JP6203015B2 - Magnetic resonance imaging system - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

  Magnetic resonance imaging is based on magnetic resonance signal data generated by exciting the nuclear spin of a subject placed in a static magnetic field magnetically with an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse of the Larmor frequency. This is an imaging method for generating an image.

  This magnetic resonance imaging is performed by a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus” as appropriate). Conventionally, MRI apparatuses are distributed and installed in an imaging room, a machine room, an operation room, or the like according to the type of component. The wall surface of the photographing room is shielded, and in this photographing room, a frame having a static magnetic field magnet, a gradient magnetic field coil, and an RF coil and a bed are installed. On the other hand, other components are installed in the machine room and the operation room. However, depending on the installation environment of the MRI apparatus, a sufficient space such as a machine room may not be secured.

US2009 / 0251141

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of realizing space saving.

  The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes a gantry, a power supply unit, a receiving unit, and a control unit. The gantry has a static magnetic field magnet. The power supply unit supplies power to each unit installed on the gantry. The receiving unit receives a magnetic resonance signal emitted from the subject, and generates magnetic resonance signal data based on the received magnetic resonance signal. The control unit controls each unit installed on the gantry. The power supply unit, the receiving unit, and the control unit are provided on the same side of either one of the mounts.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the gantry units in the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the gantry units in the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the chassis according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the chassis according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a cable in the chassis according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the waterproof cover of the chassis according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the waterproof cover of the chassis according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the integrated shipment of the gantry according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the gantry cover according to the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to each embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus” as appropriate) will be described.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus 100 includes a power supply unit 101, a static magnetic field magnet 102, a gradient magnetic field coil 103, a gradient magnetic field power supply 104, a bed 105, a control unit 106, a transmission coil 107, and a transmission. Unit 108, receiving coil 109, receiving unit 110, sequence control unit 120, and computer 130. The MRI apparatus 100 does not include a subject P (for example, a human body).

  Among the components of the MRI apparatus 100, the power supply unit 101, the static magnetic field magnet 102, the gradient magnetic field coil 103, the control unit 106, the transmission coil 107, and the reception unit 110 are installed on the gantry 10 of the MRI apparatus 100. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example.

  The power supply unit 101 supplies power to each unit (component) installed on the gantry 10. For example, the power supply unit 101 converts a DC voltage supplied from the outside of the gantry 10 into a DC voltage having a predetermined magnitude, and supplies the DC voltage to the control unit 106 and the reception unit 110. The power supply unit 101 may convert a DC voltage supplied from the outside of the gantry 10 into a DC voltage having a predetermined magnitude and supply the DC voltage to each component. The power supply unit 101 may supply power to an operation panel, a blower, a projector, and the like of the gantry 10. For example, the power supply unit 101 does not need to supply power to a component to which power is individually supplied, such as the gradient magnetic field coil 103.

  The static magnetic field magnet 102 generates a static magnetic field in the imaging space. For example, the static magnetic field magnet 102 is a magnet formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and generates a static magnetic field in an internal imaging space. As the static magnetic field magnet 102, for example, a superconducting magnet is used. As the static magnetic field magnet 102, a permanent magnet may be used.

The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is a coil formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 102. The gradient coil 103 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the x, y, and z axes orthogonal to each other, and these three coils individually supply current from the gradient magnetic field power supply 104. In response, a gradient magnetic field is generated in which the magnetic field strength varies along the x, y, and z axes. The gradient magnetic fields of the x, y, and z axes generated by the gradient coil 103 are, for example, a slice encode gradient magnetic field G _SE (or a slice selective gradient magnetic field G _SS ), a phase encode gradient magnetic field G _PE , and a read gradient magnetic field. G _RO . The gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies a current to the gradient magnetic field coil 103.

  The bed 105 includes a top plate 105a on which the subject P is placed. Under the control of the control unit 106, the couch 105a has a cavity (imaging) of the gradient magnetic field coil 103 in a state where the subject P is placed. Insert into the mouth). Normally, the bed 105 is installed so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 102.

