Radiation imaging apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a radiation imaging apparatus including: a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation transmitted through a subject and incident on an incident surface; and a housing that accommodates the radiation detection panel. The housing includes a thick portion that is thicker in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and is located at one end of the housing, and a thin portion that is thinner than the thick portion and at least partially overlaps the effective imaging area as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface. The thick portion includes a gripping portion in a concave shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging device. Background Art

[0002] Radiographic imaging devices that detect the intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through an object to obtain a radiographic image are widely used in the field of medical diagnosis. Such radiographic imaging devices are required to be thin and easy to operate and capable of quickly and widely imaging a body part.

[0003] To address this challenge, WO 2020 / 105706 discusses a radiation imaging device having a radiation detection unit with reduced thickness. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-197641 discusses a radiation imaging device equipped with a grip portion in consideration of stability during transportation.

[0004] Imaging a subject such as a patient using a radiation imaging device involves, for example, an operation in which a user (e.g., a technician) inserts the radiation imaging device toward an imaging portion of the subject. During the insertion operation, careful and accurate operation may be required, for example, because the subject and the imaging portion may contact the imaging device via clothing, cloth, a bag housing the imaging portion, or the like.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] PTL 1: WO 2020 / 105706

[0008] PTL 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-197641 Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The radiation imaging device discussed in WO 2020 / 105706 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-197641 is expected to improve portability by reducing the thickness of the radiation detection unit. However, for example, the radiation imaging device discussed in WO 2020 / 105706 may be difficult for a user to fully hold with fingers. In addition, for example, when inserting the device into a gap between a subject and a contact surface on which the subject lies in a supine position or removing the device from the gap, providing only a gripping portion as in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-197641 may not enable the user to maintain a full grip.

[0011] The present invention has been achieved in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a radiation imaging apparatus that improves operability for a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] [ Figure 1A ] Figure 1A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0013] [ Figure 1B ] Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] [ Figure 3A ] Figure 3A is a plan view of a thick portion of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0016] [ Figure 3B ] Figure 3B is a plan view of a thick portion of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] [ Figure 4A ] Figure 4A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0018] [ Figure 4B ] Figure 4B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0019] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a grip portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0020] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thick portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0021] [ Fig. 7A ] Fig. 7A is a plan view of a grip portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0022] [ Figure 7B ] Figure 7B is a plan view of a grip portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0023] [ Fig. 8A ] Fig. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment.

[0024] [ Figure 8B ] Figure 8B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment.

[0025] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a grip portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0026] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a grip portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0027] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0028] [ Fig. 12A ] Fig. 12A are diagrams showing a cross-sectional view and an enlarged view of the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0029] [ Fig. 12B ] Fig. 12B are diagrams showing a cross-sectional view and an enlarged view of the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0030] [ Fig.13 ] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thin end portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0031] [ Fig.14A ] Fig.14A : is a diagram showing a configuration example of a thin end portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0032] [ Fig. 14B ] Fig. 14B : is a diagram showing a configuration example of a thin end portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0033] [ Fig.15A ] Fig.15A is a diagram showing another example of the external appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0034] [ Fig. 15B ] Fig. 15B is a diagram showing another example of the external appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0035] [ Fig.16A ] Fig.16Ais a diagram showing another example of the external appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0036] [ Fig. 16B ] Fig. 16B is a diagram showing another example of the external appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0037] [ Fig.17 ] Fig.17 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0038] [ Fig.18A ] Fig.18A are diagrams showing a sectional view and an enlarged view of the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0039] [ Fig.18B ] Fig.18B are diagrams showing a sectional view and an enlarged view of the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0040] [ Fig.19 ] Fig.19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thin end portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0041] [ Fig. 20A ] Fig. 20A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thin end portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0042] [ Fig. 20B ] Fig. 20B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thin end portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0043] [ Fig.21 ] Fig.21 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0044] [ Fig.22A ] Fig.22A are diagrams showing a cross-sectional view and an enlarged view of the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0045] [ Fig. 22B ] Fig. 22B are diagrams showing a cross-sectional view and an enlarged view of the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0046] [ Fig.23 ] Fig.23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thin end portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0047] [ Fig.24 ] Fig.24 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the seventh exemplary embodiment.

[0048] [ Fig.25 ] Fig.25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a seventh exemplary embodiment.

[0049] [ Fig.26 ] Fig.26 is a plan view showing the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a seventh exemplary embodiment.

[0050] [ Fig. 27 ] Fig. 27 : is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the corner portion of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the seventh exemplary embodiment.

[0051] [ Fig.28A ] Fig.28A : is a diagram showing Modification 2 of the casing of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the seventh exemplary embodiment.

[0052] [ Fig.28B ] Fig.28B : is a diagram showing Modification 2 of the casing of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the seventh exemplary embodiment.

[0053] [ Fig.29A ] Fig.29A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the eighth exemplary embodiment.

[0054] [ Fig.29B ] Fig.29B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the eighth exemplary embodiment.

