JPH0910187A - Flexible coil - Google Patents
Flexible coilInfo
- Publication number
- JPH0910187A JPH0910187A JP7163468A JP16346895A JPH0910187A JP H0910187 A JPH0910187 A JP H0910187A JP 7163468 A JP7163468 A JP 7163468A JP 16346895 A JP16346895 A JP 16346895A JP H0910187 A JPH0910187 A JP H0910187A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- flexible
- coil
- subject
- shape
- circuit board
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、MR(Magnetic Resonanc
e)装置において、被検体の検査部位を巻装するように設
けられるフレキシブルコイル(flexible coil)に関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to MR (Magnetic Resonanc
e) In the device, the present invention relates to a flexible coil that is provided so as to wind around an inspection site of a subject.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】均一で強力な静磁場発生装置内に置かれ
た被検体の原子核スピンは、静磁場の強さによって定ま
る周波数(ラーモア周波数)で静磁場の方向を軸として歳
差運動を行う。そこで、このラーモア周波数に等しい周
波数の高周波パルスの電磁波を外部より照射すると、ス
ピンが励起されて高いエネルギー状態に遷移する。これ
を核磁気共鳴現象と言う。そして、高周波パルスの電磁
波の照射を打ち切ると、スピンはそれぞれの状態に応じ
た時定数で元の低いエネルギー状態に戻り、この時に外
部に電磁波を照射する。2. Description of the Related Art Nuclear spins of a subject placed in a uniform and strong static magnetic field generator perform precession about the direction of the static magnetic field at a frequency (Larmor frequency) determined by the strength of the static magnetic field. . Therefore, when an electromagnetic wave of a high frequency pulse having a frequency equal to this Larmor frequency is irradiated from the outside, spins are excited and transit to a high energy state. This is called a nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon. Then, when the irradiation of the electromagnetic wave of the high frequency pulse is stopped, the spin returns to the original low energy state with the time constant corresponding to each state, and at this time, the electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the outside.
【０００３】MR装置は、この電磁波をその周波数に同調
した高周波受信コイルで検出し、被検体中の所望の検査
部位における原子核スピンの密度分布,緩和時間分布等
を計測して、その計測データから被検体の断面を画像表
示するものである。The MR device detects this electromagnetic wave with a high-frequency receiving coil tuned to its frequency, measures the density distribution, relaxation time distribution, etc. of nuclear spins at a desired inspection site in the subject, and uses the measured data. The cross section of the subject is displayed as an image.
【０００４】このようなMR装置において、被検体に高周
波パルスを送信するため、または被検体で発生する電磁
波を受信するためにコイルが用いられている。更に、MR
用RFコイルとしては、送受信兼用に使用する送受信コイ
ル、送信のみに使用する送信専用コイル、及び受信のみ
に使用する受信専用コイルがある。In such an MR apparatus, a coil is used for transmitting a high frequency pulse to a subject or for receiving an electromagnetic wave generated by the subject. Furthermore, MR
The RF coils for use include a transmission / reception coil used for both transmission and reception, a transmission dedicated coil used only for transmission, and a reception dedicated coil used only for reception.
【０００５】図９は従来用いられている受信専用コイル
としてのフレキシブルサーフェスコイルの一部破断図で
ある。このフレキシブルサーフェスコイルは、被検体の
頭部以外の部位、例えば、腹部,胸部、ひざ,ひじ,首、
手首等を巻装して用いられるものである。FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway view of a conventional flexible surface coil as a receive-only coil. This flexible surface coil is a part other than the head of the subject, for example, the abdomen, chest, knees, elbows, neck,
It is used by winding a wrist or the like.
【０００６】図に示すように、フレキシブルサーフェス
コイル１は、内部に受信回路が設けられたベース部２
と、このベース部２の両側に設けられ、被検体を巻装す
る可撓部３とに大別される。As shown in the figure, the flexible surface coil 1 has a base portion 2 in which a receiving circuit is provided.
And the flexible portions 3 provided on both sides of the base portion 2 and around which the subject is wound.
【０００７】更に、可撓部３は、被検体を巻装すると、
例えば図１０(a)に示すような鞍形コイルや図１０(b)に
示すようなソレノイド型コイルとなるような導電パター
ンが形成された可撓性のフレキシブルプリント基板(FP
C)４と、このフレキシブルプリント基板４の両面に配設
された緩衝材としてのスポンジ５,６と、これらフレキ
シブルプリント基板４及びスポンジ５,６を覆うカバー
７とから構成されている。Furthermore, when the flexible part 3 is wound around the subject,
For example, a flexible flexible printed circuit board (FP) having a conductive pattern such as a saddle coil shown in FIG. 10A or a solenoid coil shown in FIG. 10B is formed.
