Coil unit, magnetic resonance imaging device, and coil unit cover

Abstract

To provide a coil unit, a magnetic resonance imaging device, and a coil unit cover that can dissipate heat released from a subject, to the outside of the coil unit.SOLUTION: A coil unit comprises: one or more loop-shaped coil elements; a coil unit cover (42) comprising a first sheet covering one surface of each of the coil elements, and a second sheet (46) covering the other surface of each of the coil elements, and in which one or more through holes (48) penetrating the first sheet and the second sheet are formed; and first fasteners (50) fastening edges of the first sheet in the first through holes, and edges of the second sheet in the first through holes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coil unit, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and a coil unit cover.

Background Art

[0002] In an MRI apparatus, when obtaining tomographic images of a subject's chest and abdomen, etc., a reception coil unit is used which is disposed on the subject's abdomen etc. and receives weak signals emitted from the subject. Note that MRI is an abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an RF coil unit used during MRI imaging. The RF coil unit includes an upper RF coil disposed above the subject and a lower RF coil disposed between the subject and the top plate.

[0004] The upper RF coil is held at a suitable position above the subject using coil support portions provided at both ends of the top plate, and irradiates RF pulses and detects MR signals. The lower RF coil includes a coil cover having holes two-dimensionally arranged in the X-Z plane and a coil arranged in a loop shape around the holes, and irradiates RF pulses and detects MR signals.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes an MRI receiver array used in an MRI system. The MRI receiver array described in the same document has a flexible blanket shape, is positioned to cover the patient, and is fixed so as not to move or shift from its proper position during the examination and is used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the receiving coil unit disposed at a position covering the upper part of the subject has difficulty in releasing the heat emitted from the subject. The upper RF coil described in Patent Document 1 has a structure that covers the upper part of the subject in the use state, and it is difficult to release the heat emitted from the subject.

[0008] The MRI receiver array described in Patent Document 2 has a structure in which a flexible cover covering the electrical components is used outside the electrical components such as coils. This cover is in a bag shape, and it is difficult to release the heat emitted from the subject upward from the cover.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a coil unit, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and a coil unit cover that enable the heat emitted from a subject on which the coil unit is mounted to escape to the outside of the coil unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The coil unit according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a coil unit disposed at a measurement position of a subject, and includes one or more loop-shaped coil elements, a first sheet covering one surface of the coil element, and a second sheet covering the other surface of the coil element. A coil unit cover having one or more first through-holes penetrating the first sheet and the second sheet, and a first fastener for fastening an edge of the first sheet at the first through-hole and an edge of the second sheet at the first through-hole.

[0011] According to the coil unit according to the first aspect, a coil unit cover in which a coil element is accommodated has a first through hole formed therein, and a first fixture for fastening the first sheet and the second sheet is provided at the edge of the first sheet in the first through hole and at the edge of the second sheet in the first through hole. Thereby, it is possible to release the heat emitted from the subject to whom the coil unit is attached to the outside of the coil unit through the first through hole.

[0012] The coil unit may be a receiving coil unit that receives a signal emitted from a subject. That is, the coil element provided in the coil unit may be a receiving coil element that receives a signal emitted from a subject.

[0013] The first sheet and the second sheet may be in a bag shape in which at least a part of the outer periphery is connected.

[0014] The coil unit according to the second aspect is the coil unit according to the first aspect, and the first fixture may include a first member attached to the first sheet and a second member attached to the second sheet.

[0015] According to such an aspect, it is easy to attach the first fixture to the coil unit cover.

[0016] The coil unit according to the third aspect is the coil unit according to the second aspect, and the first member and the second member may have a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the coil element.

[0017] According to such an aspect, it is difficult for a force acting in the direction of removing the first fixture to be applied between the first member and the second member, and detachment of the first fixture can be avoided.

[0018] The coil unit according to the fourth aspect is the coil unit according to any one of the first to third aspects, and the first fixture may have an annular shape covering the inner periphery of the first through hole.

[0019] According to such an aspect, the first retainer can fasten the entire circumference of the edge of the first sheet in the first through hole and the entire circumference of the edge of the second sheet in the first through hole.

[0020] In the coil unit according to the fifth aspect, in the coil unit of the fourth aspect, the first retainer has a structure in which a relatively rigid hard part and a relatively flexible soft part are arranged along the circumferential direction of the first through hole, and the hard part may be provided with a structure for fastening the first sheet and the second sheet.

[0021] According to such an aspect, the overall flexibility of the coil unit can be obtained, and it is possible to fasten the edge of the first sheet in the first through hole and the edge of the second sheet in the first through hole.

[0022] In the coil unit according to the sixth aspect, in the coil unit of any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, the first retainer may have a structure in which a concave shape and a convex shape are fitted together to fasten the first sheet and the second sheet.

[0023] According to such an aspect, a structure that can improve the efficiency of attachment and detachment can be adopted for the first retainer.

[0024] In the coil unit generating device according to the seventh aspect, in the coil unit generating device of any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, a ventilation hole penetrating the first retainer may be formed in the direction of the first retainer from the inside of the coil unit cover toward the first through hole.

[0025] According to such an aspect, a gas flow from the inside of the coil unit cover toward the first through hole can be generated.

[0026] In the coil unit according to the eighth aspect, in the coil unit of any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, one or more first protrusions may be formed along the circumferential direction of the first through hole on at least one of the surface on the side of the first sheet and the surface on the side of the second sheet of the first retainer.

[0027] In such an aspect, a gas flow passing between the coil unit and the subject can be generated.

[0028] In the coil unit according to the ninth aspect, in the coil unit of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the first fixture has a second protrusion on at least one of the surface on the side of the first sheet and the surface on the side of the second sheet, and the second protrusion may be made of a material that is relatively soft with respect to the first fixture.

[0029] According to such an aspect, a gas flow passing between the coil unit and the subject can be generated, and the stress on the subject when the second protrusion contacts the subject can be alleviated.

