Magnetic resonance diagnostic device

Abstract

To provide a magnetic resonance diagnostic device capable of solving a cable entrainment problem.SOLUTION: By drawing a bed side cable 104 by a cable drive mechanism 100 in a state where a reception side connector 110 is connected to a bed side connector 112, a reception side cable 102 is accommodated in a cable storage part 106. By feeding the bed side cable 104 out, the reception side cable 102 is fed out from the cable storage part 106.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for storing a receiving cable of a receiving coil attached to a subject in a bed. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device) in which a receiving coil cable connected to a local receiving coil is connected to a connector of a bed-side coil cable, and the bed-side coil cable can be pulled out and wound up from a storage section of the bed as needed.

[0003] According to Patent Document 1, before imaging begins, the bed side coil cable can be pulled out from the storage section, and once imaging begins, the bed side coil cable cannot be pulled out from the storage section or wound up around the storage section, and once imaging ends, the bed side coil cable can be wound up around the storage section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-146115 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the MRI apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a problem in which the receive coil cable (corresponding to the first cable) gets tangled in the gap between the gantry and the tabletop when the bed (tabletop) is moved into the bore (hereinafter referred to as the "cable entanglement problem").

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus capable of eliminating the problem of cable entanglement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention of a magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to a first aspect includes a receiving coil that is attached to a subject to be imaged and receives magnetic resonance signals generated in the subject, a first cable that is connected to the receiving coil and has a first connector, a bed on which the subject is placed, a cable storage section that is provided on the bed and stores the first cable, a second cable that is stored in the cable storage section and has a second connector that is connected to the first connector, and a cable driving mechanism in the cable storage section that retracts or feeds out the second cable, and with the first connector connected to the second connector, the cable driving mechanism retracts the second cable to store the first cable in the cable storage section, and feeds out the second cable to feed out the first cable from the cable storage section.

[0008] In the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect 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 couple the first cable and the second cable. When the top plate moves into the bore, the cable driving mechanism retracts the second cable, thereby storing the first cable (the excess length) in the cable storage section. This makes it possible to prevent the first cable from being entangled in the gap between the gantry and the top plate when the top plate moves into the bore. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem of cable entanglement. During imaging (examination), imaging is performed with the first cable (the excess length) stored in the cable storage section. After the imaging is completed, when the top plate moves out of the bore, the cable driving mechanism sends out the second cable and sends out the first cable (the excess length) from the cable storage section. This makes it possible to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the first cable when the top plate moves out of the bore.

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

[0010] A magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the second aspect, further comprising a bed moving unit that moves the bed to an imaging position, and it is preferable that the bed moving unit is driven by operation of an operation unit.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the cable driving mechanism and the bed moving unit are preferably linked by a single operation of the operating unit.

[0012] In the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, it is preferable that, when the operation unit is operated, the cable driving mechanism stores the first cable in the cable storage unit and moves the bed to an imaging position.

[0013] In the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the cable storage section is provided on the outer periphery of the bed.

[0014] A magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, preferably has a motor that stores the first cable in a cable storage section, and the first cable is stored in the cable storage section by the driving force of the motor.

[0015] In the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the second connector has a cable fixing member capable of fixing a cable member different from the first cable.

[0016] A magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the seventh aspect, and preferably further comprises a cable storage operation stopping unit that forcibly stops a storage operation for storing the first cable in the cable storage section.

[0017] In the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, it is preferable that the operation section has a handle for manually driving the cable driving mechanism.

[0018] In the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, it is preferable that the first cable is automatically fed out from the cable storage section in conjunction with an operation of pulling out the bed from the imaging position by the operation section.

[0019] A magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is preferably configured in such a manner that, in the third aspect, after the examination is completed, the bed is automatically drawn out from the imaging position and the first cable is automatically fed out from the cable storage section. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to solve the problem of cable entanglement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an MRI apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a tabletop driving mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the top plate when it is moved to the imaging position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view showing the configuration of the cable driving mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the cable drive mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an imaging procedure by the MRI apparatus of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the front of the bed-side connector. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the cable fixing member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of a cable drive mechanism with a handle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the cable drive mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view showing a state in which the insertion of the bed-side connector into the cable storage section is restricted by the locking mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a state in which the bed-side connector is released from the cable storage section by the locking mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an MRI apparatus 10 to which the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

[0024] [MRI device] 1, an MRI apparatus 10 includes a gantry 12 and a bed 16. The gantry 12 has a bore 14 which is a cylindrical examination (imaging) space. In addition, an MRI magnet and various other coils are disposed in the gantry 12.

