JP7790822B2 - 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 rotating gantry alignment technology.

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 wire arrangement device for a rotating gantry according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating gantry that supports an irradiation nozzle that irradiates a particle beam and a transport unit that transports the particle beam to the irradiation nozzle and rotates about 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 that is provided on the rotating gantry and winds or unwinds the cables, and a wire arrangement unit that separates the plurality of cables. The wire arrangement unit includes a frame that is provided stationary below the spool and through which the plurality of cables pass, and a plurality of rotors that are rotatably supported by the frame, each having a cylindrical shape and contacting one of the cables on its outer circumferential surface .

Embodiments of the present invention provide a rotating gantry wiring arrangement technique that can reduce cable wear while suppressing cable disorder.

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. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for aligning the rotating gantry. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the rotating gantry of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a wire arrangement unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the wire arrangement unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the wire arrangement unit of the third embodiment when winding up a cable. FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the wire arrangement unit of the third embodiment when the cable is being reeled out. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a wire arrangement unit according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a rotating body according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the rotating gantry of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a wire arrangement unit according to a fifth 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 8. In the following description, the left side of the pages of FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 will be referred to as the front side (front side) of the rotating gantry, and the right side of the pages will be referred to as 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 also 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 also 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 5) 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 located at a distance from the flange 25. Multiple lanes 27 (Figure 5) are formed between each flange ring 26.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, 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 5) 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 60 for the rotating gantry 5. This wire arrangement device 60 includes a wire arrangement unit 61. Multiple cables 22 pass through this wire arrangement unit 61. The wire arrangement device 60 is provided to arrange the multiple cables 22, prevent the cables 22 from becoming untidy, and reduce wear on the cables 22.

There are two wiring arrangement units 61: one for arranging the cables 22 of the first group G1 and one for arranging the cables 22 of the second group G2. To facilitate understanding, Figure 4 only shows the wiring arrangement unit 61 of the first group G1, and does not show the wiring arrangement unit 61 of the second group G2. The wiring arrangement units 61 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.

In addition, in Figure 4, the width of the wiring unit 61 is exaggerated to facilitate understanding. However, the actual wiring unit 61 is a smaller device than that shown in Figure 4. This wiring unit 61 only needs to have a width large enough to allow at least multiple cables 22 to pass through. The width of the wiring unit 61 is set appropriately depending on the thickness and number of cables 22 that will pass through.

A unit stand 62 extending upward from the bottom surface of the cable pit 24 is fixed to the frame 10 in which the cable pit 24 is formed. For example, a pair of unit stands 62 are provided on the left and right sides of one wiring unit 61, spaced apart in the X direction. The wiring unit 61 is supported near the upper ends of these unit stands 62. In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 63 (Figure 6) of the wiring unit 61 is fixed to the unit stand 62. In other words, the wiring unit 61 is provided in a stationary position close to the spool 23.

The wiring unit 61 is also tilted relative to the horizontal. For example, it is fixed to the unit stand 62 so that one connecting portion 63 of the wiring unit 61 is higher than the other connecting portion 63. In the first embodiment, the wiring unit 61 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spool 23, extending from the position where the cable 22 hangs down to a position directly below the center of the spool 23. The wiring unit 61 is tilted so that the end closest to the position directly below the center of the spool 23 is lower than the opposite end.

As shown in Figure 6, the wire arrangement unit 61 has multiple rotating bodies 64 and a frame 65. The rotating bodies 64 are cylindrical members. These rotating bodies 64 form guide wheels for guiding the cables 22. These rotating bodies 64 are supported in a rotatable state relative to the frame 65. In other words, these rotating bodies 64 are members that separate the multiple cables 22, with the cables 22 coming into contact with their outer circumferential surfaces, and can rotate in response to the movement of the cables 22.

The rotating body 64 separates the multiple cables 22 arranged in the radial and axial directions of the rotating gantry 5. In this way, the cables 22 are separated in the radial and axial directions of the rotating gantry 5, thereby sufficiently suppressing disordered winding. Note that the rotating body 64 may be configured to separate the multiple cables 22 arranged in at least one of the radial and axial directions of the rotating gantry 5.

