JP2022021802A - Medical device, jig, control method of medical device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow a front cover of a frame to be opened easily.SOLUTION: A medical device includes a frame, a bed, a drive part, and a control part. At the frame, an opening is provided where a subject can be inserted. The bed has a top plate where the subject can be placed. The drive part moves the top plate. The control part controls the drive part. The frame includes an openable/closable cover on the bed side. The control part opens the cover according to the movement of the top plate by interposing a jig between the cover and the top plate, and by the control part driving the drive part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings relate to medical devices, jigs, control methods for medical devices, and programs.

Some medical devices such as CT devices include a pedestal provided with an opening into which a subject can be inserted, and a bed arranged on the front side of the pedestal on which the subject is placed. In this medical device, the bed includes, for example, a bed drive device for moving the top plate on which the subject is placed with respect to the pedestal. A front cover that can be opened and closed is provided on the front side of the gantry, and the front cover is opened when the device provided inside the gantry is maintained.

The front cover is often opened by a maintenance worker, but since the front cover is relatively heavy, it is not easy for a worker to open the front cover by himself, for example. To solve this problem, a power assist function that assists in opening the front cover may be provided, but it does not significantly reduce the burden on the worker when opening the front cover.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-86753

The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings is to make it possible to easily open the front cover of the gantry. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problem corresponding to each effect by each configuration shown in the embodiment described later can be positioned as another problem.

The medical device of the embodiment includes a pedestal, a bed, a drive unit, and a control unit. The gantry is provided with an opening into which the subject can be inserted. The bed has a top plate on which the subject can be placed. The drive unit moves the top plate. The control unit controls the drive unit. The pedestal is provided with a cover that can be opened and closed on the bed side. The control unit accommodates a jig between the cover and the top plate, and the control unit drives the drive unit to open the cover as the top plate moves.

The block diagram of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view of the gantry device 10. The perspective view of the jig 80 of the 1st state. The perspective view of the jig 80 of the 2nd state. A process chart showing the operation of the gantry device. The flowchart which shows an example of the opening control of the front cover 60 by a control device 18. The figure which shows an example which saw the operation of opening a front cover 60 from the side. The figure which shows an example which saw the operation of opening a front cover 60 from the side. The figure which shows an example which saw the operation of opening a front cover 60 from the side. The figure which shows an example which saw the operation of opening a front cover 60 from the side. The figure which shows an example which saw the operation of opening a front cover 60 from the side. The figure which shows an example which saw the operation of opening a front cover 60 from the side. The figure which shows an example which saw the operation of opening a front cover 60 from the upper surface. The figure which shows an example which saw the operation of opening a front cover 60 from the upper surface.

Hereinafter, the medical device, the jig, the control method of the medical device, and the program of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The medical device of the embodiment is an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device. The medical device is a medical device including a pedestal provided with an opening into which a subject can be inserted and a bed having a top plate on which the subject is placed. The medical device may be, for example, a PET (positron emission tomography) -CT device or a medical diagnostic imaging device such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the embodiment operates in two operation modes, an inspection mode and a maintenance mode. The inspection mode is an operation mode when the X-ray CT device 1 is used for inspection using X-rays, and the maintenance mode is to perform maintenance such as inspection, repair, and replacement of the devices in the X-ray CT device 1. This is the operation mode for the operation.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The X-ray CT device 1 includes, for example, a gantry device 10, a bed device 30, and a console device 40. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, both a view of the gantry device 10 seen from the Z-axis direction and a view seen from the X-axis direction are shown, but in reality, the gantry device 10 is one. In the embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotation frame 17 in the non-tilt state or the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 of the bed device 30 is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction (front-back direction) and the Z-axis direction, and is horizontal to the floor surface. The axis is defined as the X-axis direction (8 laps) and the Z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). One side in the Z-axis direction, the side of the gantry device 10 where the bed device 30 is provided is the "front side", the other side in the Z-axis direction, and the opposite side of the side where the bed device 30 is provided is "". One side in the X-axis direction is defined as "left side", the other side is defined as "right side", one side in the Y-axis direction is defined as "upper side", and the other side is defined as "lower side".

The gantry device 10 includes, for example, an X-ray tube 11, a wedge 12, a collimator 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, an X-ray detector 15, and a data acquisition system (hereinafter, DAS: Data Acquisition System) 16. , A rotating frame 17, a control device 18, and a gantry 19. The X-ray tube 11, the wedge 12, the collimator 13, the X-ray high voltage device 14, the X-ray detector 15, the DAS 16, and the rotating frame 17 are housed in the gantry 19.

