KR102481736B1 - A superconducting magnet cooling system for magnetic resonance imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI) for cooling a superconducting magnet for use in a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI).
The present invention relates to a cooling system for a superconducting magnet for a magnetic resonance imaging device for driving the magnetic resonance imaging device, wherein a vacuum container accommodating the superconducting magnet is supplied and a gas for cooling is supplied and circulated into the vacuum container, and a circulation process is provided. It includes a cold air supply device for recovering and cooling the gas whose temperature has risen in the air supply unit, and a gas circulation pipe for selectively connecting the cold air supply device and the magnetic resonance imaging device through a pipe connection hole, wherein the cold air supply device includes an insulated vacuum container, A refrigerator for providing a cooling source inside the insulated vacuum container, a heat exchanger for forming a cooling gas by exchanging heat with the cooling source formed by the refrigerator, and a flow flow for circulating the cooling gas generated by the heat exchanger It is characterized in that it is configured to include a transfer pump to form.
A superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention is configured to supply cooling gas from the outside of an MRI through a circulation pipe. Therefore, when designing the MRI, it is not necessary to consider the installation structure of the refrigerator, and when necessary, a plurality of cold air supply devices can be connected in parallel to satisfy the required cooling capacity.

Description

A superconducting magnet cooling system for magnetic resonance imaging device

The present invention relates to a superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging device for cooling a superconducting magnet for operation of a magnetic resonance imaging device (hereinafter referred to as 'MRI').

Superconducting materials have perfect diamagnetic properties as their electrical resistance becomes ‘0’ when the temperature is lowered.

A superconducting magnet is a technology developed by applying a superconducting material with the above characteristics to a coil, enabling the formation of a high magnetic field and consuming almost no power. do.

That is, a device to which a superconducting magnet is applied necessarily includes a cooling system for creating an operating environment.

On the other hand, MRI is a device that images the unique physical and chemical characteristics of various tissues by generating high-frequency waves after the human body is accommodated in a vat that creates a strong magnetic field. The stronger the magnetic field, the clearer the image can be confirmed.

Therefore, the development of MRI technology using superconducting magnets is steadily continuing, and the development of cooling systems is also steadily being developed along with superconducting magnets.

1 is a view showing a MRI cooling system according to the prior art.

Referring to the drawing, the superconducting winding 20 provided inside the external vacuum chamber 10 is provided in a heat insulation space formed by the heat radiation shield 12 and the heat insulation unit 14 .

In addition, the superconducting winding 20 provided as described above is in direct contact with the cryogen container 22 and thermal conduction cooling is performed, and the heat radiation shield 12 is placed in the middle between the liquid cryogen temperature and the temperature range of the external vacuum chamber 10 It is cooled by the refrigerator 26 for cooling to a temperature.

That is, the local coil cooling according to the prior art is thermal conduction cooling by the refrigerator 26 thermally connected to the cryogen container 22 and the refrigerant supplied from the cryogen container 22 to the manifold 32 through the tube 30 For this purpose, components for cooling such as the freezer 26 and the cold storage container 22 are coupled to the external vacuum chamber 10.

Therefore, in the prior art, when designing an MRI, the cooling system is configured by considering the cooling capacity and specifications as well as the structure of the refrigerator in advance.

In addition, as the cooling system corresponding to any one MRI is matched one-to-one as described above, when a plurality of MRIs are to be operated, all MRIs are equipped with respective refrigeration systems.

KR 10-1596616 B1

An object of the present invention is to provide a superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that can be selectively connected or disconnected according to operational conditions such as operation preparation/operation/operation standby/use suspension.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that can be commonly used for a plurality of MRIs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that can respond by connecting a plurality of cold air supply devices in parallel when a higher cooling capacity is required or faster cooling is required during operation preparation or operation. will be.

The present invention provides a superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI) for driving a magnetic resonance imaging device, a vacuum container in which the superconducting magnet is accommodated, and a gas for cooling the inside of the vacuum container. It includes a cold air supply device for supplying and circulating the gas, recovering and cooling the gas whose temperature has risen in the circulation process, and a gas circulation pipe for selectively connecting the cold air supply device and the magnetic resonance imaging device through a pipe connector, wherein the cold air The supply device includes an insulated vacuum container, a refrigerator for providing a cooling source inside the insulated vacuum container, a heat exchanger for forming a cooling gas by exchanging heat with the cooling source formed by the refrigerator, and cooling generated by the heat exchanger. A transfer pump forming a fluid flow for circulating gas is included, the pipe connector includes a connector socket having a double pipe structure including an inner tube of the connector socket and an outer tube of the connector socket, and an inner tube of the connector adapter and an outer tube of the connector adapter, wherein the connector It consists of a connector adapter that communicates while being fitted into the socket, the connector socket is formed with a larger diameter than the connector socket inner tube, and a socket insertion tube extending in a direction opposite to the outer appearance of the connector socket is provided, and the connector adapter has an adapter fastening tube having a larger diameter than the socket insertion tube and a smaller diameter than the exterior of the connector adapter to guide the insertion path of the socket insertion tube, and is provided in any one of the connector socket and connector adapter, A first check valve having a connecting rod protruding from one side and opening a flow path when pressed by the connecting rod, and a first check valve provided on the other of the connector socket and connector adapter and entering the socket insertion tube into the adapter fastening tube. When it is inserted, the flow path is opened by being pressed by the connecting rod, and a second check valve that presses the connecting rod so that the first check valve is opened by a reaction is included.

