Magnetic resonance imaging system and refrigeration unit thereof

Abstract

The refrigeration unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system is used for cooling equipment of the magnetic resonance imaging system. A magnetic resonance imaging system includes a plurality of cooling conduits provided in its device. The refrigeration unit comprises a cold source (10) and a pipeline unit. The cold source (10) is capable of cooling a cooling fluid flowing through its conduit. The pipeline unit can distribute cooling fluid output by the cold source (10) to inlets of the multiple cooling pipelines according to a set proportion, and can distribute cooling fluid output by the multiple cooling pipelines to an inlet of the cold source (10) and an inlet of at least one cooling pipeline according to a set proportion. The refrigeration unit is favorable for reducing the cost. In addition, the invention also provides a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising the refrigeration unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical equipment, in particular to a refrigeration unit of a magnetic resonance imaging system, and a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] High-power devices of a magnetic resonance imaging system, such as gradient power amplifiers, radio frequency power amplifiers, gradient coils, etc., need to be cooled by water cooling units during operation. When the ambient temperature and humidity are high, the cooled devices are prone to condensation, which can damage the devices. Therefore, it is very important to avoid the generation of condensation for the design of the water cooling unit.

[0003] The high-power devices of a magnetic resonance imaging system are usually distributed in multiple rooms, and the dew point temperatures of each room are different. In order to avoid the generation of condensation, the current practice is to set a uniform higher cooling water temperature according to the highest dew point temperature. This greatly limits the cooling efficiency of the system. In order to improve the cooling efficiency, independent cooling water temperatures need to be set according to the dew point temperatures of each room, which requires independent water cooling temperature control systems to be set for each room, which greatly increases the cost and complexity of the system. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a refrigeration unit of a magnetic resonance imaging system, which is beneficial to reduce the cost.

[0005] Another purpose of the present application is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging system, whose refrigeration unit is beneficial to reduce the cost.

[0006] The present application provides a refrigeration unit of a magnetic resonance imaging system, which is used to cool the devices of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a plurality of cooling pipes arranged at the devices thereof. The refrigeration unit comprises a cold source and a pipe unit. The cold source is capable of cooling the cooling fluid flowing through the pipes thereof. The pipe unit is capable of dividing the cooling fluid output by the cold source into the inlets of the plurality of cooling pipes in a set proportion, and capable of dividing the cooling fluid output by the plurality of cooling pipes into the inlet of the cold source and the inlet of at least one cooling pipe in a set proportion.

[0007] The refrigeration unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system can control the temperature of the cooling fluid output to the plurality of cooling pipes by setting the dividing proportion of the pipe unit, so as to prevent the devices from generating condensation. The refrigeration unit has a simple structure and is beneficial to reduce the cost.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment of the refrigeration unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system, one of the plurality of cooling conduits is a first cooling conduit and another one is a second cooling conduit. The piping unit comprises a first refrigeration piping, a second refrigeration piping, a water supply diverging unit and a water return diverging unit. The first cooling conduit of the magnetic resonance imaging system is connectable in series between an inlet and an outlet of the first refrigeration piping. The second cooling conduit of the magnetic resonance imaging system is connectable in series between an inlet and an outlet of the second refrigeration piping. The inlet of the water supply diverging unit is connected to the outlet of the cold source, and two outlets of the water supply diverging unit are connected to the inlet of the first refrigeration piping and the inlet of the second refrigeration piping, respectively. The water supply diverging unit is capable of diverging the cooling fluid input thereto to the first refrigeration piping and the second refrigeration piping in a set ratio. The inlet of the water return diverging unit is connected to the outlet of the first refrigeration piping and the outlet of the second refrigeration piping, and two outlets of the water return diverging unit are connected to the inlet of the first refrigeration piping and the inlet of the cold source, respectively. The water return diverging unit is capable of diverging the cooling fluid from the first refrigeration piping and the second refrigeration piping to the first refrigeration piping and the cold source in a set ratio.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment of the refrigeration unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the cold source comprises a cooling module and a three-way valve. The cooling module is capable of cooling the cooling fluid flowing through the conduit thereof. The inlet of the cooling module is connected to the outlet of the water return diverging unit for connecting the cold source. Two inlets of the three-way valve are connected to the outlet of the water return diverging unit for connecting the cold source and the outlet of the cooling module, respectively, and the outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the water supply diverging unit. In this way, the temperature of the cooling fluid output by the cold source can be adjusted by adjusting the input ratio of the cooling fluid of the two inlets of the three-way valve, under the condition that the temperature of the cooling fluid output by the cooling module is fixed, so as to adapt to different working conditions. This structure is simple and convenient to adjust.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment of the refrigeration unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the refrigeration unit further comprises a temperature sensor, a valve driving mechanism and a control unit. The temperature sensor is capable of detecting the temperature of the cooling fluid on the inlet side of the first refrigeration piping. The valve driving mechanism is connected to the three-way valve and is capable of driving the three-way valve to act so as to adjust the input ratio of the cooling fluid of the two inlets of the three-way valve. The control unit is signal connected to the temperature sensor and the valve driving mechanism. In this way, automatic control can be conveniently realized.

