JP5196763B2 - Bed apparatus and medical diagnostic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bed base device and a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  In recent years, medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as X-ray diagnostic apparatuses have various modalities depending on the purpose of image diagnosis. For example, there are a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, an X-ray digital fluoroscopy apparatus, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, etc., and these apparatuses irradiate a subject lying on a bed apparatus with X-rays. Alternatively, the state of the body of the subject is displayed by a magnetic resonance phenomenon using a magnetic field.

  These medical image diagnostic apparatuses are generally configured to include a bed apparatus having a couch on which a subject lies, and a gantry that is an examination space for the subject and can accommodate the subject lying on the bed apparatus. ing. Also, these gantry and bed apparatus are installed adjacent to each other, and the top plate on which the subject is placed in the bed apparatus is carried into the gantry having an opening so that the subject is accommodated inside the gantry. A basic configuration is a configuration for executing a desired inspection.

  Among these, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus places the subject in a static magnetic field, directs nuclear spins (for example, hydrogen atoms) in the subject in the direction of the static magnetic field, and then applies the RF of the Larmor frequency to the subject. A pulse (pulsed high frequency magnetic field) is applied to excite the nuclear spin. The imaging apparatus reconstructs an image using an MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal generated from a subject in association with the excitation.

  Conventionally, this magnetic resonance imaging apparatus has been generally used for examination of specific parts such as the head, cerebral blood vessel, neck, chest, abdomen, and extremities of a subject. However, in recent years, a magnetic resonance imaging system for taking a whole body image of a subject has been proposed for this magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. This whole body imaging magnetic resonance imaging system contributes to the efficiency of multi-section examinations as compared with the prior art, and can perform detailed data collection, diversification of examinations, and advanced precision examinations.

  However, in order to execute whole body imaging, the subject must be accommodated in the gantry in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. As described above, since the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is configured to carry the top plate on which the subject is placed into the gantry, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus reciprocates between the bed apparatus and the gantry in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus as compared with the conventional apparatus. The top plate stroke becomes longer.

  That is, compared with a conventional apparatus that performs an examination for each examination site of a subject, an apparatus that can perform whole body imaging requires that the head to the foot be accommodated inside the gantry. Among the examination parts of the subject placed on the gantry, even the part farthest from the gantry can be the subject of examination, and the stroke length of the top plate for conveying the subject from the bed apparatus is inevitably long. .

  In addition, in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the horizontal length at the time of installation of a gantry where examination of a subject is performed is compared with that of an X-ray CT apparatus or the like from the viewpoint of ensuring static magnetic field uniformity and gradient magnetic field linearity. And the installation area will increase accordingly. In addition, in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that generally tends to have a large installation area, when a configuration that enables whole-body imaging is adopted, the installation area increases as the distance between the bed apparatus and the gantry increases. .

  Therefore, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of performing whole body imaging as described above, it is necessary to reduce the installation area of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including the bed apparatus and the gantry while ensuring the necessary top plate stroke length. Become. In this regard, the length of the top plate can be extended by extending the length of the top plate as in the conventional case, but in this case, the length of the bed apparatus that supports the top plate is extended and the installation area is expanded. Will lead to. In addition, in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, it is necessary to secure a minimum length from the viewpoint of the uniformity of a static magnetic field in addition to the height of a subject when imaging a whole body. It is difficult to adopt a configuration that reduces the overall length, and the gantry of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus cannot be less than the minimum length required for imaging.

  In this regard, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1, two intermediate drive units having different diameters for moving the top plate, two belts driven by each of the intermediate drive units, and a drive source thereof The bed apparatus having a driving mechanism drives the intermediate driving unit by the driving source, drives one belt, drives the other belt, and moves the top plate and the intermediate driving unit at different speeds. A top plate stroke length longer than the total length of the plate can be ensured.

JP 2006-129938 A

  As described above, in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus used for whole-body imaging, it is possible to place a subject, extend the stroke length of the top plate for carrying it into the gantry, and increase the installation area of the entire apparatus. It is desirable to avoid it. In addition, since it is difficult to reduce the overall length of the gantry from the viewpoint of static magnetic field uniformity, the total length of the top plate and the bed apparatus is the minimum required for ensuring the height of the subject and the uniformity of the static magnetic field. It is necessary to keep it in length.

  In this regard, according to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to make the top board stroke length equal to or greater than the top board length. An appropriate length (for example, about twice the height of the subject) can be obtained.

  On the other hand, in a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus such as a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, it is necessary to accurately position an imaging position at the time of imaging of a subject. The top table stroke in this bed apparatus is also carried into the gantry. The amount of movement is required to be highly accurate. In addition, in order to avoid speed unevenness, it is required that the carry-in speed of the top plate stroke on which the subject is placed be highly accurate, and it is also required to increase the conveyance efficiency (transmission efficiency).

