Vacuum system and proton therapy system

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of vacuum environment technology for medical systems. It proposes a vacuum system and a proton therapy system, including a vacuum chamber, a forepump, a system roughing valve, a high-vacuum pump, a forepump valve, a high-vacuum valve, a gas tank, an exhaust valve, a leak detection valve, a first low-vacuum gauge, a second low-vacuum gauge, a high-vacuum gauge, and a control unit. The control unit's various actuators are communicatively connected to control the operation of each component, thereby switching operating states. All control components are connected to the control unit, enabling faster and more efficient acquisition and restoration of vacuum levels. Especially during the installation and commissioning of cyclotrons, it significantly reduces system downtime caused by vacuum restoration. This not only improves the working efficiency of the cyclotron but also shortens the commissioning and maintenance cycle, thereby improving the overall system operating efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vacuum environment technology for medical systems, and in particular to a vacuum system and a proton therapy system. Background Technology

[0002] Proton therapy systems are complex, high-tech medical devices widely used in the field of cancer treatment. At the heart of this system is the cyclotron, which treats tumors by generating and accelerating a proton beam. To ensure the precise and efficient operation of the proton beam during acceleration, the cyclotron and its associated equipment must operate in a high-vacuum environment.

[0003] Most existing vacuum systems rely on traditional valve control methods, with many valves still requiring manual control. Although some systems have achieved automatic control, they have failed to be effectively integrated with vacuum pumps and other key components, resulting in cumbersome operation and low efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this utility model is to propose a vacuum system and a proton therapy system to improve the management efficiency of the system.

[0005] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this utility model provides a vacuum system for use in a cyclotron accelerator of a proton therapy system, the vacuum system comprising:

[0006] Vacuum cavity;

[0007] A backing pump is connected to the vacuum chamber via a first pipeline;

[0008] A system roughing valve is installed in the first pipeline to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline;

[0009] A high vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum chamber via a second pipeline, and the high vacuum pump is connected to the first pipeline via a third pipeline. The connection end of the third pipeline and the first pipeline is located between the system coarse pump valve and the back pump.

[0010] A pre-stage roughing valve is installed on the third pipeline to control the on / off state of the third pipeline;

[0011] A high vacuum valve is installed on the second pipeline to control the on / off state of the second pipeline.

[0012] The control unit is communicatively connected to the forepump, the high vacuum pump, the system roughing valve, the forepump roughing valve, and the high vacuum valve to control the operation of each component and thereby switch the operating state.

[0013] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, a gas tank is further included. The gas tank is connected to the vacuum chamber via a fourth pipeline. An exhaust valve for controlling the opening and closing of the fourth pipeline is provided on the fourth pipeline. The exhaust valve is communicatively connected to the control unit.

[0014] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the gas stored in the gas tank is dry nitrogen.

[0015] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, a fifth pipeline is connected to the first pipeline between the system coarse pump valve and the fore-pump. The fifth pipeline is used to connect a leak detection device. A leak detection valve is provided on the fifth pipeline to control the opening and closing of the fifth pipeline. The leak detection valve is communicatively connected to the control unit.

[0016] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, both the high vacuum pump and the second pipeline are provided in two forms.

[0017] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, a first low vacuum gauge is connected to the third pipeline, and the first low vacuum gauge is communicatively connected to the control unit.

[0018] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, a connecting seat communicating with the vacuum chamber is provided on the outer wall of the vacuum chamber, the connecting seat communicating with the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and a second low vacuum gauge communicating with the connecting seat.

[0019] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the vacuum chamber is connected to a high vacuum gauge, and the high vacuum gauge is communicatively connected to the control unit.

[0020] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, two high vacuum gauges are provided.

[0021] This invention also proposes a proton therapy system, including the aforementioned vacuum system.

