JP2016523108A - Elevating column and method for controlling its height - Google Patents

Abstract

A lifting column (4) for a mobile X-ray device, wherein the column is preferably rotatably fixed with respect to the base (100) of the X-ray device, and the column has a plurality of segments, A first segment having a first end and an opposite second end disposed on the base together with the first end, and a second opposite the first end A second segment having a first end of the second segment, wherein the second segment overlaps the second end of the first segment and is movable relative to the first segment At least a first threaded elongate member including a second segment and a first height adjuster, wherein the first height adjuster is secured to one of the first and second segments. And a threaded elongated member for adjusting the height of the column. To, and a receiving element with a first screw which is disposed on the other of the first and second segments, the lifting column (4).

Description

  The present invention relates generally to the field of X-ray devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mobile X-ray device, and even more specifically to a lifting column of the mobile X-ray device.

  A lifting column that enables lower-than-normal imaging is disclosed in US 2011/0249807 A1. However, although the range could be improved, imaging cannot still be performed near the floor. Moreover, although the disclosed device can be housed in a compact shape, the device is still heavy. One reason for the heavy equipment is that counterweights are used. Furthermore, the lifting column has many components, and thus its structure is complex. Therefore, the control can be complicated. Furthermore, it may be difficult to obtain sufficient accuracy due to the counterweight drive mechanism of the apparatus. Furthermore, it may be difficult to adjust the height sufficiently quickly.

  Thus, there may be a need for a lifting column with an increased reach to the floor. Similarly, there may be a need for a lighter and / or more compact device. In addition, there may be a need for a simpler lifting column with fewer components. Furthermore, there may be a need for a lifting column that is simple in structure and / or easy to control. Further, there may be a need for height adjustment with higher accuracy and / or more rapid height adjustment.

  Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention preferably provide one of those in the art as described above, alone or in any combination, by providing a lifting column and associated method according to the appended claims. Attempts to reduce, alleviate or eliminate the above disadvantages, disadvantages or problems.

  In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an elevating column and associated method are disclosed in which the height adjustment is performed with sufficient accuracy and speed.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a lifting column for an X-ray device is provided. The X-ray device is mobile. The column is preferably fixed rotatably relative to the base of the X-ray device. The column has a plurality of segments including a first segment having a first end and an opposite second end. Further, the first segment is disposed on a base having a first end. The column also has a second segment having a first end and an opposite second end. Further, the second segment is disposed at the first end of the second segment that overlaps the second end of the first segment. Furthermore, the second segment is movable relative to the first segment. The column further includes a first height adjuster that includes at least a first threaded elongate member secured to one of the first and second segments. The first height adjuster also includes a first threaded receiving element disposed on the other of the first and second segments in meshing engagement with the threaded elongate member.

  According to another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling the height of a lifting column is provided. The method includes receiving information from a position sensor. The method further includes sending a first control signal to the first electric motor. Furthermore, the height of the movable second segment of the lifting column activates the rotational movement of either the first threaded receiving element or the first threaded elongated member of the first height adjustment. By doing so, it is controlled by the first electric motor. The second control signal is sent to the second electric motor. Further, the height of the connecting segment of the lifting column attached to the telescoping arm is such that the rotational movement of either the second threaded receiving element or the second threaded elongate member of the second height adjuster. It is controlled by the second electric motor by operating.

  According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for preparing a mobile X-ray device for transport is provided. The method includes the step of controlling the height of the movable second segment of the lifting column to the lowest possible position by the first electric motor. Height control is performed by actuating the rotational movement of either the first threaded receiving element or the first threaded elongate member of the first height adjuster.

  The method also includes the step of controlling, by a second electric motor, the height of the connecting segment comprising the outer and inner portions of the lifting column attached to the telescopic arm to the highest possible position. Further, height control is performed by actuating the rotational movement of either the second threaded receiving element or the second threaded elongate member of the second height adjuster. Further, the method includes rotating the outer portion horizontally around the inner portion until the telescopic arm of the device is positioned at the top of the base of the device. Further, the method may include controlling the height of the connecting segment by lowering the connecting segment until the telescoping arm is positioned in the locked position, for example in the hollow space of the base.

  Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, wherein the features relating to the second and subsequent aspects of the invention are modified as necessary with respect to the first aspect.

  Some embodiments of the present invention allow for highly accurate height adjustment.

  In some embodiments of the invention, the operating height range of the telescoping arm and the image capture range are also extended towards a very low position, thus allowing image capture at a very low position.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for the achievement of high precision, quick and easy rotation.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for faster vertical movement of the column, for example when both the second segment and the connecting segment are operated simultaneously.

  Some embodiments of the invention also facilitate transport of the mobile device, for example, due to its compact size and increased field of view.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow the height adjustment to be divided between adjusting the second segment and adjusting the connecting segment.

  Some embodiments of the present invention can also increase the accuracy and / or speed of the height adjustment.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for movement of the connecting segment in the opposite direction to the movement of the movable second segment.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow increased stability and avoid wobble of the first threaded elongate member, and thus the threaded elongate member, the first height adjuster and the system. Accuracy, reliability, safety and life span can be achieved.

  Some embodiments of the present invention can also quickly adjust the movable second segment, whereas the connecting segments can be used to align with high accuracy. Accordingly, an increase in adjustment speed and adjustment accuracy can be achieved at the same time.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for extended reach by an X-ray tube towards the floor.

  Some embodiments of the invention also allow the use of larger front wheels, which improves steering, transport characteristics and accuracy.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for optimization of the reach, or the highest possible point, while maintaining a compact size during transport.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also achieve sufficient reach and the highest possible point by only two segments, i.e. first and second segments, as opposed to three or more. This allows a reduction in the number of components.

  Some embodiments of the invention also make it possible to free the internal space of the column.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow the column to be smaller, i.e., the circumference or cross-section is smaller. Therefore, the weight can be reduced.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow the center of gravity to be lowered, for example, if the motor is positioned outside the column and attached to the base instead of inside the column.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow the column walls to be thinner, thus reducing weight.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for improved column stability.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for a compact size during transportation, thus allowing the use of smaller vehicles, such as transportation vans.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for a smaller weight of the x-ray device. Thus, instead of transporting the X-ray device by truck, it can be easier to transport, for example, in a van or other small car, thus achieving lower fuel consumption and less expensive transport. This can be important if the mobile X-ray device is transported to the patient instead of transporting the patient to the X-ray device.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for quick and easy height control of the lifting column and / or arm.

  Some embodiments of the present invention can also increase the adjustment speed.

  Some embodiments of the present invention also allow for a lighter device, such as the use of a rotationally fixed segment of the column, which can reduce the load, and the rotating hub can be smaller and lighter. To.

  Some embodiments of the present invention may also use a recessed arrangement of columns, and therefore the use of extended reach by X-ray tubes to very low positions and / or spaces for larger front wheels and / or column Allows placement of a motor associated with one of the outer column segments.

  The term “comprising / comprising” as used herein is to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the feature, number, step or component described, but one or more other It should be emphasized that it does not exclude the presence or addition of features, numbers, steps, components or groups thereof.