  The control unit 106 controls each component installed on the gantry 10. For example, the control unit 106 includes a board on which various components for controlling each component are mounted. For example, the control unit 106 drives the bed 105 under the control of the computer 130 to move the top plate 105a in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction. The control unit 106 controls the blower, the projector, and the like. Further, the control unit 106 may control each component in accordance with an instruction input on the operation panel of the gantry 10. Note that, for example, the control unit 106 does not need to control a component that is individually controlled by a processing unit different from the control unit 106, such as the transmission coil 107 and the reception coil 109.

  The transmission coil 107 is arranged inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103 and receives a supply of RF pulses from the transmission unit 108 to generate a high-frequency magnetic field. The transmission unit 108 supplies an RF pulse corresponding to a Larmor frequency determined by the type of target atom and the magnetic field strength to the transmission coil 107.

  The receiving coil 109 receives a magnetic resonance signal (hereinafter referred to as “MR signal” as appropriate) emitted from the subject P due to the influence of the high-frequency magnetic field. When receiving coil MR, receiving coil 109 outputs the received MR signal to receiving section 110.

  Note that the transmission coil 107 and the reception coil 109 described above are merely examples. What is necessary is just to comprise by combining one or more among the coil provided only with the transmission function, the coil provided only with the reception function, or the coil provided with the transmission / reception function.

  The receiving unit 110 detects the MR signal output from the receiving coil 109 and generates magnetic resonance signal data (hereinafter referred to as “MR signal data” as appropriate) based on the detected MR signal. For example, the receiving unit 110 includes a substrate on which a pre-stage amplifier, a phase detector, an analog-digital converter, and the like are mounted. The preamplifier amplifies the MR signal output from the receiving coil 109. The phase detector detects the phase of the MR signal output from the pre-stage amplifier. The analog-digital converter generates MR signal data by converting the analog signal output from the phase detector into a digital signal.

  The sequence control unit 120 performs imaging of the subject P by driving the power supply unit 101, the transmission unit 108, and the reception unit 110 based on the sequence information transmitted from the computer 130. Here, the sequence information is information defining a procedure for performing imaging. The sequence information includes the strength of the current supplied to the gradient magnetic field coil 103 and the timing of supplying the current, the strength of the RF pulse supplied by the transmitting unit 108 to the transmitting coil 107 and the timing of applying the RF pulse, and the receiving unit 110 receiving the MR signal. The timing etc. which detect is defined. For example, the sequence control unit 120 is an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU).

  When the sequence control unit 120 receives the MR signal data from the reception unit 110 as a result of imaging the subject P by controlling the power supply unit 101, the transmission unit 108 and the reception unit 110, the sequence control unit 120 converts the received MR signal data into the computer 130. Forward to.

  The computer 130 performs overall control of the MRI apparatus 100, generation of MR images, and the like. For example, the computer 130 causes the sequence control unit 120 to execute the imaging sequence based on the imaging conditions input from the operator. In addition, the computer 130 reconstructs an image based on the MR signal data transmitted from the sequence control unit 120. The computer 130 stores the reconstructed image in the storage unit or displays it on the display unit. The computer 130 is an information processing apparatus such as a computer, for example.

  The gantry 10 generally refers to a structure in which the static magnetic field magnet 102, the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and the transmission coil 107 are covered with the gantry cover 11. In the first embodiment, the gantry 10 is provided with at least a power supply unit 101, a control unit 106, and a reception unit 110 in order to realize space saving. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 10 includes, for example, a refrigerator for cooling the static magnetic field magnet 102, a cooling unit for cooling the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and an electrocardiogram synchronous scan. An ECG (Electrocardiogram) synchronization unit, a motor driver for driving the bed 105, and the like are appropriately installed. Hereinafter, the power supply unit 101, the control unit 106, the receiving unit 110, the refrigerator, the cooling unit, the ECG synchronization unit, the motor driver, and the like installed in the gantry 10 are collectively referred to as “gantry unit”. To do.

  By the way, each gantry unit may require maintenance (inspection, repair, replacement, etc.). In this case, the maintenance worker removes a part of the gantry cover 11 that covers the surface of the gantry 10 and accesses each gantry unit (as close as possible to work) to perform the work.

