JP2002165788A - Conveying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a table fixing mechanism of a medical imaging system, which enables a table to be easily fixed/unfixed while securing safety. SOLUTION: A conveying device, capable of being attached to a vehicle mounted on a medical imaging device, makes a subject conveyed to the imaging position of the medical imaging device. The conveying device is provided with the table 125, whereon the subject is placed, a table supporting part 121 for supporting the table 125 slidably in the direction of the installation position of the medical imaging device, and fixing means 123, 124, 126 and 140 for fixing the table 125 to the supporting part 121 when the power supply of the medical imaging device is off.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting a subject, and more particularly, to a technique for fixing a table for placing the subject on the transport device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A so-called mobile type medical image pickup system in which an X-ray CT apparatus or the like is mounted on a large vehicle such as a bus is known. In this type of medical imaging system, the power of a gantry device as a medical imaging device is turned off for safety and a patient (subject) is placed on a transport device for transporting the subject when the vehicle moves. The table must be fixed so that it does not accidentally move.

Conventionally, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a fixing jig 620 is attached to a table 600, and the fixing jig 620 and an anchor 640 installed on the floor are fastened by a wire (or a rope) 660. Thus, the table 600 was fixed. Alternatively, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
The table 600 is fixed to the table support portion 680 by forming a hole 700 that penetrates the table 600 and setting a pin 720 in the through hole 700.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional means has a problem that it takes a lot of time to mount / remove.

[0005] In addition, there is a danger that the attaching / detaching operation itself may be forgotten, and that even if the wire is loose, it may not be noticed during operation of the vehicle.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transport device that can easily secure and release a table while ensuring safety.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, for example, a transfer apparatus of the present invention has the following arrangement.
That is, a transport device for transporting the subject to the imaging position of the medical image capturing apparatus, which supports the table on which the subject is mounted and slidably supports the table in the installation position direction of the medical image capturing apparatus. It is characterized by comprising a table support portion and fixing means for fixing the table to the table support portion when the power of the medical imaging apparatus is off.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile type medical image pickup system to which the present invention can be applied. In the figure, a vehicle 1000 has an inspection room 100 and an operation room 200. The examination room 100 includes a gantry device 110 as a medical image capturing device and a transport device 1.
The operation room 200 is provided with an operation console 2.
10 and a generator 220 are provided.

The gantry apparatus 110 has an X-ray tube 111 at a position opposite to a cavity (also called an opening) 115.
And an X-ray detector 112 are provided, and the X-ray tube 111 and the X-ray detector 112 rotate around the cavity 115 while maintaining the positional relationship. Therefore, by driving the X-ray tube 111 and performing the detection operation of the X-ray detector 112 while performing the rotation while the subject is positioned in the hollow portion 115, X-rays from different directions can be obtained. Irradiation and detection of transmitted X-rays can be performed, and a tomographic image (generally, an X-ray tomographic image) of the subject is arithmetically reconstructed. The process of reconstructing the X-ray tomographic image and the process of displaying it are performed on the operation console 210 side.

[0011] The transport device 120 is for placing a subject thereon.
A table made of a material with a high X-ray transmittance (also called a cradle or a top plate) is made of a foamed material such as acrylic made of CFRP (Carb
125, which is reinforced by wrapping with, for example, on Fiber Reinforced Plastics). After the subject is placed on the table 125, the table 125 is transported into the cavity 115 of the gantry device 110. Having. Further, the transfer device 120 and the gantry device 110 shown in FIG.
As can be seen from the external perspective view, the table 125 has a structure in which the center is concavely curved to stably fix the subject, and the table 125 has a mortar shape for holding the subject. Reference numeral 121 denotes a table support that supports the table 125 and functions as a guide that slides the table 125 toward the gantry device 110. The table support 121 has sufficient strength and is made of metal or the like.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 330 denotes an amplifier for amplifying an input signal at a predetermined magnification and outputting the amplified signal.
An indicator 350 receives an information signal related to the fixed state of the table 125 via the amplifier 330 and displays the fixed state. This operation will be described later.

