Particle beam therapy system and device update method for a particle beam therapy system

Abstract

A particle ray therapy system and a device update method for a particle ray therapy system are provided. A particle ray therapy system (1) includes a charged particle beam generating device (2) that generates a charged particle beam (Bm), a first irradiation device (4(1)) that irradiates the charged particle beam to a predetermined irradiation target, a first beam transport device (3(1)) that transports the charged particle beam from the charged particle beam generating device (2) to the first irradiation device (4(1)), and a first vacuum valve (33(1)) provided to the first beam transport device (3(1)).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the parent application No. 201811520082.7, with the title of Particle Ray Therapy System and Device Updating Method for Particle Ray Therapy System. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a particle ray therapy system and a device updating method for a particle ray therapy system. BACKGROUND

[0003] A particle ray therapy system that performs treatment by irradiating a charged particle beam such as a proton or a heavy ion to a treatment site is known (Patent Literature 1).

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 5409521

[0006] Patent Literature 2: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0296610

[0007] For example, in a case where an already installed particle ray therapy system is aging or the number of patients who are the treatment targets of the particle ray is increasing, a new irradiation device needs to be added to the already installed system, but at this time, a large amount of device stop time is required until a series of work such as addition work, adjustment, and test of the new irradiation device is completed.

[0008] Also, a case where an old irradiation device included in the already installed system is replaced with a new irradiation device to which a new technology is applied is considered. In this case, a long device stop time is required until the series of work is completed.

[0009] During the series of work, a vacuum in the already installed system cannot be maintained. Thus, a charged particle beam cannot be accelerated and transported, and thus the already installed system cannot be operated for a long time during the work, and further, treatment cannot be performed. In a case where the structure of an already existing particle ray therapy system is updated, if a long time elapses from when the update is completed to when the particle ray therapy system is operated again, expected treatment income cannot be expected in the operation of the particle ray therapy system, and thus a money burden on the business of the device installer becomes large. SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the present application is to provide a particle ray therapy system and a device updating method for a particle ray therapy system, which can efficiently add and update a device.

[0011] To solve the above problems, a particle ray therapy system according to the present application includes: a charged particle beam generating device that generates a charged particle beam; a first irradiation device that irradiates the charged particle beam to a predetermined irradiation target; a first beam transport device that transports the charged particle beam from the charged particle beam generating device to the first irradiation device; and a first vacuum valve provided in the first beam transport device.

[0012] Effects of the present application are as follows.

[0013] According to the present application, by closing the first vacuum valve, it is possible to perform addition or update of equipment while maintaining the degree of vacuum in the path from the first vacuum valve to the charged particle beam generating device, thereby shortening the time for stopping the charged particle beam generating device, expecting to obtain therapy income during the addition or update of equipment, and further reducing the financial burden on the device installer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram of a particle ray therapy system according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram of a structure of a particle ray therapy system.

[0016] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between a beam transport device, a shielding wall, and a vacuum valve, (1) showing a state before an addition work, and (2) showing a state after the addition work.

[0017] Figure 4 is a diagram showing brief procedures in a case where a new device is added.

[0018] Figure 5 is a diagram showing brief procedures as a comparative example to which the present embodiment is not applied.

[0019] Figure 6 relates to a second embodiment, and is a diagram of a particle ray therapy system in which a second irradiation device can be added.

[0020] Figure 7 relates to a third embodiment, and is a diagram of a particle ray therapy system showing a case where a vacuum valve is provided at each outlet of a deflection device.

[0021] Figure 8 relates to a fourth embodiment, and is a diagram of a particle ray therapy system showing a case where a vacuum valve for an updated irradiation device is provided.

[0022] In the drawings:

[0023] 1 - particle ray treatment system, 2 - charged particle beam generating device, 3(1), 3(2), 3(3) - beam transport device, 4(1), 4(2), 4(3) - irradiation device, 5 - control device, 6 - building, 21 - pre-stage accelerator, 22 - circular accelerator, 31(1), 31(2) - vacuum line, 32(1), 32(2) - deflection electromagnet, 33(1), 33(2), 33(3) - vacuum valve, 34(1), 34(2) - vacuum valve, 61 - accelerator room, 62(1), 62(2), 62(3) - treatment room, 63 - beam transport room. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described based on the drawings. As explained hereinafter, the particle ray treatment system of the present embodiment has a structure that takes into account expandability in advance. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a renewal work (replacement of a part of an existing device, addition of a new device) in a short time.

