Radiography equipment

Abstract

To allow tactile recognition of an effective photographic area and the front and back of a radiographic device, and prevent a reduction in the strength of a housing.SOLUTION: A radiographic device 100 comprises: a housing 7 that has an incident face 71 on which radiation is incident, a back face 73 arranged opposite to the incident face 71, and side faces 72 connecting the incident face 71 and the back face 73 to each other; and a radiation detection panel 1 that is accommodated in the housing 7. At least one side face 72 of the side faces 72 of the housing 7 is provided with an incident face-side step part 10a that is arranged in correspondence with an effective photographic area of the radiation detection panel 1 and located on the side of the incident face 71, and a back face-side step part 10b that is located on the side of the back face 73. The incident face-side step part 10a and the back face-side step part 10b have shapes different from each other, and at least one of them has a convex shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiological imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Radiography devices are widely used in industrial non-destructive testing and medical diagnosis to obtain radiographic images by detecting the intensity distribution of radiation that has passed through an object. When taking an image using a radiation imaging device, the irradiation area of ​​the radiation emitted from the radiation source, the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation imaging device, and the object to be imaged must be aligned. To facilitate this alignment, it is desirable for the operator to be able to recognize the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation imaging device.

[0003] To make the effective imaging area recognizable, an index indicating the range and center of the effective imaging area is provided on the radiation incident surface. Patent Document 1 discloses an X-ray imaging device that displays an index outside the detection range of an area sensor, and describes a configuration in which the index is displayed so as to reach the side of the housing.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a radiographic imaging device that has a stepped portion arranged on the side of the housing and corresponding to the effective imaging area, allowing the effective imaging area of ​​the radiographic imaging device to be recognized tactilely. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-291730 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-198614 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in a configuration where the index is visible, it is expected that the index will become invisible when, for example, the test object is placed on the radiation incident surface side. In Patent Document 1, the index is displayed so that it reaches the side of the housing, but even so, there is a risk that the index will not be visible depending on the handling method or usage situation. For example, when an X-ray imaging device is placed under the body of a patient lying on a bed and an examination is performed, the index will be difficult to see even if it is on the side.

[0007] In addition, in Patent Document 2, the stepped portions are concave on both the entrance surface side and the back surface side, which may make it difficult to tactilely distinguish the front and back of the radiographic device. Furthermore, when the stepped portions are concave, the side surfaces become partially thin, which may reduce the strength of the housing.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to enable the effective imaging area and the front and back of a radiation imaging device to be tactilely recognized, and to prevent a decrease in the strength of the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The radiation imaging device of the present invention is a radiation imaging device comprising: a housing having an incident surface through which radiation is incident, a back surface arranged opposite the incident surface, and a side surface connecting the incident surface and the back surface; and a radiation detection panel housed in the housing, wherein at least one of the side surfaces of the housing is provided with an incident surface-side step portion located on the incident surface side and a back surface-side step portion located on the back surface side, which are arranged corresponding to the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation detection panel, and the incident surface-side step portion and the back surface-side step portion have mutually different shapes, and at least one of them has a convex shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the effective imaging area and the front and back of the radiation imaging device can be tactilely recognized, and a decrease in the strength of the housing can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an external view of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First embodiment] A radiation imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 1 is an external view of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment, where (a) is an overall external view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and (b) is an enlarged view of part A in (a). Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 1(a). Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 1(a), showing only the vicinity of an end of a housing 7.

[0013] The radiation imaging apparatus 100 acquires a radiation image corresponding to radiation that has been irradiated by a radiation generating device (not shown) and transmitted through a subject. The radiation imaging apparatus 100 transfers the acquired radiation image to an external device (console). The external device displays the radiation image transferred from the radiation imaging apparatus 100 on a display device or the like.

