A kind of equalizing block switching device and radiotherapy equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of even block switching device and radiotherapy equipment, even block component is provided with at least two even parts on the even block component;At least two the ray attenuation of the even part is different, and at least two the even part is sequentially distributed along preset direction;The even block component has at least two through positions for ray to pass through, when the even block component is in corresponding through position, ray passes through corresponding even part;Drive structure, the drive structure is connected with the even block component, to drive the linear motion of the even block component to switch the through position to realize dose rate switching further.The even block switching device of the utility model solves the technical problem of low tumor treatment efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of radiotherapy technology, specifically to a homogenizing switching device and radiotherapy equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In existing tumor treatment technologies, the following contradictions urgently need to be addressed in clinical practice: First, some tumors (such as head and neck tumors) require high dose rates to improve local control rates, but adjacent normal tissues have limited tolerance to the dose, requiring a rapid switch to a low dose rate mode to avoid damage risks; Second, emerging technologies such as FLASH ultra-high-speed radiotherapy require instantaneous high dose rates, while conventional fractionation therapy requires stable medium to low dose rates, and existing equipment is difficult to flexibly accommodate multiple modes within the same treatment unit; Third, the differences in dose fractionation methods (such as conventional fractionation, hyperfractionation, and superfractionation) further exacerbate the complexity of dose rate adaptation, but the lack of equipment switching mechanisms forces clinicians to compromise with suboptimal solutions.

[0003] However, existing equalization switching devices typically achieve mode switching through a Martens mechanism. But this mechanism occupies the entire disk space within the treatment head, increasing its size and reducing the patient's treatment space.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies need further development. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide a uniform block switching device and radiotherapy equipment to solve the technical problem of low efficiency in tumor treatment in related technologies.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: It provides a leveling block switching device, comprising: A base, wherein the base has a movable space; A homogenizing block assembly is provided with at least two homogenizing parts; the at least two homogenizing parts have different ray attenuation properties, and the at least two homogenizing parts are distributed sequentially along a preset direction; the homogenizing block assembly has at least two passage positions for rays to pass through, and when the homogenizing block assembly is at the corresponding passage position, the rays pass through the corresponding homogenizing part; A driving structure is connected to the leveling block component to drive the leveling block component to move linearly to switch the passing position and thus achieve dose rate switching.

[0007] Furthermore, the equalization section includes a first equalization section, a second equalization section, and an empty section; the empty section is located between the first equalization section and the second equalization section.

[0008] Furthermore, the leveling block assembly includes a cover plate and a base plate; the leveling part is a mounting groove disposed on the cover plate; the mounting groove of the leveling part penetrates through the cover plate; the cover plate is connected to the driving structure; the base plate is detachably connected to the cover plate; the leveling block is mounted on the base plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the base is provided with a first slide rail and a second slide rail; the first slide rail and the second slide rail are respectively located on opposite sides of the movable space; the cover plate is provided with sliders that respectively cooperate with the first slide rail and the second slide rail.

[0010] Furthermore, the drive structure includes a drive motor mounted on the base, a lead screw on the output shaft of the drive motor, a nut on the lead screw, a mounting plate on the leveling block assembly, and the mounting plate connected to the nut.

[0011] Furthermore, the equalization block switching device also includes: Control module; the control module is signal-connected to the drive motor; A first micro switch and a second micro switch are respectively disposed on the base; both the first micro switch and the second micro switch are connected to the control module; the drive motor is controlled to stop by detecting the position of the leveling block component.

[0012] Furthermore, the equalization block switching device also includes a resistive linear displacement sensor, which determines the position of the equalization block component based on the resistance value.

[0013] Furthermore, the leveling block switching device also includes an encoder, which determines the position of the leveling block assembly based on the rotation angle of the lead screw.

[0014] Furthermore, the homogenizing block is a composite homogenizing block, comprising an upper tungsten layer and a lower copper layer.