[0025] In the present embodiment, a vacuum valve for maintaining a vacuum degree is provided at a boundary between a region to be renewed and a region other than this (a region not to be renewed, a maintenance region). As described above, the region to be renewed can be divided into a case where a new device is added and a case where a part of an existing device is replaced (a case of replacement).

[0026] In the case where a new device is added, a vacuum valve is provided in advance at a boundary between a region where the new device is to be added and an existing device (the entire device becomes a maintenance region). By closing the vacuum valve in advance, it is possible to maintain a vacuum state of the existing device. Further, in a state where the vacuum state of the existing device is maintained, the new device is connected to a front end of the vacuum valve and a necessary work is performed. Since the new device and the existing device are separated by the vacuum valve, it is possible to suppress an influence of a setting work and a connection work of the new device on the existing device. Thus, it is possible to set the new device to the front end of the vacuum valve in a short time while continuing an operation (use) of the existing device.

[0027] After the setting of the new device is completed, the vacuum degree of the new device is made to coincide with the vacuum degree of the existing device by pumping the new device with a vacuum pump. After the vacuum degree of the new device is made to coincide with the vacuum degree of the existing device, the new device and the existing device are connected in a physical aspect (on a flow of a charged particle beam) by opening the vacuum valve. By also providing a vacuum valve in advance in the added new device, it is possible to further correspond to the addition of the new device.

[0028] Further, a control device of the new device and a control device of the existing device can be respectively independently constituted and connected, or the existing control device can be replaced with a new control device.

[0029] In the case of replacing a part of the existing device, a vacuum valve is provided in advance at the boundary between the region of the replacement object (a device in which the object is replaced in the existing device) and the region other than this (a device that is left as it is in the existing device, a device that maintains the region). By opening the vacuum valve in advance, it is possible to continue the operation of the existing device as usual.

[0030] Also, the vacuum valve is closed before the installation of the new device, separating the new device from the existing device (the maintenance region). In the state in which the separation is complete, the new device is set to the front end of the vacuum valve. The new device set to the front end of the vacuum valve is pumped by the vacuum pump so as to be in conformity with the degree of vacuum of the existing device separated by the vacuum valve. After the degree of vacuum of the new device is in conformity with the degree of vacuum of the existing device that is left as it is and continues to be used, the vacuum valve is opened again. Thus, it is possible to replace a part of the existing device with a new device in a short period of time.

[0031] As explained below, the particle ray therapy system of the present embodiment can be provided with either one of the structure of the addition preparation corresponding to the addition of a new device and the structure of the replacement preparation corresponding to the replacement of a part of the existing device, or both.

[0032] Embodiment 1

[0033] Use Figures 1-5 The first embodiment is explained. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram in the case of adding a new device to the particle ray therapy system 1.

[0034] Figure 1 (1) of the drawing shows the structure before the addition of a new device. The particle ray therapy system 1 is provided with, for example, a charged particle beam generating device 2, a beam transport device 3(1), an irradiation device 4(1), a control device 5, and a power supply device not shown.

[0035] The particle ray therapy system 1 is provided in a building 6 such as a dedicated treatment tower of a hospital. The building 6 is provided with, for example, an accelerator room 61, a treatment room 62(1), and a beam transport room 63.

[0036] The charged particle beam generating device 2 is a device that generates a charged particle beam of positive ions or heavy ions, etc. The charged particle beam generating device 2 is provided in the accelerator room 61. The charged particle beam generating device 2 is provided with, for example, an ion source (not shown), a pre-stage accelerator 21, and a circular accelerator 22. The circular accelerator 22 can be a synchrotron or a cyclotron. The ion source not shown is connected to the upstream side of the pre-stage accelerator 21, and the circular accelerator 22 is connected to the downstream side of the pre-stage accelerator 21.

[0037] The beam transport device 3(1) is an example of a "first beam transport device". The beam transport device 3(1) is provided in the beam transport chamber 63. The beam transport device 3(1) is connected to the downstream side of the charged particle beam generating device 2, and connects the charged particle beam generating device 2 and the irradiation device 4(1).

[0038] The charged particle beam generated by the charged particle beam generating device 2 passes through the beam transport device 3(1) and is sent to the irradiation device 4(1) provided in the treatment chamber 62(1). The charged particle beam is irradiated to the affected part of the patient who is a "predetermined irradiation target" by the irradiation device 4(1). The irradiation device 4(1) is an example of a "first irradiation device". Figure 1 In the present embodiment, a symbol Bm(1) is attached to the beam irradiated by the irradiation device 4(1).

