Target current monitoring device for boron neutron capture therapy system

Abstract

SOLUTION: Disclosed is a target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system, comprising a beam shaping assembly and a replaceable target disposed in a proton channel of the beam shaping assembly, and further comprising an automatic conduction detection device independent of the target, wherein the automatic conduction detection device comprises a contact member and an external current monitoring device electrically connected to the contact member, the contact member is disposed on a moving path of the target, and the contact member forms a path with the external current monitoring device after contacting the target.EFFECT: Since there is no hard-wired connection, there is no need to manually disconnect the target from an external current monitoring device in a radiation environment, and there is no problem of pulling the external current monitoring device during the process of target replacement and target storage, so that the current of the target can be read in real time in a fully automatic situation, thereby realizing automatic replacement, movement and storage of the target.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of target current monitoring, and in particular to a target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of boron neutron capture therapy, AC and DC current transformers are generally used at the end of the accelerator to measure beam intensity, i.e., current intensity. However, because the AC and DC current transformers are generally located relatively far from the neutron source target, the beam may experience a certain particle loss even after passing through the AC and DC current transformers, which reduces the current reflected at the target and reaching the target, making it impossible to obtain the actual beam intensity using the AC and DC current transformers.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to connect an ammeter to the target with an electric wire to obtain the beam intensity of the target.

[0004] However, monitoring the target current using an ammeter connected via an electric wire not only makes it impossible to obtain the actual beam intensity of the target in real time, but also has the problem of pulling the ammeter during the automatic target exchange and target storage process, and requires manually disconnecting the target from the ammeter in a radiation environment, making fully automatic operation impossible, posing radiation risks, and resulting in low target exchange efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to design a target dark current measurement device in an integrated environment such as boron neutron capture therapy, automatic target replacement, and beam adjustment through moderator replacement, which can read the target current in real time under fully automatic conditions, while also realizing automatic target replacement, movement, and storage, and realizing arbitrary adjustment of the target position in the beam shaping body during the moderator replacement process, thereby meeting various position needs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system to solve the problems that existing target current monitoring devices are connected to an ammeter with an electric wire, making it impossible to accurately obtain the actual beam intensity of the target in real time, and that the ammeter is pulled during the automatic target replacement and target accommodation process, and that the connection between the target and the ammeter must be manually disconnected in a radiation environment, making fully automatic operation impossible, posing radiation risks, and resulting in low target replacement efficiency. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system can be used to measure target dark current in an integrated environment of boron neutron capture therapy, automatic target replacement, and beam adjustment through moderator replacement, etc., and can read the target current in real time under fully automatic conditions, while also realizing automatic target replacement, movement, and accommodation, and freely adjusting the position of the target in the beam shaping body during the moderator replacement process, thereby meeting various positioning needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to achieve the object of the invention is as follows: A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system, which includes a beam shaper and a replaceable target installed inside the proton channel of the beam shaper, further including an automatic continuity detection device independent of the target, the automatic continuity detection device including a contact member and an external current monitoring device electrically connected to the contact member, the contact member being installed in the moving path of the target, and forming a passage with the external current monitoring device after the contact member contacts the target. The target current monitoring device for the boron neutron capture therapy system is provided with an automatic continuity detection device independent of the target, which includes a contact member and an external current monitoring device. The contact member is installed on the target's movement path. When the target is positioned inside the proton channel, the target contacts the contact member and forms a path with the external current monitoring device. The target current is transmitted to the external current monitoring device in real time via the contact member, and displayed and read. There is no hard wire connection between the external current monitoring device and the target assembly, so there is no need to manually disconnect the target from the external current monitoring device such as an ammeter in a radiation environment. There is no problem with pulling the external current monitoring device such as an ammeter during the target replacement and target accommodation process. The target current can be read in real time under fully automatic conditions, which enables automatic target replacement, movement, and accommodation, and allows the target's position to be freely adjusted in the beam shaping body during the moderator replacement process, thereby meeting various positioning needs.

[0008] Preferably, the contact member itself forms a conductive contact, or a conductive contact is provided on the contact member. To achieve the contact conductive function, the contact member itself may be a conductor, or a conductive contact may be provided on the contact member, and the conductive contact may contact the target to form a path.

[0009] Preferably, the contact member is a telescopic pressing piece or a telescopic probe, or the contact member is a pressing piece, a conductive needle, or a conductive ring. The contact member is preferably a telescopic pressing piece, and may also be a telescopic probe. The contact member may also be a non-telescopic pressing piece, a non-telescopic conductive needle, or a non-telescopic conductive ring. The structural shape of the contact member is not limited and may be any shape as long as it contacts the target and forms a passage.

[0010] Preferably, the automatic continuity detection device further includes a telescopic assembly for extending and retracting the contact member, the telescopic assembly being installed inside the proton channel or the beam shaper. To enable the target to come into contact with the contact member to form a passage during the installation process, a channel is opened inside the proton channel or the beam channel, a telescopic assembly is installed inside the channel, and the contact member is driven by the telescopic assembly to extend and retract in the axial direction, thereby enabling the target to come into contact with the contact member to form a passage even when it enters different positions inside the beam shaper.

