Cleaning Unit and a Medical Imaging Apparatus with a Cleaning Unit

Abstract

A cleaning unit for cleaning a housing of a medical imaging apparatus surrounding a patient receiving area, including at least one cleaning element, wherein the at least one cleaning element has an annular carrier structure, and a diameter of the cleaning element comprises at least one value of a diameter of the housing surrounding the patient receiving area.

Claims

1. A cleaning unit for cleaning a housing of a medical imaging apparatus surrounding a patient receiving area, comprising at least one cleaning element, wherein the at least one cleaning element has an annular carrier structure, and a diameter of the cleaning element comprises at least one value of a diameter of the housing surrounding the patient receiving area.

2. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning element has at least one base element configured to arrange the annular carrier structure within the patient receiving area.

3. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the annular carrier structure has at least two ring elements, wherein the two ring elements are each arranged at a first end area on the at least one base element and with a second end area facing away from the at least one base element are arranged at least partly in a movable manner in relation to one another.

4. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning element has at least one cleaning covering, wherein the cleaning covering is arranged on the annular carrier structure.

5. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one receiving element configured to receive a cleaning agent.

6. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one receiving element is arranged on an inner side of the annular carrier structure.

7. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning element has at least one cleaning agent channel, which is arranged at least partly running around within the annular carrier structure.

8. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning element has a sensor configured to detect an amount of cleaning agent.

9. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning element has a plurality of UV-C illuminators, which are arranged on an outer surface of the annular carrier structure.

10. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning element has at least one illuminator and at least one light opening, wherein the light opening is arranged on an inner side and/or a side surface of the annular carrier structure.

11. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an electrical connection element.

12. The cleaning unit as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electrical connection element is compatible with a plug socket of a patient table for an electrical contacting of local radio frequency coils.

13. A medical imaging apparatus comprising a scanner unit, a patient receiving area at least partly surrounded by the scanner unit, a housing surrounding the patient receiving area and a cleaning unit as claimed in claim 1.

14. The medical imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the annular carrier structure is arranged within the patient receiving area to clean the housing surrounding the patient receiving area and rests with a force against the housing surrounding the patient receiving area.

15. The medical imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a patient support apparatus having a patient table movable within the patient receiving area, wherein the patient table has a receiving unit for an arrangement of the cleaning unit, and the receiving unit is arranged at a head end of the patient table.

16. The medical imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the patient table has an attachment rail for an attachment of at least one accessory unit, the receiving unit comprises the attachment rail, and the cleaning unit comprises at least one attachment element corresponding to the attachment rail.

17. The medical imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a patient support apparatus with a patient table and a rail system arranged within the patient receiving area for a guidance of the patient table within the patient receiving area, wherein the cleaning unit is arrangable on the rail for cleaning the housing surrounding the patient receiving area.

18. The medical imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cleaning unit has at least one attachment element and the receiving unit has at least one attachment element corresponding to the at least one attachment element of the cleaning unit on an end face side of the patient table.

19. The medical imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein an attachment mechanism is arranged between the cleaning unit and the patient table in such a way that, when the patient table leaves the patient receiving area, the attachment mechanism is released.

20. The medical imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cleaning unit has at least one attachment element and the receiving unit has at least one attachment element corresponding to the at least one attachment element of the cleaning unit, and the at least two attachment elements are configured such that, with a vertical movement of the patient table they connect or disconnect an attachment mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Further advantages, features and details of the disclosure emerge from the exemplary aspects described below as well as with the aid of the drawings.

[0057] In the drawings:

[0058] FIG. 1 shows an inventive medical imaging apparatus with a cleaning unit in a schematic diagram,

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary aspect of a cleaning unit on a patient table of the medical imaging apparatus,

[0060] FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit on the patient table of the medical imaging apparatus in a first view,

[0061] FIG. 4 shows the second exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit in a second view,

[0062] FIG. 5 shows the second exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit in a third view,

[0063] FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit on the patient table of the medical imaging apparatus,

[0064] FIG. 7 shows a fourth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit on the patient table of the medical imaging apparatus in a first view,

[0065] FIG. 8 shows the fourth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit in a second view,

[0066] FIG. 9 shows the fourth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit in a third view,

[0067] FIG. 10 shows a fifth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit on the patient table of the medical imaging apparatus in a first view,

[0068] FIG. 11 shows the fifth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit in a second view,

[0069] FIG. 12 shows the fifth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit in a third view,

[0070] FIG. 13 shows the fifth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit in a fourth view, and

[0071] FIG. 14 shows a sixth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit on the patient table of the medical imaging apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Shown schematically in FIG. 1 is a medical imaging apparatus 10. The medical imaging apparatus 10 in the present exemplary aspect is formed by a magnetic resonance apparatus 11, wherein the present disclosure is explained by way of example with the aid of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. The present disclosure is not restricted however to an aspect of the medical imaging apparatus 10 as a magnetic resonance apparatus 11 and further aspects of the medical imaging apparatus 10 are always conceivable, such as for example s computed tomography apparatus and/or a PET apparatus etc.

