Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and bed apparatus

Abstract

To improve the operability of the bed equipment when moving it. [Solution] The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the embodiment comprises a stand and a patient bed device. The patient bed device is detachable from the stand. The patient bed device has a patient bed movement unit and a patient bed mounting unit. The patient bed movement unit has a top plate on which a subject is placed and a movement for moving the top plate. The patient bed mounting unit has a drive unit for driving the movement unit. The patient bed mounting unit is detachable from the patient bed movement unit. The patient bed movement unit is movable relative to the stand when the patient bed device is detached from the stand and the patient bed mounting unit is detached from the patient bed movement unit. Movement unit drive unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a bed apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (Magnetic Resonance Imaging: hereinafter, referred to as an MRI apparatus), a subject to be examined is placed on, for example, a bed apparatus. As a bed apparatus for placing a subject, a bed apparatus (also referred to as a movable bed or a dockable bed) that is detachable and movable with respect to the gantry of the MRI apparatus is known.

[0003] The movable bed moves, for example, with the subject placed thereon from a waiting room where the subject waits for examination to an examination room where the MRI apparatus is provided. Therefore, if the weight of the movable bed increases, it may hinder movement or require a large amount of force for movement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the operability during the movement of the bed apparatus. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be regarded as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of this embodiment comprises a stand and a patient bed device. The patient bed device is detachable from the stand. The patient bed device has a patient bed movement unit and a patient bed mounting unit. The patient bed movement unit has a top plate on which a subject is placed and a movement for moving the top plate. The patient bed mounting unit has a drive unit for driving the movement unit. The patient bed mounting unit is detachable from the patient bed movement unit. The patient bed movement unit is a movement unit drive unit that is movable relative to the stand when the patient bed device is detached from the stand and the patient bed mounting unit is detached from the patient bed movement unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the bed device 10. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the state in which the bed movement section 20 is pressed against the frame 9 by the bed installation section 30. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the operation of MRI device 100. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the operation of MRI device 100. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the operation of MRI device 100. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates a state in which the bed installation section 30 is positioned at a location other than the extension line in the direction of penetration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and bed apparatus of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The MRI apparatus 100 is installed in a room, such as an examination room. The MRI apparatus 100 includes, for example, a static magnetic field magnet 1, gradient magnetic field coils 2, gradient magnetic field power supply 3, whole-body RF (Radio Frequency) coil 4, local RF coil 5, transmitting circuit 6, receiving circuit 7, RF shield 8, gantry 9, patient table device 10, input interface 11, display 12, memory circuit 13, and first processing circuits 14 to third processing circuits 16.

[0010] The gradient power supply 3 generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space where the subject S is positioned by supplying current to the gradient coil 2. The gradient power supply 3 generates a gradient magnetic field that changes linearly along the mutually orthogonal readout direction, phase encoding direction, and slice direction by individually supplying current to the X, Y, and Z coils of the gradient coil 2. The axes along the readout direction, the axes along the phase encoding direction, and the axes along the slice direction constitute a logical coordinate system for defining the slice region or volume region to be imaged.

[0011] The gradient magnetic fields along the readout direction, phase encoding direction, and slice direction are superimposed on the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1, thereby imparting spatial positional information to the NMR signal generated from the subject S. The gradient magnetic field in the readout direction imparts positional information in the readout direction to the NMR signal by, for example, changing the frequency of the NMR signal according to the position in the readout direction.

[0012] A gradient magnetic field in the phase encoding direction adds positional information to the NMR signal by changing the phase of the NMR signal according to the position in the phase encoding direction. A gradient magnetic field in the slice direction determines the position, thickness, and number of slices to be imaged when two-dimensional MR images (slice images) are being acquired by changing the frequency of the NMR signal according to the position in the slice direction. A gradient magnetic field in the slice direction adds positional information to the NMR signal by changing the phase of the NMR signal according to the position in the slice direction when three-dimensional MR images (volume images) are being acquired.

[0013] The whole-body RF coil 4 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and applies RF pulses (excitation pulses, etc.) to the subject S placed in the imaging space, and receives NMR signals (echo signals, etc.) generated from the subject S due to the influence of the RF pulses. The whole-body RF coil 4 is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape (including those in which the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis is elliptical).