[0011] In another illustrative embodiment of the cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the cooling unit further includes a preset parameter input module, a water supply regulating unit, and a water return regulating unit. The preset parameter input module is signal-connected to the control unit and is used to input preset values ​​for the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the first cooling pipe, the minimum preset value for the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the second cooling pipe, and the maximum preset value for the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the water return diversion unit. The water supply regulating unit is signal-connected to the control unit and can adjust the flow ratio of the water supply diversion unit. The water return regulating unit is signal-connected to the control unit and can adjust the flow ratio of the water return diversion unit. This facilitates automatic adjustment of the flow ratios of the water supply and water return diversion units based on the input preset parameters.

[0012] In another illustrative embodiment of the cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the control unit can generate signals to be sent to the water supply regulating unit and the water return regulating unit based on the preset value T1preset of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the first cooling pipe, the minimum preset value T2min of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the second cooling pipe, and the maximum preset value T3max of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the return water diversion unit, so as to control the temperature of the cooling fluid at the inlet side of the second cooling pipe between T2min and T1preset.

[0013] In another illustrative embodiment of the cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the inlet of the return water distribution unit is connected to the outlet of the first cooling pipe and the outlet of the second cooling pipe via a tee; and / or one outlet of the return water distribution unit is connected to the inlet of the cooling module and one inlet of the three-way valve via a tee; and / or the inlet of the first cooling pipe is connected to one outlet of the supply water distribution unit and one outlet of the return water distribution unit via a tee. This facilitates connection.

[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the cooling unit of a magnetic resonance imaging system, the cooling module is a heat exchanger. Heat exchangers offer good stability and are less prone to damage.

[0015] In another illustrative embodiment of the cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the cooling unit further includes a fluid pump. The fluid pump is used to drive the cooling fluid to circulate within the cooling unit and the cooling pipes of the magnetic resonance imaging system. This facilitates control of the cooling fluid circulation at the desired flow rate.

[0016] In another illustrative embodiment of the cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the water supply and / or water return unit is a diverter valve, a proportional valve, or a flow distributor.

[0017] The present invention also provides a magnetic resonance imaging system, which includes the aforementioned cooling unit. The cooling unit is used to cool the equipment of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The magnetic resonance imaging system includes several cooling pipes disposed within its equipment. The piping unit is capable of diverting cooling fluid output from the cold source to the inlets of the several cooling pipes in a predetermined ratio, and is also capable of diverting cooling fluid output from the several cooling pipes to the inlet of the cold source and the inlet of at least one cooling pipe in a predetermined ratio. By setting the diversion ratio of the piping unit, the cooling unit of this magnetic resonance imaging system can control the temperature of the cooling fluid output to the several cooling pipes, thereby preventing condensation from forming in the equipment. This cooling unit has a simple structure, which helps to reduce costs.