  Therefore, in the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, each gantry unit is provided on the same side of either one of the gantry 10. Here, the side portion refers to a space between the static magnetic field magnet 102 and the side surface of the gantry 10, which will be described later. Therefore, for example, the worker can access each gantry unit only by removing the gantry cover 11 that covers the side portion on which the gantry unit is provided. For this reason, the MRI apparatus 100 can easily maintain each gantry unit. In general, a working space for an operator to work is provided on the side of the gantry 10, but it is not necessary to provide a working space for the side where the gantry unit is not provided. For this reason, the MRI apparatus 100 can realize further space saving.

  Hereinafter, the arrangement of the gantry units will be described. In the first embodiment, the gantry unit is a component that is installed in the gantry 10 among the components of the MRI apparatus 100 and requires maintenance.

(Arrangement of each gantry unit in the MRI apparatus 100)
2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating an example of the arrangement of the gantry units in the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view in which each gantry unit and a part of the gantry cover are separated from the gantry 10 in order to clearly show the arrangement of the gantry units. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the gantry 10 as viewed from the front side.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gantry 10 has a structure in which a static magnetic field magnet 102, a gradient magnetic field coil 103, and a transmission coil 107 are covered with a gantry cover 11. Here, when the position or direction in the gantry 10 is indicated, the side on which the bed 105 is placed is defined as the front side, and the opposite side is defined as the rear side with reference to the position of the static magnetic field magnet 102. With respect to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 102, the right side from the central axis is defined as the right side, the left side from the central axis is defined as the left side, the upper side from the central axis is defined as the upper side, and the lower side from the central axis is defined below. Define as side.

  In the first embodiment, a space between the static magnetic field magnet 102 and the side surface of the gantry 10 (corresponding to the gantry covers 11A and 11B in FIG. 2) is referred to as a “side portion”. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the side portions exist on the left and right sides of the gantry 10, but each gantry unit is provided on the left side of the gantry 10.

  For example, the gantry units of the power supply unit 101, the control unit 106, and the receiving unit 110 are installed on the left side of the gantry 10. Thereby, the worker can access each gantry unit, for example, only by removing the gantry cover 11A covering the left side.

  Further, for example, the power supply unit 101 is installed on the rear side of the left side portion of the gantry 10 (FIG. 2). It is preferable that the power supply unit 101 is installed at a position that is a starting point (terminal) of the cable in the gantry 10 in order to amplify a DC voltage supplied from the outside of the gantry 10 and supply it to each gantry unit. Because. In general, a cable connected from the outside has a ceiling or floor surface and is connected to the rear side of the gantry 10. For this reason, the power supply unit 101 is disposed on the rear side (a position away from the bed 105) of the left side portion of the gantry 10. Thereby, the power supply part 101 can supply electric power to each mount unit from the position used as the starting point of a cable.

  Further, the gantry units of the power supply unit 101, the control unit 106, and the receiving unit 110 are arranged in parallel to a vertical plane (yz plane) passing through the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 102 (FIGS. 2 and 3). ). Thereby, since the worker can face each gantry unit installed in the static magnetic field magnet 102 by accessing from the left side of the gantry 10, the gantry unit can be easily maintained.

  The refrigerator 111 cools the refrigerant in which the superconducting coil of the static magnetic field magnet 102 is immersed. For example, the refrigerator 111 is installed above the left side. Thereby, the worker can access the refrigerator 111 from the same direction as other gantry units.

  The gantry cover 11 is detachably provided around the static magnetic field magnet 102. The gantry cover 11 has a plurality of partial covers. For example, the gantry cover 11 includes a partial cover 11A that covers a portion corresponding to the chassis 20 in the left surface, a partial cover 11B that covers a portion corresponding to the refrigerator 111 in the left surface, and a refrigeration in the upper surface. A partial cover 11 </ b> C covering a portion corresponding to the machine 111. The details of the gantry cover 11 will be described later.