[0015] A radiotherapy device includes the above-described homogenizer switching device; the radiotherapy device controls the position of the homogenizer component of the homogenizer switching device according to the required dose rate.

[0016] Beneficial effects: The equalization block switching device of this utility model includes a base with a movable space; an equalization block assembly with at least two equalization parts; the at least two equalization parts have different ray attenuation properties and are distributed sequentially along a preset direction; the equalization block assembly has at least two passage positions for rays to pass through, and when the equalization block assembly is at the corresponding passage position, the rays pass through the corresponding equalization part; A driving structure, connected to the homogenizing block assembly, drives the homogenizing block assembly to move linearly, switching the passing position and thus achieving dose rate switching. This homogenizing block switching device solves the technical problem of low efficiency in tumor treatment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the equalization block switching device used in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram from another perspective of the equalization block switching device used in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a top view of the equalization block switching device used in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction used in the embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a control principle diagram of the equalization block switching device of this utility model.

[0018] The above figures include the following reference numerals: 1. Base; 2. Uniform component; 3. Uniform piece; 4. Drive structure; 11. Activity space; 12. First slide rail; 13. Second slide rail; 21. The first uniform part; 22. The second equal part; 23. Vacant areas; 24. Cover plate; 25. Base plate; 26. Mounting plate; 31. Upper tungsten layer; 32. Lower copper layer; 41. Drive motor; 42. Lead screw; 43. Nut; 61. First micro switch; 62. Second micro switch; 71. Resistive linear displacement sensor; 72. Encoder; 241. Mounting slot; 242. Slider. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a smoothing block switching device is provided, comprising: a base 1, wherein the base 1 is provided with an active space 11; a smoothing block assembly 2, wherein the smoothing block assembly 2 is provided with at least two smoothing parts; the at least two smoothing parts have different ray attenuation properties, and the at least two smoothing parts are distributed sequentially along a preset direction; the smoothing block assembly 2 has at least two passing positions for rays to pass through, and when the smoothing block assembly 2 is at the corresponding passing position, the rays pass through the corresponding smoothing part; The driving structure 4 is connected to the leveling block component 2 to drive the leveling block component 2 to move linearly to switch the passing position and thus realize dose rate switching.

[0021] Specifically, such as Figure 1 The device includes a base 1, a leveling block assembly 2, at least two leveling blocks 3, and a drive structure 4. The base 1 has a movable space 11 for the leveling block assembly 2 to move. The leveling block assembly 2 has multiple leveling sections, which are sequentially distributed along a preset direction. Each leveling section includes at least two leveling block sections for mounting leveling blocks 3 and one empty section 23. The at least two leveling blocks 3 have different radiation attenuation properties and are correspondingly arranged on the leveling block sections. The drive structure 4 is connected to the leveling block assembly 2 and drives it to reciprocate along the preset direction.

[0022] By incorporating a homogenizing section 3 containing homogenizers with varying attenuation levels and an empty section 23, this device can provide at least three radiation modes (e.g., two homogenizing modes with different attenuation levels and one unhomogenized FFF mode). The drive structure 4 drives the entire homogenizer assembly 2 in linear motion. Compared to traditional rotary Martens mechanisms, the linear motion path is more compact, significantly saving space within the treatment head and creating conditions for expanding the patient's treatment space. Simultaneously, the linear reciprocating motion enables faster mode switching and more timely response, better meeting the clinical needs for rapid dose rate switching for different tumor types and radiotherapy plans (such as conventional fractionation and FLASH radiotherapy). This solves the technical problem of low efficiency in tumor treatment.

[0023] In the equalization block switching device of this embodiment, the equalization block includes a first equalization part 21 and a second equalization part 22 arranged at intervals; the vacant part 23 is located between the first equalization part 21 and the second equalization part 22.