Next, the slide mechanism of the table 125 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the transfer device 120. As shown in the drawing, a belt fixing portion 133 to which a belt 132 is fixed is provided near the rear end of the table 125 (far end when viewed from the gantry device).
The pulleys 130 and 131 are tightly attached. The rotating shafts of the pulleys 130 and 131 are each rotated by driving a motor (not shown). Therefore, by rotating each motor, it is possible to slide toward the gantry device 110 or to slide in the opposite direction.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 2) of the vicinity of the rear end of the table 125 (near the belt fixing portion 133). In the figure, reference numerals 41 and 42 are fixedly connected to the rear end of the table 125,
Is fixed to a guide groove provided along the inside of the table support 121. Bearings 43 and 44 are provided in this guide groove, and the table 125 realizes smooth sliding along the table support portion 121.

Instead of the above-described FIG. 4, a configuration as shown in FIG. 16 can be employed. That is, in FIG. 16, by providing the roller 45 on the table 125, the table 125 can be moved on the table 121. Further, a guide plate 46 is provided on the table 125.
Is installed in a state where it is engaged with a guide groove provided along the inside of the table support portion 121. Further, bearings 47 are provided in the guide grooves, so that the table 125 can slide smoothly along the table support portion 121. The guide plate 46 can also perform the function of the belt fixing portion 133 by fixing the guide plate 46 to the belt 132 in FIG. 3, thereby controlling the slide as described above.

As described above, in the mobile-type medical image capturing system, the table 12 is used while the vehicle is moving.
5 must be fixed. Although various fixing means can be considered, this embodiment realizes the fixing means in consideration of the following viewpoint.

(1) It is not necessary to fix the table when the system is operating, and it is sufficient that the table can be fixed only when the power supply of the system is turned off. Further, if the fixed state of the table is automatically released when the power is turned on, it is desirable that the user does not need to perform the work of releasing the fixed table.

(2) However, the table 1 on which the subject is placed
Considering a situation in which the power supply of the system is suddenly shut off while the 25 is positioned in or near the gantry apparatus 110, a design in which the table 125 is fixed so as not to move at all is a safety issue. Not preferred. It is desirable to be able to at least manually pull out to a fixed position such as an out limit position (a position farthest from the gantry device). Therefore, the fixing means is fixed at a fixed position of the table, and is movable toward the fixed position with respect to the table located at a position other than the fixed position when the system is turned off. Including a state that can be fixed.

Hereinafter, the fixing mechanism of the table 125 in the embodiment based on the above viewpoint will be described in detail.

FIG. 5A is a top view of the table 125, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along the line AA. As can be seen from this figure, a hole 140 is formed in the lower surface of the table, that is, the surface that is in contact with the table support 121. Similarly, as shown in (c), the upper surface of the table support portion 121, that is, the surface in contact with the table 125, has a hole 140.
A hole 122 is formed at the same position as in FIG. And
As shown in (d) of FIG.
A pin (made of metal such as iron) 123 as an engaging member to be engaged with 40 is provided inside, and a first position protruding from the surface of the table support 121 toward the table through the hole 122. Is held.

The specific arrangement and holding state of the pins 123 are as shown in FIGS.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement and holding state of the pins 123 when the power of the gantry device 110 is turned on. As shown in the figure, the pin seat 127 and the bottom surface of the table support 121 are joined in a state where a spring 126 as an elastic body is compressed. An electromagnet 124 is provided on the bottom surface of the table support 121 at a position directly below the pins 123. Although the pin 123 is biased toward the hole 122 by the elastic force of the spring, the electromagnet 124 is energized when power is supplied to the system, and the pin 123 is moved by an attractive force stronger than the elastic force of the spring 126. Adsorb to 124. As a result, the pin 123 does not protrude from the hole 122, and is held at the second position buried in the table support 121.