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A connector adapter or connector socket is provided in the insulated vacuum container and the vacuum container, and connector sockets or connector adapters are provided at both ends of the gas circulation pipe to correspond thereto.

Pipe connectors provided in the vacuum container are provided in pairs for supply and recovery of gas, and the vacuum container is characterized in that at least one pair of pipe connectors are provided.

It is characterized in that a plurality of cold air supply devices are connected to the vacuum container.

A superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention is configured to supply cooling gas from the outside of an MRI through a circulation pipe. Therefore, when designing the MRI, it is not necessary to consider the installation structure of the refrigerator, and when necessary, a plurality of cold air supply devices can be connected in parallel to satisfy the required cooling capacity.

In addition, the present invention can be driven by selectively connecting a cold air supply device according to driving conditions of the MRI, such as operation preparation/operation/operation standby/use stop. Therefore, since the cold air supply device can be used in common with a plurality of MRIs without being bound to the MRIs one-to-one, there is an advantage in that the plurality of MRIs can be driven more stably and efficiently.

1 shows an MRI cooling system according to the prior art;
2 is a view for showing an application form of a superconducting magnet cooling system for MRI according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram for showing a cooling path connection structure according to the present invention.
4 is a view for showing a coupling structure of a pipe connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a cutaway perspective view for showing the internal structures of a connector socket and a connector adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 and 7 are views for explaining a first check valve operation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 and 9 are views for explaining a second check valve operation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 and 11 are diagrams for showing the flow form of gas according to the coupled state of the pipe connector according to the embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a view showing an embodiment of a superconducting magnet cooling system for MRI according to the present invention.
13 is a view showing another embodiment of a superconducting magnet cooling system for MRI according to the present invention;

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, the same components are indicated by the same numerals as much as possible, even if they are displayed on different drawings. are listed In addition, when it is determined that the detailed description of a related known configuration or function in the description of the embodiment hinders understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the description is simplified or omitted, and a certain component is located on one side of another component. When an element is described as “comprising,” “connected,” or “forming” with another element, that element may be directly provided or connected to one side of the other element or form the referenced component. However, it should be understood that another component may be "provided" or "connected" between each component, or may be "formed" together with another component.

A superconducting magnet cooling system for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging device (hereinafter referred to as 'MRI') according to the present invention cools a superconducting magnet by circulating and supplying a cooling gas using a cold air supply device at a location spaced apart from the MRI, , A plurality of cold air supply devices are connected to one MRI, or one cold air supply device is configured to be operated by selectively connecting to a plurality of MRI devices.

Hereinafter, the present invention of the above functions will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an application form of the superconducting magnet cooling system for MRI according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling path connection structure according to the present invention.

Referring to these drawings, in the superconducting magnet cooling system for magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the cold air supply device 200 and the gas circulation pipe 400 are piping to one side of the vacuum container 110 constituting the MRI 100. It is configured to be connected through the connector 600 so that cold air for cooling the superconducting magnet can be circulated.

In detail, the vacuum container 110 forms the outer shape of the MRI 100 and provides an accommodation space for components for imaging the human body by generating high frequencies such as a superconducting magnet 120 and an RF coil therein.

Meanwhile, the superconducting magnet 120 is located in a space shielded by the radiation shield 140 inside the vacuum container 110 . In addition, an internal heat exchange pipe 160 is further provided on one surface of the superconducting magnet 120 to exchange heat with the superconducting magnet 120 while moving the cold air supplied from the cold air supply device 200 .

The internal heat exchange pipe 160 is provided to be in surface contact with the superconducting magnet 120, and the entire length may be formed in a form of partial contact with the superconducting magnet 120, but considering the heat exchange efficiency, the superconducting magnet 120 It would be desirable to form a length corresponding to the length.

In addition, the vacuum container 110 is further provided with a plurality of pipe connectors 600, and the pipe connectors 600 selectively communicate with the internal heat exchange pipe 160 to supply cooling gas and recover discharged after heat exchange. Gas can be circulated.

The cold air supply device 200 uses cold air generated by the refrigerator 220 inside the insulated vacuum container 110 to cool and supply the gas circulating along the closed circulation path.

To this end, inside the insulated vacuum container 110, there is a heat exchanger 260 provided on the gas circulation path and in contact with the refrigerator 220, and a transfer that is located on the gas circulation path and forces the movement of the gas in one direction. A pump 240, a cold air supply pipe 282 forming a movement path of cold air, and a gas recovery pipe 284 forming a movement path of recovered gas are further provided.

On the other hand, the movement path of the cooling gas and the recovery gas formed inside the insulated vacuum container 110 as described above is the internal heat exchange pipe inside the vacuum container 110 via the gas circulation pipe 400 through the pipe connector 600. A closed circulation path of the cooling gas including (160) is formed.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of a pipe connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view showing an internal structure of a connector socket and a connector adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to these drawings, a pipe connector 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connector socket 620 and a connector adapter 640 coupled to each other.

The connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 each have a double tube structure having an inner tube and an outer tube.

In detail, the connector socket 620 includes a connector socket inner tube 622 and a connector socket outer tube 624, and a socket insulation space 623 is formed between them.

One side of the connector socket 620 is fastened to the aforementioned connector adapter 640, and the other side can be connected to the gas circulation pipe 400, and the gas circulation pipe 400 has a corresponding vacuum insulation of a double pipe structure. It can be formed into a pipe and combined.

That is, although not shown in detail, when the gas circulation pipe 400 and the connector socket 620 are coupled, the inner tube of the gas circulation pipe 400 is connected to the connector socket inner tube 622, and the outer appearance is the connector socket exterior 624 ), so that the gas can be transported while maintaining the vacuum state.

In addition, the connector socket 620 is further formed with a socket fastening portion at a fastening portion coupled to the connector adapter 640 .

The socket fastening part is configured to further include a check valve, a connecting member, a packing and a connecting rod, and communicates only when the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 are fastened, and when the fastening is disconnected, the vacuum insulation state is maintained. make it possible

To this end, the connector adapter 640 includes a connector adapter inner tube 642 and a connector adapter outer tube 644, and an adapter insulation space 643 is formed between them.

In addition, the connector adapter 640 includes an adapter fastening part corresponding to the socket fastening part, and is formed to further include a check valve, packing, connecting member, etc. to correspond to the socket fastening part, so that it is in a vacuum insulation state when not fastened. has a structure that can be maintained.

That is, the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 each have a socket fastening part and an adapter fastening part at the ends where they are fastened to each other so that gas can flow only when they are fastened to each other, and in a state in which the fastening is released, gas as well as It blocks the inflow of outside air so that the vacuum insulation state can be maintained.

On the other hand, the connector socket 620 includes a socket flange 621 provided at a connection end of the connector socket exterior 624, and extending in a direction opposite to the connector socket exterior 624 from the socket flange 621. A socket insertion tube 625 and a socket coupling part provided at an end of the socket insertion tube 625 are further included.

The socket insertion tube 625 is formed to have a larger diameter than the connector socket inner tube 622 so that the connector socket inner tube 622 can pass therethrough, and will be described below so that it can be inserted into the connector adapter 640. It is formed to have a smaller diameter than the adapter fastening pipe 645.

In addition, the adapter fastening portion includes an adapter flange 641 provided at a connection end of the connector adapter exterior 644 and an adapter fastening tube for guiding an insertion path of the socket insertion tube 625 from the adapter flange 641. (645) is further included.

The socket flange 621 and the adapter flange 641 extend outwardly from the connector socket exterior 624 and the connector adapter exterior 644, respectively, and are formed to correspond to each other.

In addition, fastening holes are formed to correspond to each other in the parts extending outward so that they can be easily coupled using a fastening member such as a bolt, and if necessary, a sealing member such as an O-ring or a gasket can be further included.

Meanwhile, the adapter fastening pipe 645 has a larger diameter than the socket insertion pipe 625 and is formed in a pipe shape having a smaller diameter than the outer connector adapter 644 . Further, an adapter fastening part corresponding to the socket fastening part to form a coupling relationship is further provided at an end of the guide path based on the direction in which the socket insertion tube 625 is inserted.

In detail, the socket coupling portion has a pipe shape extending from the end of the socket insertion tube 625 as a whole, and the adapter coupling portion corresponding thereto is smaller than the adapter coupling tube 645 so as to be inserted into the socket coupling portion. It has the shape of a pipe of diameter.

In addition, a check valve may be further included in each of the socket fastening part and the adapter fastening part. When the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 are coupled to each other, each check valve may open a flow path to allow fluid to flow.

In addition, when the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 are separated, the connector socket inner tube 622 and the connector adapter inner tube 642 are shielded to prevent leakage and loss of fluid.

In more detail, a first check valve 301 is provided at the connection end of the connector socket inner tube 622, and a second check valve 302 is provided at the connection end of the connector adapter inner tube 642, and the first The check valve 301 and the second check valve 302 are arranged to open in opposite directions.

And, the first check valve 301 further includes a connecting rod 303 for pressurizing the valve shielding the flow path.

Hereinafter, the first check valve 301 is provided with the connecting rod 303 as an example, but this is not limited to the embodiment of the present invention, and the connecting rod 303 is the second check valve 302 ) will also be possible.

The connecting rod 303 protrudes from the first check valve 301 toward the second check valve 302, and when the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 are coupled, the first check valve 301 ) and the second check valve 302 can function to interlock.

In addition, the socket fastening part and the adapter fastening part have connecting members for mounting the first check valve 301 and the second check valve 302 to the connector socket inner tube 622 and the connector adapter inner tube 642, respectively ( 500) is further included.

The connection member 500 includes a first connection member 510 fixing the first check valve 301 to the connector socket inner tube 622 and the second check valve 302 to the connector adapter inner tube ( 642) can be divided into a second connecting member 520 fixed to.

That is, the first connection member 510 is mounted inside the connection end of the connector socket inner tube 622 to provide a mounting space for the first check valve 301 .

And, the second connection member 520 is mounted inside the connection end of the connector adapter inner pipe 642 to provide a mounting space for the second check valve 302 .

