Rotating gantry beam alignment device, rotating gantry beam alignment method, and particle beam therapy system

Abstract

To provide a line arrangement technology for a rotary gantry capable of suppressing abrasion of a cable while suppressing irregular winding of the cable.SOLUTION: A line arrangement device 40 for a rotary gantry includes: a rotary gantry 5 that rotates around a horizontal axis 9 facing a horizontal direction, supporting an irradiation nozzle 13 for radiating a particle beam 7 and a transportation part 14 for transporting the particle beam 7 to the irradiation nozzle 13; a plurality of cables 22, one end of which is connected to the rotary gantry 5 and the other end of which is connected to a resting device 30; a spool 23 provided in the rotary gantry 5 for executing winding or unwinding of the cables 22; and a plurality of line arrangement wires 41 stretched in a transverse direction at a lower position of the spool 23, and provided in a resting state for separating the plurality of cables 22 hanging from the spool 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to techniques for aligning a rotating gantry. [Background technology]

[0002] In particle therapy systems, the use of a rotating gantry treatment table reduces the burden on patients compared to a fixed treatment table because the patient can be irradiated with particle beams while remaining stationary. However, the rotating gantry incorporates many pieces of equipment that rotate along with the rotating gantry. This requires the connection of many cables required for power, control, and communication between the rotating gantry and stationary external equipment. With each rotation of the rotating gantry, cables are wound onto or unwound from spools.

[0003] However, when many cables are installed, they may become untidy. Therefore, there are known techniques to prevent this. For example, there are techniques that separate multiple cables using separators made of flat plates or rods. However, if the separators are made of rigid materials such as flat plates or rods, the cables may rub against these separators, causing wear. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-147451 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wire arrangement technique for a rotating gantry that can suppress cable wear while suppressing disordered winding of the cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A rotating gantry wire alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a rotating gantry that rotates around a horizontal axis facing horizontally and supports an irradiation nozzle that irradiates a particle beam and a transport unit that transports the particle beam to the irradiation nozzle; a plurality of cables, one end of which is connected to the rotating gantry and the other end of which is connected to a stationary device; a spool that is provided on the rotating gantry and that winds or unwinds the cables; and a plurality of wire alignment wires that are hung horizontally below the spool and are provided in a stationary state, and that separate the plurality of cables hanging down from the spool. The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating gantry and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The wiring arrangement wire is stretched in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a technique for arranging cables for a rotating gantry is provided that can suppress the disordered winding of cables and suppress wear on the cables. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a particle beam therapy system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the spool of the rotating gantry. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the rotating gantry corresponding to the cross section IV-IV in FIG. 3 . [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the spool of the rotating gantry. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for aligning a rotating gantry. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a wire alignment device of a rotating gantry according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a wire alignment device of a rotating gantry according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the wire alignment device of the rotating gantry according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of a particle beam therapy system and a rotating gantry will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In the following description, the left side of the pages of FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 to 8 will be referred to as the front side (front side) of the rotating gantry, and the right side of the pages will be referred to as the back side (rear side) of the rotating gantry. In the drawings, in a Cartesian coordinate system, the axial direction of the rotating gantry is the Z direction, the vertical direction (up and down direction) perpendicular to this is the Y direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to these is the X direction. The X and Y directions may be referred to as the radial direction of the rotating gantry. Furthermore, the direction of rotation around the axis along the outer circumferential surface of the rotating gantry may be referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0010] 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a particle therapy system of this embodiment. In this particle therapy system 1, a particle beam such as carbon ions is irradiated onto lesion tissue (cancer) of a patient as a subject to perform treatment.

[0011] Radiation therapy technology using particle beam therapy system 1 is also known as heavy ion beam cancer treatment technology. This technology uses carbon ions to pinpoint cancer lesions (affected areas), damaging them while minimizing damage to normal cells. Particle beams are defined as radiation heavier than electrons, including proton beams and heavy ion beams. Heavy ion beams are defined as those heavier than helium atoms.

[0012] Compared to conventional cancer treatments using X-rays, gamma rays, or proton beams, cancer treatments using heavy ion beams have a higher ability to kill cancer lesions, and the radiation dose is low on the surface of the patient's body, with the peak radiation dose at the cancer lesion. This means that the number of irradiations and side effects can be reduced, and the treatment period can be shortened.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a particle beam therapy system 1 includes a beam generator 2, a circular accelerator 3, a beam transport line 4, and a rotating gantry 5.

[0014] The beam generator 2 has an ion source of carbon ions, which are charged particles, and generates a particle beam 7 (Fig. 2) using these carbon ions. The circular accelerator 3 is ring-shaped in a plan view and accelerates the particle beam 7 generated by the beam generator 2. The beam transport line 4 transports the particle beam 7 accelerated by the circular accelerator 3 to the rotating gantry 5. A patient 8 (Fig. 2) who is to be irradiated with the particle beam 7 is placed on the rotating gantry 5.

[0015] In this particle beam therapy system 1, first, a particle beam 7 of carbon ions generated by a beam generator 2 is injected from the beam generator 2 into a circular accelerator 3. This particle beam 7 is accelerated to approximately 70% of the speed of light while circulating approximately one million times around the circular accelerator 3. Then, this particle beam 7 is guided to a rotating gantry 5 via a beam transport line 4.

