Neutron generation target conduit and neutron capture therapy device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a neutron generation target conduit and a neutron capture therapy device. The neutron generation target conduit and the neutron capture therapy device can properly support a target. The neutron generation target conduit (30) is provided with a fixing part (60) for maintaining the pressing state of the flange part (33) and the pressing member (36) on the target (10). Therefore, if the target (10) is in a pressed state in which sealing performance can be ensured in a range in which cracks and the like do not occur, the fixing part (60) can maintain the pressed state. Therefore, the neutron generation target conduit (30) can suppress relaxation in the pressed state, and can continuously support the target (10) in an appropriate pressed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a neutron generation target catheter and a neutron capture therapy device. Background Art

[0002] For example, as a neutron capture therapy for killing cancer cells by irradiating neutron beams, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) using boron compounds is known (e.g., Patent Document 1). In BNCT, boron pre-doped into cancer cells is irradiated with neutron beams, and the cancer cells are selectively destroyed by the scattering of heavy charged particles generated thereby.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-146119

[0004] Here, in the neutron capture therapy device, a target that generates neutrons by irradiating a particle beam is used. The target is sometimes handled in a state of being assembled into a target catheter. However, if the target is strongly fixed with screws or the like, cracks may occur. In addition, when the target is fixed with a pressing force that does not cause cracks, the pressing force may not be maintained due to loosening of the screws or the like. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a neutron generation target catheter and a neutron capture therapy device that can appropriately support a target.

[0006] The neutron generation target catheter of the utility model comprises: a target that generates neutrons by irradiation of particle beams; a first component that allows the particle beams to pass; a second component that presses the target relative to the first component; and a fixing part that maintains the pressing state of the first component and the second component on the target.

[0007] The neutron generation target catheter involved in the utility model includes a first component that allows a particle beam to pass through, and a second component that presses the target relative to the first component. Therefore, by pressing the target against the first component with the second component, the sealing between the target and the first component can be ensured. Here, the neutron generation target catheter includes a fixing portion that maintains the pressing state of the first component and the second component on the target. Therefore, if the pressing state is achieved within a range that can ensure the sealing within which cracks are not generated in the target, the fixing portion can maintain the pressing state. Therefore, the neutron generation target catheter can suppress the relaxation of the pressing state and continuously support the target in an appropriate pressing state. Thus, the target can be properly supported.

[0008] The fixing portion may include a welding portion formed of a welding material. Thus, the fixing portion can be easily and firmly formed by welding.

[0009] The fixing portion may include a molded portion formed of an integral molding material. Thus, the fixing portion can be easily and firmly formed by integral molding.

[0010] The target may contain beryllium, for example. Also, the target may contain lithium, for example.

[0011] The neutron generation target catheter further includes a third member for fixing the first member and the second member, and the welding portion can fix the third member to at least one of the first member and the second member. By using the third member, the pressing state by the first member and the second member can be appropriately adjusted.

[0012] The neutron capture therapy device involved in the utility model is equipped with a neutron beam generating unit that generates neutron beams by irradiating a target with a particle beam. In the neutron capture therapy device, the neutron beam generating unit includes: a target; a first component that allows the charged particle beam to pass; a second component that presses the target relative to the first component; and a fixing unit that maintains the pressing state of the first component and the second component on the target.

[0013] According to the neutron capture therapy device of the present invention, if the pressing state is achieved to ensure sealing within a range where cracks or the like are not generated in the target, the fixing part can maintain the pressing state. Therefore, the neutron beam generating part can suppress the relaxation of the pressing state and continuously support the target in an appropriate pressing state. Thus, the target maintained in an appropriate pressing state can be used to generate neutron beams.

[0014] Effect of utility model

[0015] According to the utility model, a neutron generation target catheter and a neutron capture therapy device capable of appropriately supporting a target can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a neutron capture therapy device and a neutron generation target catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 In the figure, (a) is a schematic perspective view showing a neutron generation target catheter, and (b) is a developed perspective view showing the neutron generation target catheter.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a neutron generating target catheter.

[0019] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a neutron generating target catheter.

