Automatic target replacement system, target replacement method, and neutron capture therapy system

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic target replacement system, a target replacement method, and a neutron capture therapy system. The automatic target replacement system is used for replacing a target assembly of a neutron generating device, and the neutron generating device comprises a beam shaper and a support frame; the beam shaper is supported by the support frame, and the beam shaper has an accommodating cavity for accommodating at least part of the target assembly; and the automatic target replacement system comprises an auxiliary support arm, and the auxiliary support arm is movably mounted on the support frame to drive the target assembly to be separated from the accommodating cavity. The automatic target replacement system solves the technical problem of high operational difficulty in replacing a target assembly in a neutron capture therapy system.

Description

Automatic target changing system, target changing method and neutron capture therapy system TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to an automatic target changing system, a target changing method and a neutron capture therapy system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Beam systems for use in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) generally include a target assembly that produces a therapeutic neutron beam when struck by a high energy particle beam. The target assembly is generally integrated into a target assembly for producing neutrons that has a limited lifetime and can need to be replaced several times per year. The target assembly becomes radioactive as a byproduct of the therapy, emitting radiation through various nuclear decay processes, posing a radiation risk to personnel in close proximity to the target assembly, making the process of removing, storing or transporting the target assembly and any unforeseen maintenance procedures a radiation risk.

[0003] Since the target assembly is assembled on the beam system as a part of the beam system, both ends are connected to other structures of the beam system, one end near the accelerator is connected to the beam transmission pipeline, and the other end is connected to the beam shaping body. The configuration structure of the target assembly in the beam system also makes it difficult to disassemble the target assembly, increasing the difficulty of target changing operation. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide an automatic target changing system, a target changing method and a neutron capture therapy system, which solves the technical problem of high operation difficulty of target assembly replacement in the neutron capture therapy system.

[0005] The above-mentioned purposes of the present application can be achieved by using the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present application provides an automatic target changing system for replacing a target assembly of a neutron generating device, wherein the neutron generating device comprises a beam shaping body and a support frame, the beam shaping body is supported by the support frame, the beam shaping body has a receiving cavity for receiving at least part of the target assembly, and the automatic target changing system comprises an auxiliary support arm; the auxiliary support arm is movably mounted on the support frame to drive the target assembly to separate from the receiving cavity.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving cavity has an extension axis, the target assembly is arranged to be received in the receiving cavity along the direction of the extension axis, and the auxiliary support arm is arranged to be movable along the direction of the extension axis to drive the target assembly to separate from the receiving cavity.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a support arm driving mechanism, the support arm driving mechanism comprises a power source and a transmission mechanism, the power source is connected with the auxiliary support arm through the transmission mechanism to drive the auxiliary support arm to drive the target assembly to separate from the accommodating cavity.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a mechanical arm and a transfer box; the auxiliary support arm is detachably connected with the target assembly, after the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to separate from the accommodating cavity, the mechanical arm can take over the target assembly and transfer the target assembly to the transfer box.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a transfer box; the auxiliary support arm is detachably connected with the target assembly, the auxiliary support arm can drive the target assembly to separate from the accommodating cavity and transfer the target assembly to the transfer box.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a mechanical arm and a transfer box, the auxiliary support arm is detachably connected with the target assembly, after the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to separate from the accommodating cavity, the mechanical arm can take over the target assembly and transfer the target assembly to the transfer box.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary support arm comprises a driving part, the mechanical arm can be detachably connected with the driving part and can drive the auxiliary support arm to move along the extension axis through the driving part to drive the target assembly to separate from the accommodating cavity.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the driving part comprises a vertical cantilever, the mechanical arm can be detachably connected with the vertical cantilever.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical arm is provided with a mounting table, the mounting table is connected with a clamp and a cantilever driving plate, the clamp is used for clamping the target assembly; the cantilever driving plate is provided with a positioning groove, the end of the vertical cantilever can extend into the positioning groove.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system further comprises a guide rail, the guide rail is arranged on the support frame, at least part of the guide rail extends along the extension axis, the auxiliary support arm moves along the guide rail to drive the target assembly to separate from the accommodating cavity.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system further comprises a guide block, the guide block is connected with the auxiliary support arm, the auxiliary support arm moves along the guide rail through the guide block.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the accommodating cavity is located in the support frame and is arranged towards the top of the support frame, and the extending axis extends in the support frame and is arranged towards the top of the support frame.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move from inside the support frame to outside the support frame.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a pivot shaft arranged towards the top of the support frame, and the auxiliary support arm is arranged to rotate around the pivot shaft, and the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move from inside the support frame to outside the support frame by rotating around the pivot shaft.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the accommodating cavity is located in the support frame and is arranged towards the top of the support frame, and the extending axis extends in the support frame and is arranged towards the top of the support frame, and the transmission mechanism comprises a flexible transmission member, one end of the flexible transmission member is connected with the power source, and the other end of the flexible transmission member is connected with the auxiliary support arm to drive the auxiliary support arm to drive the target assembly to move out of the accommodating cavity.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, part of the support frame is arranged as a hollow structure, and the hollow structure forms a cavity, and the power source and part of the flexible transmission member are accommodated in the cavity.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system further comprises a guide rail arranged on the support frame, at least part of the guide rail extends towards the top of the support frame, and the flexible transmission member drives the auxiliary support arm to move along the guide rail.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system further comprises a guide block connected with the auxiliary support arm, and the auxiliary support arm moves along the guide rail through the guide block.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the guide block is provided with a pivot shaft arranged towards the top of the support frame, and the auxiliary support arm is arranged to rotate around the pivot shaft, and the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move from inside the support frame to outside the support frame by rotating around the pivot shaft.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the power source comprises an electric linear drive mechanism and a pneumatic rotary mechanism, the electric linear drive mechanism drives the flexible transmission member to drive the auxiliary support arm to move along the guide rail, and the auxiliary support arm is installed on the guide block through the pneumatic rotary mechanism.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, at least one side of the support frame is provided as a shielding door;

[0027] The auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly through the shielding door to the outside of the support frame.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the accommodating cavity is located in the support frame and is arranged towards the top of the support frame, the extension axis extends in the support frame and towards the top of the support frame, the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move from inside the support frame to the outside of the support frame, and the automatic target changing system further comprises a self-locking structure capable of locking the position of the auxiliary support arm after the auxiliary support arm moves to the outside of the support frame.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the self-locking structure comprises one or more locking protrusions arranged on the support frame, and the auxiliary support arm is capable of moving to overlap above the locking protrusions, and the locking protrusions are capable of preventing the auxiliary support arm from descending.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the target assembly is provided with a positioning portion, and the auxiliary support arm is arranged along one side of the target assembly and cooperates with the surface of the target assembly.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning portion comprises a positioning protrusion, the auxiliary support arm is provided with a positioning groove, the auxiliary support arm is capable of supporting the target assembly through the positioning portion, and at least part of the surface of the target assembly is limited in the positioning groove.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary support arm is capable of driving the target assembly to move from the installation position to be separated from the accommodating cavity.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the neutron generating device further comprises a vacuum tube, an end of the target assembly is connected to the vacuum tube, the vacuum tube has a collapsible section capable of being vertically collapsed, and the support frame is connected with a vacuum tube support arm connected with the vacuum tube.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system further comprises a guide rail arranged on the support frame, at least part of the guide rail extends along the extension axis, and the auxiliary support arm moves along the guide rail to drive the target assembly to be separated from the accommodating cavity.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system further comprises a guide block, the auxiliary support arm is connected with the guide block, and the auxiliary support arm moves along the guide rail through the guide block.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic target changing system further comprises a pivot shaft, the pivot shaft is arranged on the guide block, the pivot shaft is arranged towards the top of the support frame, and the auxiliary support arm is arranged to rotate around the pivot shaft, and the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move from inside the support frame to the outside of the support frame by rotating around the pivot shaft.

[0037] The present application provides a target changing method applied to an automatic target changing system, the automatic target changing system is used for changing a target assembly of a neutron generating device, the neutron generating device comprises a beam shaping body and a support frame, the beam shaping body is supported by the support frame, the beam shaping body has a containing cavity for containing the target assembly, and the automatic target changing system comprises an auxiliary support arm; the auxiliary support arm is movably arranged on the support frame; the target changing method comprises the following steps:

[0038] The auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move to pull the target assembly out of the containing cavity and separate from the containing cavity.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the containing cavity is arranged inside the support frame and towards the top of the support frame, and the method further comprises the following steps:

[0040] The auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move from inside the support frame to the outside of the support frame.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, at least one side of the support frame is arranged as a shielding door, and the target changing method comprises the following step: the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to the outside of the support frame through the shielding door.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary support arm is detachably connected with the target assembly, and the target changing method further comprises the following steps: after the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to the outside of the support frame, a mechanical arm takes over the target assembly and transfers the target assembly to a transfer box.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary support arm can drive the target assembly to move to the outside of the support frame and transfer the target assembly to a transfer box.

[0044] The present application provides a neutron capture therapy system, which comprises an accelerator, a neutron generating device, a treatment placing device and an auxiliary support arm.

