JP7775010B2 - Rotating gantry beam alignment device, rotating gantry beam alignment method, and particle beam therapy system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to technology for aligning rotating gantries.

In particle beam therapy systems, using a rotating gantry treatment table allows the patient to remain stationary while receiving particle beams, reducing the strain on the patient compared to a fixed treatment table. However, the rotating gantry incorporates many pieces of equipment that rotate along with the rotating gantry. This means that many cables required for power, control, and communication must be connected between the rotating gantry and stationary external equipment. With each rotation of the rotating gantry, cables are wound onto or unwound from spools.

However, when many cables are installed, they can become untidy. Therefore, there are known techniques for preventing this. For example, there are techniques that separate multiple cables using separators made of flat plates or rods. However, if the separators are made of rigid materials such as flat plates or rods, the cables may rub against these separators, causing wear.

JP 2014-147451 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a rotating gantry wiring technique that can suppress cable wear while also suppressing cable disordered winding.

A rotating gantry wire arrangement device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating gantry that supports an irradiation nozzle for irradiating a particle beam and a transport unit for transporting the particle beam to the irradiation nozzle and rotates about a horizontal axis facing horizontally; multiple cables, one end of which is connected to the rotating gantry and the other end of which is connected to a stationary device; a spool mounted on the rotating gantry for winding or unwinding the cables; and multiple wire arrangement wires that are stationary and stretched horizontally below the spool to separate the multiple cables hanging from the spool. The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating gantry and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The wire arrangement wires are stretched at an angle relative to the horizontal direction.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a rotating gantry wiring arrangement technique that can suppress cable disorder and cable wear.

1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a particle beam therapy system according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the spool of the rotating gantry. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the rotating gantry corresponding to the cross section IV-IV of FIG. 3 . FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the spool of the rotating gantry. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for aligning a rotating gantry. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a wire alignment device of a rotating gantry according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a wire alignment device of a rotating gantry according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the wire alignment device of the rotating gantry of the fourth embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of a particle beam therapy system and a rotating gantry will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 to 8, the left side of the paper is the front side (front side) of the rotating gantry, and the right side of the paper is the back side (rear side) of the rotating gantry. In the drawings, in a Cartesian coordinate system, the axial direction of the rotating gantry is the Z direction, the vertical direction (up and down direction) perpendicular to this is the Y direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to these is the X direction. The X and Y directions may be referred to as the radial direction of the rotating gantry. Furthermore, the direction of rotation around the axis along the outer circumferential surface of the rotating gantry may be referred to as the circumferential direction.

In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a particle beam therapy system according to this embodiment. In this particle beam therapy system 1, treatment is performed by irradiating a particle beam such as carbon ions onto the lesion tissue (cancer) of a patient, who is the subject.

Radiation therapy technology using particle beam therapy system 1 is also known as heavy ion beam cancer therapy technology. This technology uses carbon ions to pinpoint cancer lesions (affected areas), damaging the cancer lesions while minimizing damage to normal cells. Particle beams are defined as radiation heavier than electrons, and include proton beams and heavy ion beams. Of these, heavy ion beams are defined as those heavier than helium atoms.

Cancer treatment using heavy ion beams has a higher ability to kill cancer lesions than conventional cancer treatments using X-rays, gamma rays, or proton beams, and has the characteristic that the radiation dose is low on the surface of the patient's body and peaks at the cancer lesion. This means that the number of irradiations and side effects can be reduced, and the treatment period can be shortened.

As shown in Figure 1, the particle beam therapy system 1 comprises a beam generator 2, a circular accelerator 3, a beam transport line 4, and a rotating gantry 5.

The beam generator 2 has an ion source of carbon ions, which are charged particles, and generates a particle beam 7 (Figure 2) using these carbon ions. The circular accelerator 3 is ring-shaped in plan view and accelerates the particle beam 7 generated by the beam generator 2. The beam transport line 4 transports the particle beam 7 accelerated by the circular accelerator 3 to the rotating gantry 5. A patient 8 (Figure 2) is positioned on the rotating gantry 5 and is irradiated with the particle beam 7.

In this particle beam therapy system 1, a particle beam 7 of carbon ions generated by a beam generator 2 is first injected from the beam generator 2 into a circular accelerator 3. This particle beam 7 is accelerated to approximately 70% of the speed of light while circulating the circular accelerator 3 approximately one million times. This particle beam 7 is then guided to a rotating gantry 5 via a beam transport line 4.

The beam generator 2, circular accelerator 3, and beam transport line 4 are each equipped with a vacuum duct 6 (beam pipe) whose interior is evacuated. A particle beam 7 travels through this vacuum duct 6. The vacuum ducts 6 of the beam generator 2, circular accelerator 3, and beam transport line 4 work together to form a transport path that guides the particle beam 7 to the rotating gantry 5. In other words, the vacuum duct 6 is a sealed, continuous space with a sufficient degree of vacuum to allow the particle beam 7 to pass through.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the rotating gantry 5 is a large, cylindrical device. The rotating gantry 5 is installed so that its cylindrical axis 9 faces horizontally. The rotating gantry 5 can rotate around this horizontal axis 9.