[0073] The magnetic resonance apparatus 11 comprises a scanner unit 12 formed by a magnet unit. Moreover the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 has a patient receiving area 13 for receiving a patient. The patient receiving area 13 in the present exemplary aspect is embodied in a cylindrical shape and is surrounded in a circumferential direction by the scanner unit 12, in particular by the magnet unit, in a cylindrical shape. Basically however an aspect of the patient receiving area 13 that differs from this is always conceivable. The patient can be pushed and/or moved by means of a patient support apparatus 14 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 into the patient receiving area 13. For this purpose the patient support apparatus 14 has a patient table 15 embodied so that it can be moved within the patient receiving area 13. In particular here the patient table 15 is supported in a movable manner in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the patient receiving area 13 and/or in the z direction. To this end the medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular the magnetic resonance apparatus 11, has a rail system, which comprises two parallel rails 26. The individual rails 26 are arranged at the sides within the patient receiving area 13 for guidance of the patient table 15. The two rails 26 extend in this case along the entire patient receiving area 13.

[0074] The scanner unit 12, in particular the magnet unit, comprises a superconducting basic magnet 16 for creation of a strong and in particular constant basic magnetic field 17. Furthermore the scanner unit 12, in particular the magnet unit, has a gradient coil unit 18 for creation of magnetic field gradients, which are used for a spatial encoding during imaging. The gradient coil unit 18 is controlled by means of a gradient control unit 19 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11. The scanner unit 12, in particular the magnet unit, furthermore comprises a radio frequency antenna unit 20 for creation of a polarization, which is set in the basic magnetic field 17 created by the basic magnet 16. The radio frequency antenna unit 20 is controlled by a radio frequency antenna control unit 21 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 and radiates radio frequency magnetic resonance sequences into the patient receiving area 13 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11.

[0075] For control of the basic magnet 16 of the gradient control unit 19 and for control of the radio frequency antenna control unit 21 the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 has a system control unit 22. The system control unit 22 controls the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 centrally, such as for example the carrying out of a prespecified imaging gradient echo sequence. Moreover the system control unit 22 comprises an evaluation unit not shown in any greater detail for evaluation of medical imaging data that is acquired during the magnetic resonance examination.

[0076] Furthermore the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 comprises a user interface 23, which is connected to the system control unit 22. Control information such as for example imaging parameters, as well as reconstructed magnetic resonance images can be displayed on a display unit 24, for example on at least one monitor, of the user interface 23 for a medical operator. The user interface 23 furthermore has an input unit 25, by means of which information and/or parameters can be entered during a measurement process by the medical operator.

[0077] The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 shown can of course comprise further components that magnetic resonance apparatuses 10 usually comprise. The general way in which a magnetic resonance apparatus 10 functions is moreover known to the person skilled in the art, so that a more detailed description of the further components will be dispensed with here.

[0078] The magnetic resonance apparatus moreover has a cleaning unit 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, which is embodied for cleaning a housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11. The housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13 is embodied as a single part and/or in one piece in the present exemplary aspect with a side of the radio frequency antenna unit 20 facing toward the patient receiving area 13. Moreover the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13 can also comprise a housing shell.

[0079] The cleaning unit 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 has at least one cleaning element 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601. In FIGS. 1 to 14 the cleaning unit 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 has a single cleaning element 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601. It is however also conceivable for the cleaning unit 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 to have two or more cleaning elements 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601. These can also be embodied identically and be arranged one after another for increasing the success of the cleaning.

[0080] Shown in FIG. 2 is the medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular the magnetic resonance apparatus 11, with a first exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit 100. The cleaning unit 100 has a cleaning element 101 with an annular carrier structure 102. The cleaning element 101, in particular the annular carrier structure 102, is adapted to a circumference, in particular to an inner circumference, of the housing 13 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. The cleaning element 101 comprises a diameter 103, in particular an outer diameter, of the at least one value of the diameter 104, in particular of the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. Moreover the diameter 103, in particular the outer diameter, of the cleaning element 101 can be embodied greater by a maximum of 1 mm, preferably by a maximum of 2 mm and preferably by a maximum of 3 mm than the diameter 104, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13.