[0045] The neutron generating device comprises a beam shaping body, a support frame and a target assembly, the beam shaping body is supported by the support frame, and the beam shaping body has a containing cavity accommodating the target assembly;

[0046] The accelerator generates charged particles and transmits the charged particles to the target assembly, the target assembly generates a neutron beam, the neutron beam is shaped by the beam shaping body to generate a therapeutic neutron beam to irradiate a patient on the treatment placement device;

[0047] The auxiliary support arm is mounted on the support frame, the auxiliary support arm is detachably matched with the target assembly, and the auxiliary support arm can move and carry the target assembly out of the containing cavity.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the containing cavity is located in the support frame and is arranged towards the top of the support frame, at least one side of the support frame is arranged as a shielding door, and the auxiliary support arm can carry the target assembly through the shielding door to the outside of the support frame.

[0049] The characteristics and advantages of the present application are:

[0050] When the neutron generating device is working, the target assembly is mounted in the containing cavity of the beam shaping body. When the target assembly needs to be replaced, the auxiliary support arm can move the target assembly and make the target assembly out of the containing cavity, so that the target assembly is separated from the beam shaping body, and the target assembly is taken out of the neutron generating device for replacement. Moreover, when the neutron generating device is working, the auxiliary support arm can be connected with the target assembly to assist in supporting and positioning the target assembly, so that the position of the target assembly is kept stable, and the neutron generating device can work stably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort.

[0052] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a first state in a target replacement process of an automatic target replacement system provided by the present application;

[0053] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a part A in Fig. 1;

[0054] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a second state in a target replacement process of an automatic target replacement system provided by the present application;

[0055] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a part B in Fig. 3;

[0056] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a third state in the target changing process of the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0057] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of portion C in Fig. 5;

[0058] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a fourth state in the target changing process of the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0059] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of portion D in Fig. 7;

[0060] Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a fifth state in the target changing process of the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0061] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of portion E in Fig. 9;

[0062] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a sixth state in the target changing process of the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0063] Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of portion F in Fig. 11;

[0064] Fig. 13 is an isometric view of an auxiliary support arm in the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0065] Fig. 14 is a top view of an auxiliary support arm in the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0066] Fig. 15 is a schematic view of the mounting table and clamp on the robot arm in the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0067] Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a target changing state of an embodiment of the automatic target changing system according to the present application having a support arm driving mechanism;

[0068] Fig. 17 is a schematic view of the connection between the support arm driving mechanism and the auxiliary support arm in the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0069] Fig. 18 is a schematic view of the support arm driving mechanism in the automatic target changing system according to the present application provided with a shielding member;

[0070] Fig. 19 is a top view of the connection between the support arm driving mechanism and the auxiliary support arm in the automatic target changing system according to the present application;

[0071] Fig. 20 is a schematic view of a first state of another embodiment of the automatic target changing system according to the present application having a support arm driving mechanism;

[0072] Fig. 21 is a schematic view of a second state of another embodiment of the automatic target changing system according to the present application having a support arm driving mechanism;

[0073] Fig. 22 is a schematic view of the layout of the upper space of the neutron capture therapy system according to the present application;

[0074] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram of the layout of the upper space and the lower space of the neutron capture therapy system provided by the present application.

[0075] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 10, neutron generating device; 11, target assembly; 111, positioning portion; 112, positioning protrusion; 12, beam shaper; 121, accommodating cavity; 13, vacuum tube; 131, vacuum tube support arm; 14, support frame; 141, shielding door; 20, auxiliary support arm; 21, positioning slot; 211, arc plate; 212, notch; 22, driving portion; 221, vertical cantilever; 31, guide rail; 32, guide block; 40, mechanical arm; 41, mounting table; 42, cantilever driving plate; 43, clamp; 431, clamping jaw; 432, jaw body portion; 433, hollow portion; 50, transfer box; 60, support arm driving mechanism; 61, electric linear driving mechanism; 611, servo motor; 612, screw mechanism; 613, sliding block; 614, linear slide rail; 62, flexible transmission member; 621, synchronous belt; 63, synchronous pulley; 64, pneumatic rotating mechanism; 65, shielding member; 70, central shielding structure; 71, opening and closing mechanism; 72, shielding shell; L2, upper space; L1, lower space; 100, treatment space; 10A, first treatment space; 10B, second treatment space; 10C, third treatment space; 200, charged particle beam generating chamber; 300, accelerator; 400, beam transmission portion; 410, first transmission portion; 420, first beam direction switcher; 430, second beam direction switcher; 45A, third transmission portion; 45B, fourth transmission portion; 45C, fifth transmission portion; 500, neutron beam generating portion; 50A, first neutron beam generating portion; 50B, second neutron beam generating portion; 50C, third neutron beam generating portion; 600, beam transmission chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0077] Neutron capture therapy as an effective means of treating cancer in recent years gradually increased application, which is the most common boron neutron capture therapy, boron neutron capture therapy can be supplied by nuclear reactors or accelerators. Embodiments of the present invention with accelerator boron neutron capture therapy, accelerator boron neutron capture therapy basic components generally include an accelerator for accelerating charged particles (such as protons, deuterons, etc.), neutron capture therapy system, wherein the neutron capture therapy system includes a target, heat removal system and beam shaping body, wherein the accelerated charged particles and target material interaction produces neutrons, depending on the desired neutron yield and energy, the energy and current size of the accelerated charged particles can be provided, the physical and chemical properties of the target material and other characteristics to select the appropriate nuclear reaction, the commonly discussed nuclear reactions are 7Li (p, n) 7Be and 9Be (p, n) 9B, both of which are endothermic reactions. The energy threshold of the two nuclear reactions is 1.881 MeV and 2.055 MeV, respectively. Since the ideal neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy is keV energy level superhot neutron, theoretically, if the proton energy is slightly higher than the threshold energy, the lithium metal target can produce relatively low energy neutrons, which can be used for clinical without too much slowing down treatment, however, the lithium metal (Li) and beryllium metal (Be) two target materials have a low cross section for protons with threshold energy. To generate a large enough neutron flux, a higher energy proton is usually used to initiate the nuclear reaction.

[0078] The ideal target material should have high neutron yield, neutron energy distribution close to the superhot neutron energy region (will be described in detail below), no too strong radiation, safe, inexpensive, easy to operate and high temperature resistant, etc. However, it is difficult to find a nuclear reaction that meets all the requirements. In embodiments of the present invention, a lithium metal target is used. However, as known to those skilled in the art, the target material can also be made of other metal materials other than the above-mentioned metal materials.

[0079] The requirements for the heat removal system vary depending on the selected nuclear reaction. For example, 7Li (p, n) 7Be requires a higher heat removal system than 9Be (p, n) 9B due to the melting point and thermal conductivity of the metal target (lithium metal). In embodiments of the present invention, the 7Li (p, n) 7Be nuclear reaction is used.

[0080] Whether the neutron source of boron neutron capture therapy comes from nuclear reactor or nuclear reaction of accelerator charged particles and target material, the generated is mixed radiation field, that is, the beam contains low-energy to high-energy neutrons and photons; for boron neutron capture therapy of deep tumor, in addition to epithermal neutrons, the more the content of the remaining radiation lines, the greater the proportion of non-selective dose deposition of normal tissues, so these unnecessary dose radiation should be reduced as much as possible. In addition to the air beam quality factor, in order to better understand the dose distribution caused by neutrons in the human body, the human head tissue phantom is used for dose calculation in the embodiment of the present application, and the phantom beam quality factor is used as the design reference of the neutron beam, which will be described in detail below.

[0081] The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gives five air beam quality factor recommendations for the neutron source of clinical boron neutron capture therapy. The five recommendations can be used to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different neutron sources, and serve as a reference for selecting neutron generation path and designing beam shaping body. The five recommendations are as follows:

[0082] Epithermal neutron flux > 1 x 109n / cm2s;

[0083] Fast neutron contamination < 2 x 10-13Gy-cm2 / n;

[0084] Photon contamination < 2 x 10-13Gy-cm2 / n;

[0085] Thermal to epithermal neutron flux ratio < 0.05;

[0086] Epithermal neutron current to flux ratio > 0.7.

[0087] Note: The epithermal neutron energy region is between 0.5 eV and 10 keV, the thermal neutron energy region is less than 0.5 eV, and the fast neutron energy region is greater than 10 keV.

[0088] 1. Epithermal neutron flux:

[0089] The neutron beam flux and the concentration of boron-containing drugs in the tumor together determine the clinical treatment time. If the concentration of boron-containing drugs in the tumor is high, the requirement for the neutron beam flux can be reduced; otherwise, if the concentration of boron-containing drugs in the tumor is low, a high-flux epithermal neutron is needed to give the tumor a sufficient dose. The requirement of IAEA for the epithermal neutron beam flux is that the number of epithermal neutrons per square centimeter per second is greater than 109. The neutron beam at this flux can roughly control the treatment time within one hour for the current boron-containing drugs. In addition to the advantages of patient positioning and comfort, short treatment time can also effectively utilize the limited residence time of boron-containing drugs in the tumor.

[0090] 2. Fast neutron contamination:

[0091] Since the fast neutron will cause unnecessary normal tissue dose, it is regarded as contamination. The size of this dose is positively correlated with the neutron energy, so the content of fast neutron should be reduced as much as possible in the design of neutron beam. Fast neutron contamination is defined as the fast neutron dose accompanied by unit epithermal neutron flux. The IAEA recommendation for fast neutron contamination is less than 2x 10-13Gy-cm2 / n.

