Bed device, medical imaging system, and method for operating bed device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a bed device capable of reliably controlling the locked state of a travel unit and a top plate, a medical imaging system provided with the bed device, and a method for operating the bed device. According to the bed device according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the locking of the walking part and the locking of the top plate are automatically performed in linkage with the connection between the bed device and the medical imaging device (independent of the operation of the user), the user does not need to perform the operation for locking the walking part and the locking of the top plate during the connection and disconnection. In addition, the possibility that the walking part is unlocked due to forgetting of operation, and unlocking of the top plate cannot reach the action time is avoided. Therefore, the locking state of the traveling part and the top plate can be reliably controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bed device connectable to a medical image pickup device, a medical image pickup system including the bed device, and a working method of the bed device, and in particular to a technology for controlling the connection and locking of the bed device. Background Art

[0002] It is known that when a medical image of a subject is captured by a medical imaging device (or medical image diagnosis device) such as a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI device, MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (magnetic resonance imaging)) or an X-ray CT device (CT: Computed Tomography (computer tomography)), a bed device that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the medical imaging device is used from the viewpoint of reducing the trouble of transferring the subject when moving from the ward where the subject is located to the examination room where the medical imaging device is installed, or limiting the use of magnetic substances in the examination room, etc. (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a bed device that can be mechanically and electrically connected to the main body of the medical imaging device.

[0003] When using such a bed device, it is necessary to connect (dock) and disconnect the bed device with the medical imaging device, and it is necessary to lock and unlock the running part of the bed device. In Patent Document 1, a coupling pedal for mechanically connecting the bed device with the MRI device and a caster locking pedal for locking casters provided on the running part of the bed device are provided. When the caster locking pedal is operated, the casters are locked, and the bed device and the MRI device are electrically connected.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7197984

[0005] After the bed device is connected to the main body of the medical image diagnosis device, the casters of the bed device need to be locked in order to prevent the bed from moving and causing accidental damage when the subject moves his body, etc. However, as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when operating the pedal for locking the casters, there is a possibility that the user forgets to operate the pedal and the casters are not locked.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a bed device with a slidable top plate for moving the subject within the imaging space of the medical image pickup device in the bed device. When using such a bed device, the top plate needs to be locked during the bed transportation before being connected to the medical image pickup device to prevent the top plate from accidentally moving and causing damage to the bed device or the subject to fall. On the other hand, after being connected to the medical image pickup device, the lock needs to be released so that the top plate can slide. In order to perform such locking and unlocking, a method has been adopted in the past in which the locking pin is linked to the movement of the top plate to be mechanically ejected or stored. However, in this method, due to assembly errors or years of wear, the pin may not be ejected or stored in time with the movement of the top plate, resulting in the possibility that the top plate cannot move.

[0007] As such, the prior art cannot reliably control the locking state of the walking portion and the top plate. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bed device capable of reliably controlling the locking state of a traveling portion and a top plate, a medical imaging system including such a bed device, and an operating method of the bed device.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the bed device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a main body part, which has a top plate for placing a subject; a walking part, which makes the main body part walk; a connecting connector part, which mechanically and electrically connects the main body part to a medical imaging device that is separately constituted with the main body part in a loadable and removable manner; a connecting operation component, which receives operations indicating connection and disconnection; a connection detection part, which detects the presence or absence of connection; and a control part, which controls the locking state of the top plate and the walkable state of the walking part according to the detected presence or absence of connection, in the bed device, the control part performs the following processing: locking the walking part so that the main body cannot walk based on the detection of connection by the connection detection part, and unlocking the top plate so that the top plate can slide; and unlocking the walking part so that the main body can walk based on the detection of disconnection by the connection detection part, and locking the top plate so that the top plate cannot slide.

[0010] According to the first method, if the bed device is connected to the medical image camera device, the detection unit detects the connection, the control unit locks the walking unit, and releases the lock of the top plate so that the top plate can slide. If the connection between the bed device and the medical image camera device is released, the detection unit detects the release of the connection, the control unit releases the lock of the walking unit so that the bed device can walk, and locks the top plate so that the top plate cannot slide. That is, the locking of the walking unit and the locking of the top plate are automatically (not depending on the user's operation) linked to the connection between the bed device and the medical image camera device, so the user does not need to perform the operation for locking the walking unit and locking the top plate when connecting and releasing the connection. In addition, there is no possibility that the walking unit is not locked due to forgetting to operate, and the lock release of the top plate cannot catch up with the action time. In this way, according to the first method, the locking state of the walking unit and the top plate can be reliably controlled.

[0011] The bed device involved in the first embodiment can be applied to, for example, an MRI device, but in addition, it can also be applied to medical imaging devices (medical image diagnosis devices) such as an X-ray CT device or a PET device (PET: Positron Emission Tomography) using a movable bed.

[0012] The bed platform device involved in the second embodiment is that in the first embodiment, the walking part has casters that can be electrically locked, and the control unit makes the main body unable to walk by electrically locking the casters, and enables the main body to walk by unlocking the casters. The second embodiment specifies a structure of the walking part and a locking method. In addition, in the second embodiment, it is preferred that the control unit locks both the rotation and rotation (rotation) of the wheels of the casters. And, it is preferred that the control unit locks all the wheels of the casters.

