Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
  • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
  • A61B6/4429—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units
  • A61B6/4452—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units the source unit and the detector unit being able to move relative to each other
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
  • A61B6/10—Safety means specially adapted therefor
  • A61B6/102—Protection against mechanical damage, e.g. anti-collision devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
  • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
  • A61B6/4429—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units
  • A61B6/4435—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units the source unit and the detector unit being coupled by a rigid structure
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
  • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
  • A61B6/4429—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units
  • A61B6/4435—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units the source unit and the detector unit being coupled by a rigid structure
  • A61B6/4441—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to the mounting of source units and detector units the source unit and the detector unit being coupled by a rigid structure the rigid structure being a C-arm or U-arm

Definitions

• X-ray apparatus comprising a movable arm
• the invention relates to X-ray apparatus, in particular X-ray radiography.
• a movable arm In most x-ray machines, a movable arm is slidably mounted along a vertical column whose base is fixed to the ground. The movable arm may further rotate about an axis oriented perpendicular to the main direction of the column. The combination of translational movement and rotation of the arm can cause an impact of the latter with the ground, which is undesirable, especially because of the sensitivity of the source and the detector at the ends of the arm.
• the relatively high weight of the arm requires a relatively high effort of the user when the latter must move it.
• the high inertia induced by its movement also increases the risk of not being able to stop the movement of the arm sufficiently early, in particular to avoid a shock with the ground.
• Shock can also occur when moving the source along the arm. Such a movement changes the distribution of the total mass along the arm, which can result in an accidental rotation of the arm, and thus a shock of one of its ends with the ground. There is therefore a need to avoid the shocks described above.
• the present invention makes it possible in particular to remedy the aforementioned problems.
• the present invention overcomes the problems mentioned in the previous chapter and relates to an X-ray apparatus according to claim 1.
• a medical imaging apparatus more specifically an X-ray apparatus as defined in the claims which comprises a support column and a movable arm articulated on the column or slidably mounted along the column.
• the arm includes a first support device adapted to carry a radiation source and a second support device capable of carrying an X-ray detector, the first or second device being movable along the arm.
• the apparatus further comprises anti-rotation means configured to limit or prevent rotation of the arm relative to the column and / or braking means configured to brake the movement of the arm along the column to avoid a collision. from the arm to the ground.
• the apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to limit the overall movement of the arm in a very simple manner, without an external system placed on the floor or the ceiling and without excessive limitation of the movement.
• the existing systems are complex and usually constructed so that the source and detector move simultaneously or a counterweight system is activated so that the torque generated by the eccentric weight of the system remains low and a rotation of the arm towards the ground is avoided.
• the system proposed by the present invention makes it possible to ensure, mechanically and reliably, that
• the source can only be moved away from the detector when the arm is in a horizontal position.
• the rotation is mechanically locked by interference during the movement away from the source.
• a complementary system based, for example, on the use of a roller and a guide makes it possible to ensure a smooth and smooth transition between the authorized movement of rotation and extension of the arm.
• the invention will be better understood hereinafter by means of examples. The invention is not limited to these examples.