[0018] In another illustrative embodiment of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the device of the MRI system is a gradient power amplifier, a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier, or a gradient coil. One cooling conduit is disposed in the gradient power amplifier and / or the RF power amplifier, and another cooling conduit is disposed in the gradient coil. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the cooling unit in a magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cooling unit of a magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0022] Label Explanation

[0023] 10. Cold source

[0024] 11 Cooling Module

[0025] 13 Three-way valve

[0026] 21 First Refrigeration Piping

[0027] 22 Second Refrigeration Piping

[0028] 30 Water Supply Diversion Units

[0029] 40-way water diversion unit

[0030] 51 Temperature Sensor

[0031] 52 Valve Actuation Mechanism

[0032] 53 Control Unit

[0033] 54. Preset Parameter Input Module

[0034] 55 Water Supply Regulation Unit

[0035] 56 Return Water Regulating Unit

[0036] 60 Three-way

[0037] 70 Fluid Pump

[0038] 90 devices

[0039] 91 First Cooling Pipe

[0040] 92 Second Cooling Pipe Detailed Implementation

[0041] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the invention, specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate components with the same or similar structures but the same function.

[0042] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

[0043] In this document, terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate their importance or order, but are only used to distinguish them to facilitate the description of the document.

[0044] To keep the drawings simple, each drawing only schematically shows the parts related to the present invention, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cooling unit for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The cooling unit is used to cool the device 90 of the MRI system. The device 90 is, for example, a gradient power amplifier, a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier, or a gradient coil, but is not limited to these. These devices 90 are distributed in different rooms, specifically, the gradient power amplifier and RF power amplifier are placed in one room, and the gradient coil is placed in another room. The dew point temperatures of the different rooms differ. The device to be cooled is equipped with cooling pipes, and the temperature of the cooling fluid input to its cooling pipes is controlled according to the dew point temperature of the room where the device is located, effectively preventing the formation of condensate.

[0046] The refrigeration unit of this illustrative embodiment can simultaneously output two cooling fluids, and these two cooling fluids can have different temperatures. For ease of explanation, we refer to the cooling pipe of the device that inputs one cooling fluid as the first cooling pipe, and the cooling pipe of the device that inputs the other cooling fluid as the second cooling pipe. However, it is not limited to this; in other illustrative embodiments, the refrigeration unit may also be configured to simultaneously output two or more cooling fluids with different temperatures, which can be input into two or more cooling pipes respectively.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration unit includes a cold source 10 and a piping unit. In this illustrative embodiment, the piping unit includes a first refrigeration piping 21, a second refrigeration piping 22, a supply water diversion unit 30, and a return water diversion unit 40. For ease of identification, Figure 1 The first refrigeration pipe 21 and the second refrigeration pipe 22 are drawn with double lines. The arrows in the figure are used to indicate the direction of the cooling fluid flow.

[0048] The cold source 10 is capable of cooling the cooling fluid flowing through its pipes. The cooling fluid is, for example, water, but is not limited to this. The cold source 10 includes, for example, a heat exchanger, and obtains cooling capacity through the heat exchanger to cool the cooling fluid flowing through its pipes.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, in use, the first cooling pipe 91 is connected in series between the inlet and outlet of the first refrigeration pipe 21, and the second cooling pipe 92 is connected in series between the inlet and outlet of the second refrigeration pipe 22. In this illustrative embodiment, only the first cooling pipe 91 of one device 90 and the second cooling pipe 92 of one device 90 are used for illustration. In use, multiple first cooling pipes 91 of multiple devices 90 can be connected in series and then connected in series between the inlet and outlet of the first refrigeration pipe 21, and multiple second cooling pipes 92 of multiple devices 90 can be connected in series and then connected in series between the inlet and outlet of the second refrigeration pipe 22, so as to be able to cool more devices simultaneously.