The frame 65 is a lattice-shaped member. For example, the frame 65 is provided with multiple rod-shaped shafts 66, 67 that rotatably support the rotor 64. The frame 65 is provided with multiple shafts 66 that extend in the axial direction (Z direction) of the rotating gantry 5 and are aligned in the radial direction (X direction), and multiple shafts 67 that extend in the radial direction (X direction) of the rotating gantry 5 and are aligned in the axial direction (Z direction). These shafts 66, 67 intersect with each other at right angles, forming multiple grids 68.

An individual cable 22 is passed through each square 68. One cable 22 is passed through each square 68. Rotating bodies 64 are rotatably supported on the shafts 66, 67 corresponding to each of the four sides of the square 68. The four rotating bodies 64 are able to come into contact with the outer surface of one cable 22. In this way, the squares 68 separate the multiple cables 22, allowing the rotating bodies 64 to slide the cables 22. Furthermore, because the cables 22 are separated and unintended contact between the cables 22 is prevented, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the cables 22 from becoming untidy.

In other words, the wire arrangement unit 61 has a frame 65 (shafts 66, 67) that rotatably supports a rotor 64 that separates the cables 22 in the radial direction (X direction) of the rotating gantry 5. In this way, the frame 65 separates the multiple cables 22 in the radial direction, and the rotor 64 allows the cables 22 to slide while sufficiently suppressing messy winding.

As shown in Figure 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 due to its own weight. The wire arrangement unit 61 is positioned in this specific range R.

As shown in Figure 7, the cable 22 hanging down from the spool 23 passes vertically between the rotating bodies 64 arranged in directions (X direction and Z direction) that intersect the direction in which the cable 22 extends. In this way, the multiple cables 22 hanging down from the spool 23 can be separated.

The frame 65 is also tilted relative to the horizontal. When viewed from behind, the rotors 64 are located at different heights. In other words, the rotors 64 that separate the cables 22 arranged in the radial direction of the rotating gantry 5 are located at different heights. This allows the cables 22 to pass through the wiring unit 61 while smoothly contacting the rotors 64.

Next, the method for aligning the rotating gantry 5 using the alignment device 60 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8. 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, a wire arrangement unit 61, which is stationary and located near the spool 23 and has multiple rotatable cylindrical rotors 64 whose outer surfaces contact the cables 22, separates the multiple cables 22.

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 wire arrangement device 60 can suppress wear on the cable 22 while suppressing irregular winding of 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 unit 61 is inclined so that the end closest to the position directly below the center of the spool 23 is lower than the opposite end, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the wire arranging unit 61 may be inclined so that the end closest to the position directly below the center of the spool 23 is higher than the opposite end.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 9, the wire arranging device 60A of the second embodiment includes two upper and lower wire arranging units 61A and 61B. The connecting portions 63 of each of the wire arranging units 61A and 61B are fixed to a unit stand 62. In other words, both wire arranging units 61A and 61B are installed in a stationary position close to the spool 23. The inclination of both wire arranging units 61A and 61B is the same.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the frames 65A, 65B that make up each wiring unit 61A, 61B are stacked in two (multiple) rows, one above the other, in the direction in which the cable 22 extends. The distance between these frames 65A, 65B is set appropriately depending on the type, thickness, and hardness (rigidity) of the cable 22. For example, when guiding a cable 22 that is hard and difficult to bend, the distance between the frames 65A, 65B is set larger to prevent the cable 22 from bending significantly at the wiring units 61A, 61B.

The lower frame 65B is provided directly below the upper frame 65A. The lower frame 65B may be positioned horizontally offset from the position directly below the upper frame 65A. For example, the lower frame 65B may be positioned in the direction in which the cable 22 bends.

The upper frame 65A is provided with multiple shafts 66 that extend axially (Z direction) and are aligned radially (X direction). The rotor 64A is rotatably supported by these shafts 66. Meanwhile, the lower frame 65B is provided with multiple shafts 67 that extend radially (X direction) and are aligned axially (Z direction). The rotor 64B is rotatably supported by these shafts 67.

