Magnetic resonance diagnostic device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a magnetic resonance diagnostic device capable of solving the problem of cable entrainment. In a state in which the receiving-side connector (110) and the bed-side connector (112) are connected, the receiving-side cable (102) is housed in the cable housing section (106) by pulling in the bed-side cable (104) by the cable drive mechanism (100), and the receiving-side cable (102) is sent out from the cable housing section (106) by sending out the bed-side cable (104).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a technology for storing a receiving-side cable of a receiving coil worn on a subject on a bed. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI apparatus) that can connect a receiving coil cable connected to a local receiving coil to a connector of a bedside coil cable and pull out and reel in the bedside coil cable from a storage portion of a bed as needed.

[0003] According to Patent Document 1, the bedside coil cable can be pulled out from the storage section before imaging begins, but cannot be pulled out from the storage section and reeled into the storage section after imaging begins. The bedside coil cable can be reeled into the storage section after imaging ends.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-146115

[0005] The MRI apparatus of Patent Document 1 has the following problem (hereinafter referred to as “cable entanglement problem”): when the bed (top board) moves into the bore, the receiving coil cable (equivalent to the first cable) is entangled in the gap between the gantry and the top board. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus capable of solving the problem of cable entanglement.

[0007] In the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus involved in the first embodiment, it comprises: a receiving coil, which is worn on a subject to be imaged and receives a magnetic resonance signal generated on the subject; a first cable, which is connected to the receiving coil and has a first connector; a bed, which carries the subject; a cable storage unit, which is provided on the bed and stores the first cable; a second cable, which is stored in the cable storage unit and has a second connector connected to the first connector; and a cable driving mechanism, which pulls in or sends out the second cable in the cable storage unit, and in a state where the first connector is connected to the second connector, the first cable is stored in the cable storage unit by pulling in the second cable using the cable driving mechanism, and the first cable is sent out from the cable storage unit by sending out the second cable.

[0008] In the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus involved in the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, before the start of imaging, the first connector of the first cable and the second connector of the second cable are connected to connect the first cable and the second cable. When the top plate moves into the hole, the second cable is pulled in by the cable driving mechanism to store the first cable (the remaining length) in the cable storage part. As a result, when the top plate moves into the hole, it is possible to prevent the first cable from being drawn into the gap between the frame and the top plate. Therefore, the cable entanglement problem can be solved. During imaging (inspection), the first cable (the remaining length) is stored in the cable storage part. After the imaging is completed, when the top plate moves out of the hole, the second cable is sent out by the cable driving mechanism to send the first cable (the remaining length) out of the cable storage part. As a result, when the top plate moves out of the hole, it is possible to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the first cable.

[0009] The magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention preferably includes an operation unit operable by an operator in the first aspect, and the cable driving mechanism is driven when the operation unit is operated.

[0010] The magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention preferably includes a bed moving unit that moves the bed to the imaging position in the second aspect, and the bed moving unit is driven by an operation of the operation unit.

[0011] In the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, it is preferable that the cable driving mechanism and the bed moving unit operate in conjunction with each other through a single operation of the operating unit.

[0012] In the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, when the operation unit is operated, preferably, the cable driving mechanism performs an operation of storing the first cable in the cable storage unit and an operation of moving the bed to the imaging position.

[0013] In the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the cable housing portion is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the bed.

[0014] The magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, preferably comprises a motor that stores the first cable in the cable storage portion.

[0015] The first cable is housed in the cable housing portion by the driving force of the motor.

[0016] In the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, it is preferred that the second connector includes a cable fixing member capable of fixing a cable member different from the first cable.

[0017] The magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention preferably includes, in the seventh aspect, a cable housing operation stopping unit forcibly stopping the housing operation of housing the first cable in the cable housing unit.

[0018] In the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, it is preferred that the operation unit includes a handle for manually driving the cable driving mechanism.

[0019] In the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, it is preferable that the first cable is automatically fed out from the cable housing portion in conjunction with an operation of pulling out the bed from the imaging position by the operation unit.

[0020] In the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention in the third aspect, preferably, after the examination is completed, the bed is automatically pulled out from the imaging position and the first cable is automatically delivered from the cable housing.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, the cable entanglement problem can be solved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an MRI apparatus.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram schematically showing a top plate driving mechanism.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top plate moving to the camera position.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a top view showing the structure of the cable driving mechanism.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side view of the cable drive mechanism is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the imaging flow of the MRI apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the front side of the bedside connector.

[0030] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing a cable fixing component.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a top view of a cable drive mechanism with a handle.

[0032] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9A side view of the cable drive mechanism is shown.

[0033] Fig.11 This is a plan view showing a state in which the intrusion of the bed-side connector into the cable housing portion is restricted by the locking mechanism.