[0024] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the equalization block switching device of this embodiment, the active space 11 extends through the base 1; the active space 11 includes a first space, a second space, and a third space connected in sequence; the first space and the third space are partially cylindrical structures; the second space is a cuboid structure. Thus, by placing the vacant portion 23 between the first equalization portion 21 and the second equalization portion 22, the equalization block component 2 requires the shortest travel distance when switching from either equalization portion to the vacant portion, optimizing the switching path and further improving the switching efficiency between modes. This symmetrical layout also makes the center of gravity of the entire component more stable, which is beneficial to the smoothness of movement.

[0025] With the above configuration, the through-type activity space 11 provides sufficient and precise guidance and avoidance for the movement of the uniform block component 2. The partially cylindrical first and third spaces can well accommodate the cylindrical structure of the uniform block 3, while the cuboid second space provides a stable guiding boundary for the linear movement of the component. This composite structure of the activity space 11 minimizes the material usage of the base 1 while ensuring functionality, achieving a lightweight design.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in the equalization block switching device of this embodiment, the equalization block assembly 2 includes a cover plate 24 and a base plate 25; the equalization part is a mounting groove 241 provided on the cover plate 24; the mounting groove 241 of the equalization part penetrates the cover plate 24; the cover plate 24 is connected to the driving structure 4; the base plate 25 is detachably connected to the cover plate 24; the equalization block 3 is mounted on the base plate 25.

[0027] Specifically, the separate design of the cover plate 24 and the base plate 25 greatly facilitates the installation, replacement, and maintenance of the leveling block 3. The leveling block 3 can be operated simply by removing the base plate 25, without disassembling the entire drive mechanism. The through mounting slot 241 not only reduces the weight of the cover plate 24 but also makes it possible to observe and calibrate the position of the leveling block.

[0028] In the equalization block switching device of this embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, the base 1 is provided with a first slide rail 12 and a second slide rail 13; the first slide rail 12 and the second slide rail 13 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the movable space 11; the cover plate 24 is provided with sliders 242 that cooperate with the first slide rail 12 and the second slide rail 13 respectively.

[0029] With the above configuration, the cooperation between the slide rail and the slider 242 provides high-precision, low-friction guidance for the linear motion of the leveling block component 2, ensuring the smoothness of the motion process and the repeatability of the positioning accuracy, and ensuring that the leveling block 3 is accurately aligned with the beam center.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the equalization block switching device of this embodiment, the driving structure 4 includes a driving motor 41 mounted on the base 1, and a lead screw 42 is provided on the output shaft of the driving motor 41; a nut 43 is provided on the lead screw 42; a mounting plate 26 is provided on the equalization block assembly 2; and the mounting plate 26 is connected to the nut 43.

[0031] Specifically, the transmission method using the lead screw 42 and nut 43 has the advantages of high transmission efficiency, high positioning accuracy, and good self-locking. When the drive motor 41 rotates, the rotational motion is converted into precise linear motion of the nut 43 through the lead screw 42, thereby driving the entire leveling block assembly 2 to be precisely positioned. This drive method has a compact structure and is very suitable for use in treatment heads with limited space.

[0032] In the equalization block switching device of this embodiment, the equalization block switching device further includes: a control module; the control module is signal-connected to the drive motor 41; a first micro switch 61 and a second micro switch 62; respectively disposed on the base 1; the first micro switch 61 and the second micro switch 62 are both connected to the control module; by detecting the position of the equalization block component 2, the drive motor 41 is controlled to stop.

[0033] Specifically, the micro switch serves as a hardware limit switch and a source / endpoint calibration switch. When the equalization block 2 moves to its limit position, the corresponding micro switch is triggered, and the signal is transmitted to the control module. The control module can immediately command the drive motor 41 to stop rotating, preventing the component from overtraveling and colliding, thus providing a safety protection function. At the same time, it also provides a reliable physical position reference point for the system.

[0034] In the equalization block switching device of this embodiment, the equalization block switching device further includes: a resistive linear displacement sensor 71, which determines the position of the equalization block component 2 based on the resistance value; and / or an encoder 72, which determines the position of the equalization block component 2 based on the rotation angle of the lead screw 42.