By stacking these frames 65A, 65B one above the other, the shafts 66, 67 are arranged in a grid pattern in plan view. The rotating bodies 64A, 64B supported by the shafts 66, 67 separate the cable 22 in the axial and radial directions. Four rotating bodies 64A, 64B can come into contact with the outer surface of one cable 22.

In the second embodiment, a rotor 64A that separates the cables 22 in the radial direction (X direction) of the rotating gantry 5 is provided on one upper frame 65A, and a rotor 64B that separates the cables 22 in the axial direction (Z direction) of the rotating gantry 5 is provided on the other lower frame 65B. In this way, multiple rotors 64A, 64B can be arranged in a compact configuration, and the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the wiring arrangement units 61A, 61B can be reduced.

In addition, because two upper and lower wiring arrangement units 61A and 61B are provided, the cable 22 is not bent sharply at the portion guided by the wiring arrangement units 61A and 61B, which helps to reduce wear on the cable 22.

In the second embodiment, two upper and lower tiers of wire arrangement units 61A and 61B are provided, but other configurations are also possible. For example, three or more tiers of wire arrangement units may be stacked.

In the second embodiment, the upper and lower wiring arrangement units 61A, 61B are inclined at the same angle, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the upper and lower wiring arrangement units 61A, 61B may be inclined at different angles. In particular, when viewed from behind, the upper and lower wiring arrangement units 61A, 61B may each be inclined so as to intersect at right angles with the extension direction of the cable 22.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 12, the third embodiment of the wire arranging device 60B includes two upper and lower wire arranging units 61A and 61B. The upper wire arranging unit 61A is fixed to a unit stand 62. Meanwhile, the lower wire arranging unit 61B is supported in a movable state relative to the unit stand 62. Note that the arrangement of the rotors 64A and 64B in each of the wire arranging units 61A and 61B is the same as in the second embodiment described above (see, for example, Figures 10 and 11).

For example, the connecting portion 63 of the upper frame 65A is fixed to the unit stand 62, while the connecting portion 63 of the lower frame 65B is supported via a slit hole 69 formed in the unit stand 62. The slit hole 69 extends horizontally and serves as a guide that guides the lower frame 65B laterally.

The slit holes 69 are tilted relative to the horizontal. This tilt is the same as the tilt of the wire alignment units 61A and 61B. For example, when no load is applied to the lower frame 65B, the lower frame 65B moves diagonally downward (to the left in Figure 12) due to its own weight.

As shown in Figure 13, when the cable 22 is unwound from the spool 23 (Figure 4), the lower frame 65B is moved diagonally upward (to the right in Figure 13) in accordance with the direction in which the cable 22 extends. For example, when the cable 22 is unwound from the spool 23, the cable 22 bends so that it bulges out in the direction away from the spool 23, and the lower frame 65B moves in accordance with the degree of bending.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12, when the cable 22 is wound onto the spool 23 (Figure 4), the lower frame 65B is moved diagonally downward (to the left in Figure 12) in accordance with the direction in which the cable 22 extends. For example, when the cable 22 is wound off the spool 23, the cable 22 bends in the direction in which it is attracted to the spool 23, and the lower frame 65B moves in accordance with the degree of bending.

In the third embodiment, the upper frame 65A is fixed, and the lower frame 65B is movable. This allows the positional relationship between the two frames 65A and 65B to be adjusted relative to the direction in which the cable 22 extends, and each frame 65A, 65B is moved to an appropriate position relative to the cable 22. The cable 22 then passes between the rotating bodies 64A and 64B (Figures 10 and 11) at an appropriate angle. In particular, the lower frame 65B is movable in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cable 22 extends. In this way, the frame 65B moves in accordance with the movement of the cable 22, eliminating the need for load on the cable 22 at the wiring arrangement units 61A and 61B.

In the third embodiment, the upper frame 65A is fixed and the lower frame 65B is movable, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the lower frame 65B may be fixed and the upper frame 65A may be movable. Alternatively, both the upper and lower frames 65A, 65B may be movable.