[0034] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Side view of.

[0035] Fig.13 It is a plan view showing a state in which the intrusion of the bed-side connector into the cable housing portion is released by the locking mechanism.

[0036] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 Side view of.

[0037] Explanation of symbols

[0038] 10-MRI device, 16-bed, 18-top plate, 20-subject, 22-RF coil, 24-top plate driving mechanism, 100-cable driving mechanism, 102-receiving side cable, 104-bed side cable, 106-cable storage part, 108-cable storage part, 110-receiving side connector, 112-bed side connector, 120-motor, 132-top plate operating part, 144-cable fixing component, 146-cable fixing component, 150-handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of an MRI apparatus 10 to which the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

[0041] [MRI device]

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the MRI apparatus 10 includes a gantry 12 and a bed 16. The gantry 12 has a hole 14 as an inspection (imaging) space on a cylinder. In addition, an MRI magnet and other various coils are arranged on the gantry 12.

[0043] The bed 16 is provided on the front side of the gantry 12 so as to face the hole 14. The bed 16 has a top plate 18 on the top. The subject 20 to be imaged placed on the top plate 18 is moved in the hole 14 so that the examination part of the subject 20 is set at the center of the static magnetic field in the hole 14.

[0044] An RF (Radio Frequency) coil 22 for receiving a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal generated in the subject 20 is worn at the examination site of the subject 20. In this example, the abdomen of the subject 20 is the examination site, and the RF coil 22 is worn on the abdomen. The RF coil 22 is an example of a receiving coil of the present invention.

[0045] A receiving cable described later is connected to the RF coil 22. A receiving connector is connected to the end of the receiving cable, and the receiving connector is connected to the bedside connector of the bedside cable. Thus, the receiving cable and the bedside cable are connected via their respective connectors.

[0046] The bedside cable is stored in the cable storage portion of the bed 16. The reception signal of the RF coil 22 is sent to the signal processing unit via the reception side cable and the bedside cable, and is processed by the signal processing unit to be converted into an image signal. The image signal is displayed as an MRI image by the MRI display unit.

[0047] 〈Top plate drive mechanism〉

[0048] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the structure of the top plate driving mechanism 24 for moving the top plate 18. Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the top plate driving mechanism 24 will be briefly described.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the top plate driving mechanism 24 includes an upper frame 26, a lower top plate 28, an upper top plate 30, and a driving unit 32. The lower top plate 28 and the upper top plate 30 constitute the top plate 18. In addition, the top plate driving mechanism 24 is a mechanism for moving the top plate 18 of the bed 16 to the imaging position, and is an example of the bed moving unit of the present invention.

[0050] The upper frame 26 is fixed to the upper part of the bed body (not shown). Among the components of the drive unit 32, the DC motor 34, the speed reducer 36, the electromagnetic clutch 38, the pulley 40, the lower top plate drive belt 42 and the pulley 46 of the drive unit 44 are mounted on the upper frame 26.

[0051] The DC motor 34 is operated by the top plate operation unit 132 (see Figure 4 ) is driven by the top plate entry operation and top plate retreat operation. The rotational force of the DC motor 34 is decelerated by the speed reducer 36 and then transmitted to the pulley 40 via the electromagnetic clutch 38. An endless lower top plate drive belt 42 is provided between the pulley 40 and the pulley 46. When the pulley 40 rotates, the lower top plate drive belt 42 is driven (rotated) by the rotation, so that the pulley 46 rotates.

[0052] The electromagnetic clutch 38 has the functions of transmitting the driving force from the speed reducer 36 to the pulley 40 and forcibly blocking the power transmitted from the speed reducer 36 to the pulley 40 by the top plate stop operation using the top plate operation unit 132 .

[0053] The lower top plate driving belt 42 is arranged along the moving direction of the lower top plate 28 indicated by arrows A and B. Here, arrow A is the direction in which the lower top plate 28 moves from the outside of the hole 14 to the inside of the hole 14. And arrow B is the direction in which the lower top plate 28 moves from the inside of the hole 14 to the outside of the hole 14. That is, arrow A is the direction in which the top plate 18 moves from the retreat position (refer to Figure 1 ) is the direction of movement toward the camera position, and arrow B is the direction of movement from the camera position toward the retreat position.

[0054] Return to Figure 2 A lower top plate driving belt 48 with an end is wound around the pulley 46. The lower top plate driving belt 48 is arranged on the lower surface side of the lower top plate 28 along the moving direction of the lower top plate 28, and its two ends are fixed to the lower surface of the lower top plate 28. The lower top plate driving belt 48 is one of the components of the driving unit 32.