  These and other aspects, features and advantages that embodiments of the present invention allow will become apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view of a raising / lowering column. It is a detailed perspective view of the limit switch of a raising / lowering column. It is a detailed perspective view of several parts of the height adjustment part for raising / lowering columns. It is a side view of a raising / lowering column. It is a detailed side view of several parts of the height adjustment part for raising / lowering columns. It is a detailed side view of the limit switch of a raising / lowering column. FIG. 3 is a side view of a lifting column having segments, with the movable second segment in its minimum extended position. FIG. 4 is a side view of a lifting column with segments, with the movable second segment in its minimum extended position and the connecting segment in its lowest position. FIG. 4 is a detailed side view of several portions of a height adjuster for a lifting column with segments, with the movable second segment in its minimum extended position and the connecting segment in its lowest position. FIG. 4 is a detailed side view of a limit switch of a lifting column with segments, with the movable second segment in its minimum extended position and the connecting segment in its lowest position. FIG. 4 is a side view of a lifting column with segments, with the movable second segment in its maximum extended position and the connecting segment in its highest position. FIG. 4 is a detailed side view of several portions of a height adjuster for a lifting column having segments, with the movable second segment in its maximum extended position and the connecting segment in its highest position. It is a side view of a mobile X-ray apparatus. The steps of the method for controlling the height of the lifting column are shown. Fig. 4 shows the steps of a method for preparing a mobile X-ray device for transport.

  Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are exhaustive of the disclosure. And is provided so as to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

  The following description focuses on embodiments of the present invention that are applicable to mobile X-ray devices, and particularly to the lifting columns of mobile X-ray devices. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to this application and is applicable to many other X-ray devices including, for example, fixed X-ray devices.

  FIG. 6 shows a mobile X-ray device 600. The X-ray apparatus 600 has a base 602 and a lifting column 606. The base 602 has at least one front wheel 604 and at least one rear wheel 612. Preferably, the base 602 has two front wheels and two rear wheels. The front wheel is large in this embodiment, for example, has a diameter that is larger than the normal size of the front wheel for a mobile X-ray device, preferably greater than 12 cm. However, in other embodiments, the front wheels have a diameter that is smaller than the normal size of the front wheels for a mobile X-ray device, preferably less than 6 cm. The X-ray tube arm 610 may be stretchable and is attached to the column 606 via a connection segment 608.

  In the embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 1A, which is a perspective view of the lifting column 606, the lifting column 606 has a second segment 106 that is preferably movable perpendicular to the first segment 104. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the lifting column 606 is fixed to the base 602 of the X-ray apparatus 600 so as to be rotatable. However, in other embodiments, the lifting column can move in a rotational direction relative to the base 602.

  Column 606 has a plurality of segments. The column has a second segment 106 having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the second segment 106 is positioned at the top and the opposite second end is positioned at the bottom. In addition, the column 606 has a first segment 104 having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the first segment 104 is positioned at the bottom and the opposite second end is positioned at the top. Further, the first segment 104 is disposed on a base 602 having a first end. In one embodiment, the first segment is attached and secured to the recess 102 of the base 602. That is, the recess 102 is provided in the base 602. The first end of the first segment 104 of the column 606 is fixed to the base 602 in the recess 102 and is recessed in the recess 102. Thus, the reach by the X-ray tube can extend towards the floor, allowing the use of larger front wheels, which improves steering, transport characteristics and accuracy. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve optimization of the reach or the highest possible point while maintaining a compact size during transport. Furthermore, the number of components, since a sufficient reach and the highest possible point can be achieved by only two segments, i.e. first and second segments, as opposed to three or more. Can be achieved. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the front wheel is large.

  However, in other embodiments, the first segment is attached to and directly secured to the base 602, i.e., the base does not have the recess 102.

  The second segment 106 is disposed at the first end of the second segment that overlaps the second end of the first segment and is movable relative to the first segment 104.

  Further, as can be seen from FIG. 1 c, the column 606 further includes a first height adjuster, which is adapted to adjust the height of the movable second segment 106. The first height adjuster has at least a first threaded elongate member 120. In the first embodiment, the first threaded elongate member 120 is secured to the first segment 104. In this embodiment, the first threaded receiving element 122 is disposed on the second segment 106 and is in meshing engagement with the threaded elongate member 120.

  In the second embodiment, the first threaded elongate member 120 is secured to the second segment 106. In this embodiment, the first threaded receiving element 122 is disposed on the second segment 106 and is in meshing engagement with the threaded elongate member 120.