The rotating gantry 5 is supported by the framework 10 of a building that constitutes the treatment facility in which the particle beam therapy system 1 is installed. For example, end rings 11 are fixed to the front and rear of the main body of the rotating gantry 5. Below these end rings 11, rotational drive units 12 that rotatably support the end rings 11 and are equipped with drive motors are provided. These rotational drive units 12 are supported by the framework 10. The driving force of the rotational drive units 12 is applied to the rotating gantry 5 via the end rings 11, causing the rotating gantry 5 to rotate around the horizontal axis 9.

The rotating gantry 5 is provided with a vacuum duct 6 extending from the beam transport line 4 (Figure 1). The vacuum duct 6 is first led from the rear side of the rotating gantry 5 into the interior along its horizontal axis 9. The vacuum duct 6 then extends outward beyond the outer periphery of the rotating gantry 5, before again extending inward. The tip of this vacuum duct 6 extends to a position close to the patient 8.

Although not specifically shown, a designated rotation mechanism is provided in the vacuum duct 6 in the portion that runs along the horizontal axis 9 of the rotating gantry 5. The portion of the vacuum duct 6 outside this rotation mechanism is stationary, while the portion inside this rotation mechanism rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating gantry 5.

The rotating gantry 5 is also provided with an irradiation nozzle 13 that irradiates the particle beam 7 toward the patient 8, and a transport unit 14 that transports the particle beam 7 to the irradiation nozzle 13. In other words, the irradiation nozzle 13 and the transport unit 14 are supported by the rotating gantry 5.

Furthermore, the transport section 14 is equipped with superconducting electromagnets 15 that generate magnetic fields that form a path for transporting the particle beam 7. These superconducting electromagnets 15 are, for example, bending electromagnets that change the direction of travel of the particle beam 7 along the vacuum duct 6, or quadrupole electromagnets that control the convergence and divergence of the particle beam 7.

The irradiation nozzle 13 is located at the tip of the vacuum duct 6 and irradiates the particle beam 7 guided by the transport unit 14 toward the patient 8. This irradiation nozzle 13 is fixed to the inner surface of the rotating gantry 5. The particle beam 7 is irradiated from the irradiation nozzle 13 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis 9.

A treatment space 16 where particle beam therapy is performed is provided inside the rotating gantry 5. The patient 8 is placed on a treatment table 17 provided in this treatment space 16. This treatment table 17 is movable with the patient 8 placed on it. By moving this treatment table 17, the patient 8 can be moved to the irradiation position of the particle beam 7 and aligned. This allows the particle beam 7 to be irradiated to the appropriate area of the patient 8, such as the diseased tissue.

The patient 8 is positioned on the horizontal axis 9, and by rotating the rotating gantry 5, the irradiation nozzle 13 can be rotated around the stationary patient 8. For example, the irradiation nozzle 13 can be rotated 185 degrees clockwise (right) or counterclockwise (left) in rear view around the patient 8 (horizontal axis 9). The particle beam 7 can then be irradiated from any direction around the patient 8. In other words, the rotating gantry 5 is a device that can change the irradiation direction of the particle beam 7 guided by the beam transport line 4 toward the patient 8. This reduces the burden on the patient 8 while allowing the particle beam 7 to be irradiated to the affected area from an appropriate direction with greater precision.

As the particle beam 7 passes through the body of the patient 8, it loses kinetic energy and slows down. It also encounters resistance that is roughly inversely proportional to the square of its velocity, and abruptly stops when it reaches a certain speed. This stopping point of the particle beam 7 is called the Bragg peak, and high energy is emitted from it. By aligning this Bragg peak with the position of the diseased tissue (affected area) in the patient 8, the particle beam therapy system 1 can destroy only the diseased tissue while minimizing damage to normal tissue.

The treatment space 16 provided inside the rotating gantry 5 is formed to be integrated with the treatment room 18 located in front of the rotating gantry 5. The treatment table 17 is fixed to the floor 19 of the stationary treatment room 18. In other words, the position of the treatment table 17 does not change even when the rotating gantry 5 and irradiation nozzle 13 are rotated.

A counterweight 20 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating gantry 5, on the side opposite the part where the transport section 14 is installed. This counterweight 20 is provided to balance the rotating gantry 5 and the transport section 14 at the center. In other words, the weight of the counterweight 20 is set to correspond to the weight of the transport section 14. In addition, below the rotating gantry 5, a weight pit 21 is provided, recessed into the body 10, through which the counterweight 20 can pass as the rotating gantry 5 rotates.

Furthermore, multiple cables 22 are led from the outside to the rotating gantry 5. These cables 22 are, for example, power supply cables, signal lines, flexible hoses for coolant, etc., and are provided to supply power and transmit control signals to specific devices provided on the rotating gantry 5. These cables 22 include flexible hoses that supply coolant to the superconducting electromagnets 15 of the transport unit 14.