[0025] The bed 16 is installed on the front side of the gantry 12 facing the bore 14. The bed 16 has a top plate 18 on its upper part. A subject 20 to be imaged is placed on the top plate 18, and the examination site of the subject 20 is set to the center of the static magnetic field in the bore 14 by moving the top plate 18 within the bore 14.

[0026] An RF (Radio Frequency) coil 22 for receiving a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal generated in the subject 20 is attached to an 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 attached to the abdomen. The RF coil 22 is an example of a receiving coil of the present invention.

[0027] A receiving cable, which will be described later, is connected to the RF coil 22. A receiving connector is connected to an end of the receiving cable, and the receiving connector is connected to a bed-side connector of the bed-side cable. This allows the receiving cable and the bed-side cable to be linked together via their respective connectors.

[0028] The bed-side cable is stored in a cable storage section of the bed 16. A signal received by the RF coil 22 is transmitted to a signal processing section via the receiving cable and the bed-side cable, and is processed by the signal processing section and converted into an image signal. The image signal is displayed as an MRI image by the MRI display section.

[0029] <Tabletop drive mechanism> 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the top board driving mechanism 24 for moving the top board 18. The configuration and operation of the top board driving mechanism 24 will be briefly described below.

[0030] 2, the top board driving mechanism 24 includes an upper frame 26, a lower top board 28, an upper top board 30, and a driving unit 32. The top board 18 is configured by the lower top board 28 and the upper top board 30. The top board driving mechanism 24 moves the top board 18 of the bed 16 to an imaging position, and is an example of a bed moving unit of the present invention.

[0031] The upper frame 26 is fixed to the upper part of the bed body (not shown). Among the components of the drive section 32, the DC motor 34, the reducer 36, the electromagnetic clutch 38, the pulley 40, the lower top board drive belt 42, and the pulley 46 of the drive unit 44 are mounted on this upper frame 26.

[0032] The DC motor 34 is driven by a top board advancement operation and a top board retraction operation performed by a top board operation unit 132 (see FIG. 4) described later. The rotational force of the DC motor 34 is reduced in speed by a reducer 36 and then transmitted to a pulley 40 via an electromagnetic clutch 38. An endless lower top board drive belt 42 is stretched between the pulley 40 and the pulley 46, and when the pulley 40 rotates, the lower top board drive belt 42 is driven (moved in a circular motion) by the rotation, and the pulley 46 is rotated.

[0033] The electromagnetic clutch 38 has the function of transmitting the driving force from the reducer 36 to the pulley 40, and the function of forcibly cutting off the power transmitted from the reducer 36 to the pulley 40 when the tabletop is stopped by the tabletop operating unit 132 described above.

[0034] The lower top plate drive belt 42 is disposed 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 outside the bore 14 toward inside the bore 14. Also, arrow B is the direction in which the lower top plate 28 moves from inside the bore 14 toward outside the bore 14. In other words, arrow A is the direction in which the top plate 18 moves from the retracted position (see FIG. 1) toward the imaging position, and arrow B is the direction in which it moves from the imaging position toward the retracted position.

[0035] Returning to Fig. 2, a lower top plate drive belt 48 having both ends is wound around the pulley 46. This lower top plate drive belt 48 is disposed on the underside of the lower top plate 28 along the direction of movement of the lower top plate 28, and both ends are fixed to the underside of the lower top plate 28. The lower top plate drive belt 48 is one of the components of the drive unit 32.

[0036] When the top board advance operation is executed by the top board operation unit 132, the DC motor 34 rotates forward and the pulley 46 (the power transmission system in between is omitted) rotates clockwise. As a result, the lower top board drive belt 48 on the right side in FIG. 2 is wound around the pulley 46, and the lower top board drive belt 48 on the left side in FIG. 2 is sent out. As a result, the lower top board 28 moves in the direction of arrow A.

[0037] In addition, when the top retraction operation is performed by the top operation unit 132, the DC motor 34 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the pulley 46 is rotated counterclockwise. As a result, the lower top drive belt 48 on the left side in Fig. 2 is wound around the pulley 46, and the lower top drive belt 48 on the right side in Fig. 2 is fed out. As a result, the lower top 28 moves in the direction of arrow B.

