Support structure for neutron generation system, and neutron capture therapy system

Abstract

Provided in the present invention are a support structure for a neutron generation system, and a neutron capture therapy system. The support structure is configured to support a neutron generation system. The neutron generation system comprises a beam transport structure and a beam shaping body. The support structure for a neutron generation system comprises a first support assembly, wherein the first support assembly is connected to the top of a therapeutic chamber, and the first support assembly is at least used for partially supporting the beam shaping body; and / or, the support structure for a neutron generation system comprises a second support assembly, wherein the second support assembly penetrates the top of the therapeutic chamber, and the second support assembly is at least used for partially supporting the beam transport structure that passes through the top of the therapeutic chamber. The present invention can meet requirements for mounting and supporting the beam shaping body and the beam transport assembly in a vertical direction, thereby ensuring that a neutron beam can vertically enter the therapeutic chamber, and achieving neutron capture therapy in the vertical direction.

Description

Support structure of neutron generating system and neutron capture therapy system TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation irradiation system, in particular to a support structure of neutron generating system and neutron capture therapy system. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of atomic science, radiotherapy such as cobalt-60, linear accelerator, electron beam, etc. has become one of the main means of cancer treatment. However, traditional photon or electron therapy is limited by the physical conditions of the radiation itself, which not only kills tumor cells but also causes damage to a large number of normal tissues along the beam path; in addition, due to the different sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation, the treatment effect of traditional radiotherapy on malignant tumors with high radiation resistance (such as glioblastoma multiforme and melanoma) is often poor.

[0003] In order to reduce the radiation damage to normal tissues around the tumor, the concept of targeted therapy in chemotherapy is applied to radiotherapy; and for tumor cells with high radiation resistance, radiation sources with high relative biological effectiveness (RBE) are actively developed, such as proton therapy, heavy particle therapy, and neutron capture therapy. Among them, neutron capture therapy combines the above two concepts, such as boron neutron capture therapy, which provides a better choice for cancer treatment than traditional radiotherapy by specific accumulation of boron-containing drugs in tumor cells and precise neutron beam regulation.

[0004] During the radiotherapy process, various types of radiation are generated, such as low-energy to high-energy neutrons and photons generated during the boron neutron capture therapy process, which can cause varying degrees of damage to normal human tissues. In the field of radiotherapy, radiotherapy equipment is usually placed in a concrete structure building to isolate the radiation that may be generated by the equipment, and a beam shaping device is also provided to adjust the energy of the beam so that it achieves effective treatment while reducing environmental and other non-treatment site radiation pollution. How to set the position of the radiation irradiation system in the concrete structure building and how to install and fix the radiation irradiation system will have a great impact on whether effective treatment is achieved and radiation safety is ensured. SUMMARY

[0005] Currently, for radiation irradiation systems with horizontal beam output, the installation scheme adopted is to embed the beam shaping device into the side wall of the building, and the structure of the wall itself can provide support for the beam shaping device. However, for radiation irradiation systems with vertical beam output, the aforementioned wall support scheme will no longer be applicable.

[0006] Therefore, the inventors propose a support structure of a neutron generating system and a neutron capture therapy system, which can satisfy the installation and support of a beam shaping body and a beam transport structure in the vertical direction, and realize neutron capture therapy in the vertical direction.

[0007] The object of the present application can be achieved by the following solutions:

[0008] The present application provides a support structure of a neutron generating system, which is used for supporting the neutron generating system, the neutron generating system comprising a beam transport structure and a beam shaping body, and the support structure of the neutron generating system comprising a first support assembly, which is connected with the top of a treatment room and is used for at least partially supporting the beam shaping body.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the support structure of the neutron generating system further comprises a second support assembly, which penetrates the top of the treatment room and is used for at least partially supporting the beam transport structure.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the second support assembly comprises an upper end portion and a plurality of vertically arranged support columns, the upper end portion is provided with a first hole in the middle, the plurality of support columns are arranged below the upper end portion in a circumferential direction of the upper end portion, the top ends of the plurality of support columns are respectively connected with the bottom surface of the upper end portion, the plurality of support columns penetrate the top of the treatment room in the vertical direction, a channel penetrating the top of the treatment room is formed between the first hole of the upper end portion and the plurality of support columns, and the channel is used for allowing the beam transport structure to pass through.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, at least one of the support columns is provided with a connecting piece, which is used for connecting the support column with a magnet arranged outside the transport pipe.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, one of the support columns is provided with a plurality of connecting pieces, which are arranged in a spaced manner along the extension direction of the support column.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the upper end portion is exposed to the upper surface of the top of the treatment room.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the upper end portion is provided with a plurality of first fixing pieces extending to the outer periphery of the upper end portion, the plurality of first fixing pieces are arranged in a spaced manner in the circumferential direction of the upper end portion, and the first fixing pieces are used for connecting the upper end portion with the top of the treatment room.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the lower part of the support column is provided with a second fixing member for connecting the support column with the top of the treatment chamber.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the first support assembly comprises a pre-embedded member and a support frame, the pre-embedded member being connected with the upper part of the support frame and at least partially arranged in the top of the treatment chamber, the lower part of the support frame being provided with a support part for at least partially supporting the beam shaping body.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the first support assembly further comprises a shielding baffle, the shielding baffle being arranged on the side of the first support assembly.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, at least one side of the shielding baffle is openable and closable.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, when the shielding baffle is in the fully closed state, the shielding baffle is wrapped outside the support frame.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the pre-embedded member is provided with a second hole for the beam transport structure to pass through; the support frame comprises a plurality of first support rods arranged in the vertical direction and a plurality of second support rods arranged in the horizontal direction, the plurality of first support rods being arranged below the pre-embedded member in the circumferential direction of the pre-embedded member, the upper part of the plurality of first support rods being connected with the pre-embedded member, the plurality of second support rods being connected with the lower part of two adjacent first support rods, and the support part being connected with the second support rods.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the support part comprises a plurality of support legs, the plurality of support legs being connected with the plurality of second support rods.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, at least one of the first support rods is provided with a support arm for connecting the first support rod with the beam transport structure.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the support arm comprises a plurality of connecting segments, adjacent connecting segments being rotatably connected.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the beam shaping body and the second support rods are filled with a neutron shielding material.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the first support assembly further comprises a shielding baffle, at least one side of the shielding baffle is openable and closable, and when the shielding baffle is closed, the plurality of first support rods and the plurality of second support rods are located in a shielding space formed by the closed shielding baffle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the shielding baffle is made of a material containing boron or lead.

