JP2003275190A - Body transfer device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a body transfer device capable of easing a tension and an uneasiness by preventing the user of the body transfer device from hearing a metal sound due to the collision of rolling elements with the body transfer device in the body transfer device utilizing a linear guiding device. <P>SOLUTION: In this body transfer device 1, an inspection table 44 having a subject placed thereon is supported on a base stand 48 so as to be moved relative to a gantry 42 through the linear guide device 10. Separators are installed between a plurality of rolling elements in the linear guide device 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a human body transfer device using a linear motion guide device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "MRI") is used as a medical device for performing tomography of a person and collecting examination information.
And X-ray CT equipment. With these devices,
The subject is laid on the examination table, the examination site of the subject is drawn into the gantry housing the examination equipment, and tomography is performed to collect examination information. Here, the inspection table is moved in and out of the gantry and the inspection table is moved using a linear motion guide device in order to precisely position the inspection site.

Specifically, a guide rail of a linear motion guide device is fixed on a base with its axial direction facing the gantry, and an inspection table is mounted on a slider movably mounted on the guide rail. Is fixed, and the inspection table is configured to move in and out of the gantry by relative movement of the slider. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a conventional linear motion guide device with a part thereof cut away. The linear motion guide device 10 includes a guide rail 12 extending in the axial direction, and a slider 14 having a U-shaped cross section and laid over the guide rail 12 so as to be relatively movable.

Roller grooves 18A are formed on both sides of the guide rail 12 in the axial direction.
The slider body 16 of No. 4 is formed with rolling element rolling grooves 18B on the inner side surfaces of both sleeve portions, respectively, which faces the rolling element rolling grooves 18A, and is sandwiched between the rolling element rolling grooves 18A and 18B. The formed space constitutes the rolling element raceway 20. Also,
The rolling element rolling groove 18 is provided inside both sleeves of the slider body 16.
A rolling element return path 22 penetrating in the axial direction is formed parallel to B, and the rolling elements rolling groove 1 is provided in the end caps 24 that are attached to overlap both ends of the slider body 16 in the axial direction.
A curved path 26 is formed that connects the rolling element return path 22 with the 8B. The rolling element raceway 20, the curved path 26, and the rolling element return path 22 constitute an endless circulation circuit 28. Furthermore, a large number of rolling elements 30 made of steel are filled in the infinite circulation circuit 28 to form a rolling element row.

The slider 14 relatively moves in the axial direction on the guide rail 12 through the rolling of the rolling element 30. With this relative movement, the rolling element 30 moves while rolling on the rolling element raceway 20 in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the slider 14, and the curved path 2 on the rear side with respect to the moving direction of the slider 14 is moved.
6 makes a U-turn, moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the slider 14 while rolling on the rolling element return path 22, and makes a reverse U-turn on the other end side curved path 26 to return to the rolling element raceway 20; The infinite circulation circuit 28 is repeatedly circulated.

[0006] When a user of a wheelchair goes out, he or she often uses a car. For this reason, some vehicles are equipped with a transfer device that allows the wheelchair user to get on and off the wheelchair while sitting down. This transfer device is configured to move a wheelchair up and down between the ground and the vehicle compartment, pull the wheelchair into the vehicle compartment, and move it to a predetermined position. A linear motion guide device is used. Specifically, the slider of the linear motion guide device directly or indirectly supports the wheelchair, and the slider relatively moves on a guide rail installed in the vehicle compartment to move the wheelchair to a predetermined position in the vehicle compartment.

[0007]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, MRI
Etc., there is a problem that many of the subjects lying on the examination table are nervous, and the sound generated from the movement of the examination table causes the anxiety of the subject. In particular, as the inspection table moves, the rolling elements circulate while rolling in the infinite circulation circuit, but the rolling elements collide with each other to produce a high-pitched metallic sound, which increases the discomfort of the subject. Often increases mental burden.

[0008] When a user in a wheelchair gets on and off a vehicle while sitting on a wheelchair using the transfer device, the wheelchair user relies on the movement of the transfer device to cause some anxiety. In such a state, when the slider of the linear motion guide device in the transfer device moves, the high-pitched metal noise generated by the collision of the rolling elements in the infinite circulation circuit,
There is a problem that the wheelchair user feels anxious and causes an unpleasant sensation to increase the mental burden.

The present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its object is to use a human body transfer device in a human body transfer device using a linear motion guide device. It is to prevent a person from hearing a metallic sound caused by the collision of rolling elements, and to relieve tension and anxiety.

