Title of Invention	STAND FOR HOLDING A RADIATION DETECTOR FOR A RADIATION THERAPY DEVICE
Abstract	Stand for holding a radiation detector for a radiation therapy device, as well as a radiation therapy device having a stand for holding a radiation detector. In order to integrate a radiation detector (2) in a space-saving manner in a radiation therapy device (26), at least one stand (1) is provided in order to hold the radiation detector (2), in particular in such a manner that it can be moved in a linear- movement direction (7) and can be pivoted about a pivoting axis (8); the radiation therapy device (26) has a gantry (27), a first radiation source (28) and the stand (1), by means of which the radiation detector (2) can on the one hand be moved to at least one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), and on the other hand can be moved to a parked position, outside the radiation area (30), in the opposite direction to a first radiation direction (29) from the first radiation source (29), with respect to the examination position.

Title of Invention

STAND FOR HOLDING A RADIATION DETECTOR FOR A RADIATION THERAPY DEVICE

Abstract

Stand for holding a radiation detector for a radiation therapy device, as well as a radiation therapy device having a stand for holding a radiation detector. In order to integrate a radiation detector (2) in a space-saving manner in a radiation therapy device (26), at least one stand (1) is provided in order to hold the radiation detector (2), in particular in such a manner that it can be moved in a linear- movement direction (7) and can be pivoted about a pivoting axis (8); the radiation therapy device (26) has a gantry (27), a first radiation source (28) and the stand (1), by means of which the radiation detector (2) can on the one hand be moved to at least one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), and on the other hand can be moved to a parked position, outside the radiation area (30), in the opposite direction to a first radiation direction (29) from the first radiation source (29), with respect to the examination position.