[0038] The pulley 46 is provided with a fixed portion 50 that extends upward. The fixed portion 50 is fixed to an endless upper top plate drive belt 52. The fixed portion 50 is one of the components of the drive unit 44.

[0039] The upper top plate drive belt 52 is stretched around a plurality of pulleys 54 inside the lower top plate 28 in the moving direction of the upper top plate 30 (the same as the moving direction of the lower top plate 28). When the lower top plate 28 is moved as described above, the upper top plate drive belt 52 is driven (moves in a circular motion) in the moving direction of the upper top plate 30 because the relative positions of the pulleys 46 and the fixed portion 50 are maintained. The upper top plate drive belt 52 is one of the components of the drive portion 32.

[0040] The upper top plate drive belt 52 is wound around a pulley 56 provided on the underside of the upper top plate 30. Therefore, when the upper top plate drive belt 52 is driven, the pulley 56 is rotated.

[0041] In addition, an upper top plate drive belt 58 having two ends is wound around the pulley 56. This upper top plate drive belt 58 is disposed on the underside of the upper top plate 30 along the direction of movement of the upper top plate 30, and both ends of the belt are fixed to the underside of the upper top plate 30. The upper top plate drive belt 58 is one of the components of the drive unit 32.

[0042] When the top board advance operation is executed by the top board operation unit 132, the DC motor 34 rotates forward and the pulley 56 (the power transmission system in between is omitted) rotates in a clockwise direction. As a result, the upper top board drive belt 58 on the right side in FIG. 2 is wound around the pulley 56, and the upper top board drive belt 58 on the left side in FIG. 2 is sent out. As a result, the upper top board 30 moves in the direction of arrow A.

[0043] In addition, when the top retraction operation is performed by the top operation unit 132, the DC motor 34 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the pulley 56 is rotated counterclockwise. As a result, the upper top drive belt 58 on the left side in Fig. 2 is wound around the pulley 56, and the upper top drive belt 58 on the right side in Fig. 2 is fed out. As a result, the upper top 30 moves in the direction of arrow B.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state when the top plate 18 has moved to an imaging position. According to Fig. 3, the lower top plate 28 is moved in the direction of arrow A by the power of the driving unit 32, and the upper top plate 30 is moved in the direction of arrow A following the movement of the lower top plate 28 in the direction of arrow A. As a result, the top plate 18 moves to the imaging position within the bore 14.

[0045] When the lower top plate 28 is moved in the direction of arrow B by the power of the drive 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. This causes the top plate 18 to move to a retracted position outside the bore 14 (see FIG. 1).

[0046] In this way, according to the tabletop driving mechanism 24 of this example, it is possible to move the tabletop 18 between the retracted position and the imaging position by the power of one DC motor .

[0047] Incidentally, in the field of MRI devices, there is a problem in which, when the top plate is moved into the bore, which is the imaging position, the receiving cable connected to the RF coil can get entangled in the gap between the top plate and the gantry (cable entanglement problem).

[0048] Therefore, the MRI apparatus 10 of the embodiment has the following configuration to solve the above-mentioned problem of cable entanglement. Hereinafter, the configuration to solve the problem of cable entanglement will be described with reference to Figs.

[0049] Cable drive mechanism FIG. 4 is a top view showing the configuration of the cable drive mechanism 100 installed on the bed 16, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the cable drive mechanism 100 shown in FIG.

[0050] 4 and 5, the cable driving mechanism 100 is installed inside the upper top board 30. In addition, the upper top board 30 is provided with a cable storage section 106 that stores the receiving side cable 102 and the bed side cable 104, and the lower top board 28 is provided with a cable storage section 108 that stores the bed side cable 104.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In the bed 16 of this example, a part of the internal space of the upper top plate 30 is used as a cable storage section 106, and a part of the internal space of the lower top plate 28 is used as a cable storage section 108.

[0053] The cable storage unit 106 and the cable storage unit 108 are provided on the outer periphery of the bed 16 so as not to affect imaging. The outer periphery of the bed 16 refers to an outer periphery region that exists outside the examination site region of the subject 20 when the subject 20 is placed on the top board 18.

[0054] One end of the receiving cable 102 is connected to the RF coil 22 (see FIG. 1) as described above, and the other end of the receiving cable 102 is connected to the receiving 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.

[0055] 4 and 5 show a state in which the receiving connector 110 and the bed-side connector 112 are connected. This connects the receiving cable 102 and the bed-side cable 104. As a result, the RF coil 22 and the signal processing unit are connected via the receiving cable 102 and the bed-side cable 104.