[0081] Furthermore the cleaning unit 101 has two base elements 106, which are embodied for an arrangement and/or positioning of the cleaning elements 101, in particular of the annular carrier structure 102, within the patient receiving area 13. The two base elements 106 are embodied here for an arrangement and/or attachment of the cleaning unit 100 to the patient table 15. For arrangement of the cleaning unit 100 on the patient table 15 the patient table 15 has a receiving unit 107, wherein the receiving unit 107 is arranged at a head end 108 of the patient table 15. The head end 108 of the patient table 15 here comprises an end area of the patient table 15, which is introduced first into the patient receiving area 13 when the patient table 15 is introduced into the patient receiving area 13.

[0082] The patient table 15 furthermore has two attachment rails 109, which are embodied for attachment of accessory units. The two attachment rails 109 are arranged on opposite side areas of the patient table 15, wherein a support area 110 for supporting and/or positioning of the patient is arranged between the two attachment rails 109. The receiving unit 107 for arrangement of the cleaning unit 100 on the patient table 15 has the two attachment rails 109 in this case, in particular an area of the attachment rails 109 in each case facing toward the head end 108 of the patient table 15. For an arrangement of the cleaning unit 100 on the two attachment rails 109 the cleaning unit 100 has two attachment elements 111 corresponding to the attachment rails 109. The two attachment elements 111 are arranged on the two base elements 106, wherein one attachment element 109 is arranged on a base element 106 in each case. In this case the two base elements 109 are also arranged on opposite sides of the cleaning unit 100.

[0083] Moreover the cleaning element 101 has a cleaning covering 105. The cleaning covering 105 in the present exemplary aspect comprises a wiping lip, which preferably comprises an elastic material. The cleaning covering 105, in particular the wiping lip, is arranged here on a side pointing outward, in particular on a side of the annular carrier structure 102 facing toward the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. For this purpose the annular carrier structure 102 can also comprise on its outer side a slot-shaped recess for accepting the cleaning covering 105, in particular the wiping lip. Preferably here the cleaning covering 105, in particular the wiping lip, is removable, arranged for example by a hook and loop connection and/or by a form-fit receiving slot, on the outer side of the annular carrier structure 102.

[0084] The annular carrier structure 102 in the present exemplary aspect can in this case have a single ring element 112, wherein the ring element is arranged on the two base elements. Preferably the annular carrier structure 102 can also have two ring elements, wherein the two ring elements are arranged in a first end area on one of the two base elements 106 in each case. The two ring elements can in this be embodied at least partly in a movable manner in relation to one another at a second end area facing away from the base elements 106, so that the annular carrier structure 102 is pressed inward when the cleaning unit 100 is introduced into the patient receiving area 13. Preferably in this case the annular carrier structure 102 has a diameter, in particular an outer diameter, which at least corresponds to the diameter 104, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13 or also is larger by a maximum of 3 mm than the diameter 104, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13.

[0085] The arrangement of the cleaning covering 105, in particular of the wiping lip, on the outer side of the annular carrier structure 102 means that the cleaning element 101 thus has a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. A diameter of the annular carrier structure 102 can moreover also be dependent on a thickness of the cleaning covering 105, in order to achieve a desired diameter 103 of the cleaning element 101. The effect of this is that, after an introduction of the cleaning unit 100 into the patient receiving area 13, the cleaning element 101 rests with a force against the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. Preferably here the cleaning element 101 rests with a force of 4 N to 6 N against the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13, so that a sufficiently high pressure for a mechanical cleaning is present, but a movement of the cleaning unit 100 through the patient receiving area 13 is also possible.

[0086] Shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is a second exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit 200. Components, features and functions that essentially remain the same are basically labeled with the same reference characters. The description given below essentially restricts itself to the differences from the exemplary aspect in FIG. 2, wherein with regard to components, features and functions that essentially remain the same the reader is referred to the description of the exemplary aspect in FIG. 2.

[0087] Shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is the medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular the magnetic resonance apparatus 11, with a second exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit 200. The cleaning unit 200 has a cleaning element 201 with an annular carrier structure 202. The cleaning element 201, in particular the annular carrier structure 202, is adapted to a circumference, in particular to an inner circumference, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. In this case the cleaning element 201 comprises a diameter 203, in particular an outer diameter, which at least corresponds to a value of the diameter 204, in particular of the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. Moreover the diameter 203, in particular the outer diameter, of the cleaning element 201 can be embodied greater by a maximum of 1 mm, preferably by a maximum of 2 mm and preferably by a maximum of 3 mm than the diameter 204, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13.