  However, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to Patent Document 1, when the top plate is moved in the gantry direction, one belt is driven by a driving source and the intermediate driving unit is moved to drive the other belt. Since the plate is moved, the top plate stroke length (movement amount) is determined by the two belts. That is, the driving mechanism of the top plate by the two belts affects the stroke length. That is, the total length of the belt of the drive mechanism is set in association with the length of one belt and the length of the other belt.

  Therefore, the bed apparatus of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to Patent Document 1 must be precisely designed and manufactured so as not to cause an error in the top plate stroke length. That is, for each of the two belts, the distance between the axes of the rotating body (pulley, etc.) that stretches the belt of the drive mechanism, the belt tension, and the like must be precisely designed and manufactured, and between the two belts The function must be designed and manufactured with great care.

  Further, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to Patent Document 1, since the length of the other belt is determined based on the length of the one belt, the error of the other belt is caused by an error that occurs with respect to the length of the one belt. An error also occurs in the length. Therefore, the error generated in one belt may accumulate the error and cause a larger shift in the movement amount of the top plate.

  From the viewpoints other than the above, it is necessary to consider that there is a restriction that a material that does not affect the magnetic field must be used in general magnetic resonance imaging apparatuses. Therefore, in the case of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, in supporting the top plate that moves away from the bed apparatus within the constraints of the material, it is necessary to ensure the strength to withstand even when the subject is placed. Don't be.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. That is, in the bed apparatus of a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus such as a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the drive mechanism is simple, adjustment between the drive mechanisms is facilitated, and the top board is moved beyond the length of the top board. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a medical image diagnostic apparatus using the sleeping apparatus and capable can be ensured top plate stroke length.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a top plate for placing a subject to be used for medical image diagnosis, a bed body supporting the top plate, the top plate and the bed body. is installed between the, and is in the long hole is formed along the longitudinal direction, a frame in which a pair of pulleys are rotatably supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the long hole, rotating with respect to the pair of pulleys A part of the start end in the reciprocating direction on the side facing the top plate is fixed to the top plate, and a part on the end side of the reciprocating movement on the side facing the bed body is a belt which is fixed to the bed body, a bed apparatus which is characterized in that a drive mechanism for the previous SL frame is reciprocated along the longitudinal direction of the top plate.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gantry that has an opening penetrating from one surface to the opposite surface, accommodates a subject inside the opening, and collects in-vivo information of the subject. A couch provided with a couch for placing the subject and transporting it to the opening of the gantry, and a couch body for supporting the couch so as to be reciprocally movable to the gantry. A medical image diagnostic apparatus configured, wherein the couch device is installed between the couchtop and the couch body and has a long hole formed along a length direction thereof. Includes a frame on which a pair of pulleys is rotatably supported , and a stretched portion that is rotatable with respect to the pair of pulleys. The front side is fixed to the top plate and the opposite side of the bed body is A belt end side part of the movement is fixed to the bed body, a drive mechanism for reciprocating along the front SL frame in the longitudinal direction of the top plate, at both ends of the top plate, wherein the top plate bed A top plate support member provided along a direction from the device toward the opening of the gantry, and the gantry includes a gap between the top plate support members provided at both ends of the top plate. It has a top plate support base formed at substantially equal intervals, abutting the lower end of the top plate support member, and extending from the opening to the opposite surface through the inside .

According to the first or sixth aspect of the present invention, the top plate is fixed at a part of the top plate side, fixed to the bed main body at the bed main body side, and rotated to move the top plate; And a drive mechanism that reciprocates the frame disposed between the plate and the bed body in the longitudinal direction of the top plate, and the belt is configured to rotate by the movement of the frame. By extending the frame and interlockingly extending the top plate from the frame, the top plate stroke length can be secured longer than the top plate length without extending the total length of the top plate. Furthermore, the belt drive mechanism rotates the belt that fixes the top plate and translates the top plate to the opening of the gantry, so there is no need for precise adjustments between each drive mechanism, The structure of the drive mechanism can be simplified. Therefore, a situation in which errors between the respective drive mechanisms are accumulated is avoided, and adjustment is facilitated.

  Embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In the following description, “front” refers to the direction from the bed apparatus side to the opening of the gantry when the gantry and the bed apparatus in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus are installed on the installation surface, and “back”. Means the direction facing the “front”. In addition, “upper” means a direction perpendicular to the installation surface of the installed magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 and is directed from the installation surface toward the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1, and “lower” means The direction is the opposite of “up”. “Left” and “right” refer to “left” and “right” when the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is viewed from the “front” with the installation surface of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 as “down” (FIG. 1). reference).