In addition, a packing 700 provided at a connection end of the connector socket inner tube 622 and the connector adapter inner tube 642 to keep the fluid receiving space airtight is further provided in the socket fastening part and the adapter fastening part.

The packing 700 is divided into a first packing 710 covering the circumference of the first check valve 301 and a second packing 720 wrapping the circumference of the second check valve 302 .

The first packing 710 may be formed in a pipe shape having a hollow inside, and an internal space may communicate with an internal space of the connector socket inner pipe 622 .

Also, the first connection member 510 may be disposed inside the connection end of the connector socket inner tube 622 . The first connection member 510 may be fixed inside the connection end of the connector socket inner tube 622 .

The first connection member 510 includes a first connection head 511 and a first connection body 512 extending from the center of the first connection head 511, and has a substantially 'T' cross-sectional shape. can have

The first connection head 511 may be fixed inside the connection end of the connector socket inner tube 622, and the first connection body 512 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the first connection head 511. It can be.

In addition, an opening passing through the first connection head 511 and the first connection body 512 may be formed in the first connection member 510 to form an internal space. An inner space of the first connection member 510 may communicate with an inner space of the connector socket inner tube 622 .

At this time, by the first connection head 511, the flow path of the connector socket inner tube 622 can move the fluid only through the inner space of the first connection member 510, and the outer side of the first connection member 510 The flow path of may be shielded by the first connection head 511 .

Meanwhile, the first check valve 301 may be fixed to the first connection member 510 .

And, the body of the first connection member 510 protrudes toward the opening of the connection end of the connector socket inner tube 622 .

6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the operating structure of the first check valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to these drawings, a first insertion port 311 into which the first connection body 512 is inserted may be formed at one end of the first check valve 301 .

The first check valve 301 may be fixed to the first connection member 510 by inserting the first connection body 512 into the first insertion hole 311 .

Also, the inner space of the first connection member 510 may communicate with the inner flow path of the first check valve 301 . Thus, the inner space of the connector socket inner tube 622 and the inner flow path of the first check valve 301 may communicate with each other.

The first check valve 301 may be accommodated inside the first packing 710 and/or the inner tube 622 of the connector socket.

A connection end of the first packing 710 toward the second packing 720 may extend longer than a connection end of the first check valve 301 toward the second check valve 302 . That is, the connection end of the first packing 710 may protrude more than the connection end of the first check valve 301 .

In addition, the inner diameter of the first packing 710 may be formed to a size capable of forming a separation space between the outer diameter of the first check valve 301.

Also, the above-described connecting rod 303 may be provided on the first check valve 301 and may protrude further than a connection end of the first check valve 301 . At this time, the connecting rod 303 may protrude more than the connecting end of the first packing 710 .

On the other hand, the adapter fastening pipe 645 may be formed smaller than the inner diameter of the outer connector adapter 644 as a whole. At this time, the outer diameter of the adapter fastening pipe 645 may be formed to a size capable of forming a spaced apart space between the inner diameter of the outer diameter of the connector adapter 644. Thus, the adapter insulation space 643 may be secured between the adapter fastening pipe 645 and the connector adapter exterior 644 .

The connector adapter inner tube 642 may be coupled to an extension end of the adapter fastening tube 645 inside the connector adapter outer tube 644 .

Also, a second packing 720 is provided at an end of the adapter fastening pipe 645 . For example, at least a part of the second packing 720 may be inserted into and fixed to an extended end of the adapter fastening pipe 645 .

Also, a connection end of the connector adapter inner tube 642 may be fixed to the second packing 720 .

The second packing 720 may have a hollow inside and may be formed to have a substantially 'T' shaped cross section.

For example, the second packing 720 includes a packing head 721 to which the extension end of the adapter fastening pipe 645 and the connection end of the connector adapter inner pipe 642 are fixed, and the center of the packing head 721 may have a packing body 722 extending into the inner space of the adapter fastening pipe 645 and having a circumference smaller than that of the packing head 721 .

The packing body 722 may be inserted into the first packing 710 . For example, the packing body 722 may be formed with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the first packing 710 .

The inner space of the second packing 720 may be formed through the packing head 721 and the packing body 722 .

An inner space of the second packing 720 may open into an inner space of the adapter fastening pipe 645 . In addition, the inner space of the second packing 720 may be opened toward the inner space of the connector adapter inner tube 642 to communicate with the inner space of the connector adapter inner tube 642 .

The second connection member 520 may be disposed inside the connection end of the connector adapter inner tube 642 . The second connection member 520 may be provided by being fixed inside the connection end of the connector adapter inner tube 642 .

The second connection member 520 includes a second connection head 521 and a second connection body 522 extending from the center of the second connection head 521, and has a substantially 'T' cross section. may be formed. The second connection head 521 may be fixed inside the connection end of the connector adapter inner tube 642, and the second connection body 522 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second connection head 521. It can be.

An opening passing through the second connection head 521 and the second connection body 522 may be formed in the second connection member 520 to form an internal space. The inner space of the second connection body 520 may communicate with the inner space of the oral port adapter inner tube 642 .

At this time, the first connection member 510 allows the fluid to move only through the inner space of the second connection member 520 through the passage of the connector adapter inner tube 642 by the second connection head 521. A flow path outside the inner space of may be blocked by the second connection head 521 .