[0055] Here, when the top plate entry operation is performed by the top plate operation unit 132, the DC motor 34 rotates forward and the pulley 46 (omitting the power transmission system in the middle) rotates in the clockwise direction. Figure 2 The lower top plate drive belt 48 on the right side is wound up and Figure 2 The lower top plate driving belt 48 on the left side is sent out. As a result, the lower top plate 28 moves in the arrow A direction.

[0056] Furthermore, when the top plate retracting operation is performed by the top plate operating unit 132, the DC motor 34 is reversed and the pulley 46 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Figure 2 The lower top plate drive belt 48 on the left side is wound up and Figure 2 The lower top plate driving belt 48 on the middle right side is sent out. As a result, the lower top plate 28 moves in the arrow B direction.

[0057] The pulley 46 is provided with a fixing portion 50 extending upward. The fixing portion 50 is fixed to an endless upper plate driving belt 52. The fixing portion 50 is one of the components of the driving unit 44.

[0058] The top plate drive belt 52 is installed inside the lower top plate 28 by a plurality of pulleys 54 along the moving direction of the top plate 30 (the same as the moving direction of the lower top plate 28). When the lower top plate 28 moves as described above, the top plate drive belt 52 is driven (rotated) along the moving direction of the top plate 30 because the relative positions of the pulleys 46 and the fixing portion 50 are maintained. The top plate drive belt 52 is one of the components of the drive portion 32.

[0059] The upper plate driving belt 52 is wound around a pulley 56 provided on the lower surface side of the upper plate 30. Therefore, when the upper plate driving belt 52 is driven, the pulley 56 rotates.

[0060] Furthermore, a top plate drive belt 58 with an end is wound around the pulley 56. The top plate drive belt 58 is arranged on the lower surface side of the top plate 30 along the moving direction of the top plate 30, and both ends thereof are fixed to the lower surface of the top plate 30. The top plate drive belt 58 is one of the components of the drive unit 32.

[0061] Here, when the top plate entry operation is performed by the top plate operation unit 132, the DC motor 34 rotates forward and the pulley 56 (omitting the power transmission system in the middle) rotates in the clockwise direction. Figure 2 The upper top plate drive belt 58 on the right side is wound up and Figure 2 The upper top plate driving belt 58 on the left side is sent out. As a result, the upper top plate 30 moves in the arrow A direction.

[0062] Furthermore, when the top plate retracting operation is performed by the top plate operating unit 132, the DC motor 34 is reversed and the pulley 56 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Figure 2 The upper top plate drive belt 58 on the left side is wound up and Figure 2 The top plate driving belt 58 on the middle right side is sent out. As a result, the top plate 30 moves in the arrow B direction.

[0063] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the state when the top plate 18 is moved to the imaging position. Figure 3 The lower top plate 28 moves in the direction of arrow A by the power of the driving unit 32 , and the upper top plate 30 moves in the direction of arrow A following the movement of the lower top plate 28 in the direction of arrow A. Thus, the top plate 18 moves to the imaging position in the hole 14 .

[0064] In addition, when the lower top plate 28 is moved in the direction of arrow B by the power of the driving unit 32, the upper top plate 30 moves in the direction of arrow B following the movement of the lower top plate 28 in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the top plate 18 moves to the retreat position outside the hole 14 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0065] As described above, according to the table top driving mechanism 24 of this example, the table top 18 can be moved between the retreat position and the imaging position by the power of one DC motor 34 .

[0066] In the field of MRI apparatuses, there is a problem (cable entanglement problem) in which a receiving-side cable connected to an RF coil is entangled in a gap between the tabletop and the gantry when the tabletop is moved into a bore as an imaging position.

[0067] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned cable entanglement problem, the MRI apparatus 10 of the embodiment has the following structure. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , and explain the structure used to solve the cable entanglement problem.

[0068] 〈Cable drive mechanism〉

[0069] Figure 4 1 is a top view showing the structure of the cable driving mechanism 100 provided on the bed 16. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side view of the cable drive mechanism 100 is shown.

[0070] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cable driving mechanism 100 is provided inside the upper top plate 30 . Also, the upper top plate 30 is provided with a cable storage portion 106 for storing the receiving side cable 102 and the bed side cable 104 , and the lower top plate 28 is provided with a cable storage portion 108 for storing the bed side cable 104 .

[0071] The cable driving mechanism 100 is an example of the cable driving mechanism of the present invention. The receiving side cable 102 is an example of the first cable of the present invention, and the bed side cable 104 is an example of the second cable of the present invention. The cable storage section 106 is an example of the cable storage section of the present invention.

[0072] In the bed 16 of this example, a part of the internal space of the upper top plate 30 is used as the cable storage portion 106 , and a part of the internal space of the lower top plate 28 is used as the cable storage portion 108 .

