Coolant supply device for rotating gantry and particle beam therapy system

Abstract

To provide a cooling material supply apparatus of a rotary gantry, capable of inhibiting buckling of a cable for supplying cooling material to superconductive electromagnets.SOLUTION: A cooling material supply apparatus 80 of a rotary gantry 5 comprises: a cable 22 having one end connected to the rotary gantry 5 and the other end connected to a standstill device 30, the cable having a flexible hose 81 for supplying cooling material to superconductive electromagnets 15 in a transportation unit 14; a spool 23 that is provided at the rotary gantry 5 and performs winding or feeding of the cable 22; a connector unit 32 that is provided correspondingly to a lane 27 for holding the cable at the spool 23 and is made to protrude in a radial direction of the spool; and a penetration unit 33 that is formed on the connector unit 32 and penetrates in the circumferential direction of the spool 23 to make the cable 22 pass through from the outside to the inside of the spool 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a coolant supply system for 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] Furthermore, while the use of superconducting electromagnets allows for the miniaturization of the rotating gantry, it requires a hose to supply liquid helium from the outside to cool the superconducting electromagnets. In conventional spools, a cable extends from the inside of the spool to the outer surface through a through-hole that penetrates the spool in the radial direction. However, if a hollow flexible hose is used to supply the coolant, it will be bent significantly at the through-hole, making the flexible hose prone to buckling and potentially disrupting the supply of coolant to the superconducting electromagnets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-330037 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a coolant supply device for a rotating gantry that can prevent buckling of cables that supply coolant to a superconducting electromagnet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A coolant supply device for a rotating gantry according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating gantry that supports an irradiation nozzle that irradiates a particle beam and a transport unit that transports the particle beam to the irradiation nozzle and rotates around a horizontal axis that faces horizontally; a cable having one end connected to the rotating gantry and the other end connected to a stationary device, the cable having a flexible hose that supplies coolant to a superconducting electromagnet of the transport unit; a spool that is provided on the rotating gantry and that winds or unwinds the cable; a connector portion that is provided corresponding to a lane on the spool that holds the cable and that protrudes in a radial direction of the spool; and a penetration portion that is formed on the connector portion and penetrates the spool in a circumferential direction to pass the cable from the outside to the inside of the spool. a connecting portion provided at the connector portion for detachably connecting the cable inside the spool to the cable outside the spool; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention provide a coolant supply system for a rotating gantry that can prevent buckling of cables that supply coolant to a superconducting electromagnet. [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] Rear view showing the spool cover. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the flange ring and the cable of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the flange ring and the cable of the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the flange ring and the cable of the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the flange ring and the cable of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a flange ring and a cable according to a fifth 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 6. In the following description, the left side of the pages of FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 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 power supply cables, signal lines, flexible hoses for coolant, etc., and are provided, for example, to supply power to predetermined devices provided on the rotating gantry 5 or to transmit control signals. These cables 22 include a flexible hose 81 (FIG. 6) that supplies coolant to the superconducting electromagnet 15 of the transport 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 part of rotating gantry 5. This spool 23 is a cylindrical part, and is formed so as to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the main body part of rotating gantry 5. This spool 23 includes one disk-shaped flange 25, multiple disk-shaped flange rings 26, and multiple recessed lanes 27 (Figure 6) 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. 6) are formed between each of the flange rings 26.

[0034] 6, 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 side by side 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 side by side in the horizontal direction (X direction).

[0036] The width of each lane 27 may differ depending on the number or thickness of the cables 22 accommodated therein. Also, a single 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 81 ( FIG. 6 ) 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] The particle beam therapy system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a coolant supply device 80 for the rotating gantry 5. This coolant supply device 80 includes at least a cable 22. The cable 22 of the coolant supply device 80 is provided to supply coolant via a spool 23 to the superconducting electromagnet 15 of the transport unit 14 provided in the rotating gantry 5.