In the third embodiment, the unit stand 62 is provided with a slit hole 69 as a configuration for moving the lower frame 65B (wire alignment unit 61B), but other configurations are also possible. For example, the unit stand 62 may be provided with a rail (protrusion) for moving the lower frame 65B.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 14, the wire arranging device 60C of the fourth embodiment includes a single wire arranging unit 61C. The arrangement of the wire arranging unit 61C relative to the spool 23 is the same as in the first embodiment (see, for example, Figure 4).

The frame 65C of the wire arrangement unit 61C is provided with multiple shafts 66 extending axially (Z direction) and aligned radially (X direction). The rotor 64C is rotatably supported by these shafts 66.

As shown in Figure 15, the rotors 64C have recesses 70 formed on their outer circumferential surfaces that come into contact with the cable 22. In other words, these rotors 64C form saddle-shaped guide wheels for guiding the cable 22. For example, one rotor 64C has a central cylindrical section with the tips of truncated cones attached to both ends. At least two rotors 64C can hold one cable 22 by clamping it from the radial direction (X direction).

In the fourth embodiment, a recess 70 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 64C, which prevents the cable 22 from shifting from the position where it is in contact with the rotating body 64C. For example, a portion of the outer periphery of the cable 22 is loosely fitted into the recess 70 of the rotating body 64C, preventing the cable 22 from shifting laterally (in the direction in which the shaft 66 extends).

Furthermore, to hold one cable 22, it is sufficient to provide two rotating bodies 64C arranged so as to sandwich the cable from the radial direction (X direction). This allows for a reduction in the number of rotating bodies 64C required for one wiring arrangement unit 61C.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. 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.

As shown in FIG. 16, the fifth embodiment of the wire arranging device 60D includes a single-stage wire arranging unit 61D. This wire arranging unit 61D is fixed to a unit stand 62.

In the fifth embodiment, the wire arrangement unit 61D is positioned so as to be displaced horizontally from the specific range R in which the cable 22 hangs down from the spool 23. For example, the wire arrangement unit 61D is positioned so as to be displaced in the radial direction (X direction) away from the spool 23. In other words, the wire arrangement unit 61D is positioned so as to be displaced in the direction away from the fixing device 30.

As shown in Figure 17, the frame 65D of the wire arrangement unit 61D is provided with multiple shafts 66 extending in the axial direction (Z direction) and aligned in the radial direction (X direction). Rotating bodies 64C are rotatably supported by these shafts 66. As in the fourth embodiment, the rotating bodies 64C have recesses 70 (Figure 15) formed on their outer surfaces with which the cables 22 come into contact. These rotating bodies 64C are saddle-shaped guide wheels.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the frame 65D of the wire arrangement unit 61D is positioned so that it is displaced horizontally from the specific range R, causing the cable 22 to be wound onto the spool 23 from diagonally below. The cable 22 is also unwound from the spool 23 diagonally downward. The cable 22 always comes into contact with each rotating body 64C from one direction.

When the frame 65D is displaced away from the spool 23, a load is applied to the cable 22 due to its own weight, moving it closer to the spool 23. For example, a force acts on the cable 22, trying to move it to the left in the plane of the paper in Figure 17. As a result, the cable 22 always contacts the same surface on the outer periphery of each rotating body 64C.

In the fifth embodiment, the cable 22 hanging down from the spool 23 passes vertically between the rotors 64C arranged in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the cable 22, and the cable 22 contacts the rotor 64C from one direction in either the winding or unwinding state. In this way, the cable 22 contacts one surface of the rotor 64C in either the winding or unwinding state, which reduces the number of rotors 64C installed. In other words, only one rotor 64C is required to guide one cable 22. This simplifies the configuration of the wiring unit 61D and allows for a compact configuration.

Furthermore, the cable 22 extends from the spool 23 to the fixing device 30 via the wiring arrangement unit 61D. When the wiring arrangement unit 61D is displaced in a direction away from the fixing device 30, the cable 22 takes a longer route from the spool 23 to the fixing device 30. As a result, the cable 22 placed in the cable pit 24 is moved to an upward position, in other words, is lifted, and as a result, the depth dimension of the cable pit 24 can be set shallower.

