Ac magnetic field generation apparatus and cancer treatment apparatus

Abstract

To increase the degrees of freedom in selecting a direction of applying an AC magnetic field.SOLUTION: An AC magnetic field generation apparatus includes a coil and can control a magnetic flux vector of an AC magnetic field that is generated from the coil.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an alternating current magnetic field generating device and a cancer treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Alternating current magnetic field generating devices and cancer treatment devices having alternating current magnetic field generating devices are known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an AC magnetic field generating device such as a magnetic field generating unit that generates an AC magnetic field to be applied to an affected area of ​​a patient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which an AC magnetic field is applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An AC magnetic field generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a coil and is capable of controlling the magnetic flux vector of an AC magnetic field generated from the coil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which an AC magnetic field is applied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an AC magnetic field generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of a first coil and a second coil included in an AC magnetic field generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of the first coil and the second coil included in the AC magnetic field generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a third example of the first coil and the second coil included in the AC magnetic field generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating spiraling of magnetic flux vectors by the AC magnetic field generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the spiraling of magnetic flux vectors by the AC magnetic field generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a third diagram illustrating the spiraling of magnetic flux vectors by the AC magnetic field generating device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an AC magnetic field generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a coil in an AC magnetic field generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of a coil included in an AC magnetic field generating device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of a coil included in an AC magnetic field generating device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a third example of a coil included in an AC magnetic field generating device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an AC magnetic field generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of the configuration of an AC magnetic field generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of the configuration of an AC magnetic field generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of a coil included in an AC magnetic field generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of a coil included in an AC magnetic field generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18]FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a support mechanism for a coil included in an AC magnetic field generating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic top view showing a state in which a cancer treatment device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a cancer treatment device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure in use, viewed from the patient's head side. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a cancer treatment device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of the relationship between the position of a patient and magnetic flux vectors in a cancer treatment apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a second example of the relationship between the position of a patient and magnetic flux vectors in the cancer treatment apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. To facilitate understanding, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale.

[0009] Misalignment in directions such as parallel, right-angled, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up-down, left-right, etc. is permitted to the extent that it does not impair the effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles and may be rounded like an arch. Parallel, right-angled, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical may include approximately parallel, approximately right-angled, approximately orthogonal, approximately horizontal, and approximately vertical. "Arranged" is not limited to direct contact, but also includes indirect arrangement, for example, via another member.

[0010] [First embodiment] <Configuration of the cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure> The configuration of a cancer treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of a first coil 201-1 and a second coil 201-2 included in the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of a first coil 201-1 and a second coil 201-2 included in the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a third example of a first coil 201-1 and a second coil 201-2 included in the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The AC magnetic field generator 200a is a device that generates an AC magnetic field. In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the AC magnetic field generator 200a has a coil 201 and is capable of controlling the magnetic flux vector of the magnetic field generated from the coil 201. The magnetic flux vector refers to a vector that indicates the magnitude of the magnetic flux density and the direction in which the magnetic flux travels. In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, by controlling the magnetic flux vector, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which the AC magnetic field generator 200a applies the AC magnetic field.

[0012] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the AC magnetic field generating device 200a includes an AC power supply 202, a power supply circuit 203, a resonance circuit 204, a drive control circuit 205, a switching unit 206, a magnetic flux sensor 207, a control unit 208, and a DC power supply 209.

[0013] The coil 201 includes a first coil 201-1 and a plurality of second coils 201-2 arranged on the outer periphery of the first coil 201-1. In a first example shown in FIG. 2, the first coil 201-1 is a cylindrical coil, in other words, a solenoid coil. The second coils 201-2 are six planar coils. The AC magnetic field generating device 200a can control the magnetic flux vector of the magnetic field generated by the coil 201 by combining the magnetic flux vector generated by the first coil 201-1 and the magnetic flux vectors generated by each of the six second coils 201-2. In the first example shown in FIG. 2, a magnetic flux vector M that progresses in a spiral manner is obtained as the combined vector. Hereinafter, the magnetic flux vector that progresses in a spiral manner will be referred to as a spiral magnetic flux vector.