  In other embodiments, the first height adjustment includes a plurality of threaded receiving elements and a threaded elongate member.

  By using the first height adjusting unit, highly accurate height adjustment can be achieved.

  From FIG. 1B, position sensors such as limit switches 130, 132 of the lifting column can be seen. Furthermore, the lifting column may have other position sensors. The position sensor may be any device that allows position measurement. Therefore, the position sensor is a capacitive transducer, capacitive displacement sensor, eddy current sensor, ultrasonic sensor, grating sensor, Hall effect sensor, induction non-contact position sensor, laser Doppler vibrometer, linear variable differential transformer, multi-axis displacement transducer , Photodiode array, piezoelectric transducer, proximity sensor, rotary encoder, seismic displacement pick-up sensor or string potentiometer. However, preferably the position sensor is an absolute position sensor, for example an absolute linear sensor.

  In FIG. 2A, the lifting column 606 is in a position adjusted to a height position with the second segment 106. From this height position, it is possible to move the second segment 106 downward or upward. Therefore, the height position in this figure is an intermediate position.

  From FIG. 2B, several parts of the height adjustment can be seen. The height adjustment in this embodiment has a first threaded receiving element 122 and a first threaded elongate member 120. The first threaded receiving element 122 may be an elongate hollow rod having a nut, a nut-shaped element or an internal thread, and the first threaded elongate member 120 is one or more rods having an external thread. obtain. The first threaded receiving element 122 is secured to the first segment 104 by a bracket 210 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, height adjustment is performed by actuating the rotational movement of the first threaded elongate member 120 by a motor. The motor may be any type of motor, but is preferably an electric motor, such as a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. Other motors that can be used are AC or DC motors such as induction motors, wound rotor motors, linear motors or stepper motors.

  In other embodiments, the first threaded elongate member 120 can be fixed in the rotational direction and the height adjustment can be achieved by a motor, preferably an electric motor, such as a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or brushless. It can be performed by actuating the rotational movement of the first threaded receiving element 122 by means of a direct current (BLDC) motor.

  FIG. 2C shows the position sensor of the lifting column. The position sensor in this figure is a limit switch 130. However, other types of position sensors may be used as well. Each position sensor provides an indication, preferably an electrical signal that can be converted into the position and / or height of the second segment 106 and / or column 606.

  FIG. 3A shows a lifting column having segments, while the movable second segment 106 is in its minimum extended position and the connecting segment 608 is in its highest position. This is the preferred position of the lifting column during transport of the mobile X-ray device 600, because the column is in the lowest possible position to increase the field of view and the arm during transport. This is because positioning the 610 on the top of the base 602 makes the mobile X-ray device 600 as compact as possible.

  The connecting element 608 is connected to the second segment 106 and is located radially outward of the movable second segment 106. Since the connecting segment 608 is movable radially outward of the second segment 106 in the vertical direction, the operating height range of the arm 610 and the image capture attached to the connecting element 608 extends toward a very low position. Therefore, it is possible to capture an image at a very low position.

  As can be seen from FIG. 3c, the connecting segment 608 has an inner portion 330 connected to the movable second segment 106 and an outer portion 332 connected to an arm 610 that can be stretchable. The outer part 332 can rotate horizontally around the inner part 330. Therefore, the arm 610 can be rotated to an appropriate position, and quick and easy rotation of the arm 610 can be achieved with high accuracy.

  FIG. 4A is another drawing of a lifting column having segments. In this figure, the movable second segment 106 is in its minimum extended position, ie the lowest position. Similarly, connection segment 608 is in its lowest position. Thus, the segments at these locations extend the reach of the x-ray tube attached to the arm 610 attached to the column 606 via the connecting segment 608 to a very low location near the floor.