[0073] The cable housings 106 and 108 are provided on the periphery of the bed 16 so as not to affect imaging. The periphery of the bed 16 refers to an outer peripheral region that exists outside the examination region of the subject 20 when the subject 20 is placed on the top board 18.

[0074] As described above, one end of the receiving side cable 102 is connected to the RF coil 22 (refer to Figure 1 ), and the other end of the receiving side cable 102 is connected to the receiving side connector 110. In addition, one end of the bed side cable 104 is connected to the bed side connector 112, and the other end of the bed side cable 104 is connected to the signal processing unit described above.

[0075] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 2 shows a state where the receiving side connector 110 is connected to the bed side connector 112. As a result, the receiving side cable 102 is connected to the bed side cable 104. As a result, the RF coil 22 and the signal processing unit are connected via the receiving side cable 102 and the bed side cable 104.

[0076] And, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 2 shows a state where the receiving-side connector 110 and the bed-side connector 112 are connected in the cable storage portion 106 . However, the connection operation between the receiving-side connector 110 and the bed-side connector 112 is performed on the upper surface 30A of the upper top plate 30 , for example.

[0077] A cable hole 114 communicating with the cable storage section 106 is provided at a corner of the upper surface 30A of the upper top plate 30. The bedside cable 104 stored in the cable storage section 106 is pulled out of the cable hole 114 by a predetermined length with the bedside connector 112 as the leading end. Then, the pulled-out bedside connector 112 is connected to the receiving side connector 110. Then, the pulled-out bedside cable 104 and the receiving side cable 102 (the remaining length) are stored in the cable storage section 106 by the cable driving mechanism 100. As described later, this cable storage operation is performed when the top plate 18 moves into the hole 14.

[0078] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cable drive mechanism 100 includes a motor 120 , an electromagnetic clutch 122 , a roller 124 with gears, a drive belt 126 , a driven pulley 128 , and a fixed pulley 130 .

[0079] The bed side cable 104 is wound around the driven pulley 128 and the fixed pulley 130 .

[0080] Specifically, the bedside cable 104 extends from the bedside connector 112 in the direction of arrow A (the direction in which the top plate 18 moves from the evacuated position to the imaging position) and is wound around the fixed pulley 130. Then, the cable extends from the fixed pulley 130 in the direction of arrow B (the direction in which the top plate 18 moves from the imaging position to the evacuated position) and is wound around the driven pulley 128. Then, the cable extends from the driven pulley 128 in the direction of arrow A, and is disposed from the cable storage portion 106 to the cable storage portion 108.

[0081] The motor 120 is driven by the top plate entry operation based on the top plate operation unit 132 described above. Therefore, in this example, the cable driving mechanism 100 (the motor 120) and the top plate driving mechanism 24 (the DC motor 34) are linked by the top plate entry operation of the top plate operation unit 132. In addition, the motor 120 is an example of the motor of the present invention.

[0082] The top plate operation unit 132 is an operation unit that can be operated by the operator. The top plate operation unit 132 can be provided on an existing touch panel type GUI (Graphical User Interface) switch provided on the front wall of the frame 12, or can be provided on a hardware button switch, a foot switch, or a manual handle provided around the frame 12 and the bed 16. The top plate operation unit 132 is an example of an operation unit of the present invention.

[0083] The rotational force of the motor 120 is transmitted to the gear of the geared roller 124 via the gear (not shown) of the electromagnetic clutch 122. The geared roller 124 and the driven pulley 128 are connected via the end-shaped drive belt 126. When the geared roller 124 rotates, the drive belt 126 is wound around the geared roller 124 by the rotation. As a result, the driven pulley 128 moves in the direction of arrow B.

[0084] The driven pulley 128 is previously biased in the direction of arrow A by the biasing force of the spring 134 . Therefore, the driven pulley 128 moves in the direction of arrow B against the biasing force of the spring 134 .

[0085] When the driven pulley 128 moves in the direction of arrow B, the bedside cable 104 between the bedside connector 112 and the fixed pulley 130 is pulled in the direction of arrow A. As a result, the receiving-side cable 102 is stored in the cable storage portion 106, and the remaining length of the receiving-side cable 102 disposed on the top plate 18 is stored in the cable storage portion 106. The storage operation of the receiving-side cable 102 is performed in conjunction with the movement of the top plate 18 in the direction of arrow A.

[0086] By the above-mentioned storage operation of the receiving side cable 102, the slack of the receiving side cable 102 arranged on the top plate 18 is gradually eliminated, and finally the receiving side cable 102 is in a state with no slack or in a state of slack to a degree that does not cause the cable to be entangled even if there is slack.

[0087] This can solve the problem (cable entanglement problem) that the receiving-side cable 102 is entangled in the gap between the frame 12 and the top plate 18 when the top plate 18 moves into the hole 14 (moves in the direction of arrow A).