[0055] [ Fig.30 ] Fig.30 : is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the groove of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the eighth exemplary embodiment.

[0056] [ Fig.31A ] Fig.31A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a ninth exemplary embodiment.

[0057] [ Fig.31B ] Fig.31B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a ninth exemplary embodiment.

[0058] [ Fig.32 ] Fig.32: is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the protrusion of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the ninth exemplary embodiment.

[0059] [ Fig.33A ] Fig.33A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a tenth exemplary embodiment.

[0060] [ Fig.33B ] Fig.33B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a tenth exemplary embodiment.

[0061] [ Fig.34 ] Fig.34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a tenth exemplary embodiment.

[0062] [ Fig.35 ] Fig.35 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a tenth exemplary embodiment.

[0063] [ Fig.36 ] Fig.36 : is a diagram illustrating a modification of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the tenth exemplary embodiment.

[0064] [ Fig.37A ] Fig.37A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment.

[0065] [ Fig.37B ] Fig.37B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment.

[0066] [ Fig.38A ] Fig.38A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0067] [ Fig.38B ] Fig.38B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0068] [ Fig.38C ] Fig.38C is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0069] [ Fig.39 ] Fig.39 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0070] [ Fig.40A ] Fig.40A is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0071] [ Fig.40B ] Fig.40B is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0072] [ Fig.40C ] Fig.40C is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0073] [ Fig.41 ] Fig.41 : is a diagram showing Modification 2 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0074] [ Fig.42A ] Fig.42A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0075] [ Fig.42B ] Fig.42B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0076] [ Fig.43 ] Fig.43 is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0077] [ Fig.44A ] Fig.44A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the fourteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0078] [ Fig.44B ] Fig.44B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the fourteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0079] [ Fig.45A ] Fig.45A is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0080] [ Fig.45B ] Fig.45B is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0081] [ Fig.45C ] Fig.45C is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0082] [ Fig.45D ] Fig.45D is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0083] [ Fig.46A ] Fig.46A is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0084] [ Fig.46B ] Fig.46B is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0085] [ Fig.46C ] Fig.46C is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0086] [ Fig.46D ] Fig.46D is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0087] [ Fig.47 ] Fig.47 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the sixteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0088] [ Fig.48 ] Fig.48 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system according to a seventeenth exemplary embodiment.

[0089] [ Fig.49 ] Fig.49 is a view of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment when viewed from the rear side.

[0090] [ Fig.50A ] Fig.50A is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment when viewed from the rear side.

[0091] [ Fig.50B ] Fig.50B is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment when viewed from the rear side.

[0092] [ Fig.51 ] Fig.51 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a seventeenth exemplary embodiment.

[0093] [ Fig.52A ] Fig.52Ais a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the eighteenth exemplary embodiment when viewed from the rear side.

[0094] [ Fig.52B ] Fig.52B is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the eighteenth exemplary embodiment when viewed from the rear side.

[0095] [ Fig.53 ] Fig.53 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to an eighteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0096] [ Fig.54 ] Fig.54 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system according to a nineteenth exemplary embodiment.

[0097] [ Fig.55 ] Fig.55 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a nineteenth exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the dimensions and detailed structures described in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described in the specification or shown in the accompanying drawings. As used herein, radiation shall include not only X-rays, but also α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, particle beams, and cosmic rays.

[0099] <First Exemplary Embodiment>

[0100] Figure 1A and 1B is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1A 1 is an external perspective view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 1 when viewed in the incident direction of radiation. Figure 1B This is an external perspective view when viewed from the side opposite to the incident direction. Figure 2 When viewed from the direction of the arrow, Figure 1A 2 is a cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 1 taken along line AA shown in FIG. Figure 3A It is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the thick portion when viewed in the incident direction of radiation. Figure 3B It is a local plan view of the thick portion when viewed in the incident direction of the radiation.

[0101] The radiation imaging apparatus 100-1 detects radiation emitted from a radiation generating apparatus not shown and transmitted through a subject using a radiation detection panel 1003. Radiographic images obtained by the radiation imaging apparatus 100-1 are transmitted to the outside, displayed on a monitor or the like, and used for diagnosis or the like.

[0102] The interior of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 1 is covered with a housing 1001 including a thick portion 1001 a and a thin portion 1001 b .

[0103] like Figure 2 As shown, the radiation detection panel 1003 includes a phosphor layer that converts the amount of radiation into light and an imaging detection panel that detects the light as electric charge.

[0104] The camera detection panel includes a plurality of pixel devices arranged two-dimensionally on an insulating substrate, each pixel device including a conversion element for converting the amount of radiation into the amount of charge and a switch element for transmitting an electrical signal based on the charge. The insulating substrate is suitably formed of, for example, glass, flexible plastic, etc. For the phosphor layer, a material such as CsI (cesium iodide) is suitable. A phosphor protective film for protecting the phosphor from moisture may also be provided.

