Latching mechanism for x-ray tube assembly and x-ray imaging system

A latching mechanism for an x-ray tube assembly comprising:

• a rotary plate to which the x-ray tube assembly is fixedly mounted by means of a tube arm, the rotary plate being rotatably mounted to a supporting part to be rotatable about an axis relative to the supporting part, the axis passing through a point on the rotary plate perpendicularly to the rotary plate the rotary plate comprising a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion, the second receiving portion being spaced from the first receiving portion by substantially 90° about the axis;
• and
• a first spring-loaded latch and a second spring-loaded latch which are fixed on the supporting part, the first spring-loaded latch and the second spring-loaded latch being disposed diametrically and adjacent the rotary plate, the first spring-loaded latch being configured to be pressed removably into the first receiving portion to lock the x-ray tube assembly in a first position, the second spring-loaded latch being configured to be pressed removably into the second receiving portion to lock the x-ray tube assembly in a second position which is spaced from the first position by substantially 90° about the axis in a first direction.