DE102018219541A1 - Guide bar for use in an energy chain, energy chain and medical imaging facility with an energy chain - Google Patents

Abstract

A guide web (10) for use in an energy guide chain (100) has a receptacle for at least one flexible line (18) between a first guide part (12) and a second guide part (14). The receptacle is formed in such a way that the flexible line (18) held therein is routed in a central area near the zero line of the energy chain (100). An energy guide chain (100) with at least one such guide web (10) and an imaging medical device (200) with at least one such energy guide chain (100) are also proposed

Description

The invention relates to a guide bar for use in an energy chain, an energy chain and an imaging medical device with such an energy chain.

In the field of mechanical engineering, energy guiding chains are known which are designed to protect flexible lines, such as current-carrying cables and / or pneumatic or hydraulic lines, from wear and / or mechanical damage when they are connected to a movably guided component. Such an energy guide chain typically has a plurality of chain links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, the joint axes of which, in particular, running parallel to one another generally enable pivoting over a defined, restricted angular range, in order to ensure that a predetermined minimum bending radius of the line guided in the energy guide chain is not undershot. Such energy supply chains are used, among other things, in the field of machine tools.

Imaging components of medical imaging devices, such as X-ray emitters or detectors, are often mounted so that they can move, for example, to capture projection images from different viewing directions. Other applications are tomography or tomosynthesis, in which projection data recorded from different directions are recorded in order to generate three-dimensional images. The power supply lines, in particular lines, must be arranged in such a way that the necessary rotational and longitudinal movements of the imaging components can be carried out. Some x-ray devices, such as C-arm x-ray devices, involve movements about several axes. The lines are usually mechanically stressed during the movements. Damage to the power supply due to wear can occur, particularly at articulation points.

It is also known to run several flexible lines in an energy supply chain, especially in levels or layers. Layers arranged one above the other, which can each comprise a plurality of flexible lines arranged next to one another, can be separated from one another, for example, by separating webs. Such dividers, however, take up a comparatively large amount of installation space, so that the cross section of the energy supply chain is not used optimally. In addition, there is a relative movement of flexible lines arranged in different positions if the energy supply chain is guided along a nonlinear, in particular a curved, contour. Such relative movements cause increased wear.

Starting from this prior art, the present invention has for its object to provide a low-wear cable routing.

This object is achieved by a guide bar for use in an energy guide chain with the features of patent claim 1, an energy guide chain with the features of patent claim 9 and an imaging medical device with the features of patent claim 14.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A guide bar for use in an energy guide chain has a receptacle for at least one flexible line, in particular a current-carrying cable or a pneumatic or hydraulic line, which is formed between a first guide part and a second guide part such that the flexible line held in the receptacle in a central area near the zero line (also: neutral fiber) of the energy chain.

The zero line or the neutral fiber of the energy supply chain is to be regarded as the cross-sectional area of the energy supply chain that does not change or changes only insignificantly during the intended movement of the energy supply chain along a predetermined contour or trajectory. The terminology is chosen in analogy to the strength theory of bending beams. The energy supply chain has, for example, a plurality of chain links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and are designed to accommodate the at least one flexible line at least in sections. The freedom of movement of the energy chain is determined in particular by its flexibility and / or by the design of the articulated connections connecting the chain links. For example, minor twists around the central longitudinal axis of the energy supply chain can be regarded as negligible or insignificant. The central longitudinal axis of the energy chain can typically extend at least in sections along a curved contour. In typical configurations, the neutral fiber or zero line is specified, in particular, by the central longitudinal plane of the energy chain, the central longitudinal plane containing the central longitudinal axis of the energy chain and running parallel to joint axes which are defined by the joint connections mentioned above.

The phrase that the flexible line held in the receptacle is routed in a central region near the zero line of the energy supply chain is to be understood in particular to mean that the cross section of the at least one flexible line received between the first and the second guide part is symmetrical to the zero line at least is arranged in the region of the guide web. The guide web forms, in particular, an insert or an insert for the energy chain in such a way that the flexible line guided in the energy supply chain is guided at least in sections in the central area near the zero line, so that damage to the flexible lines due to expansion or compression during movement of the energy supply chain can be avoided along a curved path. The guide web thus serves to guide the at least one flexible line within the energy chain in a defined manner in order to minimize wear.

In preferred configurations, the guide web has at least two receptacles for at least two flexible lines between the first guide part and the second guide part. The receptacles are formed such that the flexible lines held in the receptacles are routed in a central area near the zero line of the energy chain. The receptacles for the at least two flexible lines are arranged in particular in one plane. In embodiments, more than two receptacles for more than two flexible lines are formed in one plane. Because all flexible lines are held in a single position or plane, which is located in a central area near the zero line, relative movements of the flexible lines can be largely avoided even when the energy chain along a curved contour.