C) 4, sponges 5 and 6 as cushioning materials provided on both sides of the flexible printed board 4, and a cover 7 that covers the flexible printed board 4 and the sponges 5 and 6.
【０００８】そして、図１１及び図１２に示すように、
フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の可撓部３の各先端部
は、被検体を巻装した時に重なり合うような長さに設定
され、更に、可撓部３の各先端部の重合する対向面に
は、マジックテープ８等の係止部材が設けられ、フレキ
シブルサーフェスコイルの被検体の巻装時に、可撓部３
の離反が禁止されている。Then, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,
Each tip of the flexible portion 3 of the flexible surface coil 1 is set to have such a length that they overlap each other when the subject is wound, and the tip of each tip of the flexible portion 3 has a magic surface. A locking member such as a tape 8 is provided, and the flexible portion 3 is provided when the subject of the flexible surface coil is wound.
Alienation is prohibited.
【０００９】このようなフレキシブルサーフェスコイル
１を被検体に巻装すると、被検体の体形によりフレキシ
ブルサーフェスコイルの断面形状が変化し、コイルのイ
ンダクタンスが変化し、中心周波数がずれ、画質の低下
を招く恐れがある。When such a flexible surface coil 1 is wound around a subject, the cross-sectional shape of the flexible surface coil changes depending on the body shape of the subject, the inductance of the coil changes, the center frequency shifts, and the image quality deteriorates. There is a fear.
【００１０】よって、下記(1)〜(3)のような方法を行な
っている。 (1) 被検体とフレキシブルサーフェスコイルとの間にク
ッションを設ける(図１１)。Therefore, the following methods (1) to (3) are performed. (1) A cushion is provided between the subject and the flexible surface coil (Fig. 11).
【００１１】図１１において、１０はテーブル１１上に
載置された被検体である。被検体１０とフレキシブルサ
ーフェスコイル１の内面との間には、クッション１２を
配設し、フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の断面形状を
略一定にしている。In FIG. 11, reference numeral 10 denotes a subject placed on the table 11. A cushion 12 is provided between the subject 10 and the inner surface of the flexible surface coil 1 so that the cross-sectional shape of the flexible surface coil 1 is substantially constant.
【００１２】(2) 被検体とフレキシブルサーフェスコイ
ルとの間にスペーサを設ける(図１２,図１３)。図１２
において、図１１と同一部分には同一符号を付し、それ
らの説明は省略する。これらの図において、１３はアク
リル樹脂板を円筒状に曲げ加工成形を施して得られたス
ペーサである。(2) A spacer is provided between the subject and the flexible surface coil (FIGS. 12 and 13). FIG.
11, the same parts as those in FIG. 11 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. In these figures, 13 is a spacer obtained by bending an acrylic resin plate into a cylindrical shape.
【００１３】(3) 周波数調整回路を設け、被検体の体形
に応じてその都度、中心周波数を調整する。(3) A frequency adjusting circuit is provided, and the center frequency is adjusted each time according to the body shape of the subject.
【００１４】[0014]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかし、上記従来のフ
レキシブルコイルにおいては、下記のような問題点があ
る。However, the above-mentioned conventional flexible coil has the following problems.
【００１５】(1) 図１１に示す被検体とフレキシブルサ
ーフェスコイルとの間にクッションを設ける方法 被検体が動くと、フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の形
状が変化し、フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の形状再
現性が悪い。また、被検体の体形に応じて様々な形状の
クッション１２が必要であり、更に、このクッション１
２をセットする作業が必要となり操作性が悪い。(1) Method of providing a cushion between the subject and the flexible surface coil shown in FIG. 11 When the subject moves, the shape of the flexible surface coil 1 changes and the shape reproducibility of the flexible surface coil 1 is poor. . In addition, cushions 12 having various shapes are required according to the body shape of the subject.
The work of setting 2 is required and the operability is poor.
【００１６】(2) 図１２,図１３に示す被検体とフレキ
シブルサーフェスコイルとの間にスペーサを設ける方法 フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の形状再現性は良い
が、スペーサ１３をセットする作業が必要となり、操作
性が悪い。また、スペーサ１３の厚み分だけフレキシブ
ルサーフェスコイル１内の空間が小さくなる。(2) Method of providing a spacer between the subject and the flexible surface coil shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 Although the shape reproducibility of the flexible surface coil 1 is good, a work for setting the spacer 13 is required and the operation is performed. The sex is bad. Moreover, the space in the flexible surface coil 1 is reduced by the thickness of the spacer 13.
【００１７】更に、SN比向上のためには、フレキシブル
サーフェスコイルと被検体とを可能な限り密着させるこ
とが望ましいが、このようなスペーサを設けることによ
り、隙間が発生してしまう。Further, in order to improve the SN ratio, it is desirable that the flexible surface coil and the subject be brought into close contact with each other as much as possible, but the provision of such a spacer causes a gap.