[0014] The magnetic field generated by second coil 201-2 may be either a static magnetic field generated by DC power supply 209 or an AC magnetic field generated by AC current. The frequency of the AC magnetic field generated by second coil 201-2 may be the same as or different from the frequency of the AC magnetic field generated by first coil 201-1. It is sufficient that second coil 201-2 generates a vector different from the magnetic flux vector formed along cylindrical axis C of first coil 201-1.

[0015] In the AC magnetic field generating device 200a, the magnetic flux vector M of the AC magnetic field generated from the coil 201 can be controlled by the arrangement of each of the multiple second coils 201-2. There are various arrangements for the multiple second coils 201-2, and therefore, by selecting the arrangement of the multiple second coils 201-2, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which the AC magnetic field is applied by the AC magnetic field generating device 200a.

[0016] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the six second coils 201-2 are arranged so that two of the second coils 201-2 face each other, and three of the second coils 201-2 are lined up in a direction along the cylindrical axis C of the first coil 201-1. However, this arrangement is not limited to this, and the arrangement positions of the multiple second coils 201-2 can be selected arbitrarily. For example, two of the second coils 201-2 may be lined up in a direction along the cylindrical axis C of the first coil 201-1, or three or more may be lined up. The number of second coils 201-2 can also be selected appropriately.

[0017] 1, AC power supply 202 is driven by power supply circuit 203 and supplies AC current to coil 201 via resonant circuit 204. Drive control circuit 205 causes second coil 201-2 to generate a magnetic field. In the example shown in FIG. 1, resonant circuit 204 is a common block, but it may be configured as a separate block. Furthermore, the resonant frequencies of first coil 201-1 and second coil 201-2 may be different from each other.

[0018] The switching unit 206 switches the current supplied from the power supply to each of the multiple second coils 201-2 between AC current and DC current. For example, a switch circuit can be used for the switching unit 206. The switching unit 206 shown in FIG. 1 performs the switching in response to control by the control unit 208. However, the switching may also be performed in response to an operation by an operator of the AC magnetic field generator 200a, etc. In the AC magnetic field generator 200a, the switching by the switching unit 206 increases the control factor of the magnetic flux vector M of the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 200a, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which the AC magnetic field is applied.

[0019] The magnetic flux sensor 207 detects the magnetic flux density of the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generating device 200a and outputs the detected flux density to the control unit 208. A pickup coil, a flux gate, or the like can be used for the magnetic flux sensor 207, and a semiconductor element such as a magnetoresistive type or a pole sensor may also be used.

[0020] The control unit 208 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and executes control processing including various types of arithmetic processing.

[0021] 1 can control the resultant vector value of the magnetic flux vector M of the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 200a by controlling the current values ​​supplied to the plurality of second coils. This increases the control factors of the magnetic flux vector M of the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 200a, and increases the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which the AC magnetic field is applied.

[0022] In addition, the control unit 208 shown in FIG. 1 can control the amount of current supplied from the AC power supply 202 to the first coil 201-1 based on the detection result by the magnetic flux sensor 207, thereby controlling the magnetic flux density of the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generating device 200a to be a predetermined value.

[0023] When the second coil 201-2 is not used, the AC magnetic field generating device 200a can generate a magnetic flux vector M, which is a straight line vector. The AC magnetic field generating device 200a can also change the resultant vector generated by the first coil 201-1 and the second coil 201-2 by switching the driving of the second coil 201-2 on or off.

[0024] The second example of the first coil 201-1 and the second coil 201-2 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the first example of the first coil 201-1 and the second coil 201-2 mainly in that the second coil 201-2 is a cylindrical coil instead of a planar coil.

[0025] 3, the second coil 201-2 is disposed on the outer periphery of the first coil 201-1 so as to be inclined with respect to the cylindrical axis C of the first coil 201-1. Depending on the inclination angle of the second coil 201-2, a different magnetic flux vector M can be generated that has a predetermined angle with respect to the magnetic flux vector M generated by the first coil 201-1. The magnetic flux vector M in the second example is also spiral.

[0026] In the second example as well, the magnetic field generated by the second coil 201-2 may be either a static magnetic field generated by the DC power supply 209 or an AC magnetic field generated by an AC current. Furthermore, the frequency of the AC magnetic field generated by the second coil 201-2 may be the same as or different from the frequency of the AC magnetic field generated by the first coil 201-1.