The second check valve 302 may be fixed to the second connection member 520 .

For example, the second connection body 522 may protrude toward an opening of a connection end of the connector adapter inner tube 642 .

Also, a second insertion hole 351 into which the second connection body 522 is inserted may be formed at one end of the second check valve 302 . The second check valve 302 may be fixed to the second connection member 520 by inserting the second connection body 522 into the second insertion hole 351 .

Also, the inner space of the second connection member 520 may be in communication with the inner flow path of the second check valve 302 . Accordingly, the inner space of the connector adapter inner tube 642 and the inner flow path of the second check valve 302 may communicate with each other through the second connection member 520 .

The second check valve 302 may be completely accommodated inside the second packing 720 and/or the inner pipe 642 of the connector adapter.

For example, a part of the second check valve 302 is located inside the connector adapter inner tube 642, and the remaining part of the second check valve 302 is located inside the second packing 720. It can be.

The packing body 722 of the second packing 720 may extend longer than a connecting end of the second check valve 302 toward the first check valve 301 . That is, the packing body 722 of the second packing 720 may protrude more than the connecting end of the second check valve 302 .

On the other hand, the first check valve 301 may include a first valve body 310 through which the inside penetrates to form a flow path of fluid. The first valve body 310 may be formed in a substantially hollow pipe shape.

A first flow space 312 and a first sliding space 314 narrower than the first flow space 312 may be formed in the inner space of the first valve body 310 .

The first sliding space 314 may be located at a connection end side of the first check valve 301 and open toward the second check valve 302 .

The first check valve 301 may include a first slider 320 movably provided in the inner space of the first valve body 310 .

The first check valve 301 may include a first elastic member 330 that elastically supports the first slider 320 .

The first slider 320 may function to selectively open and close the inner passage of the first valve body 310 by moving inside the first valve body 310 .

The first slider 320 may be disposed across the first flow space 312 and the first sliding space 314 . In addition, the first slider 320 may function to divide the first flow space 312 and the first sliding space 314 so that they do not communicate with each other in an initial state.

In detail, at least a part of the first slider 320 is formed with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the first sliding space 314 and can move along the first sliding space 314 .

A first stopper 322 protruding outward may be formed at an end of the first slider 320 disposed in the first flow space 312 .

A first guide part 313 forming the first sliding space 314 may be formed at a connection end side of the first check valve 301 inside the first valve body 310 . The first guide part 313 may protrude inward from an inner circumferential surface of the first valve body 310 to form the first sliding space 314 narrower than the first flow space 312 .

In addition, the first stopper 322 may limit the moving distance of the first slider 320 by contacting the first guide part 313 toward the first flow space 312 . That is, a moving distance of the first slider 320 in a direction from the inside of the first valve body 310 toward the second check valve 302 may be limited.

A space is formed inside the first slider 320 , and the inner space of the first slider 320 may be shielded toward the first flow space 312 . Also, the space of the first slider 320 may be opened in a direction toward the second check valve 302 . That is, the inner space of the first slider 320 may open toward the first sliding space 314 .

A perforated first slider hole 321 may be formed around the first slider 320 .

In a state in which the first stopper 322 is in contact with the end of the first guide part 313, the first slider hole 321 is located inside the first sliding space 314 so that the first guide It may be shielded by the inner circumferential surface of the portion 313. Accordingly, movement of the fluid through the first slider hole 321 may be blocked.

On the other hand, when the first slider 320 is drawn toward the first flow space 312, the first slider hole 321 is exposed to the first flow space 312, and the first slider ( 320) and the first flow space 312 may communicate with each other. Accordingly, the first check valve 301 may be switched to an open state in which the fluid flow is possible.

The first elastic member 330 may be provided in an inner space of the first valve body 310 and may elastically support the first slider 320 toward the second check valve 302 . That is, the first elastic member 330 may elastically support the first slider 320 toward the first guide part 313 .

Thus, the first slider 320 can maintain a state where the first slider hole 321 is located inside the first guide part 313 in a state where no external force is applied. That is, the passage of the first check valve 301 can be maintained in a shielded state.

Meanwhile, the connecting rod 303 may be fixed to the first slider 320 . Also, the connecting rod 303 extends along the inner space of the first slider 320 and the first sliding space 314 and further protrudes outward from the connection end of the first check valve 301. can

That is, the connecting rod 303 extends from the inside of the first check valve 301 along the extension direction of the inner space of the first check valve, and is longer than the connection end of the first check valve 301 to the second check valve. It may protrude longer toward the check valve 302 .

At this time, the connecting rod 303 has a narrower width and circumference than the inner spaces of the first sliding space 314 and the first slider 320 so as not to block the inner passage of the first check valve 301. It can be formed to have

When the protruding end of the connecting rod 303 is pressed by one side of the second check valve 302, the first slider 320 coupled with the connecting rod 303 moves through the first slider hole 321. ) may be moved to be exposed to the first flow space 312. Accordingly, as the connecting rod 303 is pressurized, the passage of the first check valve 301 may be opened.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 8 and 9 show drawings for explaining the operation structure of the second check valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to, the second check valve 302 may include a second valve body 350 through which an inside is penetrated to form a flow path of fluid. The second valve body 350 may be formed in a substantially hollow pipe shape.