[0088] The electromagnetic clutch 122 is driven by the top plate retreat operation by the top plate operation unit 132. The electromagnetic clutch 122 is opened (released) by the top plate retreat operation, and the rotation of the geared roller 124 in the rewinding direction is allowed. In addition, the top plate 18 starts to move from the imaging position to the retreat position ( Figure 1 position) (movement in the direction of arrow B).

[0089] If the electromagnetic clutch 122 is released, the rotation restriction of the geared roller 124 in the rewinding direction by the electromagnetic clutch 122 is released, and the rotation in the rewinding direction becomes free. As a result, the driven pulley 128 moves in the direction of arrow A due to the force of the spring 134, and the drive belt 126 wound on the geared roller 124 is rewound. Then, the bedside cable 104 between the bedside connector 112 and the fixed pulley 130 is sent out in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the receiving side cable 102 (the remaining length) stored in the cable storage section 106 is sent out from the cable storage section 106 through the cable hole 114 without slack. The sending operation of the receiving side cable 102 is performed in conjunction with the movement of the top plate 18 in the direction of arrow B.

[0090] This can solve the problem (cable entanglement problem) that when the top plate 18 moves out of the hole 14 (moves in the direction of arrow B), the remaining length of the receiving side cable 102 is entangled in the gap between the frame 12 and the top plate 18. In addition, when the top plate 18 moves out of the hole 14, it is possible to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the receiving side cable 102.

[0091] [Photography Process]

[0092] Below, reference Figure 6 , and an example of an imaging process of the MRI apparatus 10 based on the embodiment is described. Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing the imaging process.

[0093] (Step S10: Mounting Step)

[0094] First, the subject 20 is placed on the top plate 18 .

[0095] (Step S12: RF coil setting step)

[0096] Next, the RF coil 22 is mounted on the abdomen of the subject 20 . Then, the receiving-side connector 110 of the receiving-side cable 102 and the bed-side connector 112 of the bed-side cable 104 are connected.

[0097] (Step S14: ECG cable setting step)

[0098] Next, the ECG cable is worn on the subject 20. In addition, wearing of the ECG cable is sometimes unnecessary. Therefore, this step is performed only when necessary.

[0099] (Step S16: Top plate enters operation step)

[0100] Next, the top plate operation unit 132 is operated to perform the top plate entry operation. The top plate drive mechanism 24 is driven by the top plate entry operation, and the top plate 18 moves in the direction of arrow A from the retreat position toward the imaging position (from outside the hole 14 to inside the hole 14).

[0101] At this time, the cable driving mechanism 100 is also driven, and the receiving-side cable 102 is stored in the cable storage portion 106. This storage operation continues until the top plate 18 reaches the imaging position, for example, and stops when the top plate 18 reaches the imaging position.

[0102] (Step S18: Photographing step)

[0103] Next, the subject 20 is imaged using the MRI apparatus 10 .

[0104] (Step S20: Top plate retreat operation step)

[0105] Next, the top plate retracting operation is performed by operating the top plate operating unit 132. The top plate retracting operation drives the top plate driving mechanism 24, and the top plate 18 moves in the direction of arrow B from the imaging position to the retracted position (from inside the hole 14 to outside the hole 14).

[0106] At this time, the cable driving mechanism 100 is driven, and (the remaining length of) the receiving-side cable 102 is fed to the outside from the cable housing portion 106 through the cable hole 114. This operation continues until the top plate 18 reaches the retracted position, and stops when reaching the retracted position.

[0107] (Step S22: Cable removal step)

[0108] Next, the RF coil 22 and the ECG cable are removed from the subject 20. The image diagnosis by the MRI apparatus 10 is completed as described above.

[0109] Thus, according to the MRI apparatus 10 involved in the embodiment, before starting imaging, the receiving side connector 110 and the bed side connector 112 are connected to connect the receiving side cable 102 and the bed side cable 104. When the top plate 18 moves into the hole 14, the bed side cable 104 is pulled in by the cable driving mechanism 100, so that (the remaining length of) the receiving side cable 102 is stored in the cable storage portion 106.

[0110] Thus, when the top plate 18 moves into the hole 14, the receiving-side cable 102 can be prevented from being caught in the gap between the frame 12 and the top plate 18. Therefore, the cable entanglement problem can be solved.

[0111] During imaging, the image is captured with (the remaining length of) the reception-side cable 102 housed in the cable housing portion 106 .

[0112] After imaging is completed, when the table 18 moves out of the hole 14 , the bed-side cable 104 is fed out by the cable driving mechanism 100 , so that (the remaining length of) the reception-side cable 102 is fed out from the cable storage portion 106 .