[0016] The beam generator 2, circular accelerator 3, and beam transport line 4 are equipped with a vacuum duct 6 (beam pipe) whose interior is evacuated. A particle beam 7 travels through the interior of this vacuum duct 6. The vacuum ducts 6 of the beam generator 2, circular accelerator 3, and beam transport line 4 are integrated to form a transport path that guides the particle beam 7 to the rotating gantry 5. In other words, the vacuum duct 6 is a sealed, continuous space with a sufficient degree of vacuum to allow the particle beam 7 to pass through.

[0017] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the rotating gantry 5 is a large cylindrical device. The rotating gantry 5 is installed so that its cylindrical axis 9 faces horizontally. The rotating gantry 5 can rotate around this horizontal axis 9.

[0018] The rotating gantry 5 is supported by a framework 10 of a building that constitutes the treatment facility in which the particle beam therapy system 1 is installed. For example, end rings 11 are fixed to the front and rear of the main body of the rotating gantry 5. Rotational drivers 12 that rotatably support the end rings 11 and include drive motors are provided below the end rings 11. These rotational drivers 12 are supported by the framework 10. The driving force of the rotational drivers 12 is applied to the rotating gantry 5 via the end rings 11, causing the rotating gantry 5 to rotate around the horizontal axis 9.

[0019] The rotating gantry 5 is provided with a vacuum duct 6 extending from the beam transport line 4 (FIG. 1). The vacuum duct 6 is first led from the rear side of the rotating gantry 5 into the interior along its horizontal axis 9. The vacuum duct 6 then extends once outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating gantry 5, and then extends again inward of the rotating gantry 5. The tip of this vacuum duct 6 extends to a position close to the patient 8.

[0020] Although not specifically shown, a predetermined rotation mechanism is provided in the vacuum duct 6 at a portion along the horizontal axis 9 of the rotating gantry 5. The portion of the vacuum duct 6 outside this rotation mechanism is stationary, while the portion inside this rotation mechanism rotates together with the rotation of the rotating gantry 5.

[0021] The rotating gantry 5 is also provided with an irradiation nozzle 13 that irradiates the particle beam 7 toward the patient 8, and a transport unit 14 that transports the particle beam 7 to the irradiation nozzle 13. In other words, the irradiation nozzle 13 and the transport unit 14 are supported by the rotating gantry 5.

[0022] Furthermore, the transport section 14 is equipped with superconducting electromagnets 15 that generate magnetic fields that form a path for transporting the particle beam 7. These superconducting electromagnets 15 are, for example, bending electromagnets that change the traveling direction of the particle beam 7 along the vacuum duct 6, or quadrupole electromagnets that control the convergence and divergence of the particle beam 7.

[0023] The irradiation nozzle 13 is provided at the tip of the vacuum duct 6 and irradiates the particle beam 7 guided by the transport unit 14 toward the patient 8. The irradiation nozzle 13 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating gantry 5. The particle beam 7 is irradiated from the irradiation nozzle 13 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis 9.

[0024] A treatment space 16 where particle beam therapy is performed is provided inside the rotating gantry 5. A patient 8 is placed on a treatment table 17 provided in this treatment space 16. This treatment table 17 is movable with the patient 8 placed on it. By moving this treatment table 17, the patient 8 can be moved to the irradiation position of the particle beam 7 and aligned. Therefore, the particle beam 7 can be irradiated to an appropriate area of ​​the patient 8, such as the lesion tissue.

[0025] The patient 8 is positioned at the horizontal axis 9, and by rotating the rotating gantry 5, the irradiation nozzle 13 can be rotated around the stationary patient 8. For example, the irradiation nozzle 13 can be rotated 185 degrees clockwise (right) or counterclockwise (left) in a rear view around the patient 8 (horizontal axis 9). The particle beam 7 can then be irradiated from any direction around the patient 8. In other words, the rotating gantry 5 is a device that can change the irradiation direction of the particle beam 7 guided by the beam transport line 4 onto the patient 8. Therefore, the particle beam 7 can be irradiated to the affected area from an appropriate direction with higher accuracy while reducing the burden on the patient 8.

[0026] As the particle beam 7 passes through the body of the patient 8, it loses kinetic energy and slows down, and encounters resistance that is approximately inversely proportional to the square of the velocity, causing it to suddenly stop when it slows down to a certain speed. This stopping point of the particle beam 7 is called the Bragg peak, and high energy is emitted from it. By aligning this Bragg peak with the position of the diseased tissue (affected area) of the patient 8, the particle beam therapy system 1 can destroy only the diseased tissue while minimizing damage to normal tissue.

[0027] The treatment space 16 provided inside the rotating gantry 5 is formed to be integrated with the treatment room 18 located in front of the rotating gantry 5. The treatment table 17 is fixed to the floor 19 of the stationary treatment room 18. In other words, even if the rotating gantry 5 and irradiation nozzle 13 are rotated, the position of the treatment table 17 does not change.