  A connecting segment 608 located radially outward of the second segment 106 is movable in a rotational direction around the second segment 106. Thus, the arm 610 attached to the connecting segment 608 can be rotated to an appropriate position to capture the x-ray image. Furthermore, the connecting segment 608 is movable in the vertical direction along the second segment 106.

  From FIG. 4B it can be seen that some parts of the second height adjuster adapted to adjust the height of the connecting segment 608. The second height adjustment in this embodiment has a second threaded receiving element 422 and a second threaded elongate member 420. The second threaded receiving element 422 can be an elongated hollow rod having a nut, nut-shaped element or female thread, and the second threaded elongated member 420 can be a rod having a male thread. The second threaded receiving element 422 is fixed to the connecting segment 608 in this embodiment in the rotational direction or in all directions. A second threaded elongate member 420 is positioned outside the second segment 106 and attached to the bottom and top of the second segment 106. For example, the second threaded elongate member 420 has a first end and an opposite second end. Further, the second threaded elongate member 420 is positioned outside and parallel to the second segment 106. Accordingly, the first end of the second threaded elongate member 420 is positioned at the first end of the second segment 106 and the second end of the second threaded elongate member 420 is , Positioned at the second end of the second segment 106.

  Alternatively, the threaded elongate member 420 may be positioned within the second segment 106 and / or threaded the second segment 106, for example if the second segment 106 has a slot. It may be used as a cover for the elongated member 420.

  In this embodiment, the height adjustment is performed by actuating the rotational movement of the second threaded elongate member 420 by a motor. The motor may be any type of motor, but is preferably an electric motor, such as a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. Other motors that can be used are AC or DC motors such as induction motors, wound rotor motors, linear motors or stepper motors. In this embodiment, the second threaded receiving element 422 is disposed on and secured to the connecting segment 608. The second threaded receiving element is in meshing engagement with threaded elongate member 420.

  In other embodiments, the second threaded elongate member 420 can be fixed in the rotational direction and the height adjustment can be achieved by a motor, preferably an electric motor, such as a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or brushless. This is performed by actuating the rotational movement of the second threaded receiving element 422 by means of a direct current (BLDC) motor. The motor is preferably positioned within the movable second segment 106. In this embodiment, the second threaded elongate member 120 is secured to the connection segment 608. Further, in this embodiment, the second threaded receiving element 122 is disposed on the second segment 106 and is in meshing engagement with the second threaded elongate member 420.

  By using the first and second height adjusters, the height adjustment is divided between the height adjustment of the second segment 106 and the height adjustment of the connecting segment 608. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a quicker height adjustment and / or a height adjustment with higher accuracy.

  A controller can be used to calculate the first, second and / or total height adjustment. These amount calculations may be based on a measurement of the current height of the connecting element 608 and / or the second segment 106. Furthermore, the calculations may be based on reference values or desired values that can be preset or supplied by the user. The second height adjuster controls the second actuator, eg, the second electric motor, using the controller to move the connection segment 608 to a height related to the second height adjustment amount. Is possible. Further, in order to move the second segment 106 to a height related to the first height adjustment amount by the first height adjustment unit, the first actuator, for example, the first segment is used by using the control unit. It is possible to control the electric motor. Thereby, it is possible to increase the accuracy and / or speed of the height adjustment. With this configuration, the connecting segment 608 can be operated to move in the direction opposite to the movement of the movable second segment 106. This will be true when one of the first and second height adjustment amounts is negative and the other of the first and second height adjustment amounts is positive.

  Furthermore, the first actuator or electric motor can be fixed to the base. The first actuator or electric motor may be located at a distance from the lifting column 606. Furthermore, the first actuator or electric motor may be connected to the first height adjuster by a chain, cable or belt. Therefore, the internal space of the column 606 is freed and can be used for other purposes. Furthermore, the columns can be made smaller, i.e. the circumference or cross-section is smaller. Further, the center of gravity can be lowered by a motor outside the column 606 instead of inside the column 606. Therefore, the weight can be reduced.

