CT imaging device and cable arrangement

Abstract

The present invention is particularly directed to the construction of a dental and medical cone beam computed tomography imaging (CBCT) device. The device includes a cable arrangement comprising a roller cylinder assembly (123') disposed between an inner cable support structure (122) and an outer cable support structure (121). A cable (124) passes through and is disposed within the structure, forming a partial loop around the roller cylinder (123) of the roller cylinder assembly (123').

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Computed tomography (CT) is a type of X-ray imaging that irradiates an imaging object with radiation from different directions and can reconstruct a desired two-dimensional or three-dimensional image from the acquired image information.

[0003] Images need to be acquired from various directions. However, unless the imaging object is moved relative to the imaging device, it is necessary to move the imaging means (X-ray source, image detector) around the imaging station of the device. The object of imaging is designed to be positioned. In many imaging modes, this requires rotation over a 360-degree angular range, but in some cases, it is sufficient to use a range of about 180 degrees. In either case, this requirement involves issues regarding how to provide components of the device that move in relation to other components of the device, the power and / or control required for their operation, or, for example, how to transfer data from there.

[0004] The prior art includes various ideas and implemented solutions for transmitting power and / or data in such situations, and when using cables, solutions that address the problem of physically arranging the cables within the device to enable adaptation to different mutual spatial operating positions of the components are also included. As a typical technical solution, such prior art solutions have advantages and disadvantages, which can vary depending on the perspective from which the problem is considered.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a novel method of arranging cables to components of a CBCT apparatus, in particular, that are arranged to rotate around a rotation axis. In a CBCT apparatus, the imaging means are typically configured to be able to rotate at least 180 degrees or more. Features of the present invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0006] Herein, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to some of its preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] As an example, this is a schematic overall side view showing a component of one type of device that can implement the cable structure of this disclosure. [Figure 2a] Figure 1 shows details of the structure applicable to use in the context of the slender frame section of the device. [Figure 2b] Figure 1 shows details of the structure applicable to use in the context of the slender frame section of the device. [Figure 3] As an example, some structural details relating to the implementation of the cabling system according to this disclosure are shown. [Figure 4a] As an example, a schematic diagram of a different cabling system structure at several operating positions is shown. [Figure 4b] As an example, a schematic diagram of a different cabling system structure at several operating positions is shown. [Figure 4c] As an example, a schematic diagram of a different cabling system structure at several operating positions is shown. [Figure 4d] As an example, a schematic diagram of a different cabling system structure at several operating positions is shown. [Figure 5] As an example, this is a schematic overall side view showing a component of an embodiment of one type of device that can implement the cable structure of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a schematic overall side view of the apparatus, showing a component of the structure that is driven in an inclined position. [Figure 7]Figures 5 and 6 show the displacement and components of the device that can be used as a locking mechanism related to the function of the device. [Figure 8] As an example, this is a schematic overall side view showing a component of another embodiment of one type of device that can implement the cable structure of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This block diagram shows examples of components of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, which may be configured to be controlled by the apparatus's control system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A more complete understanding of the components, processes, and apparatus disclosed herein can be obtained by referring to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are merely schematic diagrams for convenience and ease of demonstration of the disclosure and are therefore not intended to show the relative sizes and dimensions of the devices or their components, or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0009] For clarity, certain terms may be used in the following description, but these terms are intended to refer only to specific structures of embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of this disclosure. In the drawings and the following description, similar numbering should be understood to refer to components of similar function.

[0010] Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the context, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to multiple objects.

[0011] As used herein, terms such as "about," "generally," and "substantial" are intended to include structural or numerical modifications that do not materially affect the purpose of the element or number modified by such terms. For example, the terms may substantially include a range of variation from the described relationship, such as 25%, 10%, or 0%.

[0012] As used herein and in the claims, the term “comprising” may include embodiments that “consist of” and “consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” and “contain(s),” and their variations, as used herein, are intended to be unrestricted transitional clauses, terms, or phrases that require the presence of a named element / step and allow for the presence of other elements / steps.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a schematic overall side view of a specific component of one embodiment of an arrangement applicable to incorporating the cable arrangement of the present disclosure, as an example. The dental or medical CT imaging apparatus of Figure 1 includes an elongated frame portion 11 extending in a first direction and having a first end and a second end. From this elongated frame portion 11, a support structure 12 supporting an X-ray source 14 and an image detector 15, which are not yet visible in Figure 1, extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 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 structure 12 essentially opposite each other in several embodiments, and their relative positions may also be adjustable.

[0014] Figure 1 further shows a patient support 18, which is mechanically connected to the elongated frame 11 and extends substantially parallel to the elongated frame 11. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the patient support 18 is essentially the same length as the elongated frame 11.

[0015] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the elongated frame section 11 is approximately 240 cm.

[0016] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the elongated frame portion 11 is 220 to 260 cm.

[0017] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the patient support 18 is 80% to 90% of the length of the elongated frame portion 11.

[0018] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support 18 has a dimension that is long in the first direction and a dimension that is short in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0019] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support 18 is at least in the first direction, and at least its main portion is radiation - transmissive.

[0020] According to one aspect, for example, the radiation - transmissive portion of the patient support 18 is substantially the same length as the elongated frame portion 11.

[0021] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support 18 includes a non - radiation - transmissive section at at least one of its ends in the first direction.

[0022] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the radiation - transmissive portion of the patient support 18 in the first direction is 80% to 90% of the length of the elongated frame portion 11.

[0023] According to one aspect, for example, the support structure 12 that supports the X - ray imaging means 14, 15 is a circular gantry having a central axis, and the gantry housing can partially surround or completely accommodate the X - ray imaging means 14, 15.

[0024] For example, according to one aspect not directly visible in FIG. 1, the apparatus includes a drive mechanism 16 configured to drive the X - ray imaging means 14, 15 about a rotation axis. This rotation axis can coincide with the central axis 13 of the support structure 12, which can be in the form of a circular gantry, and as in the case of the structure of FIG. 1, the central axis can be a physical axis or a virtual rotation axis.