Full Text	STAND FOR HOLDING A RADIATION DETECTOR FOR A RADIATION THERAPY DEVICE Description A stand for holding a radiation detector for a radiation therapy device, as well as a radiation therapy device having a stand for holding a radiation detector. The invention relates to a stand for holding a radiation detector for a radiation therapy device and a radiation therapy device having a stand for holding a radiation detector. Radiation therapy devices are used in medicine in order to treat diseased tissue, for example tumor tissue, with ionizing radiation. During radiation therapy such as this, radiation for example in the form of high-energy X-ray radiation, in the form of radiation composed of lightweight particles such as electrons or positrons, or in the form of radiation composed of heavy particles such as protons or ions is used. During radiation therapy, it is of critical importance that it is only the diseased tissue which is specifically bombarded, while the surrounding, healthy tissue is very largely not irradiated. In order to allow only the diseased tissue to be irradiated, the respective treatment area must be positioned as exactly as possible relative to the radiation therapy device, and the radiation must be aligned and delineated as exactly as possible with respect to the irradiation area. It is known for a radiation detector which uses the therapeutic radiation to produce an image of the irradiation area, or else of its surrounding area, to be used for positioning of the treatment area and for alignment and delineation of the therapeutic radiation. This has the disadvantage that, because of its high quantum energy, the therapeutic radiation is scattered to a greater extent about the treatment area and the tissue surrounding this treatment area than diagnostic radiation, whose quantum energy is lower, so that this type of imaging has comparatively low contrast. Diagnostic X-ray radiation typically has a maximum quantum energy of 150 kiloelectron volts (KeV) while, in contrast, therapeutic X-ray radiation typically has a quantum energy in the region of a megaelectron volt (MeV). It is known from US 6 888 919 B2 for an additional, diagnostic X-ray imaging system to be used for exact positioning of the tumor, comprising an X-ray source for production of low-energy diagnostic X-ray radiation and a radiation detector for diagnostic imaging based on detection of the diagnostic X-ray radiation. Furthermore, US 6 888 919 B2 also discloses a radiation therapy device in which the therapeutic radiation source is arranged on a gantry which can be rotated around a horizontal axis in order to allow the therapeutic radiation to be aligned flexibly relative to the patient. In order to allow the diseased tissue of the patient to be treated to be positioned as freely as possible, it is necessary to design the gantry together with the components arranged on this gantry to be as compact as possible, and to ensure that the distance between the radiation head, which in addition to the therapeutic radiation source may also have at least one collimator for beamforming, to the isocenter of the radiation therapy device is as great as possible. Particularly in the case of radiation therapy devices with an additional diagnostic X-ray imaging system, the lack of space represents a major problem for the design configuration of the radiation therapy device. US 688 919 B2, cited above, discloses a radiation therapy device which, in addition to a first gantry which can be rotated about an axis and has a therapeutic radiation source, has a second gantry which can be rotated about the same axis and has a diagnostic radiation source on one side and a radiation detector for imaging on the other side. The radiation detector is, in particular, in the form of a multi-energy imaging unit which can produce an image both on the basis of the therapeutic radiation and on the basis of the diagnostic radiation. The diagnostic X-ray emitter may, in particular, be moved in and out. In order to produce an image based on the diagnostic X-ray radiation, the first gantry is pivoted with the therapeutic radiation source to the side with respect to the second gantry with the diagnostic radiation source, so that the diagnostic radiation source can be moved out. In order to treat the diseased tissue with the therapeutic radiation, the diagnostic X-ray radiation source is moved in, and the therapeutic X-ray radiation source together with the gantry is pivoted to the previous position of the moved-out, diagnostic X-ray radiation source. This results in a diagnostic image of the diseased tissue being produced first of all with the moved-out diagnostic X-ray radiation source, from a viewing angle which corresponds to the radiation direction of the subsequent radiation treatment using the therapeutic radiation source. The disadvantage of this radiation therapy device is that its design is complicated and that, because of the additional second gantry, the free space for positioning and alignment of the patient to be treated is restricted. A radiation detector system for a radiation therapy device is known from US 5 142 559. The radiation detector system comprises a rotating chassis on which a radiation detector is arranged via holding arms. The rotating chassis is arranged on a mounting tower such that it can be moved in the vertical direction. The holding arms together with the radiation detector are mounted on the rotating chassis such that they can rotate about a horizontal axis. WO 2004/004829 A1 discloses an irradiation system with a radiation detector which can be pivoted out for maintenance purposes. A patient can be positioned between a radiation source on one side and the detector on the other side, for therapy purposes. WO 2005/015125 A1 discloses a system for calibration of source and detector instruments for which, by way of example, a radiation therapy apparatus is mentioned, having a detector whose alignment can be calibrated. WO 2004/033026 A2 discloses an imaging appliance for a radiation therapy device. The imaging appliance comprises a robot arm on which an imaging detector is arranged. In one exemplary embodiment, the robot arm has two parallel pivoting axes, and is mounted such that it can be moved parallel to these axes on a gantry of the radiation therapy device. The detector surface, which is arranged parallel to the movement direction in each pivoting position, can be aligned with an image radiation source and with a target volume by means of this robot arm. The present invention is based on the object of integrating a radiation detector in a space-saving manner in a radiation therapy device. This object is achieved by a stand as claimed in patent claim 1 and by a radiation therapy device as claimed in patent claim 16; advantageous refinements are the subject matter of the dependent claims which respectively refer back to them. The embodiment of the stand according to the invention with only three parts in order to hold a radiation detector with the capability to move in a lifting direction as a first mechanical degree of freedom and with the capability to pivot about a pivoting axis essentially parallel to the lifting direction as a second mechanical degree of freedom allows the radiation detector to be positioned in a space-saving manner. The design configuration in just three parts and with only two mechanical degrees of freedom on the one hand allows the stand to be designed to be particularly compact while on the other hand nevertheless allowing the radiation detector to be positioned flexibly. Furthermore, this design of the stand ensures, in a simple manner, a high degree of mechanical stability and a particularly exact positioning capability, because of the small amount of mechanical play iin the degrees of freedom. Designing the mount part and/or the intermediate part with at least one lifting rail for guidance of the intermediate part which can be moved relative to the mount part results in the stand being particularly highly robust with particularly exact movement guidance, free of mechanical play, during movement of the intermediate part in the lifting direction. An embodiment of the mount part and/or of the intermediate part with a lifting drive rod which is powered by external power in order to move of the intermediate part allows a simple drive for this movement along the lifting direction. In particular, a motor is arranged on the mount part and/or the intermediate part in order to move the intermediate part relative to the mount part by external power. In a direct reversal of the mechanical principle, the drive rod and/or the lifting rail may be arranged both on the mount part and on the intermediate part. Designing the intermediate part and/or the arm part such that the arm part can be pivoted powered by external power relative to the intermediate part allows the pivoting movement to be controlled easily. In particular, a motor is arranged either on the intermediate part or on the arm part for pivoting by external power. Designing the arm part with the holding apparatus for holding the radiation detector such that the holding apparatus is arranged such that it can be moved relative to the arm part in a movement direction essentially at right angles to the lifting direction of the intermediate part of the stand makes it possible to flexibly vary the respective viewing angle during production of an image with the radiation detector; this requirement is particularly advantageous for production of a three-dimensional image of the tissue to be treated, based on the production of a plurality of images from different viewing angles. Designing the arm part with at least one holding rail for guidance of the holding apparatus results in the radiation detector being held in a particularly robust manner with little mechanical play while it is being moved along the movement direction. The same advantage is likewise achieved by a direct reversal of the mechanical principle in the form of an embodiment of the holding apparatus for an interlocking arrangement on at least one holding rail of the radiation detector. An embodiment of the arm part with a drive belt powered by external power or a drive chain powered by external power for movement of the holding apparatus ensures a simple drive during movement of the holding apparatus for the radiation detector along the movement direction. The drive belt or the drive chain can, in particular, be driven by a motor which can be arranged on the holding part. Designing the arm part with a movement drive rod which is powered by external power for movement of the holding apparatus and/or for movement of the radiation detector allows a simple drive for this linear movement along the movement direction. In particular, a motor is arranged on the arm part for externally powered movement of the holding apparatus and of the radiation detector relative to the arm part. It is feasible for the movement drive rod to have a gearwheel which engages in an interlocking manner in a toothed rail on the holding apparatus or on the radiation detector. Designing the mount part for arrangement on a gantry of a radiation therapy device with a first radiation source for production of first radiation which can be emitted in a first radiation direction makes it possible to use the stand in a radiation therapy device. For example, it is also possible to retrofit an existing radiation therapy device with a stand such as this for holding the radiation detector. The abovementioned lifting direction is, in particular, essentially parallel to the first radiation direction. By way of example, the first radiation source may be a therapeutic radiation source for the production of X-ray radiation in the MeV energy range, of electron radiation or proton radiation. An embodiment of the stand such that the radiation detector which can be held on the holding apparatus, can be pivoted and/or moved to at least one examination position within the radiation area of the first radiation source makes it possible to produce a diagnostic record of the body tissue located within a target volume of the radiation therapy device from a viewing angle that corresponds essentially to the perspective of the first radiation source. This allows the diseased body tissue to be treated to be positioned particularly accurately in the target volume. In its examination position, it is possible for the radiation detector to be effectively located in front of the first radiation source in the first radiation direction and to be located together with it on the same side relative to the target volume. In this case, it is expedient for a second radiation source to be arranged on the opposite side relative to the target volume, emitting second radiation through the target volume in the direction of the radiation detector. In this case, in particular, it is feasible for the first radiation source to produce high-energy therapeutic radiation, while the second radiation source produces low-energy diagnostic radiation. According to a further refinement, a stand design is provided such that the radiation detector can be moved to different examination positions within the radiation area of the first radiation source, in each case at different distances from the first radiation source; this allows flexible replacement or combination of different beamforming elements, which can be arranged between the first radiation source on the one side and the radiation detector on the other side. An embodiment of the stand such that the radiation detector which can be arranged on the holding apparatus can be pivoted out of the radiation area of the first radiation source makes it possible for the radiation detector to be removed from the radiation area in a simple manner, for example in order to carry out a radiation-therapy treatment using the first radiation source. An embodiment of the stand such that the radiation detector can be moved, outside the radiation area of the first radiation source, to a parked position which is offset with respect to the examination position in the opposite direction to the first radiation direction allows particularly space-saving positioning of the first radiation source. This parked position, which is moved in in comparison to the examination position, and in which the first radiation source is further away from the target volume, creates a particularly large amount of free space for positioning of the respective patient to be treated. An embodiment of the stand such that the radiation detector, when in its parked position, can be positioned alongside the first radiation source essentially at right angles to the first radiation direction in a lateral direction results in a particularly space-saving and physically simple arrangement. The radiation therapy device according to the invention with a gantry on which not only the first radiation source but also the stand for holding the radiation detector are arranged on the one hand makes it possible to produce an image of the respective target volume from the viewing angle of the first radiation source from an examination position of the radiation detector within the radiation area of the first radiation source, and on the other hand a particularly space-saving positioning of the radiation detector in a parked position, which is offset with respect to the examination position in the opposite direction to the first radiation direction, outside the radiation area. Since the radiation detector can be designed to be considerably narrower than a radiation source and can effectively be positioned in front of the first radiation source in the first radiation direction, there is no need to pivot the first radiation source away, which would be complex, in order to produce a diagnostic image of the target volume, as in US 6 888 919 B2. According to a further refinement, the first radiation source is designed to produce the first radiation in the form of therapeutic radiation, in particular therapeutic X-ray radiation. A particularly large amount of space can be saved by arranging both the first radiation source and the radiation detector in each case on the same side relative to the target volume, which can be irradiated with the first radiation, in their examination position. A second radiation source which is arranged on a side opposite the radiation detector relative to the target volume makes it possible to use the radiation detector to produce an image of the tissue located in the target volume and of the tissue located in an area surrounding the target volume. This refinement is particularly expedient when the radiation source which is arranged on the same side relative to the target volume can produce only therapeutic radiation. For example, it is feasible for both the stand for holding the radiation detector and the first radiation source for producing the therapeutic radiation to be located at one end of the gantry, and for the second radiation source for producing diagnostic X-ray radiation to be located on the other side of the gantry. Particularly in a situation such as this, it is expedient to design the stand such that, when the radiation detector is in its examination position, it is aligned to detect second radiation emitted from the second radiation source in the direction of the radiation detector in the examination position. In order to allow the viewing angle to be varied flexibly during production of the diagnostic image, the stand is designed such that the holding apparatus is arranged such that it can be moved relative to it in a movement direction essentially at right angles to the first radiation direction. Inter alia, this refinement makes it possible to produce a three-dimensional image of the target volume and of the tissue located in the area surrounding this target volume, by producing a plurality of images from different viewing angles. The second radiation source is expediently arranged such that it can be pivoted about an axis at right angles to the first radiation direction and at right angles to the movement direction. In order to produce images from different viewing angles, the second radiation source is pivoted in synchronism with the linear movement of the holding apparatus for the radiation detector, such that the second radiation strikes the radiation detector throughout the entire irradiation time. The second radiation source is expediently designed to produce the second radiation in the form of diagnostic radiation, in particular diagnostic X-ray radiation. According to a further refinement, the radiation detector is designed to detect the first radiation passing through the radiation detector; when in the examination position, this makes it possible to use the radiation detector to measure on the one hand the radiation area and on the other hand the intensity of the first radiation emitted from the first radiation source. Furthermore, any attenuation of the first X- ray radiation produced by the patient who is in each case to be treated can be measured in combination with the second radiation detector on the side of the target volume opposite that of the abovementioned radiation detector. This attenuation makes it possible to deduce the total radiation energy absorbed in the patient when irradiated with the first radiation. The invention as well as further advantageous refinements of the invention according to features of the dependent claims will be explained in more detail in the following text with reference to schematically illustrated exemplary embodiments in the drawing, without this implying that the invention is restricted to these exemplary embodiments. In the figures: Figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a stand with a mount part, an intermediate part and an arm part with a radiation detector arranged on the arm part being positioned in an examination position by means of the stand; Figure 2 shows a perspective illustration of the stand shown in Figure 1, with the radiation detector being positioned in a parked position by the stand; Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail of a perspective illustration of the stand as shown in Figure 1 from the rear, with a housing of the arm part having been partially removed, in order to illustrate a drive mechanism arranged in the arm part; Figure 4 shows a detailed enlargement of the perspective illustration of the stand shown in Figure 3 from the rear, with the housing of the arm part having been completely removed in order to illustrate the drive mechanism and a holding apparatus for the radiation detector; Figure 5 shows a detailed enlargement of the perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the stand as shown in Figure 3 from the rear, with a different drive mechanism and a different holding apparatus; Figure 6 shows a perspective illustration of the stand shown in Figure 5, tilted forward, with a rail arranged on the arm part; Figure 7 shows a side view of a radiation therapy device with a gantry on which a first radiation source and the stand as shown in Figure 1 together with the radiation detector are arranged, in