A spool 23 is provided at the rear of the rotating gantry 5, which winds or unwinds the cable 22 as the rotating gantry 5 rotates. The axis of the spool 23 coincides with the horizontal axis 9 of the rotating gantry 5.

Below the spool 23, a cable pit 24 is provided, recessed into the body 10, in which the cable 22 hanging down from the spool 23 can be placed. The width of the cable pit 24 in the X direction is set to be larger than the diameter of the spool 23.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the spool 23 protrudes rearward from the rear of the rotating gantry 5. The spool 23 is a cylindrical portion formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the main body of the rotating gantry 5. The spool 23 includes a disk-shaped flange 25, multiple disk-shaped flange rings 26, and multiple recessed lanes 27 (Figure 7) that hold the cables 22.

The flange 25 is provided at the rear end of the spool 23. Multiple flange rings 26 are arranged in the axial direction (Z direction) between the flange 25 and the rotating gantry 5. These flange rings 26 are formed to have a diameter smaller than that of the flange 25. The rear flange ring 26, which is closest to the flange 25, is provided at a distance from the flange 25. Multiple lanes 27 (Figure 7) are formed between each flange ring 26.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 7, each lane 27 accommodates multiple cables 22. For example, two to three cables 22 are accommodated in one lane 27. However, four or more cables 22 may also be accommodated in one lane 27.

When the cables 22 are wound circumferentially around the spool 23, the multiple cables 22 are arranged side by side in the axial direction (Z direction) of the spool 23 and in the radial direction (X direction and Y direction) of the spool 23, in accordance with the arrangement of the flange ring 26 and lanes 27. Furthermore, when the cables 22 hang down from the spool 23, the multiple cables 22 are arranged side by side in the axial direction (Z direction) of the spool 23 and in the horizontal direction (X direction) (Figure 6).

The width of each lane 27 may vary depending on the number or thickness of the cables 22 accommodated therein. Also, a single lane 27 may accommodate multiple cables 22 of different types or thicknesses.

The peripheral surface 28 of each flange ring 26 has both corners cut away to form chamfered portions 29 (bevels). In other words, the flange ring 26 has a chamfered edge 29 formed on its periphery. This makes it less likely for the cable 22 to get caught on the flange ring 26 when the cable 22 is stored in the lane 27, reducing the friction or tension on the cable 22 caused by getting caught on the flange ring 26 and preventing it from becoming untidy.

For example, the chamfered portions 29 are inclined surfaces with an inclination of approximately 45° relative to the protruding direction of the flange ring 26. By providing these chamfered portions 29, the opening of the lane 27 is widened, allowing the cable 22 to be smoothly accommodated in the lane 27.

Even when the chamfered portion 29 is provided, part of the circumferential surface 28 of the flange ring 26 is left uncovered. For example, the circumferential surface 28 at the tip of the flange ring 26 is left uncovered. In this way, even if the cable 22 gets caught on the flange ring 26, cutting or abrasion of the cable 22 can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 4, one end of each cable 22 is connected to a spool 23 of the rotating gantry 5, and the other end is connected to a stationary fixing device 30. The fixing device 30 is fixed, for example, to the body 10. The multiple cables 22 are composed of, for example, power lines for supplying power, signal lines for transmitting control signals, and flexible hoses for supplying coolant. The fixing device 30 is composed, for example, of a power supply, terminal blocks, and a pump for supplying coolant. Note that while FIG. 4 is a rear view of the rotating gantry 5, the main body, rotation drive unit 12, transport unit 14, etc. of the rotating gantry 5 are not shown to facilitate understanding.

One end of the cable 22 is introduced into the rotating gantry 5 through a through-hole 31 formed in the spool 23. The cable 22 is then connected to equipment such as a superconducting electromagnet 15 (Figure 2) provided on the rotating gantry 5. One end of the cable 22 is fixed to the through-hole 31. Each cable 22 is wound circumferentially around the outer periphery of the spool 23 from the fixed through-hole 31.

In this embodiment, a flexible hose will be described as an example of the cable 22. The flexible hose is hollow (Figure 7) and is provided to supply a coolant such as liquid helium or liquid nitrogen to the superconducting electromagnet 15 (Figure 2). This flexible hose is a pressure-resistant hose with woven metal wires to increase its pressure resistance, and can supply coolant at a predetermined pressure.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the multiple cables 22 are divided into a first group G1 and a second group G2. The first group G1 and the second group G2 may be divided by the type of cable 22, or by the device to which the cable 22 is connected. Accordingly, multiple flange rings 26 around which the multiple cables 22 of the first group G1 are wound, and multiple flange rings 26 around which the multiple cables 22 of the second group G2 are wound are provided.