[0025] According to one aspect, for example, the central axis 13 of the gantry coincides with the rotation center / rotation axis of the X - ray imaging means 14, 15 when the X - ray imaging means 14, 15 are driven along a curved path.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation is an instantaneous axis of rotation, optionally a virtual axis of rotation, and can be configured to change the location of the axis of rotation relative to the central axis 13.

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one of the components of the light source 14 and the image detector 15 is arranged to be movable laterally from a location directly opposite to the other component.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the structure 12 supporting the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 includes a gantry having a central axis, and the structure of the apparatus enables at least one of the following: moving the X-ray source 14 laterally between a position where the central ray generated by the X-ray source 14 coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where the generated central ray does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry; and moving the image detector 15 laterally between a position where a 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 a vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry. 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.

[0029] In another embodiment, a separate drive mechanism 17 is arranged in the device so that the support structure 12 can be moved back and forth in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the elongated frame portion 11 extends. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 17 may be configured to move the support structure 12 along or parallel to the elongated frame portion 11.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 2a, the drive mechanism 17 of the support structure 12 described above comprises a motor 110 and a gear mechanism 111 configured to rotate a pulley 112. In the structure shown as one embodiment in Figure 2a, the motor 110 and pulley 112 are located near the second end of the elongated frame section 11, but there is also another pulley 112' near the first end of the elongated frame section 11, and a correspondingly functioning component such as a belt 113 or chain moves around the pulleys 112, 112'. The mechanism is then functionally connected to the support structure 12 to drive the support structure 12 along the elongated frame section 11, as shown in the example in Figure 2b, with grooves 114 positioned on the elongated frame section 11 and the support structure 12, and projections 121 adapted to slide along the grooves 114. In some embodiments, roller-type linear guideways are used when the movement is rolling rather than sliding to minimize friction.

[0031] In one embodiment not shown in any of the figures, for example, the drive mechanism for driving the support structure 12 includes a motor located on the support structure 12 itself.

[0032] Regardless of the structural details of the drive mechanism 17 for driving the support structure 12 along or parallel to the elongated frame portion 11, in one embodiment, the structure of the device allows the support structure 12 to be driven essentially along its entire length between the first and second ends of the elongated frame portion 11.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, and as shown in Figure 1, the device includes connecting structures 19 and 20 that connect the patient support 18 to the elongated frame portion 11.

[0034] Figure 3 shows some structural details of an implementation of the cabling system according to the present disclosure, as an example. The structure in Figure 3 comprises, as a main structure, an inner cable support structure 122 having an outer surface and a virtual central axis 13 (not shown in Figure 3), a roller cylinder assembly 123' positioned outside the inner cable support structure 122, at least a first roller cylinder 123 (in the embodiment of Figure 3, a set of roller cylinders 123 is shown, two of which are considered primary roller cylinders and have a larger diameter than the rest), and an outer cable support structure 121 positioned outside the roller cylinder assembly 123'.

[0035] The roller cylinder assembly 123' in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 comprises a set of guide wheels 125 that are sized to contact the inner surface of the outer cable support structure 121.

[0036] The outer cable support structure 121 and inner cable support structure 122 in Figure 3 have inlet locations 1211 and outlet locations 1221 for two sections of the cable 124, a first section 124' and a second section 124'', and both of these locations have cable fixing structures 1212 and 1222 for the first cable section 124' and the second cable section 124''.

[0037] In the fixed structure, in the embodiment of Figure 3, the first section 124' of the cable 124 forms a partial loop around a roller cylinder 123, which can be characterized as the main roller cylinder 123 for the first section 124' of the cable 124. Similarly, the second section 124'' of the cable 124 forms a partial loop around another roller cylinder 123, which can be characterized as the main roller cylinder 123 for the second section 124'' of the cable 124.

[0038] Both the first section 124' and the second section 124'' of cable 124 may be merely elongated flexible components, such as rope-like or chain-like components, instead of being cables that transmit power and / or data.

[0039] The imaging means 14 and 15 are shown only schematically in the structure of Figure 3 for clarity, and are also shown considering that various embodiments may allow the imaging means 14 and 15 to be mounted on either the inner cable support structure 122 or the outer cable support structure 121. Furthermore, the naming and positioning of the cable inlet location 1211 and outlet location 1221 in Figure 3 are based on the idea that, since the X-ray imaging means 14 and 15 are mounted on the inner cable support structure 122, the cable 124 enters the structure of Figure 3 from the outside and is led from the inner outlet location to at least one of the X-ray source 14 and the image detector 15.

[0040] Depending on whether the imaging means 14 and 15 are mounted on the inner cable support structure 122 or the outer cable support structure 121, the cable support structure may be configured to be rotatable. Figure 3 shows a rotary drive structure 160 which may be the drive mechanism 16 referred to when describing Figure 1, and therefore, in the case of Figure 3, the drive mechanism 16 can be considered to be configured to rotate the inner cable support structure 122. Also, as will be described in more detail below, the roller cylinder assembly 123' is rotatable.

[0041] Figure 4a shows an embodiment somewhat similar to that in Figure 3, but in Figures 4a to 4d there is a fundamental difference: the component configured to be rotated by the rotary drive structure is the roller cylinder assembly 123'. Another component that is rotatably positioned is the outer cable support structure 121. Furthermore, Figures 4a to 4d show a single cable section 124' between the inlet location 1211 and the outlet location 1221, where the inlet location 1211 is on the inner cable support structure 122 rather than the outer one, and the X-ray source 14 and image detector 15 are not mounted on the outer cable support structure 121 rather than the inner one.

[0042] Figures 4a to 4d, when combined, illustrate the operating principle of the structure in Figure 4a. To make the explanation of the operation easier to understand, Figures 4b to 4d are provided with fewer reference numbers than Figure 4a.