The amount of displacement (distance) by which the wiring arrangement unit 61D displaces horizontally from the specific range R is set appropriately to suit the state of the cable 22. It is set appropriately depending on the type, thickness, and hardness (rigidity) of the cable 22. For example, it is set based on the curvature of the cable 22 as it hangs down from the spool 23 and bends, so that the cable 22 does not buckle and ride up on the wiring arrangement unit 61D. Furthermore, wiring arrangement may be performed using multiple different wiring arrangement units 61D depending on the type of cable 22. In this case, the amount of displacement (distance) of each wiring arrangement unit 61D may be set to a different value depending on the type of cable 22.

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

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 of the embodiments described above, by providing a wiring arrangement unit that separates multiple cables and has multiple rotatable cylindrical rotors whose outer surfaces are in contact with the cables, it is possible to suppress cable wear while also suppressing cable disorder.

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, 23...Spool, 24...Cable pit, 25...Flange 26... flange, 27... lane, 28... peripheral surface, 29... chamfered portion, 30... fixing device, 31... penetration portion, 60 (60A, 60B, 60C, 60D)... wire arrangement device, 61 (61A, 61B, 61C, 61D)... wire arrangement unit, 62... unit stand, 63... connecting portion, 64 (64A, 64B, 64C)... rotating body, 65 (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D)... frame, 66, 67... shaft portion, 68... grid, 69... slit hole, 70... recess, G1... first group, G2... second group, R... specific range.

Claims (16)

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 wiring arrangement unit that separates the plurality of cables;
Equipped with
The wire arrangement unit includes:
a frame that is stationary and disposed below the spool and through which the cables pass;
a plurality of rotating bodies each having a cylindrical shape with one of the cables in contact with an outer circumferential surface thereof and rotatably supported by the frame;
having
Rotating gantry alignment device. The rotating body separates the cables arranged in at least one of a radial direction and an axial direction of the rotating gantry.
2. The rotating gantry wire alignment device according to claim 1. The wire arrangement unit is disposed in a specific area where the cable hangs down from the spool,
The cable hanging down from the spool passes vertically between the rotating bodies arranged in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the cable.
3. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to claim 1 or 2. the wire arrangement unit is disposed horizontally displaced from a specific range in which the cable hangs down from the spool,
The cable hanging down from the spool passes vertically between the rotating bodies arranged in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the cable, and the cable comes into contact with the rotating bodies from one direction in either the winding or unwinding state.
3. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to claim 1 or 2. The rotating body has a recess formed on the outer circumferential surface with which the cable comes into contact.
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The rotating body partitions the cables in the radial direction of the rotating gantry.
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The wiring unit has a lattice-shaped frame in which the cables are individually passed through each square and the rotor is rotatably supported on at least one side of the square.
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The frame is provided in a state inclined relative to the horizontal direction,
the plurality of rotating bodies separating the plurality of cables arranged in the radial direction of the rotating gantry are provided at different height positions;
8. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to claim 6 or 7. The plurality of frames are stacked in the direction in which the cable extends.
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 6 to 8. the rotating body that partitions the cables in a radial direction of the rotating gantry is provided in at least one stage of the frame among the plurality of frames,
the rotating body that separates the cables in the axial direction of the rotating gantry is provided on all remaining stages of the frames among the plurality of frames;
10. The rotating gantry wire alignment device according to claim 9. At least one of the frames is movable in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cable extends.
11. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to claim 9 or 10 . At least two levels of the frame are provided, stacked vertically, and the upper level frame is fixed and the lower level frame is movable.
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 9 to 11. Two stages of the frame are provided, stacked one above the other,
the rotating body that partitions the cables in the radial direction of the rotating gantry is provided on one of the upper stage frames,
the rotating body that separates the cables in the axial direction of the rotating gantry is provided on the other lower stage frame;
The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 9 to 12 . 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 13 . 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 wiring unit partitions the plurality of cables;
Including ,
The wire arrangement unit includes:
a frame that is stationary and disposed below the spool and through which the cables pass;
a plurality of rotating bodies each having a cylindrical shape with one of the cables in contact with an outer circumferential surface thereof and rotatably supported by the frame;
having
How to align the rotating gantry. a wire alignment device for the rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 14 ;
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.