The cables 22 of the first group G1 and the cables 22 of the second group G2 are wound around the spool 23 in different directions. For example, when viewed from the rear, when the rotating gantry 5 rotates counterclockwise, the cables 22 of the first group G1 are wound onto the spool 23, and the cables 22 of the second group G2 are unwound from the spool 23. On the other hand, when the rotating gantry 5 rotates clockwise, the cables 22 of the first group G1 are unwound from the spool 23, and the cables 22 of the second group G2 are wound onto the spool 23.

Note that in Figure 4, to facilitate understanding, only the cables 22 of the first group G1 are shown, and the cables 22 of the second group G2 are omitted. In an actual rear view, the cables 22 of the first group G1 and the cables 22 of the second group G2 hanging down from the spool 23 appear to intersect at the cable pit 24.

The particle beam therapy system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a wire arrangement device 40 for the rotating gantry 5. This wire arrangement device 40 includes a plurality of wire arrangement wires 41 and a plurality of wire arrangement plates 42. Here, the cables 22 pass between the wire arrangement wires 41 and between the wire arrangement plates 42. This wire arrangement device 40 is provided to arrange the plurality of cables 22, suppress the cables 22 from becoming untidy, and suppress wear on the cables 22.

Tailoring wires 41 and trunking plates 42 are provided for arranging the cables 22 of the first group G1 and for arranging the cables 22 of the second group G2. Note that in Figure 4, to facilitate understanding, only the trunking wires 41 and trunking plates 42 of the first group G1 are shown, and the trunking wires 41 and trunking plates 42 of the second group G2 are not shown. The trunking wires 41 and trunking plates 42 of the first group G1 and the second group G2 have the same configuration and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotating gantry 5. For example, in an actual rear view, the trunking wires 41 of the first group G1 and the second group G2 appear to be strung in an X-shaped cross pattern.

Multiple arranging wires 41 are installed horizontally below the spool 23 and remain stationary. These arranging wires 41 are installed to separate the multiple cables 22 hanging down from the spool 23. This prevents the cables 22 from becoming untidy and reduces wear on the cables 22. For example, because the arranging wires 41 are flexible, wear on the cables 22 can be reduced.

Each wiring arrangement wire 41 is provided at a position corresponding to each flange ring 26 and is arranged in the same direction as the flange rings 26. In this way, multiple cables 22 arranged in the axial direction can be separated.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, multiple arranging wires 41 are stretched parallel to one another. Cables 22 are arranged between each arranging wire 41. The arrangement of each arranging wire 41 is set to match the arrangement of the flange rings 26. In other words, the bundles of cables 22 arranged between arranging wires 41 correspond to the bundles of cables 22 housed in the lanes 27. When winding or unwinding the cables 22, the cables 22 are separated along the arranging wires 41, preventing random winding.

As shown in FIG. 4, wire stands 43 extending upward from the cable pit 24 are fixed to the frame 10 in which the cable pit 24 is formed. For example, a pair of wire stands 43 are provided on the left and right sides of a single wiring wire 41, spaced apart in the X direction. One end and the other end of the wiring wire 41 are fixed to these wire stands 43.

The arranging wire 41 is stretched at an angle relative to the horizontal. This allows the arranging wire 41 to come into contact with the cable 22 hanging vertically at an angle, reducing the resistance when the arranging wire 41 rubs against the cable 22. This reduces wear or irregular winding of the cable 22.

Furthermore, when the spool 23 is divided into a semicircle on the side where the cable 22 hangs and a semicircle on the opposite side, the wiring arranging wire 41 is inclined so that the side where the cable 22 hangs is higher and the other side is lower. This reduces the angle at which the cable 22 contacts the wiring arranging wire 41, allowing the cable 22 to come into gentle contact with the wiring arranging wire 41 and reducing the resistance when the wiring arranging wire 41 rubs against the cable 22.

Furthermore, the wiring arranging wire 41 is positioned close to the flange ring 26 and extends tangentially to the periphery of the flange ring 26. In this way, the wiring arranging wire 41 can guide the cable 22 in the area where the cable 22 loses its hold by the flange ring 26. As a result, the cable 22 is not subjected to unexpected friction or tension, and irregular winding can be suppressed.

Multiple wire arrangement plates 42 are arranged in parallel and stationary in positions close to the spool 23. These wire arrangement plates 42 are provided below the spool 23 to separate the multiple cables 22 lined up in the axial direction (Z direction). In this way, the wire arrangement plates 42 separate the cables 22 individually in the axial direction, preventing the cables 22 from becoming untidy.

Each cable aligning plate 42 is provided at a position corresponding to each flange ring 26 and is arranged in the same direction as the flange rings 26. In this way, multiple cables 22 lined up in the axial direction can be separated.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, multiple wire arrangement plates 42 are arranged parallel to one another. Cables 22 are arranged between each of the wire arrangement plates 42. The arrangement of each of the wire arrangement plates 42 is set to match the arrangement of the flange rings 26. In other words, the bundle of cables 22 arranged between the wire arrangement plates 42 corresponds to the bundle of cables 22 housed in the lane 27. When winding or unwinding the cables 22, the cables 22 are separated along the wire arrangement plates 42. This prevents unintended contact between the cables 22 and prevents random winding.