[0014] The whole-body RF coil 4 applies RF pulses to the subject S located in the imaging space on its inner side, based on the RF pulse signal supplied from the transmitting circuit 6. The whole-body RF coil 4 receives the NMR signal generated from the subject S due to the effect of the RF pulses and outputs the received NMR signal to the receiving circuit 7. For example, the whole-body RF coil 4 is a birdcage type coil or a TEM (Transverse Electromagnetic) coil.

[0015] The local RF coil 5 is positioned near the subject S during imaging to receive the NMR signal generated from the subject S. A local RF coil 5 is provided for each part of the subject S. For example, the local RF coil 5 is positioned near the area to be imaged when imaging of the subject S is performed.

[0016] The local-use RF coil 5 receives the NMR signal generated from the subject S due to the influence of the RF pulse applied by the whole-body RF coil 4. The local-use RF coil 5 outputs the received NMR signal to the receiving circuit 7. The local-use RF coil 5 is, for example, a surface coil or a phased array coil configured by combining a plurality of surface coils as coil elements. The local-use RF coil 5 may further have a transmitter function for applying an RF pulse to the subject.

[0017] The transmission circuit 6 outputs an RF pulse signal corresponding to the resonance frequency (Larmor frequency) specific to the target atomic nucleus placed in the static magnetic field to the whole-body RF coil 4 or the local-use RF coil 5. The transmission circuit 6 has, for example, a pulse generator, an RF generator, a modulator, and an amplifier. The pulse generator generates the waveform of the RF pulse signal. The RF generator generates an RF signal of the resonance frequency.

[0018] The modulator generates an RF pulse signal by modulating the amplitude of the RF signal generated by the RF generator with the waveform generated by the pulse generator. The amplifier amplifies the RF pulse signal generated by the modulator. The amplifier outputs the amplified RF pulse to the whole-body RF coil 4 or the local-use RF coil 5.

[0019] The receiving circuit 7 generates NMR data based on the NMR signal output from the whole-body RF coil 4 or the local-use RF coil 5. The receiving circuit 7 outputs the generated NMR data to the second processing circuit 15. The receiving circuit 7 includes, for example, a selector, a pre-stage amplifier, a phase detector, and an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter.

[0020] The selector selectively inputs the NMR signal output from the whole-body RF coil 4 or the local RF coil 5. The pre-stage amplifier amplifies the NMR signal output from the selector. The phase detector detects the phase of the NMR signal output from the pre-stage amplifier. The A / D converter generates NMR data by converting the analog signal output from the phase detector into a digital signal, and outputs the generated NMR data to the second processing circuit 15. Each process described as being performed by the receiving circuit 7 does not necessarily have to be performed entirely by the receiving circuit 7, and some processes (for example, processes by the A / D converter, etc.) may be performed by the whole-body RF coil 4 or the local RF coil 5.

[0021] The RF shield 8 is disposed between the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and the whole-body RF coil 4. The RF shield 8 shields the gradient magnetic field coil 2 from the RF pulse generated by the whole-body RF coil 4. The RF shield 8 is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including those having an elliptical cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder), and is disposed to cover the outer peripheral surface of the whole-body RF coil 4 in the space on the inner peripheral side of the gradient magnetic field coil 2.

[0022] The gantry 9 has a hollow bore 9a formed in a substantially cylindrical shape (including those having an elliptical cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis). The gantry 9 houses the static magnetic field magnet 1, the gradient magnetic field coil 2, the whole-body RF coil 4, and the RF shield 8. The gantry 9 disposes the whole-body RF coil 4 on the outer peripheral side of the bore 9a, disposes the RF shield 8 on the outer peripheral side of the whole-body RF coil 4, disposes the gradient magnetic field coil 2 on the outer peripheral side of the RF shield 8, and disposes the static magnetic field magnet 1 on the outer peripheral side of the gradient magnetic field coil 2, and houses each of them in this state. Here, the space inside the bore 9a of the gantry 9 becomes the imaging space where the subject S is disposed during imaging.