[0027] The present application provides a support structure of a neutron generating system, the neutron generating system comprising a beam transport structure and a beam shaping body, the support structure of the neutron generating system comprising a second support assembly, the second support assembly penetrating through a top of a treatment room, and the second support assembly being used at least for partially supporting the beam transport structure.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the second support assembly comprises an upper end portion and a plurality of vertical support columns, a first hole is arranged in the middle of the upper end portion, the plurality of support columns are arranged below the upper end portion in a circumferential direction of the upper end portion, and upper portions of the plurality of support columns are connected to a bottom surface of the upper end portion, the plurality of support columns vertically penetrating through the top of the treatment room, a channel penetrating through the top of the treatment room is formed between the first hole of the upper end portion and the plurality of support columns, and the channel is used for allowing the beam transport structure to pass through.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, at least one of the support columns is provided with a connecting member, and the connecting member is used for connecting a magnet arranged outside the transport pipe with the support column.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, one of the support columns is provided with a plurality of connecting members, and the plurality of connecting members are arranged in a spaced manner along an extension direction of the support column.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the upper end portion is exposed to an upper surface of the top of the treatment room.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the upper end portion is provided with a plurality of first fixing members extending to an outer periphery of the upper end portion, the plurality of first fixing members are arranged in a spaced manner along a circumferential direction of the upper end portion, and the plurality of first fixing members are connected to the upper surface of the top of the treatment room.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a lower portion of the support column is provided with a second fixing member, and the second fixing member is connected to a lower surface of the top of the treatment room.

[0034] The present application provides a neutron capture therapy system, the neutron capture therapy system comprising a neutron generating system,

[0035] The neutron generating system comprises:

[0036] an accelerator for generating a charged particle beam;

[0037] a beam transport structure for transporting the charged particle beam;

[0038] a target for generating a neutron beam by interaction with the charged particle beam;

[0039] a beam shaper for energy shaping of the neutron beam;

[0040] The neutron capture therapy system further comprises a support structure of the neutron generating system as described above, which is used for at least partially supporting the beam transport structure and / or the beam shaper.

[0041] From the above, the support structure of the neutron generating system and the neutron capture therapy system of the present application have the following characteristics and advantages:

[0042] The first support assembly is arranged at the top of the treatment room, and the lower part of the first support assembly is provided with a support part, which can support the beam shaper in the neutron generating system, so that the beam shaper can be installed and supported in the vertical direction. In addition, the second support assembly connected with the top of the treatment room is arranged through the top of the treatment room, which supports the beam transport structure in the neutron generating system, so that the beam transport structure can be installed and supported in the vertical direction, thereby meeting the requirements of vertical beam transport and energy shaping, obtaining the neutron beam emitted in the vertical direction which can be used for irradiation therapy, and realizing the vertical neutron capture therapy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] The following drawings are only intended to illustrate and explain the present application and do not limit the scope of the present application. Among them:

[0044] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application.

[0045] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the first support assembly in the support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a front view of the first support assembly in the support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the connection structure of the embedded part and the support frame in the support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the connection structure of the support part, the embedded part and the support frame in the support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic view of the structure of the second support assembly in the support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application.

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic view of the mounting position of the upper end of the second support assembly in the support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application.

[0051] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the mounting position of the second fixing member of the second support assembly in the support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application.

[0052] Figure 9 is a schematic view of the upper layer space layout in the XY plane of the neutron capture therapy system of the present application.

[0053] Figure 10 is a schematic view of the layout of the upper layer space and the lower layer space in the YZ plane of the neutron capture therapy system of the present application.

[0054] The reference numerals in the present application are: 1, first support assembly; 101, support part; 1011, support leg; 102, embedded part; 1021, second hole; 103, support frame; 1031, first support rod; 1032, second support rod; 104, shielding baffle; 105, shielding space; 106, support arm; 2, second support assembly; 201, upper end part; 2011, first hole; 2012, first fixing part; 202, support column; 2021, second fixing part; 203, passage; 204, connecting part; 205, first reinforcing part; 206, second reinforcing part; 10, beam transmission structure; 1001, transmission pipe; 1002, magnet; 11, first transmission part; 12, first beam direction switcher; 13, second beam direction switcher; 14, second transmission part; 15A, third transmission part; 15B, fourth transmission part; 15C, fifth transmission part; 20, top wall; 30, accelerator; 40, treatment space; 40A, vertical treatment room; 40B / 40C, horizontal treatment room; 50A / 50B / 50C, neutron beam generating part; 60, beam transmission room; 70, charged particle beam generating room; 80, beam shaping body; L1, lower layer space; L2, upper layer space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] 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, and the supply of boron neutron capture therapy neutron can be supplied by nuclear reactors or accelerators. For example, the accelerator boron neutron capture therapy, the basic components of the accelerator boron neutron capture therapy usually include an accelerator for accelerating charged particles (such as protons, deuterons, etc.), target material, beam transport structure and beam shaping body, etc. The accelerator accelerates the charged particles and the metal (lithium) target material to produce neutrons. The appropriate nuclear reaction is selected according to the required neutron yield and energy, the available accelerated charged particle energy, the size of the current, the physical and chemical properties of the metal target material, and the like. For example, 7Li (p, n) 7Be and 9Be (p, n) 9B, the energy threshold of the above 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 protons with energy slightly higher than the threshold energy are used to bombard the lithium metal target, relatively low energy neutrons can be produced, which do not need too much slowing down treatment and can be used in clinical practice. However, the cross section of lithium metal (Li) and beryllium metal (Be) target material with threshold energy protons is not high. In order to produce a large enough neutron flux, protons with higher energy are usually selected to initiate nuclear reactions.