the examination position under the first radiation source; Figure 8 shows a side view of the radiation therapy device as shown in Figure 7, with the stand as shown in Figure 2 with the radiation detector in the parked position alongside the first radiation source. Figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a stand 1 which is essentially composed of three parts and has a mount part 3, an intermediate part 4 and an arm part 5. Two holding apparatuses 6, which are concealed in this view, for holding a flat radiation detector 2 are arranged on the arm part 5. The holding apparatuses 6 can be seen in Figures 2 and 3. The mount part 3 is designed to be arranged on a radiation therapy device, in particular on its gantry. The intermediate part 4 is arranged on the mount part 3 such that it can be moved in a lifting direction 7, with two lifting rails 10 and 11 being arranged on the mount part 3 for guidance of the intermediate part 4. A motor 13 is provided for externally powered movement of the intermediate part 4 and converts a rotary movement via a direction-changing transmission 16 to a drive rod 12 with a thread, a mating thread and the intermediate part 4 engaging in an interlocking manner. The arm part 5 is arranged on the intermediate part 4 such that it can pivot about a pivoting axis 8 which runs essentially parallel to the lifting direction 7 . The drive mechanism for the pivoting movement of the arm part will be explained in more detail in the figure description relating to Figure 3. The holding apparatus 6 for the radiation detector 2 is arranged on the arm part 5 such that it can move in a movement direction 9 which runs essentially at right angles to the lifting direction 7. The method of operation of the holding apparatuses 6 and the drive mechanism for the movement will be explained in more detail in the figure description relating to Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 1, the stand 1 is set such that the radiation detector 2 is arranged in its examination position in which it is located with a first radiation source in its intended radiation area, with the stand 1 being arranged with the radiation detector 2 on a radiation therapy device. In this case, the intended radiation direction 29 is aligned parallel to the lifting direction 7, and points downward in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a perspective illustration of the stand shown in Figure 1, with the radiation detector 2 having been positioned by means of a pivoting movement of the arm part through 90° in the counterclockwise direction with respect to a plan view of the pivoting axis 8, and a lifting movement of the intermediate part 4 as far as the upper end of the mount part 3 to a parked position outside the intended radiation area. Figure 3 shows a detailed enlargement of a perspective illustration of the stand 1 as shown in Figure 1 from the rear, with a housing cover, at the rear of the arm part 5 having been removed. A drive motor 14 is arranged in the arm part 5 and allows a motor-powered pivoting movement of the arm part 5 relative to the intermediate part 4 by means of power being transmitted to the intermediate part 4 through a direction-changing transmission 17. Furthermore, the arm part 5 has a further motor 15 which drives the linear movement of the radiation detector 2 via a third direction-changing transmission 18 and via a movement drive rod 20. Figure 4 shows a further detailed enlargement of the arm part as shown in Figure 3, with the housing of the arm part not being illustrated. In addition to the motor 15, the direction- changing transmission 18 and the movement drive rod 20, a gearwheel 21 can be seen which is arranged coaxially on this movement drive rod 20 and engages in an interlocking manner in a toothed drive rail 22 of the radiation detector 2. The interlock between the gearwheel 21, which is driven indirectly by the motor 15, and the drive rail 22 converts a rotary movement of the motor 15, which is arranged in a fixed position relative to the housing of the arm part 5, to a linear movement of the radiation detector 2. Furthermore, Figure 4 shows the holding apparatuses 6 which are attached to the outside of the housing of the arm part 5, and which surround the holding rail 19 in an interlocking manner. Figure 5 shows a detailed enlargement of a perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the stand 1 shown in Figure 1 from the rear, with a drive mechanism, which has been modified in comparison to the previously described exemplary embodiment, for linear movement of the radiation detector. As in Figure 3, the rear housing cover of the arm part 5 has been removed in order to show the drive mechanism. The arm part 5 has a motor 15 which drives the linear movement of the radiation detector 2 via the third direction-changing transmission 18 and via a drive belt 23 which is passed over a guide roller 21 and is connected at one end to the holding apparatus 6 for the radiation detector 2. Figure 6 shows a perspective illustration of the arm part 5 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, tilted slightly forwards. The arm part 5 has a holding rail 19 for guidance of the holding apparatus 6 relative to the arm part 5, with only two rail holders 25 of the holding apparatus 6 being illustrated, which surround the holding rail in an interlocking manner from two opposite sides. In order to allow the holding rail 19 and the rail holders 25 to be seen better, this figure does not show the majority of the holding apparatus or of the radiation detector. Figure 7 shows a side view of a radiation therapy device 2 6 having a gantry 27 which is arranged on a base stand 32 such that it can rotate about a vertical rotation axis 33, having a first radiation source 28 arranged on the gantry 27 and having the stand 1, arranged on the gantry 27, with the radiation detector 2 for the examination shown in Figure 1. The first radiation source 28 can emit the first radiation examination area which surrounds this target volume 35 can be produced. This X-ray image can be used not only to position and to align a patient to be treated relative to the target volume 35, but also to constrain the radiation area 30 by means of a shutter. The radiation detector 2 can be moved by the stand 1 in a movement direction 9 which runs at right angles to the plane of the illustration in this figure. In synchronism with this linear movement, the second radiation detector 36 can be tilted about a tilt axis 39 at right angles to the first radiation direction 29 and at right angles to the movement direction 9, so that the second radiation which can be emitted from the second X-ray source 36 strikes the radiation detector 2 during its linear movement; this means that the X-ray image, which is initially only two-dimensional can be used to obtain information at right angles to the radiation direction 29, as well, over the examination area, relating to the three- dimensional tissue arrangement in the radiation direction 29. This is done just by two X-ray images with different imaging perspectives. After the at least one X-ray image has been recorded, the second radiation source 36 can be moved in a vertical direction 38 with respect to the gantry 27. A further radiation detector 37 is arranged on the side opposite the radiation detector 2 relative to the target volume 35 and is designed to produce an X-ray image of the target volume 35 and/or of the examination area surrounding this target volume 35, based on the high-energy, first radiation. Any attenuation of the first radiation resulting from the patient, who is positioned, at least partially, in the target volume 35, can be determined by a development of the radiation detector 2, which is arranged underneath the first radiation source 28, in such a way that this is also suitable for detection of the high-energy first radiation, in combination with the further radiation detector 36 on the opposite side of the target volume 36. In addition to the second radiation source 36, the further radiation detector 38 can also be moved in in the vertical direction 38 with respect to the gantry 27. Figure 8 shows a side view of the radiation therapy device 26 shown in Figure 7, with the radiation detector 2 in its parked position shown in Figure 2, which is offset with respect to the examination position in the opposite direction to the first radiation direction 29, outside the radiation area of the first radiation source. In this parked position, the radiation detector is positioned alongside the first radiation source 28 in a lateral direction at right angles to the first radiation direction 29. It is also possible to provide the gantry 27 with cladding, which is not illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, within which the radiation detector 2 is positioned, in its parked position, such that it cannot be seen from the outside. Fundamentally, one embodiment may be summarized as follows: in order to integrate a radiation detector in a space-saving manner in a radiation therapy device, at least one stand is provided for holding the radiation detector, in particular such that it can be moved in the lifting direction and can be pivoted about a pivoting axis; the radiation therapy device according to this embodiment comprises a gantry, a first radiation source and the stand, by means of which the radiation detector can be moved on the one hand to at least one examination position within the radiation area of the first radiation source, and on the other hand to a parked position, which is moved in in the opposite direction to a first radiation direction from the first radiation source in comparison to the examination position, outside the radiation area. Claims 1. A stand (1) for holding a radiation detector (2) for a radiation therapy device (26), - having a mount part (3), - having an intermediate part (4) which is arranged on the mount part (3) such that it can be moved in a lifting direction (7) relative to the mount part, - having an arm part (5) which is arranged on the intermediate part (4) such that it can pivot relative to the intermediate part (4) about a pivoting axis (8) essentially parallel to the lifting direction (7), and has a holding apparatus (6) for holding a flat radiation detector (2) essentially at right angles to the lifting direction (7). 2. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 1 with an embodiment of the mount part (3) and/or of the intermediate part (4) with at least one lifting rail (10, 11) for guidance of the inter- mediate part (4), which can be moved, relative to the mount part (3). 3. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, with an embodiment of the mount part (3) and/or of the intermediate part (4) with a lifting drive rod (12) which is powered by external power, in order to move the intermediate part (4). 4. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3 with an embodiment of the intermediate part (4) and/or of the arm part (5) such that the arm part (5) can be pivoted powered by external power. 5. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4 with an embodiment of the arm part (5) such that the holding apparatus (6) is arranged relative to this such that it can be moved in a 7. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, with an embodiment of the holding apparatus (6) for interlocking arrangement on at least one holding rail (19) of the radiation detector (2). 8. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7 with an embodiment of the arm part (5) with a drive belt (20) which is powered by external power, or with a drive chain which is powered by external power, in order to move the holding apparatus (6). 9. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 8 with an embodiment of the arm part (5) with a movement drive rod (20) which is powered by external power for movement of the holding apparatus (6) and/or for movement of the radiation detector (2) . 10. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 with an embodiment of the mount part (3) for arrangement on a gantry (27) of a radiation therapy device (26) with a first radiation source (28) for production of first radiation which can be emitted in a first radiation direction (29) which in particular is essentially parallel to the lifting direction (7). 11. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 10 with an embodiment such that the radiation detector (2) which can be held on the holding apparatus (6), can be pivoted and/or moved to at least one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28). 12. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 11 with an embodiment such that the radiation detector (2) can be moved to different examination positions within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), in each case at different distances (34) from the first radiation source (28). 13. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 10 to 12 with an embodiment such that the radiation detector (2) which can be arranged on the holding apparatus (6) can be pivoted out of the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28). 14. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 13 with an embodiment such that the radiation detector (2) can be moved, outside the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), to a parked position which is offset in the opposite direction to the first radiation direction (29) with respect to the examination position. 15. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 14 with an embodiment such that the radiation detector (2) can be positioned alongside the first radiation source (28) in its parked position, in a lateral direction essentially at right angles to the first radiation direction (29). 16. A radiation therapy device (26) - having a gantry (27), - having a first radiation source (28) which is arranged on the gantry (27), for production of first radiation which can be emitted in a first radiation direction (29), - having a stand (1) which is arranged on the gantry (27) in order to hold a flat radiation detector (2), such that the radiation detector (2) can be moved on the one hand to at least one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), and on the other hand to a parked position, which is offset in the opposite direction to the first radiation direction (29) with respect to the examination position, outside the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), wherein the stand (1) is designed with a holding apparatus (6) for holding the radiation detector (2) such that the holding apparatus (6) is arranged such that it can be moved in a movement direction (9) essentially at right angles to the first radiation direction (29) relative to the stand (1). 17. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 16 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that the radiation detector (2) can be moved to different examination positions within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), in each case at different distances (34) from the first radiation source (28) . 18. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 16 or 17 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that the radiation detector (2) can be positioned essentially alongside the first radiation source (28) in its parked position, in a lateral direction at right angles to the first radiation direction (29) . 19. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 16 to 18 with an embodiment of the stand (1) having a holding apparatus (6) for holding the radiation detector (2), such that the holding apparatus (6) is arranged such that it can be moved in a movement direction (9) essentially at right angles to the first radiation direction (29) relative to the stand (1). 20. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 16 to 19 with an embodiment of the stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9. 21. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 20 with the stand (1) arranged on the gantry (27) such that the lifting direction (7) corresponds to the first radiation direction (29). 22. A radiation therapy device (26) - having a gantry (27), - having a first radiation source (28) which is arranged on the gantry (27), for production of first radiation which can be emitted in a first radiation direction (29), - having a stand (1) which is arranged on the gantry (27) in order to hold a flat radiation detector (2), such that the radiation detector (2) can be moved on the one hand to at least one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), and on the other hand to a parked position, which is offset in the opposite direction to the first radiation direction (29) with respect to the examination position, outside the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), wherein both the first radiation source (28) and the radiation detector (2) are each arranged, in its examination position, on the same side relative to a target volume (35) which can be irradiated with the first radiation. 23. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 22 with a second radiation source (36) arranged, in particular on the gantry (27), on a side opposite the radiation detector (2) relative to the target volume (35). 24. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 22 or 23 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that the radiation detector (2) when in its examination position is aligned for detection of second radiation which is emitted from the second radiation source (36) in the direction of the radiation detector (2) in the examination position. 25. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 22 to 24 with an embodiment of the stand (1) having a holding apparatus (6) for holding the radiation detector (2), such that the holding apparatus (6) is arranged such that it can be moved in a movement direction (9) essentially at right angles to the first radiation direction (29) relative to the stand (1). 26. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 25 with an arrangement of the second radiation source (36) which can be pivoted about an axis (39) at right angles to the first radiation direction (29) and at right angles to the movement direction (9). 27. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 23 to 26 with an embodiment of the second radiation source (36) in order to produce the second radiation in the form of diagnostic radiation, in particular diagnostic X-ray radiation. 28. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 22 to 27 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that the radiation detector (2) can be moved to different examination positions within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), in each case at different distances (34) from the first radiation source (28) . 29. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 22 to 28 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that the radiation detector (2) can be positioned essentially alongside the first radiation source (28) in its parked position, in a lateral direction at right angles to the first radiation direction (29) . 30. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 22 to 29 with an embodiment of the first radiation source (28) for production of first radiation in the form of therapeutic radiation, in particular therapeutic X-ray radiation. 31. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 22 to 30 with an embodiment of the radiation detector (2) for detection of the first radiation passing through the radiation detector (2) . 32. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 22 to 31 with a further radiation detector (37) on the opposite side relative to the radiation detector (2) relative to the target volume (35) for detection of the first radiation. 33. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of claims 22 to 32 with an embodiment of the stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9. 34. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 33 with the stand (1) arranged on the gantry (27) such that the lifting direction (7) corresponds to the first radiation direction (29). Stand for holding a radiation detector for a radiation therapy device, as well as a radiation therapy device having a stand for holding a radiation detector. In order to integrate a radiation detector (2) in a space-saving manner in a radiation therapy device (26), at least one stand (1) is provided in order to hold the radiation detector (2), in particular in such a manner that it can be moved in a linear- movement direction (7) and can be pivoted about a pivoting axis (8); the radiation therapy device (26) has a gantry (27), a first radiation source (28) and the stand (1), by means of which the radiation detector (2) can on the one hand be moved to at least one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), and on the other hand can be moved to a parked position, outside the radiation area (30), in the opposite direction to a first radiation direction (29) from the first radiation source (29), with respect to the examination position.