The receptacles formed between the first and the second guide part can be designed in different ways. In possible configurations, the first and / or second guide part is or is at least partially deformable in such a way that this or this adapts or adapts at least in sections to the cross-section thereof to accommodate the at least one flexible line. For example, the first and second guide parts have mutually facing, in particular lip-like and at least sectionally deformable sections, between which the at least one flexible line is held clampingly. The use of such lip-like components has the particular advantage that they can automatically adapt to flexible lines with different cross sections. In particular, the non-positive and / or positive connection of flexible lines with different cross-sectional diameters is made possible.

In embodiments, the first and / or second guide part is or are formed at least in sections from a deformable plastic material, rubber material or foam material. For example, mutually facing sections of the first and second guide parts are formed from such a material. Otherwise, the guide web can be formed from more rigid materials, in particular plastic materials. In other configurations, the first and the second guide part are formed entirely from a deformable plastic material, such as a rubber or foam material.

In embodiments, the first and / or second guide part have or have recesses for receiving the at least one flexible line. The recesses are intended to accommodate the at least one flexible line.

In embodiments, the first and the second guide part have at least two oppositely arranged, in particular essentially U-shaped or semicircular, recesses. The U-shaped or semicircular recesses are in particular each arranged on the edge and in the final assembled state of the guide web form at least one receptacle for the at least one flexible line in the assembled state.

In embodiments, the first and the second guide part have a plurality of recesses which are formed next to one another, in particular essentially U-shaped or semicircular, the recesses of the first guide part being arranged opposite the recesses of the second guide part. In this way, the receptacles arranged next to one another for the flexible lines routed within the energy guide chain in the region of the zero line are each formed in sections by opposite recesses. The shape of the recesses preferably corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the flexible lines to be accommodated. The receptacles formed by the recesses are designed, for example, for the form-fitting fixing of the flexible lines.

Embodiments which enable a fixing of a plurality of flexible lines arranged next to one another are particularly advantageous also with regard to simplified assembly, since the guide webs can be preassembled for assembly without the need for an occupancy plan for the cable harnesses. This can reduce the lead time.

The first guide part can be fastened to the second guide part by means of conventional connecting means, such as in particular by means of screw connections, retaining bolts, fastening clips or the like, in particular after inserting the flexible line or lines into the intermediate area between the first and the second guide part. In embodiments, the first guide part can be connected to the second guide part by means of a releasable or non-releasable latching connection, for example by means of clips or the like.

An energy chain (also: energy chain, E chain, drag chain) with a plurality of chain links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner for receiving longitudinal sections of at least one flexible line comprises at least one guide web already described above, which is arranged in particular in an inner region of the energy chain. The at least one flexible line is received between the first guide part and the second guide part of the guide web in such a way that the flexible line is guided at least in sections in a central area near the zero line of the energy chain.

In various configurations of the invention, the at least one guide web is attached to a fixed position or in a floating manner. A floating attachment is understood to mean, in particular, an attachment which enables the guide web to be displaced over at least a section of the energy guide chain along its central longitudinal axis. In this sense, the guide web is attached to the energy chain with axial play.

In advantageous refinements, the energy guide chain comprises a plurality of guide webs, spaced apart from one another along the energy guide chain, for guiding the at least one flexible line. The guide webs can, for example, be regularly spaced apart. In this way, it can be achieved that the flexible line or lines guided within the energy guide chain is or are kept in the area near the zero line over substantially its entire length or lengths.

The at least one flexible line guided within the energy guide chain is received in possible configurations between the first and the second guide part of the at least one guide web used and is held in a non-positive and / or positive manner. The above-described receptacle, in particular formed by recesses, corresponds, for example, with respect to its cross section to that of the accommodated flexible line.

In possible exemplary embodiments, the energy guide chain is configured in such a way that a plurality of flexible lines are accommodated between the first guide part and the second guide part of the guide web. The recording is preferably carried out in such a way that the flexible lines are routed at least in sections in a central area near the zero line of the energy chain.

The energy supply chain can be designed, for example, as an open or closed energy supply chain. In particular in the case of configurations in which rapid rotational movement is required, such as in the case of rapidly rotating imaging components of medical imaging, open energy chains are preferred in order to minimize the inertia. This applies in particular to the area of medical imaging devices which are provided for capturing projection images for three-dimensional imaging, for example for tomography or tomosynthesis.

An imaging medical device, in particular an X-ray device, such as an X-ray device for angiography or mammography, a C-arm X-ray device or a computer tomograph, is equipped in particular with at least one imaging component for generating image data of an examination object, in particular patients, stored in an examination area, which is concerned with the Examination area is pivotally mounted, at least one flexible line connected to the imaging component being guided in at least the energy guide chain already described above.