[0056] The beam shaping body (BSA) in neutron capture therapy is mainly used to improve the flux and quality of the neutron source. Whether the neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy comes from nuclear reactors or the nuclear reaction of charged particles and target material in the accelerator, the resulting is a mixed radiation field, that is, the beam contains low-energy to high-energy neutrons and photons. For boron neutron capture therapy of deep tumors, the more the content of the remaining radiation lines is, the greater the proportion of non-selective dose deposition in normal tissues is, so these unnecessary dose radiation should be reduced as much as possible. Common beam shaping bodies include moderators (or slowing bodies), reflectors, thermal neutron absorbers, radiation shielding bodies, etc.

[0057] The beam transport structure in neutron capture therapy includes transmission tubes, magnets and other components. The transmission tube is used for transmitting the charged particle beam. The charged particle beam accelerated by the accelerator is transmitted to the metal target material through the transmission tube. The charged particles interact with the metal target material to produce neutrons. The magnets include, but are not limited to, bunching magnets for beam focusing and deflection magnets for switching the direction of beam transmission.

[0058] In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives and effects of the present application, the specific embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0059] Embodiment one

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the present application provides a support structure of a neutron generating system for supporting the neutron generating system, the neutron generating system comprising a beam transport structure 10 and a beam shaping body 80, the support structure of the neutron generating system comprising a first support assembly 1, the first support assembly 1 being connected with a top wall 20 of a treatment room, in the embodiment, the top of the treatment room is the top wall 20 of the treatment room, a lower part of the first support assembly 1 is provided with a support part 101, the beam shaping body 80 can be supported and fixed by the support part 101, and the beam outlet of the beam shaping body 80 is downward, realizing vertical neutron irradiation.

[0061] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6-8, the support structure of the neutron generating system further comprises a second support assembly 2, most of the second support assembly 2 is above the first support assembly 1 and penetrates the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the second support assembly 2 is used for supporting and fixing the beam transport structure 10 penetrating the top wall 20 of the treatment room, so as to ensure that the beam transport structure 10 can stably and smoothly penetrate the top wall 20 of the treatment room into the treatment room.

[0062] In the present application, the first support assembly 1 is arranged on the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the lower part of the first support assembly 1 is provided with the support part 101, the beam shaping body 80 in the neutron generating system can be supported by the support part 101, so that the beam shaping body 80 can be fixedly installed in the vertical direction; in addition, the second support assembly 2 is arranged above the first support assembly 1 and penetrates and is connected with the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the part of the beam transport structure 10 in the neutron generating system can be supported by the second support assembly 2, so that the beam transport structure 10 can be fixedly installed in the vertical direction, so as to meet the requirements of vertical transmission of the charged particle beam and energy shaping of the neutron beam, obtain the neutron beam emitted in the vertical direction which can be used for irradiation treatment, and realize vertical neutron capture therapy.

[0063] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6-8, the second support assembly 2 comprises an upper end part 201 and a plurality of vertical support columns 202, the upper end part 201 is provided with a first hole 2011 in the middle, the plurality of vertical support columns 202 are spaced and uniformly distributed below the upper end part 201 along the circumference of the upper end part 201, and the upper parts of the plurality of vertical support columns 202 are respectively connected with the bottom surface of the upper end part 201, the plurality of vertical support columns 202 penetrate the top wall 20 of the treatment room in the vertical direction, a channel 203 penetrating the top wall 20 of the treatment room is formed between the first hole 2011 of the upper end part 201 and the plurality of vertical support columns 202, and the channel 203 can be used for the beam transport structure 10 to penetrate the top wall 20 of the treatment room.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, the upper end portion 201 is in a circular ring structure, and the hollow region of the upper end portion 201 is the first hole 2011. The upper portion of the support column 202 and the upper end portion 201 can be integrally formed, thereby improving the strength of the second support assembly 2 and ensuring that it has stable supporting capacity, so as to stably support the beam transmission structure 10.

[0065] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 6, at least one support column 202 is provided with a connecting piece 204, which is used to connect the magnet 1002 arranged outside the transmission tube 1001 with the support column 202, thereby fixing the beam transmission structure 10. The connecting piece 204 can be a connecting plate, one end of which is fixedly connected with the magnet 1002, and the other end of which is fixedly connected with the support column 202, thereby realizing the fixation of the beam transmission structure 10. The connecting plate and the support column 202 can be integrally formed, or the connecting plate and the support column 202 can be fixed by welding or bolt connection; the connecting plate and the magnet 1002 can be fixed by bolts.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, each support column 202 can be provided with but not limited to three plate-shaped connecting pieces 204, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the support column 202, thereby cooperating to fix the beam transmission structure 10. Of course, the number and arrangement position of the connecting pieces 204 can be adjusted according to the number and position of the magnet 1002 on the transmission tube 1001, as long as the stable connection of the beam transmission structure 10 and the second support assembly 2 is ensured.