[0027] In the second example shown in Fig. 3, the length of the second coil 201-2 along the cylindrical axis C is set to be equal to the length of the first coil 201-1 along the cylindrical axis C. However, as in the third example shown in Fig. 4, the second coil 201-2 may be divided so that the length of the second coil 201-2 along the cylindrical axis C is shortened. The third example shown in Fig. 4 shows second coils 201-21, 201-22, 201-23, and 201-24 that are divided from the second coil 201-2 in the second example shown in Fig. 3.

[0028] The AC magnetic field generator 200a can control the resultant vector generated by the coil 201 by individually controlling the values ​​of the currents supplied to the second coils 201-21 to 201-24. For example, if current is supplied only to the second coils 201-21 and 201-22, a spiral magnetic flux vector M1 is obtained as the resultant vector. If current is supplied only to the second coils 201-23 and 201-24, a straight line vector M2 is obtained that is not spiraled.

[0029] <Spiralization of magnetic flux vector M by AC magnetic field generating device 200a> Next, with reference to Figs. 5 to 7, the spiraling of the magnetic flux vector M by the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 5 is a first diagram illustrating the spiraling of the magnetic flux vector M by the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a second diagram illustrating the spiraling of the magnetic flux vector M by the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a third diagram illustrating the spiraling of the magnetic flux vector M by the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] 5 shows a magnetic flux vector M3 generated in the first coil 201-1, which is a cylindrical coil. In the case of an AC magnetic field, the magnetic flux vector M3, which is a linear vector that advances in a direction along the cylindrical axis C of the first coil 201-1, is obtained inside the first coil 201-1.

[0031] When a magnetic flux vector M4 that is orthogonal to the direction of the straight line vector M3 is added to the magnetic flux vector M3, a resultant vector of the magnetic flux vectors M3 and M4 is obtained as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Inside the first coil 201-1, a force acts that tries to return the resultant vector to a straight line vector, and as a result, in the AC magnetic field generating device 200a, a spiral magnetic flux vector M that progresses inside the first coil 201-1 in a spiral manner is obtained.

[0032] The direction of travel of the magnetic flux vector M, which is a resultant vector, varies depending on the strength of the magnetic flux vector M4. Therefore, the AC magnetic field generator 200a can control the direction of travel of the magnetic flux vector M by controlling the strength of the magnetic flux vector M4. For example, the AC magnetic field generator 200a can control the strength of the magnetic flux vector M4 by controlling the current value of the second coil 201-2 that generates the magnetic field vector M4. Alternatively, the AC magnetic field generator 200a can change the spatial range acting on the resultant vector by changing the coil length of the second coil 201-2 that generates the magnetic field vector M4. The coil length can be changed by dividing the second coil 201-2.

[0033] 5 to 7, the magnetic flux vector M4 is orthogonal to the magnetic flux vector M3, i.e., at 90 degrees, but the angle is not limited to 90 degrees and may be any angle as long as a resultant vector can be generated. When the magnetic flux vector M is to be a linear vector, the magnetic flux vector M can be easily made into a linear vector by stopping the current supplied to the second coil 201-2.

[0034] [Second embodiment] Next, an AC magnetic field generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that the same names and symbols as those in the already-described embodiments of the present disclosure indicate the same or similar members or configurations, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the embodiments of the present disclosure described below.

[0035] <Configuration of AC magnetic field generating device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure> Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an AC magnetic field generator 200b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a coil 201 in the AC magnetic field generator 200b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9, in the AC magnetic field generator 200b, the coil 201 includes a curved high-permeability member 11 and a cylindrical coil 12 film-attached to the high-permeability member 11. In the AC magnetic field generator 200b, a magnetic field having a magnetic flux vector M is generated between the end 11a and the end 11b of the high-permeability member 11. The AC magnetic field generator 200b differs from the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the above respects. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the AC magnetic field generator 200b differs from the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in that, depending on the configuration of the coil 201, the AC magnetic field generator 200b does not have the drive control circuit 205 and the switching unit 206 shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] 9, the main magnetic flux lines are formed along the shape of the high magnetic permeability member 11, and a spatial magnetic flux is formed between the end 11a and the end 11b of the high magnetic permeability member 11. The AC magnetic field generator 200b can change the magnetic flux vector M between the end 11a and the end 11b.