[0023] The examination bed device 10 comprises, for example, an examination bed movement unit 20 and an examination bed installation unit 30. The examination bed device 10 is detachable from the frame 9. The examination bed movement unit 20 can enter and exit the frame 9 and the examination room in which the frame 9 is installed. The examination bed movement unit 20 is detachable from the examination bed installation unit 30. The examination bed installation unit 30 is installed, for example, on the extension of the through-direction of the frame 9. Part or all of the examination bed installation unit 30 is movable relative to the frame 9 along the extension of the bore 9a. The configuration of the examination bed device 10 will be described further later.

[0024] The MRI apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a so-called tunnel-type structure in which the static magnetic field magnet 1, gradient magnetic field coil 2, and whole-body RF coil 4 are each formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. However, MRI apparatuses are not limited to those having a tunnel-type structure. For example, an MRI apparatus may have a so-called open-type structure in which a pair of static magnetic field magnets, a pair of gradient magnetic field coils, and a pair of RF coils are arranged facing each other across the imaging space in which the subject S is placed. In an open-type MRI apparatus, the space sandwiched between the pair of static magnetic field magnets, a pair of gradient magnetic field coils, and a pair of RF coils corresponds to the bore 9a in a tunnel-type structure.

[0025] The input interface 11 receives various instructions and information input operations from the operator. The input interface 11 is connected to the first processing circuit 14 to the third processing circuit 16. The input interface 11 converts the input operations received from the operator into electrical signals and outputs them to the first processing circuit 14 to the third processing circuit 16.

[0026] The input interface 11 can be implemented by, for example, a trackball for setting imaging conditions and regions of interest (ROI), switch buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad for input operations by touching the operating surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and an audio input circuit.

[0027] In this specification, the input interface 11 is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse or keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit is also included as an example of the input interface 11.

[0028] The display 12 displays various information. The display 12 is connected to the first processing circuit 14 to the third processing circuit 16. The display 12 converts the data of various information sent from the first processing circuit 14 to the third processing circuit 16 into electrical signals for display and outputs them. The display 12 can be implemented as, for example, an LCD monitor, a CRT monitor, or a touch panel.

[0029] The memory circuit 13 stores various types of data. The memory circuit 13 is connected to the first processing circuits 14 to the third processing circuits 16. The memory circuit 13 stores various types of data that are input and output by each processing circuit. The memory circuit 13 can be implemented using semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a hard disk or optical disc.

[0030] The first processing circuit 14 has an acquisition function 14a. The acquisition function 14a acquires k-space data of the subject S based on the imaging sequence output from the third processing circuit 16. The acquisition function 14a acquires NMR data by driving the gradient power supply 3, the transmitting circuit 6, the receiving circuit 7, and the local RF coil 5 according to various imaging sequences output from the third processing circuit 16, for example.

[0031] The imaging sequence is information that specifies the timing and strength of the current supplied by the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 to the gradient magnetic field coil 2, the timing and strength of the RF pulse signal supplied by the transmitting circuit 6 to the whole-body RF coil 4, and the timing of the receiving circuit 7 to sample the NMR signal.

[0032] The acquisition function 14a stores the NMR data output from the receiving circuit 7 and the local RF coil 5 in the storage circuit 13. The NMR data stored in the storage circuit 13 is stored as k-space data representing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional k-space, with positional information along the readout direction, phase encoding direction, and slice direction assigned by the aforementioned gradient magnetic field.

[0033] The second processing circuit 15 has a generation function 15a. The generation function 15a generates an MR image from the k-space data of the subject S collected by the acquisition function 14a of the first processing circuit 14. The generation function 15a reads the k-space data collected by the acquisition function 14a of the first processing circuit 14 from the storage circuit 13, and generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional MR image by applying reconstruction processing such as a Fourier transform to the read k-space data. The generation function 15a stores the generated MR image in the storage circuit 13.

[0034] The third processing circuit 16 has an imaging control function 16a. The imaging control function 16a receives input of imaging conditions from the operator via the input interface 11 and generates an imaging sequence for collecting k-space data of the subject S based on the input imaging conditions. The imaging control function 16a outputs the generated imaging sequence to the second processing circuit 15, causing the acquisition function 14a to collect k-space data.

[0035] The imaging control function 16a controls the third processing circuit 16 to generate an MR image from the k-space data collected by the acquisition function 14a. The imaging control function 16a reads the MR image stored in the memory circuit 13 in response to a request from the operator and displays the read MR image on the display 12.

