Patent Number: 059006382
Section: description

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an x-ray diagnostics installation 1 that, for example, is an x-ray aiming device. The x-ray aiming device is usually arranged over a support platform or bed for an examination subject, and has a radiation protection arrangement 2 disposed at least one side facing toward the patient support. This radiation protection arrangement 2 has at least one lead-rubber strap 3, preferably a number of lead-rubber straps 3, joined to one another but movably seated in a guide rail 5 via a carrier 4. Each lead-rubber strap 3 preferably is seated in its own carrier 4. When a number of carriers 4 are provided, it is advantageous to join them chain-like to one another via a connecting element 6. For example, a cable, a revolute joint or a flexible rod can be employed as each connecting element 6. The lead-rubber straps 3 are seated at the respective carrier 4 pivotable around a transverse axis 7 and, expediently, also pivotable around a rotational axis 8 oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to the axis 7. When, for example, the x-ray aiming device 1 is adjusted a vertical alignment, then the lead-rubber straps 3 are also moved toward the right, i.e., downward by the force of gravity, in the guide rail 5 via their carriers 4. In order to prevent an independent or unintentional movement of the lead-rubber straps 3 or at least to make this more difficult during such an adjustment of the x-ray aiming device, a brake arrangement 9 for the carrier 4 is inventively provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 the brake arrangement 9 is a friction brake whose brake lining 10 engages at the carrier 4 preferably loaded by a resilient element 11, for example a coil spring. According to a modification shown in FIG. 3, the brake arrangement 9 is implemented such that it engages the carrier 4. Structurally, a peg 12 can be provided for this purpose that engages into a recess at the carrier 4. Conversely, of course, a recess at the brake arrangement 9 can engage a peg of the carrier 4. If a number of carriers 4 are attached to one another chain-like, then the peg 12 can also engage between two carriers 4. To this end, the peg 12 can likewise be adjusted in the direction toward the carrier 4 by a resilient element 11. In another modification of the invention shown in FIG. 4, a brake arrangement 9 is provided at the carrier 4 at the end thereof, this brake arrangement 9, for example, being fashioned as a catch 14 engaging into a channel 13. The catch 14 is pivotable around an axis 15 and, loaded by a resilient element 16, engages in the channel 13. The locking can be released in all modifications of the invention by an unlocking mechanism 17. The unlocking mechanism 17 is preferably implemented as a lever arrangement so as to enable an easy cancellation of the interlock or brake. FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show a carrier 104 with a lead-rubber strap 103, with a formed part 109 inventively provided at the carrier 104 which effects a diversion of a lead-rubber strap 103 when the radiation protection means is pivoted. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the formed part 109 is fashioned as a bead at a retainer part 110. The preferably annular bead of the formed part 109 surrounds a swiveling axis 111 and can be placed in the lead-rubber straps 103 or placed on them. In the modification of the radiation protection arrangement of the invention shown in FIG. 7, at least two lead-rubber straps 103 are pivotably seated in respective carriers 112. The carriers 112 allow the straps 103 to be are seated such that they are joined to one another in a first direction 113 and are aligned in a second direction 114. The first and second directions 113 and 114 describe an angle a relative to one another. If a number of carriers 112 for respective lead-rubber straps 103 are adjoined to one another in a chain-like manner, then lead-rubber straps 103 neighboring one another should at least partially overlap order to assure a reliable radiation protection. In FIGS. 8 and 9, a lead-rubber strap 201 is shown which can be adjustable along a guide rail, particularly in an x-ray aiming device. According to the invention, the lead-rubber straps 201 can be folded (FIGS. 9, 11, 13) from an extended, i.e., suspended condition (FIGS. 8, 10, 12) and can be fixed in the folded-over condition. A snap fastener 202 according to FIGS. 8 and 9 a hook and loop closure 203 according to FIGS. 10 and 11, a clip 204 according to FIGS. 12 and 13 or a magnet means (not shown) are suitable for the fixing. The fixing can be provided at the front side or back side and can be glued, welded or sewn to the lead-rubber strap 201. The opening that is produced by folding the lead-rubber strap 201 up can be set dependent on the position of the fixing means. A number of retaining positions can be provided at the lead-rubber strap 1, so that differently sized openings can be achieved. Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art, it is the intention of the inventors to embody within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution to the art.