Full Text

STAND FOR HOLDING A RADIATION DETECTOR FOR A RADIATION THERAPY
DEVICE
Description
A stand for holding a radiation detector for a radiation
therapy device, as well as a radiation therapy device having a
stand for holding a radiation detector.
The invention relates to a stand for holding a radiation
detector for a radiation therapy device and a radiation therapy
device having a stand for holding a radiation detector.
Radiation therapy devices are used in medicine in order to
treat diseased tissue, for example tumor tissue, with ionizing
radiation. During radiation therapy such as this, radiation for
example in the form of high-energy X-ray radiation, in the form
of radiation composed of lightweight particles such as
electrons or positrons, or in the form of radiation composed of
heavy particles such as protons or ions is used. During
radiation therapy, it is of critical importance that it is only
the diseased tissue which is specifically bombarded, while the
surrounding, healthy tissue is very largely not irradiated.
In order to allow only the diseased tissue to be irradiated,
the respective treatment area must be positioned as exactly as
possible relative to the radiation therapy device, and the
radiation must be aligned and delineated as exactly as possible
with respect to the irradiation area. It is known for a
radiation detector which uses the therapeutic radiation to
produce an image of the irradiation area, or else of its
surrounding area, to be used for positioning of the treatment
area and for alignment and delineation of the therapeutic
radiation. This has the disadvantage that, because of its high
quantum energy, the therapeutic radiation is scattered to a
greater extent about the treatment area and the tissue

