Magnetic field generating apparatus and MRI apparatus

An MRI apparatus for reconstructing an image based on magnetic resonance signals collected by applying a static magnetic field, a gradient magnetic field, and an RF magnetic field to a subject, comprising:

• a pair of magnets having respective magnetic poles with mutually opposite polarities disposed to face each other in a first direction, for generating a static magnetic field having different dimensions of its region of homogeneous magnetic field intensity in two mutually orthogonal directions in a plane that is perpendicular to the first direction;
• a pair of planar magnetic elements, each element supporting respective one of said pair of the magnets;
• a columnar magnetic element lying in a direction different from said two mutually orthogonal directions, each end of which is joined to respective one of said pair of the planar magnetic elements;
• a cradle movable in one axis direction with the subject laid thereon;
• and
• a table for supporting said cradle, capable of aligning the direction of its movement axis with any of said two mutually orthogonal directions.

A method for assembling a magnetic field generating apparatus for generating a magnetic field in a first direction, said method comprising:

• disposing a pair of magnets having respective magnetic poles with mutually opposite polarities to face each other in a first direction, the magnets for generating a static magnetic field having different dimensions of its region of homogeneous magnetic field intensity in two mutually orthogonal directions in a plane that is perpendicular to the first direction;
• supporting each of the pair of magnets with a planar magnetic element;
• positioning a columnar magnetic element in a direction different from the two mutually orthogonal directions;
• and
• joining each end of the columnar magnetic element with one of the planar magnetic elements.