[0067] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper end portion 201 of the second support assembly 2 is exposed on the upper surface of the top wall 20 of the treatment room, which not only improves the stability of the connection between the second support assembly 2 and the top wall 20 of the treatment room, but also facilitates the disassembly, maintenance of the second support assembly 2.

[0068] Further, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the upper end portion 201 is provided with a plurality of first fixing pieces 2012 in the shape of long strips extending outward from the periphery of the upper end portion 201, the plurality of first fixing pieces 2012 are spaced apart along the circumference of the upper end portion 201, and the plurality of first fixing pieces 2012 are fixedly connected with or abut against the upper surface of the top wall 20 of the treatment room. Since the thickness of the first fixing piece 2012 is relatively thin, in order to further improve the stability of the connection between the first fixing piece 2012 and the top wall 20 of the treatment room, a first reinforcing piece 205 which is adapted in shape to the upper end portion 201 and the first fixing piece 2012 can be arranged on the top of the upper end portion 201, and the top surface of the upper end portion 201 and the top surface of the first fixing piece 2012 are respectively connected with the bottom of the first reinforcing piece 205, so as to improve the strength of the upper end portion 201 and the first fixing piece 2012. The upper end portion 201 and the first fixing piece 2012 can be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

[0069] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the lower part of the support column 202 is provided with a second fixing member 2021 in the shape of a long plate extending away from the support column 202, which is fixedly connected with or abuts against the lower surface of the top wall 20 of the treatment room. In order to improve the stability of the connection between the second fixing member 2021 and the top wall 20 of the treatment room, a second reinforcing member 206 capable of supporting a plurality of second fixing members 2021 can be arranged at the bottom of the second fixing member 2021, which is supported at the bottom of the plurality of second fixing members 2021 and is fixedly connected with the lower surface of the top wall 20 of the treatment room by a plurality of screws, thereby improving the supporting capacity of the second fixing member 2021 and the stability of the connection with the top wall 20 of the treatment room. The support column 202 and the second fixing member 2021 can be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

[0070] In another optional embodiment, the second fixing member 2021 is a right-angled plate member, one of the right-angled edges of which is connected with the bottom of the support column 202 after the support column 202 passes through the top wall 20 of the treatment room, and the other right-angled edge of which is connected with the top wall 20. In this embodiment, the second fixing member 2021 is detachably connected with the support column 202, which on the one hand improves the stability of the connection between the second support assembly 2 and the top wall 20, and on the other hand facilitates the detachment of the second support assembly 2 (except for the part of the second fixing member 2021) from the top wall 20.

[0071] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the first support assembly 1 comprises a pre-embedded member 102 and a support frame 103, the pre-embedded member 102 is arranged in the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the upper part of the support frame 103 is connected with the bottom of the pre-embedded member 102, and the support part 101 is arranged at the lower part of the support frame 103. In actual installation, the pre-embedded member 102 is pre-embedded in the top wall 20 of the treatment room to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the first support assembly 1. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the pre-embedded member 102 can also be arranged on the upper surface of the top wall 20, which is easily conceived by those skilled in the art and will not be described here in detail.

[0072] Further, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the first support assembly 1 further comprises shielding baffles 104 arranged on the side of the first support assembly 1. The edges of at least one of the shielding baffles 104 are pivotally connected with the support frame 103, so that the shielding baffles 104 form an openable and closable form, and in the closed state of the shielding baffles 104, the support frame 103 is enclosed in the space formed by the shielding baffles 104, i.e. the plurality of first support rods 1031 and the plurality of second support rods 1032 constituting the support frame 103 are all located in the shielding space 105, thereby better performing radiation shielding.

[0073] The shielding baffle 104 can be made of, but is not limited to, boron-containing or lead-containing materials, such as boron-containing PE, metallic lead, etc.

[0074] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the embedded part 102 is provided with a second hole 1021 in the middle for the beam transmission structure 10 to pass through; the support frame 103 includes a plurality of first support rods 1031 arranged in the vertical direction and a plurality of second support rods 1032 arranged in the horizontal direction, the plurality of first support rods 1031 are distributed in the lower part of the embedded part 102 along the circumference of the embedded part 102, the top ends of the plurality of first support rods 1031 are connected to the bottom of the embedded part 102, the plurality of second support rods 1032 are connected to the bottom ends of the adjacent two first support rods 1031, and the support part 101 is connected to the plurality of second support rods 1032.

[0075] Specifically, the embedded part 102 is in a rectangular ring shape, the hollow area in the middle of the embedded part 102 is the second hole 1021, the number of the first support rods 1031 is four, and the four first support rods 1031 are respectively located at the four corner positions of the embedded part 102 and are fixedly connected to the embedded part 102 by bolts, specifically chemical bolts, and the four second support rods 1032 are respectively connected to the bottom ends of the adjacent two first support rods 1031 to form a rectangular frame structure.

[0076] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the support part 101 includes a plurality of support feet 1011, and the plurality of support feet 1011 are respectively connected to the second support rods 1032, wherein one side of the support feet 1011 is welded or bolted to the outer frame of the beam shaping body 80, and the other side of the support feet 1011 can be fixedly connected to the first support rods 1031 by bolts. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, other connection methods can also be used, which can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art, and will not be described here in detail.

[0077] In the present application, the beam transmission structure 10 passes through the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the beam shaping body 80 is arranged below the beam transmission structure 10 by the first support assembly 1, and the central axis of the beam shaping body is consistent with the central axis of the vertically arranged transmission pipe 1001 in the beam transmission structure 10. The first support assembly 1 supports the beam shaping body 80 in the vertical direction, facilitates the butt joint of the beam shaping body 80 and the beam transmission structure 10, and also takes into account the operability of subsequent treatment at the beam outlet end of the beam shaping body.