[0092] 3. Photon contamination (γ-ray contamination):

[0093] γ-rays belong to strong penetrating radiation, which will cause non-selective dose deposition in all tissues along the beam path. Therefore, reducing the content of γ-rays is also a necessary requirement for the design of neutron beam. γ-ray contamination is defined as the γ-ray dose accompanied by unit epithermal neutron flux. The IAEA recommendation for γ-ray contamination is less than 2x 10-13Gy-cm2 / n.

[0094] 4. Ratio of thermal neutron flux to epithermal neutron flux:

[0095] Since the thermal neutron has a fast decay rate and poor penetration ability, most of its energy is deposited in the skin tissue after entering the human body. Except for epidermal tumors such as melanocyte tumors that need to use thermal neutrons as the source of boron neutron capture therapy, the content of thermal neutrons should be reduced for deep tumors such as brain tumors. The IAEA recommendation for the ratio of thermal neutron flux to epithermal neutron flux is less than 0.05.

[0096] 5. Ratio of neutron current to flux:

[0097] The ratio of neutron current to flux represents the directionality of the beam. The larger the ratio, the better the forward directionality of the neutron beam, which can reduce the dose of surrounding normal tissues caused by neutron divergence, and also improves the treatable depth and flexibility of the positioning posture. The IAEA recommendation for the ratio of neutron current to flux is greater than 0.7.

[0098] The neutron capture therapy system of the present application can be configured as a whole in a two-layer space including an upper layer space L2 and a lower layer space L1, or can be configured in other configurations according to the characteristics of the beam line, and the present application does not limit this. As shown in FIGS. 22-23, the neutron capture therapy system further includes a treatment space 100 in which a patient is treated by neutron beam irradiation, and a charged particle beam generation chamber 200 in which an accelerator 300 and at least part of a beam transport section 400 are provided. The neutron beam generation section 500 can be one or more to generate one or more therapeutic neutron beams, and the beam transport section 400 can selectively transport a charged particle beam to one or several neutron beam generation sections 500 or simultaneously transport a charged particle beam to a plurality of neutron beam generation sections 500, each corresponding to a treatment space 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-23, there are three neutron beam generation sections 50 and three treatment spaces 10, respectively, which are first neutron beam generation section 50A, second neutron beam generation section 50B, and third neutron beam generation section 50C, and first treatment space 10A, second treatment space 10B, and third treatment space 10C.

[0099] The main part of the beam transmission part 400 is located in the beam transmission chamber 600, and the beam transmission part 400 comprises: a first transmission part 410 connected with the accelerator 300; a first beam direction switcher 420 and a second beam direction switcher 430 for switching the traveling direction of the charged particle beam; a second transmission part 440 connected with the first beam direction switcher 420 and the second beam direction switcher 430; a third transmission part 45A, a fourth transmission part 45B and a fifth transmission part 45C for respectively transmitting the charged particle beam from the first beam direction switcher 420 or the second beam direction switcher 430 to the neutron beam generation part 500, and the generated neutron beam is respectively irradiated to the patient in the corresponding treatment space 100. The third transmission part 45A is connected with the first beam direction switcher 420 and the neutron beam generation part 50A, the fourth transmission part 45B is connected with the second beam direction switcher 430 and the neutron beam generation part 50B, and the fifth transmission part 45C is connected with the second beam direction switcher 430 and the neutron beam generation part 50C. That is, the first transmission part 410 branches into the second transmission part 440 and the third transmission part 45A in the first beam direction switcher 420, and the second transmission part 440 branches into the fourth transmission part 45B and the fifth transmission part 45C in the second beam direction switcher 430. The first transmission part 410 and the second transmission part 440 transmit along the X-axis direction, the third transmission part 45A transmits along the Z-axis direction, and the transmission directions of the fourth transmission part 45B and the fifth transmission part 45C are in the XY plane and form a "Y" shape with the transmission directions of the first transmission part 410 and the second transmission part 440. The neutron beam generation part 500 and the corresponding treatment space 100 are respectively arranged along the transmission directions of the third transmission part 45A, the fourth transmission part 45B and the fifth transmission part 45C, and the directions of the generated neutron beams are respectively the same as the transmission directions of the third transmission part 45A, the fourth transmission part 45B and the fifth transmission part 45C, so that the directions of the neutron beams generated by the neutron beam generation parts 50B and 50C are in the same plane, and the direction of the neutron beam generated by the neutron beam generation part 50A is perpendicular to the plane. By adopting such an arrangement, the space can be effectively utilized, multiple patients can be treated at the same time, and the transmission line of the beam is not excessively prolonged, and the loss is small.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 23, the first treatment space 10A is a vertical treatment chamber in which the beam is incident in a vertical direction from top to bottom, and the treatment placement device can be arranged in the first treatment space 10A.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 22, the second treatment space 10B and the third treatment space 10C are horizontal treatment chambers in which the beam is incident in a horizontal direction, and are respectively a first horizontal treatment chamber and a second horizontal treatment chamber.

[0102] The charged particles accelerated by the accelerator 300 in the accelerator chamber are transmitted to the beam transmission chamber 600. A beam switcher (such as a deflection magnet) is arranged in the beam transmission chamber 600. The charged particle beam can be transmitted and switched to the first horizontal treatment chamber and the second horizontal treatment chamber located in the same layer as the beam transmission chamber according to requirements, and also transmitted to the vertical treatment chamber located in the lower layer of the beam transmission chamber. The beam in the horizontal treatment chamber is irradiated in the horizontal direction, and the beam in the vertical treatment chamber is irradiated in the vertical direction from top to bottom. The charged particle beam is transmitted to the target material (generally embedded in the beam shaping body) in the horizontal treatment chamber and the vertical treatment chamber through the beam transmission part. The charged particle beam interacts with the target material in the treatment chamber to generate neutrons (including fast neutrons, thermal neutrons, epithermal neutrons, gamma rays, etc., which cannot be directly used for treatment). The neutrons are energy-shaped by the beam shaping body and output to meet the requirements of epithermal neutron beams. The epithermal neutron beams irradiate the irradiation part of the patient in the horizontal treatment chamber and the vertical treatment chamber, so as to achieve the purpose of treatment.

[0103] The embodiment of the present application provides an automatic target changing system for replacing the target assembly 11 of the neutron generating device 10. The neutron generating device 10 comprises a beam shaping body 12 and a support frame 14. The beam shaping body 12 is supported by the support frame 14. In an optional embodiment of the present application, the support frame 14 can form a space, and the beam shaping body 12 is arranged in the space in whole or in part. The support frame 14 can also form a support plane, and the beam shaping body 12 is positioned and supported by the support plane. The present application does not limit the way in which the support frame supports the beam shaping body 12, and is subject to the diversified setting requirements.

[0104] The beam shaping body 12 has a receiving cavity 121 accommodating at least part of the target assembly 11, as shown in FIGS. 1-12, the automatic target changing system comprises an auxiliary support arm 20; the auxiliary support arm 20 is movably mounted on the support frame 14, specifically, the auxiliary support arm 20 can be arranged on the part of the support frame 14 supporting the beam shaping body 12, or can be arranged on the part of the support frame 14 used for supporting the beam shaping body 12 outside, the part of the support frame 14 used for supporting the beam shaping body 12 and the part of the support frame 14 used for the auxiliary support arm 20 are the same position reference, for example, the same position reference can be the ground, or the side wall of the room, which is not limited in the present application. The auxiliary support arm 20 is mounted on the support frame 14 and can move to drive the target assembly 11 out of the receiving cavity 121, the auxiliary support arm 20 is arranged on the support frame 14 supporting the beam shaping body 12, so that the auxiliary support arm 20 can be arranged close to the beam shaping body 12 accommodating the target assembly 11, which facilitates the auxiliary support arm 20 to be positioned with the target assembly 11, avoids the need to remotely grab the target assembly during the target changing process, shortens the process of achieving dynamic positioning connection between the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly, avoids the radiation of the radiation field generated after the nuclear reaction of the target material to the driving main body of the dynamic component or other indirect driving mode for achieving positioning between the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly, reduces the uncontrollability of the influence of the radiation field on the dynamic component during the target changing process, and improves the controllability of the target changing process.

[0105] When the neutron generating device 10 is working, the target assembly 11 is mounted in the receiving cavity 121 of the beam shaping body 12. When the target assembly 11 needs to be replaced, the auxiliary support arm 20 can drive the target assembly 11 to move and make the target assembly 11 out of the receiving cavity 121, so as to separate the target assembly 11 from the beam shaping body 12, so as to take out the target assembly 11 from the neutron generating device 10 for replacement. In the embodiment of the present application, when the neutron generating device 10 is working, the auxiliary support arm 20 can be arranged to be connected with the target assembly 11 to play a role of auxiliary support and positioning of the target assembly 11, on the one hand, the distance between the target assembly 11 and the end surface of the beam shaping body 12 is ensured, so that the assembly position between the target assembly 11 and the beam shaping body 12 is ensured to adapt to the beam shaping installation requirement of the target material and the end surface of the beam shaping body 12, on the other hand, the auxiliary support arm 20 is connected with the target assembly 11 or other structures capable of being connected to the target assembly 11 before the target assembly needs to be operated, which avoids the need for dynamic movement of the auxiliary support arm 20 to achieve positioning with the target assembly 11 during the target changing process, avoids the radiation of the radiation field generated after the nuclear reaction of the target material to the dynamic component or other indirect driving mode for driving the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly 11 to achieve positioning, reduces the uncontrollability of the influence of the radiation field on the dynamic component during the target changing process, and improves the controllability of the target changing process.

