EP3264988A1

EP3264988A1 - Radiography appliance comprising a movable arm

Info

Publication number: EP3264988A1
Application number: EP16716688.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas GABELLA; Carlo MENTANO
Original assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne EPFL
Current assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne EPFL
Priority date: 2015-03-06
Filing date: 2016-03-07
Publication date: 2018-01-10
Also published as: US20180070901A1; CN107567308A; WO2016142836A1; EA201791980A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiography appliance comprising a column and a movable arm mounted such that it slides along the column and rotates about an axis oriented perpendicularly to the main direction of the column, one end of the arm comprising a detector and the other end a radiation source. The appliance is characterised in that it comprises means for locking the arm against rotation and/or against translation.

Description

X-ray apparatus comprising a movable arm

This application claims the benefit of International Application No. PCT / IB2015 / 051659 filed March 6, 2015, including all of the contents which are incorporated in this application by reference.

Field of the invention

The invention relates to X-ray apparatus, in particular X-ray radiography.

More specifically, it relates to X-ray apparatuses whose radiation source and detector are arranged at the ends of a movable arm. State of the art

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.

In addition to the shocks due to the aforementioned combined movements, 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.

Summary of the invention

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.

Other advantageous features of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims. In general, it relates to 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.

In addition, 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.

Brief description of the figures

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows from an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

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; and

Figure 14 is a front view of the arm shown in Figure 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Mechanism for controlling the combined movements of rotation and translation of the arm

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. When the arm is in a first lower position B, that is to say at most near the base of the column 3 and thus the ground, 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.

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.

When the arm is in an Intermediate position (M), that is to say between the lower position B and the upper position H, the anti-rotation means 11 are configured to limit the rotation of the arm 5 relative to the column 3 so that the arm 5 does not come into contact with the ground when it is rotated. The complete rotation of the arm 5 to a position substantially parallel to the column 3 is prevented by the anti-rotation means 11, however, the allowed rotation angle remains greater than in the lower position B but lower than in the upper position H . 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.

As illustrated by FIG. 3a, 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 (and the system) 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.

Part of the limits to the movement of the arm 5 is also imposed by the column itself. In addition, a lower stop (not shown) blocks the movement of the arm to a minimum height. 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.

An element of the member 17, for example, the roller 15 is received by the guide member 19 and guided by the latter to guide the movement of the arm 5 between the lower position B and the upper position H. 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).

In Figure 3a there is the guide 13b forming the guide member 19 including an SA angular section to increase the rotation of the arm. For example, 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). 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. When it emerges from this segment and 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). Finally, from a certain height of the arm (see Figure 3b), when the roller no longer comes into contact with the short arm of the L, 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. However, 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.

According to another aspect of the present invention, 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.

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.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, (a) the contact between the wall 122a, 122b of the pre-loading passage and the rubbing body and / or (b) the contact between the surface 120a, 120b of the rail and the rubbing bodies form these means for applying a force applying a force in a reverse direction in the sense of the pre-loading force or in the same direction of the pre-loading force.

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. In the unidirectional system of Figure 4, 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.

According to another variant of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 5, 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.

A pair of levers 130b cooperating with each rubbing body 106b, 108b of the second system 100b to move each rubbing body into the preload passage and out of the braking passage and releasing the arm. 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. By pulling on the cable, the levers tilt and push the rollers towards each other thus removing the blocking.

System of exclusion of the simultaneous movement of rotation and extension of the arm

As illustrated in FIG. 7, 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).

According to still another aspect of the present invention, 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 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.

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. 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. 8) by a circlip 321 which prevents the blocking element 315 out of blocking member 305 and inwards (left in FIG. 8) by indexing shaft 307. Pin 315 can not be pushed inwards (left in the figure) only when the pin 315 is opposite the hole provided horizontally in the indexing axis 307.

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. When the control tube moves to the right in the Figures, the source moves away from the ray detector positioned on the other wing of the arm 5. 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. As a result, 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.

Preferably, 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.

In this position, the 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. The 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.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the system is in the horizontal position, the blocking member (the indexing pin) 315 faces the hole 323 in the indexing axis 307. In this way, 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. When the control rod 327 is in the depressed position (see 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. Thus, 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.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the assembly comprising the tube 325 and the control rod 327 is pulled towards the end (the outside) of the arm 5 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. Due to the shape of the connection system the rod 327 and the control tube 325, it is not possible to envisage a relative movement between these two elements so much that a groove 331 is not present in the arm 5 to allow axial movement of the balls 329. 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 reverse movement of the support device assembly (carriage) / source 9 and the locking in rotation of the arm 5 is in the reverse order of that described above.

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

The X-ray apparatus according to the present invention 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.

Claims

An X-ray apparatus (1) comprising:

a support column (3);

an arm (5) mounted movably and articulated on the column (3), the arm (5) including a first support device (DSI) capable of carrying a radiation source (9), and a second support device (DS2) ) capable of wearing an X-ray detector (7); the first or the second device being movable along the arm (5); characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises anti-rotation means (11, AR) configured to limit or prevent rotation of the arm (5) relative to the column (3), and / or configured braking means for braking the movement of the arm (5) along the column (3).