• FIG. 1 illustrates an X-ray apparatus according to the invention comprising means for avoiding the shocks of the system with the ground;
• FIG. 2 represents a radiography apparatus according to the invention illustrating the positions occupied by the arm during a tilting movement which are authorized by the locking means present;
• FIG. 3a illustrates a first situation where the arm is closest to the ground and where its rotation is prevented by the locking means so that the arm does not collide with the ground
• Figure 3b illustrates a second situation where the arm is farthest from the ground and where its rotation is possible to the illustrated position is possible;
• FIG. 3c illustrates a second situation where the arm is in an intermediate position with respect to the ground and where its rotation is prevented in part by the locking means so that the arm does not collide with the ground;
• Figure 3d is a sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure 3a along the axis A-A of Figure 3a;
• Figure 4 illustrates a one-way braking mechanism of the present invention configured to brake / block movement of the arm along the column;
• Figure 5 illustrates a bidirectional braking system of the present invention configured to brake / block movement of the arm along the column;
• Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the braking system of Figure 5;
• Figure 7 illustrates another aspect of the present invention and an X-ray apparatus according to the invention, particularly the movement of a source away from a detector is illustrated;
• FIG. 8 represents a sectional view of an arm of the imaging apparatus according to the invention and a system for blocking the removal of the source and the rotation of the arm in a situation where the arm is at horizontal and where the distance from the source is permitted;
• FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of an arm of the imaging apparatus according to the invention and the system for blocking the removal of the source and the rotation of the arm in a situation where the arm is not not horizontally and where the distance from the source is not allowed
• FIG. 10 is another sectional view of the arm of an imaging apparatus according to the invention and the system for blocking the removal of the source and the rotation of the arm in a situation where the arm is not horizontally and where the distance from the source is not allowed;
• FIG. 11 represents a sectional view of the arm of an imaging apparatus according to the invention and the system for blocking the distance of the source and the rotation of the arm in a situation where the arm is horizontal. and where the distance from the source is permitted;
• FIG. 12 represents a sectional view of the arm of an imaging apparatus according to the invention in a situation identical to that illustrated in FIG. 11, furthermore with the locking of the rotation of the arm;
• FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view of the arm of an imaging apparatus according to the invention in a horizontal position where the source is moved in order to move it away from the detector (movement on the right according to the figure) and where the rotation is blocked by the blocking system;
• Figure 14 is a front view of the arm shown in Figure 13.
• Figure 1 illustrates the X-ray apparatus (or medical imaging apparatus) 1 according to the invention.
• the apparatus 1 comprises a support column 3, a mobile arm 5 mounted and articulated on the column 3.
• the arm 5 can slide along the column 3 and rotate about an axis oriented perpendicular to the direction of the column 3.
• the arm 5 further comprises a first support device DSI adapted to carry a radiation source 7 on a first side of the arm and a second support device DS2 capable of carrying a detector 9 on a second side of the arm.
• the first or second support device is movable and can move along the arm 5.
• the radiography system 1 further comprises anti-rotation means 11 (see FIG. 3) configured to limit or prevent the rotation of the arm 5 with respect to the support column 3 in order to avoid a collision of the arm with the ground and therefore damage to the x-ray machine 1.
• the anti-rotation means 11 are configured to differentially limit the rotation of the arm 5 according to the position of the latter along the column 3.
• FIG. 2 illustrates different positions of the arm as well as the different possible rotations of the arm 5 according to the positioning along the support column 3.
• the anti-rotation means 11 are configured to limit the rotation of the arm 5 relative to the column 3, the arm being maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the column 3 and its permitted angle of rotation being very low, see zero.
• the anti-rotation means 11 When the arm is in an upper position H, closer to the top of the support column 3 so further from the ground, the anti-rotation means 11 does not limit or little rotation of the arm 5, the latter can rotate to a position substantially parallel to column 3.
• FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate in greater detail the anti-rotation mechanism or means 11 of the first variant of the radiography apparatus 1 according to the invention as well as the lower B, intermediate M and upper H.
• the anti-rotation means 11 include a system composed of a first guide (or guiding device) 13a, a second guide (or guiding device) 13b, and a third guide (or guiding device ) 13c disposed substantially in a direction substantially parallel to the main direction of the column (substantially vertical to the ground), the first guide 13a and the third guide 13c extending further than the second guide 13b on an upper part of the column and defining an angle of rotation of the arm in its upper position.
• the first guide 13a and the third guide 13c are connected to or fixed to the column 3.
• the second guide 13b is connected or fixed to the column 3 and kept at a distance from the first guide 13a by an extension body CB of the column 3.
• the anti-rotation means 11 also comprise two rollers 15, the two rollers 15 being able to move along the guides 13a, 13b, 13c and the roller on the same side as the guide 13b can move between the guide 13a and 13b.