[0036] The first processing circuits 14 to the third processing circuits 16 realize these functions, for example, by having a hardware processor execute a program stored in a memory device such as the memory circuit 13. The first processing circuits 14 to the third processing circuits 16 realize the processing functions corresponding to each program by reading and executing each program from the memory circuit 13. In other words, each processing circuit has the processing functions shown in Figure 1 when it has read the respective program.

[0037] A hardware processor refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and programmable logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD) or Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). Instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 13, the hardware processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuitry. In this case, the hardware processor performs its functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuitry. The hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; it may be configured as a single hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to perform each function. Alternatively, multiple components may be integrated into a single hardware processor to perform each function.

[0038] In the above description, the first processing circuit 14 to the third processing circuit 16 are each implemented by a single processor, but the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, each processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processing function may be realized by each processor executing a program.

[0039] The processing functions of each processing circuit may be implemented by distributing or integrating them as appropriate across one or more processing circuits. In the above description, a single memory circuit 13 was assumed to store the program corresponding to each processing function, but the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, multiple memory circuits may be distributed among the processing circuits, and each processing circuit may read the corresponding program from its individual memory circuit.

[0040] The overall configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to this embodiment has been described above. Under this configuration, the MRI apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is configured to be detachable and movable from the frame 9. Such a MRI apparatus 10 is also called a mobile cot (dockable cot).

[0041] Next, the configuration of the examination bed device 10 will be further explained. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the examination bed device 10. The bed movement unit 20 in the examination bed device 10 is used, for example, by being brought into the examination room. The bed installation unit 30 is used, for example, by being permanently installed in the examination room. The bed movement unit 20 is attached to the bed installation unit 30 for use. After imaging of the subject S by the MRI device 100 is completed, the bed movement unit 20 is detached from the bed installation unit 30 and removed from the examination room.

[0042] The bed movement unit 20 includes, for example, a top plate 21, a top plate support unit 22, a movement unit 23, a vertical movement mechanism 24, and a coil connector 25. The top plate 21 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member. The subject S to be imaged is placed on the top plate 21. The subject S placed on the top plate 21 lies down on the top plate 21. The subject S placed on the top plate 21 is inserted into a bore 9a formed in the frame 9. The top plate 21 allows the subject S to enter and exit the bore 9a.

[0043] The top plate support 22 supports the top plate 21. The top plate support 22 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member on which the subject S to be imaged is placed via the top plate 21. The top plate support 22 supports the top plate 21 so that it can slide in the longitudinal direction and moves the top plate 21 horizontally in response to instructions received from the operator.

[0044] The movable unit 23 supports the top plate support unit 22 from below. The movable unit 23 has means of movement such as casters. The movable unit 23 moves the top plate 21. The movable unit 23 is, for example, a trolley and is configured to be movable by having means of movement. The movable unit 23 moves horizontally along the floor surface by being pushed or pulled by an operator.

[0045] The vertical movement mechanism 24 is provided between the top plate support 22 and the moving part 23. The vertical movement mechanism 24 moves the top plate support 22 in the vertical direction. The vertical movement mechanism 24 has, for example, an X-link mechanism including an X-link. An X-link is a mechanism in which, for example, two link members are connected by a pivot axis at approximately their respective center positions, and the two link members rotate in different directions from each other, causing their upper ends to move up and down relative to their lower ends. The vertical movement mechanism 24 moves the top plate support 22 in the vertical direction by driving the lifting mechanism with a drive unit 32 provided in the bed installation part 30. The vertical movement mechanism 24 is an example of a drive mechanism.

[0046] The coil connector 25 is provided on the tabletop 21 and to which the local RF coil 5 is connected. The coil connector 25 is provided, for example, at the front end of the tabletop 21, and the local RF coil 5, which is prepared for each part of the subject S, is individually connected to each coil. The tabletop support section 22 is provided with a bed-side connector that can be connected to the frame 9. The bed-side connector is configured to be connectable to, for example, a frame-side connector provided on the frame 9. The bed-side connector may be provided at a location other than the tabletop support section 22, for example, on the movable section 23.