[0030] In the coil unit according to the tenth aspect, in the coil unit of any one of the first to ninth aspects, at least one of the outer surface of the first sheet and the outer surface of the second sheet is a third protrusion disposed at the position where the first fixture is disposed, and may include a third protrusion extending along the direction in which the first fixtures are arranged.

[0031] According to such an aspect, a gas flow passing between the coil unit and the subject can be generated, and it becomes possible to release the heat radiated from the subject to the coil unit.

[0032] In the coil unit according to the eleventh aspect, in the coil unit of any one of the first to tenth aspects, the first through hole may be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the hollow portion of the coil element.

[0033] According to such an aspect, it is possible to arrange the first through hole that utilizes the position of the hollow portion of the coil element.

[0034] In the coil unit according to the twelfth aspect, in the coil unit of any one of the first to eleventh aspects, it may include one or more second through holes penetrating the first sheet and the second sheet, and the second through holes formed at positions corresponding to the positions of the overlapping portions where adjacent coil elements overlap.

[0035] According to such an aspect, the efficiency of releasing heat emitted from the subject can be improved.

[0036] The coil unit according to the 13th aspect may include, in the coil unit of the 12th aspect, a second fastener that fastens the edge of the first sheet in the second through hole and the edge of the second sheet in the second through hole.

[0037] According to such an aspect, it is possible to fasten the edge of the first sheet and the edge of the second sheet in the second through hole.

[0038] The coil unit according to the 14th aspect may include, in the coil unit of any one of the 1st to 13th aspects, one or more third through holes that penetrate the first sheet and the second sheet, and the third through holes formed at positions corresponding to the positions of the non-overlapping portions where adjacent coil elements do not overlap.

[0039] According to such an aspect, the efficiency of releasing heat emitted from the subject can be further improved.

[0040] The coil unit according to the 15th aspect may include, in the coil unit of the 14th aspect, a third fastener that fastens the edge of the first sheet in the third through hole and the edge of the second sheet in the third through hole.

[0041] According to such an aspect, it is possible to fasten the edge of the first sheet and the edge of the second sheet in the third through hole.

[0042] The coil unit according to the 16th aspect may have a structure in which at least a part of the first sheet and the second sheet are connected in the coil unit of any one of the 1st to 15th aspects.

[0043] According to such an aspect, a bag shape can be applied as the coil unit cover.

[0044] The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the 17th aspect of the present disclosure includes a measuring device that measures a subject, and a coil unit disposed at the measurement position of the subject. The coil unit is a coil unit cover including one or more loop-shaped coil elements, a first sheet covering one surface of the coil element, and a second sheet covering the other surface of the coil element. The coil unit cover is formed with one or more first through holes penetrating the first sheet and the second sheet, and includes a first fastener that fastens an edge of the first sheet at the first through hole and an edge of the second sheet at the first through hole.

[0045] According to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the 17th aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as the coil unit according to the 1st aspect. The constituent elements of the coil unit according to the 2nd aspect to the 16th aspect can be applied as the constituent elements of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to other aspects.

[0046] The coil unit cover according to the 18th aspect of the present disclosure is a coil unit cover used for a coil unit disposed at the measurement position of a subject, and is a coil unit cover in which one or more loop-shaped coil elements are accommodated. The coil unit cover includes a first sheet covering one surface of the coil element and a second sheet covering the other surface of the coil element. One or more first through holes penetrating the first sheet and the second sheet are formed, and the coil unit cover includes a first fastener that fastens an edge of the first sheet at the first through hole and an edge of the second sheet at the first through hole.

[0047] According to the coil unit cover according to the 18th aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as the coil unit cover according to the 1st aspect. The constituent elements of the coil unit cover according to the 2nd aspect to the 16th aspect can be applied as the constituent elements of the coil unit according to other aspects.

Advantages of the Invention

[0048] According to the present disclosure, a coil unit cover for housing a coil element has a first through hole formed therein, and a first fastener for fastening a first sheet and a second sheet is provided at an edge of the first sheet in the first through hole and an edge of the second sheet in the first through hole. Thereby, heat released from a subject to whom the coil unit is attached can be released to the outside of the coil unit through the first through hole.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Further, in the following embodiments, when a plurality of components are exemplified, it can be interpreted as including at least one of the plurality of components.

[0051] [Configuration Example of MRI Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of an MRI apparatus. An MRI apparatus 10, which is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, includes a measurement apparatus 20 including a gantry 22, a bed 30, and a control apparatus. The measurement apparatus 20 and the bed 30 are arranged in an imaging room, and the control apparatus is arranged in an operation room. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the bed 30 is set at a position where medical images of a subject are taken. The bed 30 is configured to be movable manually or automatically on the installation surface of the MRI apparatus 10. Note that the illustration of the control apparatus, the imaging room, and the operation room is omitted. The control apparatus is denoted by reference numeral 816 and is illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0052] The examination table 30 includes a top plate 34 on which a subject who undergoes an imaging diagnostic examination lies. The top plate 34 can be moved in each of the vertical direction, the forward direction of entering the imaging space 24 of the gantry 22, the backward direction of exiting from the imaging space 24, and the lateral direction that is orthogonal to the forward direction and orthogonal to the vertical direction by using the examination table driving device.

[0053] The control device functions as a control device that controls the control unit in the machine room to control each device such as the measuring device and the examination table 30, and executes MRI imaging for acquiring NMR signals. Further, the control device functions as a device that performs processing for reconstructing an image based on the NMR signals acquired from the measuring device 20, communication processing through a network, processing of various data including these, display of processing results, and storage of data.

[0054] The NMR signals obtained from the measuring device 20 are signal-processed, then digitally image-processed, and the reconstructed image is displayed on the display device of the control device. Note that NMR is an abbreviation of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, which is the English notation for nuclear magnetic resonance.