[0010]

The present invention has the following constitution in order to solve the problems. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a human body transfer device in which a load carrying portion carrying a person moves between a first position and a second position, and the load carrying portion is linearly guided on a base. Via the guide rail fixed to the base, and fixed to the loading portion so as to be movable relative to the guide rail. The human body transfer device is characterized by including a slider, a plurality of rolling elements filled between the guide rail and the slider, and a separator interposed between the rolling elements.

When a load carrying portion on which a person is placed moves through the linear motion guide device, a large number of rolling elements constituting the linear motion guide device move in the linear motion guide device while rolling. At this time, since the separator is interposed between the rolling elements, the rolling elements do not directly collide with each other, and it is possible to prevent the rolling elements from directly colliding with each other to generate noise. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a person riding on the loading portion from feeling anxious or uncomfortable due to the noise generated from the rolling elements of the linear motion guide device and increasing the mental load.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the loading portion is an inspection table on which a subject can get on, and the position at which the subject gets on and off the inspection table is the first position, and the second position is the second position. The human body transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the position of is a position of a medical device including an inspection device that acquires inspection information from the subject. When the subject lays down on the examination table and undergoes the examination by the medical device, it is possible to prevent the subject from hearing noise generated from the rolling element of the linear motion guide device that moves the examination table, and feel anxiety and discomfort. It can prevent the mental burden from increasing.

An invention according to claim 3 is the human body transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the person is a person in a wheelchair and the loading portion is a carrying portion for carrying the wheelchair. When a wheelchair user moves using the human body transfer device, even if the carrying part entrusting the wheelchair moves through the linear motion guide device, the wheelchair user hears the noise generated from the rolling element of the linear motion guide device. It is possible to prevent an increase in mental burden due to anxiety and discomfort.

The invention according to claim 4 is the human body transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base is fixed in a room of a moving vehicle. When an examinee or a wheelchair user uses the human body transport device loaded in an automobile or the like, it is possible to prevent anxiety and discomfort from being felt and an increase in mental burden. The invention of claim 5 has a lift for raising and lowering a wheelchair up to the height of the carrying part.
Alternatively, the human body transfer device according to claim 4 is characterized.

With the lift, the wheelchair can be easily moved up and down to the height of the place where the human body transfer device is installed,
It becomes easier to board a car.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. As shown in FIG. 1, there is an MRI scanner unit 40, which comprises a gantry 42 and an inspection table 44. The gantry 42 has the same configuration as that of the conventional one, and stores a coil for generating a static magnetic field necessary for magnetic resonance and detecting a magnetic resonance signal. A circular opening 46 is formed on the front surface of the gantry 42. Further, a base 48 is installed in front of the circular opening 46 of the gantry 42, and the linear motion guide device 1 described below is provided.
The inspection table 44 is supported through the base 4
8. The inspection table 44 and the linear motion guide device 10 form the human body transfer device 1. In addition, the examinee is inspecting table 4
The position where the passenger gets on and off 4 is the first position, and the position where the gantry 42 is located is the second position. More specifically, the predetermined position in the static magnetic field formed in the gantry 42 is the second position. Then, the examination site of the subject is configured to move between the first position and the second position by the human body transfer device 1.

The linear motion guide device 10 includes one guide rail 12
And two guide rails 12 are provided in parallel with each other, and two guide rails 12 are parallel to each other. The inspection table 44 is supported by the four sliders 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the guide rail 12 and each slider 14 are constructed in the same manner as the conventional one. The infinite circulation circuit 28 including the rolling element raceway 20, the curved path 26, and the rolling element return path 22 is alternately filled with a large number of rolling elements 30 and separators 32 to form a rolling element row. It has a characteristic of form. The rolling element 30 is a steel sphere having the same structure as the conventional one.

The separator 32 is made of a resin member and has a cylindrical outer shape. The diameter of this cylinder is smaller than the diameter of the rolling element 30, and both end faces 34 of the cylinder are adjacent to each other. Facing 30 (see FIG. 3). Each of the end faces 34 is a concave surface, and the cross section of the concave surface is formed by two arcs forming a so-called Gothic arch shape. Here, the Gothic arch shape is a shape formed by shifting the center positions of two arcs having a radius R from each other by a predetermined distance (see FIG. 4). The edge of the concave surface forming the end surface 34 of the separator 32 is in line contact with the adjacent rolling element 30 in a circular shape.