[0078] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, a support arm 106 is arranged on at least one first support rod 1031, and the support arm 106 is used to connect the first support rod 1031 and the transmission tube 1001 in the beam transmission structure 10, thereby playing a supporting and fixing role for the transmission tube 1001 in the beam transmission structure 10.

[0079] Further, the support arm 106 comprises a plurality of connection segments, and adjacent two connection segments are rotationally connected. The support arm 106 can rotate in the horizontal direction, and when the transmission tube 1001 is disassembled and separated from the beam transmission structure 10, the transmission tube 1001 can be moved horizontally. In addition, according to needs, the support arm 106 can be arranged to be movable up and down along the first support rod 1031.

[0080] In an optional embodiment of the present application, a neutron shielding material is filled between the outer frame of the beam shaping body 80 and the second support rod 1032, so as to achieve the effect of shielding the rays and prevent the neutrons from being emitted from the gap between the outer frame of the beam shaping body 80 and the second support rod 1032 to increase the risk of neutron radiation in the environment and non-treatment area. Wherein, the neutron shielding material can achieve the shielding of the neutron beam, and the specific material used is not limited here.

[0081] The support structure of the neutron generating system has the following characteristics and advantages:

[0082] The support structure of the neutron generating system sets the first support assembly 1 on the top wall 20 of the treatment room, and the bottom of the first support assembly 1 is provided with a support part 101, which can support the beam shaping body 80 in the neutron generating system, so as to fixedly install the beam shaping body 80 in the vertical direction. In addition, the second support assembly 2 is arranged through the top wall 20 of the treatment room, and the beam transmission structure 10 in the neutron generating system is supported by the second support assembly 2, so as to install and support the beam transmission structure 10 in the vertical direction, thereby meeting the requirements of vertical beam transmission and energy shaping, obtaining the neutron beam emitted in the vertical direction which can be used for irradiation treatment, and realizing the vertical neutron capture therapy.

[0083] Embodiment two

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the present application provides a support structure of a neutron generating system, which comprises a beam transmission structure 10 and a beam shaping body 80, and the support structure comprises a second support assembly 2, which penetrates through the top wall 20 of the treatment room and is fixedly connected with the top wall 20 of the treatment room. The second support assembly 2 is used to at least partially support the beam transmission structure 10, so as to ensure that the beam transmission structure 10 can stably and smoothly pass through the top wall 20 of the treatment room into the treatment room.

[0085] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the second support assembly 2 comprises an upper end portion 201 and a plurality of vertical struts 202, the first hole 2011 is arranged in the middle of the upper end portion 201, and the plurality of struts 202 are spaced and uniformly distributed along the circumference of the upper end portion 201 below the upper end portion 201, and the upper portions of the plurality of struts 202 are respectively connected with the bottom surface of the upper end portion 201, the plurality of struts 202 vertically penetrate the top wall 20 of the treatment room, and the passage 203 formed between the first hole 2011 of the upper end portion 201 and the plurality of struts 202 penetrates the top wall 20 of the treatment room, and the passage 203 can be used for the beam transport structure 10 to pass through the top wall 20 of the treatment room.

[0086] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the upper end portion 201 has a circular ring structure, and the hollow region of the upper end portion 201 is the first hole 2011, and the top end of the strut 202 can be integrally formed with the upper end portion 201, thereby improving the strength of the second support assembly 2 and ensuring that it has stable supporting capacity, so as to stably support the beam transport structure 10.

[0087] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 6, at least one strut 202 is provided with a connecting piece 204, the connecting piece 204 is used for connecting the magnet 1002 arranged outside the transmission pipe 1001 with the strut 202, thereby fixing the beam transport structure 10. The connecting piece 204 can be a connecting plate, one end of the connecting plate is fixedly connected with the magnet 1002, and the other end is fixedly connected with the strut 202, thereby fixing the beam transport structure 10. The connecting plate and the strut 202 can be integrally formed, or the connecting plate and the strut 202 can be fixed by welding or bolt connection; the connecting plate and the magnet 1002 can be fixed by bolts.

[0088] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, each strut 202 can be provided with but not limited to three plate-shaped connecting pieces 204, the three connecting pieces 204 are spaced along the extension direction of the strut 202, thereby cooperating to fix the beam transport structure 10. Of course, the number and arrangement position of the connecting pieces 204 can be adjusted according to the number and position of the magnet 1002 on the transmission pipe 1001, and it is only necessary to ensure that the beam transport structure 10 and the second support assembly 2 are stably connected.

[0089] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper end portion 201 of the second support assembly 2 is exposed on the upper surface of the top wall 20 of the treatment room, and a part of the upper end portion 201 is in contact with the top wall 20 of the treatment room, thereby not only improving the stability of the connection between the second support assembly 2 and the top wall 20 of the treatment room, but also facilitating the disassembly, maintenance of the second support assembly 2.