(overall structure)
The overall configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 will be outlined with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, FIG. 2 (A) is a drawing showing a state (initial movement state) in which the top plate is accommodated in the bed apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (B) is an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic of the state (movement final state) in which the top plate of the bed apparatus concerning a form is extended and accommodated in the inside of the gantry 200. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus 1 generates a magnetic field with a bed apparatus 100 for loading and unloading a subject into and out of a gantry 200 while placing the subject P. The gantry 200 that detects the nuclear spins (MR signals) from the subject P by exciting the nuclear spins in the subject P, detects and collects the collected magnetic resonance signals, and operates the gantry 200 and the bed apparatus 100. It is comprised with the console control part which is not illustrated for controlling.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 is arranged at a predetermined interval from the gantry 200 with respect to the housing part 220 (opening) in the gantry 200 that is the imaging space of the subject. The couchtop 130 in the couch device 100 is configured to extend from the couch body 113 and be accommodated for photographing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, imaging of a subject by the gantry 200 and driving of the bed apparatus 100 are performed by control by a console control unit (not shown). Note that the control of the console control unit is the same as that of the conventional magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and the description thereof is omitted. The configuration of each part of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Configuration of bed apparatus)
The bed apparatus 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bed apparatus 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention and a schematic view showing a housing part of the gantry 200. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A and 2B, the bed apparatus 100 includes a support base 111 that is fixed to the installation surface upward from the installation surface, and a support column 112 that is erected from the support base 111, A bed main body 113 supported by the support column 112, a moving frame (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a frame) 120, and a top plate 130 are installed.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the bed body 113 has a shape having a longitudinal direction in the same direction as the axial direction of the accommodating portion 220 of the gantry 200, and the pinion 114 (the “drive mechanism of the present invention” on the gantry 200 side on the upper surface). ”). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the pinion 114 is arranged on the left side from the longitudinal center line of the bed body 113.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, guide frames 115a and 115b (corresponding to “guide walls” in the present invention) are provided on the upper surface of the bed main body 113 at predetermined intervals so as to sandwich the moving frame 120 from the left and right. ) Is provided. The guide frames 115a and 115b are rectangular and flat, are parallel to each other, stand upward from the upper surface of the bed body 113, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the bed body 113. The guide frame 115a, the guide frame 115b, and the moving frame 120 are provided to the left from the longitudinal center line of the bed body 113.

  The guide frames 115a and 115b have guide grooves 115c and 115d extending in the direction in which the guide frames 115a and 115b extend (from the front to the rear in FIG. 1) on the surfaces where the guide frames 115a and 115b face each other. Each is formed. The guide frames 115a and 115b guide the moving direction through the protruding portions of the moving frame 120 described below by the guide grooves 115c and 115d.

  Next, the moving frame 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the moving frame 120, the rack 122, and the belt 126 of the bed apparatus 100. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the top plate 130 and the accommodating portion 220 of the gantry 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the moving frame 120 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a longitudinal direction in the direction from the bed apparatus 100 to the gantry 200, and is provided with a long hole 120a (through hole) from the lower surface to the upper surface. , Forming a frame. As shown in FIG. 4, the long hole 120 a is provided from the rear to the front (the direction toward the gantry 200) of the moving frame 120, and has a length slightly shorter than the length of the moving frame 120 in the longitudinal direction. Formed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the moving frame 120 includes guide slopes (protruding portions) 121a that extend in the longitudinal direction and project in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the left and right side surfaces of the outer wall. 121b is provided. The guide slopes 121a and 121b are provided along the longitudinal center line of the moving frame 120 on the left and right side surfaces. However, it may be provided so as not to follow the center line but to move upward or downward.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the widths of the guide slopes 121a and 121b are formed to be slightly smaller than the widths of the guide grooves 115c and 115d in the guide frames 115a and 115b, respectively. The guide slope 121a is engaged with the guide groove 115c in the guide frame 115a, and the guide slope 121b is engaged with the guide groove 115d. Thus, the guide slopes 121a and 121b that are slightly smaller than the width of the guide groove 115c can move in the front-rear direction with respect to the guide grooves 115c and 115d.

  That is, the moving frame 120 is supported so that the guide slopes 121a and 121b provided on the left and right side surfaces are guided by the guide frames 115a and 115b and can move in the front-rear direction.

  3 and 4, a rack 122 is provided on the lower surface of the guide slope 121b along the longitudinal direction of the guide slope 121b. The rack 122 includes a rack gear 122a on the surface opposite to the surface coupled to the guide slope 121b. The rack gear 122a meshes with the pinion gear 114d of the pinion 114 as shown in FIG.

  The pinion 114 connects a motor 114a that is a driving source provided on the bed body 113 and a shaft 114c that extends from the coupling mechanism 114b. The drive mechanism of the present invention is formed by the pinion 114, the motor 114a, the coupling mechanism 114b, the shaft 114c, and the rack 122.

  When the motor 114a is driven, the shaft 114c rotates, and the pinion 114 fixed to the other end in conjunction with the rotation rotates in the longitudinal direction and forward / reverse direction of the bed body 113. The pinion gear 114d of the pinion 114 is engaged with a rack gear 122a of the rack 122 described later.