[0088] Moreover the cleaning unit 200 has a base element 205, which is embodied for an arrangement of the cleaning element 201, in particular of the annular carrier structure 202, within the patient receiving area 13. In this case the cleaning unit 200 is able to be arranged by means of the base element 205 on the rail system, in particular on the two rails 26 of the rail system. The base element 205 is embodied in this case in such a way that it rests on both sides on one of the two rails 26 of the rail system. Moreover the base element 205 comprises attachment elements 206 for an attachment and/or coupling of the cleaning unit 200 to the patient table 15. In the present exemplary aspect the base element 205 comprises two attachment elements 206, which each extend in a web shape away from the base element 205 in the direction of the patient table 15. The two attachment elements 206 moreover have a round cross section (FIG. 3).

[0089] For arrangement of the cleaning unit 200 on the patient table 15 the patient table 15 has a receiving unit 207, wherein the receiving unit 207 is arranged at a head end 208 of the patient table 15 (FIG. 4). The receiving unit 207 in this case has two attachment elements 209, which are embodied to correspond to the two attachment elements 206 of the base unit 205. The two attachment elements 209 of the receiving unit 207 are arranged on the end face side of the patient table 15. For a coupling and/or arrangement of the cleaning unit 200 to the patient table 15, the cleaning unit 200 is already located within the patient receiving area 13, in particular in an introduction region of the patient receiving area 13, on the rails 26. When the patient table 15 is moved in the horizontal direction into the patient receiving area 13, the cleaning unit 200 in this case couples to the patient table 15 and is pushed and/or drawn by means of the patient table 15 for a cleaning process through the patient receiving area 13. The attachment elements 206 of the base element 205 and/or the attachment elements 209 of the patient table 15 can in this case moreover comprise a latching element and/or a clamping element, which with a movement of the patient table 15 against the inward direction prevents a release of the cleaning unit 200 from the patient table 15. In this case the cleaning unit 200, for a cleaning of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13, can also leave the patient receiving area 13 on a rear side of the medical imaging apparatus 10 and in this case is held by means of the attachment elements 206, 209 of the patient table 15 (FIG. 5). Moreover the attachment mechanism between the cleaning unit 200 and the patient table 15 is embodied in such a way that, when the patient table 15 leaves the patient receiving area 13, in particular at the introduction opening of the patient receiving area 13, the attachment mechanism is released and the cleaning unit 200 remains in the patient receiving area 13.

[0090] Moreover the cleaning element 201 has a cleaning covering 210 (FIG. 5). The cleaning covering 210 comprises in the present exemplary aspect a textile fabric, such as for example a non-woven material. The cleaning covering 210 here is arranged on a side pointing outward, in particular on a side facing toward the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13, of the annular carrier structure 202. For this purpose the annular carrier structure 202 can also comprise on its outer side a slot-shaped recess for accepting the cleaning covering 210. Preferably here the cleaning covering 210, in particular the non-woven material, is arranged in a removable manner, for example by a hook and loop fastening and/or by a form-fit receiving slot, on the outer side of the annular carrier structure 202.

[0091] The annular carrier structure 202 in the present exemplary aspect can in this case have a single ring element 211, wherein the ring element 211 is arranged on the base element 205. Preferably the annular carrier structure 202 can also have two ring elements, wherein the two ring elements are arranged in each case on a first end area on the base element 205. The two ring elements in this case can be embodied in a movable manner at least partly in relation to one another at a second end area facing away from the base element 205, so that the annular carrier structure 202 is pushed inward when the cleaning unit 200 is introduced into the patient receiving area 13. Preferably in this case the annular carrier structure 202 has a diameter, in particular an outer diameter, which at least corresponds to the diameter 204, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13 or also is a maximum of 3 mm greater than the diameter 204, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13.

[0092] The arrangement of the cleaning covering 210 on the outer side of the annular carrier structure 202 thus means that the cleaning element 201 has a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. The effect of this is that after an introduction of the cleaning unit 200 into the patient receiving area 13, the cleaning element 201 rests with a force against the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13, as has already been described for FIG. 2, to which the reader is herewith referred.

[0093] Furthermore the cleaning unit 200 comprises a receiving element 212 for receiving a cleaning agent (FIGS. 3 and 5). The receiving element 212 for receiving the cleaning agent is arranged in this case on an inner side 213 of the annular carrier structure 202. The receiving element 212 can for example comprise a holder for accepting a commercially available cleaning agent container with cleaning agent and/or a commercially available disinfection agent container with disinfection agent. Moreover the annular carrier structure 202 can also comprise a cleaning agent channel not shown in any greater detail here and/or a cleaning agent hose for distribution of the cleaning agent to the cleaning covering 210.