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, the inlet of the water supply diversion unit 30 is connected to the outlet of the cold source 10, and the two outlets of the water supply diversion unit 30 are respectively connected to the inlet of the first refrigeration pipe 21 and the inlet of the second refrigeration pipe 22. The water supply diversion unit 30 can divert the cooling fluid input to it to the first refrigeration pipe 21 and the second refrigeration pipe 22 in a set ratio. The inlet of the return diversion unit 40 is connected, for example, to the outlet of the first refrigeration pipe 21 and the outlet of the second refrigeration pipe 22 via a tee 60, and the two outlets of the return diversion unit 40 are respectively connected to the inlet of the first refrigeration pipe 21 and the inlet of the cold source 10. The inlet of the first refrigeration pipe 21 is connected, for example, to one outlet of the water supply diversion unit 30 and one outlet of the return diversion unit 40 via a tee 60. The return diversion unit 40 can divert the cooling fluid from the first refrigeration pipe 21 and the second refrigeration pipe 22 to the first refrigeration pipe 21 and the cold source 10 in a set ratio. The water supply diversion unit 30 and the return diversion unit 40 are, for example, diversion valves, proportional valves, or flow distributors, but are not limited to these.

[0051] Figure 1 In this context, Tn (n = 0, 1, 2, 4, 5) represents the temperature of the cooling fluid input into the corresponding pipe, and Qn (n = 0, 1, 2, 4, 5) represents the flow rate of the cooling fluid input into the corresponding pipe. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The following can be deduced:

[0052] T1×Q1=T4×Q4+T5×Q5 Formula (1)

[0053] Q1=Q4+Q5 Formula (2)

[0054] Q3=Q2+Q1 Formula (3)

[0055] Q3=Q4+Q0 Formula (4)

[0056] T4=T3 Formula (5)

[0057] T0=T2=T5 Formula (6)

[0058] According to formula (2), we can obtain:

[0059] Q5=Q1-Q4 Formula (7)

[0060] Substituting formulas (5), (6), and (7) into formula (1), we get:

[0061] T1×Q1=T3×Q4+T0×(Q1-Q4) Formula (8)

[0062] T1=(1-Q4 / Q1)T0+Q4 / Q1×T3 Formula (9)

[0063] T0=Q1 / (Q1-Q4)×T1–Q4 / (Q1-Q4)×T3 Formula (10)

[0064] By adjusting T0, T1 can be fixed above the dew point temperature. For T3, the lower value is equal to T1, and the maximum value is given by the cooling design requirements. Therefore, T2 is controlled within the range according to formula (10):

[0065] T2max=T0max=T1 Formula (11)

[0066] T2min=T0min=Q1 / (Q1-Q4)×T1–Q4 / (Q1-Q4)×T3max Formula (12)

[0067] According to formula (12),

[0068] Q4=(T1-T2min)×Q1 / ((T3max-T2min) Formula (13)

[0069] According to formula (2)

[0070] Q5=(T3max–T1)×Q1 / (T3max-T2min) Formula (14)

[0071] Therefore, according to the design requirements of T2min, T1 and T3max, by adjusting the flow ratio of the supply water diversion unit 30 and the return water diversion unit 40 to meet Q4 and Q5, the temperature of the cooling fluid entering the inlet of the second refrigeration pipe 22 can be controlled between T2min and T1.

[0072] The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system in this illustrative embodiment can output cooling fluid to the first cooling pipe 91 and the second cooling pipe 92 through the first cooling pipe 21 and the second cooling pipe 22, respectively. By setting the flow ratio of the supply water diversion unit 30 and the return water diversion unit 40, the temperature of the cooling fluid output to the first cooling pipe 91 and the second cooling pipe 92 can be controlled to prevent condensation from forming in the equipment. This cooling unit has a simple structure, which helps to reduce costs.