  The chassis 20 is installed on the left side of the gantry 10. For example, the chassis 20 is attached to the outer peripheral side surface of the static magnetic field magnet 102 by the support member 23 that supports the chassis 20. The chassis 20 supports each gantry unit such as the power supply unit 101, the control unit 106, the receiving unit 110, and the like. The chassis 20 is an example of a plate member. Details of the chassis 20 will be described later.

  In addition, although FIG. 1 demonstrated the case where each base unit, such as the power supply part 101, the control part 106, and the receiving part 110, was provided in the left side part of the base 10, embodiment is not limited to this. For example, each gantry unit may be provided on the left side of the gantry 10. That is, each gantry unit may be provided on the same side of either one of the gantry 10. The refrigerator 111 is not limited to any one side portion of the gantry 10, and may be disposed at the center on the upper side of the static magnetic field magnet 102. Further, the power supply unit 101, the control unit 106, and the receiving unit 110 do not necessarily have to be arranged in parallel to the yz plane, and may be tilted within a range in which maintenance efficiency by workers is not significantly reduced. .

(Configuration of chassis 20)
4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of the chassis 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the chassis 20. In FIG. 5, the figure which looked at the chassis 20 from the front side of the mount frame 10 is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the chassis 20 is detachably attached to the outer peripheral side surface of the static magnetic field magnet 102 on the left side of the gantry 10. In addition, each chassis unit such as the power supply unit 101, the control unit 106, and the reception unit 110 is installed in the chassis 20. Thereby, the worker can easily remove each gantry unit from the gantry 10. For example, when performing maintenance, an operator can remove most of the gantry units of the gantry 10 at a time by detaching the chassis 20 from the static magnetic field magnet 102.

  The chassis 20 includes divided chassis 20A, 20B, and 20C. For example, the chassis 20 is configured by fixing the divided chassis 20A, 20B, and 20C in combination with each other. Specifically, the chassis 20 is configured by the divided chassis 20A, 20B, and 20C so as to have an L-shaped structure when viewed from the front side of the gantry 10 (FIGS. 3 and 5). Each divided chassis 20A, 20B, 20C is made of a nonmagnetic metal. For example, each divided chassis 20A, 20B, and 20C is made of an aluminum plate. Each divided chassis 20A, 20B, and 20C is an example of a divided plate member.

  For example, the divided chassis 20A and 20B are installed in parallel to the yz plane. Thus, the divided chassis 20A and 20B provide an installation surface parallel to the yz plane. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the power supply unit 101 and the receiving unit 110 are installed in the divided chassis 20A, and the control unit 106 is installed in the divided chassis 20B.

  For example, the divided chassis 20 </ b> C is disposed horizontally at the lower end of the chassis 20. Specifically, the divided chassis 20 </ b> C is disposed in the horizontal direction from the lower end of the chassis 20 toward the outer peripheral surface of the static magnetic field magnet 102. In other words, the divided chassis 20C is disposed so as to constitute the bottom surface of the L-shaped structure. Thereby, the divided chassis 20C provides a horizontal installation surface, and can effectively utilize the region 24 between the chassis 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the static magnetic field magnet 102 (FIGS. 3 and 5). In the example shown in FIG. 5, a cooling unit, an ECG synchronization unit, a motor driver, and the like are installed in the region 24.

  Also, in the divided chassis 20C, devices that can be installed after the gantry 10 is installed are arranged. Examples of such devices include a cooling unit and an ECG synchronization unit. In other words, these devices are arranged in the divided chassis 20C and are not arranged in the other divided chassis 20A and 20B. Accordingly, when these devices are installed after installation, the worker can easily perform the operation because all the devices to be installed may be installed in the divided chassis 20C. Moreover, since the work is easy, installation errors by workers can be prevented.

  In addition, although the case where each gantry unit was installed in the chassis 20 was demonstrated here, embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a gantry unit with a low maintenance frequency among the gantry units of the gantry 10 may not necessarily be installed in the chassis 20. In other words, the chassis 20 can be sufficiently easily maintained by installing a gantry unit having a high maintenance frequency. Specifically, the chassis 20 is preferably provided with at least three gantry units, that is, the power supply unit 101, the control unit 106, and the reception unit 110.