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a specific range R in which the cable 22 hangs down from the spool 23 is set in advance. For example, the cable 22 hangs down from the end of the spool 23 in the X direction. A predetermined range including this portion is set as the specific range R. This specific range R is the range in which the cable 22 hangs down almost vertically. Multiple wire alignment plates 42 are arranged in this specific range R.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each wire arrangement plate 42 is a plate-like member that is crescent-shaped in rear view. The wire arrangement plates 42 are spaced apart and connected by connecting members 44. The connecting members 44 are, for example, rod-shaped members extending in the axial direction (Z direction) and connect the wire arrangement plates 42 at one end and the other end of a specific range R (Figure 4) in the axial direction (Z direction). In this way, the connecting members 44 restrict the horizontal (X direction) movement range of the cable 22, so that the cable 22 hanging from the spool 23 remains within the specific range R. Even if the cable 22 sways between one end and the other end of the specific range R, irregular winding does not occur.

Each arranging plate 42 has a curved edge 45 that curves along the peripheral edge of the flange ring 26. These curved edges 45 are located closer to the flange ring 26 than the arranging wire 41. In this way, the cable 22 is guided by the rigid arranging plate 42 at the position where the cable 22 enters or exits the lane 27 (Figure 7) between the flange rings 26. This prevents unintended contact between the cables 22, suppresses vibration of the cables 22, and reduces the occurrence of irregular winding.

As shown in FIG. 4, plate stands 46 extending upward from the cable pit 24 are fixed to the frame 10 in which the cable pit 24 is formed. For example, multiple plate stands 46 are provided spaced apart in the X direction. Connecting members 44 are fixed to these plate stands 46. Then, wire alignment plates 42 are fixed to the connecting members 44.

In addition, as shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the wire arranging plates 42 are also provided in the specific range R (Figure 4) where the wire arranging plates 42 are provided. In other words, in a plan view, the wire arranging plates 42 and the wire arranging wires 41 are arranged alternately in the axial direction (Z direction). For example, one cable 22 is arranged between one wire arranging plate 42 and one wire arranging wire 41. Furthermore, multiple cables 22 lined up in the axial direction are separated by the wire arranging plates 42 and the wire arranging wires 41.

The particle beam therapy system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a monitoring device for the rotating gantry 5. This monitoring device monitors the state of the cable 22 and forms an interlock that performs an emergency stop if an abnormality such as irregular winding occurs.

The monitoring device for the rotating gantry 5 in this embodiment includes a computer that has hardware resources such as a processor and memory, and in which software-based information processing is realized using the hardware resources as the CPU executes various programs.

As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the monitoring device for the rotating gantry 5 includes a laser sensor 51. The laser sensor 51 constitutes a monitoring unit that monitors the state of the cable 22 on the spool 23. The detection signal from the laser sensor 51 is input to the monitoring device.

The monitoring device stops the operation of the rotating gantry 5 when an abnormality in the cable 22 is detected based on monitoring by the laser sensor 51. In this way, the operation of the rotating gantry 5 can be automatically stopped in the event of an abnormality in which the cable 22 becomes irregularly wound.

As shown in Figure 4, the laser sensor 51 is fixed to the plate stand 46 that supports the wire alignment plate 42. In other words, the laser sensor 51 is not affected by the rotation of the rotating gantry 5 and spool 23 and is installed in a stationary position.

For example, two laser sensors 51 are provided to detect the disorderly winding state of the cables 22 in the first group G1. Although not shown in Figure 4, two more laser sensors 51 are provided to detect the disorderly winding state of the cables 22 in the second group G2. In other words, the monitoring device has a total of four laser sensors 51. However, five or more laser sensors 51 may be provided lined up circumferentially around the spool 23.

Two laser sensors 51 (monitoring units) for detecting the disordered winding state of the cables 22 of the first group G1 are positioned corresponding to one end (left end) and the other end (right end) of the specific range R in the X direction. These laser sensors 51 are provided in positions corresponding to the wire arrangement plate 42 in the circumferential direction of the spool 23. In this way, if the cables 22 become disordered around the wire arrangement plate 42, it is possible to detect the protrusion of the cables 22 at an early stage of the disordered winding.

As shown in Figure 8, the laser sensor 51 is positioned near the rear of the rotating gantry 5, that is, stationary at the front end of the spool 23. The laser sensor 51 emits a laser 55 toward the rear. Disorderly winding of the cable 22 often occurs on the rear end side (flange 25 side) of the spool 23, and in such cases, the cable 22 protruding from the spool 23 can be prevented from interfering with the laser sensor 51.