[0038] 9, the cylindrical coil 12 is disposed on a portion of the high magnetic permeability member 11. However, this is not limiting. For example, the cylindrical coil 12 may be disposed on the entire high magnetic permeability member 11. The high magnetic permeability member 11 may also be formed by combining a plurality of members. In the AC magnetic field generator 200b, a magnetic material may be provided at the center or outer periphery of the coil 201 to increase the magnetic flux density. In the AC magnetic field generator 200b, when the current value of the AC current supplied from the AC power supply 202 is large, a cooling unit such as a water jacket to suppress a temperature rise in the coil 201 may be disposed in a portion other than between the end 11a and the end 11b.

[0039] The number of high magnetic permeability members 11 is not limited to one, but may be two or more, and the cylindrical coil 12 may be disposed in each of the two or more high magnetic permeability members 11 .

[0040] [Third embodiment] Next, an AC magnetic field generator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of the coil 201 included in the AC magnetic field generator 200c according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of the coil 201 included in the AC magnetic field generator 200c according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a third example of the coil 201 included in the AC magnetic field generator 200c according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in Figs. 10 to 12, the AC magnetic field generator 200c and the coil 201 are shown with the same reference numerals in order to indicate that the AC magnetic field generator 200c includes the coil 201. Hereinafter, the reference numerals may be shown with the same reference numerals in some cases.

[0041] 10, an AC magnetic field generator 200c according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the AC magnetic field generator 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure mainly in that the coil 201 is divided into two parts, a first part 14a and a second part 14b, and a magnetic field is generated in the space between the first part 14a and the second part 14b. Other than the coil 201, the configuration of the AC magnetic field generator 200c can be the same as that of the AC magnetic field generator 200b shown in FIG.

[0042] The coil 201 included in the AC magnetic field generator 200c has a support member 13 and a first portion 14a and a second portion 14b arranged on the support member 13. The first portion 14a is a portion of the coil 201 wound around a cylinder 13a, which is a part of the support member 13. The second portion 14b is a portion of the coil 201 wound around a cylinder 13b, which is also a part of the support member 13. However, the support member 13 does not necessarily have to include the cylinder 13a and the cylinder 13b. The winding directions of the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b are the same direction as the orientation of the magnetic flux vector between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b. As a result, a magnetic field is generated in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b are aligned due to the magnetic flux vector M of the magnetic field generated between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11, an AC magnetic field generating device 200c may include three or more cylindrical coil portions 140 in a coil 201.

[0044] In order to increase the magnetic flux density, a magnetic body can be provided at the center or outer periphery of coil 201. Furthermore, when the current value of the alternating current supplied from AC power supply 202 is large, a cooling unit such as a water jacket for suppressing a temperature rise in coil 201 may be disposed in a portion other than between end 11a and end 11b.

[0045] The first portion 14a and the second portion 14b are not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be a rectangular tubular shape as shown in FIG. 12. The first portion 14a shown in FIG. 12 is a portion of the coil 201 wound around a rectangular tubular member 13c, which is a part of the support member 13. The second portion 14b shown in FIG. 12 is a portion of the coil 201 wound around a rectangular tubular member 13d, which is a part of the support member 13. However, the support member 13 does not necessarily have to include the rectangular tubular member 13c and the rectangular tubular member 13d. The rectangular tubular first portion 14a and the second portion 14b can have a larger area to which a magnetic field is applied than the cylindrical first portion 14a and the second portion 14b.

[0046] The shapes of the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b of the coil 201 included in the AC magnetic field generating device 200c are not limited to a cylindrical or rectangular tube shape and may be any shape. The first portion 14a and the second portion 14b may have the same shape or different shapes.

[0047] [Fourth embodiment] Next, an AC magnetic field generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an AC magnetic field generator 200d according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of the configuration of the AC magnetic field generator 200d according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of the configuration of the AC magnetic field generator 200d according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] 13 and 14, the AC magnetic field generator 200d has a drive mechanism 210. The coil 201 includes a first portion 14a and a second portion 14b arranged next to the first portion 14a. The drive mechanism 210 is capable of adjusting the distance d between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b. The AC magnetic field generator 200d differs mainly from the AC magnetic field generator 200d according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the above respects.