[0028] A counterweight 20 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating gantry 5 on the side opposite to the part where the transport section 14 is provided. This counterweight 20 is provided to balance the rotating gantry 5 and the transport section 14 at the center. In other words, the weight of the counterweight 20 is set to correspond to the weight of the transport section 14. In addition, below the rotating gantry 5, a weight pit 21 is provided which is recessed in the body 10 and through which the counterweight 20 can pass as the rotating gantry 5 rotates.

[0029] Furthermore, a plurality of cables 22 are led from the outside to the rotating gantry 5. These cables 22 are, for example, power supply cables, signal lines, flexible hoses for coolant, etc., and are provided to supply power and transmit control signals to predetermined devices provided on the rotating gantry 5. These cables 22 include flexible hoses that supply coolant to the superconducting electromagnets 15 of the transportation unit 14.

[0030] A spool 23 is provided at the rear of the rotating gantry 5 to wind or unwind the cable 22 as the rotating gantry 5 rotates. The axis of the spool 23 coincides with the horizontal axis 9 of the rotating gantry 5.

[0031] Below the spool 23, a cable pit 24 is provided, which is formed in a recessed shape in the body 10 and can accommodate the cable 22 hanging down from the spool 23. The width dimension of the cable pit 24 in the X direction is set to be larger than the diameter of the spool 23.

[0032] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, spool 23 is provided so as to protrude rearward from the rear of rotating gantry 5. Spool 23 is a cylindrical portion formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the main body of rotating gantry 5. Spool 23 includes one disk-shaped flange 25, multiple disk-shaped flange rings 26, and multiple recessed lanes 27 (Figure 7) that hold cables 22.

[0033] The flange 25 is provided at the rear end of the spool 23. A plurality of flange rings 26 are arranged side by side in the axial direction (Z direction) between the flange 25 and the rotating gantry 5. These flange rings 26 are formed to have a diameter smaller than that of the flange 25. The rear flange ring 26 closest to the flange 25 is provided at a position spaced apart from the flange 25. A plurality of lanes 27 (FIG. 7) are formed between each of the flange rings 26.

[0034] 7, each lane 27 accommodates a plurality of cables 22. For example, two to three cables 22 are accommodated in one lane 27. Note that four or more cables 22 may be accommodated in one lane 27.

[0035] When the cables 22 are wound around the spool 23 in the circumferential direction, the cables 22 are arranged side by side in the axial direction (Z direction) of the spool 23 and in the radial directions (X direction and Y direction) of the spool 23 in accordance with the arrangement of the flange ring 26 and the lanes 27. When the cables 22 hang down from the spool 23, the cables 22 are arranged side by side in the axial direction (Z direction) of the spool 23 and in the horizontal direction (X direction) (FIG. 6).

[0036] The width of each lane 27 may differ depending on the number or thickness of the cables 22 accommodated therein. Also, one lane 27 may accommodate a plurality of cables 22 of different types or thicknesses.

[0037] Both corners of the peripheral surface 28 of each flange ring 26 are cut away to form chamfered portions 29 (bevels). In other words, the peripheral edge of the flange ring 26 is chamfered to form the chamfered portions 29. In this way, when the cable 22 is housed in the lane 27, the cable 22 is less likely to get caught on the flange ring 26, and the friction or tension on the cable 22 caused by the cable getting caught on the flange ring 26 can be reduced, making it possible to suppress irregular winding.

[0038] For example, the chamfered portions 29 are inclined surfaces that are inclined at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the protruding direction of the flange ring 26. By providing these chamfered portions 29, the opening of the lane 27 is widened, and the cable 22 can be smoothly accommodated in the lane 27.

[0039] Note that even when the chamfered portion 29 is provided, a portion of the circumferential surface 28 of the flange ring 26 remains. For example, the circumferential surface 28 at the tip of the flange ring 26 remains. In this way, even if the cable 22 gets caught on the flange ring 26, it is possible to prevent the cable 22 from being cut or worn.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, one end of each cable 22 is connected to a spool 23 of the rotating gantry 5, and the other end is connected to a stationary fixing device 30. The fixing device 30 is fixed to, for example, the frame 10. The multiple cables 22 are composed of, for example, power lines for supplying power, signal lines for transmitting control signals, and flexible hoses for supplying coolant. The fixing device 30 is composed of, for example, a power supply, a terminal block, and a pump for supplying coolant. Note that while FIG. 4 is a rear view of the rotating gantry 5, the main body, rotation drive unit 12, transport unit 14, and the like of the rotating gantry 5 are not shown to facilitate understanding.

[0041] One end of each cable 22 is introduced into the rotating gantry 5 through a through-hole 31 formed in the spool 23. The cable 22 is then connected to equipment such as a superconducting electromagnet 15 (FIG. 2) provided on the rotating gantry 5. One end of each cable 22 is fixed to the through-hole 31. Each cable 22 is wound circumferentially around the outer periphery of the spool 23 from the fixed through-hole 31.

[0042] In this embodiment, a flexible hose will be described as an example of the cable 22. The flexible hose is hollow (FIG. 7) and is provided to supply a coolant such as liquid helium or liquid nitrogen to the superconducting electromagnet 15 (FIG. 2). This flexible hose is a pressure-resistant hose with braided metal wires to increase its pressure resistance, and can supply the coolant at a predetermined pressure.