[0047] In the bed movement unit 20, a coil connector 25 is provided on the top plate 21 on which the subject S is placed, and the NMR signal received by the local RF coil 5 is input from the coil connector 25. The input NMR signal is transmitted to the bed-side connector via a transmission cable that transmits NMR signals. The bed movement unit 20 is equipped with a transmission cable. By connecting the bed-side connector to the stand-side connector, the NMR signal is transmitted to the receiving circuit 7 via the stand 9. Coil ports may be provided on either or both of the bed movement unit 20 or the bed installation unit 30.

[0048] A bed-side joint 40 is provided at the end of the bed-moving section 20 on the frame 9 side. A frame-side joint 41 is provided on the bed-device 10 side of the frame 9. The bed-moving section 20 is detachable from the frame 9. The bed-moving section 20 is attached to the frame 9 by joining the bed-side joint 40 to the frame-side joint 41. The bed-moving section 20 is detached from the frame 9 by releasing the connection between the bed-side joint 40 and the frame-side joint 41. A bed-side connector is provided at the bed-side joint 40. A frame-side connector is provided at the frame-side joint 41. A male-type fitting section 40X and a female-type fitting section 41X are provided at the bed-side joint 40 and the frame-side joint 41, respectively.

[0049] By moving the bed device 10, which is separated from the frame 9, toward the frame 9, the male fitting portion 40X fits into the female fitting portion 41X, the bed-side joint portion 40 and the frame-side joint portion 41 are joined, and the frame 9 and the bed device 10 are joined. The male fitting portion 40X is an example of a male part. The female fitting portion 41X is an example of a female part. The male fitting portion 40X is provided on either the frame 9 or the bed movement portion 20, and the female fitting portion 41X is provided on the other of the frame 9 or the bed movement portion 20. The male fitting portion 40X may be provided on the frame 9 and the female fitting portion 41X may be provided on the bed movement portion 20.

[0050] The bed mounting section 30 comprises, for example, a housing 31, a drive unit 32, and a power transmission mechanism 33. The bed mounting section 30 is positioned, for example, at a reference position on the extension of the through-direction of the frame 9. The bed mounting section 30 is movable in a direction approaching the frame 9 from the reference position, and once the bed mounting section 30 is close to the frame 9, it is movable in a direction away from the frame 9.

[0051] With the bed moving section 20 positioned between the frame 9 and the bed installation section 30, the bed moving section 20 is pressed against the frame 9 by the bed installation section 30 as the bed installation section 30 moves toward the frame 9. The distance in the through direction between the frame 9 and the installation position (reference position) of the bed installation section 30 is longer than the total length of the bed moving section 20 in the through direction.

[0052] The housing 31 houses the drive unit 32 and the power transmission mechanism 33. The drive unit 32 drives the moving unit 23. The drive unit 32 is equipped with a driving means such as hydraulics or a motor. The power transmission mechanism 33 transmits the power from the drive unit 32 to the top plate 21 and the vertical movement mechanism 24 in the bed moving unit 20. The top plate 21 moves horizontally by receiving power from the drive unit 32, and the vertical movement mechanism 24 moves the top plate 21 up and down by receiving power from the drive unit 32. The power transmission mechanism 33 is an example of a drive mechanism.

[0053] In this embodiment, the vertical movement mechanism 24 in the bed movement section 20 and the power transmission mechanism 33 in the bed installation section 30 constitute the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is provided in both the bed movement section 20 and the bed installation section 30. Alternatively, the drive mechanism may be provided in only either the bed movement section 20 or the bed installation section 30.

[0054] A male bed fitting portion 42X is provided at the end of the bed moving portion 20 on the bed installation portion 30 side. A female bed fitting portion 43X is provided at the end of the bed installation portion 30 on the bed moving portion 20 side. By moving the bed installation portion 30, which is separated from the bed moving portion 20, toward the bed moving portion 20, the male bed fitting portion 42X fits into the female bed fitting portion 43X, and the bed installation portion 30 and the bed moving portion 20 are joined together.

[0055] Figure 3 shows the state in which the bed movement unit 20 is pressed against the frame 9 by the bed installation unit 30. By moving the bed installation unit 30 toward the frame 9 with the bed movement unit 20 positioned between the frame 9 and the bed installation unit 30, the bed movement unit 20 is pressed against the frame 9 by the bed installation unit 30.