The movably mounted imaging component comprises, for example, an x-ray detector, an x-ray emitter and / or an aperture unit. In configurations, the movably mounted imaging component can in particular be pivotable about an axis of rotation or a plurality of axes of rotation, for example with respect to a ceiling-mounted or floor-mounted X-ray stand.

In possible exemplary embodiments, the imaging medical device has at least one imaging component which can be pivoted about an axis of rotation running through the examination area, in particular about an orbital and / or an angular axis of rotation. Rapid orbital movements of the imaging component, in particular about the orbital axis of rotation, are common, for example, when generating three-dimensional image data of the examination object, in particular in the context of tomography or tomosynthesis, in order to, for example, influence organ movements or other changes in position during the Minimize image capture. Such rapid movements are generally accompanied by strong mechanical stress on the flexible lines or cable strands, which are at least indirectly connected to the moving, in particular rotating, imaging component. The use of guide webs for the defined cable routing of the flexible lines in such a way that they run at least in sections in an area near the zero line can reduce or minimize the mechanical stress on the cable harness. The cables arranged within the energy chain are therefore well protected against wear.

In possible configurations, the imaging medical device comprises at least two energy supply chains which run parallel to one another at least in sections and which can be arranged at least in sections circumferentially about an axis of rotation. At least one flexible line, which is guided in an energy guide chain that is radially inner with respect to the axis of rotation, preferably has a diameter (also: cross-sectional diameter) that is smaller than that diameter of at least one further flexible line, which is located in an energy guide chain that is radially outer with respect to the axis of rotation is led. In other words, the flexible lines of the cable harness are guided in several energy supply chains, for example, in such a way that the flexible lines with the largest diameter or the largest diameters run in the radially outer energy supply chain, which has the largest radius of curvature. Flexible cables or cables with smaller cross-sectional diameters can be routed in internal energy chains with smaller radii of curvature. Such a division and routing of the flexible lines of the cable harness can reduce wear.

• 1: einen Führungssteg zum Einsatz in einer Energieführungskette in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 2: ein erstes Führungsteil des Führungsstegs der 1;
• 3: ein zweites Führungsteil des Führungsstegs der 1;
• 4 drei Energieführungsketten mit jeweils darin eingelegten Führungsstegen in einer Querschnittsdarstellung;
• 5 eine bildgebende medizinische Einrichtung mit den drei Energieführungsketten der 3 in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung.

For a further description of the invention, reference is made to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing figures. In a schematic representation:

• 1 : a guide bar for use in an energy chain in a perspective view;
• 2nd : a first guide part of the guide bridge of the 1 ;
• 3rd : a second guide part of the guide bridge of the 1 ;
• 4th three energy chains with crossbars in each case inserted in a cross-sectional representation;
• 5 an imaging medical facility with the three energy chains of the 3rd in a schematic sectional view.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

1 shows a guide bridge 10th for use in a cable drag chain 100 in a perspective view. The boardwalk 10th comprises a first and a second guide part 12 , 14 which in greater detail in the 2nd respectively. 3rd are shown.

The first and second management bridges 12 , 14 each have a plurality of recesses which are arranged next to one another and are essentially U-shaped 16 with different diameters. The recordings 16 serve to include in the energy chain 100 guided flexible lines 18th .

The first and second management bridges 12 , 14 can be attached to each other using snap-in connections. Recesses 16 of the first guide part 12 are corresponding recesses 16 of the second guide part 14 arranged opposite each other with the same diameter, so that in the assembled state (cf. in particular 1 ) continuous, essentially circular or O-shaped receptacles for receiving flexible lines 18th are formed with the appropriate diameter. The flexible lines 18th can thus be held positively, in particular in the recordings.

The flexible lines 18th are electrical lines or cables of a cable harness. In other embodiments, the flexible lines can 18th also include pneumatic or hydraulic lines.

For locking the first guide part 12 on the second guide part 14 has the first latching lugs arranged on the edge 20th on, in the assembled state in correspondingly complementary locking receptacles 22 of the second guide part 14 intervene positively.

The first and second guide parts 12 , 14 take about half of those in the energy chain when assembled 100 available height H (cf. for example 4th ). The added flexible lines 18th are thus regarding the energy supply chain 100 guided in such a way that their centers are at least in the area of the guide bars 10th in the central longitudinal plane M the energy chain 100 lie.

The median longitudinal plane M the energy chain 100 can, as exemplified in 5 shown, run curved. The median longitudinal plane M runs in the illustrated embodiment along the zero line or the neutral fiber. The within the energy chain 100 led at least one flexible line 18th is thus from the management bridge 10th kept in a range of the zero line in order to reduce mechanical stress.

The energy chain 100 further comprises a plurality of chain links articulated to one another 101 which is a movement of the energy chain 100 allow along a curved contour. The chain links 101 of energy chains 100 take longitudinal sections of the flexible lines 18th on.