[0014] The radiographic apparatus 100 includes a thin, box-shaped housing 7 that forms the exterior thereof. The housing 7 has an incident surface (front surface) 71 on which radiation is incident, a back surface 73 disposed opposite the incident surface 71, and four side surfaces 72 connecting the incident surface 71 and the back surface 73, forming an enclosed space therein. In the present application, the direction perpendicular to the incident surface 71 and the back surface 73 is referred to as the thickness direction or the incident direction of radiation.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 7 accommodates the radiation detection panel 1, support base 6, control board 5, secondary battery 2, etc. The support base 6 supports the radiation detection panel 1 on the incident surface 71 side. The support base 6 also supports the control board 5 and secondary battery 2 on the back surface 73 side. A buffer material 3 is provided between the housing 7 and the radiation detection panel 1 to protect the radiation detection panel 1 from external forces.

[0016] The radiation detection panel 1 converts radiation incident on the incident surface 71 into an electrical signal. The radiation detection panel 1 includes a sensor substrate 1a, which is a glass substrate on which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged two-dimensionally, a phosphor layer 1b arranged on the sensor substrate 1a, and a phosphor protective film 1c arranged on the phosphor layer 1b. The plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged on the sensor substrate 1a are MIS-type or PIN-type conversion elements capable of detecting visible light. The phosphor protective film 1c is made of a material with relatively high moisture resistance and protects the phosphor layer 1b. The radiation detection panel 1 has a rectangular effective imaging area in which incident radiation can be visualized as a radiographic image. In the radiation detection panel 1, the effective imaging area is defined as the entire area on the plane on which the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged, or a portion of that area, as viewed from the direction of incidence of radiation. In the radiation detection panel 1 configured as above, the phosphor layer 1b emits light in response to incident radiation, and the photoelectric conversion elements arranged on the sensor substrate 1a convert the emitted light into an electrical signal. Note that, instead of the phosphor layer 1b and the photoelectric conversion elements, direct conversion elements that directly convert radiation into an electrical signal may be used.

[0017] The radiation detection panel 1 is electrically connected to a control board 5 via a flexible circuit board 4. The control board 5 reads out the electrical signals converted by the radiation detection panel 1 and processes the read electrical signals. The control board 5 then converts the electrical signals into digital signals to obtain radiation image data.

[0018] The secondary battery 2 supplies power used to operate the radiation detection panel 1 and the control board 5. The secondary battery 2 functions as a battery. As the secondary battery 2, for example, a lithium ion battery or an electric double layer capacitor is used.

[0019] The housing 7 will be described in detail below. Since incident surface 71 allows radiation to enter, it is desirable that it has a relatively high radiation transmittance. It is also desirable that incident surface 71 be lightweight and able to ensure a certain level of strength against impact. Therefore, for example, a resin material or CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) is used for incident surface 71.

[0020] The rear surface 73 and the side surfaces 72 are preferably made of a material that is strong enough to withstand drops and shocks, lightweight enough to reduce the burden of transportation, and easy to operate. The rear surface 73 and the side surfaces 72 are made of, for example, a metal alloy such as magnesium or aluminum, or a composite material containing carbon fiber, such as CFRP or fiber-reinforced resin. In this embodiment, the side surfaces 72 are integral with the rear surface 73, but this is not limiting. For example, the side surfaces 72 may be integral with the incident surface 71, or a portion of the side surfaces 72 may be integral with the incident surface 71 and a portion of the side surfaces 72 may be integral with the rear surface 73 (see FIG. 5 of a second embodiment described later). Alternatively, the side surfaces 72 may be separate components from the incident surface 71 and the rear surface 73.

[0021] The side surface 72 has a side surface portion 72a and an inclined surface portion 72b. The side surface portion 72a is connected to the incident surface 71 and extends perpendicular to the incident surface 71. The inclined surface portion 72b is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the housing 7 and extends toward the inside of the housing 7 as it approaches the back surface 73 from the side surface portion 72a. Note that, in this embodiment, the inclined surface portion 72b is provided over the entire area between the side surface portion 72a and the back surface 73, but this is not limited to this. The inclined surface portion 72b may be present only between a portion of the side surface portion 72a and the back surface 73, or the inclined surface portion 72b may not be present.