[0022] The technical advantages of this invention are as follows: This invention proposes a vacuum system and a proton therapy system, in which all control components are connected to the control unit, enabling faster and more efficient acquisition and restoration of vacuum levels. Especially during the installation and commissioning of the cyclotron, it significantly reduces system downtime caused by vacuum restoration. This not only improves the working efficiency of the cyclotron but also shortens the commissioning and maintenance cycle, thereby improving the overall system operating efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control of the vacuum system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the component actions during the operation of a vacuum system in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the actions of components in the shutdown state of a vacuum system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the component execution actions of the vacuum system in the exhaust state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 10. Host computer; 20. Control unit; 30. Pneumatic distribution cabinet; 40. Valve; 41. Leak detection valve; 42. Fore-stage roughing valve; 43. System roughing valve; 44. High vacuum valve; 45. Exhaust valve; 50. Vacuum gauge; 51. First low vacuum gauge; 52. Second low vacuum gauge; 53. High vacuum gauge; 60. Vacuum chamber; 70. Fore-stage pump; 80. High vacuum pump; 91. First pipeline; 92. Second pipeline; 93. Third pipeline; 94. Fourth pipeline; 95. Fifth pipeline; 100. Vacuum gauge; 110. Connecting seat; 120. Gas tank. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features described therein can be combined with each other.

[0031] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the illustrations only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0032] Proton therapy systems, as an advanced cancer treatment technology, are widely used for the precise treatment of malignant tumors. The core of this system is the cyclotron, which treats tumors by generating and accelerating a proton beam. To ensure the precise and efficient operation of the proton beam during acceleration, the cyclotron and its related equipment must operate in a high-vacuum environment. The vacuum system plays a crucial role in proton therapy, responsible for maintaining a low-pressure environment inside the accelerator and related pipes to ensure the stability of the proton beam and high energy transfer efficiency.

[0033] The vacuum system of a cyclotron typically consists of several key components, including vacuum acquisition, vacuum measurement, vacuum leak detection, vacuum evacuation devices, and corresponding valves 40 and piping. These components need to work together to ensure the stability of the vacuum environment. Before activating the vacuum system, a backing pump 70 is usually used to pre-evacuate the vacuum chamber 60 and the backing piping until the set vacuum value is reached. Only then can the high-vacuum pump 80 be activated to further reduce the system pressure, ultimately achieving the required high-vacuum environment. The vacuum system monitors the vacuum level in real time using a vacuum gauge 100 and transmits the measurement data to the control system. The control system adjusts the opening and closing of valves 40 based on this data, thereby adjusting the flow of piping to ensure the entire system is in an ideal operating state.

[0034] Most existing vacuum systems rely on traditional valve control methods, many of which are still manually controlled. Although some systems have achieved automatic control, they have not been effectively integrated with vacuum pumps and other key components, resulting in cumbersome operation and low efficiency. Specifically, current vacuum systems suffer from the following main problems:

[0035] Complex component layout and inconvenient operation: The component layout in existing vacuum systems is usually cumbersome, the operation interface and control method are complicated, and the management is difficult. In particular, when dealing with multiple independent valves 40 and sensors, they often need to be operated and controlled individually, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency.

[0036] Insufficient vacuum condition optimization: Existing vacuum systems often lack specific design and optimization for the different operating states of cyclotrons, resulting in time-consuming and cumbersome operations such as vacuum acquisition and leak detection. During accelerator installation and commissioning, frequent vacuum leak checks on various components are required, which not only consumes a significant amount of time but also increases labor costs.

[0037] Inconsistent feedback signal management: Vacuum equipment in existing systems typically lacks unified feedback signal management. Various components in the vacuum system (such as pumps, valves, sensors, etc.) operate independently, making effective information sharing and coordination difficult. This lack of centralized feedback signal management hinders rapid response and fault location when problems occur, reducing system maintainability and response speed.

[0038] Low efficiency in venting and vacuum restoration: In certain special cases, such as when a vacuum breaking operation is required, most existing systems use air for venting. While this method allows for rapid venting, restoring the system vacuum takes a considerable amount of time, severely impacting the efficiency of the cyclotron. Especially after a short vacuum breaking operation, the slow speed of vacuum restoration may prolong accelerator downtime, affecting overall treatment efficiency.

[0039] The vacuum system is poorly matched to the cyclotron's operating conditions: different operating stages and requirements of the cyclotron place varying demands on the vacuum system. Existing vacuum systems fail to adapt flexibly to different operating conditions and lack effective optimization and management methods.