  From FIG. 4C, the limit switch 130 of the lifting column 606 can be seen. In addition, the lifting column 606 may also have other position sensors. The movable second segment 106 is in its minimum extended position in this figure, and the connecting segment 608 is in its lowest position. Since connection segment 608 is in its lowest position, the connection segment should not be able to move further down. This can be ensured by having some kind of stopper plate or limit switch 130, 132 so that the connecting segment 608 cannot move past the lowest and / or highest position. It is guaranteed. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting segment 608 moves only within a certain range of movement and when the position measured by the position sensor (not shown) reaches the lowest or highest possible value, It is possible to control to stop automatically. Such control can be performed by a control unit that sends a signal to the moving actuator. The movement of the second segment 106 may be controlled in the same manner or in a similar manner. Next, the movement control of the second segment 106 can use information acquired from the position sensor. Further, the second and first threaded elongate members may have automatic braking characteristics.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first threaded elongate member 120 has a first end and an opposite second end. The first threaded elongate member 120 has a first end of the first threaded elongate member 120 positioned at the first end of the first segment 104 and the first threaded elongate member 120. The second end of the elongate member 120 is positioned inside the first segment 104 such that it is positioned at the second end of the first segment 106. In this embodiment, the u-shaped profile is attached to and positioned within the second segment 106. Furthermore, the first threaded receiving element 122 is secured to the u-shaped profile. The use of a u-shaped profile increases stability and avoids wobbling of the first threaded elongate member 120, and thus the accuracy of the threaded elongate member 120, the first height adjuster and the system, Reliability, safety and life span can be increased.

  Instead, the first threaded elongate member 120 is such that the first end of the first threaded elongate member 120 is positioned at the first end of the second segment 106 and the first The second end of the threaded elongate member 120 is positioned inside the second segment 106 such that it is positioned at the second end of the second segment 106. In this embodiment, the u-shaped profile is attached to and positioned inside the first segment 104. Furthermore, the first threaded receiving element 122 is secured to the u-shaped profile.

  In one embodiment, the pitch or lead of the female thread of the second threaded receiving element 422 and the male thread of the second threaded elongate member 420 may be different from the female thread and first thread of the first threaded receiving element 122. For example, a factor of 2 is greater than the pitch or lead of the external thread of the attached elongated member 120. Thus, the movable second segment can be quickly adjusted in height and the connecting segments can be used to align with high accuracy.

  Further, the second segment 106 and / or the first segment 104 may comprise four complete walls arranged in a rectangular or square cross-section. The wall can be made without any slots, and as a result, the wall can be made thinner than if there were slots. Thus, the weight can be reduced and / or the stability of the column 606 can be improved. Alternatively, at least one of the walls may have at least one slot.

  Furthermore, the lifting column 606 can be operated without a counterweight. This allows for a compact size during transport, thus allowing the use of smaller vehicles, such as transport vans. Therefore, cheaper transportation and lower fuel consumption can be achieved.

  In one embodiment, the overlap of the second and first segments 106, 104 is optimal when the column 606 is installed in the highest position and is within 10-20 cm, preferably within 15-17 cm. .

  In other embodiments, the ratio of the overlap of the second and first segments 106, 104 when the column 606 is installed in the highest position to the maximum height above the floor of the column 606 is less than 0.1. , Preferably less than 0.075.

  In still other embodiments, the length of the first segment 104 and the length of the second segment 106 are such that the span between the lowest possible position of the lift column 606 and the highest possible position is Optimized and selected to be at least 1.5 m, preferably at least 1.7 m.

  FIG. 7 illustrates some steps of a method 700 for controlling the height of the lifting column 606. From this figure, the height of the movable second segment of the lifting column 606 is controlled by a first actuator such as a first electric motor, for example a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. 706 can be understood. The first control signal is sent 704 to the first actuator from the 702 control unit that has received information from the position sensor. The first actuator activates the rotational movement of the first threaded receiving element 122 or the first threaded elongate member 120 of the first height adjuster. Thus, the actuator operates the height adjustment of the second segment 106.