[0011] Preferably, when the contact member contacts the target, the contact member, the target, the telescopic assembly, and the external current monitoring device form a path. The telescopic assembly can be used as a direct electrical conductor, and the contact member, the target, the telescopic assembly, and the external current monitoring device form a path, allowing the target current to be monitored in real time.

[0012] Preferably, the contact member is connected to an external current monitoring device by a wire, and when the contact member contacts the target, the contact member, the target, the wire, and the external current monitoring device form a path. Alternatively, the telescopic assembly can be installed as an insulator, and in this case, the contact member and the external current monitoring device can be connected to each other by a wire, and similarly, a path can be formed between the contact member, the target, the wire, and the external current monitoring device.

[0013] Preferably, the telescoping assembly includes a mechanical telescoping assembly and an electric telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly may be a mechanical telescoping assembly or an electric telescoping assembly, as long as it can achieve telescoping function.

[0014] Preferably, the mechanical telescopic assembly includes a telescopic fitting and a repulsion member. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical telescopic assembly employs a telescopic fitting, and the repulsion member is installed on the telescopic fitting to ensure the repulsion function of the telescopic assembly, so that the contact member can automatically return to its original position during the target replacement process.

[0015] Preferably, the telescopic fitting includes at least an outer cylindrical member and an inner cylindrical member telescopically installed inside the outer cylindrical member. The telescopic fitting includes an outer cylindrical member and an inner cylindrical member, and the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member may be an outer bushing and an inner bushing, or an outer sleeve rod and an inner sleeve rod. There are no specific limitations on the shape, and as long as they can achieve internal and external telescoping, they can meet the installation requirements of the telescopic assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the resilient member is a tension spring or a tension elastic piece installed inside the telescopic fitting member. The resilient member may be a tension spring or a tension elastic piece as long as it is a member capable of realizing resilience.

[0017] Preferably, the mechanical telescoping assembly includes a built-in telescoping device. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanical telescoping assembly may employ a built-in telescoping device with a fixed or constant telescoping amount, which can also achieve the purpose of telescoping. The built-in telescoping device may have a fixed ultimate telescoping amount, which can realize telescoping within the ultimate telescoping amount range to meet the needs of target body current monitoring at different positions.

[0018] Preferably, a sliding groove is opened on the inner wall of the proton channel, the built-in telescopic device is installed inside the sliding groove, the contact member is connected to one end of the built-in telescopic device, and the other end of the built-in telescopic device is fixed to the sliding groove or to the outside of the beam shaping body. To achieve the installation of the built-in telescopic device, a sliding groove is opened on the inner wall of the proton channel, the built-in telescopic device is installed inside the sliding groove, and the contact member can be extended and retracted by the built-in telescopic device.

[0019] Preferably, the built-in telescopic device is a telescopic spring, a telescopic elastic piece, or a telescopic elastic tube. The built-in telescopic device may be a telescopic spring, a telescopic elastic piece, a telescopic elastic tube, or any other member that has elasticity in itself.

[0020] Preferably, the electric telescopic assembly includes a power assembly and a connector, and the power assembly is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder with a fixed extension / retraction amount. The telescopic assembly may also be an electric telescopic assembly, which mainly includes a power assembly and a connector, and the power assembly extends or retracts the connector to achieve the purpose of extending or retracting the contact member.

[0021] Preferably, the connector is installed inside the proton channel or inside an expandable channel installed in the beam shaper parallel to the proton channel, and the connector is moved to the inside of the proton channel or the expandable channel by a power assembly. The connector can be selected according to the specific installation location, and may be installed inside the proton channel, or an expandable channel may be installed in the beam shaper and the connector may be installed inside the expandable channel.

[0022] Preferably, the automatic continuity detection device further includes a connector having a fixed length, the connector being installed inside the proton channel or inside the beam shaper, and the contact member being installed at the end of the connector. To facilitate current monitoring of a target having a fixed insertion length, the connector can be set to a fixed length, and the length by which the connector extends into the proton channel or the beam shaper is fixed, that is, the contact member is fixed at a fixed position on the movement path of the target, and when the target is inserted into the proton channel and reaches the position of the contact member, it comes into contact with the target to form a passage.

[0023] Preferably, when the contact member contacts the target, the contact member, the target, the connector, and the external current monitoring device form a path. The connector can be used directly as a conductor, and the contact member, the target, the connector, and the external current monitoring device form a path, allowing the target current to be monitored in real time.