[0040] The management is quite difficult: Due to the lack of integrated control and management solutions, the management of the existing vacuum system is relatively decentralized, requiring operators to control each valve and device individually, which increases the complexity of management and the risk of operational errors.

[0041] The need for efficient operation and maintenance has not been met: the cyclotron accelerator requires frequent vacuum leak checks during installation and commissioning, and each operation requires a certain amount of time to restore the vacuum, affecting the overall operating efficiency of the system. Furthermore, the existing vacuum system does not provide sufficient convenience when internal maintenance or component replacement is needed, resulting in prolonged system downtime and increased costs and maintenance burden.

[0042] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 1As shown, this utility model provides a vacuum system applied to the cyclotron of a proton therapy system. The vacuum system includes a vacuum chamber 60, a forepump 70, a system roughing valve 43, a high-vacuum pump 80, a forepump 42, a high-vacuum valve 44, a gas tank 120, an exhaust valve 45, a leak detection valve 41, a first low-vacuum gauge 51, a second low-vacuum gauge 52, a high-vacuum gauge 53, and a control unit 20. The various actuators of the control unit 20 are communicatively connected to control the operation of each component, thereby switching operating states. The control unit 20 can automatically switch the operating state of the vacuum system based on real-time feedback, enabling the system to quickly adapt to requirements at different stages such as installation, commissioning, and operation, avoiding manual intervention and cumbersome operation. Through the integrated control unit 20, the system can achieve unified control of various devices, reducing management complexity and the possibility of operational errors.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the system also includes a host computer 10, which serves as the interface between the operator and the system. The host computer 10 is responsible for sending instructions or commands to the control unit 20 to start or stop the vacuum pump. The host computer 10 may be equipped with a graphical interface or other interactive methods, allowing the operator to easily control the operating status of the entire vacuum system. Commands from the host computer 10 are transmitted to the control unit 20. Instructions sent by the host computer 10 (such as starting the vacuum pump, adjusting the vacuum level, etc.) are transmitted to the control unit 20 through a communication protocol, and the control unit 20 executes the corresponding operations according to these instructions. In this way, the operator can conveniently manage and monitor the entire vacuum system through the host computer 10.

[0044] The vacuum pump is started and stopped by the control unit 20. The control unit 20 is the core controller of the entire vacuum system, responsible for scheduling and coordinating the operation of all components such as the vacuum pump, valves 40, and vacuum gauge 50. By receiving commands from the host computer 10, it can control the start / stop and opening / closing states of the equipment, ensuring the system operates normally under predetermined conditions. The opening and closing of the valves 40 is controlled by the pneumatic distribution cabinet 30, which is the core of valve 40 control. It receives commands from the control unit 20 and controls the opening and closing of each valve 40. In this way, the control unit 20 can flexibly adjust the airflow path of the system to adapt to different operating requirements.

[0045] Brief description of the work process:

[0046] The host computer 10 issues a command to the control unit 20 to start a vacuum pump or adjust the system status.

[0047] The control unit 20 controls the start and stop of the vacuum pump according to the command, and controls the opening and closing of various valves 40 (such as the pre-stage roughing valve 42, high vacuum valve 44, etc.) through the pneumatic distribution cabinet 30.

[0048] Vacuum gauge 50 measures the vacuum level in real time and transmits the data to control unit 20 after processing by vacuum gauge 100. Control unit 20 adjusts the working status of the equipment based on the feedback information.

[0049] The opening and closing status of valve 40 is fed back to control unit 20 to ensure that the entire system maintains stable operation.

[0050] Vacuum gauge 50 includes a high vacuum gauge 53, a first low vacuum gauge 51, and a second low vacuum gauge 52. Valves 40 include a leak detection valve 41, a pre-stage roughing valve 42, a system roughing valve 43, a high vacuum valve 44, and an exhaust valve 45.

[0051] Vacuum chamber 60 is the accelerator vacuum chamber. As the core component of the accelerator, the environment inside vacuum chamber 60 needs to be maintained at extremely low pressure. Vacuum chamber 60 is used for particle acceleration and experimental processes in the accelerator, therefore its internal environment requires special control.