[0013] The bed device according to the third embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the travel portion is provided with a stopper that can protrude from the main body toward the travel surface, and the control unit locks the travel portion by causing the stopper to protrude and abut against the travel surface, and releases the lock of the travel portion by causing the stopper to separate from the travel surface. The third embodiment specifies another method of locking the structure of the travel portion. In addition, in the third embodiment, the stopper may be one or more.

[0014] The bed device according to the fourth embodiment is a bed device according to the third embodiment, wherein the travel portion includes a first solenoid coil, a first spring member compressed by energizing the first solenoid coil, and a stopper connected to the first spring member, wherein the control portion compresses the first spring member by energizing the first solenoid coil to separate the stopper from the travel surface, and stops the compression of the first spring member by stopping energizing the first solenoid coil to cause the stopper to protrude and contact the travel surface. The fourth embodiment specifies a method of the structure of the stopper.

[0015] The bed device according to the fifth embodiment is a bed device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the main body includes a second solenoid coil, a second spring member compressed by energizing the second solenoid coil, and a locking pin connected to the second spring member, and the control unit compresses the second spring member by energizing the second solenoid coil to pull the locking pin out of the top plate, and stops the compression of the second spring member by stopping the energization of the second solenoid coil to cause the locking pin to protrude and be inserted into the top plate. The fifth embodiment specifies a structure for locking the top plate.

[0016] The bed device according to the sixth embodiment is a bed device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the main body has a third solenoid coil and a magnetic body arranged on the top plate opposite to the third solenoid coil, the control unit energizes the third solenoid coil to adsorb the magnetic body to the third solenoid coil side so that the top plate cannot slide, and stops energizing the third solenoid coil to release the adsorption so that the top plate can slide. The sixth embodiment provides another embodiment of a structure for locking the top plate.

[0017] The bed device according to the seventh aspect is one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the connection operation member includes a connection pedal for receiving a connection operation and a connection release pedal for receiving a connection release operation. The user can perform the connection operation and the connection release operation by operating these pedals (for example, by stepping on them).

[0018] The bed device according to the eighth aspect comprises a panel that displays one or more of a connection state, a lock state of the travel unit, and a lock state of the top plate in any of the first to seventh aspects. According to the eighth aspect, the user can easily recognize the connection state or the lock state through the display.

[0019] The bed device according to the ninth aspect is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect, the panel includes a lock operation member, the lock operation member receiving a lock operation for instructing the locking of the traveling unit when the bed device is not connected to the medical imaging device, and a lock release operation for instructing the unlocking of the lock based on the lock operation, and the control unit locks the traveling unit according to the lock operation, and unlocks the traveling unit according to the lock release operation. According to the ninth aspect, the user can operate the panel to lock and unlock the traveling unit as needed when the bed device is not connected to the medical imaging device (for example, when moving from a ward to an examination room).

[0020] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a medical image pickup system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention comprises: a bed device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects; and a medical image pickup device. In the medical image pickup system according to the tenth aspect, since the bed device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is provided, the locking state of the traveling part and the top board can be reliably controlled.

[0021] The medical imaging system according to the eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in the tenth aspect, the medical imaging apparatus includes any one of an MRI apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, and a PET apparatus. The eleventh aspect specifically defines an aspect of the medical imaging apparatus.

[0022] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention relates to a working method of a bed device according to a twelfth aspect, wherein the bed device comprises: a main body having a top plate for placing a subject; a walking part for walking the main body; a connection connector part for detachably connecting the main body to a medical imaging device that is separately formed with the main body; a connection operation member for receiving an operation for instructing connection and disconnection; a connection detection part for detecting the presence or absence of connection; and a control part for controlling the locking state of the top plate and the walkable state of the walking part according to the detected presence or absence of connection, wherein the control part performs the following processing: locking the walking part so that the main body cannot walk according to the detection of connection by the connection detection part, and unlocking the top plate so that the top plate can slide; and unlocking the walking part so that the main body can walk according to the detection of disconnection by the connection detection part, and unlocking the top plate so that the top plate cannot slide. According to the twelfth aspect, as in the first aspect, the locking state of the walking part and the top plate can be reliably controlled.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] As described above, according to the bed device, the medical image pickup system, and the operating method of the bed device of the present invention, the locking state of the traveling portion and the top plate can be reliably controlled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of a medical imaging system.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a medical imaging device.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the main structure of the bed device.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing user operations and system actions (1 / 2).

[0029] Figure 5This is a diagram showing user operations and system actions (2 / 2).

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a docking unit.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the pedal unit.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a figure which shows an example of an operation panel.

[0033] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the mechanical connection between the bed and the device body.

[0034] Fig.10 It is a figure which shows the structure of the top plate locking mechanism.

[0035] Fig.11 It is a plan view showing a state where the top plate is locked / unlocked by the top plate locking mechanism.