【００１８】(3) 周波数調整回路を設ける方法 周波数調整回路を操作する作業が必要となり、操作性が
悪い。更に、この回路を設けることにより大幅なコスト
アップとなる。(3) Method of Providing Frequency Adjusting Circuit Since the work of operating the frequency adjusting circuit is required, operability is poor. Furthermore, the provision of this circuit leads to a significant cost increase.
【００１９】本発明は上記問題点に鑑みてなされたもの
で、その目的は、操作性及び形状再現性が良好なフレキ
シブルコイルを提供することにある。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a flexible coil having good operability and shape reproducibility.
【００２０】[0020]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記課題を解決する本発
明のフレキシブルコイルは、被検体を巻装するように設
けられるフレキシブルコイルにおいて、導電パターンに
よりコイルが形成された可撓性基板と、該可撓性基板の
被検体と対向する面に、前記可撓性基板が撓む方向に沿
って複数設けられ、被検体に巻装された時には対向面ど
うしが当接する第１の形状保持部とを具備するものであ
る。A flexible coil of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a flexible coil provided so as to wind a subject, and a flexible substrate having a coil formed by a conductive pattern, A first shape-retaining portion provided on the surface of the flexible substrate facing the subject along the direction in which the flexible substrate bends, and the opposing faces contact each other when wound around the subject. It is equipped with.
【００２１】ここで、前記第１の形状保持部の一例とし
ては、前記可撓性基板の被検体と対向する面に、撓み方
向に沿って設けられた非磁性の可撓性帯体に、撓み方向
と略直交する方向に複数箇所設けた略V字形の溝により
形成されたものがある。Here, as an example of the first shape-retaining portion, a non-magnetic flexible strip provided along the bending direction on the surface of the flexible substrate facing the subject, There is one formed by a substantially V-shaped groove provided at a plurality of positions in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bending direction.
【００２２】また、フレキシブルコイルの非巻装時の形
状安定性を確保するため、可撓性基板の被検体と対向す
る面と反対側の面に、前記可撓性基板の撓み方向に沿っ
て複数設けられ、前記可撓性基板が略水平な状態にある
時には、対向面どうしが当接する第２の形状保持部を設
けることが望ましい。In order to ensure the shape stability of the flexible coil when it is not wound, the flexible substrate is provided on the surface opposite to the surface facing the subject along the bending direction of the flexible substrate. It is desirable that a plurality of second shape retaining portions are provided, and when the flexible substrates are in a substantially horizontal state, the opposing surfaces abut against each other.
【００２３】[0023]
【作用】本発明のフレキシブルコイルにおいて、被検体
を巻装すると、可撓性基板の被検体対向面に設けられた
第１の形状保持部の対向面どうしが当接し、それ以上の
フレキシブルコイルの変形は禁止され、その形状が保持
される。よって、フレキシブルコイルの操作性及び形状
再現性がよい。In the flexible coil of the present invention, when the subject is wound, the facing surfaces of the first shape-retaining portion provided on the subject-facing surface of the flexible substrate are brought into contact with each other, and the flexible coil of the further Deformation is prohibited and its shape is retained. Therefore, the operability and shape reproducibility of the flexible coil are good.
【００２４】また、可撓性基板の被検体対向面と反対側
の面に第２の形状保持部を設けると、フレキシブルコイ
ルが略水平状態にある時には、第２の形状保持部の対向
面同士が当接し、フレキシブルコイルのそれ以上の垂れ
下がり変形が禁止される。Further, when the second shape holding portion is provided on the surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the surface facing the subject, the facing surfaces of the second shape holding portion are opposed to each other when the flexible coil is in a substantially horizontal state. Are abutted against each other, and further sagging deformation of the flexible coil is prohibited.
【００２５】[0025]
【実施例】次に図面を用いて本発明の一実施例を説明す
る。図１は本発明の第１の実施例の要部構成図、図２は
図１におけるA方向矢視図、図３は図１に示すフレキシ
ブルサーフェスコイルの一部破断図、図４は図３におけ
るフレキシブルプリント基板に形成された導電パターン
の一例を説明する図である。尚、これらの図において、
図９と同一部分には同一符号を付し、それらの説明は省
略する。Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway view of the flexible surface coil shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conductive pattern formed on the flexible printed circuit board in FIG. In these figures,
The same parts as those in FIG. 9 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
【００２６】本実施例と従来例との相違点は、フレキシ
ブルプリント基板に形状保持部を設けた点である。図１
から図４において、４は、鞍型やソレノイド型の受信コ
イルの導電パターンが形成された可撓性基板としてのフ
レキシブルプリント基板である。The difference between this embodiment and the conventional example is that the shape holding portion is provided on the flexible printed board. FIG.