[0052] The backing pump 70 is connected to the vacuum chamber 60 via the first conduit 91, and is mainly used to provide a low vacuum for the vacuum chamber 60 and the backing conduit. The backing pump 70 is the initial evacuation device for the entire vacuum system, aiming to reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber 60 to the low vacuum region. Low vacuum generally refers to the pressure range from 10^-1 to 10^2 Pa. The backing pump 70 ensures that the initial pressure of the system reaches this range, thus providing conditions for the subsequent high vacuum pump 80.

[0053] The system roughing valve 43 is located on the first pipeline 91 and is used to control the airflow between the backing pump 70 and the vacuum chamber 60. It is a roughing pneumatic valve, and its main function is to regulate the connection between the backing pump 70 and the vacuum chamber 60. The opening and closing of this valve can effectively isolate the backing pump 70 and the vacuum chamber 60, preventing unnecessary airflow at certain stages and ensuring the working efficiency of the vacuum system.

[0054] A high-vacuum pump 80 is connected to the vacuum chamber 60 via a second conduit 92. The high-vacuum pump 80 is used to further reduce the pressure within the vacuum chamber 60 to an extremely low range, typically 10⁻⁴ Pa or lower. The high-vacuum pump 80 is connected to the first conduit 91 via a third conduit 93, the connection point of which is located between the system coarse-pump valve 43 and the backing pump 70. This connection method ensures that the high-vacuum pump 80 can be added to the system after the backing pump 70 is operational, gradually achieving a lower vacuum level. Two high-vacuum pumps and two second conduits 92 are provided. High vacuum typically refers to a pressure range of 10⁻¹ Pa to 10⁻⁶ Pa, which is the vacuum level required for accelerator systems. The function of the high-vacuum pump 80 is to further remove gas molecules from the vacuum chamber 60, providing a cleaner and more stable environment.

[0055] A pre-priming roughing valve 42 is installed on the third pipeline 93 to control the opening and closing of the third pipeline 93. The pre-priming roughing valve 42 is a pneumatic valve for pre-priming the pipeline. During the roughing stage, the opening and closing of the pre-priming valve 42 controls the operating state of the pre-priming pump 70 and the airflow path of the third pipeline 93. The adjustment of this valve is crucial for ensuring the initial vacuuming of the entire vacuum system.

[0056] A high vacuum valve 44 is installed on the second pipeline 92 to control the on / off state of the second pipeline 92. The high vacuum valve 44 is a high vacuum pneumatic valve, and its function is to control the connection between the high vacuum pump 80 and the vacuum chamber 60 during the high vacuum stage. By opening and closing this valve, the operating state of the high vacuum pump 80 can be precisely adjusted to ensure that the vacuum chamber 60 can continuously achieve the required high vacuum environment.

[0057] The gas tank 120 is connected to the vacuum chamber 60 via a fourth pipe 94. An exhaust valve 45 is installed on the fourth pipe 94 to control its opening and closing. The exhaust valve 45 is communicatively connected to the control unit 20. The gas stored in the gas tank 120 is dry nitrogen. The exhaust valve 45 is a pneumatic valve primarily used to introduce nitrogen or other gases into the vacuum chamber 60 under specific conditions. The use of the exhaust valve 45 ensures that the system can restore or regulate pressure when needed, especially during system maintenance.

[0058] A leak detection valve 41 is provided. A fifth pipeline 95 is connected to the first pipeline 91 between the system coarse pump valve 43 and the forepump 70. The fifth pipeline 95 is used to connect a leak detection device. The leak detection valve 41 is installed on the fifth pipeline 95 to control its opening and closing. The leak detection valve 41 is communicatively connected to the control unit 20. The leak detection valve 41 is used to connect a leak detection device when needed to detect leaks in the system. This valve is crucial for checking the system's airtightness. Through the leak detection valve 41, the airtightness of the system can be checked before the vacuum system operates or when necessary to ensure that no leaks occur.

[0059] A first low-vacuum gauge 51 is connected to the third pipeline 93, and the first low-vacuum gauge 51 is communicatively connected to the control unit 20. The first low-vacuum gauge 51 is used for low vacuum in the third pipeline 93. The operation of the first low-vacuum gauge 51 ensures that the third pipeline 93 can maintain the correct vacuum level during the roughing stage, thereby smoothly transitioning to the high vacuum stage.