The X-ray tube 11 generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from the cathode (filament) toward the anode (target) by applying a high voltage from the X-ray high voltage device 14. The X-ray tube 11 includes a vacuum tube. For example, the X-ray tube 11 is a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermions.

The wedge 12 is a filter for adjusting the X-ray dose applied to the subject P from the X-ray tube 11. The wedge 12 attenuates the X-rays passing through itself so that the distribution of the X-ray dose applied to the subject P from the X-ray tube 11 becomes a predetermined distribution. The wedge 12 is also called a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter. The wedge 12 is made by processing aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness, for example.

The collimator 13 is a mechanism for narrowing the irradiation range of X-rays transmitted through the wedge 12. The collimator 13 narrows down the X-ray irradiation range by forming a slit, for example, by combining a plurality of lead plates. The collimator 13 may be called an X-ray diaphragm. The narrowing range of the collimator 13 may be mechanically driveable.

The X-ray high voltage device 14 includes, for example, a high voltage generator and an X-ray control device. The high voltage generator has an electric circuit including a transformer, a rectifier, and the like, and generates a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray control device controls the output voltage of the high voltage generator according to the X-ray dose to be generated in the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be one that boosts the voltage by the transformer described above, or may be one that boosts the voltage by an inverter. The X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 17 or may be provided on the side of the fixed frame (not shown) of the gantry device 10.

The X-ray detector 15 detects the intensity of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 11 and passed through the subject P to be incident. The X-ray detector 15 outputs an electric signal (which may be an optical signal or the like) according to the intensity of the detected X-ray to the DAS 18. The X-ray detector 15 has, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element trains. Each of the plurality of X-ray detection element trains is an arrangement of a plurality of X-ray detection elements in the channel direction along an arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 11. The plurality of X-ray detection element sequences are arranged in the slice direction (column direction, row direction).

The X-ray detector 15 is an indirect detector having, for example, a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators. Each scintillator has a scintillator crystal. The scintillator crystal emits light in an amount corresponding to the intensity of incident X-rays. The grid is arranged on the plane on which the X-rays of the scintillator array are incident and has an X-ray shielding plate having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The grid may also be called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array has, for example, an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The optical sensor array outputs an electric signal according to the amount of light emitted by the scintillator. The X-ray detector 15 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electric signal.

The DAS 16 has, for example, an amplifier, an integrator, and an A / D converter. The amplifier performs amplification processing on the electric signal output by each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 15. The integrator integrates the amplified electrical signal over the view period (discussed below). The A / D converter converts an electric signal indicating the integration result into a digital signal. The DAS 16 outputs the detection data based on the digital signal to the console device 40. The detection data is a digital value of the X-ray intensity identified by the channel number, the column number, and the view number indicating the collected view of the X-ray detection element of the generation source. The view number is a number that changes according to the rotation of the rotation frame 17, and is, for example, a number that is incremented according to the rotation of the rotation frame 17. Therefore, the view number is information indicating the rotation angle of the X-ray tube 11. The view period is a period within the period from the rotation angle corresponding to a certain view number to the arrival of the rotation angle corresponding to the next view number. The DAS 16 may detect the change of view by a timing signal input from the control device 18, an internal timer, or a signal acquired from a sensor (not shown). .. When X-rays are continuously exposed by the X-ray tube 11 in the case of performing a full scan, the DAS 16 collects the detection data group for the entire circumference (360 degrees). When X-rays are continuously exposed by the X-ray tube 11 in the case of performing a half scan, the DAS 16 collects detection data for a half circumference (180 degrees).

The rotating frame 17 is an annular member that supports the X-ray tube 11, the wedge 12, the collimator 13, and the X-ray detector 15 so as to face each other. The rotating frame 17 is rotatably supported by the fixed frame around the subject P introduced inside. The rotating frame 17 further supports the DAS 16. The detection data output by the DAS 16 has a photodiode provided in a non-rotating portion (for example, a fixed frame) of the gantry device 10 by optical communication from a transmitter having a light emitting diode (LED) provided in the rotating frame 17. It is transmitted to the receiver and transferred to the console device 40 by the receiver. The method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 17 to the non-rotating portion is not limited to the above-mentioned method using optical communication, and any non-contact type transmission method may be adopted. The rotating frame 17 is not limited to an annular member as long as it can support and rotate an X-ray tube 11 or the like, and may be a member such as an arm.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 is, for example, a Rotate / Rotate-Type X-ray CT apparatus (third) in which both the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 15 are supported by the rotating frame 17 and rotate around the subject P. Generation CT), but not limited to this, in Stationary / Rotate-Type in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in an annular shape are fixed to a fixed frame and the X-ray tube 11 rotates around the subject P. It may be an X-ray CT apparatus (4th generation CT).