[0073] In other illustrative embodiments, when there are more than two cooling pipes requiring different temperatures of cooling fluid, a piping unit can be provided that can distribute the cooling fluid output from the cold source 10 to the inlets of these cooling pipes in a predetermined proportion, and can also distribute the cooling fluid output from these cooling pipes to the inlets of the cold source 10 and some of the cooling pipes in a predetermined proportion, thereby achieving the purpose of inputting different temperatures of cooling fluid into different cooling pipes. Specifically, this can be achieved by... Figure 1Based on the refrigeration unit shown, more refrigeration pipes are added, and the number of outlets of the supply water diversion unit 30 and the return water diversion unit 40, as well as the diversion ratio of each outlet, are set to achieve this. The refrigeration unit of this magnetic resonance imaging system can control the temperature of the cooling fluid output to several cooling pipes by setting the diversion ratio of the pipe units, thus preventing condensation from forming in the equipment. This refrigeration unit has a simple structure, which helps to reduce costs.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown in the schematic embodiment, the cold source 10 includes a cooling module 11 and a three-way valve 13. The cooling module 11 is capable of cooling the cooling fluid flowing through its pipes; it is, for example, a heat exchanger, but not limited thereto. The inlet of the cooling module 11 is connected to the outlet of the return water diversion unit 40 for connecting to the cold source 10. The two inlets of the three-way valve 13 are respectively connected to the outlet of the return water diversion unit 40 for connecting to the cold source 10 and the outlet of the cooling module 11, and the outlet of the three-way valve 13 is connected to the inlet of the supply water diversion unit 30. The outlet of the return water diversion unit 40 for connecting to the cold source 10 is connected, for example, via a three-way valve 60, to the inlet of the cooling module 11 and one inlet of the three-way valve 13. Thus, with a fixed temperature of the cooling fluid output from the cooling module 11, the temperature of the cooling fluid output from the cold source 10 can be adjusted by regulating the input ratio of the cooling fluid at the two inlets of the three-way valve 13 to suit different operating conditions. This structure is simple and easy to adjust.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown in the illustrative embodiment, the refrigeration unit further includes a temperature sensor 51, a valve actuation mechanism 52, and a control unit 53. The temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature (T1) of the cooling fluid at the inlet side of the first refrigeration line 21. The valve actuation mechanism 52 is connected to and actuates the three-way valve 13 to adjust the input ratio of the cooling fluid at the two inlets of the three-way valve 13. The control unit 53 is signal-connected to the temperature sensor 51 and the valve actuation mechanism 52. In use, the control unit 53 controls the valve actuation mechanism 52, for example, based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 51, to keep the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the first refrigeration line 21 constant. This facilitates automatic control. The valve actuation mechanism 52 can be, for example, an electric actuation mechanism, a pneumatic actuation mechanism, a hydraulic actuation mechanism, or an electromagnetic actuation mechanism, but is not limited to these.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, in the illustrative embodiment, the refrigeration unit further includes a fluid pump 70. The fluid pump 70 is used to drive the cooling fluid to circulate within the refrigeration unit and the first cooling pipe 91 and the second cooling pipe 92. This facilitates control of the cooling fluid circulation at the desired flow rate. In this illustrative embodiment, the fluid pump 70 is located on the inlet side of the return water diversion unit 40, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the cooling unit in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The cooling unit in this illustrative embodiment is... Figure 1 The refrigeration unit shown is supplemented with a preset parameter input module 54, a water supply regulating unit 55, and a return water regulating unit 56. The preset parameter input module 54 is signal-connected to the control unit 53 and is used to input preset values ​​for the cooling fluid temperature (T1) at the inlet side of the first refrigeration pipe 21, the minimum preset value for the cooling fluid temperature (T2) at the inlet side of the second refrigeration pipe 22, and the maximum preset value for the cooling fluid temperature (T3) at the inlet side of the return water diversion unit 40. The preset parameter input module 54 can be, for example, a keyboard or touchscreen, but is not limited to these. The water supply regulating unit 55 is signal-connected to the control unit 53 and can adjust the flow ratio of the water supply diversion unit 30. The return water regulating unit 56 is signal-connected to the control unit 53 and can adjust the flow ratio of the return water diversion unit 40. This facilitates automatic adjustment of the flow ratio of the water supply diversion unit 30 and the return water diversion unit 40 based on the input preset parameters.