[0024] Preferably, the contact member is connected to an external current monitoring device by a wire, and when the contact member contacts the target, a path is formed between the contact member, the target, the wire, and the external current monitoring device. Alternatively, the connector can be installed as an insulator, and in this case, the connection between the contact member and the external current monitoring device is realized by a wire, and a path can be formed between the contact member, the target, the wire, and the external current monitoring device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: (1) The target current monitoring device for the boron neutron capture therapy system does not have a hard wire connection between the automatic continuity detection device and the target assembly, so there is no need to manually disconnect the target and ammeter in a radiation environment, and there is no problem of pulling the ammeter during the target replacement and target accommodation process. It can read the target current in real time under fully automatic conditions, realize automatic target replacement, movement, and accommodation, and realize free and arbitrary adjustment of the target position in the beam shaping body during the moderator replacement process, so as to meet various positioning needs.

[0026] (2) The automatic continuity detection device mainly uses a contact member and an extension assembly to realize axial extension and contraction, thereby meeting the requirement of contacting targets at different positions to form a passage. The installation of a contact-type passage allows the target to contact the contact member to form a passage when it enters different positions inside the beam shaping body, thereby realizing fully automatic target replacement.

[0027] (3) The telescopic assembly may be mechanical or electric, has a wide range of application, is highly practical, and has a simple structure. The telescopic assembly is installed inside the beam shaping body, which can effectively prevent target current leakage. The current monitoring equipment is installed outside the beam shaping body or in a radiation-free position away from the beam shaping body, which has a long service life and is easy to observe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the contact between the automatic continuity monitoring device and the target assembly in the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4]1 is a structural schematic diagram of the contact between the automatic continuity monitoring device and the target assembly in the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is another cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the contact between the automatic continuity monitoring device and the target assembly in the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a third type of contact between the automatic continuity monitoring device and the target assembly in the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is another structural schematic diagram of contact between the automatic continuity monitoring device and the target assembly in the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a second type of target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a third type of target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and drawings.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system includes a beam shaper 1 and a replaceable target 3 installed inside the proton channel 2 of the beam shaper 1, and further includes an automatic continuity detection device 6 independent of the target 3, and the automatic continuity detection device 6 includes a contact member 7 and an external current monitoring device 10, the contact member 7 is installed in the moving path of the target 3, and forms a passage with the external current monitoring device 10 after the contact member 7 comes into contact with the target 3.

[0031] In this embodiment, the contact member 7 itself forms a conductive contact, while in another embodiment the contact member 7 is provided with a conductive contact 8 (see FIG. 5).

[0032] The contact member 7 is a telescopic pressing piece or a telescopic probe. In this embodiment, the contact member 7 is a telescopic pressing piece.

[0033] 4, the automatic continuity detection device 6 further includes a telescopic assembly 9 for extending and retracting the contact member 7, and a current monitoring device 10 installed outside the beam shaper 1, and the telescopic assembly 9 is installed inside the proton channel 2 or inside the beam shaper 1. In this embodiment, the telescopic assembly 9 is installed inside the proton channel 2.

[0034] The telescopic assembly 9 includes a mechanical telescopic assembly and a motorized telescopic assembly. In this embodiment, the telescopic assembly 9 includes a mechanical telescopic assembly. The mechanical telescopic assembly includes a telescopic engaging member 91 and a rebound member 71.

[0035] The telescopic fitting member 91 includes at least an outer cylindrical member 93 and an inner cylindrical member 94 that is telescopically installed inside the outer cylindrical member 93. In this embodiment, the outer cylindrical member is an outer bushing, and the inner cylindrical member is an inner bushing. Of course, in another embodiment, the outer cylindrical member and the inner cylindrical member may be an outer sleeve rod and an inner sleeve rod.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the resilient member 71 is a tension spring or a tension elastic piece installed inside the telescopic fitting member 91 .

[0037] 8, the mechanical telescopic assembly includes a built-in telescopic device 96 having a fixed amount of telescopic expansion. A slide groove 95 is opened in the inner wall of the proton channel 2 described above, the built-in telescopic device 96 is installed inside the slide groove 95, the contact member 7 is connected to one end of the built-in telescopic device 96, and the other end of the built-in telescopic device 96 is fixed to the slide groove 95 or to the outside of the beam shaper 1. The built-in telescopic device 96 is a telescopic spring, a telescopic elastic piece, or a telescopic elastic tube.

[0038] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, the telescopic assembly 9 is an electric telescopic assembly. The electric telescopic assembly includes a power assembly 97 and a connector 98, and the power assembly 97 is an air or hydraulic cylinder with a fixed extension / retraction amount.

[0039] The connector 98 is installed inside the proton channel 2 or inside an expandable channel 99 installed in the beam shaper parallel to the proton channel, and the connector 98 is moved expandably and contractibly into the proton channel 2 or the expandable channel 99 by a power assembly 97.

[0040] In this embodiment, the telescopic assembly 9 can be used as an electrical conductor, and when the contact member 7 contacts the target 3, the contact member 7, the target 3, the telescopic assembly 9 and the external current monitoring device 10 form a path.

[0041] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 5, 7 and 8, the telescopic assembly 9 can be installed as an insulator, and the contact member 7 is connected to an external current monitoring device by a wire 14, and when the contact member 7 contacts the target 3, the contact member 7, the target 3, the wire 14 and the external current monitoring device 10 form a path.