The control device 18 has, for example, a processing circuit having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a drive mechanism including a motor, an actuator, and the like. The processing circuit realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor executing a program stored in a storage device (storage circuit).

The hardware processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (Simple Programmable Logic)). It means a circuit such as a Device (SPLD) or a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc. Instead of storing a program in a storage device. The program may be configured to be embedded directly in the circuit of the hardware processor. In this case, the hardware processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The storage device is not limited to a single circuit, but may be configured as one hardware processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize each function. The storage device is non-temporary (hardware). It may be a storage medium (of the hardware), or a plurality of components may be integrated into one hardware processor to realize each function.

The control device 18 controls the bed device 30 in either an inspection mode or a maintenance mode. When the operation mode is the inspection mode, the control device 18 receives an input signal from the input interface 43 attached to the console device 40 or the operation panel attached to the gantry device 10, and the pedestal device 10 and the bed device 30 receive an input signal. Control the operation. The control device 18 is an example of a control unit.

The control device 18 rotates, for example, the rotating frame 17, tilts the pedestal 19 of the pedestal device 10, and moves the top plate 33 of the bed device 30. When tilting the gantry 19, the control device 18 rotates the rotating frame 17 around an axis parallel to the Z-axis direction based on the tilt angle (tilt angle) input to the input interface 43. The control device 18 grasps the rotation angle of the rotation frame 17 by the output of a sensor (not shown) or the like. Further, the control device 18 provides the processing circuit 50 with the rotation angle of the rotation frame 17 at any time. The control device 18 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or in the console device 40.

The control device 18 controls to open the front cover 60 (hereinafter, referred to as “opening control of the front cover 60”) when the operation mode is the maintenance mode. The control device 18 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or in the console device 40. The opening control of the front cover 60 and the opening operation of the front cover 60 will be further described later.

A mode changeover switch S1 and a start switch S2 are provided on the back side of the gantry 19. When a worker or the like operates the mode changeover switch S1, the mode changeover switch S1 outputs a changeover signal to the control device 18. When a worker or the like operates the start switch S2, the start switch S2 outputs a start signal to the control device 18.

The control device 18 switches the operation mode from the inspection mode to the maintenance mode when the changeover signal is output by the mode changeover switch S1 when the operation mode is the inspection mode. The control device 18 starts the bed drive device 32 of the bed device 30 when the start signal is output by the start switch S2 when the operation mode is the maintenance mode and the opening control of the front cover 60 is not started. Then, the opening control of the front cover 60 is started.

The front cover 60 is provided on the front side of the gantry 19. The front cover 60 can be opened and closed, and by opening the front cover 60, various devices provided inside the gantry 19 can be inspected or repaired from the outside. A hinge 61 is provided at the upper end of the front cover 60. The front cover 60 is made rotatable with respect to the gantry 19 by a hinge 61 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction at the upper end position thereof, for example, around a rotation axis along a horizontal direction.

The front cover 60 is opened and closed by the opening and closing operation. The closed front cover 60 hangs down from the hinge 61 and covers the front surface of the gantry 19. In the open front cover 60, the hinge 61 is rotated counterclockwise by about 90 ° from the closed state, and the surface thereof is substantially horizontal to the ground.

The front cover 60 is closed when the X-ray CT device 1 operates in the inspection mode. The front cover 60 is opened when the X-ray CT device 1 operates in the maintenance mode, and is changed from the closed state to the open state. The open front cover 60 is supported, for example, by two support rods 62 (see FIGS. 6B and 7). The support rod 62 is an example of a support portion.

At the positions lowered from both ends in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the front cover 60 and both ends in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the front cover 60 of the gantry 19 (positions moved downward along the Y-axis direction). , A fitting portion for fitting the support rod 62 is provided. The support rod 62 is fitted into each of the left and right fitting portions of the gantry 19 and the front cover 60, and the support rod 62 is bridged between the gantry 19 and the front cover 60, so that the front cover 60 in the open state is supported by the support rod. Supported by 62.

A notch 63 wider than the support frame 34 of the bed device 30 is provided at the lower end portion of the front cover 60 substantially in the center in the X-axis direction. By providing the notch 63 in the front cover 60, interference between the front cover 60 and the bed device 30 can be avoided when the front cover 60 is opened. Two rings 64 that are separated from each other in the X-axis direction are attached to the central portion of the notch 63 in the X-axis direction.

The gantry 19 is provided with an opening 70 into which the subject P can be inserted and which has a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the top plate 33 of the bed device 30 in which the subject (subject) P is placed is inserted into the opening 70. The front cover 60 is provided with an opening having the same diameter as the opening 70. The subject P placed on the top plate 33 passes through the opening in the front cover 60 and is inserted into the opening 70. The front cover 60 is an example of a cover.