[0049] 14, the first portion 14a is a portion of the coil 201 that is wound around the cylinder 13a, which is a part of the support member 13. The second portion 14b is a portion of the coil 201 that is wound around the cylinder 13b, which is a part of the support member 13. However, the support member 13 does not necessarily have to include the cylinders 13a and 13b. The winding directions of the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b are such that the orientation of the magnetic flux vector between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b coincides. As a result, the magnetic flux vector M of the magnetic field generated between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b generates a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b are aligned.

[0050] The driving mechanism 210 can adjust the distance d between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b by adjusting the distance d between the portion of the support member 13 that supports the first portion 14a and the portion that supports the second portion 14b. The driving mechanism 210 can be configured to include a linear stage or the like that includes a driving unit such as a stepping motor. The driving mechanism 210 is not limited to a linear stage, and may include a cylinder mechanism or the like.

[0051] In the AC magnetic field generator 200d, when an AC magnetic field is applied to an object placed between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b, the distance d between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b can be adjusted in accordance with the size of the object. Note that the coil 201 included in the AC magnetic field generator 200d is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a rectangular tube shape.

[0052] 13 is capable of controlling the strength of the generated magnetic field in accordance with the distance d between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b. For example, the control unit 208 can control the magnetic field strength so that it becomes weaker as the distance d becomes shorter, and becomes stronger as the distance d becomes longer. By controlling the magnetic field strength in accordance with the distance d, when an AC magnetic field is applied to an object placed between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b, the strength of the magnetic field applied to the object can be optimized.

[0053] The driving mechanism 210 included in the AC magnetic field generating device 200d is not limited to a mechanism that can adjust the distance d between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the driving mechanism 210 may be a rotation mechanism that can rotate the coil 201.

[0054] 15 includes a first rotation mechanism 210a and a second rotation mechanism 210b. The first rotation mechanism 210a can rotate the coil 201 around a first rotation shaft 211a. The second rotation mechanism 210b can rotate the coil 201 around a second rotation shaft 211b that is perpendicular to the first rotation shaft 211a.

[0055] In the AC magnetic field generating device 200d, the drive mechanism 210 is a rotation mechanism, so that when an AC magnetic field is applied to an object placed between the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b, the orientations of the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b can be adjusted to match the orientation of the object. Note that the number of rotation axes around which the drive mechanism 210 can rotate is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more. The arrangement of the rotation axes around which the drive mechanism 210 can rotate can also be changed as appropriate.

[0056] [Fifth embodiment] Next, an AC magnetic field generator according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of a coil 201 included in an AC magnetic field generator 200e according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of a coil 201 included in an AC magnetic field generator 200e according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 16, the AC magnetic field generating device 200e differs mainly from the AC magnetic field generating device 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in that the coil 201 includes multiple parts arranged side by side in one or two dimensions.

[0058] 16, the coil 201 includes a first portion 14a, a second portion 14b, a third portion 14c, and a fourth portion 14d. The first portion 14a, the second portion 14b, the third portion 14c, and the fourth portion 14d are arranged two-dimensionally along a plane perpendicular to the respective cylindrical axes C. This arrangement allows the AC magnetic field generator 200e to expand the area of ​​the coil 201 to which a magnetic field can be applied. Furthermore, the AC magnetic field generator 200e can change the area to which a magnetic field can be applied by individually controlling the on / off of the magnetic field generated by the first portion 14a, the second portion 14b, the third portion 14c, and the fourth portion 14d.

[0059] The number of parts included in the coil 201 of the AC magnetic field generating device 200e is not limited to four and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the arrangement of the parts is not limited to two-dimensional and may be one-dimensional. Furthermore, the direction in which the parts are arranged is not limited to a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis C of the coil, but may be a direction intersecting the cylindrical axis C of the coil or a direction parallel to the cylindrical axis C of the coil.

[0060] Fig. 17 shows a coil 201 in which Helmholtz coils are arranged two-dimensionally and magnetic flux can be applied across a surface. Helmholtz coils are coils that stably apply magnetic flux density to the center points of opposing coils. In the example shown in Fig. 17, eight Helmholtz coils are supported by a curved support member 13. The eight Helmholtz coils are arranged two-dimensionally along a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical axis C of the coil.

[0061] In the AC magnetic field generator 200e, even when multiple Helmholtz coils are used, the area of ​​the coil 201 to which a magnetic field can be applied can be expanded. Also, in the AC magnetic field generator 200e, the area to which a magnetic field can be applied can be changed by individually controlling the on / off of the generation of the magnetic field by the multiple Helmholtz coils.