Further, the two guide rails 12 are fixed in parallel to each other on the base 48 so that the axial direction thereof is perpendicular to the surface where the circular opening 46 of the gantry 42 is opened.
Has one end extending in front of the circular opening 46. And
The inspection table 44 is fixed and integrated on each of the two sliders 14 of both guide rails 12, and the inspection table 44 is configured to be movable relative to the base 48. The inspection table 44 has a width and a thickness that can pass through the circular opening 46, and the height at which the inspection table 44 is installed on the base 48 is such that the inspection table 44 lays the subject on top. The height is such that it can enter the circular opening 46 as it is.

The present invention according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.
The examinee who carries out tomography by MRI is the examination table 4
Lying on top of four. At this time, the inspection table 44
Is out of the gantry 42, and the examination site of the subject is at the first position on the base 48. And slider 1
4, the inspection table 44 is relatively moved on the guide rail 12 toward the gantry 42, and the inspection table 44 and the body of the subject are advanced into the gantry 42 through the circular opening 46. When the examination site of the subject reaches the second position in the gantry 42, the examination table 44 is stopped.

When the slider 14 relatively moves on the guide rail 12, the infinite circulation circuit 2 is moved like the conventional linear motion guide device.
The rolling element 30 moves while rolling in the inside 8. When the rolling elements 30 move, the rolling elements 30 push the separators 32 existing adjacent to the front in the traveling direction from the rear side, and separate the separators 32 from each other.
Also moves in the infinite circulation circuit 28 together with the rolling element 30.
While moving, the separator 32 pushes the rolling element 30 existing adjacent to the front in the traveling direction from the rear.

Between the separator 32 and the rolling element 30 adjacent to the front and rear of the separator 32, the edge of the concave surface forming the end face 34 of the separator 32 is only in line contact with the rolling element 30 in a circular line, and the rolling element 30 and the separator 32 are rolled. Friction and sliding resistance between the moving bodies 30 are small. Therefore, the separator 32 circulates smoothly in the infinite circulation circuit 28, the steel rolling elements 30 do not directly collide with each other, and the noise of high-pitched metal noise does not occur, and the rolling elements 30 collide with each other and are damaged. Without rolling, rolling element 3
0 and the rolling element raceway 20 are prevented from fluctuating the load, and the life of the linear motion guide device 10 is extended.

Next, the human body transfer device 1 according to the present embodiment
FIG. 5 shows the result of comparison between the noise generated by the linear motion guide device 10 and the noise generated by the conventional linear motion guide device. Figure 5
(I) is the measurement result of the noise generated from the conventional linear motion guide device, and FIG. 5 (ii) is the measurement result of the noise generated from the linear motion guide device 10 of the human body transfer device 1 according to the present embodiment. In both cases, the vertical axis represents the magnitude of noise, the horizontal axis represents time, and these vertical axes and horizontal axes have the same scale.

As shown in FIG. 5 (i), in the conventional linear motion guide device, when the slider is moved, the rolling elements that were initially stationary start rolling in the infinite circulation circuit, and the rolling elements directly collide with each other. A strong sound is generated. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 (ii), in the linear motion guide device 10 of the human body transfer device 1 according to the present embodiment, the rolling elements 30 do not collide with each other, so that the noise generated even when the slider is moved is small. I understand.

Incidentally, the separator 3 in the present embodiment
It is also possible that the shape of No. 2 is the shape shown in the following modified examples 1 to 4 shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. Figure 6
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a separator according to Modification 1 and rolling elements adjacent to the separator. The separator 32 in Modification 1 is
The configuration described below is different from that of the separator 32 of the first embodiment. The cross section of the concave surface forming the end face 34 is formed by a single arc, and the curvature (1 / R) of this arc is the rolling element 3
Greater than 0 curvature (1 / r).

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a separator according to the second modification and rolling elements adjacent to the separator. The shape of the cross section of the concave surface forming the end surface 34 of the separator 32 is an isosceles trapezoid with an open bottom, and the edge portion of the end surface 34 is adjacent to the rolling element 3
It is in line contact with 0. FIG. 8: is sectional drawing of the separator which concerns on the modification 3, and the rolling element adjacent to this. The outer shape of the separator 32 is a drum shape in which a V-shaped cross section in which the center in the axial direction is recessed inward is continuous in the circumferential direction. Further, the shape of the concave surfaces on both end surfaces 34 in the axial direction is a conical recess. The rolling element 30 adjacent to the separator 32 is in circular contact with the inner surface of the conical recess.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a separator according to the modification 4 and rolling elements adjacent to the separator. The separators 32 are connected by a connecting band 36. Connecting band 3
6 is made of a thin plate-shaped flexible member extending along the center line of the rolling element row, and connects the upper portions and lower portions of the separators 32 across the rolling elements 30. Further, the separator 32 has a cylindrical shape, and has a recess 37 at the center of the body of the cylinder and at a position 90 degrees apart in phase in the circumferential direction from the position where the connecting band 36 is connected. Although the connecting band 36 also moves in the infinite circulation circuit 28 together with the rolling element row, the connecting band 36 of the flexible member is formed according to the shape of the infinite circulation circuit 28.
Deforms and moves smoothly. Due to the recess 37 in the body of the separator 32, the rigidity of the separator 32 in the axial direction is reduced and flexibility is imparted, and the separator 32 can be bent in the axial direction.
The rolling element row can smoothly bend in the curved path 26. The shape of the end surface 34 of the separator 32 can be any of the Gothic arch shape, the shape of the above-described modification 1 or the shape of the modification 2, and the separator 32 has the drum shape shown in the modification 3. It is also possible that