[0105] The radiation detection panel 1003 is connected to a reading circuit 1005, a control substrate 1006, and the like via a flexible printed circuit 1004. The reading circuit 1005 reads an electrical signal from a pixel device of the radiation detection panel 1003. The control substrate 1006 performs electrical signal control, direct current voltage conversion, and the like of a drive circuit for supplying a drive signal having a voltage for turning on the switch element to the switch element.

[0106] In the above description, the radiation detection panel 1003 is described as being a so-called indirect conversion type, including a phosphor layer and a pixel device. However, this is not restrictive. For example, the radiation detection panel 1003 may be a so-called direct conversion type, including a conversion element unit in which a conversion element formed of a-Se or the like and an electrical element such as a thin film transistor (TFT) are arranged two-dimensionally.

[0107] The radiation detection panel 1003 is arranged inside the thin portion 1001b. As another component, an impact absorbing layer is located between the incident surface side and the radiation detection panel 1003 to protect the radiation detection panel 1003 from external impacts, etc. The impact absorbing layer is suitably formed of foamed resin, gel, etc., however other materials may also be used.

[0108] In order to achieve portability and strength in a compatible manner, the housing 1001 is suitably formed of a magnesium alloy, fiber reinforced plastic, plastic, etc., but other materials may also be used. Specifically, the effective imaging area surface 1001c of the radiation detection panel is suitably formed of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic having high radiation transmittance and excellent lightness, etc., but other materials may also be used. The thin portion rear surface 1001d is suitably formed of a radiation shielding material containing one of the heavy metals Pb, Ba, Ta, Mo and W or stainless steel, for example, but other materials may also be used.

[0109] When photographing a subject such as a patient, the radiation imaging device may be placed just behind the imaging site of the subject. In doing so, due to the step caused by the thickness of the radiation imaging device, the edge of the subject and the radiation imaging device contact and generate a reaction force, and the subject may feel uncomfortable.

[0110] Conventionally, radiation imaging devices are generally set to a size that complies with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4090:2001, and generally have a thickness of about 15 mm-16 mm. In the present exemplary embodiment, the thin portion 1001 b has a thickness of 8.0 mm. During imaging, this reduces the step generated by the thickness of the radiation imaging device 100-1, and can reduce the reaction force generated between the subject and the end portion of the radiation imaging device 100-1.

[0111] In order to obtain such an effect, the thin portion 1001b does not need to be limited to a thickness of 8.0 mm, and may be thinner. In particular, a thickness of less than 10.0 mm has been proven to be effective.

[0112] like Figure 2 and Figure 3A As shown, the thick portion 1001a includes a reading circuit 1005, a control substrate 1006, and a secondary battery 1007 (for example, a lithium-ion battery, a double-layer capacitor, and an all-solid-state battery, etc.). A wireless module unit for performing transmission and reception with an external device not shown, an external connection terminal unit for power supply and data communication from an external device, a user interface unit for realizing status control and display, etc. are also arranged.

[0113] In order to improve the gripping property of the user, the thick portion 1001a is provided with a gripping portion 1002. Figure 2 and Figure 3B As shown, the grip portion 1002 has a shape of a hole extending through the rear side of the thick portion 1001a. The grip portion 1002 desirably has a width W of 60 mm or more, which allows two to three fingers to be placed therein (assuming that the width of the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers is about 20 mm).

[0114] Providing the aforementioned gripping portion 1002 in the thick portion 1001a can improve the grip and portability of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-1. This facilitates the user to manipulate the radiation imaging apparatus 100-1 when performing operations such as inserting or removing the radiation imaging apparatus 100-1 directly under a subject in a supine position, and enables rapid imaging.

[0115] In order to make it easier to place a finger when the rear surface of the radiation imaging device 100-1 is in contact with the ground, it is more appropriate to provide a gap between the thick portion side surface 1001f and the ground. For example, in order to provide the gap, the thick portion rear surface 1001e may be inclined relative to the thin portion rear surface 1001d, rather than configuring the thick portion rear surface 1001e and the thin portion rear surface 1001d on the same plane.

[0116] <Second Exemplary Embodiment>

[0117] Next, a grip portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment will be described. Description of a configuration similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0118] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 4A : is an external perspective view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 2 when viewed in the incident direction of radiation. Figure 4B This is an external perspective view when viewed from the side opposite to the incident direction. Figure 5 When viewed from the direction of the arrow Figure 4A 1020 is a partial cross-sectional view of the grip portion 1020 taken along line BB shown in FIG. Figure 6 1001a is a partial cross-sectional view of the thick portion 1001a when viewed in the incident direction of radiation. Fig. 7A is a partial plan view of the thick portion 1001a when viewed in the incident direction of radiation. Figure 7B 1001a is a partial plan view of the thick portion 1001a when viewed from the side opposite to the incident direction.