On the other hand, when the power supply of the gantry device 110 is turned off, the current flowing through the electromagnet 124 is cut off and the electromagnet 124 is demagnetized. As a result, as shown in FIG.
The pin 123 is connected to the electromagnet 124
Move away from Then, the pin seat 127 is pressed against the jig 128 forming the pin holding hole, and the pin 123 is
As a result, it is held at the first position protruding from the surface of the table support 121.

With this configuration, the pin 123 is in a state of being urged toward the hole 122 by the elastic force of the spring.
By pressing the pin 123, it is possible to move from the first position to the second position.

When the power of the gantry device 110 is turned off, the pin 123 is held at the first position, so that the table 123 can be fixed by engaging the pin 123 with the hole 140 of the table 125. it can. That is,
As shown in FIG. 8, the table 125 is formed to be inclined with respect to the pin 123 and the table 125 so that the table 125 comes into contact with the slope of the pin 123. When the sliding operation further proceeds, the pin 123 is depressed because the contact position slides and moves. Finally, as shown in FIG.
By engaging the hole 3 with the hole 140, the table 125 cannot be returned to the gantry device 110 side. Further, at this time, the table 125 comes into contact with the end wall 129 of the table support portion 121 as an out limit position, and thereby the table 125 is fixed.

From the viewpoint that the table 125 slides while pressing the pin 123, as shown in FIG. 11, the surface of the table 125 that contacts the pin 123 is formed to be inclined with respect to the pin 123. It will be understood that a similar effect can be obtained.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the power of the gantry device 110 is turned on, the pin 123 is
21 is buried in the second position.
3 does not engage with the hole 140 of the table 125,
The slide operation of the table 125 is not affected at all. That is, since the table 125 is not fixed by the pins 123 during operation of the system, there is no need for the operator to manually release the fixed state.

With this configuration, the operator can manually slide the table 125 to a fixed position such as the out-limit position even when the system is turned off.

According to the table fixing means described above,
When the system is operating, the table is not fixed, but only when the system is turned off, the table can be automatically fixed, so the user does not need to be conscious of fixing the table .

By the way, as mentioned above, from the viewpoint of safety, the table is not always completely fixed even if the power supply of the system is turned off. Therefore, it is desirable that the driver can easily confirm whether the table is fixed at the fixed position before the vehicle moves. Therefore, in the embodiment, after turning off the power of the system, it is determined whether or not the table shown in FIG. 9 is in a fixed state.
Attention is urged by blinking 50.

Referring again to FIG. In the embodiment, a touch sensor (contact sensor) 50 for detecting contact with the table 125 is provided on the pin 123. The touch sensor 50 contacts the table 125 only when the pin 123 is engaged with the hole 140 shown in FIG. 9 and the table 125 is fixed.
Therefore, according to the output value of the touch sensor 50,
Judge whether the table 125 is in a fixed state,
Can be detected. The output signal of the touch sensor 50 is amplified at a predetermined magnification by the amplifier 330 and input to the indicator 350. When the table 125 is not in the fixed state, the indicator 350 blinks.

The above-described touch sensor 50, amplifier 330, and indicator 350 are connected to the gantry device 1.
In order to operate when the power of the power supply 10 is turned off, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the power is supplied not from the generator 220 but from the vehicle battery.

With such a configuration, the driver can easily confirm whether or not the table is fixed at a fixed position before moving the vehicle.

(Embodiment 2) In the above-described embodiment, when the power of the system is turned off, the table is set in a fixable state, but the table located at a position other than the fixed position is manually operated. The feature was that it could be moved. The reason why the movable body is made movable at this time is from the viewpoint of safety that the subject being carried into the gantry device can be quickly pulled out in case of unexpected power shutdown or the like. . Therefore, at this time, it is not necessary to be able to move in a direction approaching the gantry, but rather, it is more convenient to adopt a configuration that cannot move.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a configuration in which the table can be slid to a fixed position such as an out-limit position only in a direction away from the gantry device when the power of the system is turned off based on the above viewpoint.

FIG. 13 shows the table support 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the position of the pulley 130 of FIG.

One end of the rotating shaft 134 of the pulley 130 is connected to the rotating shaft 13 of a motor 135 (eg, a stepping motor).
The pulley 130 is rotated by the drive of the motor 135. One-way clutch (one-way clutch) 160 and off-brake 1
70 are connected.