[0106] The auxiliary support arm 20 can be arranged to be connected with the target assembly 11 through direct connection or indirect connection before the target assembly needs to be replaced, so that the target assembly 11 can be driven, and the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly 11 can be positioned without complex dynamic movement or simple spontaneous operation in the radiation field generated by the nuclear reaction of the target material after being bombarded by the charged particle beam, thereby avoiding the radiation of the target assembly power component or other driving mode caused by the radiation field generated by the nuclear reaction of the target material, reducing the uncontrollability of the influence of the radiation field on the power component in the target replacement process, and improving the controllability of the target replacement process. The relative position relationship between the target assembly 11 and other components during the entire working process or the relative position between the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly during the target replacement process is kept stable, which is conducive to the stable operation of the entire neutron generating device 10, greatly reduces the difficulty of maintenance of the entire system, and reduces the cost of radiation protection in the target replacement process.

[0107] The accommodation cavity 121 has an extension axis, which can be a central symmetry axis of the accommodation cavity 121 or a contour axis of the entire or part of the accommodation cavity 121. The target assembly 11 is arranged to be accommodated in the accommodation cavity 121 along the direction of the extension axis, and the auxiliary support arm 20 is arranged to be movable along the direction of the extension axis to drive the target assembly 11 to be separated from the accommodation cavity 121. The opening of the accommodation cavity 121 is directed along the direction of the extension axis, and the target assembly 11 is moved along the direction of the extension axis under the driving of the auxiliary support arm 20, so that the target assembly 11 can be moved from the installation position to be separated from the accommodation cavity 121.

[0108] In an embodiment, the automatic target replacement system further comprises a guide rail 31 arranged on the support frame 14, at least a part of the guide rail 31 extending along the extension axis, and the auxiliary support arm 20 moves along the guide rail 31 to drive the target assembly 11 to be separated from the accommodation cavity 121. The guide rail 31 can guide the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly 11 to move along the extension axis, so as to smoothly pull out the target assembly 11 from the accommodation cavity 121.

[0109] Further, the automatic target replacement system further comprises a guide block 32 connected with the auxiliary support arm 20, and the auxiliary support arm 20 moves along the guide rail 31 through the guide block 32. The auxiliary support arm 20 can move along the guide rail 31 along the extension axis together with the guide block 32.

[0110] The extending axis can be arranged in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction or an inclined direction. When the extending axis is arranged in a horizontal direction, the opening of the accommodating cavity 121 is also arranged in a horizontal direction, and the target assembly 11 is moved in a horizontal direction to be loaded into or separated from the accommodating cavity 121 during installation or replacement of the target assembly 11. When the extending axis is arranged in a vertical direction, the opening of the accommodating cavity 121 is also arranged in a vertical direction, and the target assembly 11 is moved in a vertical direction to be loaded into or separated from the accommodating cavity 121 during installation or replacement of the target assembly 11. The installation or replacement of the target assembly 11 can be driven by the auxiliary support arm 20, and the auxiliary support arm 20 is in cooperation with the target assembly 11, and then the target assembly 11 is moved by the auxiliary support arm 20, so as to realize the installation or replacement of the target assembly 11.

[0111] The target assembly 11 is in an installed position, that is, the target assembly 11 is installed in the accommodating cavity 121, so that the neutron generating device 10 can normally work and generate neutrons. At this time, the auxiliary support arm 20 can be connected with the target assembly 11 to provide support and positioning for the target assembly 11, and ensure the distance between the target assembly 11 and the end surface of the beam shaping body 12. The auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to move from the installed position to separate from the accommodating cavity 121, that is, the target assembly 11 is separated from the accommodating cavity 121 under the driving of the auxiliary support arm 20, so as to be separated from the beam shaping body 12. The auxiliary support arm 20 can at least move in the extending direction of the axis of the target assembly 11, so as to drive the target assembly 11 to separate from the accommodating cavity 121. Specifically, when the extending axis is arranged in a horizontal direction, the auxiliary support arm 20 can at least move in a horizontal direction; when the extending axis is arranged in a vertical direction, the auxiliary support arm 20 can at least move in a vertical direction. For example, in the structure shown in FIGS. 1-12, the auxiliary support arm 20 can at least displace in the extending direction of the axis of the target assembly 11, so as to pull the target assembly 11 upward to separate from the accommodating cavity 121. The extending direction of the axis of the target assembly 11 is parallel or substantially parallel to the extending axis of the accommodating cavity 121.

[0112] In an embodiment, the accommodating cavity 121 is arranged in the support frame 14 and faces the top of the support frame 14, and the extending axis extends from the support frame 14 to the top of the support frame 14. As shown in FIGS. 1-12, when the extending axis is arranged in a vertical direction, the auxiliary support arm 20 can at least move in a vertical direction, so as to pull the target assembly 11 upward to separate from the accommodating cavity 121.

[0113] Further, the auxiliary support arm 20 can drive the target assembly 11 to the outside of the support frame 14. In one aspect, the target assembly 11 is driven to the outside of the support frame 14 by the auxiliary support arm 20, so as to further transport the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50, facilitating the replacement of the target assembly 11. Specifically, in one embodiment, after the target assembly 11 is driven to the outside of the support frame 14 by the auxiliary support arm 20, the target assembly 11 can be further transferred to the transfer box 50 by the mechanical arm 40 or other devices. In this process, the target assembly 11 is transferred in a relay manner, and the auxiliary support arm 20 prepares for the further transfer of the target assembly 11 by the mechanical arm 40 or other devices, so that the mechanical arm 40 or other devices do not need to enter the support frame 14 or only need to enter a smaller area of the support frame 14, and the activity range and size of the mechanical arm 40 or other devices do not need to be set too large, which is conducive to reducing the design difficulty of the mechanical arm 40 or other devices and facilitating the adaptation of the mechanical arm 40 or other devices to other equipment. In another embodiment, the auxiliary support arm 20 has a large enough activity range, and the auxiliary support arm 20 can directly drive the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50.

[0114] On the other hand, the auxiliary support arm 20 is installed on the support frame 14, and the main body or the whole of the auxiliary support arm 20 is located in the space of the support frame 14 when the neutron generating device 10 is working. In addition, the auxiliary support arm 20 plays a connecting role between the target assembly 11 and the support frame 14, and the support frame 14 plays a supporting and positioning role on the target assembly 11 through the auxiliary support arm 20, which is conducive to keeping the position of the target assembly 11 stable and accurate.

[0115] In one embodiment, the automatic target replacement system includes a pivot shaft, which is arranged towards the top of the support frame 14, and the auxiliary support arm 20 is arranged to rotate around the pivot shaft. The auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to move from inside the support frame 14 to the outside of the support frame 14 by rotating around the pivot shaft. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the auxiliary support arm 20 is installed on the guide block 32 through the pivot shaft. In addition, the auxiliary support arm 20 can rotate around the pivot shaft relative to the guide block 32 to realize the movement from inside the support frame 14 to the outside. The guide rail 31 can be arranged in a vertical direction or parallel to the vertical direction. The pivot shaft is arranged in a vertical direction, i.e., the pivot shaft can be arranged parallel to the vertical direction or at an angle with the vertical direction. The size of the angle can be set according to actual conditions, but it is necessary to ensure that the end of the auxiliary support arm 20 moves in a horizontal direction when the auxiliary support arm 20 rotates around the pivot shaft.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 1, the accommodating cavity 121 is located in the support frame 14 and is arranged towards the top of the support frame 14, the auxiliary support arm 20 is movable along the extending axis and is movable outwards from the support frame 14, the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to be loaded into the accommodating cavity 121 when the auxiliary support arm 20 is lowered, and the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to be separated from the accommodating cavity 121 to be pulled out from the beam shaping body 12 when the auxiliary support arm 20 is raised; the auxiliary support arm 20 is movable outwards from the support frame 14, and drives the target assembly 11 to move from inside the support frame 14 to outside of the support frame 14 or to move from outside of the support frame 14 to inside the support frame 14. Specifically, the direction in which the auxiliary support arm 20 is movable along the extending axis can be substantially along the vertical direction or can be parallel to the vertical direction. The axis in which the auxiliary support arm 20 is movable outwards from the support frame 14 can be substantially along the vertical direction or can be parallel to the vertical direction.

[0117] In an embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a support arm driving mechanism 60, the auxiliary support arm 20 is directly or indirectly connected with the support arm driving mechanism 60, and the support arm driving mechanism 60 is used to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to drive the target assembly 11 to be separated from the accommodating cavity 121. Specifically, the support arm driving mechanism 60 is used to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extending axis to drive the target assembly 11 to move along the extending axis, so that the target assembly 11 is separated from the accommodating cavity 121. The support arm driving mechanism 60 comprises a power source and a transmission mechanism, the power source is connected with the auxiliary support arm 20 through the transmission mechanism to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to drive the target assembly 11 to be separated from the accommodating cavity 121.

[0118] In an embodiment, the accommodating cavity 121 is located in the support frame 14 and is arranged towards the top of the support frame 14, the extending axis extends from inside the support frame 14 towards the top of the support frame 14, and the power source drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to move towards the top of the support frame 14 through the transmission mechanism, so as to pull out the target assembly 11 to be separated from the accommodating cavity 121. As shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 4, for a vertical treatment room, the auxiliary support arm 20 is movable along the extending axis, i.e. is movable in a lifting manner, specifically: the auxiliary support arm 20 is movable towards the top of the support frame 14, i.e. is movable in an upward manner, and the auxiliary support arm 20 is movable away from the top of the support frame 14, i.e. is movable in a downward manner.