  When the pinion 114 rotates, the rack gear 122a meshed with the pinion gear 114d is pushed out, and the rack 122 moves in parallel in the direction in which the pinion 114 rotates. In this embodiment, the rack 122 is coupled to the guide slope 121b, but the position where the rack 122 is coupled and the position where the pinion 114 is fixed are not limited to this position.

  That is, when the motor 114a of the bed main body 113 is driven, the shaft 114c rotates. Further, when the shaft 114c rotates, the pinion 114 supported by the shaft 114c rotates, and the pinion gear 114d pushes the rack gear 122a in the rotation direction of the pinion 114 to move the rack 122 in parallel. When the rack 122 is driven, the guide slope 121b coupled to the rack 122 also moves in the same direction. Further, when the guide slope 121b moves, the moving frame 120 provided with the guide slope 121b on the side surface is also interlocked, and is guided by the guide slopes 121a and 121b to be translated in the same direction as the rack 122.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the moving frame 120 includes shaft holes (not shown) on the front end side and the rear end side on the left and right side surfaces of the inner wall, that is, the long hole 120a. A shaft 125a that supports the front pulley 124a is engaged with the shaft hole provided on the front end side, and a shaft 125b that supports the rear pulley 124b is engaged with the shaft hole provided on the rear end side. Is engaged. The shaft 125a and the shaft 125b are formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the shaft hole. Accordingly, the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b are rotatably supported on the inner wall of the moving frame 120 via the shafts 125a and 125b.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIG. 4, an endless belt is used as the belt used in this embodiment. Further, the belt 126 is stretched and wound around the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b. For example, a timing belt is used as the belt 126. By using the timing belt, slippage can be reduced and the moving amount of the belt 126 can be set precisely. The length of the belt 126 is determined according to the distance between the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b in consideration of the amount of movement of the top plate 130.

  2A and 2B and FIG. 3, a top plate fixing member 127 connected to the bottom surface of the top plate 130 is fixed to a part of the upper surface of the outer peripheral surface of the belt 126. ing. As shown in FIG. 2A, a bed fixing member 128 connected to the upper surface of the bed body 113 is fixed to the lower surface of the outer peripheral surface of the belt 126.

  The top plate fixing member 127 is provided on the upper surface of the belt 126 and the end (the rearmost side) of the top plate 130 on the side of the bed apparatus 100 away from the gantry 200. In addition, the bed fixing member 128 is provided on the lower surface of the belt 126 and the upper surface of the bed main body 113 at the end portion (frontmost) of the bed apparatus 100 closer to the gantry 200. The belt 126 is made of a non-magnetic material such as rubber, resin, reinforcing fiber cloth, etc., and the top plate fixing member 127 and the bed fixing member 128 are made of a resinous adhesive, a resinous bolt / nut, Alternatively, a non-magnetic rivet is used.

  Next, the top plate 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the top plate 130 and the accommodating portion 220 of the gantry 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  2A and 2B, the top plate 130 on which the subject P is placed has a rectangular shape like the bed apparatus 100 and the moving frame 120. From the bed apparatus 100, the gantry The shape has a longitudinal direction in the direction toward 200. Further, the top plate fixing member 127 is fixed to the upper surface of the outer peripheral surface of the belt 126.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the top plate 130 has a flat plate shape with a certain distance from the center line in the longitudinal direction so that the subject P can lie down. However, the left and right ends have edges 131a and 131b that are refracted upward. On the lower surface of the edge portions 131a and 131b of the top plate 130, sliding portions 132a and 132b projecting downward as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 are provided. The sliding portions 132a and 132b are provided with rollers 132c and 132d at the lower ends, and serve to slide the housing portion 220 of the gantry 200 with the rollers 132c and 132d and to support the top plate 130 in the front.

  In the bed apparatus 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b are rotatably supported by the moving frame 120, and are stretched around the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b. The lower surface of the belt 126 is connected to the bed fixing member 128. Further, the motor 114a is driven, and the moving frame 120 is guided by the guide slopes 121a and 121b by the pinion 114 and the rack 122 to move in parallel in the gantry 200 direction. That is, when the moving frame 120 moves in the direction of the gantry 200, the moving frame 120 is separated from the bed body 113, so that the front pulley 124a is also separated in the same direction.

  On the other hand, the endless belt 126 does not move only part of the belt 126 by the bed fixing member 128, and the positional relationship with the bed body 113 is fixed. Accordingly, when the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b move in parallel, a force acts on the belt 126 stretched between the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b so as to be separated in the direction of the gantry 200, and a part is fixed by the bed fixing member 128. The endless belt 126 rotates in an interlocked manner while trying to move.