  Further, the height of the connecting segment 608 of the lifting column 606 that is preferably attached to the telescopic arm 610 is increased by a second actuator such as a second electric motor, for example a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. 710 to be controlled. The second control signal is sent 708 to the second actuator from the 702 controller that received the information from the position sensor. The second actuator activates the rotational movement of the second threaded receiving element 422 or the second threaded elongate member 420 of the second height adjuster. Thus, the second actuator operates the height adjustment of the connecting segment 608.

  By this method, quick and easy control of the height of the lifting column 606 can be achieved. The height of the movable second segment 106 and the height of the connecting segment 608 are controlled simultaneously in one embodiment. Accordingly, the adjustment speed can be increased.

  FIG. 8 is a drawing of several steps of a method 800 for preparing a mobile X-ray device 600 for transport. At 802, a second segment of the lifting column that can be moved to the lowest possible position by a first actuator, such as a first electric motor, eg, a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The height adjustment is performed. The first control signal is sent to the first actuator from a control unit that can receive information from the position sensor. The first actuator activates the rotational movement of the first threaded receiving element 122 or the first threaded elongate member 120 of the first height adjuster. Thus, the actuator operates the height adjustment of the second segment 106 so that the second segment 106 reaches the lowest possible position.

  Further, at 804, an arm 610 that can be stretchable to the highest possible position by a second actuator, such as a second electric motor, eg, a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The height control of the connecting segment 608 of the lifting column 606 comprising the attached outer part 332 and inner part 330 is performed. The second control signal is sent to the second actuator from the control unit that has received information from the position sensor. The second actuator activates the rotational movement of the second threaded receiving element 422 or the second threaded elongate member 420 of the second height adjuster. Accordingly, the second actuator operates the height adjustment of the connection segment 608 so that the connection segment 608 reaches the highest possible position.

  Further, at 806, rotation of the horizontal outer portion 332 around the inner portion 330 is performed until an arm 610, which may be a device stretchable, is positioned on top of the device base 602. Optionally, at 808, height control of the connecting segment 608 is performed by lowering the arm until the arm 610 is positioned in the locked position, eg, the hollow space of the base 602. By using this method, a compact size during transportation is possible. Furthermore, the mobile X-ray device can be easily transported, for example due to its compact size and increased field of view.

  As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” similarly include the plural forms. Is intended to be. Further, the terms “comprising”, “comprising”, “including” and / or “comprising” as used herein refer to the described feature, number, step, operation, element or It will be understood that the presence of a component is specified, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements or components and / or groups thereof. When an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the element can be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or there can be an intervention element Will be understood. Further, as used herein, the term “connected” or “coupled” may include being connected or coupled without wires. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

  Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In addition, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, unless otherwise defined, should be construed as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in relation to the related art, and are specifically defined herein. It will be understood that unless otherwise done, it will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense. The present disclosure has been described with reference to particular embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above are equally possible within the scope of this disclosure. Other different method steps or different sequences thereof may be provided within the scope of this disclosure. The features and processes of the present disclosure may be combined in combinations other than those described above. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0249807A1 Specification

Claims (15)