• the guide 13a, 13b, 13c is, for example, a U-shaped conduit (see Figure 3d) adapted to receive the roller 15.
• the rollers 15 are mounted at the ends of an element or member 17 fixed to the arm at its axis of rotation on the column 3.
• the element or member 17 extends substantially in the extension of the column so that the column is between the two rollers 15.
• the guides define the limits imposed for the movement of the rollers and therefore the arm 5, the movement of the arm 5 is limited by the contact between the rollers 15 and the guides 13a, 13b, 13c.
• the first guide 13a and the second guide 13b form a guide member 19 extending over a limited portion of the column and to guide the movement of the arm between a lower position B ( Figure 3a) in which the rotation of the arm is limited relative to the column and the arm is held in a position substantially perpendicular to the column, and an upper position H ( Figure 3b) in which the rotation of the arm to a position substantially parallel to the column is possible.
• the guide member 19 includes the first guide 13a extending over the column 3 at a first distance and the second guide 13b extending over the column at a second distance less than the first distance.
• the rotation of the arm is limited by the contact between the roller 15 and the first guide 13a and the roller 15 and the second guide 13b.
• the guide member 19 may further include the aforementioned lower stopper.
• the stop may, for example, be located at the lower end of the guide member 19 (not shown).
• the guide 13b forming the guide member 19 including an SA angular section to increase the rotation of the arm.
• the guide 13b is inverted L-shaped.
• the angle of the L corresponds to the upper limit of a line segment or of the guide element 19 whose other end is, for example, the abovementioned abutment (not shown).
• the arm When in this segment, the arm remains in a substantially horizontal position, it can not be rotated (Figure 3a) or can only be slightly rotated.
• the roller 15 rests on the short leg of the L, the arm can rotate counterclockwise. This, however, is limited by the short branch of the L of the guide 13b which serves as a stop ( Figure 3c).
• the angle of rotation of the arm can be maximized. In this configuration the arm can be oriented parallel to the column.
• the control mechanism or the anti-rotation system illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c thus makes it possible to avoid contact of the arm with the ground.
• the anti-rotation system illustrated in Figures 3a to 3c includes the first guide (or guide device) 13a, the second guide (or guide device) 13b, and the third guide (or guide device) 13c.
• the anti-rotation system can only include the first guide (or guide device) 13a and the second guide (or guide device) 13b.
• the anti-rotation system can only include the guide member 19 and further it is not necessary that the first guide 13a extends entirely along the column 3.
• the first guide 13a can stop at the same height as the second guide.
• the means (or system) anti-rotation 11 are thus configured to limit or prevent the rotation of the arm 5 on the limited portion of the column 3 comprising such a guide member 19. Braking and locking the arm in translation
• the arm 5 ( Figure 1), which can weigh a hundred or more kg, must be able to be moved vertically effortlessly and stopped stably with a minimum of control effort.
• the system must also be compact.
• the solution proposed by the present invention is preferably based on the use of two unidirectional self-locking systems placed face-to-face and pre-loaded.
• the radiography apparatus comprises braking means (or a braking mechanism) comprising the unidirectional system 100a ( Figures 4 and 5).
• the unidirectional system 100a is, for example, mounted on a connecting arm (or fixed pivot) 101 of the column ( Figure 5) connecting the column 3 of the X-ray machine to the arm 5 of the X-ray machine.
• the unidirectional system 100a includes a first block 102a, a second block 104a and a first rubbing body 106a and a second rubbing body 108a (for example a roller having a cylindrical shape).
• the first 102a and the second block 104a are situated on either side of the rail 110 of column 3 of the radiography apparatus, each block delimiting a braking passage or conduit 112, 114 and a pre-existing passage or conduit. loading 116, 118.
• a wall 120a, 120b of the rail 110 and a wall 122a, 122b of the block delimit the braking passage 112, 114 and the pre-loading passage 116, 118.
• the wall 122a, 122b of the block has an upper portion 124 and a lower portion 126, the upper portion having a greater slope than the lower portion.