[0043] 3 and 4, the multiple cables 22 are divided into a first group G1 and a second group G2. The first group G1 and the second group G2 may be divided according to the type of cable 22, or according to the device to which the cable 22 is connected. Accordingly, multiple flange rings 26 around which the multiple cables 22 of the first group G1 are wound, and multiple flange rings 26 around which the multiple cables 22 of the second group G2 are wound are provided.

[0044] The cables 22 of the first group G1 and the cables 22 of the second group G2 are wound around the spool 23 in different directions. For example, when the rotating gantry 5 rotates counterclockwise in a rear view, the cables 22 of the first group G1 are wound around the spool 23, and the cables 22 of the second group G2 are unwound from the spool 23. On the other hand, when the rotating gantry 5 rotates clockwise, the cables 22 of the first group G1 are unwound from the spool 23, and the cables 22 of the second group G2 are wound around the spool 23.

[0045] 4, for ease of understanding, only the cables 22 of the first group G1 are shown, and the cables 22 of the second group G2 are not shown. In an actual rear view, the cables 22 of the first group G1 and the cables 22 of the second group G2 hanging down from the spool 23 appear to intersect at the cable pit 24.

[0046] The particle beam therapy system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a wire arrangement device 40 for the rotating gantry 5. This wire arrangement device 40 includes a plurality of wire arrangement wires 41 and a plurality of wire arrangement plates 42. Here, the cables 22 pass between the wire arrangement wires 41 and between the wire arrangement plates 42. This wire arrangement device 40 is provided to arrange the plurality of cables 22 and to suppress abrasion of the cables 22 while suppressing a disordered winding state of the cables 22.

[0047] The arranging wires 41 and the arranging plates 42 are provided for arranging the cables 22 of the first group G1 and for arranging the cables 22 of the second group G2. Note that, to facilitate understanding, FIG. 4 illustrates only the arranging wires 41 and the arranging plates 42 of the first group G1, and does not illustrate the arranging wires 41 and the arranging plates 42 of the second group G2. The arranging wires 41 and the arranging plates 42 of the first group G1 and the second group G2 have the same configuration and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotating gantry 5. For example, in an actual rear view, the arranging wires 41 of the first group G1 and the second group G2 appear to be strung in an X-shaped cross pattern.

[0048] The plurality of wire arranging wires 41 are provided in a stationary state, hanging laterally below the spool 23. These wire arranging wires 41 are provided to separate the plurality of cables 22 hanging down from the spool 23. This arrangement makes it possible to prevent the cables 22 from being wound in a disorderly state and to suppress wear on the cables 22. For example, because the wire arranging wires 41 are flexible, wear on the cables 22 can be suppressed.

[0049] Each of the wiring arrangement wires 41 is provided at a position corresponding to each of the flange rings 26, and is arranged in the same direction as the flange rings 26. In this way, it is possible to separate the multiple cables 22 arranged in the axial direction.

[0050] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, a plurality of arranging wires 41 are stretched so as to be parallel to one another. Cables 22 are arranged between each of the arranging wires 41. The arrangement of each of the arranging wires 41 is set according to the arrangement of the flange rings 26. In other words, the bundle of cables 22 arranged between the arranging wires 41 corresponds to the bundle of cables 22 housed in the lane 27. When winding or unwinding the cables 22, the cables 22 are separated along the arranging wires 41, thereby preventing random winding.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, wire stands 43 extending upward from the cable pit 24 are fixed to the frame 10 in which the cable pit 24 is formed. For example, a pair of wire stands 43 are provided on the left and right sides of one wiring arrangement wire 41, spaced apart in the X direction. One end and the other end of the wiring arrangement wire 41 are fixed to these wire stands 43.

[0052] The arranging wire 41 is stretched in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In this way, the arranging wire 41 comes into contact with the cables 22 hanging down vertically at an angle, thereby reducing the resistance when the arranging wire 41 rubs against the cables 22. This reduces wear or irregular winding of the cables 22.

[0053] Furthermore, when spool 23 is divided into a semicircle on the side where cable 22 hangs down and an opposite semicircle, wire arranging 41 is inclined so that the side where cable 22 hangs down is higher and the other side is lower. In this way, the angle at which cable 22 contacts wire arranging 41 is small, and cable 22 comes into gentle contact with wire arranging 41, reducing the resistance when wire arranging 41 rubs against cable 22.

[0054] Furthermore, the wiring arranging wire 41 is provided in a position close to the flange ring 26 and extends in a tangential direction to the periphery of the flange ring 26. In this way, the wiring arranging wire 41 can guide the cable 22 in the portion where the cable 22 is no longer held by the flange ring 26. Therefore, friction or tension greater than expected is not applied to the cable 22, and irregular winding can be suppressed.

[0055] The multiple wire arranging plates 42 are provided in parallel and stationary in positions close to the spool 23. These wire arranging plates 42 are provided below the spool 23 to separate the multiple cables 22 lined up in the axial direction (Z direction). In this way, the wire arranging plates 42 separate the cables 22 individually in the axial direction, thereby preventing the cables 22 from being wound in a disorderly manner.