[0062] [Sixth embodiment] Next, an AC magnetic field generating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a support mechanism 15 for a coil 201 included in an AC magnetic field generating device 200f according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 18, the AC magnetic field generating device 200f according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure differs mainly from the AC magnetic field generating device 200a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in that the AC magnetic field generating device 200f has a support mechanism 15 that supports the coil 201 so that it can be positioned in all directions.

[0064] 18 includes a coil support portion that supports coil 201 and a coil support portion rotation mechanism 15a that rotates around third rotation axis 211c, a curved arm 15b, and a mechanism that can move along curved arm 15b, and is fixed to support base 15c that supports curved arm 15b. The support mechanism 15 includes a mechanism that can move coil support portion rotation mechanism 15a while varying the position of curved arm 15b.

[0065] The AC magnetic field generator 200f can apply a magnetic field in which the magnetic flux vector M faces in all directions of 360 degrees by arranging the coil 201 in all directions of 360 degrees. This allows the AC magnetic field generator 200f to have a high degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which the AC magnetic field is applied.

[0066] [Seventh embodiment] Next, a cancer treatment apparatus according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The cancer treatment apparatus according to the seventh embodiment has an AC magnetic field generator 200c, and applies an AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 200c to the affected area. Note that the cancer treatment apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is not limited to the AC magnetic field generator 200c, and may have any one of the AC magnetic field generators 200a, 200b, 200d, 200e, and 200f. Below, an example in which the cancer treatment apparatus according to the seventh embodiment has the AC magnetic field generator 200c will be described.

[0067] <Configuration of cancer treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure> The configuration of a cancer treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 19 to 23. Fig. 19 is a schematic top view showing an example of a state in which a cancer treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. Fig. 20 is a schematic view seen from the patient's head side showing an example of a state in which a cancer treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. Fig. 21 is a schematic side view showing an example of a state in which a cancer treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a first example of a relationship between the position of a patient P and a magnetic flux vector M in a cancer treatment device 10 according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of a relationship between the position of a patient P and a magnetic flux vector M in a cancer treatment device 10 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] The cancer treatment device 10 treats cancer by applying a magnetic field to a living body P. For example, the cancer treatment device 10 applies a magnetic field generated by the coil 201 included in the AC magnetic field generating device 200c to the living body P, and treats cancer by at least one of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing the number of cancer cells in the affected area of ​​the living body.

[0069] The cancer treatment device 10 can treat cancer without using a heat-generating medium. Moreover, the cancer treatment device 10 treats cancer by directly applying a magnetic field to the affected area using the AC magnetic field generator 200c, rather than by using a thermal effect that uses the heat-generating action of a magnetic field. From another perspective, the cancer treatment device 10 can treat cancer by placing the affected area in a magnetic field space generated by the magnetic field from the AC magnetic field generator 200c, without using a heat-generating medium or relying on a thermal effect that uses the heat-generating action of a magnetic field.

[0070] The living body P includes not only people with cancer, but also pets such as dogs and cats with cancer, or domestic animals such as livestock. Note that the expression "applying a magnetic field to the living body P" may be replaced with the expression "linking a magnetic flux to the living body P."

[0071] 19 to 21, the cancer treatment apparatus 10 includes an AC magnetic field generator 200c that generates a magnetic field to be applied to the affected area. In the example shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the cancer treatment apparatus 10 also includes a cooling unit 103 and a stage 106 on which the patient P is placed. The affected area illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 21 is the head of the patient P.

[0072] The alternating current magnetic field generator 200c generates an alternating current magnetic field. The cancer treatment apparatus 10 can apply the alternating current magnetic field generated by the alternating current magnetic field generator 200c to the affected area of ​​the patient P.

[0073] The AC magnetic field generator 200c generates an AC magnetic field at a position where the affected area is placed, for example, at the center of the coil 201 of the AC magnetic field generator 200c. The magnetic flux density of the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 200c is, for example, 10 to 30 mT. The AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 200c may have a substantially constant strength, or may have a pattern in which a waveform with a specified magnitude of change is repeated for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 200c may have a pattern in which a waveform with a specified magnitude of change, including a substantially constant strength, is repeated for a predetermined period of time.