[0039] The beam transport device 3(1) includes, for example, a vacuum pipe 31(1), and a deflection electromagnet 32(1) provided in the vacuum pipe 31(1). In the vacuum pipe 31(1), in addition to the deflection electromagnet 32(1), a quadrupole electromagnet, a steering electromagnet, a distribution curve monitor (none of which is shown in the figure) are provided, for example.

[0040] The deflection electromagnet 32(1) which is an example of a "first branch device" is provided midway through the vacuum pipe 31(1). The deflection electromagnet 32(1) controls the direction of the charged particle beam passing through the vacuum pipe 31(1) in accordance with a control signal from the control device 5.

[0041] The deflection electromagnet 32(1) has one inlet through which the charged particle beam is injected, and a plurality of outlets (for example, two outlets) through which the charged particle beam is emitted. The charged particle beam injected into the deflection electromagnet 32(1) is emitted from any one of the plurality of outlets which face different directions. One outlet is an outlet which faces the irradiation device 4(1). This outlet is an example of a "first irradiation device side outlet". The other outlet is an outlet which faces the second irradiation device 4(2). This outlet is an example of a "second irradiation device side outlet".

[0042] The vacuum valve 33(1) which is an example of a "first vacuum valve" is provided in advance midway through the beam transport device 3(1). The vacuum valve 33(1) can be provided on the outlet side of the deflection electromagnet 32(1). For example, the vacuum valve 33(1) can be provided on the second irradiation device side outlet among the outlets of the deflection electromagnet 32(1). The vacuum valve 33(1) is normally in a closed valve state. Thereby, the vacuum inside the beam transport device 3(1) is maintained.

[0043] The control device 5 is a device that controls the operation of the particle ray therapy system 1. The control device 5 controls the particle ray therapy system 1 in accordance with an operation from a computer terminal outside the figure. Figure 1In the figure, the control device 5 is shown as being electrically connected only to the circular accelerator 22 and the deflection electromagnet 32(1), but in fact, the control device 5 is connected to each part required for control of the particle ray therapy system 1.

[0044] Figure 1 (2) shows a case where a new device (the second irradiation device 4(2) and the like) is added to the existing equipment of the particle ray therapy system 1. In the beam transport chamber 63, the vacuum valve 33(1) in the closed state is connected to the beam transport device 3(2) as an example of a "second beam transport device". The new irradiation device 4(2) is provided in the treatment chamber 62(2) which should also be called a second treatment chamber.

[0045] The new irradiation device 4(2) in the treatment chamber 62(2) is connected to the terminal (the end in the flow direction of the charged particle beam) of the beam transport device 3(2). Thereby, the beam transport device 3(2) makes the path from the vacuum valve 33(1) to the new irradiation device 4(2) communicate. Since the vacuum valve 33(1) is closed, the vacuum in the beam transport device 3(1) is not affected by the addition of the new device. Figure 1 At the time of (2), the beam transport device 3(2) does not communicate with the beam transport device 3(1). That is, the vacuum of the beam transport device 3(1) as an existing device other than the addition target is maintained.

[0046] A deflection electromagnet 32(2) as an example of a "second branch device" is provided midway through the beam transport device 3(2). The deflection electromagnet 32(2) is controlled in such a manner that the charged particle beam is directed toward the irradiation device 4(2) in accordance with a control signal from the control device 5.

[0047] As in the explanation of the deflection electromagnet 32(1), a vacuum valve 33(2) as an example of a "second vacuum valve" is provided in the deflection electromagnet 32(2). In detail, the vacuum valve 33(2) is provided in an outlet of the two outlets of the deflection electromagnet 32(2) other than the outlet toward the irradiation device 4(2). This vacuum valve 33(2) is closed.

[0048] A vacuum pump 71 and a pressure sensor 72 are provided midway through the beam transport device 3(2). The vacuum pump 71 sucks and discharges gas in the beam transport device 3(2) until the degree of vacuum detected by the pressure sensor 72 coincides with the degree of vacuum set for the beam transport device 3(1). If the degree of vacuum (pressure) of the beam transport device 3(1) coincides with that of the beam transport device 3(2), the vacuum valve 33(1) is opened.

