Patent Application
20180351296
This application claims the benefit of EP17173640.8, filed on May 31, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present embodiments relate to a plug connection for use in a magnetic resonance device, a first connecting part and a second connecting part of the plug connection, a patient couch, and a local coil.
In medical technology, imaging by magnetic resonance (MR) (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) is characterized by high and variable soft tissue contrasts. Here, with the aid of a magnetic resonance device, excitation pulses are irradiated into a patient. The excitation pulses trigger magnetic resonance signals in the patient. The magnetic resonance signals are received by electrically-conductive loops (e.g., coils and/or antennas). In this process, a voltage is induced in the coil by a magnetic resonance signal. The induced voltage may be forwarded, amplified by a low-noise pre-amplifier, to receiving electronics of the magnetic resonance device.
The receive coils may be arranged as close as possible to the patient. The receive coils are therefore also referred to as local coils. Usually, the local coils are not permanently connected to the magnetic resonance device, but are connected to the magnetic resonance device via a plug connection.
Conventional plug connections, for example, include a first connecting part on the device side (e.g., a socket on a patient couch of the magnetic resonance device) and a second connecting part on the coil side (e.g., a plug on a cable of the local coil or also a direct connection), such as is disclosed, for example, in the publications US 2013 0184563 A1, US 2010 0156420 A1, and US 2013 0023756 A1.
The coil-side plug often includes contact elements (e.g., contact pins pointing outwards) that are freely able to be touched. Thus, the danger exists of mechanical damage, such as through bending of the contact pins.
The socket corresponding to the plug may include contact elements (e.g., contact openings pointing inwards) that are arranged in an insulating body. The contact elements may generally be embodied so as not to be able to be touched by an operator or a patient. Therefore, conventional sockets often include a mechanical cover (e.g., with a spring-loaded sliding or hinged mechanism). The cover may protect against touching the contact elements directly and/or against the ingress of liquids. However, these covers may also be opened without a plug (e.g., unwittingly by the patient), which may lead to damage and/or injuries.
For example, when the cover is open, liquids may still enter into the insulating body and lead, for example, to a corrosion of a printed circuit board that may be connected thereto. After cleaning, residues of liquid from cleaning agents may remain in the socket, which may cause material fatigue, since the cleaning agents may collect in indentations of the socket and have an effect over a long period.
The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary.
The present embodiments may obviate one or more of the drawbacks or limitations in the related art. For example, a magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible plug connection that is convenient and safe to handle is provided.
A plug connection for use in a magnetic resonance device that includes a first connecting part with at least one first contact module and a second connecting part with at least one second contact module is provided. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are embodied to be connected detachably to one another. The first connecting part includes a housing. The first connecting part includes a displacement unit (e.g., mechanical displacement unit) that is embodied, on connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part, to move the at least one first contact module relative to the housing of the first connecting part in a direction of the at least one second contact module, in order to establish a contact between the at least one first contact module and the at least one second contact module. In this case, the contact may be an immediate and/or direct and/or touching contact.
A mechanism of this type may advantageously enable a stable plug state to be established, since through the relative movement of the first contact module in relation to the housing of the first connecting part, the first contact module and the second contact module may be brought together safely. Any protective covers may advantageously be dispensed with.
The first connecting part may be arranged on a patient couch, for example. The housing of the first connecting part may, for example, be connected in one piece with the patient couch (e.g., with a housing of the patient couch). For example, the first connecting part may be integrated into a housing of the patient couch, so that the housing of the patient couch is simultaneously the housing of the first connecting part. An integration of the first connecting part into the patient couch, for example, enables any individual parts and interfaces between such individual parts to be avoided. The plug connection may thus advantageously be cleaned especially well.
In one embodiment, during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part, the at least one first contact module may be moved in a horizontal direction relative to the housing of the first connecting part. This possibly enables an undesired ingress of liquids to be avoided.