Further, in the present embodiment, the human body transfer device 1 is provided in the scanner unit 40 of the MRI, but instead, the X-ray CT provided with the gantry and the inspection table is provided.
Of course, it can be provided in a medical device such as a device. Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description will be omitted.

As shown in a part of FIG. 10, the human body transfer device 1 is installed in the rear part of the vehicle compartment 52 of the automobile 50 for the purpose of welfare. The right side of this automobile 50 is the front in the figure,
The front part is omitted. The rear entrance / exit 54 of the automobile 50 is at the first position, and the frontward portion of the vehicle interior 52 is at the second position. As described below, the human body transport device 1 places the wheelchair 74 at the first position. It is configured to be moved between the position and the second position.

The base 48 is fixed in the passenger compartment 52,
Two guide rails 12 are mounted in parallel and horizontally on a base 48, and an end portion of the guide rail 12 faces a rear entrance / exit 54 of a vehicle compartment 52. The distance between the two guide rails 12 is such a width that the wheelchair can pass between them. Two sliders 14 are laid on each guide rail 12. These guide rails 12 and sliders 14 form the linear motion guide device 10, and each infinite circulation circuit 28 is alternately filled with a large number of rolling elements 30 and separators 32 to form rolling element rows.

Further, each slider 1 on both guide rails 12
A supporting portion 56 is formed so as to be supported by the carrier 4. Supporting part 5
The main body 58 of 6 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a sleeve portion 60 projects from the upper surface toward each guide rail 12, and the sleeve portion 60 is fixed on the slider 14. Therefore, the carrier portion 56 and each slider 14 are integrated into the guide rail 12.
It is configured to move relative to the top.

Further, a parallel link mechanism comprising four link bars 64 facing the rear entrance / exit 54 side from the carrying part 56,
A hydraulic cylinder 66 and an arm 68 are formed. These parallel link mechanism, hydraulic cylinder 66 and arm 6
8 constitutes a lift 62. Each of the link bars 64 is a bar-shaped member having a V-shape that is bent upward in the middle. The base ends of the two link bars 64U and 64L are pivotably mounted on the respective side surfaces of the carrier body 58 facing the guide rails 12, respectively. A hydraulic cylinder 66 connects the middle portion of the lower link bar 64L and the lower portion of the carrying portion main body 58. On the side where the other side surface of the carrying portion main body 58 is present, two link bars 64 having the same configuration are also provided.
U, 64L and a hydraulic cylinder 66 are formed.

The four link bars 64 are pivotally attached to the arms 68 so as to be pivotable while forming parallel relationship with each other, and form a parallel link mechanism. The arm 68 has a U-shaped outer shape when viewed from above,
Both U-shaped legs are horizontally projected in a direction opposite to the carrying portion 56. And the distance between the U-shaped legs is
The width is such that both legs can be inserted under the left and right armrests 76 of the wheelchair 74. Further, a U-shaped connecting portion that connects both legs is raised upward, and the arm 68 is L-shaped when viewed from the side. The arms 68 are respectively provided with two link bars 64 on both sides of the rising portion.
It is pivotally attached to the tips of U and 64L so as to be rotatable.

Therefore, in the parallel link mechanism, when the hydraulic cylinder 66 expands and contracts, the lower link bar 64L pivots about its base end to raise or lower the tip, and at the same time, the upper link bar 64U operates similarly. It is configured to do. The lift 62 is configured to raise or lower the arm 68 according to the operation of the tip of the link bar 64.