The bed device 30 is a device on which the subject P to be scanned is placed, moved, and introduced into the rotating frame 17 of the pedestal device 10. The base 31 in the bed device 30 includes a housing that movably supports the support frame 34 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The bed drive device 32 includes a motor and an actuator. The bed driving device 32 moves the top plate 33 on which the subject P is placed along the support frame 34 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the top plate 33. The top plate 33 is a plate-shaped member on which the subject P is placed. The bed drive device 32 retracts the top plate 33 and inserts it into the opening of the gantry 19. The bed drive device 32 advances the top plate 33 and pulls it out from the gantry 19. The bed device 30 is an example of a bed, and the bed drive device 32 is an example of a drive unit.

The bed drive device 32 may move not only the top plate 33 but also the support frame 34 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33. Further, contrary to the above, the gantry device 10 may be movable in the Z-axis direction, and the rotation frame 17 may be controlled to come around the subject P by the movement of the gantry device 10. Further, both the gantry device 10 and the top plate 33 may be movable.

The bed device 30 is used as a device for opening the front cover 60 when the X-ray CT device 1 operates in the maintenance mode. In this case, the jig 80 is interposed between the bed device 30 and the front cover 60. The operation of the bed device 30 and the jig 80 when the front cover 60 is opened will be described later.

The console device 40 has, for example, a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 50. In the embodiment, the console device 40 will be described as a separate body from the gantry device 10, but the gantry device 10 may include a part or all of each component of the console device 40.

The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 41 stores, for example, detection data, projection data, reconstructed image data, CT image data, and the like. These data may be stored in an external memory with which the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can communicate, instead of the memory 41 (or in addition to the memory 41). The external memory is controlled by the cloud server, for example, when the cloud server that manages the external memory receives a read / write request.

The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 displays a medical image (CT image) generated by a processing circuit, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image that accepts various operations by an operator such as a doctor or a technician, and the like. The display 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like. The display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10. The display 42 may be a desktop type or a display device (for example, a tablet terminal) capable of wirelessly communicating with the main body of the console device 40.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations by the operator and outputs an electric signal indicating the contents of the received input operations to the processing circuit 50. For example, the input interface 43 is an input operation such as a collection condition when collecting detection data or projection data, a reconstruction condition when reconstructing a CT image, and an image processing condition when generating a post-processed image from a CT image. Accept. The input interface 43 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a drag ball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a camera, an infrared sensor, a microphone, and the like. The input interface 43 may be realized by a display device (for example, a tablet terminal) capable of wireless communication with the main body of the console device 40.

In this specification, the input interface is not limited to the one provided with physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of an input interface includes an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electric signal to a control circuit.

The processing circuit 50 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The processing circuit 50 includes, for example, a control function 51, a pre-processing function 52, a reconstruction processing function 53, and an image processing function 54. The processing circuit 50 realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor executing a program stored in a storage device (storage circuit).

The hardware processor means, for example, a circuit such as a CPU, a GPU, an integrated circuit for a specific application, a programmable logic device or a composite programmable logic device, and a field programmable gate array. Instead of storing the program in the storage device, the program may be configured to be directly embedded in the circuit of the hardware processor. The hardware processor is not limited to the one configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as one hardware processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize each function. The storage device may be a non-temporary (hardware) storage medium. Further, a plurality of components may be integrated into one hardware processor to realize each function.

Each component of the console device 40 or the processing circuit 50 may be decentralized and realized by a plurality of hardware. The processing circuit 50 may be realized not by the configuration of the console device 40 but by a processing device capable of communicating with the console device 40. The processing device is, for example, a workstation connected to one X-ray CT device, or a device connected to a plurality of X-ray CT devices and collectively executing the same processing as the processing circuit 50 described below (the processing device). For example, a cloud server).

The control function 51 controls various functions of the processing circuit 50 based on the input operation received by the input interface 43. For example, the control function 51 controls the X-ray high voltage device 14, the DAS 16, the control device 18, and the sleeper drive device 32 to execute the collection process of the detection data in the gantry device 10.

The preprocessing function 52 performs preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output by DAS16, and generates projection data. The projection data is stored in the memory 41.

The reconstruction processing function 53 performs reconstruction processing on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 52 by a filter correction back projection method, a successive approximation reconstruction method, or the like to generate and generate CT image data. The CT image data is stored in the memory 41.

The image processing function 54 converts CT image data into three-dimensional image data or cross-sectional image data of an arbitrary cross section by a known method based on the input operation received by the input interface 43. The conversion to the three-dimensional image data may be performed by the preprocessing function 52.