[0090] Further, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the upper end portion 201 is provided with a plurality of first fixing members 2012 in the shape of long strips extending outward from the upper end portion 201, the plurality of first fixing members 2012 are distributed along the circumference of the upper end portion 201, and the plurality of first fixing members 2012 are fixedly connected to or abut against the upper surface of the top wall 20 of the treatment room. Since the thickness of the first fixing member 2012 is relatively small, in order to improve the stability of the connection between the first fixing member 2012 and the top wall 20 of the treatment room, a first reinforcing member 205 can be arranged on the top of the upper end portion 201, the top surface of the upper end portion 201 and the top surface of the first fixing member 2012 are respectively connected to the bottom of the first reinforcing member 205, so as to improve the strength of the upper end portion 201 and the first fixing member 2012. The upper end portion 201 and the first fixing member 2012 can be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

[0091] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the lower portion of the support column 202 is provided with a plurality of second fixing members 2021 in the shape of long plates extending away from the support column 202, the plurality of second fixing members 2021 are fixedly connected to or abut against the lower surface of the top wall 20 of the treatment room. In order to improve the stability of the connection between the second fixing member 2021 and the top wall 20 of the treatment room, a second reinforcing member 206 can be arranged on the bottom of the second fixing member 2021, the second reinforcing member 206 supports the bottom of the plurality of second fixing members 2021, and the second reinforcing member 206 and the lower surface of the top wall 20 of the treatment room can be fixedly connected by a plurality of screws, so as to improve the supporting capacity of the second fixing member 2021 and the stability of the connection between the second fixing member 2021 and the top wall 20 of the treatment room. The support column 202 and the second fixing member 2021 can be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

[0092] In another optional embodiment, the second fixing member 2021 is a right-angled plate, after the support column 202 passes through the top wall 20 of the treatment room, one of the right-angled edges of the second fixing member 2021 is connected to the bottom of the support column 202, and the other right-angled edge of the second fixing member 2021 is connected to the top wall 20. In this embodiment, the second fixing member 2021 and the support column 202 are detachably connected, which on the one hand improves the stability of the connection between the second support assembly 2 and the top wall 20, and on the other hand facilitates the disconnection of the second support assembly 2 (except for the part of the second fixing member 2021) from the top wall 20.

[0093] The support structure of the neutron generating system of the present application has the following characteristics and advantages:

[0094] The support structure of the neutron generating system is provided with a second support assembly 2 penetrating through the top wall 20 of the treatment room and connected with the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the beam transmission structure 10 in the neutron generating system can be supported by the second support assembly 2, so that the beam transmission structure 10 can be fixedly installed in the vertical direction, the transmission requirement of the charged particle beam in the vertical direction is met, and the neutron capture treatment in the vertical direction is realized.

[0095] Embodiment three

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the present application provides a support structure of a neutron generating system for supporting the neutron generating system, the neutron generating system comprising a beam transmission structure 10 and a beam shaping body 80, the support structure of the neutron generating system comprising a first support assembly 1 connected with the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the lower part of the first support assembly 1 being provided with a support part 101, the beam shaping body 80 being supported and fixed by the support part 101, and the beam outlet of the beam shaping body 80 being downward, so that the neutron irradiation in the vertical direction is realized.

[0097] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the first support assembly 1 comprises a pre-embedded part 102 and a support frame 103, the pre-embedded part 102 being arranged in the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the upper part of the support frame 103 being connected with the bottom of the pre-embedded part 102, and the support part 101 being arranged in the lower part of the support frame 103. In actual installation, the pre-embedded part 102 is pre-embedded in the top wall 20 of the treatment room to ensure the bearing capacity of the first support assembly 1. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the pre-embedded part 102 can also be arranged on the upper surface of the top wall 20, which is easily thought of by those skilled in the art, and will not be described here.

[0098] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first support assembly 1 further comprises shielding baffles 104 arranged on the side of the first support assembly 1. The edge of at least one shielding baffle 104 can be pivotally connected with the support frame 103, so that the shielding baffles 104 form an openable and closable form, and in the closed state of each shielding baffle 104, the support frame 103 is surrounded in the space formed by the shielding baffles 104, that is, the plurality of first support rods 1031 and the plurality of second support rods 1032 constituting the support frame 103 are all located in the shielding space 105, and the radiation shielding is better.

[0099] The shielding baffles 104 can be made of, but are not limited to, boron-containing and lead-containing materials, such as boron-containing PE and metal lead.

[0100] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the embedded part 102 is provided with a second hole 1021 for the beam transmission structure 10 to pass through; the support frame 103 comprises a plurality of first support rods 1031 arranged in the vertical direction and a plurality of second support rods 1032 arranged in the horizontal direction, the plurality of first support rods 1031 are arranged below the embedded part 102 in the circumferential direction, the top ends of the plurality of first support rods 1031 are connected to the bottom of the embedded part 102, and the plurality of second support rods 1032 are connected to the bottom ends of the adjacent two first support rods 1031, and the support part 101 is connected to the plurality of second support rods 1032.

[0101] Specifically, the embedded part 102 is in a rectangular ring structure, the hollow area in the middle of the embedded part 102 is the second hole 1021, the number of the first support rods 1031 is four, and the four first support rods 1031 are respectively located at the four corner positions of the embedded part 102 and are fixedly connected to the embedded part 102 by bolts, specifically chemical bolts, and the four second support rods 1032 are respectively connected to the bottom ends of the adjacent two first support rods 1031 to form a rectangular frame structure.

[0102] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the support part 101 comprises a plurality of support feet 1011, and the plurality of support feet 1011 are respectively connected to the beam shaping body 8080 and the plurality of second support rods 1032. Specifically, one side of the support foot 1011 is welded and fixed to the outer frame of the beam shaping body 80, and the other side of the support foot 1011 is fixedly connected to the first support rod 1031 by a bolt.

[0103] In the present application, the beam transmission structure 10 passes through the top wall 20 of the treatment room, the beam shaping body 80 is arranged below the beam transmission structure 10 by the first support assembly 1, and the central axis of the beam shaping body is consistent with the central axis of the vertically arranged transmission pipe 1001 in the beam transmission structure 10. The first support assembly 1 supports the beam shaping body 80 in the vertical direction, facilitates the butt joint of the beam shaping body 80 and the beam transmission structure 10, and takes into account the operability of subsequent treatment at the beam outlet end of the beam shaping body 80.