[0119] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The radiation imaging apparatus 100-2 shown includes a grip portion 1020a of a concave shape in the incident surface side of the thick portion 1001a, and a grip portion 1020b in the rear side opposite to the incident surface. Since the grip portion 1020 has a concave shape, as shown in FIG. Figure 6As shown, the structures (e.g., control substrate 1006, secondary battery 1007) included in the gripping portions 1020a, 1020b and the thick portion 1001a can be located at overlapping positions in a plan view when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the incident surface. Compared with a gripping portion as a through hole, this can provide a larger layout space for the control substrate 1006 and secondary battery 1007 included therein.

[0120] By configuring the components located at a position overlapping with the grip portion 1020 in a plan view as thin objects (eg, a bare board surface without a mounting portion and an FFC), the grip portion 1020 can be made deeper.

[0121] When holding the radiation imaging apparatus 100-2 and inserting / removing the radiation imaging apparatus 100-2 into / from the gap between the subject and the contact surface on which the subject lies in a supine posture, the grip portion 1020a is gripped with the thumb (first finger) and the grip portion 1020b is gripped with the other fingers. Figure 5 , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the depth Df of the grip portion 1020a and the depth Dr of the grip portion 1020b are therefore preferably Df≤Dr, and the width Wf of the grip portion 1020a and the width Wr of the grip portion 1020b are Wf≤Wr. In addition, considering the length and width of the distal joint of the finger, it is desirable that Df+Dr≥5mm, Wf≥20mm, and Wr≥60mm.

[0122] <Third Exemplary Embodiment>

[0123] Next, a grip portion of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment will be described. Description of configurations similar to those of the first and second exemplary embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0124] Fig. 8A and 8B is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 3 according to the third exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 8A : is an external perspective view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 3 when viewed in the incident direction of radiation. Figure 8B This is an external perspective view when viewed from the side opposite to the incident direction. Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the grip portion 1021 and the hand entry portion 1022. Fig.10 When viewed from the direction of the arrow Fig. 8A A partial cross-sectional view of the grip portion 1021 taken along line CC is shown.

[0125] like Fig. 8A and Figure 8BAs shown, the radiation imaging apparatus 100-3 has a grip portion 1021 arranged in the rear side of the thick portion 1001a opposite to the incident direction of radiation. A hand entry portion 1022 is arranged in the thick portion side surface 1001f.

[0126] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the grip portion 1021 includes a bottom surface 1021a, a side surface 1021b, and a side surface 1021c. The hand entry portion 1022 includes a bottom wall 1022a and a side wall 1022b. The surface of the bottom wall 1022a is an example of a hand entry surface. The surface of the side wall 1022b is an example of a side wall.

[0127] The side wall 1022b according to the present exemplary embodiment is orthogonal to the incident surface of the radiation. The bottom wall 1022a is adjacent to the thick portion side surface 1001f and the side surface 1021c of the gripping portion 1021. The side wall 1022b is adjacent to the bottom wall 1022a, the thick portion side surface 1001f, and the thin portion rear surface 1001d. The bottom wall 1022a widens from the gripping portion 1021 toward the thick portion side surface 1001f. In addition, the bottom wall 1022a is inclined toward the incident surface when approaching from the gripping portion 1021 toward the thick portion side surface 1001f. In order to facilitate the insertion of the fingertip, the hand entry portion 1022 desirably has a height h of h≥5mm.

[0128] The above-mentioned inclination provides the effect of facilitating the fingers to approach the hand entry portion 1022 from the side surface of the housing and increasing the side wall height of the grip portion 1021 so that the fingers can be easily placed in the grip portion 1021.

[0129] Since the bottom wall 1022a of the hand entry portion 1022 is adjacent to the side surface 1021c of the grip portion 1021, the fingers can be easily placed without visual observation in the continuous action of sliding the fingers from the hand entry portion 1022 to the grip portion 1021.

[0130] Although the preferred first to third exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these exemplary embodiments are not restrictive, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above exemplary embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0131] The first to third exemplary embodiments of the present invention include features described in the following appendix.

[0132] [Appendix 1]

[0133] A radiation imaging device comprising:

[0134] a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation that has passed through a subject and is incident on an incident surface, and

[0135] a housing accommodating the radiation detection panel,

[0136] wherein the shell includes a thick portion and a thin portion, the thick portion is thicker in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and is located at one end of the shell, and the thin portion is thinner than the thick portion and at least partially overlaps with the effective imaging area when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, and

[0137] Wherein, the thick portion includes a grip portion having a concave shape.

[0138] [Appendix 2]

[0139] According to the radiation imaging device described in Appendix 1,

[0140] wherein the thick portion includes a thick incident surface on which radiation is incident and a thick rear surface opposite to the thick incident surface, and

[0141] Wherein, the gripping portion is arranged in at least any one of the thick incident surface and the thick rear surface.

[0142] [Appendix 3]

[0143] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 2, wherein the grip portion includes an incident-side grip portion as a grip portion arranged in the thick incident surface and a rear-side grip portion as a grip portion arranged in the thick rear surface.