In the in 4th and 5 The embodiment shown are three energy chains 100 shown, which run parallel to each other at least in sections and circumferentially in each case around axes of rotation D1 , D2 are arranged. The energy chains 100 serve to compensate for a rotary movement. How especially out 4th can be seen, in particular in terms of the axes of rotation D1 , D2 radially inner energy chain 100 flexible lines 18th with a small cross-sectional diameter. Flexible lines 18th with the largest diameters in relation to the axes of rotation D1 , D2 radially outer energy chain 100 guided. Several along the respective energy chain 100 distributed guide bars 10th keep the flexible lines 18th or cables in the area of the respective zero line. The boardwalks 10th are on the respective energy supply chain 100 floating or attached to fixed predetermined positions.

5 shows in particular a section through an imaging medical device 200 . At least one imaging component, not shown, is about the axis of rotation D1 rotatably mounted. The ones in the energy chains 100 guided flexible lines 18th are used, among other things, to supply power to the imaging component. The axis of rotation D1 is an angular axis of rotation of a C-arm X-ray device in the exemplary embodiment which is only shown by way of example and is not to be understood as restrictive.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted thereby. Other variations and combinations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential spirit of the invention.

Claims (16)

Guide web (10) for use in an energy guide chain (100), a receptacle for at least one flexible line (18) being formed between a first guide part (12) and a second guide part (14) in such a way that the flexible line held in the receptacle (18) in a central area near the zero line of the energy chain (100). Guide bar (10) after Claim 1 , wherein at least two receptacles for at least two flexible lines (18) are formed between the first guide part (12) and the second guide part (14) in such a way that the flexible lines (18) held in the receptacles in a central area near the zero line of the Energy chain (100) are guided. Guide bar (10) after Claim 1 or 2nd , wherein the first and / or second guide part (12, 14) is or are at least partially deformable in such a way that they adapt or adapt at least in sections to the cross section of the at least one flexible line (18). Guide bar (10) after Claim 3 , wherein the first and / or second guide part (12, 14) is or are formed at least in sections from a deformable plastic material, rubber material or foam material. Guide web (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second guide part (12, 14) has or have recesses (16) for receiving the at least one flexible line (18). Guide bar (10) after Claim 5 , The first and the second guide part (12, 14) have at least two oppositely arranged, in particular essentially U-shaped recesses (16). Guide bar (10) after Claim 5 or 6 , the first and the second guide part (12, 14) having a plurality of recesses (16) arranged next to one another, in particular essentially U-shaped, the recesses (16) of the first guide part (12) being the recesses (16) of the second guide part (14) are arranged opposite each other. Guide bar (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide part (12) can be connected to the second guide part (14) by means of a releasable or non-releasable latching connection (20, 22). Energy guiding chain (100) with a plurality of articulated chain links (101) for receiving longitudinal sections of at least one flexible line (18) and at least one guide web (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the at least one flexible line (18) between the first guide part (12) and the second guide part (12) of the guide web (10) is accommodated in such a way that the flexible line (18) is guided at least in sections in a central area near the zero line of the energy chain (100). Energy chain (100) according to Claim 9 , wherein the at least one guide web (10) with respect to the energy chain (100) is fixed to a fixed position or floating. Energy chain (100) according to Claim 9 or 10th , with a plurality of guide webs (10), spaced apart from one another along the energy guide chain (100), for guiding the at least one flexible line (18). Energy chain (100) according to one of the Claims 9 to 11 The at least one flexible line (18) received between the first and the second guide part (12, 14) is held in a non-positive and / or positive manner. Energy chain (100) according to one of the Claims 9 to 12 A plurality of flexible lines (18) are received between the first guide part (12) and the second guide part (14) of the guide web (10) in such a way that the flexible lines (18) at least in sections in a central area near the zero line of the energy chain ( 100) are performed. Imaging medical device (200), in particular x-ray device, in particular with at least one imaging component for generating image data of an examination object stored in an examination area, in particular patients, which is pivotably mounted around the examination area, at least one flexible line, in particular connected to the imaging component ( 18) in at least one energy chain (100) according to one of the Claims 9 to 13 is led. Imaging medical facility (200) after Claim 14 , The at least one imaging component being pivotable about an axis of rotation (D1, D2) running through the examination area, in particular about an orbital and / or an angular axis of rotation. Imaging medical facility (200) after Claim 14 or 15 , At least two energy guide chains (100) running parallel to one another at least in sections can be arranged at least in sections circumferentially about an axis of rotation (D1, D2), with at least one flexible line (18) in an energy guide chain (100) lying radially inward with respect to the axis of rotation (D1, D2) ), the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of at least one further flexible line (18) which is guided in an energy guide chain (100) which is radially outer with respect to the axis of rotation (D1, D2).

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