(Opening operation of front cover 60)
Next, the opening operation of the front cover 60 when maintaining the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described. Before opening the front cover 60, the worker interposes the jig 80 between the top plate 33 and the front cover 60. Here, the jig 80 will be described. 3A is a perspective view of the jig 80 in the first state, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the jig 80 in the second state.

The jig 80 includes a torsion spring 81. One end (base end) of the first arm 82 is attached to one side of the torsion spring 81, and one end (base end) of the second arm 83 is attached to the other side of the torsion spring 81. The first arm 82 and the second arm 83 are relatively rotatable about the torsion spring 81. A tip plate 84 is provided at the other end (tip) of the first arm 82. A first hinge 85 is provided between the first arm 82 and the tip plate 84. The first arm 82 and the tip plate 84 are relatively rotatable by the provision of the first hinge 85.

At the other end (tip) of the second arm 83, two attachment portions 86 having hooks separated in the X-axis direction are attached. A second hinge 87 is provided between the second arm 83 and the mounting portion 86. The second arm 83 and the mounting portion 86 are relatively rotatable by the provision of the second hinge 87.

The jig 80 has a first state in which tension is applied to the torsion spring 81 shown in FIG. 3A and folded, a second state in which the tension of the torsion spring 81 shown in FIG. 3B is released, and a first arm 82 and a first arm 82. The two arms 83 can be transformed into a third state (see FIG. 7B) in which the two arms 83 are arranged substantially linearly. In the jig 80 in the first state, the first arm 82 and the second arm 83 are arranged substantially in a straight line. In the jig 80 in the second state, due to the urging force of the torsion spring 81, the tips of the first arm 82 and the tip of the second arm 83 are separated from each other while being close to each other. The jig 80 may allow the first arm 82 and the second arm 83 to rotate relatively beyond the third state, or may rotate to the front of the third state. good.

The top plate 33 in the bed device 30 is provided with a pocket to which the tip plate 84 is fixed. The separation distance between the two rings 64 provided on the front cover 60 is substantially the same as the separation distance between the two mounting portions 86. The tip plate 84 of the jig 80 in the first state is fixed to the pocket provided on the top plate 33, and the mounting portion 86 is hooked on the ring 64, so that the jig 80 is placed between the bed device 30 and the front cover 60. A jig 80 is interposed.

The jig 80 is maintained in the first state by the lock portion 90, for example, before being attached to the bed device 30 and the front cover 60. The lock portion 90 is provided on the side surface of the first arm 82, for example, and includes a protrusion for locking the mounting portion 86, and locks the first arm 82 and the second arm 83 in the first state. The lock portion 90 is urged by a spring (not shown) so as to retract toward the side surface of the first arm 82 and to protrude outward from the side surface of the first arm 82. The lock portion 90 is provided at a position on the side of the first arm 82 where the mounting portion 86 is located in the jig 80 in the first state.

When the locking portion 90 locks the mounting portion 86 of the jig 80 in the first state, tension is applied to the torsion spring 81 by the locking portion 90, and the jig 80 is maintained in the first state. By pushing the lock portion 90 into the first arm 82 to unlock the mounting portion 86, the lock by the lock portion 90 is released, and the tension applied to the torsion spring 81 by the lock portion 90 is released.

The lock portion may be of another form. The protrusions are provided on both sides of the first arm 82 and the second arm 83 in the X-axis direction, but may be provided on either side. The lock portion may be a band around which the first arm 82 and the second arm 83 of the folded jig 80 are wound. The lock portion is an example of a lock structure.

Subsequently, the opening operation of the front cover 60 will be described. 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing an example of a process of opening the front cover 60, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of opening control of the front cover 60 by the control device 18, FIGS. 6A to 6C and FIGS. 7A to 7C are shown. 8A and 8B are views showing an example of the operation of opening the front cover 60 as viewed from the side, and FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing an example of the operation of opening the front cover 60 as viewed from above. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 inspects a subject with the front cover 60 closed when the operation mode is the inspection mode. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 opens the front cover 60 for maintenance of the device housed inside the gantry 19 when the operation mode is the maintenance mode.

As shown in FIG. 4, when performing maintenance of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 that has not been inspected, the worker first operates the mode changeover switch S1 to change the operation mode from the inspection mode to the maintenance mode. Switch. Therefore, the control device 18 determines whether or not the mode changeover switch S1 has been operated based on the presence or absence of the changeover signal output by the mode changeover switch S1 (step S101).