2. X-ray apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation means (11) are configured to differentially limit the rotation of the arm (5) according to the position of the arm (5) along the column (3).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the anti-rotation means (11) are configured to limit or prevent the rotation of the arm (5) with respect to the column (3) on a limited part of column (3).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anti-rotation means (11) include a guide element (19) extending over a limited portion of the column (3). for guiding the movement of the arm (5) between a lower position (B) in which the rotation of the arm (5) is limited relative to the column (3) and the arm (5) is maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the column (3), and an upper position (H) in which the rotation of the arm (5) to a position substantially parallel to the column (3) is possible.

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anti-rotation means (11) include a stop for stopping the movement of the arm (5) to a minimum height.

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the guide element (19) includes an angular section (SA) for increasing the rotation of the arm (5).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the angular section (SA) is located at an upper end of the guide element (19).

An X-ray apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide member (19) further includes a stop at a lower end of the guide member (19).

X-ray apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the arm (5) comprises a member (17) having an end received by guide member (19) and guided by it. ci to guide the movement of the arm (5) between the lower position (B) and the upper position (H).

10. X-ray apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the end of the member (17) includes a roller (15) received by the guide member (19) and guided by it.

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the guide element (19) includes a first guide (13a) extending over the column (3) according to a first distance and a second guide (13b) extending on the column (3) at a second distance less than the first distance.

12. X-ray apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotation of the arm (5) is limited by the contact between the roller (15) and the first guide (13a) and the second guide (13b).

13. X-ray apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the anti-rotation means (11) further include a third guide (13c) extending over the column (3), the first guide (13a). and the third guide (13c) extending further than the second guide (13b) on an upper portion of the column (3) and defining an angle of rotation of the arm (5) in its upper position.

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the roller (15) is able to move along the first guide (13a) and between the first and second guide ( 13b).

15. X-ray apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the member (17) includes a second roller (15) adapted to move along the third guide

(13c).

16. X-ray apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the member (17) extends substantially in the extension of the column (3) and the rollers (15) are mounted at the ends of the member (17) .

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the second guide (13b) includes the angular section (SA) and the angular section (SA) is inverted L-shaped, the short branch of the L acting as a stop for the member (17).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arm (5) is slidably mounted along the column (3) and rotates about an axis oriented perpendicularly with respect to the direction of the column (3).

19. Apparatus radiography (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the braking means comprise at least one unidirectional braking system (100a) or comprise two unidirectional braking systems (100a, 100b) set in opposition to slow down and / or block the movement of the arm (5) along the column (3).

20. X-ray apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 19, characterized in that said at least one unidirectional system (100a) including a first block, a second block and at least one rubbing body, the first and second block being located on either side of a rail of the column, each block delimiting a braking passage and a pre-loading passage in which the rubbing body is located.

The X-ray apparatus (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that the system (100a) further comprises a pre-loading device (121) applying a preloading force to each rubbing body (106b, 108b) so as to to push each rubbing body (106b, 108b) to the outside of the pre-loading passage (116, 118) and to the braking passage (112, 114) and allowing self-locking braking.

22. radiography apparatus (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the pre-loading device (121) applying a force to the rubbing bodies (106b, 108b) to ensure the absence of play in the system (100a).

An X-ray apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the system (100a) comprises force applying means configured to apply a force in a reverse direction (U). in the sense of the preloading force to the rubbing bodies (106b, 108b) when the arm (5) is moved along the rail (110) in a first direction (D).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the force applying means is configured to apply a force in the same direction (D) of the pre-loading force to the rubbing bodies. (106b, 108b) when the arm (5) is moved along the rail (110) in a second direction opposite to the first direction (U).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that a braking passage (112, 114) is smaller than the preloading passage (116, 118).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that each rubbing body (106b, 108b) has a width (W) substantially equal to or greater than a width of the braking passage ( 112, 114), and each rubbing body (106b, 108b) has a width less than a width of the pre-load passage (116, 118).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that the system (100a) further comprises a pair of levers (130a, 130b) cooperating with each rubbing body (106b, 108b). ) to move each rubbing body (106b, 108b) inwardly of the pre-loading passage (116, 118) and out of the braking passage (112, 114).

The X-ray apparatus (1) according to claim 27, characterized in that the system (100a) further comprises a control mechanism (132) connected to the pair of levers (130a, 130b) for actuating the same.

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to one of claims 19 to 28, characterized in that the braking means comprise a second one-way system.

(100b) located above the first one-way system (100a) to provide bidirectional braking, the second one-way system (100b) including a first block (102b), a second block (104b) and at least one rubbing body ( 106b), the first and second blocks (102b, 104b) being located on one side and the other of the rail (110), each block (102b, 104b) delimiting a braking passage (112, 114) and a pre-loading passage (116, 118) in which the rubbing body (106b) is located; the second system (100b) further including a second pre-loading device (121b) applying a pre-loading force to each rubbing body (106b, 108b) to urge each rubbing body (106b, 108b) towards the outside of the pre-loading passage (116, 118) and to the braking passage (112, 114).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that each pre-loading device (121a, 121b) applies a force to each rubbing body (106b, 108b) in order to keep the arm (5) blocked. on the rail (110).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 29 to 30, characterized in that the second system (100b) further comprises a pair of levers (130a,

130b) cooperating with each rubbing body (106b, 108b) to move each rubbing body (106b, 108b) inwardly of the pre-loading passage (116, 118) and out of the braking passage (112, 114 ).