[0043] As the roller cylinder assembly 123' begins to rotate counterclockwise, and the cable section 124' forms a partial loop around the main roller cylinder 123 from its front relative to the direction of rotation of the roller cylinder assembly 123', i) the cable section 124' pulls the outer cable support structure 121 at the cable fixing structure 1222, and ii) the main roller cylinder 123 also begins to rotate around itself, causing the cable section 124' to roll little by little on the outer surface of the inner cable support structure 122. As a result, the roller cylinder assembly 123' moves counterclockwise at about half the speed of the outer cable support structure 121. Half the speed means half the distance within a given time frame. Therefore, for example in Figure 4b, the main roller cylinder 123 moves slightly more than 90 degrees, while the X-ray source 14 and image detector 15 mounted on the outer cable support structure 121 move more than 180 degrees. Moving on to Figure 4c, and finally to Figure 4d, we notice that a rotation slightly less than the full circumference of the roller cylinder assembly 123' (Figures 4a to 4d do not show such extreme rotational positions of the main cylinder at all) generates nearly two full rotations of 360 degrees for the X-ray imaging means 14 and 15, allowing the cable section 124' to always be precisely positioned within the cable support structure as a whole in an orderly and controlled manner.

[0044] Figures 4a to 4d show the operating principle of one embodiment according to this disclosure, but do not show the structure for generating counterclockwise rotation of the system.

[0045] In one embodiment, such reverse movement can be achieved by arranging another cable section 124'' or an elongated flexible component 124'' in a structure according to the same principle as the structure in Figure 4a, but the partial loop extends from the opposite side of a different main roller cylinder 123 than in the cases of Figures 4a to 4d. It is also possible to use the same main roller cylinder, i.e., to arrange both partial loops around the same roller cylinder 123. By implementing such a structure, the system can operate in a clockwise direction, as described above with reference to Figures 4a to 4d.

[0046] Returning to Figure 3, now, considering what has been described above regarding both clockwise and counterclockwise movement, it is clear that the structure in Figure 3 enables both of them. However, as a result of the rotary drive structure being positioned to rotate the inner cable support structure 122 rather than the roller cylinder assembly 123', the partial loop around the main roller cylinder 123 needs to be positioned around the back side of the first roller cylinder 123 with respect to the rotational direction of the inner cable support structure 122.

[0047] In the structure of Figure 3, when the inner cable support structure 122 begins to rotate in the first direction, the cable support structure 122 begins to pull from the opposite direction of the first direction toward the roller cylinder 123, which forms a partial loop with the cable section or flexible elements 124', 124''. As a result, the roller cylinder assembly 123' follows the movement of the inner cable support structure 122 at approximately half the speed of the inner cable support structure 122. Therefore, again, the inner cable support structure 122, and by extension the imaging means 14, 15, can rotate by almost two full rotations while the main roller cylinder 123 moves nearly 360 degrees. In other words, by extending the cable section 124' inside the structure of Figure 3, for example, around a single loop, it is possible to further rotate the imaging means by almost two full rotations of 360 degrees.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, not shown, the cable structure is configured such that a rotary drive structure generates rotation of the outer cable support structure 121, during which time the inner cable support structure 122 is fixedly positioned and the imaging means 14, 15 are mounted on the outer cable support structure 121. As noted, Figure 3 does not show details regarding where the imaging means 14, 15 are mounted and which components are configured to rotate the rotary drive structure, but it can be considered that Figure 3 also illustrates this type of embodiment. In this embodiment, the cable support structure 121 would operate as described above with respect to Figure 3, except that instead of an inner cable support structure, the cable support structure 121 would pull the cable section or flexible elements 124', 124''.

[0049] Referring to the embodiment and its operating position shown in Figure 3, when the inner cable support structure 122 begins to rotate counterclockwise, the cable section 124'' fixed at the exit location 1221 pulls the roller cylinder assembly 123' via the main upper roller cylinder 123, and as the main roller cylinder 123 rotates and the roller cylinder assembly 123' moves a shorter distance than the inner cable support structure 122 in a given time, the cable section 124'' continues to wrap around the outer surface of the inner cable support structure 122. As a result, when the rotation direction of the inner cable support structure 122 changes and a pushing force rather than a tensile force acts on the cable section 124'' at the exit location 1221, the cable section 124'' is spread out neatly on the outer surface of the inner cable support structure 122 and does not bend or wrinkle when being wound from it. This is because, while the main roller cylinder 123 moves in the opposite direction here and rotates in the opposite direction around itself, it continues to pull the cable section 124'', which is also fixed at the entrance location 1211, around itself while moving in the clockwise direction here.

[0050] From the above description of the structure in Figure 3, it is clear that it can be rotated in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions using two similarly configured cable arrangements.

[0051] When there are two physically separate cable sections 124', 124'', one can be configured, for example, as a power cable and the other as a data transfer cable.

[0052] According to one embodiment, at least one of the cable sections 124', 124'' is a flat cable. When using two such cables instead of one cable which would be wider, it is possible to design the overall structure such that the widthwise dimension of the flat cable is reduced.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the rotation of the roller cylinder assembly 123' is configured to be achieved by using two cable sections that generate movement in opposite directions. However, in one embodiment, only one cable section is used, as shown in Figure 4a, and the rotation in the opposite direction is achieved by using a part of another applicable structure, such as a structure that operates by spring force.

[0054] In several embodiments, the shape of the outer surface of the inner cable support structure 122 does not necessarily have to be circular, as shown in the structure in Figure 3, for example.

[0055] The preferred number of roller cylinders 123 used in the structure may depend on various factors. Furthermore, when the cable section 124 extends outside the surface of the roller cylinders between two separate adjacent roller cylinders 123, it is preferable to have a number of roller cylinders such that the cable section 124 does not touch the surface of the inner cable support structure 122.

[0056] If the rotation range of the imaging means 14 and 15 does not need to be as large as in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4, a shorter cable section than the one extending from the inlet to the outlet can be used accordingly. Alternatively, two or more roller cylinder assemblies 123' can be used to operate in succession, thereby making it possible to achieve a rotation range even larger than the approximately two rotations described above in one direction.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the surface of the roller cylinder includes a protruding edge or another shape designed to prevent the cable section or elongated flexible component 124', 124'' from falling therefrom.