[0020] Explanation of symbols

[0021] 1-neutron beam generating part, 10-target, 31-catheter (first component), 36-pressing component (second component), 40-screw (third component), 48-metal part (third component), 60-fixing part, 61, 62, 63-welding part, 64-molding part, 100-neutron capture therapy device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a neutron capture therapy device 100 and a neutron generation target catheter 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The neutron capture therapy device 100 is a device that uses neutron beams generated by a neutron beam generating unit 1 as particle beams for treatment. The neutron beam generating unit 1 is used as a neutron capture therapy device for cancer treatment using boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the neutron capture therapy device 100 is described. In the neutron capture therapy device 100, for example, boron ( 10 B) The tumor of patient 50 was irradiated with neutron beam N.

[0024] The neutron capture therapy apparatus 100 includes an accelerator 2. The accelerator 2 accelerates particles and emits a particle beam R. For example, a cyclotron, a linear accelerator, or the like can be used as the accelerator 2.

[0025] The particle beam R emitted from the accelerator 2 is transmitted to the neutron generation target catheter 30 by maintaining a vacuum inside and allowing the beam to pass through the internal transmission path 9. The neutron generation target catheter 30 is a part where the target 10 is arranged, and has a mechanism for keeping the target 10 in a posture during irradiation. The particle beam R emitted from the accelerator 2 travels toward the target 10 of the neutron generation target catheter 30 through the transmission path 9. A plurality of electromagnets 4 (quadrupole electromagnets, etc.) and scanning electromagnets 6 are provided along the transmission path 9. The plurality of electromagnets 4 are used, for example, to adjust the beam axis of the particle beam R.

[0026] The scanning electromagnet 6 scans the particle beam R and controls the irradiation of the target 10 with the particle beam R. The scanning electromagnet 6 controls the irradiation position of the particle beam R with respect to the target 10 .

[0027] The neutron beam generating unit 1 generates neutron beam N by irradiating the target 10 with the particle beam R, and emits the neutron beam N toward the patient 50 . The neutron beam generating unit 1 includes the target 10 , the shield 8 , the deceleration member 39 , and the collimator 20 .

[0028] The target 10 is irradiated with the particle beam R to generate a neutron beam N. The target 10 is a solid-shaped component formed of a material that generates a neutron beam N when irradiated with the particle beam R. Specifically, the target 10 is formed of, for example, beryllium (Be), lithium (Li), tantalum (Ta), and tungsten (W), and is, for example, a disk-shaped solid shape with a diameter of 160 mm. In addition, the target 10 is not limited to a disk shape, and may be other shapes.

[0029] The deceleration member 39 decelerates (reduces the energy of) the neutron beam N generated by the target 10. The deceleration member 39 may have a laminated structure formed of a layer 39A that mainly decelerates fast neutrons included in the neutron beam N and a layer 39B that mainly decelerates epithermal neutrons included in the neutron beam N.

[0030] The shield 8 shields the generated neutron beam N and the gamma rays generated with the generation of the neutron beam N from being released to the outside. The shield 8 is provided to surround the deceleration member 39. The upper and lower parts of the shield 8 extend from the deceleration member 39 to the upstream side of the particle beam R.

[0031] The collimator 20 shapes the radiation field of the neutron beam N and has an irradiation port 20 a through which the neutron beam N passes. The collimator 20 is, for example, a block-shaped member having the irradiation port 20 a at the center.

[0032] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The neutron generation target catheter 30 will be described in detail. Figure 2 (a) is a schematic perspective view showing the neutron generation target catheter 30 . Figure 2 (b) is an expanded perspective view showing the neutron generation target catheter 30 . Figure 3 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the neutron generation target catheter 30. Figure 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view of a neutron generation target catheter 30 according to a modified example. Figure 3 As shown, the neutron generation target catheter 30 includes the target 10, a catheter 31 (first member), and a pressing member 36 (second member). The neutron generation target catheter 30 can flow independently of the neutron capture therapy apparatus 100.

[0033] The conduit 31 is a component through which the particle beam R passes. The conduit 31 includes a barrel 32 through which the particle beam R passes and a flange 33. The barrel 32 has a long cylindrical shape. The internal space of the barrel 32 is set as a vacuum space, and the particle beam R passes through the vacuum space. The flange 33 is an annular component provided at the front end of the barrel 32 in a manner extending toward the outer peripheral side. The flange 33 sandwiches the target 10 between the flange 33 and the pressing member 36. An opening 34 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed at the center of the flange 33. Figure 2 (b) The particle beam R that has passed through the cylinder 32 is irradiated onto the target 10 via the opening 34 .