[0144] [Appendix 4]

[0145] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 3, wherein the incident side grip portion has a length of 20 mm or more, and the rear side grip portion has a length of 60 mm or more in a direction along a boundary between a thin portion and a thick portion.

[0146] [Appendix 5]

[0147] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 3 or 4, wherein a depth of the rear side grip portion from the thick rear surface is greater than a depth of the incident side grip portion from the thick incident surface.

[0148] [Appendix 6]

[0149] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 3 to 5, wherein a sum of a depth of the incident-side grip portion from the thick incident surface and a depth of the rear-side grip portion from the thick rear surface is 5 mm or more.

[0150] [Appendix 7]

[0151] The radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 2 to 6,

[0152] wherein the thick portion comprises a thick side surface connecting the thick incident surface and the thick rear surface, and

[0153] wherein the concave-shaped hand entry portion is arranged adjacent to the thick side surface and the thick rear surface.

[0154] [Appendix 8]

[0155] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 7, wherein the hand entry portion includes a hand entry surface adjacent to the grip portion and the thick side surface.

[0156] [Appendix 9]

[0157] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 8, wherein a depth of the hand entry surface from the thick rear surface is smaller than a depth of the grip portion from the thick rear surface.

[0158] [Appendix 10]

[0159] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 2 to 9, wherein the thick rear surface is inclined relative to a surface of the thin portion opposite to the incident surface.

[0160] [Appendix 11]

[0161] The radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10,

[0162] wherein the thick portion includes a control unit configured to control the radiation detection panel and a power supply unit configured to supply power to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus, and

[0163] Wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, the grip portion is located at a position overlapping with at least any one of the control unit and the power supply unit.

[0164] According to the features described in the aforementioned Appendices 1 to 11, there is provided a radiation imaging apparatus having good holdability and improved user operability.

[0165] <Fourth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0166] Fig.11 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 4 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.11 The external appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 4 in which the radiation detection panel 2001 is built is shown. Fig. 12A Shown along Fig.11 DD is a cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-4, Fig. 12B Shows Fig. 12A An enlarged view of part α in FIG.

[0167] The radiation imaging apparatus 100-4 detects radiation emitted from a radiation generating apparatus not shown and transmitted through a subject using a radiation detection panel 2001. Radiographic images obtained by the radiation imaging apparatus 100-4 are transmitted to the outside, displayed on a monitor or the like, and used for diagnosis or the like.

[0168] The radiation detection panel 2001 according to the present exemplary embodiment is an indirect conversion system, including a sensor substrate on which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (sensors) are arranged, a phosphor layer (scintillator layer) located on the sensor substrate, and a phosphor protective film. However, this is not restrictive. For example, the radiation detection panel 2001 can be a so-called direct conversion type, including a conversion element unit in which conversion elements formed of a-Se, etc. and electrical elements such as TFTs are arranged two-dimensionally.

[0169] The radiation detection panel 2001 includes some or all of the photoelectric conversion elements (sensors) in its effective imaging area. The effective imaging area is an area where radiation imaging can be performed and a radiation image is actually generated. In the present exemplary embodiment, the effective imaging area has a roughly rectangular shape when observed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface of the radiation imaging device 100-4 where the radiation is incident. However, the shape is not limited to this and can be roughly polygonal.

[0170] The phosphor protection film is formed of a material having low moisture permeability, and is provided to protect the phosphor from deliquescence due to moisture.

[0171] The radiation detection panel 2001 is connected to a flexible circuit board 2004. A control substrate 2005 that reads a detection signal from the radiation detection panel 2001 and processes the read detection signal is further connected to the flexible circuit board 2004. The radiation imaging apparatus 100-4 includes a housing (casing) 2007 that accommodates the radiation detection panel 2001. The sensor substrate of the radiation detection panel 2001 is suitably formed of a material such as glass and flexible plastic, but is not limited thereto.

[0172] The housing 2007 includes a thick portion 2007a which is located at one end of the housing 2007 and is thicker in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, and a thin portion 2007b which is thinner than the thick portion 2007a. When observed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation detection panel 2001 is located in the thin portion 2007b. When observed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, the thin end portion 2007c which is the end portion of the thin portion 2007b includes an inclined portion 2007d. In other words, the thin portion 2007b includes an inclined portion 2007d at an edge other than the edge adjacent to the thick portion 2007a.

[0173] The thick portion 2007a includes at least a portion of the control substrate 2005. The thick portion 2007a also includes a battery 2002 for supplying necessary power to the components of the radiation imaging device 100-4. Examples of the battery 2002 include lithium ion batteries, double electric layer capacitors, and all-solid batteries, but other batteries can be used. By accommodating relatively thick components in the thick portion 2007a, the thin portion 2007b can be made thinner. The thin portion 2007b can be constructed as a flexible component, in which case, a rigid component such as the battery 2002 is suitably accommodated in the thick portion 2007a.