[0094] Shown in FIG. 6 is a third exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit 300. Components, features and functions that essentially remain the same are basically labeled with the same reference characters. The description given below essentially restricts itself to the differences from the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 3 to 5, wherein with regard to components, features and functions that essentially remain the same the reader is referred to the description of the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0095] The exemplary aspect in FIG. 6 differs from the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 3 to 5 in that the cleaning unit 300 has an electrical connection element 302. In this aspect the electrical connection element 302 is embodied identical in construction to a coil plug connector of a local radio frequency coil. Moreover the patient table 15 also has a connecting socket 303 for making electrical contact with a local radio frequency coil. The electrical connection element 302 of the cleaning unit 300 in this case is embodied compatible with the connecting socket 303 of the patient table 15. For an electrical contacting, in particular a control of the cleaning unit 300 and/or an acquisition of cleaning data etc., the electrical connection element 302 is plugged into the connecting socket 303.

[0096] A further aspect of the cleaning unit 300 corresponds to the versions of the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 3 to 5, to which the reader is herewith referred.

[0097] Shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is a fourth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit 400. Components, features and functions that essentially remain the same are basically labeled with the same reference characters. The description given below essentially restricts itself to the differences from the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 2 to 6, wherein with regard to components, features and functions that essentially remain the same the reader is referred to the description of the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 2 to 6.

[0098] Shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is the medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular the magnetic resonance apparatus 11, with a fourth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit 400. The cleaning unit 400 has a cleaning element 401 with an annular carrier structure 402. The cleaning element 401, in particular the annular carrier structure 402, is adapted to a circumference, in particular to an inner circumference, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. In this case the cleaning element 401 comprises a diameter 403, in particular an outer diameter, which corresponds to at least a value of the diameter 404, in particular of the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. Moreover the diameter 403, in particular the outer diameter, of the at least one cleaning element 401 can be embodied larger by a maximum of 1 mm, preferably by a maximum of 2 mm and preferably by a maximum of 3 mm than the diameter 404, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13.

[0099] Furthermore the cleaning unit 400 has a base element 405, which is embodied for an arrangement of the cleaning elements 401, in particular of the annular carrier structure 402, within the patient receiving area 13. In this case the cleaning unit 400 is able to be arranged by means of the base element 405 on the rail system, in particular on the two rails 26 of the rail system. The base element 405 in this case is embodied in such a way that it rests on both sides on one of the two rails 26 of the rail system. Moreover the base element 405 comprises attachment elements 406 for an attachment and/or coupling of the cleaning unit 400 to the patient table 15. In the present exemplary aspect the base element 405 comprises two attachment elements 406. The two attachment elements 406 are embodied in an L shape and each have a web element, which extends in the shape of a web from the base element 405 in the direction of the patient table 15. The two web elements have a planar and/or flat surface with the base element 405. Moreover the two attachment elements 406 each have a pin, which is arranged at an end of the web elements facing away from the base element 405. The pins extend downward in this case at right angles to the web elements, in particular in the direction of gravity (FIG. 7).

[0100] For arrangement of the cleaning unit 400 on the patient table 15 the patient table 15 has a receiving unit 407, wherein the receiving unit 407 is arranged at a head end 408 of the patient table 15. The receiving unit 407 in this case has two attachment elements 409, which are embodied to correspond to the two attachment elements 406 of the base unit 405. The two attachment elements 409 of the receiving unit 407 are arranged on the end face side of the patient table 15. In this case the two attachment elements 409 of the receiving unit 407 are embodied in an L shape for receiving the attachment elements 406 of the cleaning unit 400 (FIG. 7).