[0056] The entire bed mounting section 30, including the housing 31, is movable toward the frame 9. However, a portion of the bed mounting section 30 may remain in a reference position as a residual portion, while another portion is movable toward the frame 9 as a movable portion. In this case, for example, a rail may be laid between the residual portion of the bed mounting section 30 and the frame 9, and the movable portion of the bed mounting section 30 may travel along the rail. The bed mounting section 30 moves in the forward and backward directions relative to the frame 9 by being pushed or pulled by an operator, for example, but the bed mounting section 30 may also move in a new direction relative to the frame 9 by a driving force such as a motor.

[0057] Next, the operation of the MRI device 100 will be explained. Figures 4 to 6 show an example of the operation of the MRI device 100. Figures 4 to 6 explain the flow from when the patient movement unit 20 enters the examination room R until it is joined to the frame 9. As shown in Figure 4, the frame 9 and the patient installation unit 30 are installed in the examination room R.

[0058] The bed transfer unit 20 is brought into the examination room R from the entrance / exit E after, for example, the subject S has been placed on it outside the examination room R. At this stage, the distance between the frame 9 and the bed installation unit 30 is long, as is the total length of the bed transfer unit 20. From this state, the bed transfer unit 20 is moved toward the space between the frame 9 and the bed installation unit 30.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the bed movement unit 20 is positioned between the frame 9 and the bed installation unit 30. At this time, gaps are formed between the frame 9 and the bed movement unit 20, and between the bed movement unit 20 and the bed installation unit 30. In this state, the bed installation unit 30 is moved toward the frame 9.

[0060] When the bed mounting section 30 is moved, as shown in Figure 6, the bed mounting section 30 comes into contact with the bed moving section 20, and the male bed fitting section 42X fits into the female bed fitting section 43X, joining the bed moving section 20 and the bed mounting section 30. Subsequently, when the bed mounting section 30 is moved further, the bed moving section 20 moves together with the bed mounting section 30 towards the frame 9. After that, the bed moving section 20 comes into contact with the frame 9, and the male fitting section 40X fits into the female fitting section 41X, joining the frame 9 and the bed moving section 20.

[0061] The MRI apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a bed apparatus 10 comprising a movable bed movement unit 20 and a fixed bed installation unit 30, the bed installation unit 30 comprising a drive unit 32 that drives the movement unit 23. Therefore, the weight of the bed movement unit 20 can be reduced, thereby improving the operability of the bed apparatus 10 when it is moved.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the bed mounting section 30 is positioned on the extension of the direction in which the bore 9a in the frame 9 penetrates (hereinafter referred to as the penetration direction). However, the bed mounting section 30 may be positioned at other locations. Figure 7 illustrates a state in which the bed mounting section 30 is positioned at a location other than the extension of the penetration direction.

[0063] The bed installation section 30 may be positioned at a location other than the extension of the through-direction, for example, on the side farther from the entrance / exit E with respect to a straight line along the through-direction, and at a predetermined distance L away from the frame 9 (hereinafter referred to as the lateral installation position). Here, the predetermined distance L is, for example, shorter than the total length of the bed movement section 20, and is a distance at which the bed is not affected or is less affected by the magnetic field from the static magnetic field magnet 1 and gradient magnetic field coil 2 provided on the frame 9.

[0064] An MRI apparatus in which the bed mounting section 30 is positioned laterally provides the same effects and advantages as the MRI apparatus 100 of the above embodiment. Furthermore, in an MRI apparatus in which the bed mounting section 30 is positioned laterally, the bed mounting section 30 is less likely to interfere with the movement of the bed moving section 20 because of its laterally positioned location.

[0065] In the above embodiment, a transmission cable is provided in the bed movement section 20, but a transmission cable may also be provided in the bed installation section 30. In the above embodiment, the vertical movement mechanism is an X-link mechanism, but the vertical movement mechanism may be any other mechanism, such as a parallel link mechanism or a telescopic (bamboo shoot) type mechanism.