The second connecting part may, for example, include a manual plug of a local coil (e.g., the manual plug is connected to any antennas of the local coil via a flexible cable), so that the local coil may be positioned flexibly on a patient couch.
The second connecting part may also include, for example, a cableless direct plug of a local coil (e.g., of a head coil). In this case, for example, a housing of the second connecting part may be connected in one piece (e.g., rigidly to a local coil). For example, the second connecting part may be integrated into a housing of the local coil, so that the housing of the local coil is simultaneously the housing of the second connecting part. Direct plug connections advantageously make possible an especially simple and convenient workflow.
A detachable connection may be a connection that may be released and/or used for a plurality of connection and/or disconnection processes, without destroying the connection (e.g., used repeatedly without destroying the connection).
A mechanical displacement unit may be a unit that is embodied to move the at least one first contact module with the aid of mechanical forces. The use of magnetic forces, because of possible interaction with any magnetic fields that are generated by a magnetic resonance device, is thus not suitable.
The first connecting part and the second connecting part may be brought into contact with one another to establish a connection and/or taken apart to disconnect a connection. The plug connector may thus be embodied to disconnect and/or to connect lines (e.g., electrical lines), via which, for example, magnetic resonance signals may be transmitted. Since the plug connection is intended for use in a magnetic resonance device, the plug connection may include exclusively MR-compatible (e.g., non-magnetic) materials.
The plug connection may be an electrical plug connection (e.g., in a connected state, at least one electrical contact is established between the first connecting part and the second connecting part). Electrical signals and/or electrical energy may be transmitted via the at least one contact.
In one embodiment, the first contact module and the second contact module each have at least one electrically-conductive contact element (e.g., an electrical contact). In one embodiment, in a connected state, the at least one electrically-conductive contact element of the first contact module is connected to the at least one electrically-conductive contact element of the second contact module (e.g., directly).
A relative movement of the at least one first contact module in relation to the housing of the first connecting part may be a movement in which the position and/or location of the at least one first contact module changes in relation to the housing of the first connecting part. The at least one first contact module is thus embodied to enable movement relative to the housing of the first connecting part.
In one embodiment, the plug connection is embodied such that, during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part, the at least one first contact module is moved relative to the housing of the first connecting part in the direction of the at least one second contact module. This connection direction may thus be oriented during a connection such that, during the movement, a distance between the at least one first contact module and the at least one second contact module reduces.
In one embodiment, the displacement unit is embodied, during a disconnection of the first connecting part from the second connecting part, to move the at least one first contact module relative to the housing of the first connecting part in a disconnection direction, which is oriented opposite to the connection direction, in order to break the contact between the at least one first contact module and the at least one second contact module.
An embodiment of the plug connection makes provision for the displacement unit to be embodied, during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part, to transmit a force (e.g., a mechanical force) from the second connecting part to the at least one first contact module.
This transmitted force may be used, for example, to support the movement of the at least one first contact module relative to the housing of the first connecting part (e.g., to bring about the movement).
An embodiment of the plug connection makes provision for the displacement unit of the first connecting part to include a first force transmission unit and for the second connecting part to include a second force transmission unit. In this case, during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part by the second force transmission unit, a first force (e.g., a mechanical force) is introduced into the first force transmission unit, so that a second force (e.g., a mechanical force) is introduced into the first contact module.
The first force transmission unit and the second force transmission unit, for example, enable an external force from outside the first connecting part to be introduced into the displacement unit in order to support the movement of the at least one first contact module relative to the housing of the first connecting part (e.g., to bring about the movement). For example, an external movement of the second connecting part enables the first force to be introduced into the first force transmission unit, so that the movement of the at least one first contact module relative to the housing of the first connecting part may be influenced from outside (e.g., from outside the housing of the first connecting part).
The first force transmission unit and the second force transmission unit are adapted to one another so that the relative movement of the at least one first contact module may only be initiated by the second force transmission unit. This advantageously enables an undesired actuation of the at least one first contact module to be prevented.