[0101] For a coupling and/or arrangement of the cleaning unit 400 to the patient table 15 the cleaning unit 400 is already located within the patient receiving area 13, in particular arranged in an introduction area of the patient receiving area 13, on the rails 26. An attachment mechanism and/or coupling mechanism between the patient table 15, in particular the receiving unit 407 of the patient table 15, and the cleaning unit 400, in particular the attachment elements 406 of the cleaning unit 400, is embodied in this case such that, with a vertical movement of the patient table 15, an attachment and/or coupling between the patient table 15 and the cleaning unit 400 is made or released. A vertical movement of the patient table 15 is only possible for example when the patient table 15 is arranged completely outside of the patient receiving area 13. The vertical movement of the patient table 15 preferably comprises a lifting movement in the direction 410 of the gravitational force acting on the patient table 15 or also in the opposite direction to the gravitational force acting on the patient table 15. With a movement of the patient table 15 upward, i.e. in the opposite direction to the gravitational force acting on the patient table 15, the attachment elements 406 of the cleaning unit 400 engage in the attachment elements 409 of the receiving unit 407 and a coupling and/or attachment takes place between cleaning unit 400 and the patient table 15. Preferably here the attachment elements 405, 409 make a connection, which is embodied as a form fit in the direction of a longitudinal direction of the patient receiving area 13, so that after a coupling and/or attachment of the cleaning unit 400 to the patient table 15 the cleaning unit 400 is moved as a result of a horizontal movement of the patient table 15 through the patient receiving area 13. In this case the cleaning unit 400 for cleaning of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13 can also leave the patient receiving area 13 at a rear side of the medical imaging apparatus 10 and in this case is held by means of the attachment elements 406, 409 of the patient table 15 (FIG. 9). With a movement of the patient table 15 downward, i.e. in the direction 410 of the force of gravity acting on the patient table 15, on the other hand an attachment between the cleaning unit 400 and the patient table 15 is released, so that the cleaning unit 400 remains in the patient receiving area 13.

[0102] Moreover the cleaning element 401 has a cleaning covering 411. The cleaning covering 411 comprises in the present exemplary aspect comprises a textile fabric, such as for example a non-woven material. An aspect, arrangement and functioning of the cleaning covering 411 correspond here to what has been described for FIGS. 3 to 5, to which the reader is herewith referred (FIG. 9).

[0103] The annular carrier structure 402 in the present exemplary aspect can in this case have a single ring element 412, wherein the ring element 412 is arranged on the base element 405. Preferably the annular carrier structure 402 can also have two ring elements, wherein the two ring elements are each arranged at a first end area on the base elements 405. The two ring elements can be embodied in this case to be at least partly movable in relation to one another at a second end area facing away from the at least one base element 405, so that the annular carrier structure 402 is pushed inward when the cleaning unit 400 is introduced into the patient receiving area 13. Preferably in this case the annular carrier structure 402 has a diameter, in particular an outer diameter, which at least corresponds to the diameter 404, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13 or also is greater by a maximum of 3 mm than the diameter 404, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13.

[0104] The arrangement of the cleaning covering 411 on the outer side of the annular carrier structure 402 thus means that the cleaning element 401 has a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. The effect of this is that, after an introduction of the cleaning unit 400 into the patient receiving area 13, the cleaning element 401 rests with a force against the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13, as has already been described for FIG. 2, to which the reader is herewith referred.

[0105] Furthermore the cleaning unit 400 comprises a receiving element 413 for receiving a cleaning agent. The receiving element 413 for receiving the cleaning agent is arranged in this case on an inner side 414 of the annular carrier structure 402. The receiving element 413 can for example comprise a holder for receiving a commercially available cleaning agent container with cleaning agent and/or a commercially available disinfection agent container with disinfection agent. Moreover the annular carrier structure 402 here can also comprise a cleaning agent channel and/or a cleaning agent tube not shown in any greater detail for distribution of the cleaning agent at the cleaning covering 411.

[0106] Furthermore the cleaning unit 400 can also have an electrical connection element, wherein an electrical connection element is not shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7 to 9. An aspect and/or functioning of an electrical connection element correspond in this case to the description given for FIG. 6, to which the reader is herewith referred.

[0107] Shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 is a fifth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit 500. Components, features and functions that essentially remain the same are basically labeled with the same reference characters. The description given below essentially restricts itself to the differences from the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 2 to 9, wherein with regard to components, features and functions that essentially remain the same the reader is referred to the description of the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 2 to 9.

[0108] The cleaning unit 500 in FIGS. 10 to 13 has a cleaning element 501 with an annular carrier structure 502. The cleaning element 501, in particular the annular carrier structure 502, is adapted to a circumference, in particular to an inner circumference, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. In this case the cleaning element comprises 501 a diameter, in particular an outer diameter, which a least corresponds to the value of the diameter, in particular of the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. Moreover the diameter, in particular the outer diameter, of the cleaning element 501 can be embodied greater by a maximum of 1 mm, preferably by a maximum of 2 mm and preferably by a maximum of 3 mm than the diameter, in particular the inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13.

[0109] Furthermore the cleaning unit 500 has two base elements 505, which are embodied for an arrangement and/or positioning of the cleaning element 501, in particular of the annular carrier structure 502, within the patient receiving area 13. The two base elements 505 here are embodied for an arrangement and/or attachment of the cleaning unit 500 on the patient table 15 (FIG. 10-12). For arrangement of the cleaning unit 500 on the patient table 15 the patient table 15 has a receiving unit 506, wherein the receiving unit 506 is arranged at a head end 507 of the patient table 15 (FIG. 11).