The laser sensor 51 is a reflective laser sensor 51. In other words, one laser sensor 51 includes an irradiation unit that emits a laser 55 and a detection unit (light-receiving unit) that detects the laser 55 reflected from a specified object. Based on this reflected laser 55, the distance from the laser sensor 51 to the object can be detected. Based on this detected distance, it can be determined whether or not irregular winding is occurring on the spool 23.

If there is no abnormality in the spool 23, the laser 55 emitted from the laser sensor 51 is reflected by the flange 25 and detected by the laser sensor 51. The detection distance of the laser sensor 51 may be set in advance to be equal to or less than the distance from the laser sensor 51 to the flange 25. In this case, taking into account the possibility of minute irregularities on the surface of the flange 25, the detection distance is set to be slightly shorter than the distance from the laser sensor 51 to the flange 25.

On the other hand, if irregular winding occurs on the spool 23 and the cable 22 protrudes from the flange ring 26, the laser 55 emitted from the laser sensor 51 is reflected by the cable 22 and detected by the laser sensor 51. In other words, the laser sensor 51 detects the cable 22 protruding from the flange ring 26 based on the reflection of the laser 55 emitted from the cable 22. In this way, it is sufficient to install the laser sensor 51 on only one end of the spool 23. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the cable 22 protruding from the spool 23 due to irregular winding from colliding with the laser sensor 51.

The laser sensor 51 emits a laser 55 in the axial direction (Z direction) along the periphery of the flange ring 26 to detect the cables 22 protruding from the flange ring 26. In this way, even if multiple cables 22 are installed, the protruding state of each cable 22 can be detected with at least one laser sensor 51, thereby reducing the number of installed laser sensors 51.

Next, the method for aligning the rotating gantry 5 using the alignment device 40 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9. The aforementioned drawings will be referenced as appropriate.

First, in step S1, the rotating gantry 5, which supports the irradiation nozzle 13 that irradiates the particle beam 7 and the transport unit 14 that transports the particle beam 7 to the irradiation nozzle 13, rotates around a horizontal axis 9 that faces horizontally.

In the next step S2, a spool 23 provided on the rotating gantry 5 winds or unwinds multiple cables 22, one end of which is connected to the rotating gantry 5 and the other end of which is connected to a stationary fixing device 30.

In the next step S3, multiple wire alignment plates 42, which are arranged in parallel and stationary at positions close to the spool 23, separate the multiple cables 22 lined up in the axial direction.

In the next step S4, multiple stationary wiring wires 41 are installed horizontally below the spool 23 to separate the multiple cables 22 hanging down from the spool 23.

Then, the wire alignment method ends. This wire alignment method is constantly executed and repeated while the rotating gantry 5 is in operation. Note that the above steps are at least a part of the wire alignment method, and other steps may also be included in the wire alignment method.

Note that while the flowchart of the first embodiment illustrates an example in which each step is executed serially, the order of steps is not necessarily fixed, and the order of some steps may be reversed. Furthermore, some steps may be executed in parallel with other steps.

In the first embodiment, the wiring arrangement wire 41 of the wiring arrangement device 40 can suppress the cable 22 from becoming irregularly wound while suppressing wear on the cable 22. For example, if a hollow flexible hose is used as the cable 22 to supply coolant, if this flexible hose becomes irregularly wound and twisted, the supply of coolant to the superconducting electromagnet 15 will be interrupted. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flexible hose is prevented from becoming irregularly wound, and interruptions in the supply of coolant to the superconducting electromagnet 15 will be prevented.

In the first embodiment, the wire arranging device 40 is configured to include both the wire arranging wire 41 and the wire arranging plate 42, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the wire arranging device 40 may be configured to include either the wire arranging wire 41 or the wire arranging plate 42. In other words, the wire arranging device 40 may include only the wire arranging wire 41, and the wire arranging plate 42 may be omitted. Alternatively, the wire arranging device 40 may include only the wire arranging plate 42, and the wire arranging wire 41 may be omitted.

The cable arranging wire 41 or cable arranging plate 42 may be provided only in the portion (range) of the cable 22 that protrudes from the spool 23. The cable arranging device 40 may also be used to arrange the cables 22 by diameter or by type. Since flexible hoses and power lines have different bending properties, they are arranged according to their respective types.

In addition, installing the wiring arranging wire 41 is easier than installing the wiring arranging plate 42, which can shorten the installation time and reduce costs. One end of the wiring arranging wire 41 may also be fixed to the bottom of the cable pit 24.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

In the second embodiment of the wire arranging device 40A, the range in the axial direction (Z direction) where the wire arranging wires 41 are provided is different from the range in which the wire arranging plates 42 are provided. For example, multiple wire arranging plates 42 are arranged in a predetermined range along the axial direction, and wire arranging wires 41 are arranged in a range different from the range in which the wire arranging plates 42 are provided. Some of the cables 22 arranged in the axial direction are separated by the wire arranging plates 42, and other cables 22 are separated by the wire arranging wires 41.