surrounding this treatment area than diagnostic radiation,
whose quantum energy is lower, so

that this type of imaging has comparatively low contrast.
Diagnostic X-ray radiation typically has a maximum quantum
energy of 150 kiloelectron volts (KeV) while, in contrast,
therapeutic X-ray radiation typically has a quantum energy in
the region of a megaelectron volt (MeV).
It is known from US 6 888 919 B2 for an additional, diagnostic
X-ray imaging system to be used for exact positioning of the
tumor, comprising an X-ray source for production of low-energy
diagnostic X-ray radiation and a radiation detector for
diagnostic imaging based on detection of the diagnostic X-ray
radiation. Furthermore, US 6 888 919 B2 also discloses a
radiation therapy device in which the therapeutic radiation
source is arranged on a gantry which can be rotated around a
horizontal axis in order to allow the therapeutic radiation to
be aligned flexibly relative to the patient.
In order to allow the diseased tissue of the patient to be
treated to be positioned as freely as possible, it is necessary
to design the gantry together with the components arranged on
this gantry to be as compact as possible, and to ensure that
the distance between the radiation head, which in addition to
the therapeutic radiation source may also have at least one
collimator for beamforming, to the isocenter of the radiation
therapy device is as great as possible. Particularly in the
case of radiation therapy devices with an additional diagnostic
X-ray imaging system, the lack of space represents a major
problem for the design configuration of the radiation therapy
device.
US 688 919 B2, cited above, discloses a radiation therapy
device which, in addition to a first gantry which can be
rotated about an axis and has a therapeutic radiation source,
has a second gantry which can be rotated about the same axis
and has a diagnostic radiation source on one side and a
radiation detector

for imaging on the other side. The radiation detector is, in
particular, in the form of a multi-energy imaging unit which
can produce an image both on the basis of the therapeutic
radiation and on the basis of the diagnostic radiation. The
diagnostic X-ray emitter may, in particular, be moved in and
out. In order to produce an image based on the diagnostic X-ray
radiation, the first gantry is pivoted with the therapeutic
radiation source to the side with respect to the second gantry
with the diagnostic radiation source, so that the diagnostic
radiation source can be moved out. In order to treat the
diseased tissue with the therapeutic radiation, the diagnostic
X-ray radiation source is moved in, and the therapeutic X-ray
radiation source together with the gantry is pivoted to the
previous position of the moved-out, diagnostic X-ray radiation
source. This results in a diagnostic image of the diseased
tissue being produced first of all with the moved-out
diagnostic X-ray radiation source, from a viewing angle which
corresponds to the radiation direction of the subsequent
radiation treatment using the therapeutic radiation source. The
disadvantage of this radiation therapy device is that its
design is complicated and that, because of the additional
second gantry, the free space for positioning and alignment of
the patient to be treated is restricted.
A radiation detector system for a radiation therapy device is
known from US 5 142 559. The radiation detector system
comprises a rotating chassis on which a radiation detector is
arranged via holding arms. The rotating chassis is arranged on
a mounting tower such that it can be moved in the vertical
direction. The holding arms together with the radiation
detector are mounted on the rotating chassis such that they can
rotate about a horizontal axis.
WO 2004/004829 A1 discloses an irradiation system with a
radiation detector which can be pivoted out for maintenance
purposes. A patient can be positioned between a radiation

source on one side and the detector on the other side, for
therapy purposes.
WO 2005/015125 A1 discloses a system for calibration of source
and detector instruments for which, by way of example, a
radiation therapy apparatus is mentioned, having a detector
whose alignment can be calibrated.
WO 2004/033026 A2 discloses an imaging appliance for a
radiation therapy device. The imaging appliance comprises a
robot arm on which an imaging detector is arranged. In one
exemplary embodiment, the robot arm has two parallel pivoting
axes, and is mounted such that it can be moved parallel to
these axes on a gantry of the radiation therapy device. The
detector surface, which is arranged parallel to the movement
direction in each pivoting position, can be aligned with an
image radiation source and with a target volume by means of
this robot arm.
The present invention is based on the object of integrating a
radiation detector in a space-saving manner in a radiation
therapy device.
This object is achieved by a stand as claimed in patent claim 1
and by a radiation therapy device as claimed in patent
claim 16; advantageous refinements are the subject matter of
the dependent claims which respectively refer back to them.
The embodiment of the stand according to the invention with
only three parts in order to hold a radiation detector with

the capability to move in a lifting direction as a first
mechanical degree of freedom and with the capability to pivot
about a pivoting axis essentially parallel to the lifting
direction as a second mechanical degree of freedom allows the
radiation detector to be positioned in a space-saving manner. The
design configuration in just three parts and with only two
mechanical degrees of freedom on the one hand allows the stand to
be designed to be particularly compact while on the other hand
nevertheless allowing the radiation detector to be positioned
flexibly. Furthermore, this design of the stand ensures, in a
simple manner, a high degree of mechanical stability and a
particularly exact positioning capability, because of the small
amount of mechanical play iin the degrees of freedom.
Designing the mount part and/or the intermediate part with at
least one lifting rail for guidance of the intermediate part which
can be moved relative to the mount part results in the stand being
particularly highly robust with particularly exact movement
guidance, free of mechanical play, during movement of the
intermediate part in the lifting direction.
An embodiment of the mount part and/or of the intermediate part
with a lifting drive rod which is powered by external power in
order to move of the intermediate part allows a simple drive for
this movement along the lifting direction. In particular, a motor
is arranged on the mount part and/or the intermediate part in
order to move the intermediate part relative to the mount part by
external power.
In a direct reversal of the mechanical principle, the drive rod
and/or the lifting rail may be arranged both on the mount part
and on the intermediate part.
Designing the intermediate part and/or the arm part such that
the arm part can be pivoted powered by external power relative
to the

intermediate part allows the pivoting movement to be controlled
easily. In particular, a motor is arranged

either on the intermediate part or on the arm part for pivoting
by external power.
Designing the arm part with the holding apparatus for holding
the radiation detector such that the holding apparatus is
arranged such that it can be moved relative to the arm part in
a movement direction essentially at right angles to the lifting
direction of the intermediate part of the stand makes it
possible to flexibly vary the respective viewing angle during
production of an image with the radiation detector; this
requirement is particularly advantageous for production of a
three-dimensional image of the tissue to be treated, based on
the production of a plurality of images from different viewing
angles.
Designing the arm part with at least one holding rail for
guidance of the holding apparatus results in the radiation
detector being held in a particularly robust manner with little
mechanical play while it is being moved along the movement
direction. The same advantage is likewise achieved by a direct
reversal of the mechanical principle in the form of an
embodiment of the holding apparatus for an interlocking
arrangement on at least one holding rail of the radiation
detector.
An embodiment of the arm part with a drive belt powered by
external power or a drive chain powered by external power for
movement of the holding apparatus ensures a simple drive during
movement of the holding apparatus for the radiation detector
along the movement direction. The drive belt or the drive chain
can, in particular, be driven by a motor which can be arranged
on the holding part.
Designing the arm part with a movement drive rod which is
powered by external power for movement of the holding apparatus
and/or for movement of the radiation detector allows a simple

drive for this linear movement along the movement direction. In
particular, a motor