[0036] Fig.12 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the top plate is locked / unlocked by the top plate locking mechanism.

[0037] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the structure of the locking travel portion.

[0038] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the top plate locking mechanism.

[0039] Explanation of symbols:

[0040] 220-bed moving device, 230-docking unit, 300-bed device, 310-top plate, 311-top plate holding part, 313-trolley, 320-docking unit, 340-main body, 350-processor, 352-connection detection part, 354-control part, 356-top plate lifting mechanism, 360-top plate locking mechanism, 370-electric casters, 380-operation panel, 400-pedal unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the bed device, the medical image pickup system, and the working method of the bed device according to the present invention will be described. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, for the sake of convenience of description, the illustration of some components is sometimes omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings do not show the exact shape or size of the bed device, the medical image pickup system, and the medical image pickup system.

[0042] [First embodiment]

[0043] [Overview of Medical Image Capture System]

[0044] First, the structure of the medical image pickup system is described. Figure 1 As shown, the medical imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a medical imaging device 100 and a bed device 300 . Figure 1 Part (a) shows a state where the medical imaging device 100 and the bed device 300 are separated. Figure 1 Part (b) shows a state in which the medical imaging device 100 and the bed device 300 are connected.

[0045] The medical imaging device 100 and the device body 101 are devices for obtaining cross-sectional images of the subject 110, and may be of any structure as long as they can capture images of the subject 110 placed on the bed device 300. For example, an MRI device (MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging) using the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) phenomenon, an X-ray CT device, and the like may be used. Figure 1 In the figure, as an example of a medical imaging device 100 and a device body 101, a tunnel-type MRI device with a cylindrical gantry is shown. The device body 101 has a cylindrical tunnel with its axis horizontal, and a static magnetic field is generated in the tunnel to form an imaging space. The device body 101 is arranged in an electromagnetically shielded room, and a gradient magnetic field power supply 132, a sequencer 140, a high-frequency oscillator 151, a modulator 152, a high-frequency amplifier 153, a signal amplifier 162, an orthogonal phase detector 163, an A / D converter 164, and a control unit 170 are provided (see Figure 2 ) is arranged outside the electromagnetically shielded room and is electrically connected to the device body 101 via a cable.

[0046] And, about Figure 1 As described above, in the medical image pickup system 10, the bed device 300 for placing the subject 110 can be connected and separated (disconnected) from the medical image pickup device 100 for picking up the subject 110, and the bed device 300 includes a pedal unit 400 for operating the connection of the bed device 300. The detailed structure of the bed device 300, the connection structure of the bed device 300 and the medical image pickup device 100, and the control of the locking state will be described in detail later.

[0047] [Structure of medical imaging device]

[0048] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the medical imaging device 100. Figure 2As shown, the medical imaging apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field generation source 120 , a gradient magnetic field generation unit 130 , a sequencer 140 , a high-frequency irradiation unit 150 , a signal detection unit 160 , and a control unit 170 .

[0049] The static magnetic field generating source 120 generates a uniform static magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject 110 in a vertical magnetic field mode, and generates a uniform static magnetic field in the body axis direction of the subject 110 in a horizontal magnetic field mode in a static magnetic field space accommodating the subject 110. The static magnetic field generating source 120 of a permanent magnet mode, a normal conductor mode, or a superconducting mode is arranged around the subject 110.

[0050] The gradient magnetic field generating unit 130 includes: a gradient magnetic field coil 131 that is superimposed on the static magnetic field space and generates a gradient magnetic field in the three-axis directions of X, Y, and Z, which are the coordinate system (stationary coordinate system) of the medical imaging device 100; and a gradient magnetic field power supply 132 that drives each gradient magnetic field coil 131. The gradient magnetic field power supply 132 that drives each coil according to the command, i.e., control from the sequencer 140 described later generates gradient magnetic fields Gx, Gy, and Gz in the three-axis directions of X, Y, and Z. During imaging, a slice direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gs) is applied in a direction orthogonal to the slice plane (imaging section) to set the slice plane for the subject 110, and a phase encoding direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gp) and a frequency encoding direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gf) are applied in the remaining two directions orthogonal to the slice plane and orthogonal to each other, so that position information in each direction is encoded in the echo signal.

[0051] The sequencer 140 repeatedly applies high-frequency magnetic field pulses (RF pulses) and gradient magnetic field pulses in a certain predetermined pulse sequence. The sequencer 140 operates under the control of a central processing unit 171 (CPU: Central Processing Unit), and sends various commands, i.e., controls, required for data collection of tomographic images of the subject 110 to the gradient magnetic field generator 130, the high-frequency irradiator 150, and the signal detector 160.

[0052] The high-frequency irradiation unit 150 irradiates the subject 110 with RF pulses so that the nuclear spins of the atoms constituting the living tissue of the subject 110 cause nuclear magnetic resonance. The high-frequency irradiation unit 150 includes a high-frequency oscillator 151, a modulator 152, a high-frequency amplifier 153, and a transmitting-side high-frequency coil, i.e., an irradiation coil 154. At the timing based on the instruction from the sequencer 140, the modulator 152 modulates the amplitude of the RF pulse output from the high-frequency oscillator 151, and the high-frequency amplifier 153 amplifies the amplitude-modulated RF pulse and supplies it to the irradiation coil 154 arranged close to the subject 110, thereby irradiating the subject 110 with electromagnetic waves.