[0049] Figure 1(3) shows the completion of the addition of new equipment to the particle beam therapy system 1. Once the electrical work is completed and the irradiation device 4 (2) and deflecting electromagnet 32 ​​(2) are under the control of the control device 5, a conduction test of the charged particle beam and final adjustments are performed. Thus, the addition of the new equipment is completed, and the charged particle beam Bm (2) supplied from the charged particle beam generating device 2 to the irradiation device 4 (2) is irradiated toward the affected area.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the structure of the particle beam therapy system 1. In detail, building 6 has a shielding wall 64 between the accelerator chamber 61 and the beam delivery chamber 63. The beam delivery device 3(2) and the beam delivery device 3(1) are connected through the shielding wall 64. The beam delivery device 3(2) and the beam delivery device 3(1) can be separated or connected via a vacuum valve 33(1).

[0051] Vacuum valve 33(1) is provided, for example, in the accelerator chamber 61 in a manner that is located near the front side of the shielding wall 64. By providing vacuum valve 33(1) near the front of the shielding wall 64, engineering and other processes can be carried out on the beam delivery chamber 63 side without being affected by the accelerator 22.

[0052] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the shielding wall 64 and the vacuum valve 33(1), etc. Figure 3 (1) is the state before the addition of new equipment, that is, the state when the existing equipment is incorporated. The downstream end of the beam delivery device 3 (1) is provided with a through-barrier wall 64. The downstream opening of the beam delivery device 3 (1) is covered by a flange 66. The beam delivery device 3 (1) is filled with a barrier 65 from the downstream opening of the beam delivery device 3 (1) to the outlet of the vacuum valve 33 (1). The barrier 65 is, for example, a steel sphere. Thus, before the addition of new equipment, the influence of the accelerator chamber 61 side is prevented from affecting the beam delivery chamber 63 side.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown in (2), when adding new equipment, after removing flange 66 and obstruction 65, beam delivery device 3(2) and beam delivery device 3(1) are connected via vacuum valve 33(1).

[0054] Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates the procedures required for the addition of the new equipment in this embodiment. Figure 4 And the following Figure 5 The document briefly outlines the main procedures required for the project.

[0055] As described above, the existing device is a structure of a part that does not become an object of addition or replacement of the device in the particle ray therapy system 1. The existing device is in operation, which means that treatment using the installed irradiation device 4(1) can be performed.

[0056] Before the start of the addition work of the new device, the vacuum valve 33(1) is closed. Thus, the vacuum of the existing device side (the charged particle beam generating device 2, the beam transport device 3(1), the irradiation device 4(1)) is maintained, and thus the existing device can continue to operate as before (S1).

[0057] In the operation of the existing device, construction work for installing the irradiation device 4(2) and the beam transport device 3(2) as the new device is performed (S2). In addition, in anticipation of future device enhancement, a treatment room 62(2) and a beam transport room 63 can also be installed in the building 6 in advance.

[0058] When the work on the room is completed, the irradiation device 4(2) and the beam transport device 3(2) are moved in and installed (S3). In detail, the irradiation device 4(2) is installed in the treatment room 62(2), and the beam transport device 3(2) is installed in the beam transport room 63.

[0059] Furthermore, electrical work of the new device is performed (S4). In the electrical work, for example, the irradiation device 4(2) is connected to a power source, or the deflection electromagnet 32(2) of the beam transport device 3(2) is connected to a power source, or the above-mentioned power source is connected to the control device 5.

[0060] After the electrical work is completed, the vacuum valve 33(1) is closed, and in this state, the pressure of the charged particle beam path (vacuum line) possessed by the beam transport device 3(2) and the irradiation device 4(2) is reduced to a predetermined pressure by operating the vacuum pump 71 (S5). The predetermined pressure is a degree of vacuum required for the transport of the charged particle beam.

[0061] When the vacuuming work is completed, the operation of the existing device can be started again (S6). Until the final adjustment of the new irradiation device 4(2) is completed, treatment using the installed irradiation device 4(1) can be started again.

[0062] On the other hand, when the vacuuming of the new device is completed, the vacuum valve 33(1) is opened, and thus the beam transport device 3(1) and the beam transport device 3(2) are communicated (S7). Furthermore, the final adjustment of the new device, that is, the final adjustment of the irradiation device 4(2) is performed.