[0055] [Overview of the Coil Unit] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a usage state of the coil unit according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the top plate 34 is shown as the examination table 30, and illustration of the main body of the examination table 30 and the like is omitted.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a state in which the coil unit 40 is hung at a measurement position spanning from the chest to the abdomen of the subject. The coil unit 40 is fixed to the chest and abdomen of the subject by using a belt 36 provided on the examination table 30.

[0057] The coil unit 40 has a blanket shape, and a structure that is lighter and more flexible than an integrally molded type is applied. That is, the coil unit 40 has a structure in which the outside of components such as a coil element is covered using a bag-shaped coil unit cover 42. The material of the coil unit cover 42 may be a urethane resin such as polyurethane, a polyamide synthetic resin such as nylon, or the like.

[0058] Here, the bag shape may be a state in which a first sheet that comes into contact with the subject and a second sheet on the side opposite to the subject are joined at at least one side. For example, when the planar shapes of the first sheet and the second sheet are each quadrilateral, at least one side of the quadrilateral may be joined. In the non-bag-shaped coil unit 40, the first sheet and the second sheet may be separated.

[0059] A first through hole that penetrates the coil unit cover 42 is formed in the coil unit 40. The first through hole penetrates the first sheet 44 that comes into contact with the subject and the second sheet 46 on the side opposite to the electrical component with respect to the first sheet 44.

[0060] In a coil unit to which a coil unit cover having no first through hole is applied, it is difficult for the heat released by the human body to escape to the outside of the coil unit. In the coil unit 40 according to the embodiment, a first through hole is formed in the coil unit cover 42. Thereby, it becomes possible to release the heat released from the subject to the outside of the coil unit 40 through the first through hole. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the first through hole is omitted. The first through hole is illustrated in FIG. 3 with reference numeral 48 attached.

[0061] [Specific Example of Coil Unit According to First Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a front view of the coil unit according to the first embodiment. In the figure, a second surface 46A on the side of the second sheet 46 of the coil unit 40 is illustrated. The coil unit 40 illustrated in the figure is a receiving coil unit having a blanket shape, and a plurality of first through holes 48 are formed in the coil unit cover 42.

[0062] At the edge of the coil unit cover 42 in each of the plurality of first through-holes 48, a ring-shaped first fixture 50 is attached. As an example of the material of the first fixture 50, a synthetic resin having a certain rigidity can be mentioned. Note that the ring-shaped first fixture 50 described in the embodiment is an example of a fixture having an annular shape that covers the inner circumference of the first through-hole.

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates a mode in which the same number of through-holes as the coil elements provided in the coil unit 40 are formed in the coil unit cover 42. That is, FIG. 3 shows a 24-channel coil unit 40 including coil elements that function as 24 receiving coils.

[0064] The diameter of the first through-hole 48 is less than the diameter of the coil element, and for example, it may be defined in the range from 10% to 80% with respect to the diameter of the coil element using a single wire. The diameter of the first through-hole 48 may be the inner diameter of the first fixture 50. For example, when the diameter of the coil element is 100 millimeters, the inner diameter of the first fixture 50 defined as the diameter of the first through-hole 48 is less than 100 millimeters, and for example, it may be any value from 10 millimeters to 80 millimeters.

[0065] The diameter of the coil element is defined according to the electrical specifications of the coil unit 40, structural conditions, and the like. The diameter of the coil element may be 1.0 millimeter or more and 10.0 millimeters or less.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the coil element and the first through-hole. The first through-hole 48 is formed with respect to a hollow portion that is a space existing at the center of the loop-shaped coil element 60 housed inside the coil unit cover 42. That is, inside the loop of the coil element 60, the first fixture 50 attached to the first through-hole 48 is arranged. Also, the first through-hole 48 may be formed avoiding the position of the decoupling circuit 62 electrically connected to the coil element 60.

[0067] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the three-dimensional structure of the coil unit. In Figure 5, a cross-section of the coil unit 40 along the 5-5 cross-sectional line shown in Figure 3 is illustrated. The first fixture 50 includes a first member 50A attached to the first sheet 44 and a second member 50B attached to the second sheet 46. Adhesion may be applied for attaching the first member 50A to the first sheet 44. The same applies to attaching the second member 50B to the second sheet 46.

[0068] The first fixture 50 has a structure in which the first member 50A and the second member 50B are fixed using a screw 52. Thereby, it is suppressed that the first member 50A and the second member 50B are easily detached. In Figure 5, a mode in which the first member 50A and the second member 50B are fastened at two locations is illustrated, but the screwing positions may be two or more.

[0069] The first fixture 50 has a thickness of about 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters on each of the side of the first sheet 44 and the side of the second sheet with respect to the thickness of the coil unit cover 42. The thickness of the coil unit cover 42 may be the thickness of the contents 64 such as the coil element 60, the thickness of the first sheet 44, and the thickness of the second sheet 46. However, the thickness of the contents 64 does not include the thickness of the decoupling circuit 62 shown in Figure 4.

[0070] [Operational Effects of the Coil Unit According to the First Embodiment] The coil unit 40 according to the first embodiment can obtain the following operational effects.

[0071] [1] The coil unit 40 is formed with a first through hole 48 that penetrates the bag-shaped coil unit cover 42. The first through hole 48 has a ring-shaped first fixture 50 attached thereto. Thereby, the coil unit 40 can release the heat emitted from the subject to the outside of the coil unit 40 through the first through hole 48, and the retention of heat between the coil unit and the subject is suppressed.

[0072] [2] The first fastener 50 includes a first member 50A attached to the first sheet 44 and a second member 50B attached to the second sheet 46. The first member 50A and the second member 50B are fastened using a screw 52. Thereby, it is suppressed that the first member 50A and the second member 50B are easily detached.

[0073] [3] The first fastener 50 has a thickness of about 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters on each of the side of the first sheet 44 and the side of the second sheet with respect to the thickness of the coil unit cover 42. Thereby, in a state where the content 64 is accommodated inside the coil unit 40, it becomes possible to fasten the first member 50A and the second member 50B.