When the changeover signal is output and it is determined that the mode changeover switch S1 has been operated, the control device 18 switches the operation mode to the maintenance mode (step S103). Subsequently, the control device 18 uses the bed drive device 32 to move the top plate 33 of the bed device 30 in the direction (rearward) toward the pedestal 19 (step S105).

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 8A, the control device 18 is heavenly up to a position where the rear end of the top plate 33 (the end near the gantry 19) overlaps the front end of the gantry 19 (the position directly below the notch 63). Move the plate 33. The top plate 33 is arranged, for example, at the lowermost position at the end of the inspection executed in the inspection mode. However, when the mode changeover switch S1 is operated, a situation may occur in which the top plate 33 is not arranged at the lowermost position. In this case, when the control device 18 determines that the mode changeover switch S1 has been operated, the control device 18 moves the top plate 33 to the lowermost position before executing step S105.

When the top plate 33 is moved to a position where the rear end of the top plate 33 overlaps with the front end of the gantry 19, the worker intervenes the jig 80 between the gantry 19 and the top plate 33 (step S107). At this time, the worker fixes the tip plate 84 of the jig 80 maintained in the first state by the lock portion 90 to the pocket of the top plate 33, and the hook of the mounting portion 86 is provided on the front cover 60 before opening. Hook on the ring 64. At this time, the torsion spring 81 is placed on the top plate 33.

Subsequently, the worker releases the lock by the lock portion 90 of the jig 80, and releases the tension applied to the torsion spring 81 of the jig 80 by the lock portion 90. At this time, in the jig 80, the tip plate 84 is attached to the top plate 33 and the attachment portion 86 is attached to the front cover 60, so that the torsion spring 81 is maintained in a tensioned state. 80 maintains the first state.

After the jig 80 is interposed between the gantry 19 and the top plate 33, the worker operates the start switch S2 in order to start the maintenance of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The control device 18 determines whether or not the start switch S2 has been operated based on the presence or absence of the start signal output by the start switch S2 (step S109).

When it is determined that the start signal has not been output by the start switch S2 and the start switch S2 has not been operated, the control device 18 repeats the process of step S109 until the start signal is output by the start switch S2. When the start signal is output by the start switch S2 and it is determined that the start switch S2 has been operated, the control device 18 controls the opening of the front cover 60 (step S111). The opening control of the front cover 60 is a control for opening the front cover 60 by controlling the movement of the top plate 33.

Here, the opening control of the front cover 60 in step S111 will be described with reference to FIG. When it is determined in step S109 that the start operation switch has been operated, the control device 18 advances the top plate 33 in the direction away from the gantry 19 (forward) as shown in FIG. 6B (step S201).

As the top plate 33 moves, the second arm 83 of the jig 80 moves forward with the lower end of the front cover 60. At this time, the lower end portion of the front cover 60 moves forward, and the front cover 60 rotates counterclockwise around the hinge 61 and begins to open, and the lower end portion thereof rises. As the front cover 60 rotates, the second arm 83 rotates clockwise around the torsion spring 81. At this time, since the second hinge 87 is interposed between the second arm 83 and the mounting portion 86, the second arm 83 rotates smoothly.

Subsequently, the control device 18 determines whether or not the top plate 33 has reached the movement direction conversion position (step S203). As shown in FIG. 6C, the movement direction conversion position is in the Z-axis direction of the top plate 33 in which the front cover 60 and the second arm 83 are arranged in a straight line when the top plate 33 is located at the lowermost end. The position.

The movement direction change position is obtained in advance based on, for example, the control height of the top plate 33, the size of the front cover 60, the jig 80, and the like, and is stored in the storage device of the control device 18. The control device 18 determines whether or not the position of the top plate 33 has reached the movement direction conversion position stored in the memory 41.

When it is determined that the top plate 33 has not reached the moving direction changing position, the control device 18 repeats the process of step S203 until it is determined that the top plate 33 has reached the moving direction changing position, and the sky is topped. Advance the plate 33. When it is determined that the top plate 33 has reached the movement direction conversion position, the control device 18 converts the movement direction of the top plate 33 from the front to the top and raises the top plate 33 as shown in FIG. 7A. (Step S205).

When the control device 18 raises the top plate 33, the second arm 83 of the jig 80 rotates clockwise around the torsion spring 81 due to the urging force of the torsion spring 81. The second arm 83 pushes up the front cover 60 by rotating. The control device 18 raises the top plate 33 as it is to further release the front cover 60.