  When the belt 126 rotates in this way, the top plate fixing member 127 fixed to the upper surface of the outer peripheral surface of the belt 126 also moves, and the top plate 130 moves in parallel from the bed apparatus 100 side toward the gantry 200 along with the movement. To do.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the length of the moving frame 120 is the top plate derived from the distance from the tip of the bed apparatus 100 to the opening from the gantry 200 and the height of the subject. It is determined according to the required amount of movement 130. That is, since the moving frame 120 is separated from the bed main body 113 and is separated from the top plate 130 from the separated moving frame 120, the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b provided in the moving frame 120 are configured. The distance between the pulleys is approximately twice as long as the amount of movable movement of the top plate 130. Therefore, the distance between the pulleys is determined based on the necessary amount of movement, and the belt 126 and the moving frame are determined according to the distance. A length of 120 is defined. For example, when the moving frame 120 has the same length as the top plate 130, a stroke length that is about twice as long as the top plate 130 can be secured. If the length of the moving frame 120 is short, there are advantages such as easy manufacture.

(Gantry structure)
As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 200 is provided with a substantially cylindrical container 220 (opening) that accommodates a subject in the center, generates a magnetic field in an internal imaging space, and detects a magnetic resonance signal from the subject. Configured.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 200 generates a magnetic field in the storage unit 220 above and below the storage unit 220 to excite the nuclear spin of the subject and detect an MR signal from the subject. A magnetic field control unit that controls the magnetic field generation unit, and a signal processing unit that performs arithmetic processing on the magnetic resonance signal detected and output by the magnetic field generation unit. The magnetic field generation unit, the magnetic field control unit, and the signal processing unit are the same as those in the conventional configuration, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 200 has a housing portion 220. In addition, the outer surface of the gantry 200 has a substantially circular opening on the bed apparatus 100 side when the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 is installed on the installation surface, and the opening is continuous with the housing 220. The in-vivo information of the subject can be collected by bringing the subject into and accommodating the opening 220 from the opening.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the substantially cylindrical accommodating portion 220 is formed so as to penetrate from the approximate center of the surface on the bed apparatus 100 side to the approximate center of the surface opposite to the surface. Yes.
In addition, the accommodating portion 220 includes top plate support rails 222a and 222b (corresponding to the “top plate support base” of the present invention) on both left and right ends (see FIG. 1) of the bottom surface 221. The top plate support rails 222a and 222b receive the sliding portions 132a and 132b of the top plate 130, and details will be described later.

(Configuration of top plate support rail)
Next, the top plate support rails 222a and 222b in the accommodating portion 220 of the gantry 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top plate support rails 222 a and 222 b are the same as the major axis direction of the housing portion 220 from the opening on the bed apparatus 100 side on the bottom surface 221 of the substantially cylindrical housing portion 220 in the gantry 200. It extends in the direction, passes through the opening on the opposite side, and protrudes from the opening. When the gantry 200 and the couch device 100 are installed and the couch device 100 extends the couchtop 130 to the accommodating portion 220, the top surfaces of the couchtop support rails 222a and 222b are the edges 131a and 131b of the couchtop 130. It is comprised so that it may have a height which contact | abuts the lower surface of sliding part 132a * 132b provided in the lower surface. This height is configured in consideration of the sinking width of the top plate 130 when the subject P is placed on the top plate. Further, the distance between the top plate support rails 222a and 222b is substantially equal to the sliding portions 132a and 132b.

  In this way, the top plate support rails 222a and 222b and the sliding portions 132a and 132b of the top plate 130 are not formed in the center but are brought to the left and right ends, and the edges 131a and 131b of the top plate 130 are refracted upward. In addition, since the sliding portions 132a and 132b are provided below the edge portions 131a and 131b, when the top plate 130 exists in the accommodating portion 220, the ceiling portions 130a and 132b are provided even if the sliding portions 132a and 132b are provided. The situation where the position of the board 130 becomes high can be avoided. Therefore, the distance from the upper surface of the top plate 130 to the upper surface of the accommodating portion 220 is not shortened, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which a subject with a large waist cannot be accommodated in the accommodating portion 220, a situation in which a feeling of pressure is given to the subject, or the like. it can.

  Furthermore, in addition to the top plate support rails 222a and 222b and the sliding portions 132a and 132b of the top plate 130 being not formed at the center but being brought to the left and right ends, the moving frame 120 is located at the center of the bed body 113 and the top plate 130. Instead, the space is formed between the lower side of the top plate 130 and the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 220, and a cable (not shown) or the like in the gantry 200 can be disposed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the top plate support rails 222 a and 222 b protrude from an opening on the front side of the gantry 200 (opposite to the opening on the bed apparatus 100 side). The protruding length of the top plate support rails 222a and 222b is determined when the top plate 130 slides on the top plate support rails 222a and 222b by the sliding portions 132a and 132b and extends to the maximum range (top plate fixing). When the member 127 has moved to the vicinity of the tip of the moving frame 120), the top of the top support rails 222a and 222b is positioned in the vicinity immediately below the center of gravity of the subject P lying on the top 130. That's it.