[0119] The auxiliary support arm 20 can be movable under the guidance of the guide slide rail 31 and the guide block 32. The structure and working manner of the guide slide rail 31 and the guide block 32 have been introduced in the foregoing, and will not be repeated here.

[0120] The auxiliary support arm 20 can also be moved out of the support frame 14 by rotating around the pivot axis to drive the target assembly 11 out of the accommodating cavity 121. The structure and working mode of the pivot axis have been described above and will not be repeated here. The support arm driving mechanism 60 is used to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and move out of the support frame 14. The support arm driving mechanism 60 provides power for the movement of the auxiliary support arm 20 along the extension axis and out of the support frame 14 and can control the movement of the auxiliary support arm 20 along the extension axis and out of the support frame 14. Preferably, the support arm driving mechanism 60 provides power and controls the start and stop and distance of the movement of the auxiliary support arm 20 along the extension axis and the start and stop and angle of the movement of the auxiliary support arm 20 out of the support frame 14.

[0121] Further, the transmission mechanism includes a flexible transmission mechanism (not shown in the figure), and the power source is connected to the auxiliary support arm 20 through the flexible transmission mechanism to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and move out of the support frame 14. Specifically, the flexible transmission mechanism includes a first pulley mechanism for driving the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and a second pulley mechanism for driving the auxiliary support arm 20 to move out of the support frame 14. The first pulley mechanism includes a first flexible member and one or more pulleys, the first flexible member is wound around the pulleys, one end of the first flexible member is connected to the power source, and the other end is connected to the auxiliary support arm 20 or the guide block 32, and the power source drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis through the first flexible member. The second pulley mechanism includes a second flexible member and one or more pulleys, the second flexible member is wound around the pulleys, one end of the second flexible member is connected to the power source, and the other end is connected to the auxiliary support arm 20, and the power source drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to move out of the support frame 14 through the second flexible member. The power source can be an electric motor or an air cylinder; through the flexible transmission mechanism, the power source provides power for the movement of the auxiliary support arm 20. The specific arrangement of the first pulley mechanism and the second pulley mechanism can adopt the existing technology. The first flexible member and the first flexible member can adopt a traction rope or a synchronous belt 621.

[0122] The power source in the support arm driving mechanism 60 is connected to the auxiliary support arm 20 through the flexible transmission mechanism, and the power source can be arranged at a position far away from the support frame 14, so as to reduce the influence of radiation on the power source.

[0123] In another embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes a flexible transmission member 62, one end of the flexible transmission member 62 is connected to the power source, and the other end of the flexible transmission member 62 is connected to the auxiliary support arm 20 to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to drive the target assembly 11 out of the accommodating cavity 121. Preferably, part of the support frame 14 is arranged as a hollow structure, the hollow structure forms a cavity, and the power source and part of the flexible transmission mechanism are accommodated in the cavity to reduce the influence of radiation.

[0124] Further, as shown in FIGS. 16-19, the power source includes an electric linear driving mechanism 61 and a pneumatic rotary mechanism 64, the auxiliary support arm 20 is installed on the guide block 32 through the pneumatic rotary mechanism 64, and the electric linear driving mechanism 61 is connected to the guide block 32 through a flexible transmission member 62 to drive the guide block 32 to ascend together with the auxiliary support arm 20. The electric linear driving mechanism 61 drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to ascend through the flexible transmission member 62, and the auxiliary support arm 20 can descend under its own action or perform a descending action under the driving of the electric linear driving mechanism 61; the pneumatic rotary mechanism 64 pivots the auxiliary support arm 20 relative to the guide block 32, and the rotary shaft of the pneumatic rotary mechanism 64 serves as the pivot shaft of the auxiliary support arm 20.

[0125] Specifically, the electric linear driving mechanism 61 includes a servo motor 611, a screw mechanism 612, a sliding block 613, and a linear sliding rail 614, the servo motor 611 is connected to the sliding block 613 through the screw mechanism 612 to drive the sliding block 613 to move along the linear sliding rail 614; the flexible transmission member 62 can adopt a synchronous belt 621, the synchronous belt 621 is turned through a synchronous pulley 63, and the two ends of the synchronous belt 621 are connected to the sliding block 613 and the guide block 32 respectively, so that when the sliding block 613 moves under the driving of the servo motor 611, the guide block 32 is also driven to move along the guide sliding rail 31 through the synchronous belt 621. Preferably, the side surface of the electric linear driving mechanism 61 is provided with a shielding member 65.

[0126] Further, as shown in FIGS. 20-21, a central shielding structure 70 that can be opened and closed is arranged in the support frame 14, the central shielding structure 70 is arranged around the target assembly 11, when the target assembly 11 is in the installed position, the central shielding structure 70 forms a continuous shielding structure in the circumferential direction of the target assembly 11. After the central shielding structure 70 is opened, the auxiliary support arm 20 can drive the target assembly 11 into the central shielding structure 70, or the auxiliary support arm 20 can drive the target assembly 11 to move from the inside of the central shielding structure 70 to the outside; and after the central shielding structure 70 is opened, part of the central shielding structure 70 can block the radiation from propagating to the electric linear driving mechanism 61.

[0127] In an embodiment, the central shielding structure 70 includes an opening and closing mechanism 71 and two shielding shells 72 that are oppositely arranged with openings, the opening and closing mechanism 71 is connected to the shielding shells 72 to drive the two shielding shells 72 to relatively approach or move away. Preferably, the shielding shells 72 are in the shape of “U”, when the central shielding structure 70 is opened, one shielding shell 72 is located on one side of the electric linear driving mechanism 61, and one side wall of the shielding shell 72 can block the radiation towards the electric linear driving mechanism 61. The opening and closing mechanism 71 can be installed on the top of the support frame 14, and the opening and closing mechanism 71 can adopt a pneumatic cylinder or a linear driving mechanism driven by an electric motor.

[0128] In one embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a mechanical arm 40 and a transfer box 50 located outside the support frame 14; the auxiliary support arm 20 is detachably coupled with the target assembly 11, and after the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to move outside the support frame 14, the mechanical arm 40 can take over the target assembly 11 and transfer the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50. In this embodiment, the target assembly 11 is transported in a relay manner, the support arm driving mechanism 60 drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and move from inside to outside of the support frame 14 to drive the target assembly 11 to disengage from the accommodating cavity 121 and move to the outside of the support frame 14, and then the mechanical arm 40 relays and continues to transfer the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50, which not only simplifies the structure and size of the auxiliary support arm 20, but also makes the mechanical arm 40 not need to enter the support frame 14 or only need to enter a smaller area of the support frame 14, so that the activity range and size of the mechanical arm 40 do not need to be set too large, which is convenient for the mechanical arm 40 to adapt to other equipment and reduces the design difficulty of the mechanical arm 40. Moreover, since the auxiliary support arm 20 is pre-coupled with the target assembly 11, the process of moving a component to grab the target assembly 11 during target changing is avoided, thereby avoiding the aging problem of the moving component caused by setting the moving component in the radiation environment and ensuring the reliability of the target changing operation. The structure of the mechanical arm 40 can adopt the existing technology, which is not described herein.

[0129] When installing the target assembly 11, after the support arm transfers the target assembly 11 to the designated position outside the support frame 14, the auxiliary support arm 20 can take over the target assembly 11 and continue to transfer the target assembly 11 to the support frame 14, and then the target assembly 11 is installed into the accommodating cavity 121, and after the target assembly 11 is installed, the auxiliary support arm 20 does not need to be removed and remains connected with the target assembly 11 to support and position the target assembly 11.

[0130] In another embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a transfer box 50 located outside the support frame 14; the auxiliary support arm 20 is detachably coupled with the target assembly 11, and the auxiliary support arm 20 can drive the target assembly 11 to move outside the support frame 14 and transfer the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50. The support arm driving mechanism 60 drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and move from inside to outside of the support frame 14 to drive the target assembly 11 to disengage from the accommodating cavity 121 and directly drive the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50, and then the auxiliary support arm 20 is separated from the target assembly 11, and the target assembly 11 enters the transfer box 50. When installing the target assembly 11, after the auxiliary support arm 20 takes over the target assembly 11, the target assembly 11 is transferred to the support frame 14, and then the target assembly 11 is installed into the accommodating cavity 121, and after the target assembly 11 is installed, the auxiliary support arm 20 does not need to be separated from the target assembly 11, and the auxiliary support arm 20 remains connected with the target assembly 11 to support and position the target assembly 11.

[0131] In an embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a mechanical arm 40 and a transport box 50, the auxiliary support arm 20 is detachably connected with the target assembly 11, after the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to move out of the support frame 14, the mechanical arm 40 can take over the target assembly 11 and transport the target assembly 11 to the transport box 50. The target assembly 11 is transported in a relay manner, the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to move out of the accommodating cavity 121 and then moves to the outside of the support frame 14, and then the mechanical arm 40 takes over and continues to transport the target assembly 11 to the transport box 50. In this embodiment, the power for the movement of the auxiliary support arm 20 can be provided by the mechanical arm 40 or by the support arm driving mechanism 60.