[0074] As the first fastener 50 provided in the coil unit 40 according to the first embodiment, a ring-shaped resin member attached to the first through hole 48 is exemplified, but the first fastener 50 may be a fastener, a snap button, etc. that fasten the edge of the first sheet 44 in the first through hole 48 and the edge of the second sheet 46 in the first through hole 48.

[0075] The planar shape of the first through hole 48 is not limited to a circle. As the planar shape of the first through hole 48, arbitrary shapes such as polygons such as quadrilaterals and oval circles can be applied. The planar shape of the first fastener 50 may be determined according to the planar shape of the first through hole 48.

[0076] [Specific Example of Coil Unit According to Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a front view of a coil unit according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, mainly, differences between the coil unit 140 according to the second embodiment and the coil unit 40 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0077] The coil unit 140 illustrated in FIG. 6 is provided with a fastener 150 on the second sheet 146. The fastener 150 is disposed at the center of the long side in the second sheet 146 having a rectangular planar shape, and extends in a direction parallel to the short side in the second sheet 146.

[0078] The coil unit 140 can be easily opened by the fastener 150 to facilitate the accommodation of the contents 64 and the like in the coil unit cover 142 and the removal of the contents 64 and the like from the coil unit cover 142. Thereby, the replacement of the coil unit cover 142 in the coil unit 140 becomes easy.

[0079] The total length of the fastener 150 can be defined from the viewpoint of removing the contents 64 and the like from the coil unit cover 142. For example, the total length of the fastener 150 may be 50% or more and less than 100% of the length of the short side in the second sheet 46.

[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates an aspect in which the fastener 150 is provided for the second sheet 146, but the fastener 150 may be provided for the first sheet not illustrated in FIG. 6. Further, the fastener 150 may be provided for each of the first sheet and the second sheet 146 not illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0081] Instead of the fastener 150, one or more snap buttons may be provided. Further, the fastener 150 and the snap buttons may be used in combination. For example, the fastener 150 may be provided for the first sheet, and one or more snap buttons may be provided for the second sheet 146.

[0082] [Operational Effects of Coil Unit According to Second Embodiment] The coil unit 140 according to the second embodiment is provided with the fastener 150 on at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet 146. Thereby, the replacement of the coil unit cover 142 becomes easy.

[0083] [Specific Example of Coil Unit According to Third Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a front view of the coil unit according to the third embodiment. In the figure, a second surface 246A on the side of the second sheet 246 of the coil unit cover 242 is illustrated. The figure includes an enlarged view in which a part of the coil unit 240 is enlarged. For convenience of explanation, in the enlarged view of the coil unit 240, a coil element 60 housed inside the coil unit cover 242 is illustrated.

[0084] In the coil unit 240 illustrated in FIG. 7, a second through hole 48A is formed at a position of an overlap region 60A which is an overlapping portion where a plurality of coil elements 60 adjacent to each other overlap. Further, in the coil unit 240, a third through hole 48B is formed at a position of a non-overlap region 60B which is a non-overlapping portion where a plurality of coil elements 60 adjacent to each other do not overlap.

[0085] The second through hole 48A has a size corresponding to the area of the overlap region 60A.

[0086] The second fixture 50C is attached to the second through hole 48A. The second fixture 50C has a size corresponding to the second through hole 48A. The third through hole 48B has the third fixture 50D attached thereto. The third fixture 50D has a size corresponding to the third through hole 48B. The second fixture 50C and the third fixture 50D are made of the same material as the first fixture 50 and have the same structure as the first fixture 50.

[0087] [Operational Effects of Coil Unit According to Third Embodiment] In the coil unit 240 according to the third embodiment, a second through hole 48A is formed at a position of an overlap region 60A where a plurality of coil elements 60 adjacent to each other overlap. Further, in the coil unit 240, a third through hole 48B is formed at a position of a non-overlap region 60B where a plurality of coil elements 60 adjacent to each other do not overlap. Thereby, heat released by the subject can be efficiently released from the space between the coil unit 240 and the subject to the outside of the coil unit 240.

[0088] [Specific Example of Coil Unit According to Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of a first fastener applied to the coil unit according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, one of a plurality of first fasteners 250 attached to the edge of the coil unit cover at each of a plurality of first through holes 48 provided in the coil unit is illustrated.

[0089] The first fastener 250 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a hard portion 252 having rigidity necessary for fastening the first member and the second member, and a soft portion 254 having flexibility. A hole into which a screw 52 is inserted, which is used for screwing illustrated in FIG. 5, is formed in the hard portion 252.

[0090] In the first fastener 250, the hard portion 252 and the soft portion 254 are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the first through hole 48. Further, in the first fastener 250, the lengths of the hard portion 252 and the soft portion 254 along the circumferential direction of each first through hole 48 are the same.

[0091] Examples of the material of the hard portion 252 include synthetic resins having a certain rigidity. Examples of the material of the soft portion 254 include foamed resins having a lower rigidity than the hard portion 252. The ratio of the hard portion 252 and the soft portion 254 in the first fastener 250 is appropriately determined within a range in which the first fastener 250 has a certain rigidity as a whole.

[0092] A structure in which the first fastener 250 includes the hard portion 252 and the soft portion 254 may be applied to one of the first member or the second member, and a structure in which a plurality of hard portions 252 are dispersedly arranged on the other of the first member or the second member may be applied.

[0093] [Operational Effects of Coil Unit According to Fourth Embodiment] The first fastener 250 provided in the coil unit according to the fourth embodiment includes a hard portion 252 having relatively high rigidity and a soft portion 254 having lower rigidity compared to the hard portion 252. As a result, as a whole of the coil unit, the function of fastening the first sheet and the second sheet is maintained, and a certain flexibility that conforms to the body shape of the subject in the use state is realized.