[0060] A connecting seat 110 is provided on the outer wall of the vacuum chamber 60, communicating with the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92. A second low vacuum gauge 52 is connected to the connecting seat 110. The second low vacuum gauge 52 is used to measure the low vacuum in the vacuum chamber 60. Through the second low vacuum gauge 52, the system can monitor the low vacuum state inside the vacuum chamber 60 to ensure that it meets the operating requirements.

[0061] The vacuum chamber 60 is connected to a high-vacuum gauge 53, which is communicatively connected to the control unit 20. Two high-vacuum gauges 53 are provided. These gauges 50, through precise pressure measurement, help the control system maintain a stable high-vacuum environment to support the efficient operation of the accelerator.

[0062] The aforementioned vacuum system has multiple states to meet different operating conditions. Each state has specific valve 40 controls and pump operation modes. These include:

[0063] State 1: High vacuum state

[0064] Valve 40 control:

[0065] Leak detection valve 41, system roughing valve 43, and exhaust valve 45 are closed.

[0066] The forestage roughing valve 42 and the high vacuum valve 44 are opened.

[0067] Pump status:

[0068] Start the back pump 70 and the high vacuum pump 80.

[0069] Status description:

[0070] The system is in a high vacuum state, meaning the gas pressure inside the vacuum chamber 60 has reached a relatively low level, typically 10^-4 Pa or lower. At this time, the high vacuum pump 80 is primarily operational, ensuring the system maintains the required vacuum level.

[0071] The backing pump 70 and the high vacuum pump 80 work together. The backing pump 70 reduces the pressure in the vacuum chamber 60 to the low vacuum region, and then the high vacuum pump 80 further reduces the pressure to the required high vacuum region.

[0072] In state one, the control unit 20 receives the command and follows the instructions. Figure 3 The sequence shown controls the operation of each component. Specifically: Control unit 20 receives command - fore-stage pump 70 starts - system coarse vacuum valve 43 opens - first low vacuum gauge 51 and second low vacuum gauge 52 detect vacuum level - system coarse vacuum valve 43 closes - fore-stage coarse vacuum valve 42 opens - first low vacuum gauge 51 and second low vacuum gauge 52 detect vacuum level - high vacuum pump 80 starts - high vacuum valve 44 opens - high vacuum gauge 53 detects vacuum level - completed.

[0073] State 2: Standby

[0074] Valve 40 control:

[0075] Leak detection valve 41, system roughing valve 43, high vacuum valve 44, and exhaust valve 45 are closed.

[0076] The forestage roughing valve 42 is open.

[0077] Pump status:

[0078] Start the back pump 70 and the high vacuum pump 80.

[0079] Status description:

[0080] The system is in standby mode, meaning the pumps are still running, but the pipeline directly connected to the high vacuum chamber 60 is not open. The backing pump 70 and the high vacuum pump 80 remain running, but the high vacuum valve 44 is not fully open, so the vacuum chamber 60 may not be in a fully high vacuum state.

[0081] In standby mode, the high vacuum valve 44 can be quickly opened as needed to restore the high vacuum level in the vacuum chamber 60. This mode is typically used for maintenance, preparation for operation, or, in certain situations, to maintain the stable state of the vacuum chamber 60.

[0082] State 3: Shutdown

[0083] Valve 40 control:

[0084] Leak detection valve 41, pre-stage roughing valve 42, system roughing valve 43, high vacuum valve 44, and exhaust valve 45 are all closed.

[0085] Pump status:

[0086] The forepump 70 and high vacuum pump 80 are shut down.

[0087] Status description:

[0088] The system is in a shutdown state, which means that all pumps in the vacuum system have stopped working and all valves 40 are closed.

[0089] In this state, the system is completely inactive and is suitable for maintenance, inspection, or periods when vacuuming is not required.

[0090] In state three, the control unit 20 receives the command and follows the instructions. Figure 4 The sequence shown controls the operation of each component. Specifically: Control unit 20 receives command - high vacuum valve 44 closes - high vacuum pump 80 stops - forestage roughing valve 42 closes - forestage pump 70 stops.