[0042] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 6, one cable 22 is formed by bundling multiple flexible hoses 81 to form a circular shape in cross section. For example, five or six flexible hoses 81 are bundled together, and protective tape 82 is wound spirally around the outer periphery of the bundle. These flexible hoses 81 and the protective tape 82 covering their surfaces form one cable 22. Alternatively, multiple flexible hoses 81 may be bundled together and housed in a single large-diameter tube (not shown) to form one cable 22.

[0043] The flexible hose 81 is hollow (FIG. 6) and is provided to supply a coolant such as liquid helium or liquid nitrogen to the superconducting electromagnet 15 (FIG. 2). The flexible hose 81 is a pressure-resistant hose with woven metal wires to increase its pressure resistance, and can supply the coolant at a predetermined pressure.

[0044] Furthermore, the multiple flexible hoses 81 bundled into one cable 22 are of the same type, thickness, and hardness (rigidity). In this way, the flexible hoses 81 bundled into one cable 22 can bend to the same degree, making it easier to wind them around the spool 23. Note that the multiple flexible hoses 81 bundled into one cable 22 may be of different types, thicknesses, and hardnesses.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 4 and 5, the coolant supply device 80 further includes a connector portion 32, a penetration portion 33, and a cover 34. The configuration of the coolant supply device 80 may also include at least a part of the rotating gantry 5, the spool 23, and the flange ring 26.

[0049] The connector portions 32 are provided corresponding to the lanes 27 (FIG. 6) that hold the cables 22 on the spool 23, and protrude in the radial direction of the spool 23. For example, one connector portion 32 is provided corresponding to the plurality of lanes 27 of the first group G1. The connector portion 32 is, for example, a plate member or a block that protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface of the spool 23.

[0050] The through-holes 33 are through-holes formed in the connector portion 32, and are portions that penetrate the spool 23 in the circumferential direction to pass the cables 22 from the outside to the inside of the spool 23. A through-window 36 is formed in the spool 23 at a portion corresponding to the through-hole 33. The cables 22 are introduced into the rotating gantry 5 via the through-holes 33 and the through-window 36. The cables 22 are then connected to devices such as the superconducting electromagnet 15 (FIG. 2) provided on the rotating gantry 5. The cables 22 are fixed to the through-holes 33. Each cable 22 is wound circumferentially around the outer periphery (lanes 27) of the spool 23 from the portion of the through-hole 33 to which it is fixed.

[0051] The cover 34 extends from the lane 27 to the tip of the connector portion 32. The cover 34 is a member having an inclined surface 35 that is inclined relative to the outer peripheral surface of the spool 23. The cover 34 covers the through window 36 of the spool 23. This allows the cable 22 to be wound smoothly from the lane 27 to the tip of the connector portion 32, thereby preventing buckling of the cable 22. Note that "buckling of the cable 22" refers to the cable 22 being bent so greatly that the inside of the cable 22 is crushed or its functionality is impaired.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the cable 22 is not bent significantly at the penetration portion 33, and the function of supplying coolant to the superconducting electromagnet 15 can be prevented from being reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, by fastening the cable 22 with the connector portion 32, it is possible to prevent twisting of the cable 22 that occurs inside the spool 23 from being transmitted to the cable 22 outside the spool 23. Therefore, it is possible to prevent twisting of the cable 22 wound around the spool 23.

[0054] Furthermore, if connector 32 is provided, when replacing cable 22, replacement and maintenance can be performed separately inside (inside connector 32) and outside (outside connector 32) of spool 23. For example, a connection part can be provided at connector 32, and one cable 22 can be detachably connected to this connection part, allowing maintenance of this cable 22 to be performed separately inside and outside spool 23. This reduces the burden of maintenance work.

[0055] In addition, in the first embodiment, by bundling multiple flexible hoses 81 into a single cable 22, it is possible to prevent each flexible hose 81 from being twisted due to irregular winding, and to prevent a stagnation in the supply of coolant to the superconducting magnet 15.