[0053] The signal detection unit 160 detects an NMR signal, i.e., an echo signal, which is released by the nuclear magnetic resonance of the nuclear spins of the living tissue constituting the subject 110. The signal detection unit 160 includes a receiving coil 161, which is a receiving side high frequency coil, a signal amplifier 162, an orthogonal phase detector 163, and an A / D converter 164 (analog / digital converter). The response NMR signal induced in the subject 110 by the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the irradiation coil 154 is detected by the receiving coil 161 arranged close to the subject 110, amplified by the signal amplifier 162, and then divided into two orthogonal systems of signals by the orthogonal phase detector 163 at the timing based on the instruction from the sequencer 140, respectively converted into digital quantities by the A / D converter 164, and sent to the control unit 170.

[0054] The control unit 170 performs various data processing and displays and stores the processing results. The control unit 170 includes a processor such as a CPU 171, a storage device such as an internal memory 172, an external storage device 180 such as an optical disk 181 or a magnetic disk 182, and an input / output unit 190. When the signal detection unit 160 receives a signal or data, the CPU 171 uses the internal memory 172 as a work area to perform processing such as signal processing and image reconstruction, and displays the result, i.e., a tomographic image of the subject 110, on the output device 200 and records it in the external storage device 180.

[0055] The input / output unit 190 inputs and outputs various control information of the medical imaging apparatus 100 or control information of the processing performed by the control unit 170, and specifically, receives and displays input of imaging parameters of a pulse sequence, etc. The input / output unit 190 is composed of an input device 210 including a pointing device 211 such as a trackball, a mouse, a touch pad, a touch panel, and a keyboard 212, and an output device 200 including a display 201 such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a printer 202. The input device 210 and the output device 200 may be arranged close to each other, for example, the operator may interactively control the medical imaging apparatus 100 by instructing the execution of various processing, etc., through the pointing device 211, while looking at the display 201. Alternatively, a touch panel that operates as the input device 210 may be arranged on the display surface of the display 201, and input operations may be performed by selecting or operating the display content of the display 201.

[0056] The subject 110 is placed on the top plate 310 of the bed device 300 and is accommodated in the imaging space, that is, the static magnetic field space, by the bed moving device 220. The transmitting side irradiation coil 154 and the gradient magnetic field coil 131 are arranged in the static magnetic field space accommodating the subject 110 in a manner opposite to the subject 110 in the vertical magnetic field method, and in a manner surrounding the subject 110 in the horizontal magnetic field method. In addition, the receiving side receiving coil 161 is arranged in a manner opposite to or surrounding the subject 110.

[0057] In addition, the nuclei that are imaged by current MRI apparatuses are widely used in clinical practice as hydrogen nuclei (protons), which are the main constituents of the subject 110. By imaging information related to the spatial distribution of proton density or the spatial distribution of relaxation time of an excited state, the morphology or function of the human head, abdomen, limbs, etc. can be imaged two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.

[0058] [Structure of the bed device]

[0059] Next, the bed device 300 will be described. Figure 3 3 is a diagram showing the main structure of the bed device 300. Figure 3 As shown, the bed device 300 has a top plate 310 and a top plate holding portion 311 for placing the subject 110, a main body 340 and a trolley 313 (traveling portion), and is separately configured from the above-mentioned medical imaging device 100. The main body 340 is able to travel by means of electric casters 370 (traveling portion, casters) provided on the trolley 313. The bed device 300, for example, has four electric casters 370, but the number of electric casters 370 may also be different from this. In addition, in the present embodiment, the electric casters 370 can be casters that can be electrically locked, and may be casters that do not have a built-in motor but only have an electric locking function, or may be casters that have a built-in motor and can travel by themselves (in this case, the casters can be made unable to travel by rotating the electric locking motor).

[0060] The top plate 310 is held by a top plate holding portion 311 and is moved by the bed moving device 220 in the medical imaging device 100. Figure 3 The top plate lifting mechanism 356 includes a rocker arm or a hydraulic jack (not shown) and is configured to lift the top plate 310 and the top plate holding portion 311 in the Z direction (vertical direction). The top plate locking mechanism 360 locks the top plate 310 so that it cannot slide, or unlocks the top plate 310 so that it can slide.

[0061] In addition, a pedal unit 400 (connection operation member) is provided on the carriage 313. When the user of the bed device 300 operates the pedal unit 400, the docking unit 320 (connection connector portion) on the bed device 300 side is mechanically and electrically connected to the docking unit 230 on the medical imaging device 100 side in a removable manner. The processor 350 includes a connection detection unit 352 (connection detection unit) and a control unit 354 (control unit). The connection detection unit 352 detects whether the docking unit 320 is connected to the docking unit 230. The control unit 354 controls the locking state of the top plate 310 by the top plate locking mechanism 360 according to the detected connection, and controls the walkable state of the electric casters 370 (walking unit).