[0113] Thus, when the top plate 18 moves out of the hole 14, the receiving side cable 102 can be prevented from being caught in the gap between the frame 12 and the top plate 18. Therefore, the cable entanglement problem can be solved. In addition, excessive tension can be prevented from being applied to the receiving side cable 102.

[0114] Therefore, the MRI apparatus 10 of the embodiment adopts the following structure, so that the cable entanglement problem can be solved. In this structure, in a state where the receiving-side connector 110 is connected to the bed-side connector 112, the bed-side cable 104 is pulled in by the cable driving mechanism 100 to store the receiving-side cable 102 in the cable storage portion 106, and the bed-side cable 104 is sent out to send the receiving-side cable 102 out of the cable storage portion 106.

[0115] In the embodiment, the embodiment exemplifies the linkage mode in which the receiving side cable 102 is stored by the cable driving mechanism 100 and the top plate 18 is moved into the hole 14 by the top plate driving mechanism 24 by one top plate entry operation of the top plate operating unit 132, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a cable operating unit that only operates the cable driving mechanism 100 may be separately provided to drive the cable driving mechanism 100 independently of the top plate operating unit 132. In this case, the top plate operating unit 132 only operates the top plate driving mechanism 24.

[0116] Thus, by providing the top plate operation unit 132 that operates only the top plate driving mechanism 24 and the cable operation unit that operates only the cable driving mechanism 100, the following operation can be performed: That is, the start time of the movement operation of the top plate 18 and the storage operation of the receiving side cable 102 can be staggered.

[0117] For example, when the remaining length of the receiving-side cable 102 is longer than a predetermined length, the receiving-side cable 102 is stored before the moving operation of the top plate 18. As a result, the cable entanglement problem described above can be effectively solved.

[0118] Furthermore, when the remaining length of the receiving cable 102 is shorter than a predetermined length, the moving operation of the top plate 18 is started before the storage operation of the receiving cable 102. As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the receiving cable 102.

[0119] That is, in this method, the start times of the moving action of the top plate 18 and the storage action of the receiving side cable 102 are adjusted according to factors related to the cable entanglement problem, such as the remaining length of the receiving side cable 102, the moving speed of the top plate 18, and the storage speed of the receiving side cable 102, so as to prevent the cable entanglement problem from occurring.

[0120] After the top plate 18 is moved to a position just before the remaining length of the receiving side cable 102 is wound, the movement of the top plate 18 is temporarily stopped, and the remaining length of the receiving side cable 102 is stored in the cable storage portion 106 at the stopped position. Then, the top plate 18 is moved to the imaging position. This operation can also be performed in the present embodiment.

[0121] On the other hand, in the embodiment, the MRI apparatus 10 is described in which the cable driving mechanism 100 is provided at one position of the top plate 18, but the cable driving mechanism 100 is preferably disposed at positions corresponding to the four corners of the top plate 18. This allows the storage of cables other than the receiving-side cable 102.

[0122] [Variation]

[0123] Several modified examples of the present invention will be described below.

[0124] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the front side of the bedside connector 112. Figure 7 As shown, the bed-side connector 112 has a connector connection area 140 connected to the receiving-side connector 110 and a cable fixing area 142 where a cable fixing member is installed.

[0125] In the cable fixing area 142, for example, installation Figure 8 The cable fixing member 144 shown in VIIIA or Figure 8 The cable fixing member 146 shown in FIG. VIIIB. In addition, cable components other than the receiving-side cable 102 (for example, cables for ECG (Electrocardio Gram) equipment and other sensors, infusion hoses, etc.) can be detachably fixed to the cable fixing member 144 or the cable fixing member 146.

[0126] Here, Figure 8 The cable fixing member 144 shown in FIG. VIIIA is a safety hook type openable and closable fixing member, and has a C-shaped main body 144A and a pin-shaped opening and closing portion 144B that can be opened and closed on the main body 144A. The cable member is fixed in the main body 144A. At this time, it is preferred to clamp and fix the cable member on the main body 144A by opening and closing the opening and closing portion 144B in a one-touch manner.

[0127] and, Figure 8 The cable fixing member 146 shown in FIG. VIIIB has a C-shaped cable clamp 146A. It is preferable to fix the cable member in the cable clamp 146A.

[0128] In this way, the cable fixing area 142 is provided in the bed side connector 112 , and the cable components other than the receiving side cable 102 are fixed to the cable fixing component 144 or the cable fixing component 146 installed in the cable fixing area 142 , so that the cable components can be stored in the cable storage portion 106 together with the receiving side cable 102 .

[0129] The cable component has a sufficient length to be worn on the subject 20. In order to solve the problem of cable entanglement, the cable component is preferably housed in the cable housing portion 106.