The present invention according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 11, the wheelchair 7 is mounted on the ground outside the automobile 50.
4 is on standby, and is about to board the passenger compartment 52 of the automobile 50 from the rear doorway 54. First, move the carrying part 56 to the end on the rear entrance / exit 54 side of the guide rail 12,
The arm 68 of the lift 62 is pulled out of the vehicle through the rear doorway 54. Then, when the hydraulic cylinder 66 is contracted to move the parallel link mechanism to rotate each link bar 64 around the base end, the arm 68 descends in an arc.
When the arm 68 descends to a height slightly lower than the height of the armrests 76 of the wheelchair 74, the wheelchair 74 is advanced to move the two armrests 7 together.
Insert the two U-shaped legs of the arm 68 under 6.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the arm 68 supports the wheelchair 74 from below the armrest 76, and the hydraulic cylinder 66 is extended to move the parallel link mechanism. When the hydraulic cylinder 66 extends, each link bar 64 turns around the base end, and the arm 68 draws an arc and rises, so that the vehicle interior 5
The wheelchair 74 is raised to the floor height of 2. Therefore, the wheelchair 74 moves from the ground to the rear doorway 54 which is the first position.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the wheelchair 74 is moved from the rear entrance / exit 54 to a position near the front in the vehicle compartment 52 which is the second position. Slider 14 to guide rail 1
2 is moved relative to the inside of the vehicle cabin 52 on the upper side of
At the same time, the carrier 56 is moved. The wheelchair 74 supported by the arm 68 together with the supporting portion 56 also moves toward the inside of the vehicle compartment 52, and the wheelchair 74 moves from the rear doorway 54 to a position closer to the front in the vehicle interior 52.

When unloading the wheelchair 74 from the automobile 50 to the ground, the procedure reverse to the above is followed. Since the separator 32 is interposed between the rolling elements 30 forming the row of rolling elements, when the wheelchair 74 gets on and off the vehicle 50, the rolling elements 30 collide with each other as the slider 14 moves and the high-pitched metal noise occurs. To be emitted. Other functions are similar to those of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment also, the shape of the separator 32 is the same as that of the first modification of the first embodiment.
It is also possible to adopt the shape shown in Modification 3 and to connect each separator 32 with a connecting band as in Modification 4.

[0040]

As described above, the present invention prevents the person who uses the human body transfer device from hearing the metallic sound due to the collision of the rolling elements in the human body transfer device using the linear motion guide device. However, it has the effect of relieving tension and anxiety.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an MRI scanner unit according to a first embodiment, (i) is a front view, and (ii) is a side view.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which a part of the linear motion guide device is broken away.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a separator and rolling elements.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a Gothic arch shape.

FIG. 5 is a measurement result of noise generated from the linear motion guide device.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a separator and rolling elements according to a modified example 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a separator and rolling elements according to a modified example 2.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a separator and rolling elements according to a modified example 3.

FIG. 9 shows a separator and rolling elements according to a modified example 4,
(I) is a front view and (ii) is a top view.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view seen from a side surface of an automobile according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a wheelchair is supported by an arm and supported.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a state where the wheelchair is lifted up.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the wheelchair is moved into the vehicle interior.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view in which a part of a conventional linear motion guide device is broken away.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Human body transfer device 10 Linear motion guide device 12 guide rails 14 Slider 16 Slider body 18 Rolling element rolling groove 20 Rolling element track 22 Rolling element return path 24 end cap 26 curved road 28 Infinite circulation circuit 30 rolling elements 32 separator 34 End face of cylinder 36 connecting bands 37 recess 40 MRI scanner unit 42 gantry 44 Inspection table 46 circular opening 48 base Fifty cars 52 cabin 54 Rear doorway 56 Carrier 58 Body of support 60 Sleeve of carrying part 62 lift 64 link bar 66 hydraulic cylinder 68 arms 74 wheelchair 76 armrest

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A loading portion carrying a person has a first position and a second position.
The human body transfer device that moves between the linear movement guide device and the position of the linear movement guide device is supported on the base so as to be relatively movable via the linear movement guide device. A guide rail fixed to the guide rail, a slider fixed to the loading portion so as to be movable relative to the guide rail, and a large number of rolling elements filled between the guide rail and the slider. A human body transfer device comprising a separator interposed between the rolling elements. 2. The loading portion is an inspection table on which a subject can ride, the position at which the subject gets on and off the examination table is the first position, and the second position is the subject. The human body transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the position is a position of a medical device including an inspection device that acquires inspection information from an examiner. 3. The human body transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the person is a person in a wheelchair, and the loading portion is a carrying portion for carrying the wheelchair. 4. The human body transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the base is fixed in a room of a moving vehicle. 5. The human body transfer device according to claim 3, further comprising a lift that raises and lowers the wheelchair up to the height of the carrying portion.