[0058] In Figure 3, all cable fixing structures 1212, 1222 are shown very close to the inlet position 1211 and outlet position 1221, but this is not necessary, and the ends of cable sections 124', 124'' can be fixed in place elsewhere relative to the inner / outer cable support structure.

[0059] The embodiments described above can provide a stable cable structure when applied, for example, to a structure in which the direction of influence of the gravitational field may change.

[0060] Referring to Figure 5, as an example, a schematic overall side view of a component of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown, and in addition to what can be called the first elongated frame portion 11 described above, there is a second elongated frame portion 21 that is mechanically connected to the first elongated frame portion 11 and is essentially the same length as the first elongated frame portion 11.

[0061] In one embodiment, and further referring to Figure 5, an articulated connection structure 22 is positioned near the first ends of the first elongated frame portions 11, 12, mechanically connecting the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21, allowing the first elongated frame portion 11 to be tilted with respect to the second elongated frame portion 21 about at least one tilt axis. The at least one tilt axis is perpendicular to both the first and second directions described above, in which the elongated frame portion 11 and the support structure 12 extend. Or, in other words, the tilt axis may be an axis perpendicular to the direction in which the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend, and similarly, the direction in which the support structure 12 for the X-ray imaging assemblies 14, 15 extends longitudinally from the first frame portion 11.

[0062] In the embodiments shown in the figures and described in more detail herein, at least one inclination axis is horizontal. This should not be understood as meaning that the inclination axis must be horizontal.

[0063] In another embodiment, a mounting structure 23, which is not directly visible in Figure 5, is positioned on the side of the second elongated frame portion 21, connected to a joint connection structure 22. The mounting structure 23 is positioned to be movable along or parallel to the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0064] In another embodiment, for example, a locking mechanism 24 is positioned near the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21, configured to enable the connection and disconnection of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21. In particular, the locking mechanism 24 may be positioned 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 enable the connection and disconnection 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.

[0065] When the second elongated frame section 21 is stably mounted and the locking mechanism 24 is not connecting the first elongated frame section 11 and the second elongated frame section 21, the second end of the first elongated frame section 11 moves freely laterally, while the joint connection structure 22 between the frame section 11 and the frame section 21 allows the frame sections 11 and 21 to rotate the first elongated frame section 11 about a horizontal tilt axis near the first end of the first elongated frame section 11. In the vertical starting position, the movable mounting structure as described above allows the first end of the first elongated frame section 11 to move up and down.

[0066] Figure 6 shows the apparatus according to Figure 5 in a stage where the first end of the first elongated frame portion 11 is moving downward and the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 is moving horizontally on the surface. The apparatus may be configured to allow the first end of the first elongated frame portion 11 to descend to near the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0067] In yet another embodiment not directly visible in Figures 5 and 6, a drive mechanism 27 may be positioned to be functionally connected to the second elongated frame portion 21 and to drive the mounting structure 23 along or parallel to the second elongated frame portion 21. When mechanically connected to the first elongated frame portion 11, near its first end, the drive mechanism 27 can move the first end of the first elongated frame portion 11 in the direction in which the second elongated frame portion 21 extends.

[0068] The drive mechanism 27 for driving the mount structure 23 may have a similar configuration to the drive mechanism 17 for driving the support structure 12 of the X-ray imaging means 14 and 15 along or parallel to the first elongated frame portion 11.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the drive mechanism 27 that drives the mount structure 23 is equipped with a chain drive.

[0070] In other words, to illustrate some of the features described above, in an embodiment of the mechanical connection with the articulated joint structure 22, a mounting structure 23 is positioned on the side of the second elongated frame portion 21 so as to be movable along or parallel to the second elongated frame portion 21, thereby providing such a structure with a certain degree of freedom of movement along or parallel to the second frame portion 21, both with respect to the articulated joint structure 23 and to the first end of the first elongated frame portion 11 mechanically connected to the articulated joint structure 23.

[0071] In one embodiment, the mounting structure 23 is positioned to move along or parallel to the second elongated frame portion 21 for a distance at least essentially corresponding to the length of the first elongated frame portion 11, and the articulated connection structure 22 is positioned to allow the first elongated frame portion 11 to tilt between an orientation in which the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend essentially parallel to each other and an orientation in which the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend essentially perpendicular to each other.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 includes a displacement mechanism 25 that is not directly visible in the figures described above, and when the locking mechanism 24 disconnects the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21, it moves the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 a certain distance from the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0073] In one embodiment not shown in detail in the figure, as described above, the locking mechanism 24 comprises a motor drive structure and a motor drive structure having a meshing component on the side surface of the first elongated frame portion 11.

[0074] The locking mechanism 24 may further include a guide 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 moves toward the locking mechanism 24. In other words, the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves toward and approaches the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0075] In yet another embodiment, and as shown as an example in Figures 4 and 5, the first elongated frame portion 11 is provided with at least one wheel or roller 26 near its second end.

[0076] In another embodiment, instead of wheels or rollers, a structure designed to slide on a surface may be positioned at the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a more detailed embodiment relating to some of the features described above, further showing the second ends of the first elongated frame section 11 and the second elongated frame section 21 in their entirety, with the last end of the second end of the first elongated frame section 11 being cut off, partially and completely cut off, and partially only one wall being cut off, so what is called the rear wall 11' is still visible.

[0078] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 includes a displacement mechanism 25 comprising two toothed bars 31 mounted near the second end of the second elongated frame 21, extending essentially perpendicular to the direction in which the second end of the second elongated frame 21 extends, and two gears 32 mounted near the second end of the first elongated frame 11. The gears 32 are configured to fit with the toothed bars 31. Although two toothed bars and gears are shown, their number may be one or more.

[0079] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 further includes a displacement mechanism 25 comprising a displacement motor 33 functionally connected to the gear 32.