[0130] In the past, technicians (operators) had to manually arrange the receiving side cables to prevent them from being caught when the top plate was moved. Sometimes, there are multiple cables, such as the head coil, and sometimes, in addition to the coil cable, there are multiple cables such as infusion tubes and EGC measurement cables. Technicians need to pay attention to the patient's condition and MRI contraindications such as metal while placing the device and the patient and arranging the cables, which is a heavy burden. Therefore, by adopting the connector structure of this example (reference Figure 7 ), which can reduce the burden on technicians.

[0131] Next, the cable storage operation stopping mechanism will be described. The cable storage operation stopping mechanism has a function of forcibly stopping the cable storage operation by the cable driving mechanism 100. The cable storage operation stopping mechanism is an example of the cable storage operation stopping portion of the present invention.

[0132] There are several examples (Examples 1 to 5) of the cable storage action stopping mechanism.

[0133] <Example 1: Pre-register the cable lengths of each cable>

[0134] The MRI apparatus 10 can identify which coil is connected through the imaging order information and the connector connection of the coil. By pre-associating and maintaining the information of each coil (the coil ID or type, etc.) with the cable length information of each coil, the cable length of the coil used in the examination can be identified, thereby controlling the pulling amount of the cable.

[0135] In Example 1, although the cable housing operation is not forcibly stopped, problems associated with the cable housing operation (such as excessive tension) can be prevented before they occur.

[0136] <Example 2: Detecting cable tension>

[0137] The excessive tension applied to the cable is detected based on the motor load current during the cable storage operation, and the cable storage operation is forcibly stopped.

[0138] <Example 3: Using a camera to detect cable status>

[0139] At least one camera is provided at a position such as a ceiling or a rack where the status of the cable on the bed can be photographed. The camera detects the status of the cable (for example, the remaining length of the cable) and forcibly stops the cable storage action when the remaining length is lost.

[0140] <Example 4: Setting a mark on a cable and detecting the mark with a sensor>

[0141] A mark is set on the cable, and the mark is detected by a detection mechanism such as a light sensor, and the cable storage amount and storage stop position are detected based on the information on the mark.

[0142] When the cable storage amount and the storage stop position exceed the specified amount and the specified position, the cable storage operation is forcibly stopped. The mark on the cable can be set only at the stop position, or can be set at a constant interval to detect the storage amount.

[0143] <Example 5: Combining multiple examples 1 to 4 above>

[0144] Multiple examples 1 to 4 can be combined. Even if a cable storage action stop mechanism does not work due to a fault, it can be handled. For example, control is usually performed in example 1, but in order to prevent the use of a coil without cable length information, control in example 2 can also be performed.

[0145] Next, a modification example of manually performing the cable housing operation will be described.

[0146] Fig. 9 1 is a top view of the cable driving mechanism 100 showing a handle 150 for manually driving the cable driving mechanism 100, Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A side view of the cable drive mechanism 100 is shown.

[0147] In addition, in Fig. 9 and Fig.10 When explaining Figure 4 and Figure 5 The same or similar components of the cable drive mechanism 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Although the motor 120 is shown in the figure, the cable driving mechanism 100 of this example is explained as a mechanism driven by the handle 150.

[0148] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, the handle 150 is disposed on the upper surface 30A of the upper top plate 30. The shaft 152 of the handle 150 is inserted into the internal space of the upper top plate 30, and a gear 154 is fixed to the lower end thereof. The gear 154 meshes with a gear 158 of the electromagnetic clutch 156, and the gear 158 meshes with a gear 160 of the geared roller 124.

[0149] The electromagnetic clutch 156 is released by operating the release button 162 . The release button 162 is disposed on the upper surface 30A of the upper top plate 30 .

[0150] When storing the receiving cable 102 in the cable storage section 106, the geared roller 124 is rotated by manually rotating the handle 150, so that the driving belt 126 is wound around the geared roller 124. Thus, the receiving cable 102 can be stored in the cable storage section 106 as described above.

[0151] After imaging is completed, the top plate 18 is pulled out to a certain extent (to a degree that there is no risk of the receiving cable 102 being pulled into the gap between the gantry 12 and the bed 16), and then the release button 162 is operated to release the electromagnetic clutch 156. As a result, the receiving cable 102 is automatically fed out.

[0152] The handle 150 is in a semi-locked state by the electromagnetic clutch 156. That is, the handle 150 is free to rotate in the direction of storing the receiving side cable 102, but is locked in the direction of rotation for sending out the receiving side cable 102. Therefore, the electromagnetic clutch 156 is released in conjunction with the pulling out operation of the top plate 18. As a result, the above lock is released, and the receiving side cable 102 is automatically sent out by the force of the spring 134, and returns to the original state.