For example, suppose that the first group G1, consisting of multiple cables 22, is divided into group A G1A, consisting of multiple power lines 22A, and group B G1B, consisting of multiple flexible hoses 22B. Group A G1A and group B G1B are aligned axially. The multiple power lines 22A in group A G1A are separated by a wiring arrangement plate 42, and the multiple flexible hoses 22B in group B G1B are separated by a wiring arrangement wire 41.

In the second embodiment, each cable 22 can be separated using a member suitable for each type of cable 22. For example, a type of cable 22 that is suitable for separation with a flexible member is separated using a wiring arrangement wire 41. On the other hand, a type of cable 22 that is suitable for separation with a rigid member is separated using a wiring arrangement board 42.

In the second embodiment, the power lines 22A are separated by the wiring arrangement plate 42, and the flexible hoses 22B are separated by the wiring arrangement wire 41, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the flexible hoses 22B may be separated by the wiring arrangement plate 42, and the power lines 22A may be separated by the wiring arrangement wire 41.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, multiple cables 22 lined up in the X direction will be described as a single row of cables 22. In the wire arranging device 40B of this third embodiment, the area in which the wire arranging wires 41 are provided overlaps with the area in which the wire arranging plates 42 are provided. For example, one wire arranging wire 41 is stretched between two wire arranging plates 42.

One row of cables 22 is provided on each side of one arranging wire 41. Two rows of cables 22 are provided between two arranging plates 42. In other words, the width between the arranging plates 42 is set to a dimension that allows two rows of cables 22 to be arranged with one arranging wire 41 in between. The total number of arranging wires 41 and arranging plates 42 installed is the same as the number of flange rings 26.

In this third embodiment, multiple cables 22 arranged in the axial direction (Z direction) are separated by at least one of the wiring arrangement wire 41 and the wiring arrangement plate 42. Each cable 22 is held in a sandwiched state between the wiring arrangement wire 41 and the wiring arrangement plate 42.

In addition, in the third embodiment, multiple cables 22 are separated by a rigid wire arrangement plate 42, which reduces the vibration of the cables 22. Furthermore, the side of the outer surface of the cables 22 opposite to the side in contact with the wire arrangement plate 42 is in contact with the wire arrangement wire 41, which is a flexible member, which reduces wear on the cables 22. In addition, the wire arrangement wire 41 can absorb the vibration of the cables 22.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when the arranging wires 41 and arranging plates 42 are provided over a predetermined range, the number of arranging wires 41 and arranging plates 42 can be reduced. For example, the number of arranging wires 41 can be approximately half the number of flange rings 26. Furthermore, the number of arranging plates 42 can be approximately half the number of flange rings 26.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment of the wiring arrangement device 40C, multiple wiring arrangement wires 41 are strung at different heights. For example, four wiring arrangement wires 41 at different heights (positions in the Y direction) are strung at the same position in the axial direction (Z direction). These four wiring arrangement wires 41 are arranged side by side in the axial direction, separating the cables 22 lined up in the axial direction.

In addition, the cable 22 hanging down from the spool 23 is held at each of the four wiring arrangement wires 41, which are located at different heights. This prevents the cable 22 from swaying. Furthermore, it prevents the cable 22 from being subjected to a twisting force, preventing the cable 22 from becoming irregularly wound due to swaying or twisting.

Of the four arranging wires 41, the three arranging wires 41 on the top row are stretched horizontally. On the other hand, the single arranging wire 41 on the bottom row is stretched at an angle relative to the horizontal. For example, when the spool 23 is divided into a semicircle on the side where the cable 22 hangs and a semicircle on the opposite side, the single arranging wire 41 on the bottom row is tilted so that the side where the cable 22 hangs is lower and the other side is higher. The three arranging wires 41 on the top row and the single arranging wire 41 on the bottom row are all stretched approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the arranging wire 41 extends.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, multiple wire arranging plates 42 are provided in positions close to the flange ring 26, and multiple wire arranging wires 41 are stretched at a position lower than the positions at which these wire arranging plates 42 are provided. For example, the topmost wire arranging wire 41 is provided in a position close to the wire arranging plate 42 and extends tangentially to the periphery of the lower end of the wire arranging plate 42. In this way, the wire arranging wire 41 can guide the cable 22 in the areas where the cable 22 loses its hold by the wire arranging plate 42, thereby suppressing the swaying of the cable 22 and preventing it from becoming irregularly wound.

The rotating gantry wire alignment device has been described based on the first to fourth embodiments, but the configuration applied in any one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment, or the configurations applied in each embodiment may be combined.

In the particle beam therapy system 1, the rotating gantry 5 can be made smaller by using superconducting electromagnets 15, but hoses are also required to carry the liquid helium used to cool the superconducting electromagnets 15. This not only increases the number of cables 22, but also makes the thickness and rigidity of the cables 22 different for each type, making it more difficult to align the cables 22. In the above-described embodiment, the aligning wires 41 or aligning plates 42 can be provided in an appropriate manner for each type of cable 22, making aligning the cables easier.

