Switch mechanism for an image intensifier hood in an x-ray diagnostics

Abstract

A switch mechanism for an image intensifier hood in an x-ray diagnostics system is connected to a motor for moving the x-ray image intensifier toward and away from an examination subject. If the hood inadvertently comes into contact with the examination subject or a technician, the hood is displaced thereby actuating the switch mechanism and disengaging the motor to stop movement of the x-ray image intensifier, thereby avoiding injury to the examination subject and technician and avoiding damage to the x-ray image intensifier. The switch mechanism is constructed such that actuation thereof occurs upon the presence of forces acting on the hood in the direction of the luminescent screen surface or a direction perpendicular thereto, and each intermediate direction. The hood is provided with a number of such switch mechanisms, each switch mechanism including a lever having one end for actuating an electronic switch, and an opposite end disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the other end which presses against a beveled cam on the inside surface of the hood, which displaces the lever upon the occurrence of pressure against the hood. The hood and switch mechanisms are attached to the front of the x-ray image intensifier by a ring, and the lever for each switch mechanism is pivotably mounted for movement around an axis extending parallel to a tangent of this ring.