[0042] In another embodiment, the automatic continuity detection device further includes a connector 98 having a fixed length, which is installed inside the proton channel 2 or inside the beam shaper 1, and the contact member 7 is installed at the end of the connector 98. The connector 98 of a fixed length is used to install the contact member 7 on the moving path of the target 3, and the installation of such a connector of a fixed length can meet the needs of current monitoring of a target with a fixed extension length.

[0043] The connector 98 can be used directly as a conductor, and when the connector is a conductor, when the contact member 7 contacts the target 3, the contact member 7, the target 3, the connector 98 and the external current monitoring device 10 form a path.

[0044] In another embodiment, the connector can be installed as an insulator, in which case the contact member 7 is connected to the external current monitoring device 10 by a wire 14, and when the contact member 7 contacts the target 3, the contact member 7, the target 3, the wire 14 and the external current monitoring device 10 form a pathway.

[0045] (Embodiment 2) 7, a target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system includes a beam shaper 1 and a replaceable target 3 installed inside a proton channel 2 of the beam shaper 1. The target 3 includes a target body 4 and a cylindrical body 5.

[0046] An automatic continuity detection device 6 independent of the target 3 is installed inside the proton channel 2, and the automatic continuity detection device 6 can change the passage position as the target body 4 moves, making contact with the target body 4 to form a passage; when the automatic continuity detection device 6 is released from contact with the target body 4, it no longer makes contact and forms a blockage.

[0047] The automatic continuity detection device 6 is provided with a contact member 7 that contacts the target body 4 to form a path, and the contact member 7 itself forms a conductive contact, or in another embodiment, a conductive contact 8 is provided on the contact member 7.

[0048] The contact member 7 is a telescopic clamp or a telescopic control needle. When the contact member 7 is a telescopic probe, the telescopic probe includes a needle tube, a spring, and a needle tip. Alternatively, the telescopic probe may include a needle tube, a spring, a steel ball, and a needle tip, and may be a needle tube, a spring, an inner tube, and a needle tip. The telescopic probe may have various shapes, such as a bent tube type, a plug type, a flat bottom type, a double head type, or a wire welding type. The needle tip may be a pointed needle, a grip needle, a round head needle, a knife-shaped needle, etc. The contact member may be a non-telescopic clamp, a non-telescopic clamp conductive needle, or a non-telescopic clamp conductive ring, etc.

[0049] In another embodiment, when the contact member 7 is an expandable retainer, the expandable retainer is configured as a multi-layer elastic folded structure, and is made of a conductive material, or is made of a non-conductive material, and has a conductive contact 8 installed on the expandable retainer, which contacts the target body 4 to form a passage. In this case, the conductive contact 8 is connected to an external current monitoring device through a wiring 14. The wiring 14 may be a lead wire or an electric wire, which can be drawn along the cavity wall of the proton channel 2 without being connected to the target 3.

[0050] The automatic continuity detection device 6 may include an external current monitoring device 10 installed on the telescopic assembly 9, the beam shaper 1, and wiring 14 installed inside the telescopic assembly 9. The wiring 14 employs a lead wire or wire, and a contact member 7 for electrical conduction connected to the lead wire or wire.

[0051] The contact member 7 may be a telescopic probe or telescopic clamp, a conductive contact attached to the telescopic clamp, or a ring-shaped lead wire or other various structural shapes, with different specific shapes being sufficient as long as they can meet the contact and conductive requirements. Since the target body 4 is generally formed of a film attached to a circular copper plate, the contact member may have a variety of structural shapes as long as it can contact the target body 4 and achieve electrical conductivity.

[0052] A conductive contact member 7 is installed at the inner edge of the beam shaper proton channel 2. When a new target 3 is inserted into the beam shaper proton channel 2, the contact member 7 extends as the target 3 enters, constantly pressing against the target body 4. The contact member 7 is connected to an external current monitoring device 10, such as an ammeter, via a lead wire or electrical cable, allowing real-time current to be extracted and transmitted to the external current monitoring device 10 for reading. Because the lead wire or electrical cable is connected to the contact member 7 and not hard-connected to the target 3, the external current monitoring device 10, such as an ammeter, does not directly connect to the target 3 to form a path, but only forms a path when the target 3 comes into contact with the contact member 7. This forms two independent devices between the external current monitoring device 10 and the target 3 that do not interfere with each other, and only forms a path when they come into contact. This avoids problems such as the pulling effect on the external current monitoring device 10 due to a hard-connected electrical cable when replacing the target 3, or the risk of radiation risks due to manually disconnecting the wires in a radiation environment. At the same time, rapid, fully automated target replacement can be achieved.

[0053] The telescopic assembly 9 may adopt mechanical telescopic or electric telescopic.

