Apparatus, in particular an x-ray examination apparatus, with arrangement for collision protection

摘要

An arrangement for collision prevention is provided for an apparatus, in particular an x-ray examination apparatus, having components that can be moved by drive means. A collision is detected by way of detecting the speed of a relevant moving part and detecting the current and/or power supply to the drive means. Reference values for current and/or power supply at normal operation in dependence of the speed acquired by moving components are provided from a memory means and actually required current and/or power supplies are compared to said reference values. In addition, actual positions of components are detected and compared to computed expected positions of said components. A collision is detected when the required current and/or power supply exceeds a relevant reference value and the detected actual position deviates from the corresponding calculated expected position. As a consequence of a collision being detected, the moving component involved in a collision is detached from the drive means so as to avoid damage or injury as a cause of the collision. Apart from x-ray examination apparatus, also industrial robots which operate in circumstances where person may approach the apparatus to within the reach of moveable components are preferably fitted with an arrangement for collision protection as described above.