A second flow space 352 and a second sliding space 354 narrower than the second flow space 352 may be formed in the inner space of the second valve body 350 .

The second sliding space 354 may be located at a connection end side of the second check valve 302 and open toward the first check valve 301 .

The second check valve 302 may include a second slider 360 movably provided in the inner space of the second valve body 350 .

The second check valve 302 may include a second elastic member 370 that elastically supports the second slider 360 .

The second slider 360 selectively opens and closes the inner passage of the second valve body 350 by moving inside the second valve body 350 .

The second slider 360 may be disposed across the second flow space 352 and the second sliding space 354 . Also, the second slider 360 divides the second flow space 352 and the second sliding space 354 so that they do not communicate with each other in an initial state.

At least a part of the second slider 360 is formed with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the second sliding space 354 and can move along the second sliding space 354 .

A second stopper 362 protruding outward may be formed at an end of the second slider 360 disposed in the second flow space 352 .

A second guide part 353 forming the second sliding space 354 may be formed at a connection end side of the second check valve 302 inside the second valve body 350 . The second guide part 353 may protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the second valve body 350 to form the second sliding space 354 narrower than the second flow space 352 .

Also, the second stopper 362 may limit the moving distance of the second slider 360 by contacting the second guide part 353 toward the second flow space 352 . That is, a moving distance of the second slider 360 in a direction from the inside of the second valve body 350 toward the first check valve 301 may be limited.

A space may be formed inside the second slider 360 , and the inner space of the second slider 360 may be shielded toward the second flow space 352 . Also, an inner space of the second slider 360 may be opened in a direction toward the first check valve 301 . That is, the inner space of the second slider 360 may be opened in a direction toward the second sliding space 354 .

A perforated second slider hole 361 may be formed around the second slider 360 .

In a state in which the second stopper 362 is in contact with the end of the second guide part 353, the second slider hole 361 is located inside the second sliding space 354 so that the second guide It may be shielded by the inner circumferential surface of the portion 353. Accordingly, movement of the fluid through the second slider hole 361 may be blocked.

On the other hand, when the second slider 360 is drawn toward the second flow space 352, the second slider hole 361 is exposed to the second flow space 352, and the second slider ( 360) and the second flow space 352 may communicate with each other. Accordingly, the passage may be in an open state so that fluid may move through the second check valve 302 .

The second elastic member 370 may be provided in an inner space of the second valve body 350 and may elastically support the second slider 360 toward the first check valve 301 . That is, the second elastic member 370 may elastically support the second slider 360 toward the second guide part 353 .

Therefore, the second slider 360 can maintain a state where the second slider hole 361 is located inside the second guide part 353 in a state where no external force is applied, and the second check The flow path of the valve 302 may be maintained in a shielded state.

Meanwhile, when the socket fastening part and the adapter fastening part are coupled, the second slider 360 is pressed by the connecting rod 303 and moves so that the second slider hole 361 is exposed to the second flow space 352. It can be.

The connecting rod 303 may be inserted into the second check valve 302 through an opening at the connection end of the second check valve 302 to press the second slider 360 .

At this time, the connecting rod 303 has a narrower width and circumference than the inner spaces of the second sliding space 354 and the second slider 360 so as not to block the inner passage of the second check valve 302. It can be formed to have

The first check valve 301 and the second check valve 302 are the same except for the detailed structure of the first slider 320 and the second slider 360 for mounting the connecting rod 303. structure can be had.

10 and 11 are diagrams for showing the flow form of gas according to the coupling state of the pipe connector according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to, the coupling of the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 according to the embodiment of the present invention is first when the socket insertion tube 625 is inserted into the adapter fastening tube 645, the connecting rod 303 may be in contact with the second check valve 302.

If the insertion of the socket insertion tube 625 continues in the above state, the connecting rod 303 is inserted into the second check valve 302 through the opening at the connection end of the second check valve 302. It can be.

The connecting rod 303 may contact the inside of the second slider 360 by penetrating the second sliding space 354 of the second check valve 302 and the inner space of the second slider 360. there is.

And, as the socket insertion tube 625 is continuously inserted into the adapter fastening tube 645, the second slider 360 is pressed by the connecting rod 303, and thereby the second check The inner passage of the valve 302 is open.

That is, the second elastic member 370 is compressed by the pressing of the connecting rod 303 and the second slider hole 361 of the second slider 360 is exposed to the second flow space 352. can be moved as much as possible.

At this time, the passage of the first check valve 301 may not be opened until the opening of the passage of the second check valve 302 is completed. To this end, the first elastic member 330 may be provided to have a higher modulus of elasticity than the second elastic member 370 .

That is, in the pipe connector 600 according to the present invention, the first check valve 301 and the second check valve 302 are opened step by step from the fluid supply side for vacuum insulation performance, thereby inflowing outside air. problems can be avoided.

Meanwhile, in a state in which the passage of the second check valve 302 is opened, the first check valve 301 and the second check valve 302 may be in a spaced state.

And, when the connecting rod 303 contacts the second check valve 302, a fluid inlet space 610 filled with fluid around the check valve unit 300 inside the pipe connector 600 that has been fastened. can be formed.