[0174] In order to achieve portability and strength in a compatible manner, the housing 2007 is suitably formed of magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, fiber reinforced plastic, plastic, etc., but other materials may also be used. Specifically, the incident surface of the thin portion 2007b where the effective imaging area is located and where the radiation is incident is suitably formed of a material with high radiation transmittance and excellent lightness. For example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, etc., may be used, but other materials may also be used.

[0175] The buffer material 2003 is arranged between the radiation detection panel 2001 and the incident surface of the housing 2007, thereby protecting the radiation detection panel 2001 from the influence of external forces, etc. The buffer material 2003 can be formed by foam resin, gel, etc., but other materials can also be used. A support base 2006 is provided to support the radiation detection panel 2001. The support base 2006 is suitably formed by a material with excellent lightness. Examples include magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, fiber reinforced plastics and plastics, but other materials can also be used.

[0176] Next, the shape of the housing 2007 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described. Conventionally, radiation imaging apparatuses are generally provided in a size conforming to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4090: 2001. Therefore, many radiation imaging apparatuses are formed to have a thickness of approximately 15 mm to 16 mm.

[0177] When a subject is photographed using a radiation imaging device, the radiation imaging device may be placed just behind the imaging site of the subject. In doing so, due to a step caused by the thickness of the radiation imaging device, the end portion of the radiation imaging device contacts the subject to generate a reaction force, and the subject may feel uncomfortable. In addition, a large insertion force may be required, which may hinder a quick imaging operation.

[0178] In the present exemplary embodiment, the thin portion 2007b has a shell thickness of 8.0 mm. During imaging, this reduces the step generated by the thickness of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-4, and can alleviate the reaction force generated between the object and the edge of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-4. Specifically, in order to obtain such an effect, it has been confirmed that a shell thickness of the thin portion 2007b of less than 10.0 mm is effective.

[0179] In the present exemplary embodiment, not only is the radiation imaging device 100-4 provided with the thin portion 2007b, but also an inclined portion 2007d is provided on an edge of a thin end portion 2007c serving as an insertion front edge during insertion among the multiple edges of the thin portion 2007b. The provision of the inclined portion 2007d can configure the end portion of the radiation imaging device 100-4 to be smaller in thickness. The inclined portion 2007d can be arranged on both the incident surface side of the housing 2007 and the surface (bottom surface) opposite to the incident surface. The inclined portion 2007d is not limited to Fig. 12B The rounded shape and can have Fig.13 Chamfer shape shown.

[0180] like Fig. 12B and Fig.13 As shown, the heights of the inclined portion 2007d and the side surface of the housing 2007 in the radiation incident direction are referred to as height x, height y, and height z. Fig.13 As shown, the height x is desirably the largest compared to the heights y and z. On the contrary, the height y is desirably the smallest. The height x is desirably greater than or equal to half the thickness of the thin portion 2007b. The side surface constituting the height y is desirably positioned closer to the bottom side. This configuration improves the ease of insertion of the radiation imaging device 100-4.

[0181] The above-mentioned configuration can increase the contact area between the radiation imaging device 100-4 and the subject during the insertion operation of the radiation imaging device 100-4. In addition, it is also possible to generate a reaction force in a direction different from the insertion direction. This reduces the pressure on the subject such as a patient due to the reaction force, and it can be expected to reduce the discomfort of the subject such as the patient. In addition, since the radiation imaging device 100-4 is less likely to be caught by a bed sheet or the like during insertion, providing the inclined portion 2007d on the bottom side can also be expected to provide an effect of improving operability.

[0182] The highly portable radiation imaging device 100-4 may be subjected to impacts, etc., such as when accidentally dropped. In order to ensure normal operation of the radiation detection function even in such a case, it is desirable to design the radiation imaging device 100-4 in consideration of impact resistance. Because imaging may be performed with the weight of a subject such as a patient directly applied during imaging, strength against static pressure is also required.

[0183] Compared to radiographic devices with thicker constructions, radiographic devices with thin sections may have low strength against external forces due to the thin outer shape. The low profile also limits the components that can be incorporated inside. Since thick components are difficult to incorporate, it is challenging to increase rigidity, and it is difficult to obtain appropriate bending rigidity and strength.

[0184] In this exemplary embodiment, housing 2007 comprises three parts, i.e. incident surface unit, bottom surface unit and lateral side unit. The lateral side unit which is thicker in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface is sandwiched between the incident surface unit and the bottom surface unit. The incident surface unit and the bottom surface unit are combined in a plane using adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, etc. The bonding can prevent the reduction of the rigidity of the fastening part. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the incident surface unit and the side surface unit can be integrated to improve rigidity.

[0185] At the same time, in order to reduce weight, the lateral side unit can be formed of a material having a bending modulus and a specific gravity lower than those of the incident surface unit and the bottom surface unit. A material having a high bending modulus can be arranged on the surface layer side of the thin end portion 2007c to improve the bending strength of the entire housing 2007.