[0132] The mechanical arm 40 can be reused in the neutron capture therapy system.

[0133] The auxiliary support arm 20 supports the target assembly 11 in the initial stage of target changing, and after the treatment placement device at the end of the mechanical arm 40 is detached, the mechanical arm 40 cooperates with the auxiliary support arm 20 to complete the target changing.

[0134] In the case that the power for the movement of the auxiliary support arm 20 is provided by the mechanical arm 40, the mechanical arm 40 cooperates with the auxiliary support arm 20 to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to move, thereby driving the target assembly 11 to move out of the beam shaping body 12, and then the mechanical arm 40 continues to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to pivot to the outside of the support frame 14, so as to prepare for the positioning and grasping of the target assembly 11 by the mechanical arm 40 in the next step.

[0135] After the mechanical arm 40 transports the target assembly 11 to the transport box 50, the mechanical arm 40 inserts the target assembly 11 into the guide rail of the transport box 50, and then the slide table on the target assembly 11 cooperates with the guide rail, and the mechanical arm 40 moves away after releasing the target assembly 11. The bottom of the transport box 50 can be provided with a fixing structure, which can be fixed after the transport box 50 moves to the position, so as to facilitate the cooperation between the transport box 50 and the mechanical arm 40 for transporting the target assembly 11.

[0136] Further, the auxiliary support arm 20 is connected with a driving part 22, the mechanical arm 40 can be detachably connected with the driving part 22, and can drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and move out of the support frame 14 by the driving part 22. In the embodiment, the movement of the auxiliary support arm 20 and the movement of the mechanical arm 40 itself are both powered by the mechanical arm 40, so that the support arm driving mechanism 60 is omitted, but the mechanical arm 40 does not have to enter the support frame 14 or only needs to enter a smaller area in the support frame 14, so that the activity range and size of the mechanical arm 40 do not have to be set too large, and the quick adjustment of the position of the treatment placement device by the mechanical arm 40 during treatment is taken into account. The mechanical arm 40 provides the movement power of the target assembly 11, and the auxiliary support arm 20 mainly supports the target assembly 11, and the combination of the two improves the reliability of the transfer of the target assembly 11 during target replacement, and avoids the radiation risk brought by manual operation.

[0137] In the embodiment, the power for the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and move out of the support frame 14 is provided by the mechanical arm 40 and controlled by the mechanical arm 40, and the auxiliary support arm 20 itself does not need to be provided with a power driving structure, so as to avoid the influence of radiation on the power driving structure.

[0138] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the driving part 22 includes a vertical cantilever 221, and the mechanical arm 40 can be detachably connected with the vertical cantilever 221. After the mechanical arm 40 is moved to be connected with the vertical cantilever 221, the mechanical arm 40 can drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis when the mechanical arm 40 moves vertically, and the mechanical arm 40 can drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to move out of the support frame 14 around the pivot shaft when the mechanical arm 40 moves around the pivot shaft, so as to realize that the mechanical arm 40 provides the movement power of the target assembly 11.

[0139] Further, the mechanical arm 40 is provided with a mounting table 41, the mounting table 41 is connected with a clamp 43 and a cantilever driving plate 42, the clamp 43 is used for clamping the target assembly 11; the cantilever driving plate 42 is provided with a positioning groove (not shown in the figure), the lower end of the vertical cantilever 221 can extend into the positioning groove. After the lower end of the vertical cantilever 221 extends into the positioning groove, the vertical cantilever 221 and the positioning groove form a connection, when the mechanical arm 40 moves upward, the auxiliary support arm 20 can be pushed upward by the vertical cantilever 221; when the mechanical arm 40 moves downward, the auxiliary support arm 20 can move downward together with the mechanical arm 40 under the action of gravity. When the mechanical arm 40 moves around the pivot shaft, the vertical cantilever 221 moves around the pivot shaft together, thereby driving the auxiliary support arm 20 to move outward from the support frame 14 around the pivot shaft. Through the cooperation of the vertical cantilever 221 and the positioning groove, not only can the mechanical arm 40 and the auxiliary support arm 20 form reliable connection, but also the mechanical arm 40 and the auxiliary support arm 20 can be separated conveniently, so that the auxiliary support arm 20 and the mechanical arm 40 can replace the target assembly 11 in a relay cooperation manner; at the same time, the connection structure of the mechanical arm 40 and the auxiliary support arm 20 is simplified, and the assembly of the neutron generating device 10 and the automatic target replacing system is facilitated. The depth direction of the positioning groove is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the vertical cantilever 221, preferably, the depth direction of the positioning groove and the extension direction of the vertical cantilever 221 are both parallel or substantially parallel to the extension axis of the accommodating cavity 121, and the opening of the positioning groove faces the top of the support frame 14.

[0140] The mechanical arm 40 holds the target assembly 11 through the clamp 43 to take over the target assembly 11 on the auxiliary support arm 20. The clamp 43 can adopt an existing mechanism that can adapt to the target assembly 11 and clamp and fix the target assembly 11. Preferably, the clamp 43 includes two clamping jaws 431 that can relatively approach or move away from each other, the two clamping jaws 431 approach to clamp the target assembly 11, and the two clamping jaws 431 move away from each other to release the target assembly 11, which facilitates the transfer of the target assembly 11 on the auxiliary support arm 20 to the mechanical arm 40. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 15, the clamping jaw 431 has at least two jaw body parts 432 arranged in layers, and a hollow part 433 is arranged between the two adjacent jaw body parts 432, which can give way to the protruding part (not shown in the figure) on the side wall of the target assembly 11, and at the same time, the two jaw body parts 432 of the same clamping jaw 431 are respectively located on both sides of the protruding part on the side wall of the target assembly 11, which is conducive to ensuring the accurate positioning of the clamp 43 and the target assembly 11 when the clamp 43 clamps the target assembly 11, and improves the firmness of the clamp 43 clamping the target assembly 11.

[0141] In an embodiment, the automatic target changing system comprises a self-locking structure (not shown in the figure) which can lock the position of the auxiliary support arm 20 after the auxiliary support arm 20 is moved out of the support frame 14, so that the position of the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly 11 on the auxiliary support arm 20 remains stable after the robot arm 40 is separated from the auxiliary support arm 20, facilitating the separation of the robot arm 40 from the auxiliary support arm 20 and the state transition of the robot arm 40 to take over the target assembly 11 and then move the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50.

[0142] Further, the self-locking structure comprises one or more locking protrusions which are arranged on the support frame 14 and the auxiliary support arm 20 can be moved to overlap the locking protrusions, and the locking protrusions can prevent the auxiliary support arm 20 from descending. The locking protrusions serve as supports, so that the auxiliary support arm 20 stays on the locking protrusions under the gravity of the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly 11, thereby stabilizing the position of the target assembly 11 and facilitating the robot arm 40 to take over the target assembly 11. The self-locking structure has a relatively simple structure, is easy to assemble, and is easy to unlock. After the robot arm 40 is connected to the auxiliary support arm 20 again, the robot arm 40 drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to ascend or rotate to make the auxiliary support arm 20 deviate from the locking protrusions, so that the auxiliary support arm 20 is unlocked and can be moved along the extension axis or moved out of the support frame 14 again.

[0143] The self-locking mechanism can prevent the auxiliary support arm 20 from descending. However, the self-locking mechanism is not necessary. In other embodiments, the self-locking mechanism is omitted. After the robot arm 40 moves the auxiliary support arm 20 out of the support frame 14, the robot arm 40 drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to descend to the lowest position, and the robot arm 40 can then leave the auxiliary support arm 20 and change the state to perform the operation of positioning and grabbing the target assembly 11 after the auxiliary support arm 20 stops at the lowest position.

[0144] In an embodiment, the neutron generating device 10 further comprises a vacuum tube 13, the upper end of the target assembly 11 is connected to the vacuum tube 13, the vacuum tube 13 has a telescopic section which can be telescoped vertically, and the support frame 14 is connected with a vacuum tube support arm 131 which is connected with the vacuum tube 13. The vacuum tube 13 serves as a beam transmission pipeline, and the charged particles are transmitted to the target assembly 11 through the vacuum tube 13. Before the target assembly 11 is replaced, the vacuum tube support arm 131 drives the vacuum tube 13 upward, and the telescopic section of the vacuum tube 13 is telescoped vertically to separate the vacuum tube 13 from the upper end of the target assembly 11, thereby facilitating the replacement of the target assembly 11.

[0145] Specifically, the vacuum tube supporting arm 131 can adopt a supporting arm with one or more motion joints, through which horizontal displacement is realized, while the vacuum tube supporting arm 131 is installed on the supporting frame 14 and can vertically displace. The retractable section can adopt a threaded tube so as to realize length expansion and contraction. The action of the vacuum tube supporting arm 131 can adopt manual operation, because at this time the target assembly 11 has not been pulled out of the beam shaping body 12, and the radiation is within a controllable range.

[0146] In an embodiment, at least one side of the supporting frame 14 is provided as a shielding door 141; the auxiliary supporting arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 through the shielding door 141 to the outside of the supporting frame 14. When the target assembly 11 is in the installed position, both the target assembly 11 and the auxiliary supporting arm 20 are located within the supporting frame 14, ensuring safe operation of the neutron generating device 10; when the target assembly 11 is replaced, the neutron generating device 10 stops running, at which time the shielding door 141 can be opened, and the auxiliary supporting arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to move through the shielding door 141 to the outside of the supporting frame 14. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the neutron generating device 10 is generally vertically arranged, the target assembly 11 generally moves vertically to disengage from the accommodating cavity 121 when the target assembly 11 is installed or replaced; when the auxiliary supporting arm 20 moves from the inside to the outside of the supporting frame 14, it drives the target assembly 11 to generally move in the horizontal direction so as to move to the outside through the shielding door 141 on the side of the supporting frame 14.