[0056] In addition, Figures 4 and 5 show the receiving connector 110 and the bed side connector 112 connected in the cable storage section 106, but the connection work between the receiving connector 110 and the bed side connector 112 is performed, for example, on the upper surface 30A of the upper top board 30.

[0057] A cable hole 114 that communicates with the cable storage section 106 is provided at a corner of the top surface 30A of the upper table 30. The bed-side cable 104 stored in the cable storage section 106 is pulled out by a predetermined length from the cable hole 114, starting from the bed-side connector 112. The receiving-side connector 110 is then connected to the pulled-out bed-side connector 112. After that, the pulled-out bed-side cable 104 and the receiving-side cable 102 (the excess length of the receiving-side cable) are stored in the cable storage section 106 by the cable driving mechanism 100. This cable storage operation is performed when the table 18 moves into the bore 14, as described later.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cable drive mechanism 100 includes a motor 120, an electromagnetic clutch 122, a geared roller 124, a drive belt 126, a driven pulley 128, and a fixed pulley 130.

[0059] The bed side cable 104 is wound around the driven pulley 128 and the fixed pulley 130 .

[0060] More specifically, the bed-side cable 104 extends from the bed-side connector 112 in the direction of arrow A (the direction in which the top board 18 moves from the retracted position toward the imaging position) and is wound around a fixed pulley 130. Then, it extends from the fixed pulley 130 in the direction of arrow B (the direction in which the top board 18 moves from the imaging position toward the retracted position) and is wound around a driven pulley 128. Then, it extends from the driven pulley 128 in the direction of arrow A and is disposed from the cable storage section 106 to the cable storage section 108.

[0061] The motor 120 is driven by the top board advancement operation by the above-mentioned top board operation unit 132. Therefore, in this example, the cable driving mechanism 100 (the motor 120) and the top board driving mechanism 24 (the DC motor 34) are linked by the top board advancement operation of the top board operation unit 132. The motor 120 is an example of the motor of the present invention.

[0062] The top board operation unit 132 is an operation unit that can be operated by the operator. This top board operation unit 132 may be provided in an existing touch panel type GUI (Graphical User Interface) switch provided on the front wall of the gantry 12, or may be provided in a hardware push button switch, foot switch, or manual handle provided around the gantry 12 and the bed 16. The top board operation unit 132 is an example of an operation unit of the present invention.

[0063] The rotational force of motor 120 is transmitted to the gear of geared roller 124 via a gear (not shown) of electromagnetic clutch 122. Geared roller 124 and driven pulley 128 are connected via a drive belt 126 having two ends, and when geared roller 124 rotates, the drive belt 126 is wound up around geared roller 124 by the rotation. This causes driven pulley 128 to move in the direction of arrow B.

[0064] The driven pulley 128 is pre-biased in the direction of arrow A by the biasing force of the spring 134. Therefore, the driven pulley 128 is moved in the direction of arrow B against the biasing force of the spring 134.

[0065] When the driven pulley 128 is moved in the direction of arrow B, the bed-side cable 104 between the bed-side connector 112 and the fixed pulley 130 is pulled in the direction of arrow A. As a result, the receiving cable 102 is stored in the cable storage section 106, and the excess length of the receiving cable 102 arranged on the top board 18 is stored in the cable storage section 106. This storing operation of the receiving cable 102 is performed in conjunction with the movement of the top board 18 in the direction of arrow A.

[0066] By the above-mentioned storing operation of the receiving cable 102, the receiving cable 102 arranged on the top plate 18 gradually loses its slack, and finally reaches a state where there is no slack, or where even if there is slack, the slack is such that it does not cause the problem of the cable getting entangled.

[0067] This makes it possible to eliminate the problem (cable entanglement problem) of the receiving cable 102 getting caught in the gap between the gantry 12 and the top plate 18 when the top plate 18 moves into the bore 14 (movement in the direction of arrow A).

[0068] The electromagnetic clutch 122 is driven by a top-board retraction operation by the top-board operation unit 132. This top-board retraction operation releases the electromagnetic clutch 122, allowing rotation of the geared roller 124 in the rewinding direction. Note that the top-board retraction operation by the top-board operation unit 132 causes the top board 18 to start moving (moving in the direction of arrow B) from the imaging position to the retracted position (the position in FIG. 1).