In this process, the torsion spring 81 eventually rises upward from the state of being placed on the top plate 33, and the first arm 82 rotates counterclockwise around the tip plate 84. At this time, since the first hinge 85 is interposed between the first arm 82 and the tip plate 84, the first arm 82 rotates smoothly.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7B, the control device 18 determines whether or not the jig 80 is in the third state and the front cover 60 is in the open state (step S207). The storage device of the control device 18 stores the position in the Z-axis direction of the top plate 33 in which the front cover 60 is in the open state (hereinafter, referred to as “open state regulation position”). The open state regulation position is obtained in advance based on, for example, the control position of the top plate 33, the size of the front cover 60, the jig 80, and the like, and is stored in the storage device of the control device 18. The control device 18 determines whether or not the front cover 60 is in the open state based on whether or not the position of the top plate 33 has reached the open state regulation position stored in the memory 41.

When it is determined that the front cover 60 is not in the open state, the control device 18 repeats the process of step S207 until it is determined that the front cover 60 is in the open state, and raises the top plate 33. When it is determined that the front cover 60 is in the open state, the control device 18 stops the top plate 33 (step S209). In this way, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 ends the process shown in FIG.

Returning to the flow shown in FIG. 4, when the front cover 60 is opened, the worker bridges the support rod 62 between the front cover 60 and the gantry 19 at both left and right ends of the front cover 60 as shown in FIGS. 7C and 8B (as shown in FIGS. 7C and 8B). Step S113). Subsequently, the worker removes the jig 80 between the top plate 33 and the front cover 60 (step S115). After that, when the worker operates a predetermined switch, the control device 18 lowers the top plate 33 to the lowermost position (step S117). In this way, the work of opening the front cover 60 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is completed.

If it is determined in step S101 that the changeover signal has not been output and the mode changeover switch S1 has not been operated, the control device 18 executes control of the X-ray CT device 1 in the inspection mode (step S119). In this way, the work of opening the front cover 60 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is completed.

In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the jig 80 is interposed between the front cover 60 and the top plate 33, and the top plate 33 is moved to open the front cover 60. Therefore, since the front cover 60 is opened without the worker pushing up the heavy front cover 60, the front cover of the gantry can be easily opened.

In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the top plate 33 is advanced, moved away from the gantry 19, and then raised to open the front cover 60. Therefore, the front cover 60 can be reliably opened. In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the embodiment, a jig 80 is interposed between the front cover 60 and the top plate 33, the top plate 33 is moved to open the front cover 60, and then the front cover 60 is provided by the support rod 62. Support. Therefore, even if the jig 80 is removed, the open state of the front cover 60 can be maintained, so that the jig 80 does not get in the way when performing maintenance work. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the jig 80 from being continuously burdened, deterioration of the jig 80 can be suppressed.

In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the jig 80 includes a torsion spring 81, and a first arm 82 and a second arm 83 attached to the torsion spring 81. Therefore, since the first arm 82 is attached to the top plate 33 and the second arm 83 is attached to the front cover 60 to open the front cover 60, the urging force of the torsion spring 81 is used to open the front cover 60. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to assist the opening operation of the front cover 60 without requiring the power of a motor or the like.

In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the jig 80 in the first state, in which tension is applied to the torsion spring 81 and folded, is attached to the top plate 33 and the front cover 60. Therefore, the operation of the jig 80 when the front cover 60 is opened can be stabilized. The jig 80 includes a lock portion 90 that locks the first arm 82 and the second arm 83 in the first state. Therefore, the jig 80 in the first state can be easily attached to the top plate 33 and the front cover 60.

In the above embodiment, when the front cover 60 is released, the control is performed to advance the top plate 33 and then raise it, but other control may be performed. For example, the front cover 60 may be released while interweaving the forward movement and the ascending of the top plate 33. Alternatively, in the process of advancing and raising the top plate, a step of retracting or lowering the top plate 33 may be interwoven.

In the above embodiment, the top plate 33 is operated until the front cover 60 is fully opened, but the top plate 33 may be operated to other states. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the top plate 33 may be operated until the front cover 60 is in a half-open state (hereinafter referred to as “half-open state”). In this case, a support rod for supporting the front cover 60 in the half-open state may be bridged between the front cover 60 and the gantry 19 to support the front cover 60. When the front cover 60 is in the half-open state, control may be performed so that the top plate 33 is only moved forward and not raised.

Further, the control device 18 can control the opening degree (opening degree) for opening the front cover 60, and the operator may be able to select it. In this case, for example, the gantry 19 is provided with a "fully open switch" and a "half open switch" instead of the start switch S2, and when the "fully open switch" is operated, the front cover 60 is opened, and when the "half open switch" is operated, the front is opened. The cover 60 may be in a half-open state.

In the above embodiment, the mode changeover switch S1 and the start switch S2 are provided on the back side of the gantry 19, but these switches may be provided at other positions. These switches may be provided, for example, on the front side of the gantry 19 or on the input interface 43 of the console device 40.