[0147] In an embodiment, the target assembly 11 is provided with a positioning portion 111, and the auxiliary supporting arm 20 is close to the surface of the target assembly 11 on one side of the target assembly 11 and cooperates with the positioning portion 111, so as to accurately and reliably position the auxiliary supporting arm 20 and the target assembly 11, ensuring that the auxiliary supporting arm 20 supports and positions the target assembly 11 when the target assembly 11 is in the installed position; when the target assembly 11 is replaced, the auxiliary supporting arm 20 can be reliably connected together with the target assembly 11 so as to move together, the auxiliary supporting arm 20 is close to the surface of the target assembly 11 on one side of the target assembly 11 and cooperates with the positioning portion 111, ensuring that the target assembly 11 can be transferred between the auxiliary supporting arm 20 and the mechanical arm 40, avoiding the need to set up other auxiliary mechanisms to assist the positioning cooperation of the target assembly 11 and the auxiliary supporting arm 20, and also avoiding the need to set up other auxiliary mechanisms to assist the positioning cooperation of the target assembly 11 and the mechanical arm 40.

[0148] Further, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the positioning portion 111 comprises a positioning protrusion 112; the auxiliary support arm 20 is provided with a positioning slot 21, the auxiliary support arm 20 can support the target assembly 11 through the positioning portion 111, and the target assembly 11 is at least partially limited in the positioning slot 21, the auxiliary support arm 20 is matched with the positioning portion 111 along the side of the target assembly 11 close to the surface of the target assembly 11, which not only guarantees the precision and reliability of the connection between the auxiliary support arm 20 and the target assembly 11, but also facilitates the target assembly 11 to be separated from the auxiliary support arm 20 through the opening of the positioning slot 21, so that the target assembly 11 is smoothly transferred to the mechanical arm 40. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the end of the auxiliary support arm 20 has two arc-shaped plates 211 extending along the shape of the sidewall of the target assembly 11, the two arc-shaped plates 211 enclose the positioning slot 21, and the ends of the two arc-shaped plates 211 are spaced apart to form a gap 212 as an opening for the target assembly 11 to enter or separate from the positioning slot 21, which facilitates the auxiliary support arm 20 to reliably grasp the target assembly 11 and facilitates the target assembly 11 to be transferred from the auxiliary support arm 20 to the mechanical arm 40.

[0149] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 14, the auxiliary support arm 20 is matched with the positioning portion 111 along the side of the target assembly 11 close to the surface of the target assembly 11, and the auxiliary support arm 20 is detachably matched with the target assembly 11, after the auxiliary support arm 20 transfers the target assembly 11 to the outside of the support frame 14, only the target assembly 11 is replaced, and the auxiliary support arm 20 can be reused, which can avoid the auxiliary support arm 20 to be disassembled multiple times, thereby improving the installation precision of the auxiliary support arm 20, and the target assembly 11 is assisted and positioned by the auxiliary support arm 20. In other embodiments, the auxiliary support arm 20 can also be connected together with the target assembly 11, and when the target assembly 11 needs to be replaced, the auxiliary support arm 20 is replaced together.

[0150] According to the transmission direction of the charged particle beam impacting the target assembly 11 in the neutron generation device 10 in the beam transmission pipeline, the treatment room is divided into a horizontal treatment room and a vertical treatment room. In the horizontal treatment room, the neutron generation device 10 is generally horizontally arranged, and the beam shaping body 12 and the target assembly 11 are both arranged in a horizontal direction. In the vertical treatment room, the neutron generation device 10 is generally vertically arranged, and the beam shaping body 12 and the target assembly 11 are both arranged in a vertical direction, and the opening of the accommodating cavity 121 is also generally vertically upward, and when the target assembly 11 is installed or replaced, the target assembly 11 is generally moved vertically to be loaded into or separated from the accommodating cavity 121. In the scheme of the vertical treatment room, the neutron generation device 10 is arranged at a position generally close to the ceiling, so as to generate neutrons to irradiate downward to the patient on the treatment placement device.

[0151] In the scheme of the vertical treatment room, the accommodating cavity 121 is located in the support frame 14 and is arranged towards the top of the support frame 14, the direction of the charged ion beam is arranged to be substantially consistent with the vertical direction, and the target assembly 11 is also usually arranged in a direction consistent with the direction of the ion beam. Since the neutron generating device 10 needs to be arranged in the vertical plane, the directions in which the target assembly 11 and the beam transmission pipeline are installed are different, and therefore, the installation and removal of the target assembly 11 need to be arranged in a scheme different from that of the horizontal treatment room. When replacing the target, the target assembly 11 needs to be pulled out of the beam shaping assembly 12 (BSA) in a substantially vertical direction, and then the target assembly 11 is replaced. Since it is necessary to avoid radiation caused by manual operation and the activation of the dynamic structure components by neutrons, there is a relatively large difficulty in how to arrange the dynamic structure components. At the same time, due to the arrangement characteristics of the BSA in the vertical treatment room, it is relatively difficult to arrange the movement and space occupation of the target assembly 11 during the transfer process.

[0152] The automatic target replacement system provided by the present application can be used in different ways when used in a vertical treatment room.

[0153] The first way is to completely use the mechanical arm 40 to provide the power for target replacement, thereby avoiding the radiation risk caused by manual operation and avoiding the arrangement of other power driving structures, which is beneficial to the optimization of the site layout. Specifically, the target is replaced by the combination of the mechanical arm 40 and the auxiliary support arm 20. The mechanical arm 40 and the auxiliary support arm 20 cooperate to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to move, thereby driving the target assembly 11 to be pulled out of the beam shaping assembly 12. Then, the mechanical arm 40 continues to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to pivot to the outside of the support frame 14, so as to prepare for the positioning and grasping of the target assembly 11 by the mechanical arm 40 in the next step. Due to the arrangement of the auxiliary support arm 20, the target assembly 11 can be driven without arranging a too long mechanical arm 40, which not only ensures the power driving effect of the mechanical arm 40 during target replacement and avoids the arrangement of other power driving structures, but also takes into account the quick adjustment of the position of the treatment placement device by the mechanical arm 40 during treatment.

[0154] The second way is to arrange a support arm driving mechanism 60 to drive the auxiliary support arm 20. The support arm driving mechanism 60 drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to move, so as to drive the target assembly 11 to be separated from the BSA. After the target assembly 11 is pulled out of the BSA, the support arm driving mechanism 60 continues to drive the auxiliary support arm 20 to pivot to a position where the auxiliary support arm 20 can cooperate with the mechanical arm 40. After the mechanical arm 40 positions and grasps the target assembly 11, the mechanical arm 40 continues to transport the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50 where the target assembly 11 is stored.

[0155] The automatic target replacement system provided by the present application is suitable for horizontal treatment rooms and vertical treatment rooms, solves the problem that the target assembly 11 is not convenient to pull out of the BSA, and especially solves the operation difficulty of the replacement of the target assembly 11 in the scenario of the vertical treatment room.

[0156] The embodiment of the present application also provides a target replacement method applied to an automatic target replacement system, the automatic target replacement system being used for replacing a target assembly 11 of a neutron generating device 10, the neutron generating device 10 comprising a beam shaping body 12 and a support frame 14, the beam shaping body 12 being supported by the support frame 14, the beam shaping body 12 having a containing cavity 121 containing the target assembly 11, and the automatic target replacement system comprising an auxiliary support arm 20; the auxiliary support arm 20 being movably installed on the support frame 14; the target replacement method comprising: the auxiliary support arm 20 driving the target assembly 11 to move, so as to pull the target assembly 11 out of the containing cavity 121 and separate the target assembly 11 from the containing cavity 121.

[0157] By using the target replacement method, when the target assembly 11 needs to be replaced, the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to separate from the containing cavity 121, so that the target assembly 11 is separated from the beam shaping body 12, and the target assembly 11 is taken out of the neutron generating device 10 for replacement.

[0158] In an embodiment, the containing cavity 121 is located in the support frame 14 and is arranged towards the top of the support frame 14, and the method comprises: the auxiliary support arm 20 driving the target assembly 11 to move from inside the support frame 14 to the outside of the support frame 14. When the target assembly 11 is in the installation position, the target assembly 11 and the auxiliary support arm 20 are located in the support frame 14, so as to ensure the safe operation of the neutron generating device 10; the auxiliary support arm 20 moves towards the top of the support frame 14, so as to pull the target assembly 11 out and separate the target assembly 11 from the containing cavity 121. The target assembly 11 is driven by the auxiliary support arm 20 to the outside of the support frame 14, so as to facilitate the further conveying of the target assembly 11 to the transfer box 50, and the replacement of the target assembly 11 is facilitated. When the neutron generating device 10 is working, the auxiliary support arm 20 plays a connecting role between the target assembly 11 and the support frame 14, and the support frame 14 plays a supporting and positioning role on the target assembly 11 through the auxiliary support arm 20, so as to facilitate the position of the target assembly 11 to be kept stable and accurate.