[0056] In the first embodiment, a single cable 22 is formed by bundling a plurality of flexible hoses 81, but other configurations are also possible. For example, a single cable 22 may be formed by bundling a plurality of power lines or a plurality of signal lines. Also, a single cable 22 may be formed by bundling a mixture of flexible hoses 81, power lines, and signal lines.

[0057] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. 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.

[0058] The cable 22A of the second embodiment has a belt-like (flat) shape formed by integrating a plurality of flexible hoses 81 in parallel. That is, one cable 22A is formed by flattening a plurality of flexible hoses 81 together to form an oval shape in cross section.

[0059] For example, nine flexible hoses 81 are arranged in a straight line in a cross-sectional view, and the outer periphery of the arrangement is spirally wrapped with protective tape 82. These flexible hoses 81 and the protective tape 82 covering their surfaces form one cable 22. Alternatively, a plurality of flexible hoses 81 may be arranged in a line and housed in one tube (not shown) to form one cable 22.

[0060] At least two flange rings 26A are provided on the spool 23, and a concave lane 27A having an opening dimension larger than the width dimension of the cable 22 is formed between these flange rings 26A.

[0061] Note that a plurality of cables 22A are held in one lane 27A in a stacked state in the radial direction of the spool 23. That is, the spool 23 can wind or unwind the plurality of cables 22A in a stacked state in the radial direction. In this way, the plurality of cables 22A can be wound around the spool 23 without causing disordered winding.

[0062] In the second embodiment, since the cable 22A is belt-shaped, it is possible to prevent the flexible hose 81 from being twisted due to irregular winding, and to prevent a stagnation in the supply of coolant to the superconducting magnet 15 (FIG. 2). In addition, by bundling the cable 22A flat, it is possible to reduce the number of flange rings 26A provided on the spool 23.

[0063] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. 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.

[0064] The cable 22B of the third embodiment has a belt-like (flat) shape formed by integrating a plurality of parallel flexible hoses 81. Furthermore, the cable 22B includes a reinforcing member 83 having a belt-like shape.

[0065] For example, nine flexible hoses 81 are arranged along one reinforcing member 83, and the outer periphery of the arrangement is spirally wrapped with protective tape 82. Here, the protective tape 82 integrates the flexible hoses 81 together with the reinforcing member 83. These flexible hoses 81, reinforcing member 83, and protective tape 82 form one cable 22B.

[0066] The reinforcing member 83 is provided on a portion that will be on the outer circumferential side of the wound cable 22B when the ribbon-shaped cable 22B is wound around the spool 23. In this way, the cable 22B can be easily stacked in the radial direction of the spool 23.

[0067] In the third embodiment, the reinforcing member 83 makes the cable 22B less likely to twist, thereby suppressing twisting of the flexible hose 81. Furthermore, when manufacturing the cable 22B, the flexible hose 81 can be more easily aligned in a straight line in cross section, facilitating manufacturing.

[0068] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. 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.

[0069] The flange ring 26B of the fourth embodiment has a semicircular periphery in cross section. That is, the peripheral surface of each flange ring 26B is curved to form a curved surface 84. This curved surface 84 constitutes the chamfered portion of the fourth embodiment. Note that both corners of the peripheral surface of the flange ring 26B may be curved to form a so-called R-chamfered chamfered portion.

[0070] In the fourth embodiment, the peripheral surface of the flange ring 26B is curved to form the curved surface 84, which makes it difficult for the cable 22 to get caught on the flange ring 26B when the cable 22 is housed in the lane 27, thereby reducing friction or tension on the cable 22 caused by the cable 22 getting caught on the flange ring 26B and preventing irregular winding. Even if the cable 22 gets caught on the flange ring 26B, it is possible to prevent the cable 22 from being cut or worn.

[0071] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. 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.