[0022] 1, an index 12 indicating the range and center of the effective imaging area is provided on the surface of the incident surface 71. The index 12 is represented by a line, and is provided by attaching a sheet material with the index 12 written on it to the incident surface 71, or by directly painting or printing the surface of the incident surface 71. The user can visually recognize the range and center of the effective imaging area by looking at the index 12. However, the index 12 is not limited to this, and may be a step recessed toward the radiation detection panel 1, or the like.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, each side surface 72 is provided with an incident surface side step portion 10a located on the incident surface 71 side and a back surface side step portion 10b located on the back surface 73 side, which are arranged corresponding to the center of the effective imaging area. More specifically, the stepped portions 10a and 10b are arranged at positions that intersect with the center lines that pass through the center of the effective imaging area and extend vertically and horizontally. In other words, the positions of the stepped portions 10a and 10b coincide with the center coordinates of each side that forms the effective imaging area.

[0024] 3, incident surface side step portion 10a is formed on side surface portion 72a and has a concave shape relative to side surface portion 72a. The concave shape of incident surface side step portion 10a extends toward incident surface 71 and is a groove-like shape that opens at incident surface 71.

[0025] The rear-side step portion 10b is formed on the bottom surface 11a of the recess 11 formed in the inclined surface portion 72b, and has a generally rectangular pedestal-like convex shape that protrudes from the bottom surface 11a. The maximum height of the convex shape of the rear-side step portion 10b is less than the depth of the recess 11, so that it does not protrude from the recess 11.

[0026] With the above-described configuration, even if the user cannot see the index 12, the user can tactilely recognize the center of the effective imaging area by touching the incident surface side step portion 10a or the back surface side step portion 10b. Furthermore, because the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b have mutually different shapes, a user can tactilely distinguish between the front and back of the radiographic device by touching the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b even when the indicator 12 cannot be seen. In this embodiment, one of the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b is concave, and the other is convex. In this case, the difference in shape between the step portions 10a and 10b is clearer than when both the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b are concave, and the front and back of the radiographic device can be clearly distinguished tactilely. This makes it possible to easily perform positioning when performing imaging using the radiation imaging apparatus 100.

[0027] Furthermore, by having at least one of the incident surface side step portion 10a and the back surface side step portion 10b have a convex shape, the amount by which the side surface 72 is partially thinned can be reduced compared to when the step portion is only concave, thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the housing 7.

[0028] Furthermore, the convex shape of the rear step portion 10b does not protrude beyond the end of the incident surface 71, i.e., the side surface portion 72a, when viewed from the incident surface 71 side. This prevents the convex shape from getting caught when the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is slidably moved on a bed, table, inside a gantry, etc.

[0029] It is desirable that the width of the concave shape of the incident surface side step portion 10a and the convex shape of the back surface side step portion 10b be 30 mm or less. The width refers to the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the side surface 72, and Figure 1(b) shows the width w of the incident surface side step portion 10a. By making the width 30 mm or less, both edges of the concave or convex shape can be touched simultaneously with one finger, making it easier to recognize by touch.

[0030] Furthermore, it is desirable that the edges and corners of the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b are curved so as to prevent fingers from hurting when touching them and to improve cleaning properties.

[0031] Furthermore, the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b may be formed so that a part of each of them straddles the incident surface 71 and the rear surface 73. Furthermore, the incident surface side step portion 10 a and the rear surface side step portion 10 b may have a different friction resistance from the side surface 72 .

[0032] In this embodiment, the convex shape of the rear-side step portion 10b is formed on the bottom surface 11a of the recess 11 formed in the inclined surface portion 72b, but is not limited to this. For example, the convex shape may be formed directly on the inclined surface portion 72b and protrude relative to the inclined surface portion 72b. In this case, too, the convex shape does not protrude beyond the end of the incident surface 71 when viewed from the incident surface 71 side.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the incident surface side step portion 10a has a concave shape, but this is not limited thereto, and the incident surface side step portion 10a may have a convex shape. For example, the incident surface side step portion 10a may be formed on the bottom surface of a recess formed in the side surface portion 72a, and may have a convex shape that protrudes from the bottom surface. In this case, too, the convex shape does not protrude beyond the end of the incident surface 71 when viewed from the incident surface 71 side.

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, the incident surface side step portion 10a and the back surface side step portion 10b are arranged corresponding to the center of the rectangular effective imaging area, but this is not limited to this. The incident surface side step portion 10a and the back surface side step portion 10b may be arranged corresponding to a predetermined position of the effective imaging area. As an example, the incident surface side step portion 10a and the back surface side step portion 10b may be arranged on an extension line of the edge of the effective imaging area indicated by the index 12.