[0062] The processor 350 is composed of various processors such as a CPU and an internal memory. The bed device 300 is provided with a battery (not shown) for supplying power to each part. The battery can be charged by the power supply of the medical imaging device 100 while the bed device 300 is connected to the medical imaging device 100.

[0063] As described in detail later, the operation panel 380 (panel) can display one or more of the connection state, the locking state of the electric casters 370 (traveling part, casters), and the locking state of the top plate 310. In addition, the operation panel 380 includes a locking operation component that receives a locking operation for instructing to lock the electric casters 370 when the bed device 300 is not connected to the medical imaging device 100, and a lock release operation for instructing to release the lock based on the locking operation.

[0064] [User operations and system actions]

[0065] Below, reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , the user's operation process in the medical imaging system 10 and the accompanying system operation are described. Figure 4 , Figure 5 In the embodiment, steps S100 to S170 represent the user's work or operation, and steps S200 to S300 represent the system's actions.

[0066] [Connection between medical imaging device and bed device]

[0067] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bed device 300 can be moved by a carriage 313 (traveling unit) with electric casters 370, and the subject 110 is placed on the top plate 310. Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, the bed device 300 can be loaded and unloaded on the device body 101. The bed device 300 separated from the device body 101 is moved to the front room or the ward of the subject 110 where the magnetic force of the device body 101 cannot reach, so as to place the subject 110. Then, with the subject 110 placed on the bed device 300, it is moved to a position where it can dock with the door frame (device body 101) (step S100). The user connects the bed device 300 to the device body 101 (steps S200 to S230) by stepping on the connection pedal 410 (step S110). When connecting, the electric casters 370 are locked and the top plate 310 is unlocked (steps S200, S230). The control of the connection and locking states, and the structure used to perform these controls will be described in detail later.

[0068] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , as a connection mechanism between the device body 101 and the bed device 300, a docking unit 230 is provided on the front side of the device body 101, and on the other hand, a docking unit 320 is provided on the front side (+X side) and a pedal unit 400 is provided on the rear side (-X side) of the carriage 313 of the bed device 300. In addition, if the cover 315 of the bed device 300 is removed, the docking unit 320 or the pedal unit 400 is exposed (refer to FIG. Figure 1 The docking unit 320 and the pedal unit 400 are connected by a mechanical connection wire 325 and an electrical connection wire 326. The operation of the pedal unit 400 is transmitted to the docking unit 320 via the wires 325 and 326. The docking unit 320 and the docking unit 230 (see FIG. Figure 1 , 6 ) are mechanically and electrically connected (docked, connected).

[0069] Figure 7 4 is a diagram showing the structure of the pedal unit. As shown in the figure, the pedal unit 400 includes two pedals: a connection pedal 410 and a connection release pedal 420. The lower ends of the connection pedal 410 and the connection release pedal 420 are usually hidden in the Figure 1 Only the upper end side is exposed in the cover 315 shown in part (b). The connection pedal 410 is a pedal for orderly operating the two types of connections, namely, the mechanical connection and the electrical connection between the device body 101 and the bed device 300. In addition, the connection release pedal 420 is a pedal for operating the release of the mechanical connection and the electrical connection between the device body 101 and the bed device 300. In addition, in addition to the above-mentioned elements, the pedal unit 400 also has a locking plate, a locking rod, a release plate, etc., which are not shown in the figure.

[0070] [Operation panel]

[0071] Figure 8 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel 380 (panel) provided on the bed device 300. The operation panel 380 is, for example, arranged on a handle portion provided at the rear portion (-X side) of the top plate holding portion 311, and includes buttons 382, ​​384, 388, 392, a lamp 386, and an indicator 390. The button 382 (locking operation member) is a button (switch) that receives a locking operation and a unlocking operation of the electric caster 370, and the user can operate the button 382 to lock and unlock the electric caster 370 at any position such as a corridor of a hospital (when the bed device 300 is not connected to the medical imaging device 100). The button 382 includes a lamp 382A that indicates the locking state of each wheel of the electric caster 370, and the lamp 382A emits light in different states depending on the locking state of each wheel. The button 384 is a button for the user to perform an operation to lock or unlock the top plate 310, and emits light in different states depending on the locking state of the top plate. The light 386 is a light that displays the connection status. It lights up when the bed device 300 is close to a position where it can be docked (connected) with the device body 101, and lights up in different states when the docking is completed. The button 388 is a button that the user uses to insert the top plate 310 into the imaging space of the medical image imaging device 100 and pull it out from the imaging space. The insertion and pulling out are performed by the bed moving device 220. The light 386 is a light that indicates the remaining amount of the battery (not shown) mounted on the bed device 300, and lights up in different states depending on the remaining amount of the battery. The button 392 is composed of an UP button 392A and a DOWN button 392B, and the user can operate these buttons to raise and lower the top plate 310.