In the above-described embodiment, a facility that performs heavy ion cancer therapy is illustrated as an example, but the above-described embodiment can also be applied to other facilities. For example, the above-described embodiment may be applied to a facility that performs proton cancer therapy.

In at least one embodiment described above, multiple wire arranging wires are provided that are horizontally suspended below the spool and are stationary, separating the multiple cables hanging down from the spool. This makes it possible to prevent the cables from becoming untidy and also to reduce cable wear.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are intended to be included within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the appended claims, as well as within the scope and spirit of the invention.

1...Particle beam therapy system, 2...Beam generator, 3...Circular accelerator, 4...Beam transport line, 5...Rotating gantry, 6...Vacuum duct, 7...Particle beam, 8...Patient, 9...Horizontal axis, 10...Body, 11...End ring, 12...Rotation drive unit, 13...Irradiation nozzle, 14...Transport unit, 15...Superconducting magnet, 16...Treatment space, 17...Treatment table, 18...Treatment room, 19...Floor, 20...Counterweight, 21...Weight pit, 22...Cable, 22A...Power line, 22B...Flexible Bull hose, 23... spool, 24... cable pit, 25... flange, 26... flange ring, 27... lane, 28... peripheral surface, 29... chamfered portion, 30... fixing device, 31... penetration portion, 40 (40A, 40B, 40C)... wire arrangement device, 41... wire arrangement, 42... wire arrangement plate, 43... wire stand, 44... connecting member, 45... curved edge, 46... plate stand, 51... laser sensor, 55... laser, G1... first group, G2... second group, G1A... group A, G1B... group B, R... specific range.

Claims (11)

a rotating gantry supporting an irradiation nozzle that irradiates a particle beam and a transport unit that transports the particle beam to the irradiation nozzle, the rotating gantry rotating around a horizontal axis facing horizontally;
a plurality of cables having one end connected to the rotating gantry and the other end connected to a stationary device;
a spool provided on the rotating gantry for winding or unwinding the cable;
a plurality of wire dressing wires that are hung laterally below the spool and are provided in a stationary state, and that separate the plurality of cables hanging down from the spool;
Equipped with
the lateral direction is a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotating gantry and perpendicular to a vertical direction;
The wiring arrangement wire is stretched in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.
Rotating gantry alignment device. The wiring arrangement wire is inclined so that the side where the cable hangs down from the spool is higher and the other side is lower.
2. The rotating gantry wire alignment device according to claim 1 . The spool includes a plurality of disk-shaped flange rings and a plurality of recessed lanes that hold the cable between the flange rings,
The wiring wire is provided in a position close to the flange ring and extends in a tangential direction of the flange ring.
3. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to claim 1 or 2 . The spool includes a plurality of disk-shaped flange rings and a plurality of recessed lanes that hold the cable between the flange rings,
Each of the wiring arrangement wires is provided at a position corresponding to each of the flange rings and is arranged in a direction in which the flange rings are arranged.
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . a plurality of wire arrangement plates which separate the plurality of cables arranged in the axial direction and are provided in parallel in a stationary state at positions close to the spool;
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The spool includes a plurality of disk-shaped flange rings and a plurality of recessed lanes that hold the cable between the flange rings,
The wire alignment plate has a curved edge that is curved along the peripheral edge of the flange ring,
The curved edge is provided at a position closer to the flange ring than the wiring arrangement wire.
6. The rotating gantry wire alignment device according to claim 5 . The wire arrangement plate is disposed in a specific range where the cable hangs down from the spool,
a connecting member that connects the wire alignment plates at one end side and the other end side of the specific range in the axial direction while keeping them spaced apart from each other;
7. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to claim 5 or 6 . a laser sensor provided at a position corresponding to the wire arrangement plate in the circumferential direction of the spool, for monitoring the state of the cable on the spool;
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 5 to 7 . the transport unit includes a superconducting electromagnet that generates a magnetic field that forms a path along which the particle beam is transported;
at least one of the cables is a flexible hose that supplies coolant to the superconducting electromagnet;
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . a rotating gantry supporting an irradiation nozzle for irradiating a particle beam and a transport unit for transporting the particle beam to the irradiation nozzle, rotating around a horizontal axis facing horizontally;
a spool mounted on the rotating gantry for winding or unwinding a plurality of cables, one end of which is connected to the rotating gantry and the other end of which is connected to a stationary device;
a step of separating the cables hanging down from the spool using a plurality of stationary wires hung laterally below the spool;
Including,
the lateral direction is a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotating gantry and perpendicular to a vertical direction;
The wiring arrangement wire is stretched in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.
How to align the rotating gantry. a monitoring device for the rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ;
a treatment table that moves and positions a patient at an irradiation position of the particle beam guided by the transport unit in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis;
a beam generator for generating the particle beam;
an accelerator that accelerates the particle beam;
Equipped with
Particle therapy system.