[0056] Each of the wire arrangement plates 42 is provided at a position corresponding to each of the flange rings 26, and is arranged in the direction in which the flange rings 26 are arranged. In this way, it is possible to separate the multiple cables 22 arranged in the axial direction.

[0057] For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , multiple wire arranging plates 42 are arranged parallel to one another. Cables 22 are arranged between the respective wire arranging plates 42. The arrangement of the respective wire arranging plates 42 is set according to the arrangement of the flange rings 26. In other words, the bundle of cables 22 arranged between the wire arranging plates 42 corresponds to the bundle of cables 22 housed in the lane 27. When winding or unwinding the cables 22, the cables 22 are separated along the wire arranging plates 42. This prevents the cables 22 from coming into unintended contact with one another, and prevents the cables 22 from being wound in a disorderly manner.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a specific range R in which the cable 22 hangs down from the spool 23 is set in advance. For example, the cable 22 hangs down from the end of the spool 23 in the X direction. A predetermined range including this portion is set as the specific range R. This specific range R is a range in which the cable 22 hangs down almost vertically. A plurality of wire alignment plates 42 are arranged in this specific range R.

[0059] 5 and 6, each of the wire arranging plates 42 is a plate-like member that is crescent-shaped in rear view. The wire arranging plates 42 are spaced apart and connected by connecting members 44. The connecting members 44 are, for example, rod-shaped members extending in the axial direction (Z direction) and connect the wire arranging plates 42 at one end and the other end of a specific range R (FIG. 4) in the axial direction (Z direction). In this way, the connecting members 44 restrict the horizontal movement range of the cable 22 (X direction), so that the cable 22 hanging down from the spool 23 is contained within the specific range R. Therefore, even if the cable 22 sways between one end and the other end of the specific range R, irregular winding does not occur.

[0060] Each of the arranging plates 42 has a curved edge 45 that is curved along the peripheral edge of the flange ring 26. These curved edges 45 are provided in positions closer to the flange ring 26 than the arranging wire 41. In this way, the cables 22 are guided by the rigid arranging plates 42 at positions where the cables 22 enter and exit the lanes 27 (FIG. 7) between the flange rings 26. This prevents unintended contact between the cables 22, and also prevents the cables 22 from swaying, making it possible to prevent irregular winding.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 4, plate stands 46 extending upward from the cable pit 24 are fixed to the frame 10 in which the cable pit 24 is formed. For example, a plurality of plate stands 46 are provided spaced apart in the X direction. Connecting members 44 are fixed to these plate stands 46. Then, a wiring arrangement plate 42 is fixed to the connecting members 44.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the wire arranging plates 42 are also provided in the specific range R (FIG. 4) where the wire arranging plates 42 are provided. That is, in a plan view, the wire arranging plates 42 and the wire arranging wires 41 are alternately arranged in the axial direction (Z direction). For example, one cable 22 is arranged between one wire arranging plate 42 and one wire arranging wire 41. The multiple cables 22 lined up in the axial direction are separated by the wire arranging plates 42 and the wire arranging wires 41.

[0063] The particle beam therapy system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a monitoring device for the rotating gantry 5. This monitoring device monitors the state of the arrangement of the cables 22 and constitutes an interlock that performs an emergency stop when an abnormality such as irregular winding occurs.

[0064] The monitoring device for the rotating gantry 5 of this embodiment includes a computer having hardware resources such as a processor and memory, and in which software-based information processing is realized using the hardware resources by the CPU executing various programs.

[0065] 4 and 8, the monitoring device of the rotating gantry 5 includes a laser sensor 51. The laser sensor 51 constitutes a monitoring unit that monitors the state of the cable 22 on the spool 23. A detection signal from the laser sensor 51 is input to the monitoring device.

[0066] The monitoring device stops the driving of the rotating gantry 5 when an abnormality in the cable 22 is detected based on monitoring by the laser sensor 51. In this way, the driving of the rotating gantry 5 can be automatically stopped when an abnormality occurs in the cable 22, such as when the cable 22 becomes irregularly wound.

[0067] 4, the laser sensor 51 is fixed to the plate stand 46 that supports the wire alignment plate 42. In other words, the laser sensor 51 is not affected by the rotation of the rotating gantry 5 and the spool 23, and is provided in a stationary state.

[0068] For example, two laser sensors 51 are provided to detect the disorderly winding state of the cables 22 in the first group G1. Although not shown in FIG. 4, two more laser sensors 51 are provided to detect the disorderly winding state of the cables 22 in the second group G2. In other words, the monitoring device has a total of four laser sensors 51. Five or more laser sensors 51 may be provided lined up along the circumferential direction of the spool 23.

[0069] Two laser sensors 51 (monitoring units) for detecting the disorderly winding state of the cables 22 of the first group G1 are arranged corresponding to one end (left end) and the other end (right end) of the specific range R in the X direction. These laser sensors 51 are provided at positions corresponding to the wire arrangement plate 42 in the circumferential direction of the spool 23. In this way, if the cables 22 are disorderly wound around the wire arrangement plate 42, it is possible to detect the protrusion of the cables 22 at an early stage of the disorderly winding.