[0074] The cooling unit 103 supplies a coolant to cool the AC magnetic field generator 200c. The AC magnetic field generator 200c generates heat. The cancer treatment apparatus 10 cools the AC magnetic field generator 200c with the coolant supplied by the cooling unit 103.

[0075] The cooling unit 103 supplies a coolant that cools the AC magnetic field generator 200c. The cooling unit 103 also collects the coolant that has cooled the AC magnetic field generator 200c. The cooling unit 103 circulates the coolant while maintaining a constant temperature. The cooling unit 103 is, for example, a chiller. The cooling unit 103 is connected to a power supply PS, which is, for example, a commercial power supply. The cooling unit 103 cools the coolant using electric power from the power supply PS. The cooling unit 103 supplies the coolant that cools the AC magnetic field generator 200c to the AC magnetic field generator 200c. The coolant may be, for example, water, water with antifreeze added, or an inert liquid such as a fluorinated liquid.

[0076] The cooling unit 103 supplies the cooling liquid to the manifold 104 through the hose 105. The manifold 104 supplies the cooling liquid supplied by the cooling unit 103 to the AC magnetic field generating device 200c. The manifold 104 also recovers the supplied cooling liquid from the AC magnetic field generating device 200c.

[0077] The cancer treatment device 10 includes a non-conductive buffer material 109 on the mounting table 106. If the mounting table 106 contains metal, the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 200c may link with the metal, generating eddy currents, which may cause the mounting table 106 to heat up. To prevent the mounting table 106 from heating up, the cancer treatment device 10 includes the non-conductive buffer material 109 to space the mounting table 106 a sufficient distance away from the AC magnetic field generator 200c. The patient P lies supine on the non-conductive buffer material 109. For example, assume that the affected area of ​​the patient P is a brain tumor, such as a glioblastoma in the head. The patient P inserts his / her head into the AC magnetic field generator 200c. The AC magnetic field generator 200c has a shape that allows the patient P's head to be inserted therein. The AC magnetic field generator 200c applies a magnetic field to the patient P's head.

[0078] 22, a magnetic field is applied in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis C of each of the first portion 14a and the second portion 14b included in the coil 201. In the first example, the magnetic flux vector of the magnetic field to be applied to the patient P can be arbitrarily set by moving the mounting table 106 to change the position of the patient P or by changing the position of the coil 201 with respect to the magnetic flux vector M that is to be applied to the patient P.

[0079] In a first example, the cancer treatment device 10 can apply a magnetic field in a direction parallel to the height direction of the patient P. In a second example shown in Fig. 23, the cancer treatment device 10 can apply a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the patient P. However, the direction in which the cancer treatment device 10 can apply a magnetic field to the height direction of the patient P is not limited to the parallel direction or the perpendicular direction, and can be set to any direction.

[0080] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0081] The first to second embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined as appropriate. For example, the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments can be combined. Specifically, the coil 201 has a first portion 14a, a second portion 14b, a third portion 14c, and a fourth portion 14d arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. The AC magnetic field generating device according to the embodiment includes at least one of a drive mechanism 210 that can adjust the spacing between the first portion 14a, the second portion 14b, the third portion 14c, and the fourth portion 14d, and a support mechanism 15 that supports the coil 201 so that it can be positioned in all directions. This increases the area to which the magnetic field is applied while increasing the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which the AC magnetic field is applied. Furthermore, by individually controlling the on / off of the magnetic field generated by the first portion 14a, the second portion 14b, the third portion 14c, and the fourth portion 14d, the area to which the magnetic field can be applied can be changed while increasing the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which the AC magnetic field is applied.

[0082] All numbers such as ordinal numbers and quantities used in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated numbers. Furthermore, the connection relationships between components are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and do not limit the connection relationships that realize the functions of the present disclosure.

[0083] The present disclosure is not limited to the configurations described herein, such as combinations of the configurations described in the above embodiments of the present disclosure with other elements, etc. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and can be appropriately determined depending on the application form.

[0084] The alternating current magnetic field generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can increase the degree of freedom in selecting the direction in which the alternating current magnetic field is applied, and therefore can be used not only in cancer treatment devices but also in various applications that utilize alternating current magnetic fields.