[0072] [Connection between the bed device and the device body]

[0073] The hook 321 of the docking unit 320 is hooked on the connecting rod 231 of the docking unit 230, and the device body 101 is mechanically connected to the bed device 300 (step S210). Fig. 9 As shown, if the user steps on the connecting pedal 410, the wire 325 is pulled, the rear side of the support portion 329 drops from the protrusion 330, and the hook 321 also drops downward, and the front end of the hook 321 is stuck on the connecting rod 231 (from Fig. 9 The state shown in part (a) is transferred to Fig. 9 The state shown in part (b); mechanical connection).

[0074] Then, the electrical connector 322 of the docking unit 320 is inserted into the electrical connector 232 of the docking unit 230, and the device body 101 is electrically connected to the bed device 300 (step S220). Specifically, if the user further steps on the connection pedal 410, Figure 6The steel wire 326 shown is pulled, the connector rotates downward through the shaft, and the pin 233 enters the cutout. As a result, the electrical connectors are aligned with each other, and the electrical connectors are directly pulled close to each other for connection (electrical connection). In this way, in the bed device 300 involved in the first embodiment, mechanical connection and electrical connection can be performed by operating the connection pedal 410.

[0075] [Actions associated with connection: Locking of electric casters and unlocking of top plate]

[0076] If the user steps on the connection pedal 410, the electric caster 370 is locked (step S200; locking of the walking portion) and the top plate 310 is unlocked (step S230) in conjunction with the connection between the device body 101 and the bed device 300. The locking of the electric caster 370 can be performed, for example, by electrically engaging the gears to stop the rotation of the electric caster 370, but it can also be performed by inserting a pin into the caster portion to stop the rotation, as in the locking of the top plate 310 described later. In the medical imaging system 10 involved in the first embodiment, the electric caster 370 (walking portion, caster) is electrically locked in conjunction with the connection, so the electric caster 370 will not be unlocked due to the user forgetting to operate the locking pedal.

[0077] [Locking of top plate]

[0078] Fig.10 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the top plate locking mechanism 360. Fig.10 As shown, the top plate locking mechanism 360 includes a solenoid coil 362 (a second solenoid coil, an electromagnetic coil), a spring 364 (a second spring member) compressed by energizing the solenoid coil 362, and a locking pin 366 (a locking pin) connected to the spring 364. Fig.11 As shown, it is disposed on the −X side (+Y side and −Y side) of the top plate holding portion 311. As such, the top plate locking mechanism 360 is preferably disposed at the rear portion (−X side) of the top plate 310 so that it does not enter the magnetic field of the medical imaging apparatus 100. Fig.12 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the top plate locking mechanism 360 in the top plate holding portion 311 .

[0079] When the device body 101 is not connected to the bed device 300, Fig.10 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the energization of the solenoid coil 362 is turned off, the compression of the spring 364 stops, and the lock pin 366 is in a protruding state. Fig.11 Part (b) of Fig.12 Part (b) shows a state where the locking pin 366 protrudes and is inserted into the top plate 310 (locked state of the top plate 310 ).

[0080] When the connection detection unit 352 (processor 350) detects the connection between the device body 101 and the bed device 300, the control unit 354 (processor 350) energizes the solenoid coil 362, thereby Fig.10 As shown in part (a), the spring 364 is compressed to pull the locking pin 366 out from the top plate 310. Fig.11 Part (a) and Fig.12 Part (a) shows a state where the locking pin 366 is pulled out from the top plate 310 (the top plate 310 is unlocked). In this state, the top plate 310 can slide through the bed moving device 220. In the medical imaging system 10 involved in the first embodiment, the top plate 310 is unlocked in conjunction with the connection, so that the top plate 310 will not be unable to slide due to untimely unlocking. In addition, the control unit 354 can first lock the electric caster 370 and unlock the top plate 310, or can perform both in parallel.

[0081] [Lifting and sliding of the top plate]

[0082] The user sets the coil on the subject (step S120), operates the operation panel 380, or operates the input device 210 of the medical imaging device 100 or an operation member not shown in the figure to instruct the lifting and sliding of the top plate 310 (step S130). The top plate lifting mechanism 356 raises the top plate 310 and the top plate holding part 311 to the height of the imaging space of the device body 101 according to the instruction (step S240), and the bed moving device 220 moves the top plate 310 in the horizontal direction (step S240) relative to the top plate holding part 311. Figure 3 Thus, the subject 110 can be inserted into the imaging space, and the imaging part of the subject 110 can be transported to the imaging position.

[0083] [Video]

[0084] When the imaging part of the subject 110 is transported to the imaging position, the user instructs imaging by operating the input device 210 or the like (step S140 ), and imaging is performed in a predetermined sequence according to the instruction (step S250 ).

[0085] [Sliding of the top plate]

[0086] When the imaging is finished, the user operates the operation panel 380, or operates the input device 210 of the medical imaging device 100 or an operation member not shown to instruct the sliding of the top plate 310 (step S150), and the bed moving device 220 slides the top plate 310 in the -X direction according to the instruction and returns to the original position (step S160). When the top plate 310 is raised or lowered during connection, the top plate lifting mechanism 356 returns the top plate 310 to the original height.