4 to 4, reference numeral 4 denotes a flexible printed board as a flexible board on which conductive patterns of saddle type or solenoid type receiving coils are formed.
【００２７】尚、本実施例では、図４及び図５に示すよ
うなパターンのクウォドラチャ(quadrature)受信コイル
５１を設けた。本実施例の受信コイル５１は、実線で示
す第１の受信コイルパターン５１′と、破線で示す第２
の受信コイルパターン５１″との二つのパートからなっ
ている。In this embodiment, a quadrature receiving coil 51 having a pattern as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is provided. The receiving coil 51 of this embodiment includes a first receiving coil pattern 51 'shown by a solid line and a second receiving coil pattern 51' shown by a broken line.
Of the receiving coil pattern 51 ″.
【００２８】そして、これら二つのコイルパターン５
１′,５１″は、図５に示すように、約90°ずれた状態
で被検体に巻装される形状となる。尚、５０は送信時に
コイルが働かないようにするディセーブル(disable)回
路である。Then, these two coil patterns 5
As shown in Fig. 5, the reference numerals 1 ', 51 "are wound around the subject with a shift of about 90 °. Note that 50 is a disable for preventing the coil from working during transmission. Circuit.
【００２９】このフレキシブルプリント基板４の被検体
との対向面の両側には、フレキシブルプリント基板４の
撓み方向に沿って一組の非磁性の可撓性の帯体２０,２
０′が接着されている。On both sides of the surface of the flexible printed circuit board 4 facing the subject, a pair of non-magnetic flexible strips 20, 2 are provided along the bending direction of the flexible printed circuit board 4.
0'is glued.
【００３０】この帯体２０,２０′には、撓み方向と略
直交する方向複数箇所に略V字形の溝２１,２１′が形成
され、この溝２１,２１′により各帯体２０,２０′に
は、複数個の第１の形状保持部２０ａ,２０′ａが形成
されている。The strips 20 and 20 'are provided with substantially V-shaped grooves 21 and 21' at a plurality of positions substantially orthogonal to the bending direction, and the strips 20 and 20 'are formed by the grooves 21 and 21'. A plurality of first shape retaining portions 20a, 20'a are formed in the.
【００３１】尚、本実施例では、帯体２０,２０′は幅1
8mm,厚さ5mmのものを用い、材質はナイロンとした。更
に、溝２１,２１′の深さは、帯体２０,２０′の厚さよ
り浅い4mmとした。In this embodiment, the strips 20 and 20 'have a width of 1
The material used was nylon with a thickness of 8 mm and a thickness of 5 mm. Further, the depth of the grooves 21 and 21 'is 4 mm, which is shallower than the thickness of the strips 20 and 20'.
【００３２】このような構成よれば、図６に示すよう
に、フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の可撓部３を被検
体に対して巻装し、各可撓部３の先端部の重合部の対向
面に設けられたマジックテープ等の係止部材を用いて可
撓部３の離反を禁止すると、フレキシブルプリント基板
４の被検体対向面に設けられた各帯体２０,２０′の第
１の形状保持部２０ａ,２０′ａの対向面どうしが当接
し、それ以上のフレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の変形
が禁止され、その形状が保持される。According to this structure, as shown in FIG. 6, the flexible portion 3 of the flexible surface coil 1 is wound around the subject, and the end surface of each flexible portion 3 faces the overlapping portion. When the detachment of the flexible portion 3 is prohibited by using a locking member such as a velcro tape provided on the surface of the flexible printed circuit board 4, the first shape retention of the strips 20 and 20 'provided on the surface of the flexible printed circuit board 4 facing the subject is maintained. The facing surfaces of the portions 20a and 20'a come into contact with each other, and further deformation of the flexible surface coil 1 is prohibited, and the shape thereof is maintained.
【００３３】よって、従来のフレキシブルサーフェスコ
イルで行なっていた方法、即ち、被検体とフレキシブル
サーフェスコイルとの間にクッションを設け、サーフェ
スコイルの形状を保持する方法、作業や被検体とフレキ
シブルサーフェスコイルとの間にスペーサを設け、フレ
キシブルサーフェスコイルの形状を保持する方法、及
び、周波数調整回路を設け、周波数を調整する方法に比
べ、フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１を被検体に巻装す
るだけで、サーフェスコイル１の形状が決定保持され、
操作性が良好となる。Therefore, the conventional method of the flexible surface coil, that is, the method of maintaining the shape of the surface coil by providing a cushion between the subject and the flexible surface coil, the work and the subject and the flexible surface coil Compared with a method of providing a spacer between the two to maintain the shape of the flexible surface coil and a method of providing a frequency adjusting circuit to adjust the frequency, the flexible surface coil 1 is simply wound around the subject, The shape of is determined and held,
Operability is improved.