[0110] The patient table 15 furthermore has two attachment rails 508, which are embodied for an attachment of accessory units (FIG. 10). The two attachment rails 508 are arranged at opposite side areas of the patient table 15, wherein a support area 509 for supporting and/or positioning of the patient is arranged between the two attachment rails 508. The receiving unit 506 for arrangement of the cleaning unit 500 on the patient table 15 has the two attachment rails 508 in this case, in particular one area of the two attachment rails 109 facing toward the head end 507 of the patient table 15 in each case. For an arrangement of the cleaning unit 500 on the two attachment rails 508 the cleaning unit 500 has two attachment elements 510 corresponding to the attachment rails 508. The two attachment elements 510 are arranged on the two base elements 505, wherein one attachment element 510 is arranged on a base element 505 in each case. In this case the two base elements 505 are also arranged on opposite sides of the cleaning unit 100.

[0111] The annular carrier structure 502 in the present exemplary aspect has two ring elements 511 (FIGS. 10 and 11). The two ring elements 511 are each arranged at a first end area on one of the two base elements 505. At a second end area, in particular an end area facing away from the base elements 505, the two ring elements 511 of the annular carrier structure 502 are arranged at least partly able to move in relation to one another. The end areas of the two ring elements 511 facing away from the base elements 505 can be embodied in this case resting against one another and/or at least partly overlapping. In the present exemplary aspect the two ring elements 511 are arranged and/or embodied essentially mirror-symmetrically in relation to one another.

[0112] If the cleaning unit 500 and thus also the annular carrier structure 502 is located outside of the patient receiving area 13, the two ring elements 511 are preferably in a relaxed state. In this relaxed state a diameter, in particular an outer diameter, of the cleaning elements 501 has at least the same value or a greater value than a diameter, in particular inner diameter, of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. If on the other hand the cleaning unit 500 and thus also the cleaning element 501 with the annular carrier structure 502 is introduced into the patient receiving area 13, the annular carrier structure 502 can be pushed together by a funnel-shaped aspect of an introduction area of the patient receiving area 13 during its introduction into the patient receiving area 13. Through this the two ring elements 511, in particular with the end areas able to move in relation to one another, are moved toward each other and/or pushed inward, so that an overlap area between the two ring elements 511 is also enlarged. The effect of this is that the two ring elements 511 are put under tension and thus exert a force on the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13.

[0113] Moreover the cleaning element 501 has a cleaning covering 512 (FIGS. 10 to 13). The cleaning covering 501 comprises in the present exemplary aspect a textile fabric, in particular a non-woven material, and/or a foam. The cleaning covering 512, in particular the textile entity and/or the foam, is arranged here on a side pointing outward, in particular on a side facing toward the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13, of the annular carrier structure 502. For this purpose the annular carrier structure 502 also has on its outer side a receiving surface 513 for receiving the cleaning covering 512, in particular the textile entity and/or the foam. Preferably here the cleaning covering 512, in particular the textile entity and/or the foam, is removable here, for example arranged by a hook and loop connection on the receiving surface 513 of the annular carrier structure 502.

[0114] Through the arrangement of the cleaning covering 512, in particular of the textile entity and/or the foam, on the outer side of the annular carrier structure 502, the cleaning element 501 thus has a greater outer diameter than the inner diameter of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. The effect of this is that, after an introduction of the cleaning unit 500 into the patient receiving area 13, the cleaning element 501 rests with a force against the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. Preferably the cleaning element 501 rests here with a force of 4 N to 6 N against the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13, so that a sufficiently great pressure for a mechanical cleaning is available, but a movement of the cleaning unit 500 through the patient receiving area 13 is also possible however.

[0115] Furthermore the cleaning unit 500 comprises two receiving elements 514 for receiving a cleaning agent (FIGS. 10 to 12). The two receiving elements 514 for receiving a cleaning agent are each arranged on an inner side 515 of a ring element 511 of the annular carrier structure 502. The receiving elements 514 can for example comprise a holder for receiving a commercially available cleaning agent container with cleaning agent and/or a commercially available disinfection agent container with disinfection agent.