[0070] 8, laser sensor 51 is disposed in a stationary position near the rear of rotating gantry 5, that is, on the front end side of spool 23. Laser sensor 51 emits laser 55 rearward. Disorderly winding of cable 22 often occurs on the rear end side (flange 25 side) of spool 23, and in such cases, this prevents cable 22 protruding from spool 23 from interfering with laser sensor 51.

[0071] The laser sensor 51 is a reflective laser sensor 51. That is, one laser sensor 51 includes an emitting unit that emits a laser 55 and a detecting unit (light receiving unit) that detects the laser 55 reflected from a predetermined object. Based on this reflected laser 55, the distance from the laser sensor 51 to the object can be detected. Based on this detected distance, it can be determined whether irregular winding is occurring on the spool 23.

[0072] If there is no abnormality in the spool 23, the laser 55 emitted from the laser sensor 51 is reflected by the flange 25 and detected by the laser sensor 51. The detection distance of the laser sensor 51 may be set in advance to be equal to or less than the distance from the laser sensor 51 to the flange 25. In this case, taking into consideration the possibility of minute irregularities on the surface of the flange 25, the detection distance is set to be slightly shorter than the distance from the laser sensor 51 to the flange 25.

[0073] On the other hand, if irregular winding occurs on the spool 23 and the cable 22 protrudes from the flange ring 26, the laser 55 emitted from the laser sensor 51 is reflected by the cable 22 and detected by the laser sensor 51. In other words, the laser sensor 51 detects the cable 22 protruding from the flange ring 26 based on the reflection of the laser 55 emitted from the cable 22. In this way, it is sufficient to provide the laser sensor 51 at only one end of the spool 23. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the cable 22 protruding from the spool 23 due to irregular winding from colliding with the laser sensor 51.

[0074] The laser sensor 51 emits a laser 55 in the axial direction (Z direction) along the periphery of the flange ring 26 to detect the cables 22 protruding from the flange ring 26. In this way, even if multiple cables 22 are provided, the protruding state of each cable 22 can be detected by at least one laser sensor 51, so the number of installed laser sensors 51 can be reduced.

[0075] Next, a wire alignment method for the rotating gantry 5, which is carried out using the wire alignment device 40, will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. The above-mentioned drawings will be referred to as appropriate.

[0076] First, in step S1, the rotating gantry 5, which supports the irradiation nozzle 13 that irradiates the particle beam 7 and the transport unit 14 that transports the particle beam 7 to the irradiation nozzle 13, rotates around the horizontal axis 9 that faces horizontally.

[0077] In the next step S2, a spool 23 provided on the rotating gantry 5 winds or unwinds a plurality of cables 22, one end of which is connected to the rotating gantry 5 and the other end of which is connected to a stationary fixing device 30.

[0078] In the next step S3, a plurality of wire arrangement plates 42 are provided in parallel in a stationary state in positions close to the spool 23 to separate the plurality of cables 22 arranged in the axial direction.

[0079] In the next step S4, a plurality of wire arrangement wires 41 are arranged horizontally below the spool 23 and are provided in a stationary state to separate the plurality of cables 22 hanging down from the spool 23.

[0080] Then, the wire alignment method ends. This wire alignment method is constantly executed and repeated while the rotating gantry 5 is in operation. Note that the above steps are at least a part of the wire alignment method, and other steps may also be included in the wire alignment method.

[0081] In the flowchart of the first embodiment, steps are executed serially, but the order of steps is not necessarily fixed, and some steps may be executed in reverse order. Also, some steps may be executed in parallel with other steps.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the wire arranging wire 41 of the wire arranging device 40 can suppress the cable 22 from becoming irregularly wound while suppressing wear of the cable 22. For example, if a hollow flexible hose is used as the cable 22 to supply coolant, if the flexible hose becomes irregularly wound and twisted, the supply of coolant to the superconducting magnet 15 will be interrupted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the flexible hose is prevented from becoming irregularly wound, and interruptions in the supply of coolant to the superconducting magnet 15 will be prevented.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the wire arranging device 40 is configured to include both the wire arranging wire 41 and the wire arranging plate 42, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the wire arranging device 40 may be configured to include either the wire arranging wire 41 or the wire arranging plate 42. That is, the wire arranging device 40 may include only the wire arranging wire 41, and the wire arranging plate 42 may be omitted. Alternatively, the wire arranging device 40 may include only the wire arranging plate 42, and the wire arranging wire 41 may be omitted.

[0084] The wire arranging wire 41 or the wire arranging plate 42 may be provided only in the portion (range) of the cable 22 that protrudes from the spool 23. The wire arranging device 40 may also be used to arrange the cables 22 according to their diameter or according to their type. Flexible hoses and power lines have different bending properties, so they are arranged according to their type.

[0085] In addition, since installing the wiring arranging wire 41 is easier than installing the wiring arranging plate 42, it is possible to shorten the installation period and reduce costs. In addition, one end of the wiring arranging wire 41 may be fixed to the bottom of the cable pit 24.