[0054] When mechanical telescoping is adopted, the telescoping assembly 9 includes a telescoping fitting 91, which may be a telescoping bushing or a telescoping sleeve rod, and a lumen 92 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is installed inside the telescoping fitting 91. The lumen 92 is insulated, and the lead wire or electric wire is installed inside the lumen 92 and telescopically expands and contracts together with the telescoping assembly 9. The contact member 7 is installed at the telescoping end of the telescoping fitting 91, and the contact member 7 faces one end inside the beam shaper 1.

[0055] In another embodiment, the telescopic assembly 9 includes a telescopic fitting 91. The telescopic fitting 91 may be a telescopic bushing or a telescopic sleeve rod. The telescopic bushing or the telescopic sleeve rod is a conductor, and the contact member 7 is installed at the telescopic end of the telescopic fitting 91, and the contact member 7 faces one end inside the beam shaper 1.

[0056] The telescopic fitting member 91 includes at least an outer cylindrical member 93 and an inner cylindrical member 94 slidably and retractably installed inside the outer cylindrical member 93. That is, the telescopic sleeve rod includes at least an outer bushing and an inner bushing slidably and retractably installed inside the outer sleeve rod. The telescopic sleeve rod includes at least an outer sleeve rod and an inner sleeve rod slidably and retractably installed inside the outer sleeve rod.

[0057] To ensure that the telescopic presser piece or the telescopic probe can automatically return to its original position and that the telescopic presser piece or the telescopic probe can always effectively adhere to the target body 4 during the contact and conduction process to achieve the conductive function, the telescopic assembly 9 further includes a resilient member 71, which may be a tension spring (see FIG. 6) or a tension elastic piece with a relatively high resilience. The resilient member 71 may be installed inside the telescopic bushing or the lumen of the telescopic bushing, with one end of the resilient member being attracted to the inner wall of the outer bushing or the outer sleeve rod and the other end being attracted to the bottom of the inner bushing or the inner sleeve rod.

[0058] When contact conduction is not required, i.e., when the telescopic clamp or telescopic probe is not in contact with the target body 4, the tension spring is in its natural state, and when the telescopic clamp or telescopic probe is in contact with the target body 4 and conducting, the tension spring is in a tensioned state, and the elastic force of the tension spring causes the telescopic clamp or telescopic probe to be attached to the target body 4 and be in a contact conduction state.

[0059] In another embodiment, the repulsive member 71 may be an elastic retractable structure provided on the telescopic probe or telescopic pressing piece, or may be installed separately and connected to form an integral structure.

[0060] When contact conduction is not required, i.e., when the telescopic pressure piece or telescopic probe is not in contact with the target body 4, the retractable spring is in its natural state, and when the telescopic pressure piece or telescopic probe is in contact with the target body 4 and conducting electricity, the retractable spring is in a tensioned state, and the retractable pressure piece or telescopic probe is attached to the target body 4 by the tensile elastic force of the spring, resulting in a contact conduction state.

[0061] The installation of the repulsive member 71 facilitates automatic target replacement operations, and when adjusting the target position, the telescopic clamping piece or telescopic probe and the target body 4 can always be kept in a tight and conductive state, effectively drawing out current in real time and allowing it to be detected by the external current monitoring device 10.

[0062] In another embodiment, when mechanical telescoping is used, the telescoping assembly 9 may be realized by installing a built-in telescopic device 96 with a fixed telescopic amount. Specifically, a sliding groove 95 may be opened on the inner wall of the proton channel 2, and the built-in telescopic device 96 may be installed inside the sliding groove, with one end of the built-in telescopic device 96 fixed inside the sliding groove or fixed outside the beam shaper, and the other end of the built-in telescopic device connected to the contact member 7 to drive the contact member 7 to be movably and telescopically installed inside the sliding groove 95, and the built-in telescopic device 96 drives the sliding distance of the contact member 7 inside the sliding groove to set the telescopic amount. That is, the telescopic length of the built-in telescopic device 96 can be controlled to control the sliding distance of the telescopic presser piece or the telescopic probe inside the sliding groove, thereby realizing a change in the telescopic amount and meeting the needs of current monitoring at different positions on the target.

[0063] One end of the contact member 7 is fixed to a built-in telescopic device 96, and the other end of the contact member 7 extends along the path of movement of the target body 4 and is electrically connected to the target body 4. The built-in telescopic device 96 may be a telescopic spring with elastic function, or may be an elastic piece or an elastic tube. The path of movement of the target body moves along the axial direction of the proton channel.

[0064] In another embodiment, when motorized telescopic operation is adopted, the telescopic assembly 9 includes a power assembly 97 and a connector 98. The power assembly 97 may adopt a servo motor to drive the connector 98, or may adopt a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder to drive the connector 98. The purpose of extending and retracting the telescopic presser piece or the telescopic probe can be similarly achieved by extending and retracting the power assembly.

[0065] In the beam shaper 1, an expandable channel 99 is installed parallel to the proton channel 2, the connector 98 is installed inside the expandable channel 99, and the contact member 7 is connected to the connector 98 and contacts the target body 4 to form a passage.

[0066] The automatic continuity detection device 6 further includes an external current monitoring device 10 installed at an arbitrary position outside the beam shaper 1. The external current monitoring device 10 may be a milliampere current meter, an oscillograph, or any other device that realizes a current monitoring display function.