  Although the case where the chassis 20 is configured by the three divided chassis 20A, 20B, and 20C has been described here, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the chassis 20 may be configured by one sheet or may be configured by an arbitrary number.

  In the above example, the power supply unit 101 and the reception unit 110 are arranged in the divided chassis 20A, and the control unit 106 is arranged in the divided chassis 20B. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. . For example, the power supply unit 101 and the control unit 106 may be arranged in the divided chassis 20A, and the receiving unit 110 may be arranged in the divided chassis 20B. Further, the power supply unit 101 may be arranged in the divided chassis 20B, and the control unit 106 and the receiving unit 110 may be arranged in the divided chassis 20A. In this case, the cable is preferably routed from the floor.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a cable in the chassis 20 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, the figure which looked at the chassis 20 from the left side of the mount frame 10 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the chassis 20 includes a wiring support member 25 that supports cables (wirings) for connecting the gantry units arranged on the chassis 20 to each other at predetermined positions. For example, each wiring support member 25 is disposed at a predetermined position on the chassis 20. Each wiring support member 25 is preliminarily defined by a cable supported by each wiring support member 25. Specifically, each wiring support member 25 has a shape corresponding to a predetermined shape of the cable. Thereby, the worker can connect each cable easily by supporting each cable on the wiring support member 25 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the cable.

  Here, the case where the correspondence between the cable and the wiring support member 25 is defined by the shape has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, this correspondence may be defined by an identification number, and this identification number may be displayed in advance on the corresponding cable and wiring support member 25. Further, for example, the correspondence relationship may be defined by color, and the cable and the wiring support member 25 may be color-coded by the defined color. The correspondence relationship may be defined by a combination of shape, identification number, and color.

  Moreover, the chassis 20 has a duct 26 that arranges cables connected to each gantry unit disposed on the chassis 20 from the outside of the gantry 10 along a predetermined path (FIGS. 4 to 6). For example, the duct 26 is disposed on the rear side of the gantry 10 in the chassis 20. This is because, as described above, the cable connected from the outside is generally connected to the rear side of the gantry 10 with the ceiling or the floor facing up. The duct 26 is an example of a groove member.

  The duct 26 is configured to be split at the upper end portion of the chassis 20. That is, the duct 26 is divided into a partial duct 26A fixed to the chassis 20 side and a partial duct 26B fixed to the static magnetic field magnet 102 side. Thereby, the worker can easily remove the chassis 20 with the cables on the chassis 20 being connected. Specifically, the worker first removes only the cable connected from the duct 26 to the chassis 20 from the chassis 20. Then, the worker separates the partial duct 26A and the partial duct 26B. Then, the worker can easily remove the chassis 20 with the cable on the chassis 20 connected thereto by removing the chassis 20 with the partial duct 26 </ b> A fixed from the static magnetic field magnet 102.

  7 and 8 are views for explaining the waterproof cover of the chassis 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the chassis 20 as viewed from the front side of the gantry 10. In FIG. 8, the figure which looked at the chassis 20 from the left side of the mount frame 10 is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the chassis 20 includes chassis covers 20 </ b> E, 20 </ b> F, 21, and 22 in order to prevent water from entering each gantry unit disposed in the chassis 20. The chassis covers 20E, 20F, 21, 22 are examples of waterproof covers.

  For example, the chassis cover 20E is formed on the upper end of the chassis 20 as a part of the divided chassis 20A. The chassis cover 20E has a sufficient size (for example, the width in the left-right direction in FIG. 7) with respect to the thickness of each gantry unit on the chassis 20. The chassis cover 20E has a predetermined inclination. Specifically, the chassis cover 20E is tilted so that the end of the chassis cover 20E on the side close to the static magnetic field magnet 102 is at a high position and the end on the side far from the static magnetic field magnet 102 is at a low position. ing.

  For example, the chassis cover 20F is formed at both ends of the chassis 20 as a part of the divided chassis 20A (FIG. 8). The chassis cover 20F has a sufficient size (for example, the width in the left-right direction in FIG. 7) with respect to the thickness of each gantry unit on the chassis 20. Further, the chassis cover 20F is arranged at a position shifted from the end of the chassis cover 20E in a direction approaching the gantry unit on the chassis 20 (see the position of arrow B in FIG. 8).