[0069] When the electromagnetic clutch 122 is released, the geared roller 124 is released from the restriction of rotation in the rewinding direction by the electromagnetic clutch 122, and is free to rotate in the rewinding direction. As a result, the driven pulley 128 is moved in the direction of arrow A by the biasing force of the spring 134, and the drive belt 126 wound around the geared roller 124 is unwound. Then, the bed-side cable 104 between the bed-side connector 112 and the fixed pulley 130 is fed in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the receiving cable 102 (the excess length of the receiving cable 102) stored in the cable storage section 106 is fed out from the cable storage section 106 through the cable hole 114 without slack. This feeding operation of the receiving cable 102 is performed in conjunction with the movement of the tabletop 18 in the direction of arrow B.

[0070] This makes it possible to solve the problem (cable entanglement problem) of the excess length of the receiving cable 102 being entangled in the gap between the gantry 12 and the top plate 18 when the top plate 18 moves out of the bore 14 (movement in the direction of arrow B). It also makes it possible to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the receiving cable 102 when the top plate 18 moves out of the bore 14.

[0071] [Imaging procedure] An example of an imaging procedure by the MRI apparatus 10 of the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the imaging procedure.

[0072] (Step S10: Placing step) First, the subject 20 is placed on the top plate 18 .

[0073] (Step S12: RF coil setting step) Next, the RF coil 22 is attached to the abdomen of the subject 20. Thereafter, the receiving side connector 110 of the receiving side cable 102 is connected to the bed side connector 112 of the bed side cable 104.

[0074] (Step 14: ECG cable setting step) Next, an electrocardiogram cable is attached to the subject 20. Note that attachment of an electrocardiogram cable may not be essential in some cases. Therefore, this step is performed only when necessary.

[0075] (Step 16: Top board advance operation step) Next, the top board advancement operation is performed by operating the top board operation unit 132. This top board advancement operation drives the top board drive mechanism 24, and the top board 18 is moved in the direction of arrow A from the retracted position to the imaging position (from outside the bore 14 to inside the bore 14).

[0076] At this time, the cable driving mechanism 100 is also driven to store the receiving side cable 102 in the cable storage section 106. This storing operation continues, for example, until the tabletop 18 reaches the imaging position, and stops when the imaging position is reached.

[0077] (Step 18: Imaging step) Next, the subject 20 is imaged by the MRI apparatus 10 .

[0078] (Step 20: Top board evacuation operation step) Next, the top retraction operation is performed by operating the top operation unit 132. This top retraction operation drives the top drive mechanism 24, and the top 18 is moved in the direction of arrow B from the imaging position to the retracted position (from inside the bore 14 to outside the bore 14).

[0079] At this time, the cable driving mechanism 100 is driven to send out (the excess length of) the receiving cable 102 from the cable storage section 106 to the outside via the cable hole 114. This operation continues, for example, until the top plate 18 reaches the retracted position, and stops when the top plate 18 reaches the retracted position.

[0080] (Step 22: Cable removal step) Next, the RF coil 22 and the ECG cable are removed from the subject 20. This completes the image diagnosis using the MRI apparatus 10.

[0081] As described above, according to the MRI apparatus 10 of the embodiment, before imaging starts, the receiving connector 110 and the bed side connector 112 are connected, and the receiving cable 102 and the bed side cable 104 are linked. When the tabletop 18 is moved into the bore 14, the bed side cable 104 is pulled in by the cable driving mechanism 100, so that the receiving cable 102 (its excess length) is stored in the cable storage section 106.

[0082] This makes it possible to prevent the receiving cable 102 from being entangled in the gap between the gantry 12 and the top plate 18 when the top plate 18 moves into the bore 14. This makes it possible to solve the problem of cable entanglement.

[0083] During imaging, the receiving cable 102 (its excess length) is stored in the cable storage section 106 .

[0084] After imaging is completed, when the top board 18 is moved out of the bore 14 , the cable drive mechanism 100 feeds out the bed side cable 104 and feeds out the receiving side cable 102 (the excess length of the receiving side cable 102 ) from the cable storage section 106 .

[0085] This makes it possible to prevent the receiving cable 102 from being entangled in the gap between the gantry 12 and the top plate 18 when the top plate 18 moves out of the bore 14. This makes it possible to solve the problem of cable entanglement. Furthermore, it becomes possible to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the receiving cable 102.