[0116] The cleaning element 501, in particular the annular carrier structure 502, has two cleaning agent channels 516, wherein one cleaning agent channel 516 is arranged in each case on one of the ring elements 511 of the annular carrier structure 502 (FIG. 13). The cleaning agent channels 516 are each arranged in a circumferential direction within the ring elements 511. In the present exemplary aspect the two cleaning agent channels 516 each comprise one cleaning agent hose. For a distribution of the cleaning agents the two cleaning agent channels 516 have openings 517, for example holes, on a side facing toward the cleaning covering 512. These openings 517 and/or holes are arranged at specific and/or defined distances on the cleaning agent channels 516. Also, for an even distribution of the cleaning agents, the opening 517 and/or holes can also have different sizes. For a distribution of the cleaning agent it is necessary in the present exemplary aspect for a user, in particular a medical operator, to press the cleaning agent container together and thus to convey the cleaning agent into the cleaning agent channels 516. Moreover it can also be conceivable for there to be an automatic control of the distribution of the cleaning agent.

[0117] Moreover, in the present exemplary aspect the cleaning element 501 has two sensors 518, which are embodied for detection of an amount of cleaning agent (FIG. 13). For this purpose the two sensors 518 are arranged on the receiving surface 513 of the annular carrier structure 502, in particular on one of the ring elements 511 in each case, and thus in direct contact with the cleaning agent surface 512. The detection and/or determination of the amount of cleaning agent are done here with the aid of a moisture value and/or a moisture content. For checking by a user the sensors 518 can also comprise an optical output means, such as an LED for example, which displays to the user whether the amount of cleaning agent is sufficient for a cleaning process. Moreover the two sensors 518 can also be connected to a control unit for automatic control of the cleaning agent distribution.

[0118] Furthermore the cleaning unit 500 can also have an electrical connection element, wherein an electrical connection element is not shown in any greater detail in FIGS. 10 to 13. An aspect and/or functioning of an electrical connection element correspond in this case to the description given for FIG. 6, to which the reader is herewith referred.

[0119] Shown in FIG. 14 is a sixth exemplary aspect of the cleaning unit 600. Components, features and functions that essentially remain the same are basically labeled with the same reference characters. The description given below essentially restricts itself to the differences from the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 10 to 13, wherein with regard to components, features and functions that essentially remain the same the reader is referred to the description of the exemplary aspect in FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0120] In FIG. 14 the cleaning unit is shown in a side view. The cleaning unit 600 in FIG. 14 differs from the cleaning unit 500 in FIGS. 10 to 13 by an alternate aspect of the cleaning covering 602. The cleaning unit 600 in the present exemplary aspect has two cleaning coverings 602, which are arranged at a distance from one another. To this end the cleaning unit 600, in particular an annular carrier structure 603 of the cleaning unit 600, has two contact surfaces, wherein a first contact surface is arranged in a front area and a second contact surface in a rear area of the annular carrier structure 603, in particular the side of the annular carrier structure 603 facing toward the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. One aspect of the individual cleaning coverings 602 can correspond in this case to the information given for FIGS. 10 to 13, to which the reader is herewith referred.

[0121] Between the two cleaning coverings 602 the cleaning unit 600 has a receiving area 604 for receiving a plurality of UV-C illumination means 605 for a disinfection of the housing 27 surrounding the patient receiving area 13. In the present exemplary aspect the plurality of UV-C illumination means 605 are each formed by UV-C LEDs. The individual UV-C LEDs in this case are arranged in the annular carrier structure 603, in particular on an outer surface of the annular carrier structure 603. For this purpose the outer surface can also be embodied in the shape of a slot for a protected arrangement of the plurality of UV-C illumination means 605. The individual UV-C illumination means 605, in particular the UV-C LEDs, are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction on the outer side of the annular carrier structure 603.

[0122] The cleaning unit 600 furthermore has a plurality of light openings 606, which are arranged on an inner side of the annular carrier structure 603. Preferably the light openings 606 are arranged in the radial direction right through the annular carrier structure 603 so that a light from the illumination means, in particular the UV-C illumination means 605, can shine into the patient receiving area 13 and is thus visible for a patient and/or an observer.

[0123] Moreover it is also conceivable for the cleaning unit 600 to have light openings that are arranged on a side surface of the annular carrier structure 603. Moreover the cleaning unit 600 can comprise an illuminator that is embodied independently from a UV-C illuminator and is only provided for a visual representation of a cleaning process for a user and/or a patient.

[0124] The cleaning unit moreover has an electrical connection element 607. In this case the electrical connection element 607 is embodied identical in construction to a coil plug connector of a local radio frequency coil. An aspect and/or functioning of an electrical connection element 607 corresponds in this case to the description given for FIG. 6, to which the reader is herewith referred.

[0125] A further aspect of the cleaning unit 600 corresponds here to the cleaning unit described in FIGS. 10 to 13, to which the reader is herewith referred.

[0126] Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described in greater detail by the preferred exemplary aspect, the disclosure is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived herefrom by the person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the disclosure.