Here, when the top plate 130 is extended to the maximum range, one end (head or foot) of a subject P having a remarkably high height as shown in FIG. This is a case where it is arranged at the center position of the container 220 that can ensure linearity, and the other end of the subject P is near the tip of the top panel 130 (the front end in FIG. 1). The position of the center of gravity at this time is determined by obtaining a statistical average value from various subjects.
(Operation of the bed device)
Next, the operation of the bed apparatus 100 in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the bed apparatus 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(Step 1)
A pinion that receives an instruction according to a user operation from the console control unit, drives the motor 114a of the bed body 113 according to a desired amount of movement of the couchtop 130, rotates the shaft 114c, and fixes one end of the shaft 114c 114 is rotated. At this time, the direction in which the pinion 114 is rotated is the direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200.

(Step 2)
When the pinion 114 is rotated, the rack gear 122a with which the pinion gear 114d is engaged is pushed out in the rotation direction of the pinion 114. As the rack gear 122 a is pushed out in this way, the rack 122 moves in parallel in a direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200.

(Step 3)
When the rack 122 is translated, the guide slope 121b coupled to the rack 122 moves in the same direction.

(Step 4)
When the guide slope 121b is moved, the moving frame 120 provided with the guide slope 121b on the side surface is also interlocked, and is guided by the guide slopes 121a and 121b and the guide frames 115a and 115b to be translated in the same direction as the rack 122.

(Step 5)
When the moving frame 120 moves in parallel, the front pulley 124a pivotally supported on the inner wall of the moving frame 120 also moves in the direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200 while being pivotally fixed to the moving frame 120.

(Step 6)
When the front pulley 124a moves in the direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200, a force to move in the same direction is also applied to the belt 126 stretched on the front pulley 124a. At this time, since a part of the lower surface of the outer peripheral surface of the belt 126 is fixed to the bed main body 113 by the bed fixing member 128, a force for moving in the direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200 is maintained while a part of the belt 126 is fixed. As a result, the belt 126 rotates in a direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200.

(Step 7)
When the endless belt 126 rotates in the direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200, the top plate fixing member 127 fixed to the upper surface of the outer peripheral surface of the belt 126 moves in the same direction.

(Step 8)
When the top plate fixing member 127 moves in the direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200, the top plate 130 fixed to the top plate fixing member 127 moves in the same direction. At this time, the moving frame 120 that supports the top plate 130 via the belt 126, the front pulley 124a, and the rear pulley 124b is guided and extended by the guide grooves 115c and 115d of the guide frames 115a and 115b. 115 a and 115 b also support the top plate 130 through the support of the moving frame 120.

(Step 9)
The top plate 130 extends in the direction from the bed apparatus 100 toward the gantry 200, and the sliding portions 132 a and 132 b provided on the lower surfaces of the edge portions 131 a and 131 b of the top plate 130 and the bottom surface of the housing portion 220 of the gantry 200. The top plate 130 is in contact with the top surfaces of the top plate support rails 222a and 222b provided at both ends of the top plate 130 so that the top plate 130 is supported and slides on the top plate support rails 222a and 222b. To do.

(Action / Effect)
The operation and effect of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be described.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the top plate 130 of the bed apparatus 100 is configured such that the moving frame 120 is moved by a drive mechanism including a pinion 114 provided on the bed main body 113 and a rack 122 provided on the moving frame 120. The endless belt 126 having a part fixed to the front of the bed main body 113 is rotated via the front pulley 124a pivotally supported by the moving frame 120 by the parallel movement to the gantry 200, and a part of the upper surface of the belt 126 is rotated. The top plate 130 fixed to the gantry 200 is moved in the direction of the gantry 200.

  Therefore, the movement distance of the bed main body 113 and the top plate 130 can be secured without extending the total length of the bed main body 113, and the installation area of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 can be prevented from being increased because the total length of the bed apparatus 100 is not extended. can do. Further, since the top plate 130 is moved by the rack 122 and the pinion 114 which are driving mechanisms of the moving frame 120, precise adjustment between the respective driving mechanisms becomes unnecessary, and the structure of the driving mechanism is simplified. Can be Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which errors between the driving mechanisms are accumulated, and to increase the accuracy of the movement amount and speed of the top plate 130.

  Further, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the top plate support rails 222a and 222b in the storage unit 220 are provided at the left and right ends of the bottom surface 221 of the storage unit 220, and the sliding units 132a and 132b of the top plate 130 are provided. Are provided below the edges 131a and 131b, and the edges 131a and 131b are refracted upward.