[0072] The flange ring 26C of the fifth embodiment has one corner of its peripheral surface 85 cut away to form a chamfered portion 86. That is, the chamfered portion 86 is formed on only one surface of each flange ring 26C. For example, the chamfered portion 86 is an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle of approximately 30° with respect to the protruding direction of the flange ring 26C.

[0073] Of the two flange rings 26C arranged on either side of one lane 27, one flange ring 26C has the side on which the chamfered portion 86 is formed facing the lane 27, and the other flange ring 26C has the side on which the chamfered portion 86 is not formed facing the lane 27. In this way, the opening dimension D1 of the lane 27 can be made wider than when at least the chamfered portion 86 is not formed.

[0074] Furthermore, for a specific lane 27', the surfaces of the flange rings 26C' arranged on both sides thereof, on which the chamfered portions 86 are formed, are oriented toward the lane 27'. In this manner, the opening dimension D2 can be made wider than the opening dimension D1 of at least the other lanes 27. For example, if it is possible to identify in advance a lane 27' that is more difficult for the cable 22' to enter than the other lanes 27, the chamfered portions 86 can be arranged on both sides of the lane 27' to make the opening dimension D2 wider. In this manner, the cable 22' can be more easily inserted into the lane 27', thereby suppressing irregular winding.

[0075] The coolant supply device for the rotating gantry has been described based on the first to fifth 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.

[0076] For example, when the ribbon-shaped cables 22A, 22B of the second or third embodiment are held by the flange ring 26C of the fifth embodiment, the chamfered portions 86 of both flange rings 26C that sandwich the cables 22A, 22B can be made to face the cables 22A, 22B, thereby widening the opening.

[0077] 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.

[0078] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by providing a through-hole that penetrates the spool in the circumferential direction and passes the cable from the outside to the inside of the spool, buckling of the cable that supplies coolant to the superconducting electromagnet can be prevented.

[0079] In addition, by providing a ribbon-shaped cable formed by integrating multiple flexible hoses in parallel that supply coolant to the superconducting electromagnets possessed by the transport section, it is possible to prevent a stagnation in the supply of coolant to the superconducting electromagnets.

[0080] 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]

[0081] 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 (22A, 22B)...cable, 23...s Pool, 24...cable pit, 25...flange, 26 (26A, 26B, 26C)...flange ring, 27 (27A)...lane, 28...circumferential surface, 29...chamfered portion, 30...fixing device, 32...connector portion, 33...penetration portion, 34...cover, 35...inclined surface, 36...penetration window, 80...coolant supply device, 81...flexible hose, 82...protective tape, 83...reinforcing member, 84...curved surface, 85...circumferential surface, 86...chamfered portion, D1, D2...opening dimension, G1...first group, G2...second group.

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 cable having a flexible hose connected at one end to the rotating gantry and at the other end to a stationary device, the cable supplying a coolant to the superconducting electromagnet of the transport section; a spool provided on the rotating gantry for winding or unwinding the cable; a connector portion provided in correspondence with a lane on the spool that holds the cable and protruding in a radial direction of the spool; a through-hole formed in the connector portion and penetrating the spool in a circumferential direction to pass the cable from the outside to the inside of the spool; a connecting portion provided at the connector portion for detachably connecting the cable inside the spool to the cable outside the spool; Equipped with Coolant supply device for rotating gantry.

2. a cover having an inclined surface extending from the lane to a tip end of the connector portion; 2. The coolant supply system for a rotating gantry according to claim 1.

3. The spool includes a disk-shaped flange ring having a chamfered portion formed on its periphery.

3. The coolant supply device for a rotating gantry according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A plurality of the flexible hoses are bundled together to form the cable having a circular cross-sectional shape. The coolant supply device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A plurality of the flexible hoses are integrated in parallel to form a single belt-shaped cable. The coolant supply device for a rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. a coolant supply device for the rotating gantry according to any one of claims 1 to 5; 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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