[0035] Specifically, the leveling block switching device further includes sensors for precise position detection, such as a resistive linear displacement sensor 71 and / or an encoder 72. The resistive linear displacement sensor 71 determines its precise position by detecting the resistance value of the change in relative position with respect to the leveling block assembly 2. The encoder 72 indirectly calculates the position of the leveling block assembly 2 by detecting the rotation angle of the lead screw 42.

[0036] With the above configuration, the resistive linear displacement sensor 71 can provide continuous, high-precision absolute position feedback, ensuring that each homogenizer is accurately aligned with the beam center. The encoder 72 provides a redundant position detection method, which can be used for coarse positioning or interlocked with the resistive linear displacement sensor 71 to make judgments, greatly enhancing the safety and reliability of the system.

[0037] In the sizing block switching device of this embodiment, the sizing block 3 is a composite sizing block, including an upper tungsten layer and a lower copper layer.

[0038] The radiotherapy equipment of this embodiment includes the above-mentioned homogenizing block switching device; the radiotherapy equipment controls the position of the homogenizing block component 2 of the homogenizing block switching device according to the required dose rate.

[0039] Radiotherapy equipment integrating this integrated switching device enables rapid, automatic, and precise switching between multiple dose rate output modes on a single device. It can flexibly adapt to different radiotherapy technical requirements, from ultra-high dose rates to conventional dose rates, as well as personalized treatment plans for tumors of varying depths and sensitivities, significantly improving the clinical applicability and treatment efficiency of radiotherapy equipment.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the working process of a preferred embodiment of the equalization block switching device of this utility model is as follows: The base 1 has an open space 11, which serves as the moving area for the leveling block assembly 2. The output shaft of the drive motor 41 is connected to a lead screw 42, and a nut 43 is mounted on the lead screw 42. The nut 43 is connected to the cover plate 24 of the leveling block assembly 2 via a mounting plate 26. The cover plate 24 and the base plate 25 are fixedly connected and together support the leveling block 3. A first slide rail 12 and a second slide rail 13 are provided on both sides of the open space 11. A slider 242 that cooperates with the slide rail is provided on the cover plate 24 or the base plate 25. When the drive motor 41 rotates, the rotational motion is converted into linear motion through the lead screw and nut pair, thereby driving the entire leveling block assembly 2 to move left and right along the slide rail.

[0041] The cover plate 24 has three mounting slots 241, which constitute the leveling section of the leveling block assembly 2. Two leveling blocks 3 with different radiation attenuation properties are placed in the mounting slots 241 on either side, namely the first leveling section 21 and the second leveling section 22. The middle mounting slot 241 is an empty section 23, where no leveling block is placed.

[0042] The working process is as follows: When the equalization block assembly 2 moves to the right limit position under the drive of the drive structure 4, the equalization block 3 on the left first equalization part 21 is precisely aligned with the primary collimator, entering the first dose rate mode. When it moves to the left limit position, the equalization block 3 on the right second equalization part 22 is aligned, entering the second dose rate mode. When the equalization block assembly 2 is in the middle position, the empty part 23 is aligned with the beam center, and at this time it is in the un-equalized FFF mode.

[0043] To ensure alignment accuracy, this device employs a resistive linear displacement sensor 71 to precisely detect the real-time position of the homogenizing module 2. Through pre-calibration, a correspondence between position or resistance value and operating mode is established. For example, when a resistance value of R1 is detected, the control module determines that the current mode is the first dose rate mode; when the resistance value is R2, it is the FFF mode; and when the resistance value is R3, it is the second dose rate mode. Through this closed-loop control, the position control accuracy of the homogenizing module 2 can be maintained within 0.1 mm, ensuring that the beam center is always precisely aligned with the target homogenizing section.