[0085] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows. <1> The AC magnetic field generating device has a coil and is capable of controlling the magnetic flux vector of the AC magnetic field generated from the coil. <2> The coil includes a first coil and a plurality of second coils arranged on an outer periphery of the first coil, and the magnetic flux vector of the AC magnetic field generated from the coil can be controlled by the arrangement of each of the plurality of second coils. <1> 1 is an AC magnetic field generating device according to the present invention. <3> a switching unit that switches the current supplied from a power source to each of the plurality of second coils to either AC current or DC current; <2> 1 is an AC magnetic field generating device according to the present invention. <4> The composite vector value of the magnetic flux vectors can be controlled by controlling the current values ​​supplied to the plurality of second coils. <2> or the above <3> 1 is an AC magnetic field generating device according to the present invention. <5> a driving mechanism, the coil including a first portion and a second portion arranged alongside the first portion, the driving mechanism being capable of adjusting the spacing between the first portion and the second portion; <1> From the above <4> The AC magnetic field generating device is described in any one of the above. <6> The strength of the magnetic field generated can be controlled according to the distance between the first portion and the second portion. <5> 1 is an AC magnetic field generating device according to the present invention. <7> a support mechanism for supporting the coil so that the coil can be positioned in all directions; <1> From the above <6> The AC magnetic field generating device is described in any one of the above. <8> The coil has a plurality of portions arranged in one or two dimensions, and has at least one of a drive mechanism that can adjust the intervals between the plurality of portions and a support mechanism that supports the coil so that the coil can be arranged in all directions. <1> From the above <7> The AC magnetic field generating device is described in any one of the above. <9> The aforementioned <1> From the above <8> a cancer treatment device comprising the alternating current magnetic field generating device according to any one of the above, wherein the alternating current magnetic field generated by the alternating current magnetic field generating device is applied to an affected area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Cancer treatment devices 11 High permeability materials 11a, 11b ends 12 Cylindrical coil 13 Support member 13a, 13b Cylinder 13c, 13d square prism 14a Part 1 14b Part 2 14c Part 3 14d 4th part 140 Cylindrical coil part 15a Coil support rotation mechanism 15b curved arm 15c support stand 103 Cooling section 104 Manifold 105 Hose 106 Mounting table 109 Non-conductive buffer material 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e, 200f AC magnetic field generator 201 Coil 201-1 First coil 201-2 Second coil 202 AC power supply 203 Power supply circuit 204 Resonant circuit 205 Drive control circuit 206 Switching section 207 Magnetic Flux Sensor 208 Control Unit 209 DC power supply 210 Drive mechanism 210a First rotation mechanism 210b Second rotation mechanism 211a First rotation axis 211b Second rotation axis 211c Third rotation axis C Cylindrical shaft d-spacing M, M1, M2, M3, M4 magnetic flux vectors P patient PS power supply [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0087] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6603812

Claims

1. having a coil, An AC magnetic field generating device capable of controlling the magnetic flux vector of the AC magnetic field generated from the coil.

2. the coil includes a first coil and a plurality of second coils arranged on an outer periphery of the first coil, 2. The AC magnetic field generating device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic flux vector of the AC magnetic field generated from the coil can be controlled by the arrangement of each of the plurality of second coils.

3. 3. The AC magnetic field generating device according to claim 2, further comprising a switching unit that switches the current supplied from a power supply to each of the plurality of second coils between an AC current and a DC current.

4. 3. The AC magnetic field generating device according to claim 2, wherein a value of a resultant vector of the magnetic flux vectors can be controlled by controlling values ​​of currents supplied to the plurality of second coils.

5. A drive mechanism is provided. The coil includes a first portion and a second portion disposed alongside the first portion, The AC magnetic field generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism is capable of adjusting the distance between the first portion and the second portion.

6. 6. The AC magnetic field generating device according to claim 5, wherein the intensity of the magnetic field generated can be controlled according to the distance between the first portion and the second portion.

7. 2. The AC magnetic field generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a support mechanism for supporting the coil so that the coil can be positioned in all directions.

8. the coil has a plurality of sections arranged side by side in one or two dimensions; 2. The AC magnetic field generating device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a drive mechanism that can adjust the spacing between the plurality of portions, and a support mechanism that supports the coil so that it can be positioned in all directions.

9. The AC magnetic field generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided, A cancer treatment device that applies the alternating magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field generator to an affected area.

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