is arranged on the arm part for externally powered movement of
the holding apparatus and of the radiation detector relative to
the arm part. It is feasible for the movement drive rod to have
a gearwheel which engages in an interlocking manner in a
toothed rail on the holding apparatus or on the radiation
detector.
Designing the mount part for arrangement on a gantry of a
radiation therapy device with a first radiation source for
production of first radiation which can be emitted in a first
radiation direction makes it possible to use the stand in a
radiation therapy device. For example, it is also possible to
retrofit an existing radiation therapy device with a stand such
as this for holding the radiation detector. The abovementioned
lifting direction is, in particular, essentially parallel to
the first radiation direction. By way of example, the first
radiation source may be a therapeutic radiation source for the
production of X-ray radiation in the MeV energy range, of
electron radiation or proton radiation.
An embodiment of the stand such that the radiation detector
which can be held on the holding apparatus, can be pivoted
and/or moved to at least one examination position within the
radiation area of the first radiation source makes it possible
to produce a diagnostic record of the body tissue located
within a target volume of the radiation therapy device from a
viewing angle that corresponds essentially to the perspective
of the first radiation source. This allows the diseased body
tissue to be treated to be positioned particularly accurately
in the target volume.
In its examination position, it is possible for the radiation
detector to be effectively located in front of the first
radiation source in the first radiation direction and to be
located together with it on the same side relative to the

target volume. In this case, it is expedient for a second
radiation source

to be arranged on the opposite side relative to the target
volume, emitting second radiation through the target volume in
the direction of the radiation detector. In this case, in
particular, it is feasible for the first radiation source to
produce high-energy therapeutic radiation, while the second
radiation source produces low-energy diagnostic radiation.
According to a further refinement, a stand design is provided
such that the radiation detector can be moved to different
examination positions within the radiation area of the first
radiation source, in each case at different distances from the
first radiation source; this allows flexible replacement or
combination of different beamforming elements, which can be
arranged between the first radiation source on the one side and
the radiation detector on the other side.
An embodiment of the stand such that the radiation detector
which can be arranged on the holding apparatus can be pivoted
out of the radiation area of the first radiation source makes
it possible for the radiation detector to be removed from the
radiation area in a simple manner, for example in order to
carry out a radiation-therapy treatment using the first
radiation source.
An embodiment of the stand such that the radiation detector can
be moved, outside the radiation area of the first radiation
source, to a parked position which is offset with respect to
the examination position in the opposite direction to the first
radiation direction allows particularly space-saving
positioning of the first radiation source. This parked
position, which is moved in in comparison to the examination
position, and in which the first radiation source is further
away from the target volume, creates a particularly large
amount of free space for positioning of the respective patient
to be treated.

An embodiment of the stand such that the radiation detector,
when in its parked position, can be positioned alongside the
first radiation source essentially at right angles to the first
radiation direction in a lateral direction results in a
particularly space-saving and physically simple arrangement.
The radiation therapy device according to the invention with a
gantry on which not only the first radiation source but also
the stand for holding the radiation detector are arranged on
the one hand makes it possible to produce an image of the
respective target volume from the viewing angle of the first
radiation source from an examination position of the radiation
detector within the radiation area of the first radiation
source, and on the other hand a particularly space-saving
positioning of the radiation detector in a parked position,
which is offset with respect to the examination position in the
opposite direction to the first radiation direction, outside
the radiation area.
Since the radiation detector can be designed to be considerably
narrower than a radiation source and can effectively be
positioned in front of the first radiation source in the first
radiation direction, there is no need to pivot the first radiation
source away, which would be complex, in order to produce a
diagnostic image of the target volume, as in US 6 888 919 B2.
According to a further refinement, the first radiation source is
designed to produce the first radiation in the form of therapeutic
radiation, in particular therapeutic X-ray radiation.
A particularly large amount of space can be saved by arranging
both the first radiation source and the radiation detector in each
case on the same side relative to the target volume, which can be
irradiated with the first radiation, in their examination

position.
A second radiation source which is arranged on a side opposite
the radiation detector relative

to the target volume makes it possible to use the radiation
detector to produce an image of the tissue located in the
target volume and of the tissue located in an area surrounding
the target volume. This refinement is particularly expedient
when the radiation source which is arranged on the same side
relative to the target volume can produce only therapeutic
radiation.
For example, it is feasible for both the stand for holding the
radiation detector and the first radiation source for producing
the therapeutic radiation to be located at one end of the
gantry, and for the second radiation source for producing
diagnostic X-ray radiation to be located on the other side of
the gantry. Particularly in a situation such as this, it is
expedient to design the stand such that, when the radiation
detector is in its examination position, it is aligned to
detect second radiation emitted from the second radiation
source in the direction of the radiation detector in the
examination position.
In order to allow the viewing angle to be varied flexibly
during production of the diagnostic image, the stand is
designed such that the holding apparatus is arranged such that
it can be moved relative to it in a movement direction
essentially at right angles to the first radiation direction.
Inter alia, this refinement makes it possible to produce a
three-dimensional image of the target volume and of the tissue
located in the area surrounding this target volume, by
producing a plurality of images from different viewing angles.
The second radiation source is expediently arranged such that
it can be pivoted about an axis at right angles to the first
radiation direction and at right angles to the movement
direction. In order to produce images from different viewing
angles, the second radiation source is pivoted in synchronism
with the linear movement of the holding apparatus for the
radiation detector, such that the

second radiation strikes the radiation detector throughout the
entire irradiation time.

The second radiation source is expediently designed to produce
the second radiation in the form of diagnostic radiation, in
particular diagnostic X-ray radiation.
According to a further refinement, the radiation detector is
designed to detect the first radiation passing through the
radiation detector; when in the examination position, this
makes it possible to use the radiation detector to measure on
the one hand the radiation area and on the other hand the
intensity of the first radiation emitted from the first
radiation source. Furthermore, any attenuation of the first X-
ray radiation produced by the patient who is in each case to be
treated can be measured in combination with the second
radiation detector on the side of the target volume opposite
that of the abovementioned radiation detector. This attenuation
makes it possible to deduce the total radiation energy absorbed
in the patient when irradiated with the first radiation.
The invention as well as further advantageous refinements of
the invention according to features of the dependent claims
will be explained in more detail in the following text with
reference to schematically illustrated exemplary embodiments in
the drawing, without this implying that the invention is
restricted to these exemplary embodiments. In the figures:
Figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a stand with a
mount part, an intermediate part and an arm part with
a radiation detector arranged on the arm part being
positioned in an examination position by means of the
stand;
Figure 2 shows a perspective illustration of the stand shown
in Figure 1, with the radiation detector being
positioned in a parked position by the stand;

Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail of a perspective
illustration of the stand as shown in Figure 1 from
the rear, with a housing of the arm part having been
partially removed, in order to illustrate a drive
mechanism arranged in the arm part;
Figure 4 shows a detailed enlargement of the perspective
illustration of the stand shown in Figure 3 from the
rear, with the housing of the arm part having been
completely removed in order to illustrate the drive
mechanism and a holding apparatus for the radiation
detector;
Figure 5 shows a detailed enlargement of the perspective
illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the
stand as shown in Figure 3 from the rear, with a
different drive mechanism and a different holding
apparatus;
Figure 6 shows a perspective illustration of the stand shown
in Figure 5, tilted forward, with a rail arranged on
the arm part;
Figure 7 shows a side view of a radiation therapy device with
a gantry on which a first radiation source and the
stand as shown in Figure 1 together with the
radiation detector are arranged, in the examination
position under the first radiation source;
Figure 8 shows a side view of the radiation therapy device as
shown in Figure 7, with the stand as shown in
Figure 2 with the radiation detector in the parked
position alongside the first radiation source.
Figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a stand 1 which is
essentially composed of three parts and has a mount part 3, an

intermediate part 4 and an arm part 5. Two holding apparatuses
6, which are concealed in this view, for holding a flat
radiation detector 2 are arranged

on the arm part 5. The holding apparatuses 6 can be seen in
Figures 2 and 3.
The mount part 3 is designed to be arranged on a radiation
therapy device, in particular on its gantry. The intermediate
part 4 is arranged on the mount part 3 such that it can be
moved in a lifting direction 7, with two lifting rails 10 and
11 being arranged on the mount part 3 for guidance of the
intermediate part 4. A motor 13 is provided for externally
powered movement of the intermediate part 4 and converts a
rotary movement via a direction-changing transmission 16 to a
drive rod 12 with a thread, a mating thread and the
intermediate part 4 engaging in an interlocking manner.
The arm part 5 is arranged on the intermediate part 4 such that
it can pivot about a pivoting axis 8 which runs essentially
parallel to the lifting direction 7 . The drive mechanism for
the pivoting movement of the arm part will be explained in more
detail in the figure description relating to Figure 3.
The holding apparatus 6 for the radiation detector 2 is
arranged on the arm part 5 such that it can move in a movement
direction 9 which runs essentially at right angles to the
lifting direction 7. The method of operation of the holding
apparatuses 6 and the drive mechanism for the movement will be
explained in more detail in the figure description relating to
Figures 3 and 4.
In Figure 1, the stand 1 is set such that the radiation
detector 2 is arranged in its examination position in which it
is located with a first radiation source in its intended
radiation area, with the stand 1 being arranged with the
radiation detector 2 on a radiation therapy device. In this
case, the intended radiation direction 29 is aligned parallel
to the lifting direction 7, and points downward in Figure 1.