  Therefore, when the top plate 130 is extended and accommodated in the accommodating portion 220, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the position of the top plate 130 is increased by providing the sliding portions 132a and 132b. Therefore, the distance from the upper surface of the top plate 130 to the upper surface of the housing part 220 is not shortened, and a situation in which the subject P having a large waist cannot be accommodated in the housing part 220 or a situation in which the subject P is feeling compressed is avoided. can do.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the moving frame 120 or the like is moved to the left side instead of the center below the top plate 130, so that a space is formed between the lower side of the top plate 130 and the bottom surface of the housing portion 220. A cable (not shown) or the like in the gantry 200 can be arranged.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the top plate support rails 222a and 222b protrude from openings on the gantry 200 opposite to the openings on the bed device 100 side, and the top plate support rails 222a and 222b. However, when the top plate 130 slides on the top plate support rails 222a and 222b by the sliding portions 132a and 132b and extends to the maximum range (the top plate fixing member 127 is at the tip of the moving frame 120). The tip of the top support rails 222a and 222b are positioned in the vicinity immediately below the position of the center of gravity of the subject P lying on the top 130 in the case of movement to the vicinity). .

  Therefore, even in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that must use a material that does not affect the generated magnetic field, the stroke length of the couchtop 130 becomes long and the object placed from the gantry 200 protrudes. In addition, the stress applied to the top plate 130 can be dispersed, the strength can be ensured, and the top plate 130 can be prevented from bending. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the influence on the detection and reception of MR signals caused by the bending of the top plate 130.

  Moreover, the bed apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used for medical image diagnostic apparatuses other than the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. For example, this bed apparatus can be used for an X-ray CT apparatus or the like.

[Modification]
Next, modifications of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.

  The bed apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above is configured to move the moving frame 120 in parallel by the rack 122 and the pinion 114. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It may be a simple configuration.

  That is, the moving frame 120 may be moved by a non-magnetic lead screw or lead wire. For example, the motor 114a is provided at the end (rearmost side) of the bed main body 113 away from the gantry 200, the motor 114a is protruded from the bed main body 113, and a rotation drive unit having a holding hole is provided on the surface of the gantry 200 side. Is configured to be provided with a lead screw extending in the gantry direction along the longitudinal direction of the moving frame 120, while the lower surface of the guide slope 121 b of the moving frame 120 (on the surface facing the upper surface of the bed main body 113). Is provided with a lead screw threadably engaged with the lead screw.

  In this case, an instruction according to a user's operation is received from the console control unit, and when the motor 114a of the bed body 113 is driven according to the desired amount of movement of the couch 130, the rotation drive unit is driven and the lead screw held in the holding hole Is rotated. When the lead screw is rotated, the lead screw screwed with the lead screw is rotated. When the lead screw is rotated, the lead screw is moved away from the rotation driving unit and translated in the direction of the gantry 200. When the lead screw is translated, the guide slope 121b coupled to the lead screw also moves in the same direction.

  Also in this modified example, the top plate 130 can also be translated in the gantry 200 direction by rotating the endless belt 126 by translating the moving frame 120 in the gantry 200 direction with the lead screw and the lead screw. Therefore, the structure of the drive mechanism can be simplified also in this modification. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which errors between the driving mechanisms are accumulated, and to increase the accuracy of the movement amount and speed of the top plate 130.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the top plate support rails 222a and 222b are protruded from the accommodating portion 220 of the gantry 200. However, the present invention is limited to this embodiment. Absent. For example, the top plate support rails 222a and 222b are driven to protrude from the gantry 200 only when the top plate 130 extends to the maximum range (when the top plate fixing member 127 moves to the vicinity of the front end of the moving frame 120). In general, the top ends of the top plate support rails 222a and 222b may be housed in the housing portion 220.

  Even in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to this modified example, stress applied to the top plate 130 is obtained even when a subject placed from the gantry 200 protrudes while using a material that does not affect the generated magnetic field. It can disperse | distribute and can ensure intensity | strength and can prevent the bending of the top plate 130. FIG. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the influence on the detection and reception of MR signals caused by the bending of the top plate 130.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the constituent members of the drive mechanism, the top plate and the endless belt, and the bed fixing member that fixes the belt and the bed main body are made of a non-magnetic material. The material is not limited.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the endless belt 126 is stretched around the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, an open end belt (end belt) may be used. In this case, a configuration using one or a plurality of open-end belts is conceivable.

  For example, when one open-end belt is used, one end of the belt is connected to one end of the bed fixing member 128, stretched to the front pulley 124a, connected to the top plate fixing member 127, and stretched to the rear pulley 124b. The other end of the open-end belt may be connected to the other end of the bed fixing member 128 with respect to the aforementioned one end. Similarly, one end of the belt may be connected to one end of the top plate fixing member 127 and the other end of the belt may be connected to the other end of the top plate fixing member 127.

  When two open-end belts are used, one end of the first belt is connected to the front end of the top plate fixing member 127 and stretched on the front pulley 124a, and the first belt is connected to the front end of the bed fixing member 128. And the other end of the top plate fixing member 127 is connected to one end of the second belt and stretched on the rear pulley 124b, and the second fixing member 128 is connected to the rear end of the bed fixing member 128. The other end of the belt may be connected.