[0091] State 4: Exhaust State

[0092] Valve 40 control:

[0093] Leak detection valve 41, pre-stage roughing valve 42, system roughing valve 43, high vacuum valve 44 are closed.

[0094] The exhaust valve 45 is open.

[0095] Pump status:

[0096] The forepump 70 and high vacuum pump 80 are shut down.

[0097] Status description:

[0098] The system is in the exhaust state. At this time, the exhaust valve 45 is open, and nitrogen gas enters the vacuum chamber 60. It is usually dry nitrogen gas.

[0099] Injecting nitrogen helps reduce the adsorption of water molecules on the inner wall of vacuum chamber 60. Water molecules adhering to the container wall may affect the efficiency of the next vacuuming operation, so introducing nitrogen through exhaust valve 45 can mitigate this problem.

[0100] In this state, the role of nitrogen is to reduce the adsorption of water molecules on the inner wall, helping to reduce the time required for the next vacuuming, and ultimately accelerating the restoration of the high vacuum state in the vacuum chamber 60.

[0101] In state four, the control unit 20 receives the command and follows the instructions. Figure 5 The sequence shown controls the operation of each component. Specifically: Control unit 20 receives command - high vacuum valve 44 closes - high vacuum pump 80 stops - forestage roughing valve 42 closes - forestage pump 70 stops - exhaust valve 45 opens - completion.

[0102] Status 5: Leak Detection Status

[0103] Valve 40 control:

[0104] Leak detection valve 41, pre-stage roughing valve 42, and high vacuum valve 44 are opened.

[0105] The system coarse extraction valve 43 and exhaust valve 45 are closed.

[0106] Pump status:

[0107] Start the back pump 70 and the high vacuum pump 80.

[0108] Status description:

[0109] The system is in leak detection mode. At this time, the forepump 70 and the high vacuum pump 80 are still running, while the leak detection valve 41 is opened and connected to the leak detection device.

[0110] In this state, the system will perform a leak detection test to ensure that there is no gas leakage in the vacuum chamber 60 and its pipelines. Leak detection is crucial for maintaining the system's airtightness and ensuring the accelerator's performance and stability in a high-vacuum environment.

[0111] Summarize the characteristics of each state:

[0112] High vacuum state (state one): The backing pump 70 and the high vacuum pump 80 work together to achieve a high vacuum environment.

[0113] Standby state (state two): The foreboard pump 70 and the high vacuum pump 80 continue to work and can be restored to a high vacuum state at any time.

[0114] Shutdown status (status 3): All pumps stop working and the system is shut down.

[0115] Exhaust status (status four): Nitrogen gas is injected through exhaust valve 45 to reduce water molecule adsorption and prepare for the next vacuuming.

[0116] Leak detection status (status five): Activate the leak detection device to check for leaks in the system and ensure the system is airtight.

[0117] System state functions and coordination:

[0118] Rapid restoration of high vacuum: States two and four are critical states, allowing for rapid adjustment and restoration of high vacuum. For example, in state two, the high vacuum valve 44 can be opened at any time to restore high vacuum. In state four, the injection of nitrogen helps to restore the vacuum state more quickly for the next cycle.

[0119] Preventing moisture adsorption: The exhaust operation in state four introduces nitrogen into the vacuum chamber 60, which helps reduce moisture adsorption and lays the foundation for efficient vacuuming afterwards.

[0120] Ensure system sealing: State 5 is the leak detection state, ensuring that there are no leaks in the system before operation, and guaranteeing a long-term stable high vacuum environment.

[0121] These status management measures ensure that the vacuum system can flexibly respond to different operational needs, maintaining efficient system operation while also enabling rapid maintenance or adjustments in case of problems.

[0122] This invention also proposes a proton therapy system, including the aforementioned vacuum system.

[0123] In summary, this invention proposes a vacuum system and a proton therapy system, in which all control components are connected to the control unit 20, enabling faster and more efficient acquisition and restoration of vacuum levels. Especially during the installation and commissioning of the cyclotron, it significantly reduces system downtime caused by vacuum restoration. This not only improves the working efficiency of the cyclotron but also shortens the commissioning and maintenance cycle, thereby enhancing the overall system's operational efficiency.