[0035] In addition, in this embodiment, one incident surface side step portion 10a and one rear surface side step portion 10b are formed on one side surface 72, but this is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of incident surface side step portions 10a and a plurality of rear surface side step portions 10b may be formed on one side surface 72.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b are formed on all side surfaces 72 of the housing 7, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the effective imaging area. This improves ease of adjusting the posture of the radiation imaging device 100. However, this is not limited to this, and the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b may be formed on only some of the side surfaces 72 of the housing 7. Furthermore, the shape, width, length, and positions of the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b may be different for each side surface 72.

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, the incident surface side step portion 10a has a groove shape and the back surface side step portion 10b has a roughly rectangular pedestal shape, but this is not limited to this and the step portion 10b may have a round, triangular, letter-like shape, etc.

[0038] [Second embodiment] A radiographic imaging apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. In the following, components similar to those of the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations of commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted, with differences from the first embodiment being mainly described. Fig. 4 is an external view of a radiation imaging apparatus 200 according to a second embodiment, where (a) is an overall external view of the radiation imaging apparatus 200 and (b) is an enlarged view of portion D in (a). Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Fig. 4(a). Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in Fig. 4(a), showing only the vicinity of an end of the housing 7.

[0039] In the radiographic imaging device 200 according to the second embodiment, the side surface 72 of the housing 7 has an inclined surface portion 72c on the incident surface 71 side, a side surface portion 72d, and an inclined surface portion 72e on the rear surface 73 side. The side surface portion 72d is located between the inclined surfaces 72c and 72d and extends perpendicular to the incident surface 71. The inclined surface portion 72c is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the housing 7 and extends inward of the housing 7 as it approaches the incident surface 71 from the side surface portion 72c. The inclined surface portion 72e is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the housing 7 and extends inward of the housing 7 as it approaches the rear surface 73 from the side surface portion 72c. Forming the inclined surface portions 72c, 72e on both the incident surface 71 side and the back surface 73 side of the side surface 72 in this manner improves the ease of handling of the radiographic imaging device 200. For example, when the radiographic imaging device 200 is placed so that the incident surface 71 is in contact with the ground, it becomes possible to easily lift the device by hooking a finger on the inclined surface portion 72c. Also, when the radiographic imaging device 200 is placed so that the back surface 73 is in contact with the ground, it becomes possible to easily lift the device by hooking a finger on the inclined surface portion 72e.

[0040] In the second embodiment, both the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b have a convex shape. The incident surface side step portion 10a is formed on the inclined surface portion 72c, and has a generally rectangular pedestal-like convex shape that protrudes from the inclined surface portion 72c (that is, the side surface 72). The rear surface side step portion 10b is formed on the inclined surface portion 72e, and has a generally rectangular pedestal-like convex shape that protrudes from the inclined surface portion 72e (that is, the side surface 72). The incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b have different widths of the convex shape. In this embodiment, the width of the convex shape of the incident surface side step portion 10a is narrower than the width of the convex shape of the rear surface side step portion 10b.

[0041] With the above-described configuration, even if the user cannot see the index 12, the user can tactilely recognize the center of the effective imaging area by touching the incident surface side step portion 10a or the back surface side step portion 10b. Furthermore, since the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b have mutually different shapes, the user can tactilely distinguish between the front and back of the radiographic device by touching the incident surface side step portion 10a and the rear surface side step portion 10b even when the user cannot see the indicator 12. In this application, "different shapes" does not only refer to differences such as the concave and convex shapes described in the first embodiment, but also includes, for example, convex shapes that differ in length, width, depth, etc. to the extent that the front and back of the radiographic device can be tactilely distinguished. This makes it possible to easily perform positioning when performing imaging using the radiation imaging apparatus 100.