  Also in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to this modification, the belt stretched around the front pulley 124a and the rear pulley 124b is moved in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the moving frame 120 while being partially fixed to the bed body 113. The In accordance with the movement, the top plate 130 can also be reciprocated in the gantry 200 direction. Therefore, the structure of the drive mechanism can be simplified also in this modification. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which errors between the driving mechanisms are accumulated, and to increase the accuracy of the movement amount and speed of the top plate 130. Further, according to this modification, even when an endless belt having a length that can secure a desired top plate stroke length cannot be secured, the open-end belt is connected to the top plate fixing member 127 or the bed fixing member 128. By joining them together, it is possible to achieve the same effect as when the endless belt 126 is used.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) It is drawing which shows the state in which the top plate is accommodated in the bed apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. (B) It is the schematic of the state which the top plate of the bed apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention extended and was accommodated in the inside of an MRI imaging | photography part. It is the schematic which shows sectional drawing of the bed apparatus of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention, and the accommodating part of a gantry. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the moving frame, rack, and belt of the bed apparatus in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the accommodating part of the top plate and gantry concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the bed apparatus of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 Bed apparatus 111 Support base 112 Support | pillar 113 Bed main body 114 Pinion 114a Motor 114b Coupling mechanism 114c Shaft 114d Pinion gear 115a Guide frame 115c Guide groove 120 Moving frame 120a Long hole 121a Guide slope 122 Rack 122a Rack gear 124a Front Pulley 124b Rear pulley 125a Shaft 126 Belt 127 Top plate fixing member 128 Bed fixing member 130 Top plate 131a Edge portion 132a Slide portion 132c Roller 200 Gantry 220 Housing portion 221 Bottom surface 222a Top plate support rail P Subject

Claims (8)

A top plate for placing a subject to be used for medical image diagnosis;
A bed body supporting the top plate;
A frame which is installed between the top plate and the bed body and has a long hole formed along the length direction , and a pair of pulleys rotatably supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the long hole;
A part of the start end side in the reciprocating direction on the side facing the top plate is fixed to the top plate so as to be rotatable with respect to the pair of pulleys, and the reciprocation on the side facing the bed main body is fixed. A belt on which a part of the terminal end of movement is fixed to the bed body;
Bed apparatus being characterized in that a drive mechanism for reciprocating along the front SL frame in the longitudinal direction of the top plate. The drive mechanism includes a rack portion provided along the longitudinal direction of the frame, a pinion that meshes with the rack portion and is rotatably provided on the bed body, and a drive source that rotationally drives the pinion. What
The bed apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The drive mechanism includes a lead screw provided along the longitudinal direction of the frame;
A screw screwed to the lead screw, the lead screw provided on the bed body side, and a drive source for rotationally driving the lead screw;
The bed apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A protrusion is formed on a side surface of the frame that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction,
On the bed main body, on both sides of the side surface of the frame, the guide has a length direction in the longitudinal direction and engages with the tip of the protrusion so that the protrusion can slide. Having a guide wall with a groove,
Sleeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the. The guide groove in the guide wall is formed along a length direction of the guide wall on a surface facing the side surface of the frame, and has a width slightly larger than a width of a tip of the protrusion. sleeping apparatus according to 4. A gantry for collecting an in-vivo information of the subject by containing a subject inside the opening and having an opening penetrating from one surface to the opposite side;
A bed apparatus provided with a couch for placing the subject and transporting it to the opening of the gantry, and a couch body for supporting the couch so as to be reciprocally movable to the gantry. A medical diagnostic imaging apparatus,
The bed apparatus is:
A frame which is installed between the top plate and the bed body and has a long hole formed along the length direction , and a pair of pulleys rotatably supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the long hole;
A part of the start end side in the reciprocating direction on the side facing the top plate is fixed to the top plate so as to be rotatable with respect to the pair of pulleys, and the reciprocation on the side facing the bed main body is fixed. A belt on which a part of the terminal end of movement is fixed to the bed body;
A drive mechanism for reciprocating along the front SL frame in the longitudinal direction of the top plate,
A top plate support member provided at both ends of the top plate along a direction in which the top plate is directed from the bed apparatus toward the opening of the gantry , and the gantry includes:
The top plate support members provided at both ends of the top plate are formed at approximately equal intervals between the top plate support members, abut against the lower end of the top plate support member, and pass through the inside through the opening to the opposite side. Providing a top support that extends to the side surface,
A medical image diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above. Both side ends of the top plate are bent in the direction in which the subject on the top plate is placed,
The top plate support member is formed on the opposite side of the top surface of the top plate and the surface on the side on which the subject is placed, and has a sliding portion.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6. The top plate support has a protruding portion protruding from the opposite surface of the gantry,
When the top plate protrudes from the opposite surface of the gantry, at least a part of the top plate support member provided on the protruding portion of the top plate is supported by the protruding portion of the top plate support base. To be done
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 .

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