In the above embodiment, the control device 18 opens the front cover 60 by operating the top plate 33, but the front cover 60 may be closed. In the above embodiment, the urging direction of the torsion spring 81 in the jig 80 is constant. Therefore, when the top plate 33 is subjected to an operation opposite to the operation of opening the front cover 60, a part of the entire process of closing the front cover 60 is executed. In this respect, by providing a motor or the like instead of the torsion spring 81, it is possible to cause the top plate 33 to perform an operation opposite to the operation of opening the front cover 60 and to perform an operation of closing the front cover 60.

In the above embodiment, the control device 18 puts the gantry 19 in a non-tilt state and opens the front cover 60. On the other hand, the control device 18 may tilt the gantry 19 when the front cover 60 is opened. As an embodiment in which the gantry 19 is tilted when the front cover 60 is opened, the control device 18 may open the front cover 60 after the gantry 19 is in the tilted state, or the front cover 60 may be tilted while the gantry 19 is tilted. You may open it. In this case, the control device 18 may tilt the gantry 19 clockwise so that the upper portion tilts forward, or may tilt the gantry 19 counterclockwise so that the upper portion succeeds. By tilting the upper part of the gantry 19 so as to tilt forward, the front cover 60 can be opened with a small amount of movement of the top plate 33.

According to at least one embodiment described above, a pedestal provided with an opening into which a subject can be inserted, a bed having a top plate on which the subject can be placed, and a drive unit for moving the top plate. The pedestal has a cover that can be opened and closed on the bed side, and the control unit has a jig interposed between the cover and the top plate. The control unit drives the drive unit to open the cover with the movement of the top plate, thereby opening the cover with the movement of at least one of the top plate and the gantry. By doing so, the front cover of the gantry can be easily opened.

Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

1 ... X-ray CT device 10 ... Stand device 18 ... Control device 19 ... Stand 30 ... Sleep device 32 ... Sleep drive device 33 ... Top plate 34 ... Support frame 40 ... Console device 60 ... Front cover 61 ... Hinge 62 ... Support rod 64 ... Ring 70 ... Opening 80 ... Jig 81 ... Torsion spring 82 ... First arm 83 ... Second arm 84 ... Tip plate 85 ... First hinge 86 ... Mounting part 87 ... Second hinge 90 ... Lock part

Claims (10)

A pedestal with an opening into which the subject can be inserted,
A bed having a top plate on which the subject can be placed, and
The drive unit that moves the top plate and
A control unit that controls the drive unit is provided.
The pedestal is provided with a cover that can be opened and closed on the bed side.
The control unit is a medical device in which a jig is interposed between the cover and the top plate, and the control unit drives the drive unit to open the cover as the top plate moves. The cover is rotatable with respect to the gantry around a rotation axis along a direction intersecting in the vertical direction, and is opened by rotating while raising the lower end.
The top plate can be moved in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the top plate.
The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit drives the drive unit so as to move the top plate having the jig interposed between the cover and the top plate away from the gantry and raise the cover to open the cover. Medical equipment. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein a support portion is bridged between the cover in the open state and the gantry, so that the cover in the open state from which the jig has been removed is supported by the support portion. .. The jig used for the medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The jig includes a torsion spring, a first arm attached to one side of the torsion spring, and a second arm attached to the other side of the torsion spring.
The jig according to claim 4, wherein the first arm can be attached to the top plate, and the second arm can be attached to the cover. The jig can be transformed into a first state in which tension is applied to the torsion spring and folded, and a second state in which the tension of the torsion spring is released.
The jig according to claim 5, wherein the first arm is attached to the top plate in the first state, and the second arm is attached to the cover before opening. The jig according to claim 6, further comprising a lock structure for locking the first arm and the second arm in the first state. A pedestal provided with an opening into which a subject can be inserted, a bed having a top plate on which the subject can be placed, and a drive unit for moving the top plate are provided, and the pedestal opens and closes on the sleeper side. In opening the cover in a medical device in which a jig is interposed between the cover provided as possible and the pedestal.
The control unit that controls the operation of the top plate is a control method for a medical device that moves the top plate by the operation of opening the cover by driving the drive unit. The control method for a medical device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit tilts the gantry when the cover is opened. A pedestal provided with an opening into which a subject can be inserted, a bed having a top plate on which the subject can be placed, and a drive unit for moving the top plate are provided, and the pedestal opens and closes on the sleeper side. In opening the cover in a medical device in which a jig is interposed between a cover provided as possible and the pedestal.
A program that causes a control unit that controls the operation of the top plate to execute a process of moving the top plate by an operation of opening the cover by driving the drive unit.

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