[0066] In the above embodiment, when the bed moving part 20 of the bed device 10 is attached to the frame 9, the male fitting part 40X fits into the female fitting part 41X, and the male fitting part 40X and the female fitting part 41X may be locked at this time. Locking may be achieved, for example, by pushing the male fitting part 40X into the female fitting part 41X. Similarly, when the bed male fitting part 42X fits into the bed female fitting part 43X, the bed male fitting part 42X and the bed female fitting part 43X may be locked, and locking may be achieved by pushing the bed male fitting part 42X into the bed female fitting part 43X. The locking may be a mechanically operated structure or an electrically operated structure.

[0067] The locked male mating portion 40X and female mating portion 41X may be unlocked, for example, by moving the bed moving portion 20 away from the frame 9. Similarly, the bed male mating portion 42X and bed female mating portion 43X may be unlocked by moving the bed installation portion 30 away from the frame 9. Furthermore, the male mating portion 40X and female mating portion 41X may be unlocked when the bed male mating portion 42X and bed female mating portion 43X are unlocked.

[0068] According to at least one embodiment described above, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising a frame and a bed device detachable from the frame, wherein the bed device comprises a bed moving unit having a top plate on which a subject is placed and a moving unit for moving the top plate, and a bed mounting unit detachable from the bed moving unit having a drive unit for driving the moving unit, and the bed moving unit is movable relative to the frame when the bed device is detached from the frame and the bed mounting unit is detached from the bed moving unit, thereby improving the operability of the bed device when it is moved.

[0069] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1 Static magnetic field magnet 2. Gradient field coils 3 Gradient magnetic field power supply 4. Full-body RF coil 5. Local RF coil 6. Transmitter Circuit 7. Receiving circuit 8 RF Shield 9. Stand 9a Bore 10 Bed equipment 11 Input Interfaces 12 displays 13 Memory circuit 14. First Processing Circuit 14a Collection function 15. Second Processing Circuit 15a Generation function 16. Third Processing Circuit 16a Imaging control function 20. Bed movement section 21 Top plate 22 Top panel support section 23 Mobile section 24 Vertical movement mechanism 25 Coil Connectors 30 Bed installation section 31 cabinets 32 Drive unit 33 Power transmission mechanism 40 Bedside joint 40X male mating part 41. Joint on the frame side 41X Female fitting part 42X Bed male fitting part 43X Bed female mating part 100 MRI machine E entrance / exit R Laboratory RF whole body L specified distance S subject

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising a frame and a bed device detachable from the frame, The aforementioned bed device is A bed moving unit comprising a top plate on which the subject is placed, and a moving part for moving the top plate, A drive unit for driving the aforementioned moving part, and a bed mounting part that is detachable from the bed moving part, Equipped with, The bed moving unit is a moving unit drive unit that is movable relative to the frame when the bed device is removed from the frame and the bed installation unit is removed from the bed moving unit. Magnetic resonance imaging device.

2. The bed mounting section is installed within the room where the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is installed. The bed movement unit is capable of entering and exiting the room. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The moving part includes a vertical movement mechanism for moving the top plate up and down. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned vertical movement mechanism is an X-link mechanism including an X-link. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The bed mounting section further includes a transmission cable for transmitting NMR signals generated from the subject to the support frame. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The frame has a bore into which the specimen placed on the top plate is inserted. The bed mounting section is positioned on the extension of the bore in the direction of penetration, The distance in the through direction between the frame and the bed installation section is longer than the total length of the bed movement section in the through direction. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The bed mounting section is positioned at a reference position on the extension line and is movable from the reference position toward the frame. As the bed mounting section moves in the direction of the frame, the bed moving section is pressed against the frame by the bed mounting section. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6.

8. Rails are laid on which the aforementioned bed-moving section travels. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

9. When the bed movement part is pressed against the frame, the male part provided on one side of the bed movement part and the frame, and the female part provided on the other side, engage with each other, thereby joining the bed movement part and the frame. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

10. A bed device that is detachable from the frame of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus equipped with a frame, A bed moving unit comprising a top plate on which the subject is placed, and a moving part for moving the top plate, It comprises a drive unit for driving the moving part, and a bed mounting part that is detachable from the bed moving part, The bed mounting section is movable relative to the frame when the bed device is removed from the frame and the bed mounting section is removed from the bed moving section. Bed equipment.

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