[0080] According to one embodiment, in order to operate the displacement mechanism 25, the control system of the apparatus may be configured to, in response to a control signal that changes the relative orientation of the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 when the first elongated frame portion 11 and the second elongated frame portion 21 extend essentially parallel to each other, operate the third drive mechanism 27 to first operate the displacement mechanism 25 so that the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves a certain distance away from the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21, and second operate the third drive mechanism 27 so that the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves a further distance away from the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21, thereby driving the mount structure 23 along or parallel to the second elongated frame portion 21 toward the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0081] The locking mechanism 24 shown in Figure 7 further includes a sensing element 29 configured to detect when a predetermined locking position is reached as the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves toward the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21.

[0082] The locking mechanism 24 shown in Figure 7 further includes a locking actuator 28, and the control system of the device may be configured to transmit a control signal to the locking actuator 28 in response to a control signal from a sensing element 29 indicating that a predetermined locking position has been reached when the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 moves toward the second end of the second elongated frame portion 21, thereby locking the second end of the first elongated frame portion 11 in the predetermined locking position.

[0083] The guiding structure according to the embodiment in Figure 7 comprises two guide rails 30, which are mounted from the first end near the second end of the second elongated frame section 21 and extend essentially perpendicular to the direction in which the second elongated frame section 21 extends, forming two guiding passages. Although two guide rails 30 are shown in Figure 7, the number of rails may be other numbers, but using only one rail may make it difficult to form passages that actually have a guiding function.

[0084] As shown in Figure 7, the first elongated frame section 11 is provided with two wheels or rollers 26 near its second end, spaced a first distance apart from each other, and the guiding structure is provided with two guide rails 30 that form two guiding passages at essentially the same first distance apart from each other, and the guide rails 30 are further provided with chamfers at the second ends so that the distance between the guiding passages at the ends of the passages is less than the first distance. Such a structure helps to guide the second end of the first elongated frame section 11 to find a designed passage for moving toward the second elongated frame section 21.

[0085] In one embodiment, as shown, for example in Figure 8, the support structure 12 for the imaging means 14, 15 in the form of a gantry does not essentially completely surround the imaging means 14, 15, but functions primarily or simply as a support structure, both as a structure for holding the imaging means 14, 15 and as a structure positioned in the gantry to drive the imaging means 14, 15 around an axis. This type of solution makes it possible to make the gantry lighter and to provide better access to the volume between the imaging means 14 and 15, both physically and by considering the area in which a clear line of sight can be obtained in its volume.

[0086] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a control system applicable to use in the apparatus according to this disclosure. Not all of these features are necessarily present in various embodiments. The control system according to Figure 9 is configured, firstly, to enable control of the operation of the X-ray source and the image detector. Components that control the operation of the X-ray source and the image detector may include components physically located in the X-ray source and / or the image detector and / or other locations within the apparatus.

[0087] The control system in Figure 9 further controls the drive means of the apparatus, which includes one or more means for moving the imaging means, its support structure, and the adjustment mechanism for the patient support. The control system may also control the drive of, for example, the mount structure described above. Furthermore, in the case of an apparatus equipped with an electric locking mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the first and second elongated frame sections, the control system may also control the drive means of the locking mechanism, such as the displacement motor and lock actuator described above. Overall, the control system may be configured to control all or any part of the operations described above. Input to the control system may be provided by a remote control. The structures and functions described above offer a variety of possibilities for patient positioning and imaging.

[0088] Overall, considering what has been described above in relation to embodiments such as those shown in Figures 3 and 4, such embodiments can be characterized as including, for example, the following: - A cable 124 extending into and inward from the first support structure 12, and further extending to at least one of the X-ray imaging means 14, 15, wherein the cable 124 transmits at least one of power and data, - An inner cable support structure 122 having an outer surface and an inner surface, with a virtual central axis 13 included in the inner surface, - A roller cylinder assembly 123' rotatably positioned outside the internal cable support structure 122 and comprising at least a first roller cylinder 123, wherein at least the first roller cylinder 123 is rotatable about itself, - An outer cable support structure 121 is located on the outside of the roller cylinder assembly 123', - A first inlet location 1211 and a first outlet location 1221 for a first section 124' of cable 124, wherein one of the first inlet location 1211 and the first outlet location 1221 is located in the inner cable support structure 122, and the other of the first inlet location 1211 and the first outlet location 1221 is located in the outer cable support structure 121, -Optionally, a first cable fixing structure 1212 is provided, located at or near the entrance or exit location 1211 or 1221 of the outer cable support structure 121, or connected to the outer cable support structure 121, in order to secure the cable 124 so that it does not move relative to the outer cable support structure 121. -Optionally, a second cable fixing structure 1222 is provided, located at or near the inlet or outlet location 1211 or 1221 of the internal cable support structure 122, in order to secure the cable 124 so that it does not move relative to the internal cable support structure 122, and is positioned on or connected to the internal cable support structure 122. -It is in the form of a rotary drive structure 160, or includes a first drive mechanism 16 including a rotary drive structure 160, -i) Either the inner cable support structure 122 or the outer cable support structure 121 is rotatably positioned on the first support structure 12, and the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 are mounted on the rotatable cable support structures 121, 122. -The rotary drive structure 160 is configured to generate rotation in a first direction using either i) the rotatable cable support structures 121, 122, or ii) the roller cylinder assembly 123'. -Considering the relative rotational positions of the inner cable support structure 122 and the outer cable support structure 121, and the relative assumed shortest distance from the first inlet location 1211 to the first outlet location 1221, the length of the section of cable 124 extending between the first cable fixing structure 1212 and the second cable fixing structure 1222 is at least the same as, or longer than, the required length for the first section of cable 124', extending the assumed shortest distance from the first inlet location 1211 to the first outlet location 1221, and further forming a partial loop around the first roller cylinder 123 at two or more relative rotational positions of the cable support structures 121, 122 and the rotatable roller cylinder assembly 123'.

