectively connected and separated near the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21; the locking mechanism 24 comprises a displacement mechanism 25 configured to move the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 a fixed distance away from the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21 when separating the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21; Or, The lock mechanism 24 does not include the displacement mechanism 25. Device according to any one of claims 1, 5 to 6, characterized in that

11. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the locking mechanism (24) comprises a sensing element (29) configured to detect when the second end of the first elongated frame part (11) reaches a predefined locked position when moving towards the fourth end of the second elongated frame part (21).

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism 24 comprises a lock actuator 28, and wherein, in response to a control signal from the sensing element 29 that the predefined locked position has been reached when the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves toward the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21, the control system is configured to send a control signal to the lock actuator 28 that locks the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 in the predefined locked position.

13. the locking mechanism 24 comprises a guiding arrangement configured to guide the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 straight on the locking mechanism 24 as the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves towards and approaches the fourth end of the second elongated frame portion 21; the guiding arrangement comprises at least one guide rail 30 attached to the second elongated frame portion 21 from a fifth end thereof adjacent the fourth end and extending perpendicular to the direction of extension of the second elongated frame portion 21 to define at least one guide passageway; Or, The guide arrangement does not include the guide rail 30. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that

14. the first elongated frame portion 11 comprises, near its second end, at least one wheel or roller 26 or structure designed to slide on a surface; said first elongated frame portion 11 comprises, near its second end, two wheels or rollers 26 at a first distance from each other, said guiding arrangement comprises at least two guide rails 30 forming two guide passages at the same first distance from each other, said at least two guide rails 30 being provided at their sixth ends with a bevelling to make the distance between said guide passages smaller than said first distance at said ends of said guide passages, Or, the first elongated frame portion 11 does not comprise the two wheels or rollers 26 and the guide arrangement does not comprise the two guide rails; Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the support arrangement (12) is arranged so that it is possible to drive the support arrangement (12) in a direction parallel to the first direction over essentially the entire length between the first end and the second end of the first elongated frame portion (11).

16. A patient support portion 18; A first frame portion 11 to which the patient support portion 18 is fixed; a support part 12 including an X-ray source 14 and a detector 15 and movably connected to the first frame part 11; A second frame portion 21 that is vertically installed; a connecting portion 22 that is disposed at an end of the first frame portion 11 and engages with the second frame portion 21 so as to be vertically movable; The inclination angle of the patient support section 18 is changed in response to the vertical movement of the connection section 22. CT imaging device.

Images