[0086] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0087] In the wire arranging device 40A of the second embodiment, the range in which the wire arranging wires 41 are provided and the range in which the wire arranging plates 42 are provided are different from each other in the axial direction (Z direction). For example, a plurality of wire arranging plates 42 are arranged in a predetermined range along the axial direction, and the wire arranging wires 41 are arranged in a range different from the range in which the wire arranging plates 42 are provided. Some of the cables 22 arranged in the axial direction are separated by the wire arranging plates 42, and other cables 22 are separated by the wire arranging wires 41.

[0088] For example, suppose that a first group G1 consisting of a plurality of cables 22 is divided into a group A G1A consisting of a plurality of power lines 22A and a group B G1B consisting of a plurality of flexible hoses 22B. Group A G1A and group B G1B are arranged axially. Here, the plurality of power lines 22A in group A G1A are separated by a wiring arrangement plate 42, and the plurality of flexible hoses 22B in group B G1B are separated by a wiring arrangement wire 41.

[0089] In the second embodiment, each cable 22 can be separated using a member suitable for each type of cable 22. For example, a type of cable 22 that is suitable for separation by a flexible member is separated by a wiring arrangement wire 41. On the other hand, a type of cable 22 that is suitable for separation by a rigid member is separated by a wiring arrangement board 42.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the power lines 22A are separated by the wiring arrangement plate 42, and the flexible hoses 22B are separated by the wiring arrangement wire 41, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the flexible hoses 22B may be separated by the wiring arrangement plate 42, and the power lines 22A may be separated by the wiring arrangement wire 41.

[0091] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0092] In the third embodiment, a plurality of cables 22 arranged in the X direction will be described as one row of cables 22. In a wire arranging device 40B of the third embodiment, the area where the wire arranging wires 41 are provided overlaps with the area where the wire arranging plates 42 are provided. For example, one wire arranging wire 41 is stretched between two wire arranging plates 42.

[0093] One row of cables 22 is provided on each side of one arranging wire 41. Two rows of cables 22 are provided between two arranging plates 42. In other words, the width between the arranging plates 42 is set to a dimension that allows two rows of cables 22 to be arranged with one arranging wire 41 in between. The total number of installed arranging wires 41 and installed arranging plates 42 matches the number of flange rings 26.

[0094] In this third embodiment, a plurality of cables 22 arranged in the axial direction (Z direction) are separated by at least one of a wiring arrangement wire 41 or a wiring arrangement plate 42. Each cable 22 is held in a state sandwiched between the wiring arrangement wire 41 and the wiring arrangement plate 42.

[0095] In the third embodiment, the plurality of cables 22 are separated by the wiring arrangement plate 42, which is a rigid member, and therefore the vibration of the cables 22 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the outer surface of the cables 22, on the side opposite to the surface that is in contact with the wiring arrangement plate 42, is in contact with the wiring arrangement wire 41, which is a flexible member, and therefore wear of the cables 22 can be suppressed. In addition, the wiring arrangement wire 41 can absorb the vibration of the cables 22.

[0096] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when the arranging wires 41 and the arranging plates 42 are provided over a predetermined range, the number of the arranging wires 41 and the arranging plates 42 can be reduced. For example, the number of the arranging wires 41 can be approximately half the number of the flange rings 26. Furthermore, the number of the arranging plates 42 can be approximately half the number of the flange rings 26.

[0097] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0098] In the wire arranging device 40C of the fourth embodiment, a plurality of wire arranging wires 41 are stretched at different height positions. For example, four wire arranging wires 41 at different height positions (positions in the Y direction) are stretched at the same position in the axial direction (Z direction). These four wire arranging wires 41 are arranged side by side in the axial direction and separate the cables 22 lined up in the axial direction.

[0099] Furthermore, the cable 22 hanging down from the spool 23 is held at each of the four arranging wires 41 at different heights, thereby suppressing swaying of the cable 22. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the application of force to the cable 22 in a twisting direction, thereby suppressing irregular winding of the cable 22 due to swaying or twisting.

[0100] Of the four arranging wires 41, the three arranging wires 41 in the top row are stretched horizontally. On the other hand, the single arranging wire 41 in the bottom row is stretched at an angle relative to the horizontal. For example, when the spool 23 is divided into a semicircle on the side from which the cable 22 hangs and a semicircle on the opposite side, the single arranging wire 41 in the bottom row is tilted so that the side from which the cable 22 hangs is lower and the other side is higher. The three arranging wires 41 in the top row and the single arranging wire 41 in the bottom row are all stretched approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the arranging wire 41 extends.

[0101] In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of wire arranging plates 42 are provided in proximity to the flange ring 26, and a plurality of wire arranging wires 41 are stretched at a position lower than the positions at which these wire arranging plates 42 are provided. For example, the uppermost wire arranging wire 41 is provided in proximity to the wire arranging plate 42 and extends in a tangential direction to the periphery of the lower end of the wire arranging plate 42. In this way, the wire arranging wire 41 can guide the cable 22 in the portion where the cable 22 is no longer held by the wire arranging plate 42, thereby suppressing the swaying of the cable 22 and preventing irregular winding.

[0102] The rotating gantry line alignment device has been described based on the first to fourth embodiments, but the configuration applied in any one of the embodiments may be applied to other embodiments, or the configurations applied in each embodiment may be combined.