[0086] Therefore, the MRI apparatus 10 of the embodiment adopts a configuration in which, with the receiving side connector 110 connected to the bed side connector 112, the receiving side cable 102 is stored in the cable storage section 106 by pulling in the bed side cable 104 with the cable driving mechanism 100, and the receiving side cable 102 is sent out from the cable storage section 106 by sending out the bed side cable 104, thereby making it possible to solve the problem of cable entanglement.

[0087] In the embodiment, an interlocking form has been exemplified in which a single operation of the top board operation unit 132 to advance the top board causes the cable driving mechanism 100 to store the receiving cable 102 and the top board driving mechanism 24 to move the top board 18 into the bore 14, but this is not limiting. For example, a cable operation unit that operates only the cable driving mechanism 100 may be provided separately to drive the cable driving mechanism 100 independently of the top board operation unit 132. In this case, the top board operation unit 132 operates only the top board driving mechanism 24.

[0088] In this way, by providing the tabletop operating unit 132 that operates only the tabletop driving mechanism 24 and the cable operating unit that operates only the cable driving mechanism 100, the following operation becomes possible. That is, it becomes possible to stagger the start times of the tabletop 18 movement operation and the receiving cable 102 storage operation.

[0089] For example, if the extra length of the receiving cable 102 is longer than the specified length, the receiving cable 102 is retracted prior to the movement of the top board 18. As a result, the above-mentioned cable entanglement problem can be effectively solved.

[0090] Furthermore, if the excess length of the receiving cable 102 is shorter than the specified length, the movement of the top board 18 is started prior to the storage of the receiving cable 102. As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the receiving cable 102.

[0091] In other words, in this embodiment, the start times of the movement operation of the top plate 18 and the storage operation of the receiving cable 102 are adjusted based on factors related to the cable entrapment problem, such as the excess length of the receiving cable 102, the movement speed of the top plate 18, and the storage speed of the receiving cable 102, so as to prevent the cable entrapment problem from occurring.

[0092] Furthermore, after the tabletop 18 is moved to a position immediately before the excess length of the receiving cable 102 is wound up, the movement of the tabletop 18 is temporarily stopped, and at this stopped position, the excess length of the receiving cable 102 is stored in the cable storage section 106. After that, the tabletop 18 is moved to the imaging position. In this embodiment, such an operation can also be performed.

[0093] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, the MRI apparatus 10 is described in which the cable driving mechanism 100 is provided at one place on the top board 18, but it is preferable that the cable driving mechanism 100 is disposed at positions corresponding to the four corners of the top board 18. This makes it possible to accommodate cables other than the receiving cable 102.

[0094] [Modifications] Several variations of the present invention will now be described.

[0095] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the front of the bed side connector 112. As shown in Fig. 7, the bed side connector 112 has a connector connection area 140 that is connected to the receiving connector 110, and a cable fixing area 142 to which a cable fixing member is attached.

[0096] For example, a cable fixing member 144 shown in VIIIA of Fig. 8 or a cable fixing member 146 shown in VIIIB of Fig. 8 is attached to the cable fixing area 142. Cable members other than the receiving cable 102 (for example, cables for an ECG (Electro Cardio Gram) device and other sensors, an infusion tube, etc.) are detachably fixed to the cable fixing member 144 or the cable fixing member 146.

[0097] Here, the cable fixing member 144 shown in Fig. 8 VIIIA is a carabiner-type openable and closable fixing member, and has a C-shaped main body 144A and a pin-shaped openable and closable part 144B that is openably and closably provided on the main body 144A. A cable member is passed through the main body 144A and fixed. In this case, it is preferable to open and close the openable and closable part 144B with a single touch to hook the cable member on the main body 144A and fix it.

[0098] 8B has a C-shaped cable clip 146A. It is preferable to pass the cable member through this cable clip 146A and fix it.

[0099] In this way, by providing a cable fixing area 142 in the bed side connector 112 and fixing cable members other than the receiving cable 102 to the cable fixing member 144 or cable fixing member 146 attached to the cable fixing area 142, it is possible to store the cable members together with the receiving cable 102 in the cable storage section 106.

[0100] The above cable member has a length sufficient for attachment to the subject 20. This cable member is also preferably stored in the cable storage section 106 to eliminate the entanglement problem.