[0044] In addition, a first microswitch 61 and a second microswitch 62 are provided on both sides of the base 1 as hardware limit protection at both ends of the movement range. When the equalizing block component 2 moves to the limit position and triggers the microswitch, the signal is transmitted to the control module, which will immediately command the drive motor 41 to stop rotating to prevent the system from being damaged by overtravel.

[0045] To further enhance system reliability, an encoder 72 is also installed at the drive motor 41. The encoder 72 indirectly calculates the position of the equalizing block component 2 by monitoring the rotation angle of the lead screw 42. This signal mainly serves as redundancy backup and interlock judgment: when the resistive linear displacement sensor 71 is working normally, the position information provided by the encoder 72 can be cross-verified with it; if the position difference detected by the two exceeds the preset error range, the control module determines that the system has failed, immediately triggers the equipment interlock, and enters the safety protection state.

[0046] The homogenizing block 3 used in this scheme has a composite structure, consisting of an upper tungsten layer 31 and a lower copper layer 32. This composite design can effectively optimize the energy spectrum and flatness of X-rays, controlling the homogenization deviation of X-rays after passing through the homogenizing block to within 6%, thus meeting the clinical needs of high-precision radiotherapy.

[0047] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0048] Optionally, specific examples in this embodiment can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0050] In the above embodiments of this application, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A leveling block switching device, characterized in that, include: The base (1) has an active space (11) on it; A smoothing block assembly (2) is provided with at least two smoothing parts; the at least two smoothing parts have different ray attenuation properties and are distributed sequentially along a preset direction; the smoothing block assembly (2) has at least two passage positions for rays to pass through, and when the smoothing block assembly (2) is at the corresponding passage position, the rays pass through the corresponding smoothing part; A drive structure (4) is connected to the leveling block component (2) to drive the leveling block component (2) to move linearly to switch the pass position and thus achieve dose rate switching.

2. The equalization block switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The equalization section includes a first equalization section (21), a second equalization section (22), and a vacancy section (23); the vacancy section (23) is located between the first equalization section (21) and the second equalization section (22).

3. The equalization block switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The leveling block assembly (2) includes a cover plate (24) and a base plate (25); the leveling part is a mounting groove (241) provided on the cover plate (24); the mounting groove (241) of the leveling part passes through the cover plate (24); the cover plate (24) is connected to the driving structure (4); the base plate (25) is detachably connected to the cover plate (24); the leveling block (3) is mounted on the base plate (25).

4. The equalization block switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base (1) is provided with a first slide rail (12) and a second slide rail (13); the first slide rail (12) and the second slide rail (13) are respectively provided on opposite sides of the active space (11); the cover plate (24) is provided with sliders (242) that cooperate with the first slide rail (12) and the second slide rail (13) respectively.

5. The equalization block switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive structure (4) includes a drive motor (41) mounted on the base (1), and a lead screw (42) is provided on the output shaft of the drive motor (41); a nut (43) is provided on the lead screw (42); a mounting plate (26) is provided on the leveling block assembly (2); and the mounting plate (26) is connected to the nut (43).

6. The equalization block switching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The equalization block switching device further includes: Control module; the control module is signal-connected to the drive motor (41); A first micro switch (61) and a second micro switch (62) are respectively disposed on the base (1); the first micro switch (61) and the second micro switch (62) are both connected to the control module; the drive motor (41) is controlled to stop by detecting the position of the leveling block component (2).

7. The equalization block switching device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The equalization block switching device also includes a resistive linear displacement sensor (71), which determines the position of the equalization block component (2) based on the resistance value.

8. The equalization block switching device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The equalization block switching device also includes an encoder (72), which determines the position of the equalization block assembly (2) based on the rotation angle of the lead screw (42).

9. The equalization block switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The homogenizing block (3) is a composite homogenizing block, comprising an upper tungsten layer and a lower copper layer.

10. A radiotherapy device, characterized in that, The device includes the homogenizing block switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; the radiotherapy equipment controls the position of the homogenizing block component (2) of the homogenizing block switching device according to the required dose rate.

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