Figure 2 shows a perspective illustration of the stand shown in
Figure 1, with the radiation detector 2 having been positioned
by means of a pivoting movement of the arm part through 90° in
the counterclockwise direction with respect to a plan view of
the pivoting axis 8, and a lifting movement of the intermediate
part 4 as far as the upper end of the mount part 3 to a parked
position outside the intended radiation area.
Figure 3 shows a detailed enlargement of a perspective
illustration of the stand 1 as shown in Figure 1 from the rear,
with a housing cover, at the rear of the arm part 5 having been
removed.
A drive motor 14 is arranged in the arm part 5 and allows a
motor-powered pivoting movement of the arm part 5 relative to
the intermediate part 4 by means of power being transmitted to
the intermediate part 4 through a direction-changing
transmission 17.
Furthermore, the arm part 5 has a further motor 15 which drives
the linear movement of the radiation detector 2 via a third
direction-changing transmission 18 and via a movement drive rod
20.
Figure 4 shows a further detailed enlargement of the arm part
as shown in Figure 3, with the housing of the arm part not
being illustrated. In addition to the motor 15, the direction-
changing transmission 18 and the movement drive rod 20, a
gearwheel 21 can be seen which is arranged coaxially on this
movement drive rod 20 and engages in an interlocking manner in
a toothed drive rail 22 of the radiation detector 2. The
interlock between the gearwheel 21, which is driven indirectly
by the motor 15, and the drive rail 22 converts a rotary
movement of the motor 15, which is arranged in a fixed position
relative to the housing of the arm part 5, to a linear movement
of the radiation detector 2.

Furthermore, Figure 4 shows the holding apparatuses 6 which are
attached to the outside of the housing of the arm part 5, and

which surround the holding rail 19 in an interlocking manner.
Figure 5 shows a detailed enlargement of a perspective
illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the stand 1
shown in Figure 1 from the rear, with a drive mechanism, which
has been modified in comparison to the previously described
exemplary embodiment, for linear movement of the radiation
detector. As in Figure 3, the rear housing cover of the arm
part 5 has been removed in order to show the drive mechanism.
The arm part 5 has a motor 15 which drives the linear movement
of the radiation detector 2 via the third direction-changing
transmission 18 and via a drive belt 23 which is passed over a
guide roller 21 and is connected at one end to the holding
apparatus 6 for the radiation detector 2.
Figure 6 shows a perspective illustration of the arm part 5
according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 5,
tilted slightly forwards. The arm part 5 has a holding rail 19
for guidance of the holding apparatus 6 relative to the arm
part 5, with only two rail holders 25 of the holding apparatus
6 being illustrated, which surround the holding rail in an
interlocking manner from two opposite sides. In order to allow
the holding rail 19 and the rail holders 25 to be seen better,
this figure does not show the majority of the holding apparatus
or of the radiation detector.
Figure 7 shows a side view of a radiation therapy device 2 6
having a gantry 27 which is arranged on a base stand 32 such
that it can rotate about a vertical rotation axis 33, having a
first radiation source 28 arranged on the gantry 27 and having
the stand 1, arranged on the gantry 27, with the radiation
detector 2 for the examination shown in Figure 1. The first
radiation source 28 can emit the first radiation

examination area which surrounds this target volume 35 can be
produced. This X-ray image can be used not only to position and
to align a patient to be treated relative to the target volume
35, but also to constrain the radiation area 30 by means of a
shutter.
The radiation detector 2 can be moved by the stand 1 in a
movement direction 9 which runs at right angles to the plane of
the illustration in this figure. In synchronism with this
linear movement, the second radiation detector 36 can be tilted
about a tilt axis 39 at right angles to the first radiation
direction 29 and at right angles to the movement direction 9,
so that the second radiation which can be emitted from the
second X-ray source 36 strikes the radiation detector 2 during
its linear movement; this means that the X-ray image, which is
initially only two-dimensional can be used to obtain
information at right angles to the radiation direction 29, as
well, over the examination area, relating to the three-
dimensional tissue arrangement in the radiation direction 29.
This is done just by two X-ray images with different imaging
perspectives. After the at least one X-ray image has been
recorded, the second radiation source 36 can be moved in a
vertical direction 38 with respect to the gantry 27.
A further radiation detector 37 is arranged on the side
opposite the radiation detector 2 relative to the target volume
35 and is designed to produce an X-ray image of the target
volume 35 and/or of the examination area surrounding this
target volume 35, based on the high-energy, first radiation.
Any attenuation of the first radiation resulting from the
patient, who is positioned, at least partially, in the target
volume 35, can be determined by a development of the radiation
detector 2, which is arranged underneath the first radiation
source 28, in such a way that this is also suitable for
detection of the high-energy first radiation, in combination
with the further radiation detector 36 on the opposite side of

the target volume 36. In addition to the second radiation
source 36, the further

radiation detector 38 can also be moved in in the vertical
direction 38 with respect to the gantry 27.
Figure 8 shows a side view of the radiation therapy device 26
shown in Figure 7, with the radiation detector 2 in its parked
position shown in Figure 2, which is offset with respect to the
examination position in the opposite direction to the first
radiation direction 29, outside the radiation area of the first
radiation source. In this parked position, the radiation
detector is positioned alongside the first radiation source 28
in a lateral direction at right angles to the first radiation
direction 29.
It is also possible to provide the gantry 27 with cladding,
which is not illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, within which the
radiation detector 2 is positioned, in its parked position,
such that it cannot be seen from the outside.
Fundamentally, one embodiment may be summarized as follows: in
order to integrate a radiation detector in a space-saving
manner in a radiation therapy device, at least one stand is
provided for holding the radiation detector, in particular such
that it can be moved in the lifting direction and can be
pivoted about a pivoting axis; the radiation therapy device
according to this embodiment comprises a gantry, a first
radiation source and the stand, by means of which the radiation
detector can be moved on the one hand to at least one
examination position within the radiation area of the first
radiation source, and on the other hand to a parked position,
which is moved in in the opposite direction to a first
radiation direction from the first radiation source in
comparison to the examination position, outside the radiation
area.

Claims
1. A stand (1) for holding a radiation detector (2) for a
radiation therapy device (26),
- having a mount part (3),
- having an intermediate part (4) which is arranged on the
mount part (3) such that it can be moved in a lifting direction
(7) relative to the mount part,
- having an arm part (5) which is arranged on the intermediate
part (4) such that it can pivot relative to the intermediate
part (4) about a pivoting axis (8) essentially parallel to the
lifting direction (7), and has a holding apparatus (6) for
holding a flat radiation detector (2) essentially at right
angles to the lifting direction (7).
2. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 1 with an embodiment of
the mount part (3) and/or of the intermediate part (4) with at
least one lifting rail (10, 11) for guidance of the inter-
mediate part (4), which can be moved, relative to the mount
part (3).
3. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, with an
embodiment of the mount part (3) and/or of the intermediate
part (4) with a lifting drive rod (12) which is powered by
external power, in order to move the intermediate part (4).
4. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3 with an
embodiment of the intermediate part (4) and/or of the arm part
(5) such that the arm part (5) can be pivoted powered by
external power.
5. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4 with an
embodiment of the arm part (5) such that the holding apparatus
(6) is arranged relative to this such that it can be moved in a

7. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, with an
embodiment of the holding apparatus (6) for interlocking
arrangement on at least one holding rail (19) of the radiation
detector (2).
8. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7 with an
embodiment of the arm part (5) with a drive belt (20) which is
powered by external power, or with a drive chain which is
powered by external power, in order to move the holding
apparatus (6).
9. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 8 with an
embodiment of the arm part (5) with a movement drive rod (20)
which is powered by external power for movement of the holding
apparatus (6) and/or for movement of the radiation detector
(2) .
10. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 with an
embodiment of the mount part (3) for arrangement on a gantry
(27) of a radiation therapy device (26) with a first radiation
source (28) for production of first radiation which can be
emitted in a first radiation direction (29) which in particular
is essentially parallel to the lifting direction (7).
11. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 10 with an embodiment
such that the radiation detector (2) which can be held on the
holding apparatus (6), can be pivoted and/or moved to at least
one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the
first radiation source (28).
12. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 11 with an embodiment
such that the radiation detector (2) can be moved to different
examination positions within the radiation area (30) of the
first radiation source (28), in each case at different
distances (34) from the first radiation source (28).