【００３４】また、第１の形状保持部２０ａ,２０ａ′
は、帯体２０,２０′の厚さより浅い溝２１,２１′を設
けて形成し、個々のブロックに分離せず、この帯体２
０,２０′をフレキシブルプリント基板４に固着するだ
けでよいので、製造が容易であり、しかも、第１の形状
保持部材２０ａ,２０ａ′の配置のずれが少なくなる。In addition, the first shape retaining portions 20a, 20a '
Are formed by providing grooves 21, 21 'shallower than the thickness of the strips 20, 20' and are not separated into individual blocks.
Since it is only necessary to fix 0, 20 'to the flexible printed circuit board 4, the manufacturing is easy and the displacement of the first shape retaining members 20a, 20a' is reduced.
【００３５】更に、帯体２０,２０′の幅も18mmと狭い
ので、軽量である。そして、本実施例の帯体２０,２
０′は、被検体の巻装方向と反対方向には、形状保持部
２０ａ,２０ａ′のような変形禁止手段が設けられてい
ないので、フレキシブルプリント基板４の可撓範囲内で
自由に撓むことができる。よって、フレキシブルサーフ
ェスコイル１がテーブル側面より垂れ下がってじゃまに
ならないので、テーブル近くまで患者を運ぶことがで
き、患者をテーブル上のフレキシブルサーフェスコイル
１上に載せることが容易となる。Further, since the width of the strips 20 and 20 'is as narrow as 18 mm, it is lightweight. Then, the strips 20 and 2 of this embodiment
0'is free to bend within the flexible range of the flexible printed circuit board 4 because no deformation inhibiting means such as the shape holding portions 20a, 20a 'is provided in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the subject. be able to. Therefore, since the flexible surface coil 1 does not hang down from the side surface of the table and interfere, the patient can be carried close to the table, and the patient can be easily placed on the flexible surface coil 1 on the table.
【００３６】更に、第１の形状保持部材２０ａ,２０
ａ′の形状を選択することにより、言い換えれば、溝２
１,２１′のピッチ(図２における寸法P)や、V字形の溝
２１,２１′の開き角度(図２における角度θ)を選択す
ることにより、フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の使用
時の形状を変化させることができ、目的の被検体の形状
に合わせたフレキシブルサーフェスコイル１を容易に得
ることができる。Further, the first shape retaining members 20a, 20
By selecting the shape of a ′, in other words, the groove 2
By changing the pitch of 1,21 '(dimension P in Fig. 2) and the opening angle of V-shaped grooves 21, 21' (angle θ in Fig. 2), the shape of the flexible surface coil 1 when used can be changed. Thus, the flexible surface coil 1 that matches the shape of the target subject can be easily obtained.
【００３７】具体的には、曲率が小さな箇所において
は、溝の２１,２１′のピッチ(P)を短くするか、また
は、V字形の溝２１,２１′の開き角(θ)を大きくするか
の二つの手法のうち少なくともどちらか一方の手法を採
ることにより、曲率の小さな形状を得ることができる。Specifically, at a portion having a small curvature, the pitch (P) of the grooves 21 and 21 'is shortened or the opening angle (θ) of the V-shaped grooves 21 and 21' is increased. By adopting at least one of these two methods, it is possible to obtain a shape with a small curvature.
【００３８】又、逆に曲率が大きな箇所においては、溝
の２１,２１′のピッチ(P)を長くするか、または、V字
形の溝２１,２１′の開き角(θ)を小さくするかの二つ
の手法のうち少なくともどちらか一方の手法を採ること
により、曲率の大きな形状を得ることができる。On the contrary, at a portion having a large curvature, whether the pitch (P) of the grooves 21 and 21 'is lengthened or the opening angle (θ) of the V-shaped grooves 21 and 21' is decreased. By adopting at least one of the above two methods, it is possible to obtain a shape having a large curvature.
【００３９】一例としては、被検体の胴部を巻装する場
合、フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の断面形状は、図
６に示すように略楕円形となる。よって、図６におい
て、側部A,A′は曲率が小さくなるので、溝の２１,２
１′のピッチ(P)を短くするか、または、V字形の溝２
１,２１′の開き角(θ)を大きくするかの少なくともど
ちらか一方の手法で実現できる。又、上部Bは曲率が大
きくなるので、溝の２１,２１′のピッチ(P)を長くする
か、または、V字形の溝２１,２１′の開き角(θ)を小さ
くするか二つの手法のうち少なくともどちらか一方の手
法で実現できる。As an example, when the body of the subject is wound, the flexible surface coil 1 has a substantially elliptical cross section as shown in FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 6, since the side portions A and A ′ have a small curvature, the grooves 21 and 2
1'pitch (P) is shortened or V-shaped groove 2
This can be realized by at least one of increasing the opening angle (θ) of 1,21 ′. Also, since the curvature of the upper portion B becomes large, either the pitch (P) of the grooves 21 and 21 'is lengthened or the opening angle (θ) of the V-shaped grooves 21 and 21' is decreased. It can be realized by at least one of the two methods.