• the wall of the rail and the upper portion 124 of the wall 120a, 120b delimit the pre-loading passage 116, 118.
• the wall of the rail and the lower portion 126 of the wall 120a, 120b delimit the braking passage 112, 114.
• the first rubbing body 106a is located in the first pre-loading passage 116 and the second rubbing body 108a is located in the second pre-loading passage 118.
• the system 100a includes a preloading device or system 121a (eg spring loaded) applying a pre-loading force (in the direction D) to each rubbing body 106a, 108a to urge each rubbing body towards the outside of the pre-loading passage 116, 118 and towards the braking passage 112, 114.
• a preloading device or system 121a eg spring loaded
• the pre-loading device 121a provides self-locking braking.
• the pre-loading device 121a applies a force to the rubbing bodies 106a, 108a to ensure the absence of play in the system 100a.
• the system 100a includes force applying means configured to apply a force in a reverse direction (in the U direction) in the sense of the preload force to the rubbing bodies 106a, 108a as the arm is moved along the rail 110 in the downward direction D of the rail 110 to the ground.
• This force is greater than the pre-loading force to allow movement of the arm in a single direction, for example, the downward direction in Figure 4.
• the force applying means is configured to apply a force in the same direction of the pre-loading force (in the direction D) to the rubbing bodies as the arm is moved along the rail 110 in a rising direction. U of the rail 110.
• the braking passage is smaller than the pre-loading passage.
• Each rubbing body and each passage has a width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail 110 and substantially parallel to the arm.
• Each rubbing body has a width W substantially equal to or greater than a width of the braking passage 112, 114.
• Each rubbing body has a width W less than a width of the pre-loading passage 116, 118.
• the pre-loading device 121a may apply a force to each rubbing body to keep the arm locked on the rail.
• the system 100a may comprise a pair of unlocking levers 130a, 130b (FIGS. 5 and 6) cooperating with each rubbing body 106a, 108a in order to move each rubbing body inwardly of the pre-loading passage and out of the passage. braking.
• the system 100a further includes a control mechanism 132 connected to the pair of levers 130 for actuating it (Figure 6).
• Figure 6 illustrates a system for unlocking the rollers by levers actuated by a cable controlling the unlocking.
• Each unidirectional system (FIG. 4) comprises, for example, a pair of cylindrical rollers sandwiched between a V-shaped stirrup and a rail. The angle of the support V is dimensioned so that the rail-cylinder system is self-locking when the stirrup is loaded in the direction opposite to the tip of the V.
• a movement of the stirrup is possible in the direction D and prevented in the direction U.
• a system of pre-loading of the rollers actuated by springs ensures the absence of play in the system.
• the braking means comprise a second unidirectional system 100b situated above the first unidirectional system 100a in order to allow bidirectional braking.
• the first 100a and the second unidirectional system 100b are arranged symmetrically on either side of the rail 110 (see Figure 5).
• the first 100a and the second unidirectional system 100b are set in opposition for braking and / or blocking the movement of the arm along the column.
• the second unidirectional system 100b is identical to the first unidirectional system 100b.
• the second unidirectional system 100b includes a first block 102b, a second block 104b and a first rubbing body 106b and a second rubbing body 108b ( Figure 5).
• the first 102b and the second block 104b are located on either side of the rail 110 of the column of the radiography apparatus, each block delimiting a passage or braking line and a passage or pre-loading duct.
• the second system 100b includes a second pre-loading device 121b applying a pre-loading force (in the U direction) to each rubbing body to push each rubbing body out of the pre-loading passage and into the braking passage.
• the second pre-loading device 121b applies a pre-loading force in a reverse direction U to the direction D of the force applied by the first preloader 121a ( Figure 5).
• Each pre-loading device 121a, 121b can apply a force to each rubbing body to maintain the locked arm on the rail 110.
• the control mechanism 132 is also connected to the pair of levers 130 to operate it.
• the second system 100b further comprises force applying means configured to apply a force in a reverse direction (in the direction D) in the sense of the pre-loading force to the rubbing bodies when the arm is moved the along the rail in the U direction.