[0101] Conventionally, the technician (operator) manually organizes the receiving cable so that it does not get tangled when the tabletop is moved. In some cases, such as a head coil, there may be multiple cables, and in addition to the coil cable, there may be multiple cables such as an IV tube and an EGC measurement cable. The technician must set up the device and patient and organize the cables while paying attention to the patient's condition and MRI contraindications such as metal, which places a heavy burden on the technician. Therefore, by adopting the connector configuration of this example (see Figure 7), it is possible to reduce the technician's burden.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of the cable storage operation stopping means. The cable storage operation stopping means has a function of forcibly stopping the cable storage operation by the cable drive mechanism 100. The cable storage operation stopping means is one example of the cable storage operation stopping portion of the present invention.

[0103] There are several examples (Example 1 to Example 5) of the cable storage operation stopping means.

[0104] <Example 1: Preserve the cable length of each cable> The MRI device 10 can recognize which coil is connected based on the imaging order information and the connector connection of the coil. By linking and storing information on each coil (such as the coil ID or type) and cable length information on each coil, the cable length of the coil used in the examination can be identified and the amount of cable retraction can be controlled.

[0105] Example 1 does not forcibly stop the cable storage operation, but it makes it possible to prevent problems that occur in connection with the cable storage operation (such as problems with excessive tension) before they occur.

[0106] <Example 2: Detecting cable tension> Based on the motor load current during cable storage operation, the system detects excessive tension on the cable and forcibly stops the cable storage operation.

[0107] <Example 3: Detecting cable status with a camera> At least one camera is provided in a position capable of capturing an image of the cable condition on the bed, such as on the ceiling or gantry, and the camera detects the cable condition (e.g., excess cable length) and forcibly stops the cable storage operation, for example, when there is no excess cable left.

[0108] <Example 4: Markings are placed on the cable and the markings are detected by a sensor> A marking is provided on the cable, and the marking is detected by a detection means such as a photosensor, and the amount of cable stored and the storage stop position are detected based on the marking information.

[0109] When the amount of cable stored and the storage stop position exceed a specified amount and a specified position, the cable storage operation is forcibly stopped. Markings on the cable may be provided only at the stop position, or may be provided at regular intervals to detect the amount of storage.

[0110] <Example 5: Combining multiple examples 1 to 4 above> A combination of the above examples 1 to 4 may be used. This allows for a case where one of the cable storage operation stopping means does not operate due to a malfunction. For example, control is normally performed using example 1, but control using example 2 can also be used in preparation for the use of a coil that does not have cable length information.

[0111] Next, a modified example in which the cable storage operation is performed manually will be described.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a top view of cable drive mechanism 100 showing a handle 150 for manually driving cable drive mechanism 100, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the cable drive mechanism 100 shown in FIG.

[0113] In addition, in describing Figures 9 and 10, the same or similar members as those in the cable drive mechanism 100 shown in Figures 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, although a motor 120 is shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cable drive mechanism 100 of this example will be described as being driven by a handle 150.

[0114] 9 and 10, the handle 150 is provided 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 of the shaft 152. The gear 154 is meshed with a gear 158 of an electromagnetic clutch 156, and the gear 158 is meshed with a gear 160 of the geared roller 124.

[0115] The electromagnetic clutch 156 is released by operating a release button 162. The release button 162 is disposed on the upper surface 30A of the upper top plate 30.

[0116] When storing the receiving cable 102 in the cable storage section 106, the handle 150 is manually rotated to rotate the geared roller 124 and wind the drive belt 126 around the geared roller 124. This makes it possible to store the receiving cable 102 in the cable storage section 106, as described above.

[0117] After imaging is completed, the top plate 18 is pulled out to a certain extent (to the extent 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. This causes the receiving cable 102 to be automatically sent out.

[0118] The handle 150 is in a semi-locked state due to the electromagnetic clutch 156. That is, the handle 150 is free to rotate in the direction to store the receiving cable 102, but is locked in the direction to feed the receiving cable 102. Therefore, the electromagnetic clutch 156 is released in conjunction with the operation of pulling out the top plate 18. This releases the above lock, and the receiving cable 102 is automatically fed out by the biasing force of the spring 134, returning it to its original state.

[0119] Also, after imaging is completed, the top 18 may be automatically drawn out from the imaging position and the receiving cable 102 may be automatically sent out from the cable storage unit 106 without operating the top operation unit 132. In this case, when the control unit that controls the entire MRI apparatus 10 detects the end of imaging, it controls the top drive mechanism 24 to automatically draw out the top 18 and release the electromagnetic clutch 156.

[0120] Next, the locking mechanism of the bed-side connector 112 will be described.