[0067] The telescopic assembly 9 may be freely inserted into the proton channel 2 or may be slidably installed on the inner wall of the proton channel 2 via a slide groove.

[0068] A cooling water source using deionized water is installed inside the target body 4, and the target body 4 and the cylindrical body 5 are electrically insulated from each other. The target body 4 is in contact with the beam shaper 1 and is electrically insulated throughout. The target body 4 is installed at one end of the cylindrical body 5 where it extends into the beam shaper 1, and a vacuum pipe fitting 11 is fixedly or movably connected to one end of the cylindrical body 5 outside the beam shaper 1. The vacuum pipe fitting 11 and the cylindrical body 5 may be threaded or fixedly welded together. Alternatively, a flange may be installed on the cylindrical body 5, and a flange may be installed on the vacuum pipe fitting 11 to achieve a flange-type connection between the two. Similarly, a card-type connection may be used between the cylindrical body 5 and the vacuum pipe fitting 11, or a buckle connection may be achieved using a snap button structure. Regardless of the connection method used, it is sufficient to enable automatic target replacement as needed and to achieve vacuum connection with other external devices.

[0069] The target current monitoring device for the boron neutron capture therapy system is used to measure the target dark current in an integrated environment such as boron neutron capture therapy, automatic target replacement, and beam adjustment by moderator replacement, and can effectively monitor and read the current of the target 3 in real time in a fully automatic situation, while facilitating the automatic replacement and storage of the target 3, and further facilitating the adjustment operation of the position of the target 3 in the beam shaping body by moderator replacement.

[0070] The target 3 and external current monitoring equipment 10 such as an ammeter are directly hard-connected without using electrical wires, which prevents the ammeter from being pulled by electrical wires connected to the target 3 and ammeter respectively during the automatic target exchange and target accommodation process. It also avoids the need to manually disconnect the target from the ammeter in a radiation environment, which poses radiation risks and reduces operational efficiency.

[0071] The contact member 7 (retractable clamp or telescopic probe) used can be changed according to the change in the position of the target body 4 inside the BSA, and can always be in contact with and conductive with the target body 4, making the monitoring device more widely used and able to meet the needs of current monitoring of the target body 4 at any position inside the beam shaper 1. At the same time, the telescopic clamp or telescopic probe can automatically return to its initial position when the target is replaced, so that no matter how the target position is adjusted when the decelerator is replaced, the beam current can be extracted to an external ammeter to form a path.

[0072] The target body 4 and the external current monitoring device 10 (milliampere ammeter, oscillograph, etc.) are used to set up a contact path, and the position of the target body 4 in the beam shaping body 1 can be arbitrarily moved as needed. The automatic conduction detection device 6 and the target body 4 adopt a contact path and non-contact cutoff, so that the impact on the external current monitoring device during the target replacement process can be avoided.

[0073] The position of the target body 4 within the beam shaper 1 is adjusted according to treatment requirements. Therefore, regardless of the treatment requirements, the current from the accelerator to the target can be extracted by an ammeter. Therefore, the telescopic probe or clamp must have sufficient extension and repulsion capacity and be able to return to its original position after the target 3 is transferred during the target replacement phase. This ensures that the target 3 is in close contact with the telescopic probe or clamp when it enters the beam shaper. The repulsive member 71 also ensures more stable contact, higher conductivity, and better monitoring. When replacing the target, the target 3 has no wires or connection to a reading device, eliminating the need for additional storage of the target 3. Furthermore, there is no risk of beam leakage when the target 3 is adjusted.

[0074] The target body 4 must be insulated from the cylinder 5 and does not contact the beam shaper 1; that is, the target body 4 is insulated everywhere, and the water inside the target body is deionized water and is also insulated. The telescopic clamp or probe is also insulated from the outside, and can only form a path when the telescopic clamp comes into contact with the target body. At the same time, an external current monitoring device outside the beam shaper and the telescopic clamp or telescopic probe form a path via an electric wire or lead wire.

[0075] The specific use process of the target current monitoring device for the boron neutron capture therapy system described in the above embodiment is as follows. First, when the target 3 enters the beam shaper proton channel 2, the target body 4 and the contact member 7 come into contact at an initial position to form a passage, and as the target 3 enters, the contact member 7 always comes into close contact with the target body, conducting with the target body 4 to form a passage, and the target current can be monitored in real time.

[0076] Next, the other end of the contact member 7, i.e., the end that does not contact the target body, is connected to an external current monitoring device 10 such as an external ammeter via an electric wire or conductor, and when the target body 4 contacts the contact member 7, a path is formed between the target body 4, the contact member 7, and the external current monitoring device 10 such as an ammeter, thereby realizing real-time monitoring of the current.

