DE102014200055B4 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

Imaging device which is designed either as an X-ray device or as a computer tomograph and has a detector (6) and an X-ray source with a cooling liquid accommodated in a housing (2), characterized in that a superabsorbent material (21) is introduced into the interior of the housing (2) is.

Description

The invention relates to an imaging device with an x-ray source with a cooling liquid accommodated in a housing.

Conventional X-ray sources or tubes essentially consist of a vacuum chamber with a housing in which a cathode and an anode are enclosed. The cathode acts as a negative electrode that releases electrons to the positive anode. An electric field between the anode and cathode attracts the electrons from the anode and accelerates them strongly. The anode typically consists of a metal, for example tungsten, molybdenum or palladium. When the electrons bombard the anode, most of their energy is converted into heat. Only a fraction of the kinetic energy can be converted into X-ray photons, which are emitted by the anode in the form of X-rays. The X-ray beam generated in this way leaves the vacuum chamber through a radiolucent window made of a material with a low atomic number.

X-ray tubes have become indispensable for applications in industrial and medical imaging as well as for therapeutic treatments. All X-ray imaging techniques take advantage of the fact that different materials absorb X-rays differently. Conventional X-ray imaging methods produce a two-dimensional projection of a three-dimensional object. As a result, the spatial resolution is lost along the direction of propagation of the X-ray beam.

The X-ray source is enclosed by a housing, often also designed as a so-called single-tank housing. In order to ensure that no liquid, especially cooling liquid, can run out of the housing, it is possible that sensors for detecting the fill level of the liquid are introduced into the housing. It is also possible to incorporate temperature sensors into the cooling circuit. In order to keep leaked liquid inside the housing cover, the housing cover is sealed with sealing lips and sealing compound.

From the DE 10 2012 009 999 A1 a filter device for absorbing the water content in a liquid, in particular a fuel with a water content, is known which has an absorption material and a bypass for bypassing the absorption material in a housing.

From the DE 11 2008 000 011 B4 a disposable absorbent article, for example a diaper, comprising absorbent particulate polymer material is known.

Proceeding from this prior art, the invention is based on the object of improving the detection of liquid leakage and the sealing of housings of the type mentioned at the beginning.

The object is achieved by devices according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous refinements of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims or can be found in the following description and the exemplary embodiments.

The invention claims an imaging device which is designed either as an X-ray device or as a computer tomograph and has a detector and an X-ray source with a cooling liquid accommodated in a housing, characterized in that a superabsorbent material is introduced into the interior of the housing.

By introducing an absorbent material, in particular a superabsorbent material, also called superabsorbent, into the interior of the housing, it is ensured that no (cooling) liquid can leak out. Superabsorbents (also known as superabsorbent polymers, SAP) are special plastics or a special material. A superabsorbent absorbs liquid in a multiple amount of its own volume without releasing it again. The coloring on contact or contact with cooling liquid enables an impending fault to be recognized. The superabsorber is either glued into an inner skin or applied over a large area like an insulation layer. This layer is only a few millimeters thick. An example of application for superabsorbents are diapers for babies.

The invention claims a housing for a system with liquid comprising an interior area in which a superabsorbent material is introduced. The system with liquid is designed as an imaging device that requires cooling liquid to cool components that are warming up. This prevents liquid from leaking out. And when dry, the superabsorbent material can be attached to save space.

The superabsorbent material can be detachably or non-detachably attached or fastened or fixed to the wall of the housing in the interior area. It is preferably applied or glued to the wall of the housing in the interior area with an adhesive.

Superabsorbent material is designed so that it changes color on contact with liquid.

The housing can have one or more openings at one or more locations so that the superabsorbent material is visible from the outside area.

This means that an indicator, e.g. color and at least one viewing opening or window, shows immediately that the system is in an error state.

The housing can be designed as a single-tank housing.

The invention claims an imaging device having an X-ray source which is enclosed with a housing of the aforementioned type.

The imaging device can be designed either as an X-ray device or as a computer tomograph.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following explanations of an exemplary embodiment with the aid of a schematic drawing.

• 1 eine typische bildgebende Vorrichtung z.B. in Form einer Röntgenvorrichtung,
• 2 eine nähere schematische Darstellung des Gehäuses mit erfindungsgemäßen Öffnungen und
• 3 einen Ausschnitt des Gehäuses bzw. einen Teil der Gehäusewand bzw. -verkleidung, an der das Superabsorbermaterial angebracht bzw. befestigt ist.

Show:

• 1 a typical imaging device, e.g. in the form of an X-ray device,
• 2 a more detailed schematic representation of the housing with openings according to the invention and
• 3 a section of the housing or a part of the housing wall or casing to which the superabsorbent material is attached or fastened.

The figure shows an X-ray device 1 in the form of a mobile C-arm device with a housing 2 , in which all components for generating an X-ray radiation are housed. The case 2 can also be referred to as "one tank". The interior of the housing is marked with the reference number 3 marked. The case 2 is preferably at least partially made of lead in order to protect the environment from unwanted X-ray leakage.

Another imaging device is also conceivable or a computer tomograph is conceivable. Furthermore, other devices, e.g. industrial systems with (cooling) liquid, are also conceivable.

The X-ray device 1 has an X-ray tube or X-ray source with an opposing detector 4th which, in the case of a mobile C-arm device, are connected to a so-called C-arm 4th are attached. X-ray source and detector are arranged in such a way that a patient to be penetrated with X-ray radiation can be positioned between the two and both units can be rotated around a patient, so that several recordings are possible from different angles.

The X-ray device can be connected to a PC via a data line 5 being controlled. Read out detector output data can also be processed on the PC.

Medical X-ray diagnostics is ultimately based on the fact that the object to be imaged, e.g. a patient, is penetrated by X-rays and that the intensity of the X-rays is weakened locally. The measurement of the attenuation of the X-ray radiation allows conclusions to be drawn about the object to be imaged.

3 shows a section of the housing or a part of the housing wall or casing to which the superabsorbent material is attached or fastened.

According to the invention, it is used indoors 3 of the housing absorbent material, in particular a superabsorbent 21 , introduced or glued to the wall or cladding of the housing, as exemplified in 3 is indicated. The absorbent material changes color when it comes into contact with the liquid and can absorb the liquid completely.

In a further development of the invention, one or more openings can be made in the housing wall 11 be introduced, which for example in 2 can be seen. 2 shows a more detailed schematic representation of the housing with the openings according to the invention 11 . Due to the discoloration or the color indicator of the absorbent material introduced, the outside of the cladding with the help of the openings 11 or window, an immediate leakage of the liquid or leaks in the system are made visible.

List of reference symbols

1

C-arm device

2

Housing of an X-ray source

3

Indoor

4th

C-arm

5

Pc

6th

X-ray receiver or detector

11

opening

21

Superabsorbent material

Claims (7)

Imaging device which is designed either as an X-ray device or as a computer tomograph and has a detector (6) and an X-ray source with a cooling liquid accommodated in a housing (2), characterized in that a superabsorbent material (21) is introduced into the interior of the housing (2) is. Imaging device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the superabsorbent material (21) is detachably attached to a wall of the housing (2) in the inner region (3). Imaging device according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the superabsorbent material (21) is fixed to the wall of the housing (2) in the interior (3). Imaging device according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the superabsorbent material (21) is glued to the wall of the housing (2) in the interior (3). Imaging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the superabsorbent material (21) is designed in such a way that it changes color on contact with the cooling liquid. Imaging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) has one or more openings (11) at one or more points so that the superabsorbent material (21) is visible from the outside. Imaging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) is designed as a single-tank housing.

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