【００４０】尚、その際、すなわちフレキシブルサーフ
ェスコイル１の略楕円形の断面形状は、長軸と短軸との
比が被検体の断面形状と同じであることが望ましい。例
えば、1:1.4 の場合に(本実施例では、長軸が410mm,短
軸が290mm)、画像の劣化を招くことなく、最も好ましい
画質を得ることができた。At this time, that is, in the substantially elliptical sectional shape of the flexible surface coil 1, it is desirable that the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis is the same as the sectional shape of the subject. For example, in the case of 1: 1.4 (in this embodiment, the major axis is 410 mm and the minor axis is 290 mm), the most preferable image quality could be obtained without causing deterioration of the image.
【００４１】本発明は上記実施例に限定するものではな
い。例えば、図７(a)に示すように、フレキシブルプリ
ント基板４の被検体と対向する面と反対側の面、即ち、
第１の形状保持部２０ａが設けられている面と反対側の
面に、フレキシブルプリント基板４の撓み方向に沿っ
て、フレキシブルプリント基板４が略水平状態時にある
時に、対向面どうしが当接する非磁性の複数の第２の形
状保持部３０を設けるようにしてもよい。The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the surface of the flexible printed circuit board 4 opposite to the surface facing the subject, that is,
When the flexible printed circuit board 4 is in a substantially horizontal state along the bending direction of the flexible printed circuit board 4 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the first shape retaining portion 20a is provided, the opposing surfaces contact each other. A plurality of magnetic second shape retaining portions 30 may be provided.
【００４２】このような構成において、被検体を巻装す
る場合は、図７(b)に示すように、上記実施例と同様に
第１の形状保持部２０ａの対向面どうしが当接し、巻装
形状が決定保持される。With this structure, when the subject is wound, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the facing surfaces of the first shape retaining portion 20a are brought into contact with each other as shown in FIG. The mounting shape is determined and held.
【００４３】そして、第２の形状保持部３０を設けたこ
とにより、図７(c)に示すように、フレキシブルプリン
ト基板４が略水平状態にある時には、第２の形状保持部
３０の対向面同士が当接し、それ以上のフレキシブルプ
リント基板４(可撓部３)の垂れ下がり変形が禁止され
る。By providing the second shape holding portion 30, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), when the flexible printed circuit board 4 is in a substantially horizontal state, the opposing surface of the second shape holding portion 30. They abut each other, and further sagging deformation of the flexible printed circuit board 4 (flexible portion 3) is prohibited.
【００４４】よって、テーブルにストレッチャを横付け
する際に、フレキシブルサーフェスコイル１の可撓部３
がテーブル側面とストレッチャとの間に挟まれることが
なくなり、フレキシブルプリント基板４上のコイル等の
パターンが断線する事故を防止できる。Therefore, when the stretcher is horizontally attached to the table, the flexible portion 3 of the flexible surface coil 1 is provided.
Can be prevented from being sandwiched between the side surface of the table and the stretcher, and it is possible to prevent an accident in which the pattern of the coil or the like on the flexible printed circuit board 4 is broken.
【００４５】また、第２の形状保持部の形状も上記実施
例に限定するものではない。例えば、図８に示すよう
に、第２の形状保持部３１の形状を第１の形状保持部２
０ａと同様に、ピッチ(P),開き角度(θ)を適宜選択する
ことにより、過度に垂れ下がることを防止し、フレキシ
ブルプリント基板の導電パターンが損傷することを防止
することができる。Further, the shape of the second shape retaining portion is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the shape of the second shape holding portion 31 is changed to the shape of the first shape holding portion 2.
As in the case of 0a, by appropriately selecting the pitch (P) and the opening angle (θ), it is possible to prevent the sagging excessively and prevent the conductive pattern of the flexible printed board from being damaged.
【００４６】更に、上記第２の形状保持部を設けずと
も、フレキシブルプリント基板４の材質を適宜選択する
ことにより、その材質の機械的強度をもって、導電パタ
ーンの損傷を防止することができる。Further, without providing the second shape retaining portion, by appropriately selecting the material of the flexible printed board 4, it is possible to prevent the conductive pattern from being damaged by the mechanical strength of the material.
【００４７】更に、上記各実施例では、受信コイルが設
けられたフレキシブルサーフェスコイルであったが、こ
れに限定するものではなく、送信コイル、又は、送受信
コイルが設けられたフレキシブルコイルにも適用できる
ことは言うまでもない。Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the flexible surface coil provided with the receiving coil is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can be applied to a transmitting coil or a flexible coil provided with a transmitting / receiving coil. Needless to say.