[0034] The pressing member 36 is a member for pressing the target 10 against the flange 33 of the catheter 31. The pressing member 36 is a circular plate-like member. An opening 37 is formed at the center of the pressing member 36. The neutron beam N generated by the target 10 is irradiated toward the patient through the opening 37 of the pressing member 36.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), the pressing member 36, the target 10 and the flange portion 33 are respectively formed with a screw 40 (reference Figure 3 (a)) A plurality of holes 41, 42, 43. The plurality of holes 41, 42, 43 are formed at a predetermined pitch along the edge of each member.

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 3 (a) of the embodiment describes in detail the target 10 in a fixed state. Figure 3 As shown, the pressing member 36, the target 10 and the flange portion 33 are overlapped in such a manner that the holes 41, 42, and 43 are arranged on the same axis. The threaded portion 46 of the screw 40 (third member) is inserted into the holes 41, 42, and 43. The screw 40 is a member for fixing the pressing member 36 and the flange portion 33. The holes 41 and 42 have an inner diameter larger than the threaded portion 46. The hole 43 is a threaded hole into which the threaded portion 46 can be screwed. The head 47 of the screw 40 is arranged on the surface 36a of the pressing member 36. The screw 40 is fixed by a tightening force within a range in which cracks or the like are not generated in the target 10. In addition, the screw 40 is fixed by a tightening force of a strength that can ensure the sealing performance between the target 10 and the flange portion 33.

[0037] Here, the neutron generation target catheter 30 includes a fixing portion 60 for maintaining the pressing state of the flange portion 33 and the pressing member 36 on the target 10. The fixing portion 60 is capable of maintaining the pressing force during fixing in such a manner that the pressing force does not change once the pressing state is set. The fixing portion 60 can be fixed so that the relative positional relationship between the flange portion 33 and the pressing member 36 does not change. The fixing portion 60 is not a fixing method such as a screw that can be repeatedly attached and detached by the work of a worker, but a fixing method that cannot be released without being destroyed and cannot be repeatedly attached and detached.

[0038] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 60 has a welding portion 61 formed of a welding material. The welding portion 61 fixes the screw 40 to the pressing member 36. The welding portion 61 can be provided at any position as long as the screw 40 can be fixed to the pressing member 36. Figure 3 In (a), the welded portion 61 is formed by welding the corner between the head 47 of the screw 40 and the surface 36a of the pressing member 36. In addition, the welding method for forming the welded portion 61 is not particularly limited, and welding (arc welding, laser welding, etc.), pressure welding (resistance welding, etc.), and brazing can be used.

[0039] The head 47 of the screw 40 is fixed by the welding part 61, thereby becoming immovable relative to the surface 36a of the pressing member 36. That is, if the pressing force of the pressing member 36 and the flange part 33 on the target part 10 is set within an appropriate range, the screw 40 is fixed in this state and loosening is suppressed. Therefore, the relative position between the pressing member 36 and the flange part 33 is fixed so as not to change due to the loosening of the screw 40, and a constant positional relationship is maintained. Therefore, the pressing state of the flange part 33 and the pressing member 36 on the target 10 is maintained. The welding part 61 can be formed over the entire circumference of the head 47, but the range of formation is not particularly limited. In addition, the welding part 61 can be formed on all the screws 40, but it only needs to be formed on a part of the screws 40. In addition, the screw 40 can be fixed relative to the flange part 33 by welding the front end of the threaded part 46 of the screw 40 to the flange part 33. In addition, the head 47 of the screw 40 can also be arranged on the flange part 33 side. At this time, the welding portion 61 fixes the screw 40 to the flange portion 33 .

[0040] In addition, the following changes can be appropriately made within the scope that does not hinder the purpose of the present invention: a change such as disposing a washer between the head 47 of the screw 40 and the pressing member 36, or inserting an O-ring between the target 10 and the flange portion 33 to improve vacuum tightness.

[0041] You can also use Figure 3 The fixing portion 60 shown in (b) is shown in FIG. Figure 3In the example shown in (b), a metal member 48 is used. The metal member 48 is arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces 36b and 33b of the pressing member 36 and the flange portion 33. After the pressing state of the pressing member 36 and the flange portion 33 on the target 10 is set to an appropriate state, welding portions 62 and 63 are formed on the metal member 48. The welding portion 62 fixes the side surface of the metal member 48 relative to the outer peripheral surface 36b of the pressing member 36. The welding portion 63 fixes the side surface of the metal member 48 relative to the outer peripheral surface 33b of the flange portion 33. Thus, the welding portions 62 and 63 maintain the pressing state of the flange portion 33 and the pressing member 36 on the target 10.