In one embodiment of the plug connection, the housing of the first connecting part may have at least one recess. In this case, the second force transmission unit has at least one projecting element that is able to be arranged in (e.g., inserted into) the at least one recess of the housing.
For example, the at least one projecting element and the at least one recess are embodied corresponding to one another. For example, the shape and/or size of the at least one projecting element and of the at least one recess are embodied corresponding to one another, so that, for example, the at least one projecting element fits into the at least one recess. Advantageously, the recess is dimensioned so that there may not be any undesired actuation of the first force transmission unit (e.g., by a finger of a patient).
In one embodiment, during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part, the at least one projecting element may be inserted into the at least one recess. This insertion movement, for example, enables the first force to be introduced via the at least projecting element into the first force transmission unit (e.g., by the at least one projecting element pushing the first force transmission unit away from the at least one projecting element).
This, for example, enables a controlled (e.g., guided) introduction of force to be made possible.
In one embodiment, the displacement unit includes at least one diversion lever (e.g., a rotatably supported lever) that diverts the first force to the second force. Using such a lever, a force diversion may be realized in a simple and efficient manner.
In one embodiment, the at least one lever is arranged within the housing of the first connecting part. In one embodiment, the at least one lever is supported at a pivot point that divides the at least one lever into a first side and a second side. In one embodiment, the first side of the at least one lever is arranged on the first force transmission unit. In one embodiment, the second side of the at least one lever is arranged on the at least one first contact module.
The embodiment of the at least one lever and/or of the pivot point enable different transmission ratios between a path of the first force transmission unit and a path of the first contact module to be realized.
In one embodiment, the displacement unit has a lever in each case for each first contact module. This enables the relative movement to be carried out in an especially reliable manner.
In one embodiment, the second force includes a component that is aligned in opposition to the first force. For example, the first connecting part includes a guide for the at least one first contact module, which under the effect of the second force, brings about a movement of the at least one first contact module at the at least one first contact module, which is aligned opposite to the first force. In one embodiment, any components of the second force that are not aligned in opposition to the first force may be accommodated by this guide.
In one embodiment, the displacement unit includes at least one spring unit that acts in opposition to the first force. In a disconnected state of the plug connection, this enables the first force transmission unit to be held in a pre-tensioned initial state. The at least one spring unit may include at least one compression spring (e.g., a cylindrical spring).
In one embodiment, the second connecting part includes at least one latching element that holds the second connecting part in a connected state. For example, the latching element is able to counteract any spring force of the at least one spring unit.
In one embodiment of the plug connection, the at least one first contact module, in a disconnected state, may be flush and/or set back in relation to an adjoining outer surface of the housing of the first connecting part. This enables the first contact module to be protected from damage and/or contamination.
During a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part, the at least one first contact module may be moved out beyond the adjoining outer surface of the housing of the first connecting part, so that, in a connected state, the at least one first contact module projects beyond this surface.
In one embodiment of the plug connection, the at least one first contact module may include electrically-conductive contact elements that, in an unconnected state, are located within the housing of the first connecting part. Inadvertent touching of the electrically-conductive contact elements may thus be avoided.
Such an arrangement, for example, enables the contact elements to be protected from damage and/or contamination, since the contact elements do not provide any vulnerable external surfaces.
In one embodiment, the at least one first contact module includes electrically-conductive contact elements that are embodied as planar elements in at least one plane (e.g., two parallel planes). The at least one plane is essentially embodied in parallel to the direction in which the at least one first contact module moves during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part.
In one embodiment, the contact elements, which in an unconnected state, are visible from outside, are not arranged on an end face side of the at least one first contact module, but, for example, are arranged in a plane aligned perpendicular thereto.
This represents an advantageous arrangement for protecting the contact elements from damage and/or contamination in an unconnected state.
In one embodiment, the second connecting part includes a housing with at least one recess, where the at least one first contact module, during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part, is introduced into the at least one recess of the housing of the second connecting part.