【００４８】また更に、上記実施例では、厚さ5mmの帯
体２０,２０′に対して深さ4mmの溝２１,２１′を設
け、帯体２０,２０′は連続体の状態でフレキシブルプ
リント基板４に取付けたが、独立した第１の形状保持部
２０ａ,２０ａ′をフレキシブルプリント基板４に設け
るようにしてもよい。Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, grooves 21 and 21 'having a depth of 4 mm are provided in the strips 20 and 20' having a thickness of 5 mm, and the strips 20 and 20 'are flexible printed in a continuous state. Although attached to the board 4, the flexible printed board 4 may be provided with independent first shape holding portions 20a and 20a '.
【００４９】[0049]
【発明の効果】以上述べたように本発明のフレキシブル
コイルによれば、被検体を巻装すると、可撓性基板の被
検体対向面に設けられた第１の形状保持部の対向面どう
しが当接し、それ以上のフレキシブルコイルの変形は禁
止され、その形状が保持される。よって、フレキシブル
コイルの操作性及び形状再現性がよい。As described above, according to the flexible coil of the present invention, when the subject is wound, the opposing surfaces of the first shape-retaining portion provided on the subject-facing surface of the flexible substrate are opposed to each other. The flexible coil is abutted, and further deformation of the flexible coil is prohibited, and its shape is maintained. Therefore, the operability and shape reproducibility of the flexible coil are good.
【００５０】また、可撓性基板の被検体対向面と反対側
の面に第２の形状保持部を設けると、可撓性基板が水平
状態にある時には、第２の形状保持部の対向面同士が当
接し、可撓性基板のそれ以上の垂れ下がり変形が禁止す
ることができる。Further, when the second shape retaining portion is provided on the surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the surface facing the subject, the opposing surface of the second shape retaining portion when the flexible substrate is in the horizontal state. It is possible to prevent the sagging deformation of the flexible substrate due to the mutual contact.
【図１】本発明の第１の実施例の要部構成図である。FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】図１におけるA方向矢視図である。FIG. 2 is a view on arrow A in FIG.
【図３】図１に示すフレキシブルサーフェスコイルの一
部破断図である。3 is a partially cutaway view of the flexible surface coil shown in FIG.
【図４】図３におけるフレキシブルプリント基板に形成
された導電パターンの一例を説明する図である。4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conductive pattern formed on the flexible printed circuit board in FIG.
【図５】図４に示す導電パターンのフレキシブルプリン
ト基板を巻装した時の構成図である。5 is a configuration diagram when the flexible printed board having the conductive pattern shown in FIG. 4 is wound.
【図６】図１における巻装時の説明図である。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of winding in FIG.
【図７】他の実施例の説明図である。FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment.
【図８】他の実施例の説明図である。FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment.
【図９】従来のフレキシブルサーフェスコイルの一部破
断図である。FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of a conventional flexible surface coil.
【図１０】コイルの説明図である。FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a coil.
【図１１】従来のフレキシブルサーフェスコイルの使用
法の第１の例を説明する図である。FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first example of usage of a conventional flexible surface coil.
【図１２】従来のフレキシブルサーフェスコイルの使用
法の第２の例を説明する図である。FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second example of usage of a conventional flexible surface coil.
【図１３】図１２におけるスペーサの斜視図である。13 is a perspective view of the spacer in FIG.
４ フレキシブルプリント基板(可撓性基板) ２０,２０′ 帯体 ２０ａ,２０′ａ 第１の形状保持部 ２１,２１′ 溝 4 Flexible printed circuit board (flexible circuit board) 20, 20 'Band 20a, 20'a First shape-retaining portion 21, 21' Groove
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 早川 和彦 東京都日野市旭が丘四丁目７番地の127 ジーイー横河メディカルシステム株式会社 内 (72)発明者 今泉 元郎 東京都世田谷区宮坂２丁目25番25号 株式 会社潤工社内 (72)発明者 梅林 哲郎 東京都世田谷区宮坂２丁目25番25号 株式 会社潤工社内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Hayakawa 127, 4-7 Asahigaoka, Hino City, Tokyo GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Motoo Imaizumi 2-25 Miyasaka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo No. 25 Junko Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tetsuro Umebayashi 2-25-25 Miyasaka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Junko Co., Ltd.
Claims (3)
キシブルコイルにおいて、 導電パターンによりコイルが形成された可撓性基板と、 該可撓性基板の被検体と対向する面に、前記可撓性基板
が撓む方向に沿って複数設けられ、被検体に巻装された
時には対向面どうしが当接する第１の形状保持部と、 を具備することを特徴とするフレキシブルコイル。1. A flexible coil provided so as to wind a subject, the flexible substrate having a coil formed by a conductive pattern, and the flexible substrate provided on a surface of the flexible substrate facing the subject. A flexible coil, comprising: a plurality of flexible substrates provided along the bending direction of the flexible substrate; and a first shape-retaining portion with which the opposing surfaces come into contact with each other when wound around the subject.