When the second check valve 302 is opened, the fluid inside the connector adapter inner tube 642 may be supplied to the fluid inlet space 610 through the second check valve 302 .

The fluid introduction space 610 may include a separation space between the packing 700 and the check valves 301 and 302 .

In addition, the fluid inlet space 610 is a space between the first check valve 301 and the inner pipe of the connector socket 622 and a space between the second check valve 302 and the inner pipe of the connector socket 622. space may be included.

A space between the first check valve 301 and the inner tube 622 of the connector socket may communicate with a space between the packing 700 and the check valves 301 and 302 . Also, a space between the second check valve 302 and the inner pipe of the connector adapter 64 may communicate with a space between the packing 700 and the check valves 301 and 302 .

In detail, in a state in which the connecting rod 303 is in contact with the second check valve 302, the packing body 722 of the second packing 720 is inserted into the first packing 710. can be The outer diameter of the packing body 722 is formed to a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the first packing 710, so that the outer circumferential surface of the packing body 722 may come into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first packing 710.

At this time, as the circumference of the first check valve 301 is smaller than the circumference of the inner space of the first packing 710, the first check valve 301 and the first packing 710 A spaced space may be formed between the .

And, as the circumference of the second check valve 302 is smaller than the circumference of the inner space of the second packing 720, the second check valve 302 and the second packing 720 A spaced space may be formed between them.

And, the first packing 710 is disposed at the end of the extension end of the socket insertion tube 625, and is formed to a thickness that shields a space between the socket insertion tube 625 and the connector socket inner tube 622. It can be.

Accordingly, the space between the first check valve 301 and the inner tube 622 of the connector socket may communicate with the inner space of the first packing 710 . In addition, the first check valve 301 disposed in the space between the first check valve 301 and the connector socket inner tube 622 and at the connection end of the connector socket inner tube 622 is the first packing 710 It can be communicated with the connector adapter 640 only through the inner space of the.

And, the packing head 721 of the second packing 720 is disposed at the end of the extension end of the adapter fastening pipe 645, and has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the adapter fastening pipe 645. formed so as to shield the extension end of the adapter fastening pipe 645.

Also, the connector adapter inner tube 642 may be connected around an opening of one side of the inner space of the second packing 720 so that the inner space communicates with the inner space of the second packing 720 .

Accordingly, the space between the second check valve 302 and the inner tube 642 of the connector adapter may communicate with the inner space of the second packing 720 . In addition, the second check valve 302 disposed in the space between the second check valve 302 and the inner pipe of the connector adapter 642 and at the connection end of the inner pipe of the connector adapter 642 is the second packing 720 It can be communicated with the connector socket 620 only through the inner space of the.

At this time, as the second packing 720 is inserted into the first packing 710 and communicates with each other and is airtight, the fluid inflow space 610 is inflow of fluid only through the check valves 301 and 302. It is possible, and an airtight space surrounding the check valves 301 and 302 can be formed.

When the second check valve 302 is opened by the connecting rod 303, fluid may flow into the fluid inlet space 610 through the second check valve 302.

The fluid introduced into the fluid introduction space 610 may be filled so as to surround the circumferences of the check valves 301 and 302 . In addition, an atmosphere having the same temperature as the temperature of the fluid may be formed in the space around the check valves 301 and 302 .

Meanwhile, after the passage of the second check valve 302 is opened, the connecting rod 303 is pressurized by the reaction of the second check valve 302, and the first check valve 301 is opened.

When the socket flange 621 and the adapter flange 641 are coupled in the above state, the coupling of the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 may be completed.

Meanwhile, even when both the first check valve 301 and the second check valve 302 are open, the first check valve 301 and the second check valve 302 may be spaced apart. .

Accordingly, the fluid supplied from the second check valve 302 may flow into the first check valve 301 through the fluid introduction space 610 . In addition, at least a portion of the fluid is introduced into the first check valve 301 after passing through the fluid inlet space 610 through the space between the first check valve 301 and the second check valve 302. can

Therefore, when the gas for cooling is transferred, the same type of cooling gas atmosphere is continuously maintained in the fluid inlet space 610, so that the incorporation of outside air can be effectively prevented.

Meanwhile, when the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 are separated, the flow path of the first check valve 301 and the second check valve ( 302) may be sequentially shielded.

And, in a state where the flow path of the first check valve 301 and the flow path of the second check valve 302 are completely blocked, the second packing 720 is separated from the first packing 710 and the fluid flows in. The space 610 may be declassified. Therefore, only the loss of the fluid located inside the fluid introduction space 610 occurs, and the loss of the fluid occurring during separation can be minimized.

In addition, the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 according to the present invention insert the socket insertion pipe 625 into the adapter fastening pipe 645, and the socket flange 621 and the adapter flange 641 Assembled by combining, and can be easily separated through assembly and reverse process.

That is, in the pipe connector 600 according to the present invention, it is easy to connect and separate the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 while minimizing fluid loss without additional equipment for storing and temporarily connecting cold air. can be done

On the other hand, the pipe connector 600 having the above function is applied to the cold air supply device 200, the vacuum container 100, and the gas circulation pipe 400, which are the main components of the present invention, as described above, and the vacuum container ( 100) is provided with a plurality of pipe connectors 600 for parallel connection of the cold air supply device 200.