[0078] In the illustrative embodiment, the control unit 53 can generate signals to be sent to the supply water regulating unit 55 and the return water regulating unit 56 based on the preset value T1preset of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the first refrigeration pipe 21, the minimum preset value T2min of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the second refrigeration pipe 22, and the maximum preset value T3max of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the return water diversion unit 40, so as to control the temperature of the cooling fluid at the inlet side of the second refrigeration pipe 22 between T2min and T1preset. For example, the control unit 53 can calculate the diversion ratio of the supply water diversion unit 30 and the return water diversion unit 40 according to the formulas (13) and (14) mentioned above, and generate signals based on the calculated diversion ratio.

[0079] The present invention also provides a magnetic resonance imaging system, which includes Figure 1 or Figure 2 The refrigeration unit shown. (As shown in the image) Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the cooling unit is used to cool the device 90 of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The device 90 is, for example, a gradient power amplifier, a radio frequency power amplifier, or a gradient coil, but is not limited thereto. The magnetic resonance imaging system includes a first cooling pipe 91 and a second cooling pipe 92 disposed in different devices 90. The first cooling pipe 91 is disposed, for example, in the gradient power amplifier and the radio frequency power amplifier, and the second cooling pipe 92 is disposed, for example, in the gradient coil. The first cooling pipe 91 is connected in series between the inlet and outlet of the first cooling pipe 21. The second cooling pipe 92 is connected in series between the inlet and outlet of the second cooling pipe 22. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system in this illustrative embodiment can output cooling fluid to the first cooling pipe 91 and the second cooling pipe 92 through the first cooling pipe 21 and the second cooling pipe 22, respectively. By setting the flow ratio of the supply water diversion unit 30 and the return water diversion unit 40, the temperature of the cooling fluid output to the first cooling pipe 91 and the second cooling pipe 92 can be controlled to prevent condensation from forming in the device. This cooling unit has a simple structure, which helps to reduce costs.

[0080] In other illustrative embodiments, when there are more than two cooling pipes requiring different temperatures of cooling fluid, a piping unit can be provided that can distribute the cooling fluid output from the cold source 10 to the inlets of these cooling pipes in a predetermined proportion, and can also distribute the cooling fluid output from these cooling pipes to the inlets of the cold source 10 and some of the cooling pipes in a predetermined proportion, thereby achieving the purpose of inputting different temperatures of cooling fluid into different cooling pipes. Specifically, this can be achieved by... Figure 1 Based on the refrigeration unit shown, more refrigeration pipes are added, and the number of outlets of the supply water diversion unit 30 and the return water diversion unit 40, as well as the diversion ratio of each outlet, are set to achieve this. The refrigeration unit of this magnetic resonance imaging system can control the temperature of the cooling fluid output to several cooling pipes by setting the diversion ratio of the pipe units, thus preventing condensation from forming in the equipment. This refrigeration unit has a simple structure, which helps to reduce costs.

[0081] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0082] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent implementation schemes or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooling unit for a magnetic resonance imaging system, used to cool the equipment of the magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnetic resonance imaging system including a plurality of cooling pipes disposed thereon, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit includes: A cold source (10) capable of cooling the cooling fluid flowing through its pipes; and A piping unit capable of diverting cooling fluid output from the cold source (10) to the inlets of several cooling pipes in a set ratio, and capable of diverting cooling fluid output from several cooling pipes to the inlet of the cold source (10) and the inlet of at least one of the cooling pipes in a set ratio.

2. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of cooling pipes is a first cooling pipe and the other is a second cooling pipe, characterized in that, The piping unit includes: A first cooling pipe (21) is provided, and the first cooling pipe of the magnetic resonance imaging system can be connected in series between the inlet and outlet of the first cooling pipe (21); A second cooling line (22) is provided, wherein the second cooling line of the magnetic resonance imaging system can be connected in series between the inlet and outlet of the second cooling line (22); A water supply and distribution unit (30) has its inlet connected to the outlet of the cold source (10), and its two outlets connected to the inlet of the first refrigeration pipe (21) and the inlet of the second refrigeration pipe (22), respectively. It is capable of distributing the incoming cooling fluid to the first refrigeration pipe (21) and the second refrigeration pipe (22) in a predetermined ratio. A return flow unit (40) has its inlet connected to the outlet of the first refrigeration pipe (21) and the outlet of the second refrigeration pipe (22), and its two outlets connected to the inlet of the first refrigeration pipe (21) and the inlet of the cold source (10), respectively. It is capable of diverting the cooling fluid from the first refrigeration pipe (21) and the second refrigeration pipe (22) to the first refrigeration pipe (21) and the cold source (10) in a set ratio.

3. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cold source (10) includes: a cooling module (11) capable of cooling the cooling fluid flowing through its pipes, the inlet of the cooling module (11) being connected to the outlet of the return water diversion unit (40) for connecting to the cold source (10); and A three-way valve (13) has two inlets connected to the outlet of the return water diversion unit (40) for connecting the cold source (10) and the outlet of the cooling module (11), respectively, and the outlet of the three-way valve (13) is connected to the inlet of the supply water diversion unit (30).

4. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit further includes a temperature sensor (51) capable of detecting the temperature of the cooling fluid at the inlet side of the first refrigeration pipe (21); A valve actuation mechanism (52) is connected to the three-way valve (13) and capable of actuating the three-way valve (13) to adjust the input ratio of cooling fluid to the two inlets of the three-way valve (13); and A control unit (53) is signal-connected to the temperature sensor (51) and the valve drive mechanism (52).

5. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit further includes: a preset parameter input module (54), which is signal-connected to the control unit (53) and used to input the preset value of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the first refrigeration pipeline (21), the minimum preset value of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the second refrigeration pipeline (22), and the maximum preset value of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the return water diversion unit (40). A water supply regulating unit (55) is signal-connected to the control unit (53) and is capable of adjusting the diversion ratio of the water supply diversion unit (30); and A return water regulating unit (56) is signal-connected to the control unit (53) and is capable of adjusting the diversion ratio of the return water diversion unit (40).

6. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit (53) can generate a signal to be sent to the water supply regulating unit (55) and the water return regulating unit (56) based on the preset value T1 preset of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the first refrigeration pipeline (21), the minimum preset value T2min of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the second refrigeration pipeline (22), and the maximum preset value T3max of the cooling fluid temperature at the inlet side of the return water diversion unit (40), so that the temperature of the cooling fluid at the inlet side of the second refrigeration pipeline (22) is controlled between T2min and T1 preset.

7. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet of the return water diversion unit (40) is connected to the outlet of the first refrigeration pipe (21) and the outlet of the second refrigeration pipe (22) via a tee (60); And / or one outlet of the return water diversion unit (40) is connected to the inlet of the cooling module (11) and one inlet of the three-way valve (13) via a tee (60); and / or the inlet of the first refrigeration pipeline (21) is connected to one outlet of the supply water diversion unit (30) and one outlet of the return water diversion unit (40) via a tee (60).

8. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cooling module (11) is a heat exchanger.

9. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit also includes a fluid pump (70) for driving the cooling fluid to circulate within the cooling pipes of the refrigeration unit and the magnetic resonance imaging system.

10. The cooling unit of the magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The supply water diversion unit (30) and / or the return water diversion unit (40) are diversion valves, proportional valves or flow distributors.

11. A magnetic resonance imaging system, characterized in that, The device includes a cooling unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, the cooling unit being used to cool a device (90) of a magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnetic resonance imaging system including a plurality of cooling pipes disposed thereon, the piping unit being capable of diverting cooling fluid output from the cold source (10) to the inlet of the plurality of cooling pipes in a predetermined proportion, and being capable of diverting cooling fluid output from the plurality of cooling pipes to the inlet of the cold source (10) and at least one inlet of the cooling pipe in a predetermined proportion.

12. The magnetic resonance imaging system as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The device (90) of the magnetic resonance imaging system is a gradient power amplifier, a radio frequency power amplifier, or a gradient coil, wherein one of the cooling pipes is disposed in the gradient power amplifier and / or the radio frequency power amplifier, and the other of the cooling pipes is disposed in the gradient coil.

Images