[0042] Furthermore, by making both the incident surface side step portion 10a and the back surface side step portion 10b convex, it is possible to reduce the amount of partial thinning of the side surface 72 and prevent a decrease in the strength of the housing 7. Furthermore, in some cases, it is not possible to form an inwardly convex concave shape on the inclined surface portion in order to prevent contact with structures inside the housing 7. In such cases, by making both the incident surface side step portion 10a and the back surface side step portion 10b convex, it is possible to eliminate the inwardly convex shape. As described in the first embodiment, the convex shape of the incident surface side step portion 10a and the convex shape of the back surface side step portion 10b are designed not to protrude beyond the end of the incident surface 71, i.e., the side surface portion 72a, when viewed from the incident surface 71 side. As described in the first embodiment, it is also desirable that the width of the convex shape be 30 mm or less and that the edges and corners be curved.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the above embodiments are merely illustrative of specific examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features. The details of the structure and dimensions of each part shown in each embodiment are not limited to those described above. Note that radiation handled by a radiographic apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes not only X-rays but also α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, particle rays, cosmic rays, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 100: Radiation imaging device, 1: Radiation detection panel, 7: Housing 71: Incident surface, 72: Side surface, 72a, 72d: Side surface portion, 72b, 72c, 72e: Inclined surface portion, 73: Rear surface, 10a: Incident surface side step portion, 10b: Rear surface side step portion, 11: Recess, 11a: Bottom surface

Claims

1. a housing having an incident surface on which radiation is incident, a back surface disposed opposite the incident surface, and a side surface connecting the incident surface and the back surface; a radiation imaging device including a radiation detection panel housed in the housing, at least one of the side surfaces of the housing is provided with an incident surface-side step portion located on the incident surface side and a rear surface-side step portion located on the rear surface side, the step portion being arranged in correspondence with an effective imaging area of ​​the radiation detection panel, The radiation imaging apparatus is characterized in that the incident surface side step portion and the rear surface side step portion have mutually different shapes, and at least one of them has a convex shape.

2. 2. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the incident surface side step portion and the rear surface side step portion has a convex shape that protrudes from a bottom surface of a recess formed in the side surface.

3. 2. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the incident surface side step portion and the rear surface side step portion has a convex shape that protrudes from the side surface.

4. the side surface has an inclined surface portion inclined with respect to a thickness direction of the housing on at least one of the incident surface side and the rear surface side, 4. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convex shape is provided on the inclined surface portion.

5. 5. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convex shape does not protrude beyond an end of the incident surface when viewed from the incident surface side.

6. 6. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the incident surface side step portion and the rear surface side step portion are provided on all of the side surfaces of the housing.

7. 7. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the incident surface side step portion and the rear surface side step portion are disposed corresponding to the center of the effective imaging area.

8. 8. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the width of the incident surface side step portion and the rear surface side step portion is 30 mm or less.

9. 9. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side surface is made of an alloy containing at least one of magnesium and aluminum, or a composite material containing carbon fiber.

10. a housing having an incident surface on which radiation is incident, a back surface disposed opposite the incident surface, and a side surface connecting the incident surface and the back surface; a radiation imaging device including a radiation detection panel housed in the housing, At least one of the side surfaces of the housing has an incident surface-side recess provided on the incident surface side and a rear surface-side recess provided on the rear surface side, the incident surface side recess and the rear surface side recess have mutually different shapes, The rear recess has a convex shape protruding from the bottom surface of the rear recess.

11. 11. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the length of the entrance surface recess and the length of the rear surface recess are different in the longitudinal direction of the one side surface.

12. 11. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the length of the entrance surface recess is shorter than the length of the rear surface recess in the longitudinal direction of the one side surface.

13. 11. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the entrance surface recess is provided at a position corresponding to the center of the one side surface in the longitudinal direction.

14. 11. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rear recess is provided at a position corresponding to the center of the one side surface in the longitudinal direction.

15. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the rear recess has an inclined surface inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the housing.

16. 11. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the convex shape does not protrude beyond an end of the incident surface when viewed from the incident surface side.

17. a further side surface of the housing that is different from the one side surface has a further incident surface-side recess provided on the incident surface side and a further rear surface-side recess provided on the rear surface side, 11. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the further incident surface recess and the further rear surface recess have mutually different shapes.

18. 18. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the side surface is made of an alloy containing at least one of magnesium and aluminum, or a composite material containing carbon fiber.

Images