[0087] [Release of connection]

[0088] As the examiner (user) steps on the connection release pedal 420 (release pedal) (step S160), the release plate, locking rod, locking plate, etc. (not shown) are actuated, and the wire 326 is pulled. As a result, the pin 233 is first pushed out from the cutout of the connector, and the electrical connector 232 and the electrical connector 322 are disconnected (step S270: electrical connection is disconnected). Then, by further stepping on the connection release pedal 420 (step S160), the support portion 329 is pushed forward and passes over the protrusion 330, whereby the hook 321 rises to its original position and detaches from the connecting rod 231 (step S280: mechanical connection is disconnected, from Fig. 9 The state shown in part (b) is transferred to Fig. 9 In this way, in the bed device 300, the electrical connection and the mechanical connection can be released by operating the connection release pedal 420, which is a single operating member.

[0089] [Actions accompanying disconnection]

[0090] If the connection detection unit 352 (processor 350) detects that the connection is released, the control unit 354 (processor 350) releases the lock of the electric caster 370 (walking unit) based on the detection (step S300) to enable the bed device 300 to walk, and locks the top plate 310 (step S290) to prevent the top plate 310 from sliding. The control unit 354 can release the lock of the electric caster 370 by releasing the meshing of the above-mentioned gears, for example. In addition, the control unit 354 stops the compression of the spring 364 by stopping the power supply to the above-mentioned solenoid coil 362 so that the locking pin 366 protrudes and is inserted into the top plate 310, thereby locking the top plate 310. In addition, the control unit 354 can first perform one of the unlocking of the electric caster 370 and the locking of the top plate 310, or can perform both in parallel. When the electric casters 370 are unlocked and the top plate 310 is locked, the user removes the bed device 300 from the door frame (device body 101) and transports it (step S170).

[0091] [Effects of the First Embodiment]

[0092] As described above, according to the medical image imaging system 10 (medical image imaging device 100, bed device 300) involved in the first embodiment, since the locking state of the electric caster 370 and the locking state of the top plate 310 are controlled in conjunction with the connection between the medical image imaging device 100 and the bed device 300, the locking state of the electric caster 370 (walking part, caster) and the top plate 310 can be reliably controlled.

[0093] [Modifications]

[0094] [Modification of the traveling unit lock]

[0095] Fig.13 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of the structure of the locking travel portion. Fig.13 In the modified example shown, the bed device 300 is provided with a walking portion locking mechanism 372 which is the same as the top plate locking mechanism 360 described above. The walking portion locking mechanism 372 is provided with a solenoid coil 374 (first solenoid coil), a spring 376 (first spring member) which is compressed by energizing the solenoid coil 374, and a stopper 378 (stopper) which is connected to the spring 376 and can protrude from the main body 340 toward the walking surface 900. An elastic member such as rubber may be provided at the front end portion of the stopper 378 (the side in contact with the walking surface 900) as an anti-slip member.

[0096] When the bed device 300 is not connected to the device body 101 (medical imaging device 100), if the user instructs to unlock the travel unit on the operation panel 380, Fig.13 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the control unit 354 (processor 350) energizes the solenoid coil 374 to compress the spring 376 so that the stopper 378 is separated from the walking surface 900 (walking surface), thereby releasing the lock of the walking unit so that the main body 340 (bed device 300) can walk. When the bed device 300 is connected to the device body 101, or when the bed device 300 is not connected to the device body 101 but the user indicates to lock the walking unit on the operation panel 380, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 3 , the control unit 354 stops the compression of the spring 376 by stopping the energization of the solenoid coil 374 to cause the stopper 378 to protrude and abut (abut, contact) against the walking surface, thereby locking the walking unit so that the main body 340 cannot walk.

[0097] The above-mentioned running part locking mechanism 372 may be one or more. By increasing the number of the running part locking mechanisms 372 and / or increasing the abutting force, it is possible to reliably prevent the running part from accidentally running.

[0098] [Modification of Top Plate Locking Mechanism]

[0099] Fig.14 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of the top plate locking mechanism (a top view of the bed device 300). Fig.14In the variation shown, in the bed device 300, a solenoid coil 362A (third solenoid coil) is provided on the top plate holding portion 311, and a magnetic body 362D (magnetic body) is arranged at a position on the top plate 310 opposite to the solenoid coil 362A. When locking the top plate 310, the control unit 354 (processor 350) energizes the solenoid coil 362A to attract the magnetic body 362D with magnetic force and locks the top plate 310. When unlocking the top plate 310, the control unit 354 stops energizing the solenoid coil 362A and stops suction. According to this structure, since there is no mechanical movement of the components, the influence of wear or assembly errors can be reduced. In addition, this top plate locking mechanism is preferably provided at the rear part (-X side) of the top plate 310 so that it does not enter the magnetic field of the medical imaging device 100.