[0159] In an embodiment, at least one side of the support frame 14 is arranged as a shielding door 141; and the target replacement method comprises: the auxiliary support arm 20 driving the target assembly 11 to the outside of the support frame 14 through the shielding door 141.

[0160] When the target assembly 11 is replaced, the neutron generating device 10 stops running, at this time, the shielding door 141 can be opened, and the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to move to the outside of the support frame 14 through the shielding door 141.

[0161] In an embodiment, the auxiliary support arm 20 is detachably coupled with the target assembly 11, and the target changing method further comprises: after the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to the outside of the support frame 14, the mechanical arm 40 takes over the target assembly 11 and transports the target assembly 11 to the transport box 50. The target assembly 11 is delivered in a relay manner, the support arm driving mechanism 60 drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and move outwards from the support frame 14 to drive the target assembly 11 to disengage from the accommodating cavity 121 and move to the outside of the support frame 14, and then the mechanical arm 40 takes over and continues to transport the target assembly 11 to the transport box 50, which simplifies the structure and size of the auxiliary support arm 20, and also makes the mechanical arm 40 not need to enter the support frame 14 or only need to enter a smaller area in the support frame 14, so that the activity range and size of the mechanical arm 40 do not need to be set too large, which is convenient for the mechanical arm 40 to be adapted to other equipment and reduces the design difficulty of the mechanical arm 40.

[0162] In another embodiment, the auxiliary support arm 20 can drive the target assembly 11 to move to the outside of the support frame 14 and transport the target assembly 11 to the transport box 50. The support arm driving mechanism 60 drives the auxiliary support arm 20 to move along the extension axis and move outwards from the support frame 14 to drive the target assembly 11 to disengage from the accommodating cavity 121 and directly drive the target assembly 11 to the transport box 50, and then the auxiliary support arm 20 is separated from the target assembly 11, and the target assembly 11 enters the transport box 50.

[0163] The embodiment of the present application also provides a neutron capture therapy system, which comprises an accelerator 300, a neutron generating device 10, a treatment placing device and an auxiliary support arm 20; the neutron generating device 10 comprises a beam shaping body 12, a support frame 14 and a target assembly 11, the beam shaping body 12 is supported by the support frame 14, and the beam shaping body 12 has an accommodating cavity 121 for accommodating the target assembly 11; the accelerator 300 generates charged particles and transmits the charged particles to the target assembly 11, the target assembly 11 generates a neutron beam, the neutron beam is shaped by the beam shaping body 12 to generate a treatment neutron beam, and the treatment neutron beam irradiates a patient on the treatment placing device; the auxiliary support arm 20 is installed on the support frame 14, the auxiliary support arm 20 is detachably coupled with the target assembly 11, and the auxiliary support arm 20 can move and drive the target assembly 11 to disengage from the accommodating cavity 121.

[0164] When the neutron generating device 10 is in operation, the target assembly 11 is installed in the accommodating cavity 121 of the beam shaping body 12. When the target assembly 11 needs to be replaced, the auxiliary support arm 20 can drive the target assembly 11 to move and make the target assembly 11 disengage from the accommodating cavity 121, so that the target assembly 11 is separated from the beam shaping body 12, and then the target assembly 11 is taken out of the neutron generating device 10, and then the auxiliary support arm 20 is separated from the target assembly 11, so that the target assembly 11 is replaced. When the neutron generating device 10 is in operation, the auxiliary support arm 20 can be connected with the target assembly 11 to assist in supporting and positioning the target assembly 11, so that the position of the target assembly 11 is kept stable, and the neutron generating device 10 is kept in stable operation.

[0165] In an embodiment, the accommodating cavity 121 is located in the support frame 14 and is arranged towards the top of the support frame 14, and at least one side of the support frame 14 is provided with a shielding door 141; the auxiliary support arm 20 is movably installed in the support frame 14, and the auxiliary support arm 20 can drive the target assembly 11 to move to the outside of the support frame 14 through the shielding door 141. When the target assembly 11 is in the installed position, the target assembly 11 and the auxiliary support arm 20 are both located in the support frame 14, so that the neutron generating device 10 is kept in safe operation; when the target assembly 11 is replaced, the neutron generating device 10 is stopped, and at this time, the shielding door 141 can be opened, and the auxiliary support arm 20 drives the target assembly 11 to move to the outside of the support frame 14 through the shielding door 141. On the one hand, the target assembly 11 is driven to the outside of the support frame 14 by the auxiliary support arm 20, so that the target assembly 11 is further transported to the transfer box 50, and the target assembly 11 is replaced. On the other hand, the auxiliary support arm 20 is installed in the support frame 14, and when the neutron generating device 10 is in operation, the auxiliary support arm 20 plays a connecting role between the target assembly 11 and the support frame 14, and the support frame 14 supports and positions the target assembly 11 through the auxiliary support arm 20, so that the position of the target assembly 11 is kept stable and accurate.

[0166] The above only describes several embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications or changes to the embodiments of the present application according to the disclosed content of the application file without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic target changer system for changing a target assembly of a neutron generating device, the neutron generating device comprising a beam shaper and a support frame, the beam shaper being supported by the support frame, the beam shaper having a receiving cavity accommodating at least part of the target assembly, characterized in that, The automatic target changing system comprises an auxiliary support arm. The auxiliary support arm is movably mounted on the support frame to drive the target assembly out of the accommodating cavity.

2. The automatic target changing system according to claim 1, wherein The accommodating cavity is located in the support frame and is arranged towards the top of the support frame.

3. The automatic target changing system according to claim 1, wherein The auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move outside the support frame.

4. The automatic target changing system according to claim 1, wherein At least one side of the support frame is arranged as a shielding door.

5. The automatic target changing system according to claim 1, wherein The automatic target changing system comprises a mechanical arm and a transfer box. The auxiliary support arm is detachably connected with the target assembly, and after the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly out of the accommodating cavity, the mechanical arm can take over the target assembly and transfer the target assembly to the transfer box.

6. The automatic target changing system according to claim 1, wherein The accommodating cavity has an extension axis, and the auxiliary support arm is arranged to be movable along the direction of the extension axis to drive the target assembly out of the accommodating cavity.

7. The automatic target changing system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein The automatic target changing system comprises a support arm driving mechanism, the support arm driving mechanism comprises a power source and a transmission mechanism, the power source is connected with the auxiliary support arm through the transmission mechanism to drive the auxiliary support arm to drive the target assembly out of the accommodating cavity.

8. The automatic target changing system according to claim 7, wherein The transmission mechanism comprises a flexible transmission member, one end of the flexible transmission member is connected with the power source, and the other end of the flexible transmission member is connected with the auxiliary support arm to drive the auxiliary support arm to drive the target assembly out of the accommodating cavity.

9. The automatic target changing system according to claim 8, wherein Part of the support frame is arranged as a hollow structure, the hollow structure forms a cavity, and the power source and part of the flexible transmission member are accommodated in the cavity.

10. The automatic target changing system according to claim 8, wherein The automatic target changing system further comprises a guide rail and a guide block, the guide rail is arranged on the support frame, and the flexible transmission member drives the auxiliary support arm to move along the guide rail.

11. The automated target changer system of claim 10, wherein, The guide block is provided with a pivot shaft, the auxiliary support arm is arranged to rotate around the pivot shaft, and the auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move from inside the support frame to outside the support frame by rotating around the pivot shaft.

12. The automatic target changing system according to claim 11, wherein The power source comprises an electric linear driving mechanism and a pneumatic rotating mechanism, the electric linear driving mechanism drives the flexible transmission member to drive the auxiliary support arm to move along the guide rail, and the auxiliary support arm is mounted on the guide block through the pneumatic rotating mechanism.

13. A target changing method characterized by comprising: The application is applied to an automatic target changing system for changing a target assembly of a neutron generating device, the neutron generating device comprising a beam shaping body and a support frame, the beam shaping body being supported by the support frame, the beam shaping body having a containing cavity containing the target assembly, the automatic target changing system comprising an auxiliary support arm; the auxiliary support arm being movably mounted to the support frame; The target changing method comprises: The auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move to pull the target assembly out of the containing cavity and away from the containing cavity.

14. The target changing method according to claim 13, wherein The containing cavity is located in the support frame and is arranged towards a top of the support frame, the method further comprising: The auxiliary support arm drives the target assembly to move from inside the support frame to outside the support frame.

15. A neutron capture therapy system, characterized by, Comprise: An accelerator, a neutron generating device, a treatment placement device and an auxiliary support arm; The neutron generating device comprises a beam shaping body, a support frame and a target assembly, the beam shaping body being supported by the support frame, the beam shaping body having a containing cavity containing the target assembly; The accelerator generates charged particles and transmits the charged particles to the target assembly, the target assembly generates a neutron beam, the neutron beam is shaped by the beam shaping body to generate a treatment neutron beam to irradiate a patient on the treatment placement device; The auxiliary support arm is mounted to the support frame, the auxiliary support arm is detachably coupled with the target assembly, the auxiliary support arm is movable and capable of driving the target assembly to be away from the containing cavity.

16. The neutron capture therapy system according to claim 15, wherein The containing cavity is located in the support frame and is arranged towards a top of the support frame.

17. The neutron capture therapy system according to claim 16, wherein At least one side of the support frame is arranged as a shielding door; The auxiliary support arm is capable of driving the target assembly through the shielding door to outside of the support frame.

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