  The chassis cover 21 has a sufficient size (for example, the height in the vertical direction in FIG. 7) to cover the gantry unit arranged in the divided chassis 20A (FIGS. 2 and 7). The chassis cover 21 is disposed inside the chassis cover 20E in parallel with the yz plane. Specifically, the chassis cover 21 is arranged at a position shifted from the lower end of the chassis cover 20E in a direction approaching the gantry unit on the chassis 20 (see the position of the arrow A in FIG. 7).

  The chassis cover 22 has a size sufficient to cover the gantry unit disposed in the divided chassis 20B (FIG. 2). The chassis cover 22 is disposed inside the chassis cover 21 in parallel with the yz plane. Specifically, the chassis cover 21 is disposed at a position shifted from the position of the chassis cover 21 in a direction approaching the gantry unit on the chassis 20.

  Thereby, when water infiltrates from the upper part of the chassis 20, the chassis covers 20E, 20F, 21, and 22 can prevent infiltration of water into each gantry unit.

  In FIG. 7, the chassis cover 20 </ b> E and the chassis cover 21 are illustrated as being in contact with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a slight gap may be provided. In FIG. 8, the chassis cover 20E and the chassis cover 20F are illustrated as being in contact with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a slight gap may be provided.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the integrated shipment of the gantry 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the gantry 10 at the time of shipment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the gantry 10 has an attachment portion 30 to which an instrument for transporting the gantry 10 is attached below both sides of the outer periphery of the static magnetic field magnet 102. For example, the attachment portion 30 has a configuration (for example, a protrusion or a hole) that supports the static magnetic field magnet 102 and can attach an instrument for transporting the gantry 10.

  When the chassis 20 is attached to the outer peripheral side surface of the static magnetic field magnet 102, the lower end of the chassis 20 is positioned above the upper end of the attachment portion 30. For example, the height of the chassis 20 is equal to or less than the distance from the lower end of the refrigerator 111 to the upper end of the attachment portion 30. Thereby, even when the chassis 20 is attached to the outer peripheral side surface of the static magnetic field magnet 102, the chassis 20 and the static magnetic field magnet 102 are not hindered from being attached to the attachment unit 30 for transporting the gantry 10. Can be shipped together.

(Configuration of the gantry cover 11)
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the gantry cover 11 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the gantry 10 with the gantry cover 11A removed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the gantry cover 11 </ b> A has a size that covers at least the upper end to the lower end of the chassis 20 on the left side of the gantry 10. For example, the gantry cover 11 </ b> A has a size covering the left side portion of the gantry 10 from the upper end of the chassis 20 to a position in contact with the floor surface.

  The gantry cover 11 </ b> A has a shape in which the lower end of the gantry cover 11 </ b> A is curved or bent toward the static magnetic field magnet 102. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the gantry cover 11 </ b> A has a range of several tens of centimeters from the lower end of the gantry cover 11 </ b> A curved inward by about several tens of cm. Thereby, the MRI apparatus 100 can widen the space under the foot when an operator works.

  The gantry 10 includes a frame 40. The frame 40 connects the front surface of the gantry 10 and the rear surface of the gantry 10 and supports the gantry cover 11A. For example, both ends of the frame 40 have a structure for catching inside the gantry cover 11 on the front side and the rear side of the gantry 10 (see the position of arrow C in FIG. 10). In addition, the lower end of the gantry cover 11 on the front side and the rear side of the gantry 10 has a structure for hooking the end of the frame 40 on the inner side about several tens of cm from the left end of the gantry 10. Then, by using these structures, both ends of the frame 40 are respectively hooked to the lower ends of the front and rear frame covers 11 of the frame 10, so that the frame 40 is connected to the front frame cover 11 and the frame 10. The rear frame cover 11 is connected. Further, when the gantry cover 11A is attached to the gantry 10, the frame 40 supports the gantry cover 11A by contacting the curved lower end of the gantry cover 11A. At this time, since the weight of the gantry cover 11A is distributed to the gantry cover 11 on the front side of the gantry 10 and the gantry cover 11 on the rear side of the gantry 10, the frame 40 can efficiently support the gantry cover 11A. it can.