[0186] The lateral side unit and the bottom surface unit are fastened by screws. When a large bend or twist occurs on the thin portion 2007b, it can be expected that the external force can be absorbed by the effects of, for example, sliding of the screw seat and point fastening.

[0187] In addition, if Fig.14A and 14BAs shown, the vertical wall may be erected so that the bottom surface unit constitutes a part of the lateral side to improve rigidity. The lateral side unit or the incident surface unit may be integrated with a part of the thick portion 2007a to improve rigidity.

[0188] It is also desirable to provide an inclined portion 2007d to relieve stress when the housing 2007 is deformed. Fig. 14B As shown, the inclined portion 2007d is desirably positioned to overlap the fastening portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, so that a larger area can be covered. Although not shown, a rubber or other waterproof gasket can be inserted to make the housing 2007 waterproof.

[0189] As viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, the thick portion 2007a is desirably located at the end opposite to the thin end portion 2007c where the inclined portion 2007d is arranged. When applying force in the insertion direction, the user can apply force to the wide surface of the thick portion 2007a. This can be expected to reduce the pressure on the user due to the contact force and improve operability. Similar to the inclined portion 2007d of the thin end portion 2007c, the thick portion 2007a can also be provided with an inclined portion at a position where the incident surface is adjacent to the side surface. This can be expected to further reduce the pressure.

[0190] like Fig.15A As shown, in consideration of portability and operability during insertion and removal, the grip portion 2008 may be disposed at the end of the thick portion 2007a opposite to the side of the thin end portion 2007c where the inclined portion 2007d is disposed. Fig. 15B As shown, the thick portion 2007a can be inclined toward the radiation incident side relative to the thin portion 2007b. This can improve operability during insertion and removal operations and portability.

[0191] As described above, the effective imaging area is located in the thin portion 2007b, and the inclined portion 2007d is arranged on the thin end portion 2007c. Thus, it is possible to provide a radiation imaging device 100-4 that reduces the burden felt by a subject such as a patient in a compatible manner and improves the operability of the user during the insertion and removal operation. By providing the thick portion 2007a at least at the end of the thin end portion 2007c opposite to the inclined portion 2007d, the operability of the user during the insertion and removal can be further improved.

[0192] In the present exemplary embodiment, the housing 2007 of the thin portion 2007b is configured to be simply flat. However, this is not restrictive, and for the purpose of improving rigidity, protrusions and recesses may be formed, or the thickness of the outer shape may be partially changed. Fig.16AAs shown, the thickness of the thin portion 2007b may gradually increase to form an outer shape continuous with the thick portion 2007a.

[0193] exist Fig. 16B In the embodiment, the inclined portion 2007d is arranged on only one side of the thin portion 2007b of the housing 2007, and such a configuration can be adopted. In this case, by arranging the inclined portion 2007d on the side opposite to the thick portion 2007a relative to the center of the housing 2007 when viewed in the incident direction, a configuration with good insertion and removal operability can be provided.

[0194] The bottom surface unit of the housing 2007 has a flat structure including a thick portion 2007a. However, the thick portion 2007a may be configured to protrude from the bottom. In the present exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the thick portion 2007a is 24mm. However, as with conventional radiation imaging devices, the thick portion 2007a may be configured to be less than 16mm.

[0195] <Fifth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0196] In the present exemplary embodiment, thin portion 2007b is thinner than in the fourth exemplary embodiment. The present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0197] Fig.17 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 5 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.17 The external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 5 incorporating a radiation detection panel 2001 according to the present exemplary embodiment is shown. Fig.18A Shown along Fig.17 1 is a cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 5 taken along line EE shown in FIG. Fig.18B Shows Fig.18A An enlarged view of part β in FIG.

[0198] In the radiation imaging device 100-5 according to the present exemplary embodiment, as in the fourth exemplary embodiment, the housing 2007 that accommodates the radiation detection panel 2001 includes a thick portion 2007a that is thicker in the radiation incident direction and a thin portion 2007b that is thinner than the thick portion 2007a. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation detection panel 2001 is located in the thin portion 2007b. The thin end portion 2007c that is the end portion of the thin portion 2007b includes an inclined portion 2007d. The thick portion 2007a includes a battery 2002 and a control substrate 2005 that controls the radiation detection panel 2001.

[0199] Here, the radiation detection panel 2001 includes a sensor substrate and a phosphor in order in the radiation incident direction. The sensor substrate and the inner side of the incident surface of the housing 2007 are fastened using a pressure-sensitive adhesive or the like, thereby supporting the radiation detection panel 2001. The sensor substrate is suitably formed of flexible plastic, however other materials may be used.