[0063] However, since the operation of the installed irradiation device 4(1) is restarted, the final adjustment of the added irradiation device 4(2) is performed, for example, during a period of night or a holiday (S8). In the final adjustment, for example, the position and the specifications of the charged particle beam supplied from the charged particle beam generating device 2 to the irradiation device 4(2) are adjusted. After the final adjustment of the irradiation device 4(2) is completed, the operation of the irradiation device 4(2) can be performed (S9).

[0064] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the vacuum valve 33(1) is provided at the boundary between the device to be updated and the existing device which is continuously used as it is, and the device to be updated can be separated from the existing device. Thus, the degree of vacuum of the existing device can be maintained, and the addition work of the new device can be performed in a state where the existing device is operated (in operation), so that the stop time of the existing device can be shortened.

[0065] Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 10, the stop time T1 of the existing device is approximately equal to the time required for the electrical work (connection of cables to a switchboard) of the new device. In contrast to this, Figure 5 is a process diagram of a comparative example which is a case where the present embodiment is not applied.

[0066] Since the comparative example does not have the vacuum valve 33(1) which separates the existing device from the device to be updated and manages them, the influence of the work performed on the new device also reaches the existing device as it is. During the addition work of the new device, the existing device cannot be operated. That is, for example, in each of the work of adding a room for the new device (S12), the work of installing the new device (S13), the electrical work (S14), the work of performing vacuuming so that the new device and the existing device become a predetermined pressure (a predetermined degree of vacuum) (S15), and the final adjustment work (S16), the treatment using the existing device cannot be performed. Therefore, in the case of the comparative example, the stop period T1a of the existing device is longer than the stop period T1 of the particle ray therapy system 1 of the present embodiment (T1a > T1).

[0067] According to the present embodiment, in the case where the new device is added, the stop period of the existing device can be shortened, and the addition of the new device can be performed while the treatment of the existing device is continued. Thus, the income can be ensured, and the capacity of the particle ray therapy system 1 can be expanded, and the risk of reduction in the profit in business management can be reduced.

[0068] Embodiment 2

[0069] Use Figure 6The second embodiment will be described. The following embodiments including the present embodiment correspond to variations of the first embodiment, and will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, further expandability is obtained by also installing a vacuum valve 33(2) in advance in the newly added irradiation device 4(2).

[0070] Figure 6 (1) shows a state where the addition of the second irradiation device 4(2) is completed. A vacuum valve 33(2) is also provided in advance in the beam transport device 3(2) connected to the second irradiation device 4(2). The detailed installation example of the vacuum valve 33(2) is the same as that of the vacuum valve 33(1) described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

[0071] Figure 6 (2) shows a state where a third irradiation device 4(3) is further added. The method of connecting the third irradiation device 4(3) to the beam transport device 3(2) via the vacuum valve 33(2) is the same as the method of connecting the second irradiation device 4(2) to the beam transport device 3(1) via the vacuum valve 33(1). Figure 6 In the above, the case where two new devices 4(1), 4(2) are added with respect to the initial configuration (irradiation device 4(1), charged particle beam generating device 2, beam transport device 3(1)) is described. However, it is not limited thereto, and four or more new devices can also be added.

[0072] Embodiment 3

[0073] Use Figure 7 The third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the case where not only a new device is added to an existing device but also a part of the existing device is replaced will be described.

[0074] In the present embodiment, as described in the Figure 6 above, vacuum valves 33(2), 33(3) are also provided in advance in the added new devices. In addition, in the present embodiment, the beam transport devices 3(1), 3(2) between the irradiation devices 4(1), 4(2) and the deflection electromagnets 32(1), 32(2) are respectively provided with vacuum valves 34(1), 34(2) for replacement devices in a manner located near the front side of the walls 67(1), 67(2).

[0075] In the present embodiment configured as such, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, by using the vacuum valve 33(1) for added devices, it is possible to add a new irradiation device 4(2) in a short time. Figure 7 In the above, although omitted, it is also possible to install the vacuum valve 33(2) for added devices in advance at the time of addition of the new irradiation device 4(2).

[0076] Further, according to the present embodiment, since the replacement vacuum valves 34(1), 34(2) are also provided in advance in the irradiation devices 4(1), 4(2), replacement of the irradiation devices 4(1), 4(2) can be performed in a short time. For example, in the case of replacing the irradiation device 4(1) with another irradiation device, after closing the vacuum valve 34(1), the irradiation device 4(1) is detached, and the other irradiation device is installed. Further, a not-illustrated vacuum pump is used to make the pressure inside the other irradiation device a predetermined vacuum degree. Thereafter, by opening the vacuum valve 34(1), the other irradiation device can be connected to the beam transport device 3(1). The same can be performed for the irradiation device 4(2).