[0042] You can also use Figure 4 The fixing portion 60 is shown. Figure 4 In the example shown, the fixing portion 60 has a molding portion 64 formed of an integral molding material. After the pressing state of the pressing member 36 and the flange portion 33 on the target 10 is set to an appropriate state, the pressing member 36 and the flange portion 33 are integrally molded with the metal member 48 by the molding material. Thus, the molding portion 64 fixes the pressing member 36 and the flange portion 33 to the metal member 48. Thus, the molding portion 64 maintains the pressing state of the flange portion 33 and the pressing member 36 on the target 10.

[0043] Next, the effects of the neutron generation target catheter 30 and the neutron capture therapy apparatus 100 will be described.

[0044] The neutron generation target catheter 30 according to the present embodiment includes a flange portion 33 (first component) of a catheter 31 through which the particle beam R passes, and a pressing component 36 (second component) that presses the target 10 against the flange portion 33. Therefore, by pressing the target 10 against the flange portion 33 by the pressing component 36, the sealing between the target 10 and the flange portion 33 can be ensured. Here, the neutron generation target catheter 30 includes a fixing portion 60 that maintains the pressing state of the flange portion 33 and the pressing component 36 on the target 10. Therefore, if the pressing state is achieved within a range in which the sealing is ensured within which cracks or the like are not generated in the target 10, the fixing portion 60 can maintain the pressing state. Therefore, the neutron generation target catheter 30 can suppress the relaxation of the pressing state and continuously support the target 10 in an appropriate pressing state. Thus, the target 10 can be appropriately supported.

[0045] The fixing portion 60 may include welding portions 61, 62, and 63 formed of a welding material. Thus, the fixing portion 60 can be easily and firmly formed by welding.

[0046] The fixing portion 60 may include a molded portion 64 formed of an integral molding material. Thus, the fixing portion 60 can be easily and firmly formed by integral molding.

[0047] The target 10 may contain, for example, beryllium. Also, the target 10 may contain, for example, lithium.

[0048] The neutron generation target catheter 30 further includes a screw 40 or a metal member 48 (third member) for fixing the flange 33 and the pressing member 36, and the welding portions 61, 62, and 63 can fix the screw 40 or the metal member 48 to at least one of the flange 33 and the pressing member 36. By using the screw 40 or the metal member 48, the pressing state by the flange 33 and the pressing member 36 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0049] The neutron capture therapy device 100 involved in this embodiment includes a neutron beam generating unit 1 that generates neutron beams N by irradiating a target 10 with a particle beam R. In the neutron capture therapy device 100, the neutron beam generating unit 1 includes: a target 10; a flange portion 33 that allows the particle beam R to pass; a pressing member 36 that presses the target 10 relative to the flange portion 33; and a fixing portion 60 that maintains the pressing state of the flange portion 33 and the pressing member 36 on the target 10.

[0050] According to the neutron capture therapy device 100, if the pressing state is achieved to ensure sealing within a range where cracks or the like are not generated in the target 10, the fixing part 60 can maintain the pressing state. Therefore, the neutron beam generating part 1 can suppress the relaxation of the pressing state and continuously support the target 10 in an appropriate pressing state. Thus, the neutron beam N can be generated using the target 10 maintained in an appropriate pressing state.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0052] The shape, arrangement, etc. of the neutron generation target catheter can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A neutron generation target catheter, comprising: The target is irradiated with a particle beam to produce neutrons; a first component for passing the particle beam; a second component that presses the target against the first component; and a fixing part for maintaining the pressing state of the first component and the second component on the target, The fixing portion includes a welding portion formed of a welding material, or the fixing portion includes a molding portion formed of an integral molding material.

2. The neutron generation target catheter according to claim 1, wherein: The target includes beryllium.

3. The neutron generation target catheter according to claim 1, wherein: The target comprises lithium.

4. The neutron generating target catheter according to claim 1, wherein: further comprising a third member for fixing the first member and the second member, The welding portion fixes the third member to at least one of the first member and the second member.

5. A neutron capture therapy device comprising a neutron beam generating unit for generating neutron beams by irradiating a target with a particle beam, wherein: The neutron beam generating unit comprises: Target; a first component for passing the particle beam; a second member for pressing the target against the first member; and a fixing part for maintaining the pressing state of the first component and the second component on the target, The fixing portion includes a welding portion formed of a welding material, or the fixing portion includes a molding portion formed of an integral molding material.

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