[0124] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

[0125] Throughout this description, numerous specific details, such as examples of components and / or methods, are provided to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or by other devices, systems, components, methods, parts, materials, components, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention.

[0126] Throughout this specification, the terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," or "specific embodiment" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment that is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, but not necessarily in all embodiments. Therefore, the various representations of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in a specific embodiment" in different places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic of any specific embodiment of the invention can be combined with one or more other embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein may be based on the teachings herein and will be considered part of the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0127] It should also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the figures may be implemented in a more separate or more integrated manner, or may even be removed because they are inoperable in certain circumstances or provided because they may be useful for a particular application.

[0128] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, any arrows in the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative only and not limiting. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, the term "or" as used herein is generally intended to mean "and / or". Where a term is anticipated to provide a separation or combination capability that is unclear, a combination of components or steps will also be considered as indicated.

[0129] As used herein and throughout the claims below, unless otherwise specified, “a” and “the” include the plural references. Similarly, as used herein and throughout the claims below, unless otherwise specified, “in” means “in” and “on”.

[0130] The above description of the embodiments shown in this invention (including the content set forth in the abstract of the specification) is not intended to be an exhaustive enumeration or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. Although specific embodiments and examples of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, as will be recognized and understood by those skilled in the art. As indicated, these modifications can be made to the invention in accordance with the above description of the embodiments described herein, and such modifications will be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0131] This document has generally described the systems and methods in detail to aid in understanding the invention. Furthermore, various specific details have been set forth to provide a general understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more specific details, or using other means, systems, accessories, methods, components, materials, parts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and / or operations have not been specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention.

[0132] Therefore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof, freedom of modification, various changes and substitutions are also within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, and it should be understood that in some cases, certain features of the invention may be adopted without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention and without corresponding use of other features. Thus, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular environment or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used in the following claims and / or the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the invention, but the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention will be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum system, characterized by A cyclotron accelerator used in a proton therapy system, wherein the vacuum system includes: Vacuum cavity; A backing pump is connected to the vacuum chamber via a first pipeline; A system roughing valve is installed in the first pipeline to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline; A high vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum chamber via a second pipeline, and the high vacuum pump is connected to the first pipeline via a third pipeline. The connection end of the third pipeline and the first pipeline is located between the system coarse pump valve and the back pump. A pre-stage roughing valve is installed on the third pipeline to control the on / off state of the third pipeline; A high-vacuum valve is installed on the second pipeline to control the on / off state of the second pipeline; The control unit is communicatively connected to the forepump, the high vacuum pump, the system roughing valve, the forepump roughing valve, and the high vacuum valve to control the operation of each component and thereby switch the operating state.

2. The vacuum system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a gas cylinder, which is connected to the vacuum chamber via a fourth pipeline. The fourth pipeline is equipped with an exhaust valve for controlling the opening and closing of the fourth pipeline, and the exhaust valve is communicatively connected to the control unit.

3. A vacuum system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas stored in the gas tank is dry nitrogen.

4. A vacuum system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fifth pipeline is connected to the first pipeline between the system coarse pump valve and the fore-pump. The fifth pipeline is used to connect a leak detection device. A leak detection valve is installed on the fifth pipeline to control the opening and closing of the fifth pipeline. The leak detection valve is communicatively connected to the control unit.

5. A vacuum system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the high vacuum pump and the second pipeline are provided in two parts.

6. A vacuum system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first low vacuum gauge is connected to the third pipeline, and the first low vacuum gauge is communicatively connected to the control unit.

7. A vacuum system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the vacuum chamber is provided with a connecting seat that communicates with the vacuum chamber. The connecting seat is connected to the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and a second low vacuum gauge is connected to the connecting seat.

8. A vacuum system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum chamber is connected to a high vacuum gauge, which is communicatively connected to the control unit.

9. A vacuum system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Two high vacuum gauges are provided.

10. A proton therapy system, characterized in that, Includes the vacuum system as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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