[0077] Embodiment 4

[0078] Use Figure 8 A fourth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the structure described in the first embodiment is removed from the vacuum valve 33(1) for the additional equipment, and only the vacuum valves 34(1), 34(2) for the replacement equipment are provided. In the present embodiment configured in this way, the irradiation devices 4(1), 4(2) can be replaced in a short time. Figure 7

[0079] Further, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various additions, changes, and the like can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present application. In the above-described embodiments, the structure examples illustrated in the drawings are not limiting. The structure and processing method of the embodiments can be appropriately changed within the scope of achieving the object of the present application.

[0080] Further, the structures of the present application can be arbitrarily selected, and the present application includes the application having the structures after the selection. Further, the structures recited in the claims can be combined with combinations other than the combinations explicitly recited in the claims.​

Claims

1. A particle radiation therapy system, characterized by, Possessing: a charged particle beam generating device that generates a charged particle beam; a first irradiation device that causes the charged particle beam to be irradiated to a predetermined irradiation target; and a first beam transport device that transports the charged particle beam from the charged particle beam generating device to the first irradiation device, a first branching device that branches the charged particle beam is provided in the first beam transport device, the first beam transport device connected to a first outlet branched at the first branching device is connected to the first irradiation device, a downstream side opening portion of the first beam transport device connected to a second outlet branched at the first branching device is capped and a shield is provided, after the shield provided at the downstream side opening portion of the first beam transport device is removed, a second beam transport device connected to a second irradiation device as a new device is communicated with the first beam transport device as an existing device.

2. The particle ray therapy system according to claim 1, wherein the first beam transport device and the second beam transport device are communicated in a manner that penetrates a shield wall.

3. The particle ray therapy system according to claim 2, wherein a vacuum pump that sucks and discharges a gas of the second beam transport device and a first vacuum valve that can separate or connect the first beam transport device and the second beam transport device are provided, in a state where the first vacuum valve is closed, the pressure in the second beam transport device is reduced to a predetermined pressure using the vacuum pump, the first vacuum valve is opened, and the first beam transport device and the second beam transport device are communicated.

4. The particle ray therapy system according to claim 3, wherein the first vacuum valve is provided at the second outlet of the first branching device.

5. The particle ray therapy system according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of first vacuum valves are provided, one of the plurality of first vacuum valves is provided at the second outlet, and another of the plurality of first vacuum valves is provided at the first outlet.

6. The particle ray therapy system according to claim 3, wherein the first vacuum valve is provided between the shield wall and the first branching device.

7. The particle ray therapy system according to claim 2, wherein a second vacuum valve is provided in the second beam transport device.

8. The particle ray therapy system according to claim 7, wherein a second branching device that branches the charged particle beam is provided in the second beam transport device, the second vacuum valve is provided at an outlet of the second branching device.

9. A device update method of a particle ray therapy system, wherein the particle ray therapy system is provided with: a charged particle beam generating device that generates a charged particle beam; a first irradiation device that causes the charged particle beam to be irradiated to a predetermined irradiation target; a first beam transport device that transports the charged particle beam from the charged particle beam generating device to the first irradiation device; and a first branch device provided in the first beam transport device, which branches the charged particle beam to either a first exit or a second exit, after removing a shutter provided at a downstream side opening of the first beam transport device connected to the second exit, connecting a second beam transport device connected to the second irradiation device as a new device to the first beam transport device as an existing device.

10. The device update method of a particle ray therapy system according to claim 9, wherein after closing a first vacuum valve capable of separating or connecting the first beam transport device and the second beam transport device, reducing the pressure in the second beam transport device to a predetermined pressure, opening the first vacuum valve to communicate the first beam transport device and the second beam transport device.

11. The device update method of a particle ray therapy system according to claim 10, wherein after opening the first vacuum valve to communicate the first beam transport device and the second beam transport device, the charged particle beam is adjusted to be supplied to the second irradiation device via the first beam transport device, the first branch device, the vacuum valve, and the second beam transport device.

12. The device update method of a particle ray therapy system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein in accordance with a control signal from a control device, the first branch device emits the charged particle beam to either the first exit or the second exit.

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