[0089] Next, according to one embodiment, for example, considering instantaneous rotation in the first direction and the first roller cylinder 123, the first roller cylinder 123 has a front side facing the direction of movement in the first direction and a rear side opposite the front side, -When the rotary drive structure is configured to generate rotation in a first direction of the rotatable cable support structures 121, 122, the first section 124 of the cable 124' is assembled such that it can form the partial loop around the first roller cylinder 123 from the rear side of the first roller cylinder 123, and as a result, the first section 124 of the cable 124' pulls the roller cylinder assembly 123', while also causing rotation of the first roller cylinder 123, or - If the rotary drive structure is configured to generate rotation in a first direction of the rotatable roller cylinder assembly 123', the first section of the cable 123 is assembled such that it can form the partial loop around the first roller cylinder 123 from the front side of the first roller cylinder 123, and as a result, the first section 124 of the cable 124' pulls the rotatable cable support structures 121, 122, while also generating rotation of the first roller cylinder 123.

[0090] In another embodiment, for example, the length of the first section 124' of the cable 124 extending between the first inlet location 1211 and the first outlet location 1221 is sufficiently long to allow the first section 124' of the cable 124 to form the partial loop and to extend a distance on a virtual curved surface located between the inner cable support structure 122 and the outer cable support structure 121 that corresponds to an angular displacement on the virtual curved surface of several tens of degrees, or up to 360 degrees or approximately 360 degrees.

[0091] The inner cable support structure 122 may be circular, and the thickness of the roller cylinder assembly 123', the inner cable support structure 122, and the first section of the cable 124 is dimensionally determined so that the first section of the cable 124 contacts at least the first roller cylinder 123 of the roller cylinder assembly 123', and also contacts the outer surface of the inner cable support structure 122.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the rotary drive structure 160 is configured to generate rotation of the inner cable support structure 122.

[0093] In another embodiment, at least the first roller cylinder 123 includes a cylindrical outer surface and protruding edges or protruding elements at or near both edges of the cylindrical outer surface.

[0094] In one embodiment, the outer cable support structure 121 has a circular inner surface, and the roller cylinder assembly 123' includes a set of guide wheels 125 configured to support the roller cylinder assembly 123' by guide wheels 125 positioned to contact the circular inner surface of the outer cable support structure 121, and optionally, or alternatively, a similar or similarly functioning structure is positioned on the roller cylinder assembly 123' to provide support to the roller cylinder assembly 123' from the circular outer surface of the inner cable support structure 122.

[0095] The cable 124 inside the first section 124' of the cable wiring may be a flat cable or may include a flat cable.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the roller cylinder assembly 123' comprises at least seven roller cylinders 123, for example, ten roller cylinders 123, and / or optionally, the first roller cylinder 123 has larger physical dimensions than some or other parts of the other roller cylinders 123.

[0097] From another perspective, - A second inlet location 1211 and a second outlet location 1221, wherein the second inlet location 1211 includes a third cable fixing structure 1212 located on the outer cable support structure 121, and the second outlet location 1221 includes a fourth cable fixing structure 1222 located on the inner cable support structure 122, - The elongated flexible component 124'' is positioned to extend between the second inlet location 1211 and the second outlet location 1221, and is attached to the third cable fixing structure 1212 and the fourth cable fixing structure 1222. -Optionally, with respect to at least one of i) an elongated flexible component 124'', ii) a second inlet 1211 and a second outlet location 1221, and iii) a third cable fixing structure 1212 and a fourth cable fixing structure 1222, The elongated flexible component 124'' constitutes the second section 124'' of the cable 124, the second inlet location 1211 is the same as the first inlet location 1211, the second outlet location 1221 is the same as the first outlet location 1221, the third cable fixing structure 1212 is part of or the same as the first cable fixing structure 1212, and the fourth cable fixing structure 1222 is part of or the same as the second cable fixing structure 1222.

[0098] According to one embodiment, with respect to one of its structures, i) Cable support structures 121, 122, and ii) With respect to one of the roller cylinder assemblies 123', The rotary drive structure 160 is configured to rotate in a first direction, and the rotary drive structure 160 is configured to generate one further rotation of the structure in the opposite direction to the first direction. Considering two or more relative rotational positions of the inner cable support structure 122 and the outer cable support structure 121, and the assumed relative shortest distance from the second inlet location 1211 to the second outlet location 1221, the length of the section of the elongated flexible component 124'' extending between the third cable fixing structure 1212 and the fourth cable fixing structure 1222 is at least the same as, or longer than, the required length of the elongated flexible component 124'', extending the assumed shortest distance from the second inlet location 1211 to the second outlet location 1221, and further, at two or more relative rotational positions of the cable support structures 121, 122 and the rotatable roller cylinder assembly 123', it is possible to form a partial loop around the second roller cylinder 123 included in the roller cylinder assembly 123', where the second roller cylinder 123 is optionally the same as the first roller cylinder 123.

[0099] In one embodiment, considering instantaneous rotation in the first direction and the second roller cylinder 123, the second roller cylinder 123 has a front side facing the direction of movement in the first direction and a rear side opposite the front side. -When the rotary drive structure is configured to generate rotation in the opposite direction to the first direction of the rotatable cable support structures 121, 122, the elongated flexible component 124'' is assembled such that it can form the partial loop around the second roller cylinder 123 from the front of the second roller cylinder 123, and as a result the elongated flexible component 124'' pulls the roller cylinder assembly 123' while also causing the second roller cylinder 123 to rotate, If the rotary drive structure is configured to generate rotation in the opposite direction to the first direction of the rotatable roller cylinder assembly 123', the elongated flexible component 124'' is assembled such that it can form the partial loop around the second roller cylinder 123 from the rear side of the second roller cylinder 123, and as a result the elongated flexible component 124'' pulls the rotatable cable support structures 121, 122 while also generating rotation of the second roller cylinder 123.

[0100] In one embodiment, the length of the elongated flexible component 124'' of the cable 124 extending between the second inlet location 1211 and the first outlet location 1221, or the length of the second section 124'', is sufficiently long, allowing the elongated flexible component 124'' or the second section 124'' of the cable 124 to form the partial loop and to extend a distance on a virtual curved surface located between the inner cable support structure 122 and the outer cable support structure 121 that corresponds to an angular displacement on the virtual curved surface of several tens of degrees, or up to 360 degrees or approximately 360 degrees.