[0121] Fig. 11 is a top view showing a state in which the insertion of the bed-side connector 112 into the cable storage section 106 is restricted (locked) by the locking mechanism 170. Fig. 12 is a side view of Fig. 12.

[0122] 13 is a top view showing a state in which the bed-side connector 112 has been released from the cable storage section 106 by the locking mechanism 170. FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG.

[0123] 11 to 14, the lock mechanism 170 of this example is provided with a stopper member 172 at the cable hole 114. This stopper member 172 is configured in a U-shape with a rectangular opening formed in the center.

[0124] 11 and 12, when the stopper member 172 is advanced below the cable hole 114, a part of the cable hole 114 is blocked by the stopper member 172. Then, the bed-side connector 112 comes into contact with the stopper member 172, thereby restricting the bed-side connector 112 from entering the cable storage section 106. In other words, the opening of the stopper member 172 is formed smaller than the bed-side connector 112.

[0125] Also, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, when the stopper member 172 is moved away from below the cable hole 114 in the direction of arrow A, the restriction by the stopper member 172 is released, allowing the bed side connector 112 to enter the cable storage section 106.

[0126] The stopper member 172 is advanced and retreated 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.

[0127] When current is supplied from the power supply to the solenoid coil device 174, the stopper member 172 is moved in the direction of arrow B from the retracted position in Figures 13 and 14 against the biasing force of a return spring (not shown) of the solenoid coil device 174 to the advanced position in Figures 11 and 12.

[0128] 12 and 14. When power supply is stopped, the stopper member 172 is moved in the direction of arrow A from the advanced position in FIGS. 11 and 12 by the biasing force of the return spring of the solenoid coil device 174 to the retracted position in FIGS.

[0129] By providing such a lock mechanism 170 on the tabletop 18, it becomes possible to allow the receiving cable 102 to enter the cable storage section 106 only when necessary (for example, when the tabletop 18 is moved, etc.). In other words, it becomes possible to restrict the receiving cable 102 from entering the cable storage section 106 when it is not necessary (for example, when the RF coil 22 is attached, etc.).

[0130] Although the embodiment of the magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 10...MRI device 16…Bed 18…Tabletop 20...Subject 22…RF coil 24...Tabletop drive mechanism 100...Cable drive mechanism 102…Receiver cable 104…Bedside cable 106…Cable storage section 108…Cable storage section 110…Receiver connector 112…Bed side connector 120…Motor 132…Top panel operation section 144...Cable fixing member 146…Cable fixing member 150…Handle

Claims

1. a receiving coil attached to a subject to be imaged and receiving a magnetic resonance signal generated in the subject; a first cable connected to the receiving coil and having a first connector; A bed on which the subject is placed; a cable storage section provided in the bed and configured to store the first cable; a second cable that is stored in the cable storage section and has a second connector that is connected to the first connector; a cable driving mechanism that draws in or feeds the second cable in the cable storage section; Equipped with in a state in which the first connector is connected to the second connector, the second cable is pulled in by the cable driving mechanism to store the first cable in the cable storage section, and the second cable is fed out to feed the first cable from the cable storage section. Magnetic resonance imaging device.

2. An operation unit that can be operated by an operator is provided, When the operation unit is operated, the cable driving mechanism is driven.

2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. a bed moving unit that moves the bed to an imaging position, The bed moving unit is driven by the operation of the operation unit.

3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The cable drive mechanism and the bed moving unit are linked by a single operation of the operation unit.

4. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3.

5. When the operation unit is operated, an operation of storing the first cable in the cable storage unit by the cable driving mechanism and an operation of moving the bed to the imaging position are performed.

5. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The cable storage section is provided on the outer periphery of the bed.

3. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

7. a motor that stores the first cable in the cable storage section; The first cable is stored in the cable storage section by a driving force of the motor.

3. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The second connector has a cable fixing member capable of fixing a cable member different from the first cable.

3. The magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

9. a cable storage operation stopping unit that forcibly stops a storage operation of storing the first cable in the cable storage unit; 8. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The operating unit has a handle for manually driving the cable driving mechanism.

3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

11. The first cable is automatically fed out from the cable storage unit in association with a pull-out operation of the bed from the imaging position by the operation unit.

4. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3.

12. After the examination is completed, the bed is automatically withdrawn from the imaging position, and the first cable is automatically sent out from the cable storage section.

4. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3.

Images