[0077] Thirdly, when replacing the target 3, the target 3 is separated from the beam shaper 1, the contact between the target body 4 and the contact member 7 is released, and a disconnection is formed between the target body 4 and an external current monitoring device 10 such as an ammeter. At this time, the target 3 can be accommodated in a normal replacement manner, and the contact member 7 returns to its original position and is held inside the beam shaper 1, eliminating the need for replacement.

[0078] The contact member 7, i.e., the telescopic probe or telescopic pressing piece, is not limited to the rod or needle shape shown in the embodiment, but may be an extension of this technology as long as it can realize contact conduction and is capable of automatic repulsion. For example, it may be ring-shaped or the like.

[0079] In order to facilitate the installation of the telescopic assembly, a positioning support 12 is further installed, and the positioning support 12 is not only arranged as a stent outside the beam shaper 1 in the figure, but also may be attached to the beam shaper 1 as long as it satisfies the insulation requirements between the accelerator and the beam shaper.

[0080] After beam debugging is complete and the position of the target 3 is roughly set, the automatic continuity detection device 6 can be set not to expand or contract, or the amount of expansion can be fixed. The repulsion structure is mainly realized by mechanical components such as springs, but this does not mean that it cannot be completed by an electric mechanism, and anything that meets these repulsion requirements should be an extension of this technology.

[0081] The external current monitoring device 10 in the automatic continuity detection device 6 may be placed in a non-radiating area, thereby improving the service life of the device.

[0082] The target current monitoring apparatus for a boron neutron capture therapy system further includes a base that can be used to support the beam shaper and to rest the external current monitoring device 10 thereon.

[0083] The target current monitoring device for the boron neutron capture therapy system uses a telescopic probe or telescopic clamp, i.e., a contact path mode installation, to realize target current monitoring at any position on the beam shaping body, which is widely applicable and highly practical, and has a simple, purely mechanical structure, ensuring irradiation resistance and stability in a highly radioactive environment, and reducing operation costs.

[0084] The above embodiments are specific specific embodiments of the present invention, and are intended to explain the concept of the present invention. They are all explanatory and exemplary, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present invention and the scope of the present invention. In addition to the embodiments described herein, those skilled in the art may adopt other obvious technical solutions based on the claims and the contents disclosed in the specification of this application. These technical solutions include any obvious substitutions and modifications of the embodiments described herein, and all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0085] (Addendum) (Appendix 1) A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system including a beam shaper (1) and a replaceable target (3) installed inside a proton channel (2) of the beam shaper (1), further including an automatic continuity detection device (6) independent of the target (3), the automatic continuity detection device (6) including a contact member (7) and an external current monitoring device (10) electrically connected to the contact member (7), the contact member (7) being installed on a moving path of the target (3), the contact member (7) forming a path with the external current monitoring device after contacting the target (3); The automatic continuity detection device (6) further includes a telescopic assembly (9) for extending and retracting the contact member (7), the telescopic assembly (9) being installed inside the proton channel (2) or inside the beam shaper (1); The telescopic assembly (9) is an electrical conductor, and when the contact member (7) contacts the target (3), a path is formed between the contact member (7), the target (3), the telescopic assembly (9), and an external current monitoring device (10); or The telescopic assembly (9) is an insulator, and the contact member (7) is connected to an external current monitoring device (10) by a wire (14). When the contact member (7) contacts the target (3), the contact member (7), the target (3), the wire (14), and the external current monitoring device (10) form a path. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system, comprising:

[0086] (Appendix 2) The contact member (7) itself forms a conductive contact, or a conductive contact (8) is provided on the contact member (7). 2. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1.

[0087] (Appendix 3) The contact member (7) is a telescopic probe, or the contact member (7) is a pressing piece, a conductive needle, or a conductive ring. 2. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1.

[0088] (Appendix 4) The telescopic assembly (9) includes a mechanical telescopic assembly and an electric telescopic assembly. 2. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1.

[0089] (Appendix 5) The mechanical telescopic assembly includes a telescopic engaging member (91) and a rebound member (71). 5. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 4.

[0090] (Appendix 6) The telescopic fitting member (91) includes at least an outer cylindrical member (93) and an inner cylindrical member (94) that is telescopically installed inside the outer cylindrical member (93). 6. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 5,

[0091] (Appendix 7) The resilient member (71) is a tension spring or a tension elastic piece installed inside the telescopic fitting member (91). 6. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 5,

[0092] (Appendix 8) The mechanical telescoping assembly includes a built-in telescoping device (96). 5. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 4.

[0093] (Appendix 9) A slide groove (95) is opened on the inner wall of the proton channel (2), the built-in telescopic device (96) is installed inside the slide groove (95), the contact member (7) is connected to one end of the built-in telescopic device (96), and the other end of the built-in telescopic device (96) is fixed to the slide groove (95) or to the outside of the beam shaping body (1); 9. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 8.

[0094] (Appendix 10) The built-in expansion device (96) is an expansion spring, an expansion elastic piece, or an expansion elastic tube. 9. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 8.

[0095] (Appendix 11) The motorized telescopic assembly includes a power assembly (97) employing a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder with a fixed telescopic amount, and a connector (98). 5. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 4.