[0101] In another embodiment, the inner cable support structure 122 is circular, and the thickness of the roller cylinder assembly 123', the inner cable support structure 122, and the elongated flexible component 124'' or second section 124'' of the cable 124 is dimensionally determined so that the elongated flexible component 124'' or second section 124'' of the cable 124 contacts the second roller cylinder 123 of the roller cylinder assembly 123', as well as the outer surface of the inner cable support structure 122.

[0102] The second roller cylinder 123 may be the same as the first roller cylinder 123, and the elongated flexible component 124'' and the second section 124'' of the cable 124 are arranged to form partial loops around the first roller cylinder 123. These partial loops may be located on the first roller cylinder 123 at a lateral distance from each other.

[0103] In one embodiment, the elongated flexible component 124'' is a second section 124'' of the cable 124, wherein one of i) the first section 124' and ii) the second section 124'' of the cable 124 is a power cable and optionally a flat cable, and the other is a data cable and optionally a flat cable.

Claims

1. Dental or medical X-ray imaging equipment, - The first elongated frame section (11), - A first support structure (12) extending from the first elongated frame portion (11), - An X-ray source (14) and an image detector (15) that together form an X-ray imaging means (14, 15) mounted on the first support structure (12), - A cable (124) extending into the interior of the first support structure (12) and further extending to at least one of the X-ray imaging means (14, 15), wherein the cable (124) transmits at least one of power and data, - Equipped with a control system, The first support structure (12) is, - An inner cable support structure (122) having an outer surface and an inner surface, with a virtual central axis (13) on the inner surface, - A roller cylinder assembly (123') rotatably disposed outside the inner cable support structure (122) and including at least one first roller cylinder (123), wherein the at least one first roller cylinder (123) is rotatable, and the roller cylinder assembly (123'), - An outer cable support structure (121) is located outside the roller cylinder assembly (123'), - A first inlet position (1211) and a first outlet position (1221) for a first section (124') of the cable (124), wherein one of the first inlet position (1211) and the first outlet position (1221) is provided in the inner cable support structure (122) and the other is provided in the outer cable support structure (121), -Optionally, in order to immovably fix the cable (124) to the outer cable support structure (121), a first cable fixing structure (1212) is provided, which is positioned on or connected to the outer cable support structure (121), and is located at or near the inlet position (1211) or outlet position (1221) of the outer cable support structure (121), -Optionally, a second cable fixing structure (1222) is provided for immovably fixing the cable (124) to the inner cable support structure (122), either on or connected to the inner cable support structure (122), and located at or near the inlet position (1211) or outlet position (1221) of the inner cable support structure (122). - comprising a first drive mechanism (16) which takes the form of a rotary drive structure (160) or includes the rotary drive structure (160), -i) Either the inner cable support structure (122) or ii) the outer cable support structure (121) is rotatably positioned on the first support structure (12), and the X-ray imaging means (14, 15) is mounted on the rotatable cable support structure (121, 122), - The rotary drive structure (160) is configured to rotate either i) the rotatable cable support structure (121, 122) or ii) the roller cylinder assembly (123') in a first direction, - Considering the relative rotational positions of the inner cable support structure (122) and the outer cable support structure (121), and the corresponding shortest possible distance from the first inlet position (1211) to the first outlet position (1221), the length of the section of the cable (124) extending between the first cable fixing structure (1212) and the second cable fixing structure (1222) is at least the same length as, or longer than, the length required for the first section (124') of the cable (124) to extend the shortest possible distance from the first inlet position (1211) to the first outlet position (1221), and to form a partial loop around the first roller cylinder (123) at multiple relative rotational positions of the cable support structures (121, 122) and the rotatable roller cylinder assembly (123'), where the partial loop is a portion that curves and extends along a portion of the outer circumference of the roller cylinder and does not form a closed ring around the roller cylinder. The first support structure (12) further comprises: - A second inlet position (1211) and a second outlet position (1221), wherein the second inlet position (1211) includes a third cable fixing structure (1212) located on the outer cable support structure (121), and the second outlet position (1221) includes a fourth cable fixing structure (1222) located on the inner cable support structure (122), comprising a second inlet position (1211) and a second outlet position (1221), - The elongated flexible component (124'') is positioned to extend between the second inlet position (1211) and the second outlet position (1221), and is attached to the third cable fixing structure (1212) and the fourth cable fixing structure (1222). -i) with respect to at least one of the elongated flexible component (124''), ii) the second inlet position (1211) and the second outlet position (1221), and iii) the third cable fixing structure (1212) and the fourth cable fixing structure (1222), The elongated flexible component (124'') constitutes a second section (124'') of the cable (124), the second inlet position (1211) is the same as the first inlet position (1211), the second outlet position (1221) is the same as the first outlet position (1221), the third cable fixing structure (1212) is part of or the same as the first cable fixing structure (1212), the fourth cable fixing structure (1222) is part of or the same as the second cable fixing structure (1222), The dental or medical X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an outer cable support structure (121) having a circular inner surface, and a set of guide wheels (125) configured to support the roller cylinder assembly (123') by guide wheels (125) positioned to contact the circular inner surface of the outer cable support structure (121).

2. The first roller cylinder (123) has a front side facing the direction of movement in the first direction and a rear side opposite to the front side, - If the rotary drive structure is configured to rotate the rotatable cable support structure (121, 122) in the first direction, the first section (124') of the cable (124) is assembled to form the partial loop around the first roller cylinder (123) from the rear side, so that the first section (124') of the cable (124) rotates the first roller cylinder (123) while pulling the roller cylinder assembly (123'), or - The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the rotary drive structure is configured to rotate the rotatable roller cylinder assembly (123') in the first direction, the first section (124') of the cable (124) is assembled to form the partial loop around the first roller cylinder (123) from the front side, so that the first section (124') of the cable (124) pulls the rotatable cable support structure (121, 122) while rotating the first roller cylinder (123).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the first section (124') of the cable (124) extending between the first inlet position (1211) and the first outlet position (1221) is long enough to allow the first section (124') of the cable (124) to form the partial loop and to extend along a virtual curved surface located between the inner cable support structure (122) and the outer cable support structure (121).