• the force applying means is further configured to apply a force in the same direction of the pre-load force (in the U direction) to the rubbing bodies as the arm is moved along the rail in the direction D.
• the bidirectional locking of the complete brake is ensured by the coupling of two unidirectional systems, put in opposition and kept blocked by the common spring preloading system, as shown in FIG.
• the release of the brake is actuated by the pair of levers, activated for example by a cable as shown in Figure 6.
• the levers tilt and push the rollers towards each other thus removing the blocking.
• the radiographic system or apparatus 1 of the present invention is provided so that the ray source 9 can be moved away from the detector 7 when the arm 5 is in a horizontal position between a position A and a positron B (see Figure 7).
• the system proposed by the present invention makes it possible to ensure, mechanically and reliably, that
• the source can only be moved away from the detector when the arm is in a horizontal position.
• a complementary system based, for example, on the use of a roller and a guide ensures a transition without play and smoothly between the allowed movement of rotation and extension of the arm.
• the apparatus 1 is similar to the apparatus of FIG. 1 and includes a column 3 comprising a connecting arm or a fixed pivot 301 (see FIG. 8) mounted on the column 3. This connecting arm or fixed pivot is also visible in Figure 5.
• the arm 5 of the apparatus is connected to the column 3 (not shown) by the fixed pivot 301.
• the arm 5 of the apparatus is rotatable on the pivot 301 along an axis substantially perpendicular to the column 3.
• Figure 8 shows the main elements of a mechanism or system included by the X-ray apparatus 1 and this mechanism or system being configured to block movement the first support device DSI or the second support device DS2 of the arm 5 depending on the inclination of the arm 5 and to block the rotation of the arm 5 when the first or second support device is in motion.
• the mechanism comprises an anti-rotation device A to prevent rotation of the arm 5 relative to the column 3. It further comprises an anti-displacement device AD to prevent the displacement of the first DSI or second support device DS2 along the arm 5.
• the anti-rotation device AR is included in the arm 5 and the column 3.
• the anti-displacement device AD is incorporated in the arm 5.
• the arm 5 further comprises an actuator 303 configured to activate the anti-rotation device AR and to deactivate the anti-rotation device. AD displacement in order to allow the displacement of the first DSI or second support device DS2 along the arm 5 without rotation of the latter.
• the anti-rotation device AR comprises a locking member 305 (or indexing finger) movably mounted or sliding between a first rotational locking position illustrated in FIG. 7 in which at least a part of the locking member 305 is received. by the arm 5 (see Figure 13) and at least a portion of the locking member 305 is simultaneously received by a portion of the column (for example, the fixed pivot 301), and a second non-locking position of the rotation wherein the locking member 305 is housed entirely in a portion of the column (for example in the fixed pivot 301 as shown in Figure 13).
• the arm 5 comprises a guide body 306 (or indexing sleeve) mounted in the arm 5 at the gap with the column (or fixed pivot 301).
• the guide body 306 is adapted to receive the locking member 305 and the actuator 303 when the arm 5 is in a position substantially perpendicular to the column 3.
• the guide body 306 comprises a cylindrical internal cavity of an internal diameter allowing the reception of the locking member 305 and / or the actuator 303.
• the arm 5 When the locking member 305 is in the first unlocked position, the arm 5 is held in a position substantially perpendicular to the column 3.
• the locking member 305 is constantly pushed outwards (right in FIG. 8) by a return spring 317.
• the blocking member 305 When it is in the position shown in FIG. 8 (in the advanced position in the arm 5) the blocking member 305 is the part which makes it possible to join in rotation the arm 5 and the pivot 301 or the column.
• the sliding movement of the blocking member 305 in the column 3 and in the arm 5, more precisely in the guide body 306, is limited to the left in FIG. 8 by an indexing axis 307 and to the right by a holding element 309, for example, a holding roller.