A lifting column for a mobile X-ray device (600), wherein the column (606) is preferably rotatably fixed to a base (602) of the X-ray device (600), and the column (606) ) Has a plurality of segments, and the plurality of segments are
A first segment (104) having a first end and an opposite second end disposed on the base (602) with the first end;
A second segment (106) having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second segment (106) is a second end of the first segment; It is disposed at a first end of the overlapping second segment and is movable relative to the first segment (104), and the column (606) further includes a first height adjuster. The first height adjustment unit is
A first threaded elongate member (120) secured to one of the first and second segments (104, 106);
First threaded disposed on the other of the first and second segments (104, 106) in meshing engagement with the threaded elongated member (120) for height adjustment of the column (606) And a receiving column (122).   A connection segment for attaching a telescoping arm to the lift column, the connection segment being disposed radially outside the movable second segment and connected to the movable second segment. Item 2. The lifting column according to Item 1.   The lifting column according to claim 2, wherein the connecting segment is movable in a vertical direction radially outward of the movable segment. The connecting segment is
An outer portion connected to the telescopic arm;
The lifting column according to claim 2, further comprising an inner part connected to the movable second segment, wherein the outer part is horizontally rotatable around the inner part.   5. The movable second segment is positioned at its lowest position during transport of the device, and the connecting segment is positioned on top of the movable second segment. The lifting column described. A second height adjusting unit, wherein the second height adjusting unit includes:
A second threaded receiving element disposed on one of the second segment and the connecting segment;
At least a second threaded elongate member secured to the other of the second segment and the connecting segment in meshing engagement with the second threaded receiving element, the first height adjustment A portion is adapted to adjust the height of the movable second segment, and the second height adjuster is adapted to adjust the height of the connecting segment. The elevating column according to any one of 5.   A height adjustment performed by the first height adjuster is a first electric motor connected to one of the first threaded receiving element and the first threaded elongate member, e.g. a permanent A height adjustment operated by a magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and performed by the second height adjuster is preferably positioned inside the movable second segment. And operated by a second electric motor, such as a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor or a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, connected to one of the second threaded receiving element and the second threaded elongated member. The elevating column according to claim 6.   The second threaded elongate member has a first end and an opposite second end, and the first end of the second threaded elongate member is the second end. Positioned at the first end of the second segment and the second end of the second threaded elongate member is positioned at the second end of the second segment; 8. Lifting column according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second threaded elongate member is positioned outside the second segment and parallel to the second segment.   The first threaded elongate member has a first end and an opposite second end, and the first end of the first threaded elongate member is the first end. Or the second end of the first threaded elongate member positioned at the first end of a second segment and the second end of the first or second segment. The lifting column of claim 8, wherein the first threaded elongate member is positioned inside one of the first and second segments to be positioned.   A u-shaped profile is attached to and positioned inside one of the first and second segments, and the first threaded receiving element is secured to the u-shaped profile. The lifting column according to 9.   11. A lifting column according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein at least one of the second and first threaded elongate members has automatic braking characteristics.   The concave portion is provided in the base, and the first end portion of the first segment is fixed to the base of the concave portion, and is recessed in the concave portion. Lifting column as described in. A method for controlling the height of a lifting column according to any one of claims 1-12,
Receiving information from the position sensor;
Sending a first control signal to the first electric motor;
The lifting column can be moved by the first electric motor by actuating the rotational movement of either the first threaded receiving element of the first height adjustment or the first threaded elongate member. Controlling the height of the second segment,
Sending a second control signal to the second electric motor;
By actuating the rotational movement of either the second threaded receiving element of the second height adjuster or the second threaded elongate member, the telescopic arm of the lifting column is driven by the second electric motor. Controlling the height of the attached connection segment.   The method of claim 13, wherein the height of the movable second segment and the height of the connecting segment are controlled simultaneously. A method for preparing a mobile X-ray device comprising the lifting column according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The height of the movable second segment of the lifting column by actuating the rotational movement of either the first threaded receiving element of the first height adjustment or the first threaded elongate member Controlling the first electric motor to the lowest possible position;
The outer and inner sides of the lifting column attached to the arm by actuating the rotational movement of either the second threaded receiving element of the second height adjustment or the second threaded elongate member Controlling the height of the connecting segment comprising a portion to the highest possible position by a second electric motor;
Rotating the outer portion horizontally around the inner portion until the arm is positioned at the top of the base of the device;
Optionally, controlling the height of the connecting segment by lowering the connecting segment until the arm is positioned in a locked position, eg, a hollow space in the base.

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