13. The stand (1) as claimed in one of claims 10 to 12 with an
embodiment such that the radiation detector (2)

which can be arranged on the holding apparatus (6) can be
pivoted out of the radiation area (30) of the first radiation
source (28).
14. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 13 with an embodiment
such that the radiation detector (2) can be moved, outside the
radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), to a
parked position which is offset in the opposite direction to
the first radiation direction (29) with respect to the
examination position.
15. The stand (1) as claimed in claim 14 with an embodiment
such that the radiation detector (2) can be positioned
alongside the first radiation source (28) in its parked
position, in a lateral direction essentially at right angles to
the first radiation direction (29).
16. A radiation therapy device (26)

- having a gantry (27),
- having a first radiation source (28) which is arranged on the
gantry (27), for production of first radiation which can be
emitted in a first radiation direction (29),
- having a stand (1) which is arranged on the gantry (27) in
order to hold a flat radiation detector (2), such that the
radiation detector (2) can be moved on the one hand to at least
one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the
first radiation source (28), and on the other hand to a parked
position, which is offset in the opposite direction to the
first radiation direction (29) with respect to the examination
position, outside the radiation area (30) of the first
radiation source (28), wherein the stand (1) is designed with a
holding apparatus (6) for holding the radiation detector (2)
such that the holding apparatus (6) is arranged such that it
can be moved in a movement direction (9) essentially at right

angles to the first radiation direction (29) relative to the
stand (1).
17. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 16
with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that the radiation
detector (2) can be moved to different

examination positions within the radiation area (30) of the
first radiation source (28), in each case at different
distances (34) from the first radiation source (28) .
18. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 16
or 17 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that the
radiation detector (2) can be positioned essentially alongside
the first radiation source (28) in its parked position, in a
lateral direction at right angles to the first radiation
direction (29) .
19. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 16 to 18 with an embodiment of the stand (1) having a
holding apparatus (6) for holding the radiation detector (2),
such that the holding apparatus (6) is arranged such that it
can be moved in a movement direction (9) essentially at right
angles to the first radiation direction (29) relative to the
stand (1).
20. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 16 to 19 with an embodiment of the stand (1) as claimed
in one of claims 1 to 9.
21. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 20
with the stand (1) arranged on the gantry (27) such that the
lifting direction (7) corresponds to the first radiation
direction (29).
22. A radiation therapy device (26)

- having a gantry (27),
- having a first radiation source (28) which is arranged on the
gantry (27), for production of first radiation which can be
emitted in a first radiation direction (29),
- having a stand (1) which is arranged on the gantry (27) in
order to hold a flat radiation detector (2), such that the

radiation detector (2) can be moved on the one hand to at least
one examination position within the radiation area (30) of the
first radiation source (28), and on the other hand to a parked
position, which is offset in the opposite direction to the
first radiation direction (29) with respect to the examination
position, outside the radiation area (30) of the first
radiation source (28), wherein both the first radiation source
(28) and the radiation detector (2) are each arranged, in its
examination position, on the same side relative to a target
volume (35) which can be irradiated with the first radiation.
23. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 22
with a second radiation source (36) arranged, in particular on
the gantry (27), on a side opposite the radiation detector (2)
relative to the target volume (35).
24. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 22
or 23 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that the
radiation detector (2) when in its examination position is
aligned for detection of second radiation which is emitted from
the second radiation source (36) in the direction of the
radiation detector (2) in the examination position.
25. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 22 to 24 with an embodiment of the stand (1) having a
holding apparatus (6) for holding the radiation detector (2),
such that the holding apparatus (6) is arranged such that it
can be moved in a movement direction (9) essentially at right
angles to the first radiation direction (29) relative to the
stand (1).
26. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 25
with an arrangement of the second radiation source (36) which
can be pivoted about an axis (39) at right angles to the first

radiation direction (29) and at right angles to the movement
direction (9).
27. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 23 to 26 with an embodiment of the second radiation
source (36) in order to produce the second radiation in the

form of diagnostic radiation, in particular diagnostic X-ray
radiation.
28. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 22 to 27 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that
the radiation detector (2) can be moved to different
examination positions within the radiation area (30) of the
first radiation source (28), in each case at different
distances (34) from the first radiation source (28) .
29. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 22 to 28 with an embodiment of the stand (1) such that
the radiation detector (2) can be positioned essentially
alongside the first radiation source (28) in its parked
position, in a lateral direction at right angles to the first
radiation direction (29) .
30. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 22 to 29 with an embodiment of the first radiation
source (28) for production of first radiation in the form of
therapeutic radiation, in particular therapeutic X-ray
radiation.
31. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 22 to 30 with an embodiment of the radiation detector
(2) for detection of the first radiation passing through the
radiation detector (2) .
32. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 22 to 31 with a further radiation detector (37) on the
opposite side relative to the radiation detector (2) relative
to the target volume (35) for detection of the first radiation.
33. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in one of
claims 22 to 32 with an embodiment of the stand (1) as claimed

in one of claims 1 to 9.

34. The radiation therapy device (26) as claimed in claim 33
with the stand (1) arranged on the gantry (27) such that the
lifting direction (7) corresponds to the first radiation
direction (29).

Stand for holding a radiation detector for a radiation therapy
device, as well as a radiation therapy device having a stand
for holding a radiation detector. In order to integrate a
radiation detector (2) in a space-saving manner in a
radiation therapy device (26), at least one stand (1) is
provided in order to hold the radiation detector (2), in
particular in such a manner that it can be moved in a linear-
movement direction (7) and can be pivoted about a pivoting
axis (8); the radiation therapy device (26) has a gantry
(27), a first radiation source (28) and the stand (1), by
means of which the radiation detector (2) can on the one hand
be moved to at least one examination position within the
radiation area (30) of the first radiation source (28), and on
the other hand can be moved to a parked position, outside the
radiation area (30), in the opposite direction to a first
radiation direction (29) from the first radiation source (29),
with respect to the examination position.

Documents:

01535-kolnp-2008-abstract.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-claims.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-correspondence others.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-description complete.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-drawings.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-form 1.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-form 2.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-form 3.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-form 5.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-gpa.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-international publication.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-international search report.pdf

01535-kolnp-2008-pct request form.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(13-02-2014)-ABSTRACT.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(13-02-2014)-CLAIMS.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(13-02-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(13-02-2014)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(13-02-2014)-DRAWINGS.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(13-02-2014)-FORM-1.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(13-02-2014)-FORM-2.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(13-02-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-ABSTRACT.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-CLAIMS.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-DRAWINGS.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-FORM-1.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-FORM-2.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-(30-08-2013)-OTHERS.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

1535-kolnp-2008-form 18.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-OTHERS.pdf

1535-KOLNP-2008-PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

abstract-1535-kolnp-2008.jpg

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

263354

Indian Patent Application Number

1535/KOLNP/2008

PG Journal Number

43/2014

Publication Date

24-Oct-2014

Grant Date

21-Oct-2014

Date of Filing

16-Apr-2008

Name of Patentee

SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

Applicant Address

WITTELSBACHERPLATZ 2, 80333, MUNCHEN

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	FRANZ FADLER	BERGWEG 24 91077 HETZLES

PCT International Classification Number

A61N 5/10

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP2006/067043

PCT International Filing date

2006-10-04

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	10 2005 049 684.9	2005-10-14	Germany