[0094] [Specific Example of Coil Unit According to Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the first fastener applied to the coil unit according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the coil unit 340 along a cross-sectional line similar to the 5-5 cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 3, and an enlarged view in which the first fastener 350 is enlarged.

[0095] The first member 352 includes a convex portion 356, and the second member 354 includes a concave portion 358 having a shape that can be freely fitted with the convex portion 356. The convex portion 356 and the concave portion 358 are arranged at positions where they can be freely fitted with each other. Although two sets of the convex portion 356 and the concave portion 358 are shown in FIG. 9, two or more sets of the convex portion 356 and the concave portion 358 may be provided.

[0096] The shape of the convex portion 356 may be a frustum of a cone whose diameter increases from the base end to the tip end. The concave portion 358 that is fitted with the convex portion 356 having a frustum of a cone shape whose diameter increases from the base end to the tip end may have a shape whose diameter decreases from the base end to the tip end.

[0097] Note that the convex portion 356 described in the embodiment is an example of a convex shape, and the convex portion 356 is an example of a concave shape.

[0098] [Operational Effects of Coil Unit According to Fifth Embodiment] In the coil unit 340 according to the fifth embodiment, the first member 352 constituting the first fastener 350 includes a convex portion 356, and the second member 354 includes a concave portion 358 having a shape that can be freely fitted with the convex portion 356. As a result, the attachment and detachment of the first member 352 and the second member 354 become easy, and the working efficiency when fastening the first member 352 and the second member 354 can be improved.

[0099] [Specific Example of Coil Unit According to Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a first fixture applied to the coil unit according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 includes a front view 1000 of the first fixture 450 provided in the coil unit 440, and a cross-sectional view 1002 along the cross-section line 1002-1002 shown in the front view 1000. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the inner peripheral surface of the fixture shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows a view in the direction of arrow A shown in the cross-sectional view 1002 of FIG. 10.

[0100] A ventilation hole 460 is formed in the first fixture 450 provided in the coil unit 440 so as to penetrate the surface on the side of the first through hole 48 and the surface on the inner side of the coil unit cover 42. The ventilation hole 460 is arranged avoiding the positions of the convex portion 456 and the concave portion 458 that fit the first member 452 and the second member 454. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an aspect in which a plurality of ventilation holes 460 are formed, but the ventilation holes 460 may be one or more.

[0101] In FIGS. 10 and 11, a rectangle is illustrated as an example of the planar shape of the ventilation hole 460, but any shape such as a circle and a polygon may be applied to the planar shape of the ventilation hole 460. The planar shape of the ventilation hole 460 may be the shape of the ventilation hole 460 when viewed from the first through hole 48.

[0102] In FIGS. 10 and 11, an aspect in which the ventilation hole 460 is formed at a position straddling the first member 452 and the second member 454 is illustrated, but the ventilation hole 460 may be formed in either the first member 452 or the second member 454.

[0103] [Operational Effects of Coil Unit According to Sixth Embodiment] In the coil unit 440 according to the sixth embodiment, a ventilation hole 460 is formed in the first fixture 450. The ventilation hole 460 communicates the surface on the side of the first through hole 48 and the surface on the inner side of the coil unit cover 42. Thereby, it becomes possible to release the heat released from the content 64 to the outside of the coil unit 440 through the ventilation hole 460 and the first through hole 48.

[0104] [Specific Example of Coil Unit According to Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of a first fixture applied to the coil unit according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 12 includes a front view 1010 of the first fixture 550 and a view 1012 in the direction of arrow B of the front view 1010.

[0105] A plurality of first protrusions 556 are formed on the first member 552 of the first fixture 550. The height of the first protrusion 556 may be about 5 millimeters. The height of the first protrusion 556 is the shortest length from the base end to the tip of the first protrusion 556.

[0106] The space 560 between adjacent first protrusions 556 functions as an air flow path between the first fixture 550 and the subject when the first member 552 contacts the subject. The width of the space 560 and the number of the spaces 560 in the direction in which the plurality of first protrusions 556 are arranged can be defined from the viewpoint of air circulation. The widths of the respective plurality of spaces 560 may be the same or different.

[0107] The width of the first protrusion 556 may be the same as or different from the width of the space 560. For example, the width of the first protrusion 556 may be defined in the range from 0.1 times to 10 times the width of the space 560.

[0108] The three-dimensional shape of the first protrusion 556 may be a quadrangular prism, a cylinder, a frustum of a cone, or the like. The same three-dimensional shape may be applied to each of the plurality of first protrusions 556, or different three-dimensional shapes may be applied.

[0109] The material of the first protrusion 556 may be the same as that of the first member 552 or may be different from the first member 552. The tip of the first protrusion 556 may be applied with a material that is not stressed by the subject.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 12, a second protrusion 558 is formed on the first fixture 550 with respect to the second member 554. The height, width, number, three-dimensional shape, and material of the second protrusion 558 can be defined in the same manner as the first protrusion 556.

[0111] FIG. 12 illustrates a mode in which a first protrusion 556 is formed on the first member 552 of the first fixture 550 and a second protrusion 558 is formed on the second member 554. However, in the coil unit according to the seventh embodiment, at least one of the first protrusion 556 and the second protrusion 558 may be formed.

[0112] [Operational Effects of the Coil Unit According to the Seventh Embodiment] The coil unit according to the seventh embodiment can obtain the following operational effects.

[0113] [1] A plurality of first protrusions 556 are formed on the first fixture 550 with respect to the first member 552. As a result, when the coil unit is used by bringing the first sheet to which the first member 552 is joined into contact with the subject, the space 560 formed between adjacent first protrusions 556 functions as a flow path for air between the subject and the coil unit, and heat released from the subject can escape from the end of the coil unit to the outside of the coil unit.