[0100] [other]

[0101] In the bed device 300 of the present embodiment, the hardware structure of the processor 350 (connection detection unit 352, control unit 354) that performs connection detection, control of the locking state of the top plate 310 and the walking unit, etc. is, for example, various processors (processors) shown below. The "various processors" include general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units, namely CPUs (Central Processing Units), processors whose circuit structures can be changed after manufacturing, such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), programmable logic devices (PLDs), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and other processors that have circuit structures specially designed to perform specific processing, namely dedicated circuits, etc.

[0102] The connection detection unit 352 and the control unit 354 can be composed of one of these various processors, or can be composed of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). In addition, multiple processing units (connection detection unit 352, control unit 354) can also be composed of one processor. As an example of multiple processing units composed of one processor, first, as represented by computers such as clients and servers, there is a method in which a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, as represented by a system on chip (System On Chip: SoC), there is a method of using a processor that uses an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip to implement the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units. In this way, various processing units can be composed of more than one of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0103] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit (circuitry) composed of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. In addition, when various processors operate, they can refer to programs or data recorded in non-temporary and tangible recording media such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and can use recording media such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or internal memory as a temporary work area during operation.

[0104] Furthermore, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

Claims

1. A bed device, comprising: The main body has a top plate on which the subject is placed; A walking unit, which enables the main body to walk; A connecting connector part is used to detachably mechanically and electrically connect the main body part to a medical imaging device which is separately formed with the main body part; A connection operation component for receiving an operation for instructing the connection and releasing the connection; A connection detection unit, detecting whether the connection exists; and a control unit, which controls the locking state of the top plate and the movable state of the walking unit according to the presence or absence of the detected connection, In the bed device, the control unit performs the following processing: According to the detection of the connection by the connection detection unit, the walking unit is locked so that the main body cannot walk, and the top plate is unlocked so that the top plate can slide; and According to the detection of the release of the connection by the connection detection unit, the lock of the traveling unit is released to enable the main body to travel, and the top plate is locked to prevent the top plate from sliding.

2. The bed platform device according to claim 1, wherein: The walking unit includes electrically lockable casters, and the control unit electrically locks the casters to disable the main body from walking, and releases the lock to enable the main body to walk.

3. The bed platform device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The traveling unit includes a stopper that can protrude from the main body toward a traveling surface, and the control unit locks the traveling unit by causing the stopper to protrude and abut against the traveling surface, and releases the lock of the traveling unit by causing the stopper to separate from the traveling surface.

4. The bed platform device according to claim 3, wherein: The traveling unit includes a first solenoid coil, a first spring member compressed by energization of the first solenoid coil, and the stopper connected to the first spring member. The control unit compresses the first spring member by energizing the first solenoid coil to separate the stopper from the travel surface, and stops compression of the first spring member by stopping energizing the first solenoid coil to cause the stopper to protrude and contact the travel surface.

5. The bed platform device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The main body includes a second solenoid coil, a second spring member compressed by energization of the second solenoid coil, and a lock pin connected to the second spring member. The control unit compresses the second spring member by energizing the second solenoid coil to remove the lock pin from the top plate, and stops compression of the second spring member by stopping energizing the second solenoid coil to cause the lock pin to protrude and be inserted into the top plate.

6. The bed platform device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The main body includes a third solenoid coil and a magnetic body disposed on the top plate to face the third solenoid coil. The control unit attracts the magnetic body to the third solenoid coil side by energizing the third solenoid coil so that the top plate cannot slide, and releases the attraction by stopping energizing the third solenoid coil so that the top plate can slide.

7. The bed platform device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The connection operation member includes a connection pedal for receiving the connection operation and a connection release pedal for receiving the connection release operation.

8. The bed platform device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The bed device includes a panel that displays at least one of the connection state, the locked state of the traveling unit, and the locked state of the top board.

9. The bed platform device according to claim 8, wherein: The panel includes a lock operation member that receives a lock operation for instructing to lock the traveling unit when the bed device is not connected to the medical imaging device, and a lock release operation for instructing to release the lock based on the lock operation. The control unit locks the traveling unit according to the locking operation, and releases the lock of the traveling unit according to the lock release operation.

10. A medical imaging system, comprising: The bed platform device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and The medical image pickup device.

11. The medical image capturing system according to claim 10, wherein: The medical imaging device includes any one of an MRI device, an X-ray CT device, and a PET device.

12. A method for operating a bed device, the bed device comprising: A main body, comprising a top plate for placing a subject; a moving part for moving the main body; a connecting connector part for mechanically and electrically connecting the main body to a medical imaging device that is separately formed with the main body; and a connecting operation part for receiving an operation for instructing the connection and releasing the connection. a connection detection unit for detecting the presence of the connection; and a control unit for controlling the locking state of the top plate and the walkable state of the walkable unit according to the detected presence of the connection, The control unit performs the following processing: According to the detection of the connection by the connection detection unit, the walking unit is locked so that the main body cannot walk, and the top plate is unlocked so that the top plate can slide; and According to the detection of the release of the connection by the connection detection unit, the lock of the traveling unit is released to enable the main body to travel, and the top plate is locked to prevent the top plate from sliding.

Images