[0096] (Appendix 12) The connector (98) is installed inside the proton channel (2) or inside an expandable channel (99) installed in the beam shaper parallel to the proton channel, and the connector (98) is moved by a power assembly (97) to expand or contract into the proton channel (2) or the expandable channel (99). 12. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 11.

[0097] (Appendix 13) The automatic continuity detection device (6) further includes a connector (98) having a fixed length, the connector (98) being installed inside the proton channel (2) or inside the beam shaper (1), and the contact member (7) being installed at an end of the connector (98). 4. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

[0098] (Appendix 14) When the contact member (7) contacts the target (3), the contact member (7), the target (3), the connector (98), and the external current monitoring device (10) form a path. 14. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 13.

[0099] (Appendix 15) The contact member (7) is connected to an external current monitoring device (10) by a wire (14), and when the contact member (7) contacts the target (3), the contact member (7), the target (3), the wire (14), and the external current monitoring device (10) form a path. 14. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1 Beam shaper 2. Proton Channel 3. Target 4 Target body 5 cylinder 6 Automatic continuity detection device 7 Contact member 71 Repulsion member 8 Conductive Contacts 9 Telescopic assembly 91 Telescopic fitting member 92 lumens 93 Outer cylinder member 94 Inner cylinder member 95 Slide groove 96 Built-in telescopic device 97 Power assembly 98 Connectors 99 Telescopic Channel 10 Current monitoring equipment 11 Vacuum pipe fittings 12 Positioning support 14 Wiring

Claims

1. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system including a beam shaper (1) and a replaceable target (3) installed inside a proton channel (2) of the beam shaper (1), further including an automatic continuity detection device (6) independent of the target (3), the automatic continuity detection device (6) including a contact member (7) and an external current monitoring device (10) electrically connected to the contact member (7), the contact member (7) being installed on a moving path of the target (3), the contact member (7) forming a path with the external current monitoring device after contacting the target (3); The automatic continuity detection device (6) further includes a telescopic assembly (9) for extending and retracting the contact member (7), the telescopic assembly (9) being installed inside the proton channel (2) or inside the beam shaper (1); The telescopic assembly (9) is an electrical conductor, and when the contact member (7) contacts the target (3), the contact member (7), the target (3), the telescopic assembly (9), and an external current monitoring device (10) form a path; or The telescopic assembly (9) is an insulator, and the contact member (7) is connected to an external current monitoring device (10) by a wire (14). When the contact member (7) contacts the target (3), the contact member (7), the target (3), the wire (14), and the external current monitoring device (10) form a path. A target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system, comprising:

2. The contact members (7) themselves form conductive contacts or are provided with conductive contacts (8).

2. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1.

3. The contact member (7) is a telescopic probe, or the contact member (7) is a pressing piece, a conductive needle, or a conductive ring.

2. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1.

4. The telescopic assembly (9) includes a mechanical telescopic assembly and an electric telescopic assembly.

2. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1.

5. The mechanical telescopic assembly includes a telescopic engaging member (91) and a rebound member (71).

5. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 4.

6. The telescopic fitting member (91) includes at least an outer cylindrical member (93) and an inner cylindrical member (94) that is telescopically installed inside the outer cylindrical member (93).

6. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 5.

7. The rebound member (71) is a tension spring or tension elastic piece installed inside the telescopic fitting member (91).

6. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 5.

8. The mechanical telescoping assembly includes a built-in telescoping device (96).

5. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 4.

9. A slide groove (95) is opened on the inner wall of the proton channel (2), the built-in telescopic device (96) is installed inside the slide groove (95), the contact member (7) is connected to one end of the built-in telescopic device (96), and the other end of the built-in telescopic device (96) is fixed to the slide groove (95) or to the outside of the beam shaping body (1); 9. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 8.

10. The built-in expansion device (96) is an expansion spring, an expansion elastic piece, or an expansion elastic tube.

9. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 8.

11. The motorized telescopic assembly includes a power assembly (97) employing a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder with a fixed telescopic amount, and a connector (98).

5. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 4.

12. The connector (98) is installed inside the proton channel (2) or inside an expandable channel (99) installed in the beam shaper parallel to the proton channel, and the connector (98) is moved expandably and contractibly into the proton channel (2) or the expandable channel (99) by a power assembly (97). The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 11.

13. The automatic continuity detection device (6) further includes a connector (98) having a fixed length, the connector (98) being installed inside the proton channel (2) or inside the beam shaper (1), and the contact member (7) being installed at an end of the connector (98).

4. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1.

14. When the contact member (7) contacts the target (3), the contact member (7), the target (3), the connector (98), and the external current monitoring device (10) form a path.

14. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 13.

15. The contact member (7) is connected to an external current monitoring device (10) by a wire (14), and when the contact member (7) contacts the target (3), the contact member (7), the target (3), the wire (14), and the external current monitoring device (10) form a path.

14. The target current monitoring device for a boron neutron capture therapy system according to claim 13.

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