• the holding element 309 is mechanically connected to the blocking element 305, for example by means of a pin and makes it possible to hold the locking member 305 in the second non-locking position during the rotation of the arm 5.
• the holding member 309 presses a holding cam 311 adapted to cooperate with the holding member 309 to guide it.
• the retaining cam 311 is of circular shape corresponding to the shape of the fixed pivot 301.
• the cam 311 is placed inside this pivot while being integral with the arm 5. Consequently, when the arm 5 is rotating, the retaining cam 311 follows the same rotational movement.
• the holding cam 311 is in contact with the holding member 309 (the roller 309).
• the holding cam 311 includes an opening 313 for guiding the holding member 309 and hence the locking member 305 to the first position for locking the rotation of the arm 5 as shown in FIG. 8.
• the opening 313 corresponds to the situation where the arm is horizontal or in a direction substantially perpendicular to column 3.
• the locking member 305 further comprises a locking member 315, for example, an indexing pin.
• the locking member 315 is movably mounted in the locking member 305 between a first rotational locking position in which at least a portion of the locking member 315 is retained in the locking member 305 and at least a portion of the locking member 315 is simultaneously received by the arm 5 as illustrated in Fig. 8, and a second non-locking position in which the blocking member 315 is fully housed in the locking member 305 as illustrated in FIG. figure 9.
• the blocking element 315 is pushed continuously outwards (the straight line in FIG. 8) by a spring 319. Its longitudinal movement is limited towards the outside (right in FIG.
• the pin 315 can therefore be pushed inwards (left in FIG. 8) only when the pin 315 is in front of a hole 323 provided horizontally in the indexing axis 307, with a diameter allowing the pin 315 to slide partially inside this hole.
• the blocking element 315 is opposite the hole 323 in the indexing axis when the arm 5 is in a position or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the column 3.
• the actuator 303 is movably mounted in the arm 5 to act on the anti-rotation device A in order to activate and deactivate it. It allows more precisely the displacement of the locking member 305 between its locking position and its non-locking position.
• the actuator 303 includes a control tube 325 mounted movably in the arm and a control rod 327 movably mounted in the control tube 325 and thus in the arm 5 for moving the locking member 315 between its locking position and its non-blocking position.
• the actuator 303 is further configured to deactivate the anti-rotation device AR and to activate the anti-displacement device AD to allow rotation of the arm 5 without displacing the support device supporting, for example, the source 9.
• the anti-displacement device AD comprises the control tube 325 which is secured to the support device carrying the radiation source 9.
• the anti-displacement device AD furthermore comprises the control rod 327 mounted in the control tube 325.
• Control rod and control tube can be moved radially along the arm.
• the control tube moves together with the support device or carriage which holds the source 9.
• the anti-displacement device AD also comprises locking means MV configured to prevent the translational movement of the control tube 325 and thus the translational movement of the source of radius 9 integrally attached to the control tube.
• the locking means MV comprise at least one locking element 329.
• the locking element 329 comprises for example a plurality of (for example two) balls.
• the locking element 329 is able to move outside the control tube 325 and the anti-displacement device AD in order to make the control tube 325 and the anti-displacement device integral with the arm 5.
• the arm further comprises a recess 331 adapted to receive the locking member 329 (for example, the balls 329) or any other suitable locking element.
• the recess 331 is for example a groove or a toroidal notch present in the arm 5.
• the recess 331 is able to receive the locking element 329, for example the balls 329.
• the displacement of the locking element 329 in the recess 331 by the displacement of the control rod 327 in the control tube 325 makes it possible to separate the control tube 325 from the arm 5.
• the support device carrying the source 9 is released and can move on the arm 5 and the source 9 can be moved in translation.
• the control rod 327 comprises a profile declination 333 or cam on its surface. This profile cooperates with the locking element 329 to move the latter, for example out of the control tube 325 to lock the displacement of the control tube and therefore the source 9, or in the control tube 325 to unlock the displacement of the control tube and therefore of the source 9.