[0103] In the particle beam therapy system 1, the rotating gantry 5 can be made smaller by using the superconducting electromagnets 15, but hoses are also required for flowing liquid helium used to cool the superconducting electromagnets 15. This not only increases the number of cables 22, but also makes the thickness and rigidity of the cables 22 different for each type, increasing the difficulty of arranging the cables 22. In the above-described embodiment, the arranging wire 41 or the arranging plate 42 can be provided in an appropriate manner for each type of cable 22, making arranging the cables easier.

[0104] Although the above-described embodiment exemplifies a facility that performs heavy ion cancer therapy, the above-described embodiment can also be applied to other facilities. For example, the above-described embodiment may be applied to a facility that performs proton cancer therapy.

[0105] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by providing a plurality of wire arranging wires that are hung horizontally below the spool and are stationary, separating the multiple cables hanging down from the spool, it is possible to suppress cable wear while suppressing the cables from becoming disorderly.

[0106] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...particle beam therapy system, 2...beam generator, 3...circular accelerator, 4...beam transport line, 5...rotating gantry, 6...vacuum duct, 7...particle beam, 8...patient, 9...horizontal axis, 10...body, 11...end ring, 12...rotation drive unit, 13...irradiation nozzle, 14...transport unit, 15...superconducting magnet, 16...treatment space, 17...treatment table, 18...treatment room, 19...floor, 20...counterweight, 21...weight pit, 22...cable, 22A...power line, 22B...flexible Bull hose, 23...spool, 24...cable pit, 25...flange, 26...flange ring, 27...lane, 28...circumferential surface, 29...chamfered portion, 30...fixing device, 31...penetration portion, 40 (40A, 40B, 40C)...wire arrangement device, 41...wire arrangement wire, 42...wire arrangement plate, 43...wire stand, 44...connecting member, 45...curved edge, 46...plate stand, 51...laser sensor, 55...laser, G1...group 1, G2...group 2, G1A...group A, G1B...group B, R...specific range.

Claims

1. a rotating gantry supporting an irradiation nozzle that irradiates a particle beam and a transport unit that transports the particle beam to the irradiation nozzle, the rotating gantry rotating around a horizontal axis facing horizontally; a plurality of cables having one end connected to the rotating gantry and the other end connected to a stationary device; a spool provided on the rotating gantry for winding or unwinding the cable; a plurality of wire dressing wires that are hung laterally below the spool and are provided in a stationary state, and that separate the plurality of cables hanging down from the spool; Equipped with the lateral direction is a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotating gantry and perpendicular to a vertical direction; The wiring arrangement wire is stretched in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Rotating gantry alignment device.

2. The wiring arrangement wire is inclined so that the side where the cable hangs down from the spool is higher and the other side is lower.

2. The rotating gantry wire alignment device according to claim 1.

3. The spool includes a plurality of disk-shaped flange rings and a plurality of recessed lanes that hold the cable between the flange rings, The wiring wire is provided in a position close to the flange ring and extends in a tangential direction of the flange ring.

3. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The spool includes a plurality of disk-shaped flange rings and a plurality of recessed lanes that hold the cable between the flange rings, Each of the wiring arrangement wires is provided at a position corresponding to each of the flange rings and is arranged in a direction in which the flange rings are arranged. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a plurality of wire arrangement plates which separate the plurality of cables arranged in the axial direction and are provided in parallel in a stationary state at positions close to the spool; The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The spool includes a plurality of disk-shaped flange rings and a plurality of recessed lanes that hold the cable between the flange rings, The wire alignment plate has a curved edge that is curved along the peripheral edge of the flange ring, The curved edge is provided at a position closer to the flange ring than the wiring arrangement wire.

6. The rotating gantry wire alignment device according to claim 5.

7. The wire arrangement plate is disposed in a specific range where the cable hangs down from the spool, a connecting member that connects the wire alignment plates at one end side and the other end side of the specific range in the axial direction while keeping them spaced apart from each other; 7. The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to claim 5 or 6.

8. a laser sensor provided at a position corresponding to the wire arrangement plate in the circumferential direction of the spool, for monitoring the state of the cable on the spool; The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. the transport unit includes a superconducting electromagnet that generates a magnetic field that forms a path along which the particle beam is transported; at least one of the cables is a flexible hose that supplies coolant to the superconducting electromagnet; The wire alignment device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a rotating gantry supporting an irradiation nozzle for irradiating a particle beam and a transport unit for transporting the particle beam to the irradiation nozzle, rotating around a horizontal axis facing horizontally; a spool mounted on the rotating gantry for winding or unwinding a plurality of cables, one end of which is connected to the rotating gantry and the other end of which is connected to a stationary device; a step of separating the cables hanging down from the spool using a plurality of stationary wires hung laterally below the spool; Including, the lateral direction is a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotating gantry and perpendicular to a vertical direction; The wiring arrangement wire is stretched in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. How to align the rotating gantry.

11. a monitoring device for the rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a treatment table that moves and positions a patient at an irradiation position of the particle beam guided by the transport unit in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis; a beam generator for generating the particle beam; an accelerator that accelerates the particle beam; Equipped with Particle therapy system.

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