[0114] [2] A plurality of second protrusions 558 are formed on the second member 554 of the first fixture 550. As a result, even when the coil unit is used by bringing the second sheet into contact with the subject, the space 562 formed between adjacent second protrusions 558 functions as a flow path for air between the subject and the coil unit, and heat released from the subject can escape from the end of the coil unit to the outside of the coil unit.

[0115] [Specific Example of Coil Unit According to Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a coil unit according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 13 includes a front view 1020 of the coil unit 640 and a view 1022 in the direction of arrow C shown in the front view 1020.

[0116] The coil unit 640 has a length corresponding to the length from one end to the other end with respect to the first sheet 644, and includes a plurality of third protrusions 660 extending in the direction in which the first fixtures 650 are arranged. The third protrusions 660 are located at positions overlapping the first fixtures 650 and are arranged at positions not overlapping the first through holes 48.

[0117] A space 662 reaching from one end to the other end of the coil unit 640 is formed between adjacent third protrusions 660. The space 662 functions as a flow path for air in the space between the coil unit 640 and the subject.

[0118] FIG. 13 shows third protrusions 660 extending in the direction along the short side in the coil unit 640 having a rectangular planar shape. The coil unit 640 may include third protrusions 660 extending in the direction along the long side in the rectangular planar shape.

[0119] FIG. 13 exemplifies an aspect in which third protrusions 660 are provided on both sides of the first through hole 48 in the first fixture 650, but the third protrusions 660 may be provided on at least either one of one side and the other side of the first through hole 48 in the first fixture 650. The coil unit 640 may include third protrusions 660 on the second sheet 646.

[0120] The height of the third protrusion 660 is defined from the viewpoint of air circulation in the space between the coil unit 640 and the subject. For example, the height of the third protrusion 660 may be the same as the height of the first fixture 650. The height of the third protrusion 660 can be defined as the distance from the base end to the tip end of the third protrusion 660.

[0121] The third protrusion 660 may be made of the same material as the first fixture 650. The tip of the third protrusion 660 may be made of a material that does not subject the subject to stress.

[0122] [Operational effects of the coil unit according to the eighth embodiment] The coil unit 640 according to the eighth embodiment is provided with a plurality of third protrusions 660 on the surface that comes into contact with the subject. The third protrusions 660 extend in a direction along one side of the coil unit 640 and have a length corresponding to the length of one side. As a result, heat emitted from the subject can escape to the outside of the coil unit 640 through the space between adjacent third protrusions 660.

[0123] [Specific example of the coil unit according to the ninth embodiment] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the first fixture applied to the coil unit according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 14 includes a front view 1030 of the first fixture 750 and a view 1032 in the direction of arrow D shown in the front view 1030.

[0124] The first member 752 of the first fixture 750 is provided with a plurality of cushioning members 756 on the surface that comes into contact with the subject when the coil unit 740 is used. The plurality of cushioning members 756 are arranged around the first through hole 48 along the circumference of the first through hole 48. The arrangement interval of the plurality of cushioning members 756 is defined from the perspective of air circulation in the space 760 between adjacent cushioning members 756.

[0125] The three-dimensional shape of the cushioning member 756 may be a cylinder, a quadrangular prism, a frustum of a cone, etc. The planar shape of the cushioning member 756 as viewed in the direction in which the first through hole 48 extends may be an arc or a shape with a part of a circle missing.

[0126] The height of the buffer material 756 may be the same as the height of the portion protruding from the first sheet of the first member 752. The height of the buffer material 756 may take into account the amount by which it is crushed under the action of the self-weight of the coil unit 740 in the state of use of the coil unit 740. For example, the height of the buffer material 756 in the state of use of the coil unit 740 may be about 5 millimeters.

[0127] As the buffer material 756, a material that is relatively soft, such as a foamed resin and a porous material, and that causes little stress to the subject is applied. The buffer material 756 may be provided at the tip of the second member 754. In such an aspect, the coil unit 740 is used by bringing the second sheet into contact with the subject.

[0128] [Operational Effects of Coil Unit According to Ninth Embodiment] In the coil unit 740 according to the ninth embodiment, a plurality of buffer materials 756 are provided at the tip of at least one of the first member 752 and the second member 754 in the first fixture 750. The coil unit 740 contacts the subject with the surface on the side where the buffer material 756 is provided. Thereby, heat released from the subject can escape to the outside of the coil unit 740 through the space between adjacent buffer materials 756.

[0129] Further, as the buffer material 756, a material that is relatively soft, such as a foamed resin and a porous material, and that causes little stress to the subject is applied. Thereby, the stress on the subject when the coil unit 740 is used can be alleviated.

[0130] [Electrical Configuration of MRI Apparatus] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the MRI apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The measurement device 20 includes a static magnetic field generating magnet 802, a gradient magnetic field coil 804, a transmission coil 806, and a reception coil 90. The transmission coil may be referred to as an RF coil using the abbreviation of Radio Frequency. In FIG. 15, a reception coil 90 configured as a coil unit 40 is shown.

[0131] The static magnetic field generating magnet 802 generates a uniform static magnetic field in the imaging space 24 in which the subject is accommodated. The gradient magnetic field coil 804 generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space 24. Note that the imaging space may be referred to as a bore.

[0132] The transmission coil 806 generates a high-frequency magnetic field that causes an NMR signal in the atomic nuclei of the atoms constituting the tissue of the subject. The reception coil 90 detects the NMR signal emitted from the subject.

[0133] The table 34 on which the subject lies is moved to the imaging space 24, the examination site of the subject is positioned at the center of the static magnetic field in the imaging space 24, and the position of the table 34 is fixed.

[0134] The sequencer 808 transmits a command to the high-frequency magnetic field generator 810 according to the imaging sequence. The high-frequency magnetic field generator 810 that has received the command generates a high-frequency magnetic field in the imaging space 24. Further, the sequencer 808 transmits a command to the gradient magnetic field power supply 812 according to the imaging sequence. The gradient magnetic field power supply 812 that has received the command generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space 24.

