Collimator with continuously adjustable aperture and radiotherapy equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a collimator with continuously adjustable aperture and radiotherapy equipment, the collimator comprises a collimation cylinder and a shielding blade group arranged in the collimation cylinder, the shielding blade group comprises a plurality of shielding blades, the plurality of shielding blades are arranged in sequence to form a radiation field hole, and the radiation field hole is communicated with the collimation cylinder. According to the utility model, the problems that in the prior art, a collimator with a fixed aperture is difficult to adapt to tumors with different shapes and sizes, and when collimators with different sizes are replaced to adjust the radiation field, the operation is tedious, the consumed time is long, the efficiency is high, and the like can be solved. And errors are easy to introduce.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of radiotherapy equipment, specifically relating to a collimator with continuously adjustable aperture and radiotherapy equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In radiotherapy, which is widely practiced in clinical practice, there is an important concept: the radiation field. In radiotherapy, a beam of radiation enters the patient's body through the skin and irradiates the lesion area (called the target area). The radiation field is the area on the patient's body surface that the doctor wants the beam to irradiate. During radiotherapy, the shape of the radiation field should be matched to the shape of the target area as closely as possible (this is called a conformal radiation field). Otherwise, it may damage organs near the target area or even endanger the patient's life.

[0003] In the field of radiotherapy, precise control of the radiation field and optimization of dose distribution are crucial for improving treatment efficacy and reducing complications. While existing radiotherapy techniques can effectively irradiate tumors to a certain extent, they still have some limitations. First, traditional collimators typically have a fixed aperture, which limits their flexibility in adapting to tumors of different shapes and sizes. The effectiveness of radiotherapy largely depends on the optimization of dose distribution; ideally, the tumor area receives a sufficient dose to destroy cancer cells, while the surrounding normal tissue receives as little radiation as possible. However, due to the irregularity of tumor shapes and size variations, collimators with fixed apertures struggle to achieve ideal dose distribution. Second, adjusting the radiation field by changing collimators of different sizes not only reduces treatment efficiency but also increases operational complexity. Furthermore, the replacement process can introduce errors, affecting the precision of radiotherapy. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, a collimator with continuously adjustable aperture and a radiotherapy device are proposed to solve the technical problems of existing technologies where collimators with fixed apertures are difficult to adapt to tumors of different shapes and sizes, and where changing collimators of different sizes to adjust the radiation field is cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to introducing errors.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a collimator with continuously adjustable aperture, including a collimating cylinder and a shielding blade group disposed inside the collimating cylinder. The shielding blade group includes multiple shielding blades, which are arranged sequentially to form a firing aperture. The multiple shielding blades are linked by meshing with a double-sided gear ring through blade gears to change the aperture of the firing aperture.

[0007] The technical solution is further configured such that the first end of the shielding blade is rotatably connected to the bracket via a connecting column, the bracket is disposed on the collimating cylinder, the blade gear is coaxially disposed with the connecting column, and the second end of the shielding blade is a free end.

[0008] The technical solution is further configured such that the double-sided gear ring is disposed on the rotating cylinder, and a driving component is disposed on the outer side of the collimating cylinder. The driving component is connected to the rotating cylinder and is used to drive the rotating cylinder to rotate relative to the collimating cylinder.

[0009] The technical solution is further configured such that the blade gear meshes with the inner tooth profile of the double-sided gear ring, and the drive assembly includes a drive gear meshing with the outer tooth profile of the double-sided gear ring.

[0010] The technical solution is further configured such that the width of the shielding blade gradually decreases along the direction from the first end to the second end of the shielding blade.

[0011] The technical solution is further configured such that, along the direction from the first end to the second end of the shielding blade, the side of the shielding blade is arc-shaped, and the arc-shaped bending direction of the two sides is the same.

[0012] The technical solution is further configured such that two adjacent shielding blades partially overlap to cover the seam between the two shielding blades.