The at least one first contact module moves into the at least one recess of the housing of the second connecting part during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part in order to establish contact between the at least one first contact module and the at least one second contact module.
The at least one second contact module may be arranged within the at least one recess of the housing of the second connecting part. This internal arrangement enables the second contact module to be better protected against dirt and/or damage.
In one embodiment, the at least one second contact module includes at least one electrically-conductive contact element that is spring-loaded. Spring loading enables these contact elements to make especially reliable contact with the contact elements of the first contact module. This enables manufacturing tolerances to be allowed for and/or sliding contacting processes to be implemented.
In one embodiment of the plug connection, the second connecting part, during a connection of the first connecting part to the second connecting part, may be guided as a form fit. Such forced guidance may be provided, for example, by the housing of the connecting part having a shape (e.g., a V shape and/or a groove and/or a tongue) that makes a form fit with a mating piece.
In one embodiment, such a forced guidance enables a convenient and safe (e.g., tilt-free) connection or disconnection of the plug connection to be achieved.
A first connecting part that is embodied to make a plug connection with a second connecting part is provided. A second connecting part that is embodied to make a plug connection with a first connecting part is provided.
A patient couch with at least one first connecting part is provided. A local coil with at least one second connecting part is also provided.
In one embodiment, the at least one first connecting part is arranged on the patient couch such that, during a connection of the first connecting part to a second connecting part, the at least one first contact module is moved relative to the housing of the first connecting part, in a direction parallel to a couch surface of the patient couch (e.g., usually a horizontal direction.) This possibly enables an undesired ingress of liquids to be avoided.
Further details about the first connecting part and the second connecting part and also about the patient couch and the local coil are provided above.
Parts that correspond to one another are labeled with the same reference characters in all figures.
The magnet unit 11 also has a gradient coil unit 18 for creation of magnetic field gradients that are used for spatial encoding during imaging. The gradient coil unit 18 is controlled by a gradient control unit 19 of the magnetic resonance device 10. The magnet unit 11 further includes a radio frequency antenna unit 20 that is configured in the present exemplary embodiment as a body coil integrated permanently into the magnetic resonance device 10. The radio frequency antenna unit 20 is configured to excite atomic nuclei that occur in the main magnetic field 13 created by the main magnets 12. The radio frequency antenna unit 20 is controlled by a radio frequency antenna control unit 21 of the magnetic resonance device 10 and radiates radio-frequency magnetic resonance sequences into an examination space that is essentially formed by a patient receiving area 14 of the magnetic resonance device 10.
The patient couch 17 includes a first connecting part 101.
The magnetic resonance device 10 further includes a local coil 26 with a cable 27 and a second connecting part 102 configured as, for example, a manual plug. The first connecting part 101 and the second connecting part 102 form a plug connection 100 with each other. The local coil 26 is configured to receive magnetic resonance signals that may be transmitted via the plug connection 100 for further processing.
To control the main magnets 12, the gradient control unit 19, and to control the radio frequency antenna control unit 21, the magnetic resonance device 10 has a system control unit 22. The system control unit 22 controls the magnetic resonance device 10 centrally, such as, for example, carrying out a prespecified magnetic resonance imaging sequence. The system control unit 22 includes an evaluation unit not shown in
A further first connecting part 100b is embodied to make a plug connection to a second connecting part in the form of a direct plug. Direct plugs may be used for making contact with fixed-location local coils such as, for example, a head coil that may be plugged in via, for example, guide rails 28.
The first connecting parts 100a, 100b each include two first contact modules 103. In this view, the two first contact modules of the plug connection 100 shown on the left are hidden by the second connecting part 102.