[0135] The high-frequency magnetic field generated in the imaging space 24 is applied to the subject as an RF pulse, which is a pulsed high-frequency magnetic field, via the transmission coil 806. The NMR signal emitted from the subject is received using the reception coil 90. The NMR signal received using the reception coil 90 is detected using the receiver 814.

[0136] Note that the gradient magnetic field coil 804 is configured to include gradient magnetic field coils in each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. The gradient magnetic field coil 804 is supplied with an exciting current from the gradient magnetic field power supply 812 and generates a gradient magnetic field in each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction.

[0137] The sequencer 808 sets the nuclear magnetic resonance frequency that serves as the detection reference in the receiver 814. The sequencer 808 applies a predefined timing and a magnetic field of a predefined intensity to control the operation of each part. The sequencer 808 applies a pulse sequence in which the RF pulse, gradient magnetic field, timing, and intensity of signal reception are described as an imaging sequence. Although various pulse sequences are known according to the purpose, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0138] The control device 816 controls the operation of the MRI apparatus 10 via the sequencer 808. The control device 816 receives the NMR signal detected by the receiver 814 and performs various signal processes such as image reconstruction.

[0139] The receiver 814 performs quadrature phase detection on the analog NMR signal using the set detection reference frequency, converts it into raw data, and transmits it to the control device 816. The raw data transmitted to the control device 816 may be referred to as an echo signal or measurement data.

[0140] The control device 816 receives various instruction input signals input by the operator operating the input device 818. The control device 816 comprehensively controls each part of the MRI apparatus 10 based on the instruction input signal. Further, the control device 816 performs processes such as inverse Fourier transform on the echo signal in the spatial frequency domain received via the sequencer 808 to convert it into an image in the real space, and generates an MRI image.

[0141] The control device 816 is applied with a computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, and a server computer. The computer applied to the control device 816 includes a processor, a memory which is a main storage device, a storage which is an auxiliary storage device, an input / output interface, a bus, and the like. Each of the processor, the memory, the storage, and the input / output interface is electrically connected to each other via the bus.

[0142] The processor may include one or more CPUs. The processor may include a GPU. The control device 816 may be configured to include processors such as DSPs, ASICs, PLDs, and FPGAs.

[0143] Note that CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, GPU is an abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit. DSP is an abbreviation for Digital Signal Processor, ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. PLD is an abbreviation for Programmable Logic Device, FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0144] The memory includes RAM. The memory may include ROM. The storage may include a hard disk. The storage may include a solid state drive. The storage may be a combination of a hard disk and a solid state drive. The storage may include an external storage device such as a removable disk.

[0145] Note that RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory, ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. A hard disk drive may be referred to as HDD using the abbreviation of Hard Disk Drive. A solid state drive may be referred to as SSD using the abbreviation of Solid State Drive.

[0146] Various programs such as control programs stored in the ROM of the control device 816 are expanded in the RAM. The processor executes one or more instructions included in the program expanded in the RAM. Thereby, the functions of each part of the MRI device 10 are realized, and the reception and transmission of various information are realized using the input / output interface.

[0147] The control device 816 may receive a captured image of the subject transmitted from a camera that captures the subject, analyze the captured image to detect the subject's physique, posture, etc., and perform operation control of the bed 30 based on the detection result.

[0148] The input device 818 includes a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The input device 818 functions as a GUI that accepts input from the operator. Note that GUI is an abbreviation for Graphical User Interface. The input device 818 may be an application of a touch panel type display. The touch panel type display may be a tablet type device.

[0149] That is, the input device 818 functions as a GUI for the operator to input commands such as startup, stop, and pause of the MRI device 10. The input device 818 functions as a GUI for inputting selection of a pulse sequence, imaging conditions, processing conditions, etc.

[0150] The display device 820 displays the examination image of the subject acquired using the MRI device 10. The display device 820 displays various information regarding the operation of the MRI device 10. The MRI device 10 may adopt a multi-display form including a plurality of display devices 820.

[0151] [Electrical Configuration of Coil Unit] FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the coil unit illustrated in FIG. 3 and the like. The coil unit 40 includes a reception coil 90 and a reception coil sheet 92. The reception coil 90 includes a plurality of coil elements 60, a plurality of decoupling circuits 62, and a decoupling power supply 66. The reception coil 90 is housed inside the coil unit cover 42 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0152] Each of the plurality of coil elements 60 includes one decoupling circuit 62. Each of the plurality of decoupling circuits 62 is electrically connected to the decoupling power supply 66, and power is supplied from the decoupling power supply 66.

[0153] The receiving coil sheet 92 has a size that covers the measurement range of the subject, and a plurality of coil elements 60, a plurality of decoupling circuits 62, and a decoupling power supply 66 are arranged thereon. The receiving coil sheet 92 on which the plurality of coil elements 60 and the like are arranged has a through hole formed corresponding to the first through hole 48 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the like.

[0154] The coil unit 40 has flexibility as a whole, and is configured to be thin and lightweight. The coil unit 40 can measure various examination sites regardless of the physique and posture of the subject.

[0155] Each of the plurality of coil elements 60 provided in the receiving coil 90 functions as one channel of a multi-channel antenna that receives the NMR signal emitted from the biological tissue of the subject. The coil element 60 is adjusted to resonate at a specified frequency. The specified frequency is defined based on the atomic nucleus of the observation target in the biological tissue and the magnetic field strength.

[0156] The transmission coil 806 applies an RF pulse to the subject. Due to the application of the RF pulse to the subject, the atomic nuclei of the atoms constituting the biological tissue of the subject generate an NMR signal. When the coil element 60 is brought into a resonant state due to the power supply from the decoupling power supply 66 to the coil element 60 during the period when the RF pulse is applied to the subject, the coil element 60 receives an excessive RF magnetic field, and as a result, there is a risk that the peripheral circuit related to the coil element 60 may be damaged.