The one-way clutch 160 includes the inner ring portion 16
The inner ring portion 160a is configured to lock in the direction toward the gantry device 110, and to roll and rotate freely in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction away from the gantry device 110.

The off brake 170 is an electromagnetic brake that operates when the power of the system is turned off, and includes a brake disk 170a, an electromagnet 170b, and a spring 170c.
It is composed of When the electromagnet 170b is excited, the brake disk 170a is attracted by the electromagnetic force. On the other hand, when the electromagnet 170b is demagnetized, the brake disc 170a
Presses the outer race 160b of the one-way clutch 160, and the outer race 160b presses the inner race 160a, whereby the one-way clutch 160 operates.

In this configuration, when the power of the system is on, the electromagnet 170b is excited to attract the brake disk 170a.
As a result, the one-way clutch 160 does not operate. Therefore, the pulley 130 is rotatable in any direction according to the driving of the motor 135.

On the other hand, when the system is turned off,
Since the electromagnet 170b is demagnetized, the brake disk 170a presses the outer ring portion 160b of the one-way clutch 160 to operate the one-way clutch 160 as described above.

Thus, the table 125 can be slid in the direction away from the gantry device 110, but cannot be slid toward the gantry device 110.

Here, please refer to FIG. 3 again. The table 125 is used as an out-limit position for the table support 1.
A touch sensor 50 is attached to a terminal wall 129 of the touch panel 21. The touch sensor 50 contacts the table 125 only when the table 125 reaches the out-limit position and is in a fixed state. Therefore, similarly to the above-described example, the output value of the touch sensor 50
Judge whether the table 125 is in a fixed state,
Can be detected. The output signal of the touch sensor 50 is amplified at a predetermined magnification by the amplifier 330 and input to the indicator 350. When the table 125 is not in the fixed state, the indicator 350 blinks.

The present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments. However, it will be apparent that the present invention can be embodied in a manner different from the above-described embodiment by various modifications and replacements with equivalents. This embodiment is merely an example and should not be taken in any limiting sense.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A transport device capable of easily fixing and releasing a table while ensuring safety can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile-type medical image capturing system to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a transport device and a gantry device in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the transport device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a table slide mechanism according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top view and a cross-sectional view of a table and a table support unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pin according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pin according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a pin and a table according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a pin and a table according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fixed state of a table according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the shape of the table in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a table supporting portion 121 according to the second embodiment.
2 is a front perspective view of the position of the pulley 130 of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a conventional table fixing means.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional table fixing means.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining another aspect of the slide mechanism of the table shown in FIG. 4;

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yujiro Hayashi 4-7, Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo 127 G-F Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C093 AA22 BA03 CA16 ED04

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A transport device for transporting a subject to an imaging position of a medical imaging device, comprising: a table on which the subject is placed; and a table slidable in a direction of an installation position of the medical imaging device. And a fixing means for fixing the table to the table support when the power of the medical imaging apparatus is off. 2. The fixing means, comprising: a hole formed in the table; and an engaging member provided in the table support and engaging with the hole. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first position is movably provided between a first position protruding from the surface of the support portion toward the table and a second position buried in the table support portion. 3. Transport device. 3. The transport device according to claim 2, wherein the engagement member is held at the second position when a power supply of the medical imaging apparatus is turned on. 4. The table according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member is not engaged with the hole when the power of the medical imaging apparatus is off. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport device is slidable until they meet. 5. The table support unit further includes a driving mechanism for driving a sliding operation of the table, and the fixing unit is connected to the driving mechanism, and the table is connected to the medical image capturing apparatus. The transport device according to claim 1, further comprising: a one-way clutch that cannot be driven in the approaching direction; and an off-brake that activates the one-way clutch when the power of the medical imaging apparatus is off. . 6. The transport apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit configured to determine whether the table is fixed by the fixing unit. 7. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport device can be attached to a vehicle equipped with a medical image pickup device.