The X-ray apparatus (1) according to claim 31, characterized in that the second system (100b) further comprises a control mechanism (132) connected to the pair of levers (130a, 130b) for operating the same.

An X-ray apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the second system (100b) comprises force applying means configured to apply a force in a direction (U). reverse in the sense of force pre-loading the rubbing bodies (106b, 108b) when the arm (5) is moved along the rail (110) in the first direction (D).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means for applying a force are configured to apply a force in the same direction (D) of the pre-loading force to the rubbing bodies. (106b, 108b) when the arm (5) is moved along the rail (110) in the second direction (U).

35. X-ray apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a system configured to block the movement of the first or second device (DSI, DS2) depending on the inclination of the arm (5).

Radiographic apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 35, characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises an anti-rotation device (AR) for preventing rotation of the arm (5) with respect to the column (3). ), an anti-displacement device (AD) for preventing movement of the first or second device (DSI, DS2) along the arm (5), and an actuator (303) configured to activate the anti-rotation device (AR) and deactivating the anti-displacement device (AD) to allow the first or second device (DSI, DS2) to move along the arm (5) without rotation.

37. Apparatus (1) according to claim 36, characterized in that the actuator (303) is further configured to deactivate the anti-rotation device (AR) and activate the anti-displacement device (AD) to allow rotation of the arm (5) without moving the first or second device (DSI, DS2) along the arm (5).

38. Apparatus (1) according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the actuator (303) is movably mounted in the arm (5) to act on the anti-rotation device (AR) to activate and deactivate the -this.

39. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 38, characterized in that the anti-rotation device (AR) comprises a locking member (305) movably mounted between a first locking position in which at least one part of the locking member (305) is received by the arm (5) and at least a part of the locking member (305) is simultaneously received by a portion of the column (3), and a second position of non-locking in wherein the locking member (305) is housed entirely in a portion of the column (3).

40. Apparatus (1) according to claim 39, characterized in that the arm (5) is maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the column (3) when the locking member (305) is in its first locking position.

41. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 39 to 40, characterized in that the locking member (305) comprises a locking element (315) movably mounted therein between a first 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), and a second non-locking position in which the blocking element (315) is housed entirely in the locking member (305).

42. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 39 to 41, characterized in that the locking member (305) further comprises a holding member (309) for holding the locking member (305) in its seat. second non-locking position during a rotation of the arm (5).

43. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arm (5) comprises a holding cam (311) adapted to cooperate with the holding member (309) for guiding it.

44. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holding cam (311) includes an opening (323) for guiding the holding member (309) and the locking member (305) to its first position blocking.

45. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 39 to 44, characterized in that the actuator (303) is movably mounted in the arm (5) to allow movement of the locking member (305) between its position blocking and non-blocking position.

46. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking member (305) is able to move towards its locking position when the actuator (303) is moved towards the end of the arm (5) .

47. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 39 to 46, characterized in that the arm (5) comprises a guide body (306) 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).

48. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 47, characterized in that the actuator (303) includes a control rod (327) mounted movably in the arm (5) for moving the locking element (315) between its blocking position and its non-blocking position.

49. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 48, characterized in that the actuator (303) includes a control rod (327) movably mounted in the arm (5) to act on locking means (MV) of the anti-displacement device (AD), the displacement of the control rod (327) for activating and deactivating the anti-displacement device (AD).

50. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 49, characterized in that the anti-displacement device (AD) includes a control tube (325) mounted integral with the first or the second device (DSI, DS2). a control rod (327) movably mounted in the control tube (325) and locking means (MV) for preventing movement of the control tube (325) and the first or second device (DSI, DS2).

51. Apparatus (1) according to claim 50, characterized in that the locking means (MV) comprise a locking element able to move outside the anti-displacement device (AD) in order to make the anti-jamming device displacement (AD) integral with the arm (5).

52. Apparatus (1) according to claim 51, characterized in that the arm (5) includes at least one recess (331) adapted to receive the locking element.

53. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 50 to 52, characterized in that the control rod (327) includes a profile in declination or cam (333) cooperating with the locking element to move it. this.

Apparatus (1) according to claim 53, characterized in that the cam profile (333) is machined on a surface of the control rod (327) and configured to release the locking member when the control rod (327) ) is moved towards the axis of rotation of the arm (5) in order to separate the control rod (327) and the control tube (325) from the arm (5) and to enable the unlocking of the first or second device (DSI, DS2).

55. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 51 to 54, characterized in that the locking element comprises at least one ball (329).

56. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the recess (331) comprises a groove or a toroidal notch present in the arm (5) and the ball (329) mechanically links the control rod (327). and the control tube (325) to the arm (5) via the groove or toroidal notch.