For the housing 105 of the first connecting part, connecting parts 100a, 100b each include two recesses, into which first force transmission units 107 (e.g., first force transmitters; in the form of push rods) are arranged as part of a displacement unit. The second connecting parts 102 include second force transmission units 108 (e.g., second force transmitters) corresponding thereto, with projecting elements, as are shown by way of example in
For movement of the contact module 103, the second force transmission units 108, of the second connecting part 102 (e.g., of the manual plug) push the first force transmission units 107 into the patient couch 17. During this process, a force (e.g., a mechanical force) is transmitted from the second connecting part 102 to the first contact module. For example, during a connection of the first connecting part 101 to the second connecting part 102 by the first force transmission unit, a first force K1 (e.g., a mechanical force) is introduced into the second force transmission unit, so that a second force K2 (e.g., a mechanical force) is introduced into the first contact module 103, as will be explained below with reference to
The displacement unit includes a spring unit 118 (e.g., a compression spring) that counteracts the first force K1. The first force transmission unit 107 actuates the spring unit 118, which realizes a backwards movement of the contact module 103 after the contacting is released, but only touches the housing 105 of the first connecting part 101 as far as a stop 109 of the first force transmission unit 107. This, for example, enables too great an inwards movement of the first contact module to be prevented.
The movement of the first force transmission unit 107 is diverted via a lever 110 that reaches down into the first force transmission unit 107 and is supported pivotably by a shaft (e.g., the pivotably supported lever diverts the first force K1 to the second force K2). In this case, the second force K2 is aligned in opposition to the first force K1.
Via a stud 112 that, with an elongated slot 113 in the first contact module 103, forms a shift link, the first contact module 103 is pushed from a parking position in the patient couch 17 into a recess 114, such as is shown, for example, in
The first contact module 103, in an unconnected state, as shown in
The electrically-conductive contact elements 115 are embodied flat in a plane E, where the plane E is essentially oriented in parallel to the direction in which the first contact module 103 moves during a connection of the first connecting part 101 to the second connecting part 102.
The second contact module 104 in the housing 121 likewise includes electrically-conductive contact elements that may be arranged in the recess 114. The planar contact elements 115 are contacted electrically during a connection of the first connecting part 101 to the second connecting part 102 via the electrically-conductive contact elements of the second contact module 104. The electrically-conductive contact elements of the second contact module 104 may, for example, be embodied as spring-loaded (e.g., as bendable contact springs). The electrically-conductive contact elements 115 may be arranged on one side and/or on several sides (e.g., on two parallel planes) and/or on all sides of the first contact module 103.
The form of embodiment of the plug connection described in
As shown by way of example in
Since contact is made against the force of the spring unit 118, the second connecting unit 102 is advantageously prevented from being pushed backwards again. This is secured in the second connecting part 102 (e.g., by sprung-supported latching elements 119 that penetrate into form-fit recesses 120 in the patient couch 17). As an alternative, corresponding recesses of the second connecting part 102, into which latching elements that are arranged on the patient couch may penetrate, may be provided. This enables the second connecting part 102 to be held in a connected state. The holding force is advantageously dimensioned so that the holding force is greater than an ejection force of the spring unit 118. In the event of a direct connection, this requirement may be fulfilled by the weight force of a head coil, for example. The plug-in force and the during pulling of the second connecting part may be applied by the operating personnel for a manual plug.
The method described and the acquisition pattern creation unit and magnetic resonance facility shown here merely involve exemplary embodiments that may be modified by the person skilled in the art in a very wide variety of ways, without departing from the field of the invention. The use of the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude the features concerned also being present more than once. Likewise, the term “unit” does not exclude the components concerned consisting of a number of interacting sub-components that may also be distributed physically if necessary.
The elements and features recited in the appended claims may be combined in different ways to produce new claims that likewise fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, whereas the dependent claims appended below depend from only a single independent or dependent claim, it is to be understood that these dependent claims may, alternatively, be made to depend in the alternative from any preceding or following claim, whether independent or dependent. Such new combinations are to be understood as forming a part of the present specification.
While the present invention has been described above by reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments. It is therefore intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that all equivalents and/or combinations of embodiments are intended to be included in this description.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17173640.8 | May 2017 | EP | regional |