[0013] The technical solution is further configured such that a clearance notch is formed between the first ends of two adjacent shielding blades, and the bottom of the double-sided toothed ring extends towards its center to form a shielding ring, which is used to shield the clearance notch.

[0014] The technical solution is further configured such that the collimating cylinder, the shielding blade, the double-sided gear ring, and the rotating cylinder are made of lightweight metal or plexiglass.

[0015] Secondly, this utility model provides a radiotherapy device, including the collimator with continuously adjustable aperture.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] By setting multiple shielding blades in conjunction with a double-sided toothed ring, the aperture of the radiation field can be gradually and continuously increased or decreased. The aperture of the radiation field can be changed without replacing the collimator, thereby allowing for real-time adjustment of the aperture according to different tumor shapes and sizes to optimize dose distribution and achieve better treatment results through radiotherapy. The aperture adjustment is simple to operate, which helps improve the efficiency of radiotherapy. At the same time, it avoids introducing operational errors that could affect the accuracy of radiotherapy. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a collimator with continuously adjustable aperture in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the assembly of the shielding blade assembly and the double-sided gear ring in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a top view of the assembly of the shielding blade assembly and the double-sided toothed ring in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the assembly of the shielding blade assembly and the double-sided toothed ring in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a top view of the double-sided gear ring in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view of AA;

[0024] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the shielding blade in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of point B in the middle.

[0026] In the attached diagram: 1. Collimating cylinder; 2. Double-sided gear ring; 3. Rotating cylinder; 4. Drive gear; 5. Drive source; 6. Marker; 7. Shielding blade; 701. First side; 702. Second side; 703. Straight section; 8. Injection hole; 9. Shielding ring; 11. Blade gear; 12. Positioning post; 13. Connecting post; 14. Clearance notch; 15. Support. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the embodiments in this application, other similar embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as "up," "down," "left," and "right," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings; therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the invention.

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0029] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a collimator with continuously adjustable aperture is provided. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 8It includes a collimating cylinder 1 and a shielding blade group disposed inside the collimating cylinder 1. The shielding blade group includes multiple shielding blades 7, which are arranged sequentially to form a firing hole 8. The multiple shielding blades 7 are linked by meshing with a double-sided gear ring 2 through a blade gear 11 to change the aperture of the firing hole 8.

[0030] Furthermore, the collimating cylinder 1 is the main structure of the collimator, primarily used to confine the scattering of electron beams. In practical applications, the collimating cylinder 1 is supported and fixed on a collimating cylinder bracket, which is used to fix the collimator in the treatment position according to the user's needs. The shielding blades 7 are the main structure forming the radiation field 8. By adjusting the rotation angle of the shielding blades 7, the shielding blade assembly forms an approximately circular radiation field 8.

[0031] It should be noted that by setting multiple shielding blades 7 in conjunction with the double-sided toothed ring 2, the aperture of the radiation field 8 can be gradually and continuously increased or decreased. The aperture of the radiation field 8 can be changed without changing the collimator, thereby allowing the aperture of the radiation field 8 to be adjusted in real time according to different tumor shapes and sizes to optimize dose distribution and achieve better treatment results through radiotherapy. The aperture change of the radiation field 8 is simple to operate, which helps to improve the efficiency of radiotherapy. At the same time, it can avoid introducing operational errors that affect the accuracy of radiotherapy.

[0032] In the continuously adjustable aperture collimator of this embodiment, please refer to... Figures 1 to 8 The first end of the shielding blade 7 is rotatably connected to the bracket 15 via the connecting column 13. The bracket 15 is disposed on the collimating cylinder 1. The blade gear 11 is coaxially disposed with the connecting column 13. The second end of the shielding blade 7 is a free end.