• the cam profile 333 is machined on a surface of the control rod 327 to release the locking member 329 when the rod is moved towards the center of the arm 5 in order to separate the control tube from the arm 5 and to allow unblocking the support device carrying the source 9 (or the detector 7). It is also conceivable that a system as described above applies to the second support device in order to lock / unlock the movement of the detector 7.
• the control rod 327 can slide slightly in the control tube 325.
• the limit of the relative movement between the rod and the control tube is fixed by, for example, the "quick coupling" balls 329 which press on the machined cam profile in the stem.
• the displacement of the control tube 325 makes it possible to activate and deactivate the anti-displacement device AD.
• the actuator 303 is further configured to disable the anti-rotation device A and activate the anti-displacement device AD to allow rotation of the arm without displacement of the first or second support device along the arm.
• the position "possible rotation” and “removal of the impossible source” is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, and is characterized in that the arm 5 is not in a horizontal position or is not substantially perpendicular to the column .
• the indexing finger or groove member 305 is locked inwards by the indexing shaft 307 and outwards, it is retained by the holding roller or the holding member 309 which presses on the holding cam 311. Without the action of the retaining roller, the indexing finger would have the possibility of leaving its housing to the outside.
• control rod 327 can not be actuated because it presses on the fixed pivot 301 (or on the column). Since the control rod 327 can not be advanced inwardly, the control tube 325 can not be operated. Indeed, the control rod 327 and the control tube 325 are made integral with the arm 5 via the "quick coupling" balls 329 which are trapped or received in the recess, preferably a toroidal notch made in the arm 5 The system functions as a hydraulic quick coupling.
• control tube 325 and therefore the carriage or the support device which carries the source 9 can not be set in motion if the control rod 327 is not pushed towards the center of the pivot to clear the balls 329 through to the cam profile 333 machined on the control rod 327 for disengaging the balls 329 from the toroidal notch 331.
• the movement of expansion of the arm is thus blocked.
• Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate the position "impossible rotation” and "distance from the possible source”. In this situation, the system is in a horizontal position where the arm is substantially perpendicular to the column.
• FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate the actuation of the blocking member (indexing right) 305 and the unlocking and movement of the control tube 325 / carriage assembly of the source 9.
• the blocking member (the indexing pin) 315 faces the hole 323 in the indexing axis 307.
• control 327 can be pressed inwardly by pushing the locking member 315 into the hole 323 of the indexing shaft 307, as shown in FIG. 12.
• the "quick-connect" balls 329 can move inwardly of the tube 325 and disengage from the toroidal groove 331 formed in the arm 5.
• the assembly 325 / control rod 327 (and thereby even the support device / carriage supporting the source 9) can be moved towards the end of the arm.
• the locking member (the indexing finger) 305 and the locking element (indexing pin) 315 are pushed by their return spring 317, 319 towards the outside of the fixed pivot 301 (or of the column) so that the indexing finger is housed in the guide body (indexing sleeve) 306.
• the respective lengths of the locking member (indexing finger) 305 and the locking member (indexing pin) 315 are such that the locking member (indexing finger) 305 accommodates in the guide body (indexing bushing) 306 before the locking element (indexing pin) 315 leaves its seat in the hole 323 of the indexing shaft 307.
• the arm 5 includes a plurality of grooves 331.
• the outward movement of the locking member (indexing finger) 305 is made possible in this horizontal position by the fact that the holding member 309 or the roller is, when the arm is in a horizontal position or substantially perpendicular to the column, in front of a groove 331 in the retaining cam 311 which allows the displacement of the retaining element (roller) 309 and consequently, that of the locking member (finger) 305 (the holding member (roller) 309 and the locking member (indexing finger) 305 are connected by an axis).
• the X-ray apparatus may comprise the antirotation mechanism 11, or the braking mechanism 100a, 100b or the anti-rotation mechanism A and anti-displacement AD.
• the radiography apparatus according to the present invention may also include the anti-rotation mechanism 11, and the braking mechanism 100a, 100b and the anti-rotation and anti-displacement mechanism AD.

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