[0104] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, at least one first support rod 1031 is provided with a support arm 106, which is used to connect the first support rod 1031 and the transmission pipe 1001 in the beam transmission structure 10, thereby supporting and fixing the transmission pipe 1001 in the beam transmission structure 10.

[0105] Further, the support arm 106 comprises a plurality of connecting segments, and adjacent two connecting segments are rotationally connected. The support arm 106 can rotate in the horizontal direction, and when the transmission tube 1001 is disassembled and separated from the beam transmission structure 10, the transmission tube 1001 can be moved horizontally. In addition, the support arm 106 can be arranged to be movable up and down along the first support rod 1031 according to needs.

[0106] In an optional embodiment of the present application, a neutron shielding material is filled between the outer frame of the beam shaping body 80 and the second support rod 1032 to achieve the effect of shielding the rays and prevent the neutrons from being emitted from the gap between the outer frame of the beam shaping body 80 and the second support rod 1032 to increase the risk of neutron radiation in the environment and non-treatment areas. Wherein, the neutron shielding material can achieve the shielding of the neutron beam, and the specific material used is not limited here.

[0107] The support structure of the neutron generating system has the following characteristics and advantages:

[0108] In the support structure of the neutron generating system, the support part 101 in the first support assembly 1 can support and fix the beam shaping body 80 in the neutron generating system, so that the beam shaping body 80 can be fixed and installed in the vertical direction, meet the demand of energy shaping of the neutron beam in the vertical direction, and obtain the neutron beam emitted in the vertical direction which can be used for irradiation treatment. By reasonably designing the length of the first support rod 1031, the beam shaping body 80 can be fixed at a suitable height position, which is convenient for patient positioning below the beam exit, and realizes vertical neutron capture therapy.

[0109] Embodiment four

[0110] The present application provides a neutron capture therapy system, which comprises a neutron generating system. The neutron generating system comprises: an accelerator 30 for generating a charged particle beam; a beam transmission structure 10 for transmitting the charged particle beam; a target material for interacting with the charged particle beam to generate a neutron beam; a beam shaping body 80 for energy shaping of the neutron beam; and the neutron capture therapy system further comprises the support structure of the neutron generating system as described above, and the support structure is at least used for partially supporting the beam transmission structure 10 and / or the beam shaping body 80.

[0111] The neutron capture therapy system of the present application is configured in two layers of space (upper layer space L2 and lower layer space L1), and further comprises a treatment space 40 (40A, 40B, 40C) and a charged particle beam generating chamber 70, wherein the accelerator 30 and at least part of the beam transport structure 10 are arranged in the charged particle beam generating chamber 70; the treatment space 40 comprises two horizontal treatment rooms 40B, 40C in the upper layer space L2 and a vertical treatment room 40A in the lower layer space L1, and a patient support platform, specifically a treatment table, is arranged in the treatment space 40 (40A, 40B, 40C) for the patient to receive neutron beam irradiation treatment. There can be one or more neutron beam generating parts to generate one or more therapeutic neutron beams, and the beam transport structure 10 selectively transports the charged particle beam to one or several neutron beam generating parts or simultaneously transports the charged particle beam to multiple neutron beam generating parts, each corresponding to a treatment space 40. The neutron beam generating part comprises a target material for generating a neutron beam by interacting with the charged particle beam and a beam shaping body for shaping the energy of the neutron beam. In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, there are three neutron beam generating parts and three treatment spaces 40, respectively, which are neutron beam generating parts 50A, 50B, 50C and two horizontal treatment rooms 40B, 40C and one vertical treatment room 40A.

[0112] The main part of the beam transport structure 10 is located in the beam transport chamber 60, and the beam transport structure 10 comprises: a first transport part 11 connected with the accelerator 30; a first beam direction switch 12 and a second beam direction switch 13 for switching the travel direction of the charged particle beam; a second transport part 14 connected with the first beam direction switch 12 and the second beam direction switch 13; third, fourth and fifth transport parts 15A, 15B and 15C respectively transmitting the charged particle beam from the first beam direction switch 12 or the second beam direction switch 13 to the neutron beam generation parts 50A, 50B and 50C, and the generated neutron beams are respectively irradiated to patients in the horizontal treatment rooms 40B and 40C and the vertical treatment room 40A. The third transport part 15A is connected with the first beam direction switch 12 and the neutron beam generation part 50A, the fourth transport part 15B is connected with the second beam direction switch 13 and the neutron beam generation part 50B, and the fifth transport part 15C is connected with the second beam direction switch 13 and the neutron beam generation part 50C. That is, the first transport part 11 branches into the second transport part 14 and the third transport part 15A in the first beam direction switch 12, and the second transport part 14 branches into the fourth transport part 15B and the fifth transport part 15C in the second beam direction switch 13. The first and second transport parts 11 and 14 are transported along the X-axis direction, the third transport part 15A is transported along the Z-axis direction, and the fourth and fifth transport parts 15B and 15C are transported in the XY plane and in a "Y" shape with the transport direction of the first and second transport parts 11 and 14. The neutron beam generation parts 50A, 50B and 50C and the corresponding horizontal treatment rooms 40B and 40C and the vertical treatment room 40A are respectively arranged along the transport direction of the third, fourth and fifth transport parts 15A, 15B and 15C, and the generated neutron beams are respectively in the same direction as the transport direction of the third, fourth and fifth transport parts 15A, 15B and 15C, 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 using such an arrangement, the space can be effectively utilized, and multiple patients can be treated without excessively prolonging the beam transport line and with less loss. The first to fifth transport parts comprise a transport tube and a focusing magnet arranged outside the transport tube, and the first beam direction switch 12 and the second beam direction switch 13 can be deflection magnets.