[0033] Furthermore, the support 15 is configured as a ring-shaped structure, which is connected to the bottom of the collimating cylinder 1 by bolts; the blade gear 11 and the connecting column 13 are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the shielding blade 7, that is, multiple connecting columns 13 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the support 15. Specifically, the first end of the shielding blade 7 is fixedly connected to the connecting column 13, the connecting column 13 is rotatably connected to the support 15, the blade gear 11 is coaxial with and fixedly connected to the connecting column 13, and the blade gear 11, the connecting column 13 and the shielding blade 7 form an integral structure.

[0034] In the continuously adjustable aperture collimator of this embodiment, please refer to... Figures 1 to 8 The double-sided gear ring 2 is disposed on the rotating cylinder 3, and a driving component is disposed on the outer side of the collimating cylinder 1. The driving component is connected to the rotating cylinder 3 and is used to drive the rotating cylinder 3 to rotate relative to the collimating cylinder 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the double-sided gear ring 2 is coaxial with and fixedly installed with the rotating cylinder 3; the collimating cylinder 1, the shielding blade 7, the double-sided gear ring 2, and the rotating cylinder 3 are made of lightweight metal or plexiglass.

[0036] In the continuously adjustable aperture collimator of this embodiment, please refer to... Figures 1 to 8 The blade gear 11 meshes with the inner tooth profile of the double-sided gear ring 2, and the drive assembly includes a drive gear 4 that meshes with the outer tooth profile of the double-sided gear ring 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a drive source 5 and a drive gear 4, the drive gear 4 being connected to the output end of the drive source 5, the bracket 15 extending outward to form a support frame, and the drive source 5 being mounted on the support frame. The drive source 5 is preferably a motor.

[0038] When in operation, the drive source 5 is started, which drives the drive gear 4 to rotate. Since the drive gear 4 meshes with the double-sided gear ring 2, the double-sided gear ring 2 rotates accordingly. Since the double-sided gear ring 2 meshes with the blade gear 11, the blade gear 11 rotates accordingly. The blade gear 11 is fixed together with the shielding blade 7, so the shielding blade 7 rotates accordingly. The position of the shielding blade 7 changes, thereby changing the aperture of the firing hole 8.

[0039] In the continuously adjustable aperture collimator of this embodiment, please refer to... Figures 1 to 8 Along the direction from the first end to the second end of the shielding blade 7, the width of the shielding blade 7 gradually decreases.

[0040] In the initial state, the second end of the shielding blade 7 points to the center of the double-sided toothed ring 2, and the width of the second end is smaller than the width of the first end to avoid interference during rotation; when the second end of the shielding blade 7 becomes a pointed tip and is located at the center of the double-sided toothed ring 2, the minimum aperture value of the firing hole 8 is zero; when the end face of the second end is set to be arc-shaped, the second ends of multiple shielding blades 7 are connected in sequence to form a circular firing hole 8, at which time the minimum aperture value of the firing hole 8 is non-zero.

[0041] In this embodiment, 16 shielding blades 7 are provided.

[0042] In other embodiments, the number of shielding blades 7 can be set to more.

[0043] In the continuously adjustable aperture collimator of this embodiment, please refer to... Figures 1 to 8 Along the direction from the first end to the second end of the shielding blade 7, the sides of the shielding blade 7 are set in an arc shape, and the arc bending directions of the two sides are the same.

[0044] Furthermore, the shielding blade 7 includes a first side 701 and a second side 702. Both the first side 701 and the second side 702 are arc-shaped. Specifically, the first side 701 protrudes in a direction away from the shielding blade body, and the first end of the shielding blade 7 is straight. The blade gear 11 is located at the junction of the first end of the shielding blade 7 and the second side 702.

[0045] During operation, when the blade gear 11 rotates clockwise, the shielding blade 7 rotates clockwise synchronously. At this time, the included angle between the first side 701 and the inner tooth profile of the double-sided gear ring 2 becomes smaller, and the second end of the shielding blade 7 deviates from the center of the double-sided gear ring 2. Multiple second sides 702 are connected in sequence to form a near-circular firing hole 8. As the blade gear 11 continues to rotate clockwise, the diameter of the firing hole 8 continues to increase. When the blade gear 11 rotates counterclockwise, the diameter of the firing hole 8 decreases until the second end of the shielding blade 7 points to the center of the double-sided gear ring 2, and the diameter of the firing hole 8 reaches its minimum value.