In detail, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a superconducting magnet cooling system for MRI according to the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a superconducting magnet cooling system for MRI according to the present invention.

The embodiment shown in these drawings shows that one or more cold air supply devices 200 can be provided using the plurality of pipe connectors 600 provided in the vacuum container 110, and the cold air supply device 200 It is shown that it is not attributed to one MRI 100 and can be applied to a plurality of MRIs 100.

In detail, as described above, the MRI 100 operates the gradient coil 160 and the RF coil 180 provided therein in a state in which a magnetic field is formed by the superconducting magnet 120, and the human body of a patient positioned on the table 190. is visualized based on physical and chemical characteristics using high frequency.

Meanwhile, in order to drive the MRI 100 as described above, warm-up is performed for the stable operation of the superconducting magnet 120, but it takes a considerable amount of time to cool the superconducting magnet 120 to a cryogenic environment. .

Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 13 , a plurality of cold air supply devices 200 may be connected in parallel to cool the superconducting magnet 120 more quickly and shorten the warm-up time.

In detail, the plurality of pipe connectors 600 provided in the vacuum container 110 of the MRI 100 to be warmed up can maintain the interior in a vacuum insulation state in a form in which the connector adapter 640 is substantially installed.

Meanwhile, a plurality of gas circulation pipes 400 are connected to the plurality of connector adapters 640 installed as described above. At this time, a connector socket 620 is mounted at an end of the gas circulation pipe 400.

In addition, a connector adapter 640 is also installed in the cold air supply device 200, and as shown, two cold air supply devices 200 are connected to one MRI 100 by two cooling gas transfer pipes 420 and 2 Cold air circulation for cooling the superconducting magnet 120 may be performed by being connected to the two gas recovery pipes 440 .

On the other hand, after the warm-up of the MRI 100 is completed through the parallel operation of the cold air supply devices 200 as described above, either one of the two connected cold air supply devices 200 is removed, and as shown in FIG. 12, one Only the cold air supply device 100 can be operated.

That is, the connector socket 620 and the connector adapter 640 according to the present invention are provided with check valves 301 and 302, respectively, so that the inside can be maintained in a vacuum insulation state, so that the connection of the gas circulation pipe 400 is very easy. The cold air supply device 200 may be selectively connected and driven according to operation conditions such as operation preparation/operation/operation standby/use suspension of the MRI 100 .

In addition, contrary to the illustrated embodiment, a structure in which the connector adapter 640 is installed at the end of the gas circulation pipe 400 and the connector socket 620 is formed in the vacuum container 110 and the cold air supply device 200 may also be possible. will be.

100......... magnetic resonance imaging device 110....... vacuum container
200......... Cold air supply device 210......... Insulated vacuum container
220......... Refrigerator 240......... Cold air transfer pump
260......... heat exchanger 400....... gas circulation pipe
420......... Cooling gas transfer pipe 440......... Gas recovery pipe
600......... pipe fittings 620......... fitting sockets
640.......... end connection adapter

Claims (6)

In the superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging device for driving a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI),
a vacuum container in which the superconducting magnet is accommodated;
A cold air supply device that supplies and circulates a gas for cooling into the inside of the vacuum container, and recovers and cools the gas whose temperature has risen in the circulation process; and
A gas circulation pipe for selectively connecting the cold air supply device and the magnetic resonance imaging device through a pipe connector,
The cold air supply device includes an insulated vacuum container, a refrigerator for providing a cooling source inside the insulated vacuum container, a heat exchanger for forming a cooling gas by exchanging heat with the cooling source formed by the refrigerator, and the heat exchanger A transfer pump for forming a fluid flow for circulating the cooled gas is included,
The pipe connector includes a connector socket having a double pipe structure including a connector socket inner tube and a connector socket exterior, a connector adapter inner tube and a connector adapter exterior, and a connector adapter that is fitted into the connector socket and is in communication,
The connector socket is provided with a socket insertion tube having a larger diameter than the connector socket inner tube and extending in a direction opposite to the connector socket exterior, the connector adapter has a larger diameter than the socket insertion tube, and the connector socket An adapter fastening tube having a smaller diameter than the adapter exterior is provided to guide the insertion path of the socket insertion tube,
A first check valve provided on either one of the connector socket and the connector adapter and having a connecting rod protruding from one side so that the flow path opens when pressed by the connecting rod, and the other one of the connector socket and connector adapter When the socket insertion tube is inserted into the adapter fastening tube, a second check pressurizes the connecting rod so that the passage is opened by being pressurized by the connecting rod and the first check valve is opened by a reaction. Superconducting magnet cooling system for magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, characterized in that the valve is included.
delete delete According to claim 1,
A connector adapter or connector socket is provided in the insulated vacuum container and the vacuum container, and a connector socket or connector adapter is provided at both ends of the gas circulation pipe to correspond thereto. According to claim 1,
Pipe connectors provided in the vacuum container are provided in pairs for gas supply and recovery, and at least one pair of pipe connectors are provided in the vacuum container. According to claim 5,
A superconducting magnet cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, characterized in that a plurality of cold air supply devices are connected to the vacuum container.

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