  The gantry cover 11 </ b> B has a size that covers at least the upper end of the chassis 20 to the upper end of the static magnetic field magnet 102 on the left side of the gantry 10. For example, the gantry cover 11 </ b> B has a size that covers the left side of the gantry 10 from the upper end of the chassis 20 to the position of the upper surface of the gantry 10. Thereby, the worker can work without removing the gantry cover 11 more than necessary when performing maintenance of the refrigerator 111.

  As described above, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes the gantry units such as the power supply unit 101, the control unit 106, and the reception unit 110 on one side of the gantry 10. Therefore, for example, the worker can access each gantry unit only by removing the gantry cover 11 that covers the side portion on which the gantry unit is provided. For this reason, the MRI apparatus 100 can easily maintain each gantry unit. In general, a working space for an operator to work is provided on the side of the gantry 10, but it is not necessary to provide a working space for the side where the gantry unit is not provided. For this reason, the MRI apparatus 100 can realize further space saving.

  In the above-described embodiment, the tunnel-type MRI apparatus 100 having a cylindrical cavity (imaging port) has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The above-described embodiment can be similarly applied to, for example, an open type MRI apparatus.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, space saving can be realized.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MRI apparatus 10 Mount 102 Static magnetic field magnet 106 Control part 110 Reception part

Claims (19)

A frame having a static magnetic field magnet;
A power supply unit for supplying power to each unit installed on the mount;
A receiving unit that receives a magnetic resonance signal emitted from a subject and generates magnetic resonance signal data based on the received magnetic resonance signal;
A control unit that controls each unit installed on the gantry,
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, wherein the power supply unit, the reception unit, and the control unit are provided on the same side of either one of the mounts.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side portion is a space between the static magnetic field magnet installed inside the gantry and a side surface of the gantry. The gantry has a front surface that is a surface on which a bed is inserted and a rear surface that is a surface opposite to the front surface,
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit is provided at a position closer to the rear surface than the front surface in the side portion.   The at least one of the power supply unit, the receiving unit, and the control unit is disposed in parallel to a vertical plane passing through a central axis of the static magnetic field magnet. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of the above.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a refrigerator for cooling the static magnetic field magnet on the side portion.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plate member that is installed on the side portion and supports at least the power supply unit, the receiving unit, and the control unit. .   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plate member is made of a nonmagnetic metal.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plate member is disposed in parallel to a vertical plane passing through a central axis of the static magnetic field magnet.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plate member has a plurality of divided plate members.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of divided plate members is disposed horizontally at a lower end of the plate member. The gantry further includes a plurality of devices that can be installed after the gantry is installed,
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of devices are arranged on one of the plurality of divided plate members.   The said board member has a wiring support member which supports each wiring for connecting each part arrange | positioned on the said board member mutually at a predetermined position, The any one of Claims 6-11 characterized by the above-mentioned. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described in 1.   The said plate member has a groove-shaped member which arrange | positions the wiring connected to each part arrange | positioned on the said plate member from the said exterior by the predetermined path | route. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described in 1.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plate member includes a waterproof cover for preventing water from infiltrating each portion disposed on the plate member. The gantry further has an attachment portion for attaching an instrument for transporting the gantry to the lower side of both sides of the outer periphery of the static magnetic field magnet.
15. The plate member according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein when the plate member is attached to the side portion, a lower end of the plate member is located above an upper end of the attachment portion. Magnetic resonance imaging device.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first mount cover having a size covering at least the upper end and the lower end of the plate member at the side portion.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a second gantry cover having a size covering at least the upper end of the first gantry cover to the upper end of the static magnetic field magnet at the side portion.   18. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first gantry cover has a shape in which a lower end of the first gantry cover is curved or bent toward the static magnetic field magnet.   The magnetic resonance according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a gantry cover support portion that connects a front surface of the gantry and a rear surface of the gantry and supports the first gantry cover. Imaging device.

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