[0046] In the continuously adjustable aperture collimator of this embodiment, please refer to... Figures 1 to 8 The two adjacent shielding blades 7 overlap to block the seam between the two shielding blades 7 and prevent electron leakage.

[0047] In this embodiment, multiple shielding blades 7 are located in the same plane, with only the top of the first side 701 protruding away from the shielding blade body to cover the seam between the shielding blade 7 and the adjacent shielding blade.

[0048] In other embodiments, multiple shielding blades 7 are stacked sequentially to block the seam between two adjacent shielding blades 7. In this case, the multiple shielding blades 7 are located in different planes.

[0049] In the continuously adjustable aperture collimator of this embodiment, please refer to... Figures 1 to 8 A clearance notch 14 is formed between the first ends of two adjacent shielding blades 7. The bottom of the double-sided toothed ring 2 extends towards its center to form a shielding ring 9, which is used to shield the clearance notch 14 to prevent electron leakage.

[0050] Furthermore, the second side 702 of the shielding blade 7 is connected to its first end by a straight section 703, which forms a clearance notch 14 with the first side 701 of the previous shielding blade 7 to avoid interference between adjacent shielding blades 7 during rotation.

[0051] Furthermore, the shielding ring 9 is provided with a positioning post 12 perpendicular to it. The positioning post 12 is embedded inside the blade gear 11, and the two are in clearance fit to position the blade gear 11.

[0052] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a radiotherapy device is provided. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 1 to 8 This includes the collimator with continuously adjustable aperture.

[0053] Furthermore, the end of the collimating cylinder 1 is provided with a marker 6, and at least three markers 6 are provided, which are spaced apart from each other and not collinear.

[0054] In actual use, the current image of the marker 6 is acquired by the image capturing device, the current image is processed and calculated, and the radiotherapy equipment is controlled to move to the preset position above the collimator according to the current image so that the treatment beam is aligned with the collimating cylinder 1.

[0055] The present invention has been described in detail above. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of this application should still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A collimator with continuously adjustable aperture, characterized in that, It includes a collimating cylinder and a shielding blade assembly disposed inside the collimating cylinder. The shielding blade assembly includes multiple shielding blades arranged sequentially to form a firing aperture. The multiple shielding blades are linked by meshing with a double-sided gear ring through blade gears to change the aperture of the firing aperture.

2. The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the shielding blade is rotatably connected to the bracket via a connecting column. The bracket is mounted on the collimating cylinder. The blade gear is coaxially mounted with the connecting column. The second end of the shielding blade is a free end.

3. The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The double-sided gear ring is disposed on the rotating cylinder, and a driving component is disposed on the outer side of the collimating cylinder. The driving component is connected to the rotating cylinder and is used to drive the rotating cylinder to rotate relative to the collimating cylinder.

4. The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The blade gear meshes with the inner tooth profile of the double-sided gear ring, and the drive assembly includes a drive gear that meshes with the outer tooth profile of the double-sided gear ring.

5. The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the shielding blade gradually decreases along the direction from the first end to the second end of the shielding blade.

6. The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sides of the shielding blade are arc-shaped, and the arcs on both sides are curved in the same direction.

7. The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two adjacent shielding blades partially overlap to cover the seam between the two shielding blades.

8. The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that, A clearance notch is formed between the first ends of two adjacent shielding blades, and the bottom of the double-sided toothed ring extends towards its center to form a shielding ring, which is used to shield the clearance notch.

9. The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The collimating cylinder, the shielding blades, the double-sided gear ring, and the rotating cylinder are made of lightweight metal or plexiglass.

10. A radiotherapy device, characterized in that, The collimator with continuously adjustable aperture as described in any one of claims 1-9 is included.

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