って設けられた可撓性帯体に、撓み方向と略直交する方
向に複数箇所設けた略V字形の溝により形成されたこと
を特徴とする請求項１記載のフレキシブルコイル。2. The first shape-retaining portion is formed on a surface of the flexible substrate facing the subject and extends along a bending direction of a flexible strip provided along the bending direction. The flexible coil according to claim 1, wherein the flexible coil is formed by a plurality of substantially V-shaped grooves provided in the inner surface of the flexible coil.
反対側の面に、前記可撓性基板の撓み方向に沿って複数
設けられ、前記可撓性基板が略水平な状態にある時に
は、対向面どうしが当接する第２の形状保持部を設けた
ことを特徴とする請求項１または２記載のフレキシブル
コイル。3. A plurality of flexible substrates are provided on a surface opposite to a surface of the flexible substrate facing the subject along the bending direction of the flexible substrate, and the flexible substrates are substantially horizontal. The flexible coil according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second shape-retaining portion with which the opposing surfaces abut against each other at a certain time.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP16346895A JP3342988B2 (en) | 1995-06-29 | 1995-06-29 | Flexible coil |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP16346895A JP3342988B2 (en) | 1995-06-29 | 1995-06-29 | Flexible coil |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH0910187A true JPH0910187A (en) | 1997-01-14 |
| JP3342988B2 JP3342988B2 (en) | 2002-11-11 |
Family
ID=15774452
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP16346895A Expired - Fee Related JP3342988B2 (en) | 1995-06-29 | 1995-06-29 | Flexible coil |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3342988B2 (en) |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6169400B1 (en) | 1998-05-11 | 2001-01-02 | Ge Yokogawa Medical Systems, Limited | Radio frequency coil |
| JP2002085378A (en) * | 2000-09-20 | 2002-03-26 | Toshiba Medical System Co Ltd | Rf coil for use in magnetic resonance imaging device |
| JP2005296180A (en) * | 2004-04-08 | 2005-10-27 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Co Llc | Coil for mri |
| JP2005324028A (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2005-11-24 | General Electric Co <Ge> | Multi-turn element rf coil array for multiple channel mri |
| JP2006325737A (en) * | 2005-05-24 | 2006-12-07 | Hitachi Medical Corp | Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus |
| JP2007117636A (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-17 | Toshiba Corp | Flexible coil and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus |
| JP2007229004A (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2007-09-13 | Toshiba Corp | Rf coil and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus |
| JP2008079906A (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-10 | Toshiba Corp | Mri apparatus, and rf coil unit for the same |
| JP2008119214A (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2008-05-29 | Hitachi Medical Corp | Magnetic resonance imaging device and rf irradiation coil |
| WO2011158625A1 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2011-12-22 | 株式会社 日立メディコ | Rf reception coil and magnetic resonance imaging device using same |
| CN103941203A (en) * | 2013-01-22 | 2014-07-23 | 北京大学 | Flexible antenna device used for magnetic resonance imaging |
-
1995
- 1995-06-29 JP JP16346895A patent/JP3342988B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6169400B1 (en) | 1998-05-11 | 2001-01-02 | Ge Yokogawa Medical Systems, Limited | Radio frequency coil |
| JP2002085378A (en) * | 2000-09-20 | 2002-03-26 | Toshiba Medical System Co Ltd | Rf coil for use in magnetic resonance imaging device |
| JP2005296180A (en) * | 2004-04-08 | 2005-10-27 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Co Llc | Coil for mri |
| JP2005324028A (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2005-11-24 | General Electric Co <Ge> | Multi-turn element rf coil array for multiple channel mri |
| JP2006325737A (en) * | 2005-05-24 | 2006-12-07 | Hitachi Medical Corp | Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus |
| JP2007117636A (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-17 | Toshiba Corp | Flexible coil and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus |
| JP2007229004A (en) * | 2006-02-27 | 2007-09-13 | Toshiba Corp | Rf coil and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus |
| JP2008079906A (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-10 | Toshiba Corp | Mri apparatus, and rf coil unit for the same |
| JP2008119214A (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2008-05-29 | Hitachi Medical Corp | Magnetic resonance imaging device and rf irradiation coil |
| WO2011158625A1 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2011-12-22 | 株式会社 日立メディコ | Rf reception coil and magnetic resonance imaging device using same |
| JP5894072B2 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2016-03-23 | 株式会社日立メディコ | RF receiving coil and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus using the same |
| CN103941203A (en) * | 2013-01-22 | 2014-07-23 | 北京大学 | Flexible antenna device used for magnetic resonance imaging |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3342988B2 (en) | 2002-11-11 |
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