4. The inner cable support structure (122) is circular, The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thickness of the roller cylinder assembly (123'), the inner cable support structure (122), and the first section (124') of the cable (124) is dimensionally set such that the first section (124') of the cable (124) is in contact with the outer surface of the inner cable support structure (122) when the first section (124') of the cable (124) is in contact with the at least one first roller cylinder (123) of the roller cylinder assembly (123').

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary drive structure (160) is configured to rotate the inner cable support structure (122).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first roller cylinder (123) comprises a cylindrical outer surface and protruding edges or protruding elements at or near both ends thereof.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cable (124) is a flat cable or includes a flat cable within its first section (124').

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the roller cylinder assembly (123') comprises at least seven roller cylinders (123), and the first roller cylinder (123) has larger physical dimensions than some or the rest of the other roller cylinders (123).

9. Structure, that is, i) The cable support structure (121, 122), and ii) With respect to one of the roller cylinder assemblies (123'), The rotary drive structure (160) is configured to rotate in the first direction, and the rotary drive structure (160) is configured to rotate one of the structures in the opposite direction to the first direction. Considering the multiple relative rotational positions of the inner cable support structure (122) and the outer cable support structure (121), and the corresponding shortest possible distance from the second inlet position (1211) to the second outlet position (1221), the length of the section of the elongated flexible component (124'') extending between the third cable fixing structure (1212) and the fourth cable fixing structure (1222) is such that the elongated flexible component (124'') can travel from the second inlet position (1211) to the second outlet position (1221). The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length is at least the same as, or longer than, the length required to extend the distance and to form a partial loop around a second roller cylinder (123) included in the roller cylinder assembly (123') at a plurality of mutual rotational positions of the cable support structure (121, 122) and the rotatable roller cylinder assembly (123'), wherein the second roller cylinder (123) is the same as the first roller cylinder (123).

10. The second roller cylinder (123) has a front side facing the direction of movement in the first direction and a rear side opposite to the front side, - If the rotary drive structure is configured to rotate the rotatable cable support structure (121, 122) in the opposite direction to the first direction, the elongated flexible component (124'') is assembled to form the partial loop around the second roller cylinder (123) from the front side, and as a result, the elongated flexible component (124'') pulls the roller cylinder assembly (123') while rotating the second roller cylinder (123), - The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, if the rotary drive structure is configured to rotate the rotatable roller cylinder assembly (123') in a direction opposite to the first direction, the elongated flexible component (124'') is assembled to form the partial loop around the second roller cylinder (123) from the rear side, and as a result, the elongated flexible component (124'') pulls the rotatable cable support structure (121, 122) while rotating the second roller cylinder (123).

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the length of the elongated flexible component (124'') extending between the second inlet position (1211) and the first outlet position (1221), or the length of the second section (124'') of the cable (124), is long enough to allow the elongated flexible component (124'') or the second section (124'') of the cable (124) to form the partial loop and to extend along a virtual curved surface located between the inner cable support structure (122) and the outer cable support structure (121).

12. The inner cable support structure (122) is circular, The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the thickness of the roller cylinder assembly (123'), the inner cable support structure (122), and the elongated flexible component (124''), or the thickness of the second section (124'') of the cable (124), is dimensionally set such that when the elongated flexible component (124'') or the second section (124'') of the cable (124) is in contact with the second roller cylinder (123) of the roller cylinder assembly (123'), it is also in contact with the outer surface of the inner cable support structure (122).

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second roller cylinder (123) is the same as the first roller cylinder (123), and the elongated flexible component (124'') and the second section (124'') of the cable (124) are arranged to form respective partial loops around the first roller cylinder (123), and these partial loops are arranged laterally spaced apart from each other on the first roller cylinder (123).

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the elongated flexible component (124'') is the second section (124'') of the cable (124), and one of i) the first section (124') and ii) the second section (124'') of the cable (124) is a power cable and the other is a data cable.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second elongated frame portion (21) having essentially the same length as the first elongated frame portion (11) and having a first end and a second end, wherein an articulated connection structure (22) is arranged near the first end of the first elongated frame portion (11) to mechanically connect the first elongated frame portion (11) and the second elongated frame portion (21), and to enable tilting of the first elongated frame portion (11) with respect to the second elongated frame portion (21) about at least one tilt axis, wherein the at least one tilt axis is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a mounting structure (23) is provided that is mechanically connected to the joint connection structure (22) and is positioned on the side of the second elongated frame portion (21) so as to be movable along or parallel to the second elongated frame portion (21), thereby providing the joint connection structure (22) and the first end of the first elongated frame portion (11) mechanically connected to the joint connection structure (22) with a degree of freedom of movement along or parallel to the second elongated frame portion (21).

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the mounting structure (23) is arranged to be movable along or parallel to the second elongated frame portion (21) for a distance at least essentially equivalent to the length of the first elongated frame portion (11), and the articulated connection structure (22) is arranged to allow the first elongated frame portion (11) to tilt between an orientation in which the first elongated frame portion (11) and the second elongated frame portion (21) extend substantially parallel to each other and an orientation in which the first elongated frame portion (11) and the second elongated frame portion (21) extend substantially orthogonally.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus comprises a patient support (18), the patient support (18) is mechanically connected to the first elongated frame portion (11), has a structure that extends substantially parallel to the first elongated frame portion (11), and has substantially the same length as the first elongated frame portion (11).

19. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the length of the elongated flexible component (124'') extending between the second inlet position (1211) and the first outlet position (1221), or the length of the second section (124'') of the cable (124), is long enough to allow the elongated flexible component (124'') or the second section (124'') of the cable (124) to form the partial loop and to extend along a virtual curved surface located between the inner cable support structure (122) and the outer cable support structure (121).

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a set of guide wheels positioned to contact the circular outer surface of the inner cable support structure (122) and providing support from the circular outer surface of the inner cable support structure (122) to the roller cylinder assembly (123').

Images