[0157] Therefore, during the period when the RF pulse is transmitted from the transmission coil 806 to the subject, the decoupling power supply 66 supplies power to the coil element 60 to switch the coil element 60 to a detuned state where it does not resonate. When the RF pulse from the transmission coil 806 stops, the decoupling power supply 66 stops supplying power to the coil element 60 and switches the coil element 60 to a resonant state.

[0158] That is, the decoupling power supply 66 supplies power to the designated coil element 60 based on a command signal that designates the coil element 60 transmitted from the control device 816, and switches the designated coil element 60 to a resonant state. On the other hand, the decoupling power supply 66 stops supplying power to the non-designated coil element 60 and switches the non-designated coil element 60 to a detuned state.

[0159] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the decoupling circuit illustrated in FIG. 16. For the sake of convenience of explanation, FIG. 17 shows an example of an extremely simplified circuit. The decoupling circuit 62 is a resonant circuit that removes magnetic coupling between a receiving coil including a plurality of coil elements 60 and a transmitting coil 806. The decoupling circuit 62 includes a diode, an inductor, and a capacitor. Each of the inductor and the capacitor is a heating element that generates heat when irradiated with high-frequency magnetic field energy.

[0160] [Regarding the hardware configuration of each processing unit] The hardware structure of a processing unit that executes various processes of the control device 816 illustrated in FIG. 15 is, for example, various processors as shown below.

[0161] The various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes programs and functions as various processing units; a programmable logic device, which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as a GPU or an FPGA; and an application-specific electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes, such as an ASIC.

[0162] One processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same type or different types. For example, one processing unit may be composed of a plurality of FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU. Also, a plurality of processing units may be composed of one processor. As an example of configuring a plurality of processing units with one processor, first, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Second, as represented by a System On Chip (SoC), there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of an entire system including a plurality of processing units with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used. In this way, various processing units are configured as a hardware structure using one or more of the above various processors.

[0163] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is more specifically an electrical circuit (circuitry) that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0164] [Example of Application to a Medical Image Diagnosis and Examination System] The measuring device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the control device 816 illustrated in FIG. 15 may be electrically connected so as to be capable of data communication via an arbitrary network to configure a medical image diagnosis and examination system. The data communication between the measuring device 20 and the control device 816 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0165] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the technical idea of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0166] 10…MRI device 40…Coil unit 42…Coil unit cover 44…Sheet 1 46…Sheet 2 48…First through-hole 50…First fixture 60…Coil element

Claims

1. A coil unit disposed at a measurement position of a subject, comprising: one or more loop-shaped coil elements; a coil unit cover including a first sheet covering one surface of the coil element and a second sheet covering the other surface of the coil element, and one or more first through holes penetrating the first sheet and the second sheet are formed; a first fastener for fastening an edge of the first sheet in the first through hole and an edge of the second sheet in the first through hole; A coil unit comprising:

2. The first fastener includes: a first member attached to the first sheet; a second member attached to the second sheet; The coil unit according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The coil unit according to claim 2, wherein the first member and the second member have a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the coil element.

4. The coil unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first fastener has an annular shape covering the inner circumference of the first through hole.

5. The first fastener has a structure in which a relatively rigid hard portion and a relatively flexible soft portion are arranged along the circumferential direction of the first through hole, The coil unit according to claim 4, wherein the hard portion is provided with a structure for fastening the first sheet and the second sheet.

6. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the first fastener has a structure in which a concave shape and a convex shape are fitted together to fasten the first sheet and the second sheet.

7. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein a ventilation hole penetrating the first fastener is formed in a direction from the inside of the coil unit cover toward the first through hole.

8. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein one or more first protrusions are formed along the circumferential direction of the first through hole on at least one of the surface on the first sheet side and the surface on the second sheet side of the first fastener.

9. The first fastener includes a second protrusion on at least one of the surface on the first sheet side and the surface on the second sheet side, The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the second protrusion is made of a material relatively softer than the first fastener.

10. At least one of the outer surface of the first sheet and the outer surface of the second sheet is a third protrusion disposed at a position where the first fixture is disposed, and includes a third protrusion extending along the direction in which the first fixtures are arranged. The coil unit according to claim 1.

11. The first through hole is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the hollow portion of the coil element. The coil unit according to claim 1.

12. One or more second through holes penetrating the first sheet and the second sheet, and including second through holes formed at positions corresponding to positions of overlapping portions where adjacent coil elements overlap. The coil unit according to claim 1.

13. The coil unit according to claim 12, further comprising a second fixture for fastening an edge of the first sheet in the second through hole and an edge of the second sheet in the second through hole.

14. One or more third through holes penetrating the first sheet and the second sheet, and including third through holes formed at positions corresponding to positions of non-overlapping portions where adjacent coil elements do not overlap. The coil unit according to claim 1.

15. The coil unit according to claim 14, further comprising a third fixture for fastening an edge of the first sheet in the third through hole and an edge of the second sheet in the third through hole.

16. The first sheet and the second sheet have a structure in which at least a part thereof is connected. The coil unit according to claim 1.

17. A measuring device for measuring a subject, A coil unit disposed at a measurement position of the subject, Comprising: The coil unit is One or more loop-shaped coil elements, A coil unit cover including a first sheet covering one surface of the coil element and a second sheet covering the other surface of the coil element, and having one or more first through holes formed through the first sheet and the second sheet. A coil unit cover, A first fixture for fastening an edge of the first sheet in the first through hole and an edge of the second sheet in the first through hole, Comprising a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

18. A coil unit cover used for a coil unit disposed at a measurement position of a subject, the coil unit cover accommodating one or more loop-shaped coil elements, A first sheet covering one surface of the coil element, A second sheet covering the other surface of the coil element; comprising; one or more first through-holes are formed through the first sheet and the second sheet; A coil unit cover, comprising a first fastener for fastening an edge of the first sheet in the first through-hole and an edge of the second sheet in the first through-hole.

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