[0113] In the structure of the above neutron capture therapy system, the neutron beam in the horizontal treatment room 40B, 40C is a horizontal beam, and the axis of the corresponding neutron beam generating part 50B, 50C is a horizontal axis. In the horizontal treatment room 40B, 40C, the neutron beam generating part 50B, 50C can be installed by being embedded in the wall, and the neutron beam generating part 50B, 50C is supported and shielded by the existing wall of the building. The neutron beam in the vertical treatment room 40A is a vertical beam from top to bottom, and the axis of the corresponding neutron beam generating part 50A is a vertical axis. If the neutron beam generating part 50A is arranged in the wall in the same way as the horizontal treatment room 40B, that is, the neutron beam generating part 50A is installed in the top wall (i.e. the ceiling) of the vertical treatment room 40A, the distance from the beam exit of the neutron beam generating part 50A to the ground is relatively far, and the patient needs to be lifted to a position close to the ceiling during treatment. This method not only has high operation difficulty, but also has certain safety hazards. If the beam exit is moved towards the ground, the neutron beam generating part 50A needs to be suspended from the top wall of the vertical treatment room 40A. Due to the large weight of the beam shaping body 80 and the high installation precision requirement, how to install and fix the neutron beam generating part 50A in the vertical direction is a problem that needs to be solved at present. In addition, the third transmission part 15A in the vertical direction and connected with the neutron beam generating part 50A needs to pass through the top wall of the vertical treatment room 40A in the vertical direction, and there is no structure for supporting and installing the third transmission part 15A in the vertical direction at present.

[0114] Therefore, the neutron capture therapy system of the present embodiment further comprises a second support assembly 2 for supporting the third transmission part 15A in the vertical direction, and / or a first support assembly 1 for supporting the neutron beam generating part 50A of the vertical treatment room, wherein the neutron beam generating part comprises a beam shaping body and a target material, and the target material is usually embedded in the beam shaping body. In the present embodiment, the support of the neutron beam generating part is realized, that is, the support of the beam shaping body is realized. The specific structure of the first support assembly 1 is described in Embodiment Three, and the specific structure of the second support assembly 2 is described in Embodiment Two, which will not be described here.

[0115] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of the present application shall fall within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A support structure of a neutron generating system for supporting the neutron generating system, the neutron generating system including a beam transport structure and a beam shaper, characterized by, The support structure of the neutron generating system comprises a first support assembly connected to the top of the treatment room, which is used to at least partially support the beam shaping body.

2. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The support structure of the neutron generating system further comprises a second support assembly penetrating the top of the treatment room, which is used to at least partially support the beam transport structure.

3. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The second support assembly comprises an upper end portion and a plurality of vertically arranged support columns, the upper end portion is provided with a first hole in the middle, and the plurality of support columns are arranged below the upper end portion in a circumferential direction of the upper end portion and connected to the bottom surface of the upper end portion.

4. The support structure for a neutron generating system of claim 1, wherein, The first support assembly comprises a pre-embedded part and a support frame, the pre-embedded part is connected to the upper part of the support frame and at least partially arranged in the top of the treatment room, and the lower part of the support frame is provided with a support part used to at least partially support the beam shaping body.

5. The support structure for a neutron generating system of claim 1, wherein, The first support assembly further comprises a shielding baffle arranged on the side of the first support assembly.

6. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The pre-embedded part is provided with a second hole in the middle for the beam transport structure to pass through. The support frame comprises a plurality of first support rods arranged in a vertical direction and a plurality of second support rods arranged in a horizontal direction, the plurality of first support rods are arranged below the pre-embedded part in a circumferential direction of the pre-embedded part and connected to the pre-embedded part, the plurality of second support rods are connected to the lower parts of adjacent two first support rods, and the support part is connected to the second support rods.

7. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The support part comprises a plurality of support feet connected to the second support rods.

8. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the first support rods is provided with a support arm used to connect the first support rod and the beam transport structure.

9. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The support arm comprises a plurality of connection sections rotationally connected between adjacent two connection sections.

10. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The first support assembly further comprises a shielding baffle, at least one side of which is openable and closable, and when the shielding baffle is closed, the plurality of first support rods and the plurality of second support rods are located in a shielding space formed by the closed shielding baffle.

11. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, At least one side of the shielding baffle is openable and closable, and when all the shielding baffles are closed, the shielding baffles are arranged outside the support frame.

12. A neutron capture therapy system characterized by, The neutron capture therapy system comprises a neutron generating system, The neutron generating system comprises: an accelerator for generating a charged particle beam; a beam transport structure for transporting the charged particle beam; a target material for interacting with the charged particle beam to generate a neutron beam; a beam shaping body for energy shaping of the neutron beam; The neutron capture therapy system further comprises a support structure of the neutron generating system, the support structure of the neutron generating system comprising a first support assembly connected to a top of the treatment room, the first support assembly at least partially supporting the beam shaper.

13. The neutron capture therapy system of claim 12, wherein, The first support assembly comprises a pre-embedded part and a support frame, the pre-embedded part being connected to an upper part of the support frame and at least partially arranged in the top of the treatment room, a lower part of the support frame being provided with a support part, the support part at least partially supporting the beam shaper.

14. The support structure of a neutron generating system as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The first support assembly further comprises a shielding baffle, the shielding baffle being arranged on a side of the first support assembly.

15. The support structure of a neutron generating system of claim 14, wherein, At least one side of the shielding baffle is openable and closable, and in a fully closed state of the shielding baffle, the shielding baffle is wrapped outside the support frame.

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