[0153] Furthermore, after the imaging is completed, the top plate 18 may be automatically pulled out from the imaging position without operating the top plate operating unit 132, and the receiving side cable 102 may be automatically sent out from the cable storage unit 106. In this case, when the control unit that controls the entire MRI apparatus 10 detects the completion of imaging, the top plate driving mechanism 24 is controlled to automatically pull out the top plate 18 and release the electromagnetic clutch 156.

[0154] Next, the locking mechanism of the bed-side connector 112 will be described.

[0155] Fig.11 This is a plan view showing a state in which the intrusion of the bed-side connector 112 into the cable housing portion 106 is restricted (locked) by the locking mechanism 170 . Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Side view of.

[0156] Fig.13This is a plan view showing a state in which the intrusion of the bed-side connector 112 into the cable housing portion 106 is released by the locking mechanism 170 . Fig.14 yes Fig.13 Side view of.

[0157] like Figures 11 to 14 As shown, the lock mechanism 170 of this example is provided with a stopper member 172 in the cable hole 114. The stopper member 172 is configured in a "ㄈ" shape, and a rectangular opening is formed in the center.

[0158] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the stopper 172 moves downward toward the cable hole 114, a portion of the cable hole 114 is blocked by the stopper 172. Then, the stopper 172 abuts against the bedside connector 112, restricting the bedside connector 112 from intruding into the cable storage portion 106. That is, the opening of the stopper 172 is formed to be smaller than the bedside connector 112.

[0159] And, if Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, when the stopper member 172 moves away from the lower side of the cable hole 114 in the direction of arrow A, the restriction by the stopper member 172 is released, thereby allowing the bed side connector 112 to enter the cable housing portion 106 .

[0160] The stopper member 172 is moved forward and retracted by a known solenoid coil device 174. The solenoid coil device 174 is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) via a power control cable 176.

[0161] When the current from the power supply unit is supplied to the solenoid coil device 174, the stopper member 172 is moved from the solenoid coil device 174 against the biasing force of the return spring (not shown). Fig.13 and Fig.14 The retreat position moves in the direction of arrow B, thus moving to Fig.11 and Fig.12 entry position.

[0162] Furthermore, if the power supply is stopped, the stopper member 172 is forced from the stopper member 172 by the return spring of the solenoid coil device 174. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The entry position moves in the direction of arrow A, thereby moving to Fig.13 and Fig.14 retreat position.

[0163] By providing such a locking mechanism 170 on the top plate 18, the receiving cable 102 can be allowed to enter the cable storage portion 106 only when necessary (for example, when the top plate 18 is moved, etc.). In other words, it is possible to restrict the receiving cable 102 from entering the cable storage portion 106 when it is not necessary (for example, when the RF coil 22 is worn, etc.).

[0164] As mentioned above, the embodiment of the magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention may be improved or modified in some way without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance diagnostic device, comprising: A receiving coil is worn on a subject to be imaged and receives magnetic resonance signals generated on the subject; a first cable connected to the receiving coil and having a first connector; a bed for placing the subject; A cable storage portion, disposed on the bed and storing the first cable; a second cable housed in the cable housing and having a second connector connected to the first connector; and a cable driving mechanism for pulling in or sending out the second cable in the cable storage section; In a state where the first connector and the second connector are connected, the second cable is pulled in by the cable driving mechanism to accommodate the first cable in the cable accommodating portion, and the second cable is fed out to feed the first cable out of the cable accommodating portion.

2. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an operation unit operable by an operator, When the operation portion is operated, the cable driving mechanism is driven.

3. The magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to claim 2, comprising a bed moving unit for moving the bed to an imaging position. The bed moving unit is driven by an operation of the operating unit.

4. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The cable driving mechanism and the bed moving unit are linked with each other by a single operation of the operating unit.

5. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: When the operation unit is operated, the cable driving mechanism performs an operation of storing the first cable in the cable storing portion and a movement operation of the bed to the imaging position.

6. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cable storage portion is provided on the outer periphery of the bed.

7. The magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a motor, wherein the motor stores the first cable in the cable storage portion. The first cable is housed in the cable housing portion by the driving force of the motor.

8. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second connector includes a cable fixing member capable of fixing a cable member different from the first cable. 9 . The magnetic resonance diagnosis apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising a cable housing operation stopping unit configured to forcibly stop a housing operation of housing the first cable in the cable housing unit.

10. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The operating portion has a handle for manually driving the cable driving mechanism.

11. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The first cable is automatically fed out from the cable storage portion in conjunction with the operation of pulling out the bed from the imaging position using the operation unit.

12. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: After the examination is completed, the bed is automatically pulled out from the imaging position, and the first cable is automatically sent out from the cable storage portion.

Images