[0200] In the present exemplary embodiment, the thin portion 2007b is configured to be 4.5 mm. For such a thin configuration, the thin portion 2007b in the fourth exemplary embodiment is omitted. Fig. 12A The cushioning material 2003 and the supporting base 2006 are shown. Instead of screw connection as in the fourth exemplary embodiment, the housing 2007 is fastened by a pressure-sensitive adhesive or an adhesive. The reason is that in the case of screw connection like the fourth exemplary embodiment, a certain screw engagement length is required in the radiation incident direction, which is one of the factors that tend to hinder thickness reduction.

[0201] Fastening using a pressure-sensitive adhesive or an adhesive can provide fastening force over a wide area and is easy to improve strength compared to screws, etc. Here, a bonding structure in which the bonding surface is partially omitted can be adopted.

[0202] The pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive here is desirably waterproof. In view of easy maintenance, the pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive is also desirably removable. For the purpose of peeling, a material whose adhesion decreases when exposed to heat, ultraviolet rays, etc. is suitable. Configuring the thin portion 2007b to be thinner than in the fourth exemplary embodiment in this way can further reduce the reaction force caused by contact between the subject such as a patient and the radiation imaging device 100-5 during the insertion operation and during imaging.

[0203] In the present exemplary embodiment, thin portion 2007b is thinner than in the fourth exemplary embodiment. Therefore, there is a worry that the strength of thin portion 2007b may be reduced. Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the incident surface unit and the side surface unit are integrally constructed. In addition, the thickness of the side surface unit in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface is increased to provide a wide adhesion area that adheres to the bottom surface unit, and to improve the rigidity of thin portion 2007b.

[0204] Although adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive is used in the present exemplary embodiment, a low profile can be achieved by using a screw fastening method with a reduced screw size. In this case, when the deformation due to torsion or bending of the thin portion 2007b increases, the external force can be expected to be absorbed by the displacement of the screw seat, etc. Screws, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and adhesives are not restrictive, and the housing 2007 can be fastened using a structure such as a snap fit or a chimeric fit.

[0205] Similar to the fourth exemplary embodiment, providing the inclined portion 2007d on the thin end portion 2007c can be expected to reduce the pressure due to the reaction force on the subject such as a patient. Fig.18B Instead of a rounded shape, it can have, for example Fig.19 Chamfer shape shown.

[0206] As viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, the inclined portion 2007d is positioned to overlap the radiation detection panel 2001, the effective imaging area, and the fastening portion of the housing 2007. Therefore, despite the small thickness, a large inclined portion 2007d can be formed. This also facilitates the realization of a narrow frame structure that reduces the distance between the outline of the housing 2007 and the effective imaging area while maintaining the rigidity of the thin portion 2007b. An effect of reducing discomfort of a subject such as a patient can also be expected.

[0207] Here, the housing 2007 does not necessarily have to be Fig.18A , 18B and 19. For example, Fig. 20A and 20B As shown, the incident surface unit, the bottom surface unit and the side surface unit of the thin end portion 2007c may be integrally molded. Fig. 20A In the embodiment, the shape is achieved by molding the thin portion 2007b into a bag-like form. Fig. 20B Similarly, the housing 2007 can be fastened at a position overlapping the radiation detection panel 2001 as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface. Even with this configuration, the distance between the outline of the housing 2007 and the effective imaging area can be reduced, which contributes to a so-called narrow frame structure.

[0208] This integrated structure of the incident surface unit, the side surface unit, and the bottom surface unit of the thin end portion 2007c can be expected to improve rigidity. Considering the impact force from the end portion, the thickness of the thin end portion 2007c in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface can be increased. This improves the strength of the thin portion 2007b, and the operability and strength of the radiation imaging device 100-5 can be achieved in a compatible manner.

[0209] When the radiation imaging device is subjected to external force, large stress may be concentrated on the boundary between the thick portion and the thin portion. Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the thick inclined portion as the boundary between the thick portion 2007a and the thin portion 2007b is formed into a curved surface so that the thickness of the housing 2007 gradually changes. This can alleviate the stress concentration on the boundary between the thick portion 2007a and the thin portion 2007b.

[0210] Shaping the thick inclined portion into a curved surface can also reduce the pressure when a subject such as a patient contacts the end portion of the thick portion 2007a during insertion. In addition, in order to facilitate the realization of a narrow frame structure, the thick inclined portion and the radiation detection panel 2001 can be configured to overlap when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0211] <Sixth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0212] The present exemplary embodiment relates to a mode in which the thin end portion 2007c is formed of plastic having excellent impact resistance. The present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0213] Fig.21 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 6 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.21 The external appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 6 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment in which a radiation detection panel 2001 is built is shown. Fig.22A Shown along Fig.21 2 is a cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 6 taken along line FF shown in FIG. Fig. 22B Shows Fig.22A Enlarged view of the middle part γ.

[0214] In the radiation imaging device 100-6 according to the present exemplary embodiment, similar to the fourth exemplary embodiment, the housing 2007 that accommodates the radiation detection panel 2001 includes a thick portion 2007a that is thicker in the radiation incident direction and a thin portion 2007b that is thinner than the thick portion 2007a. As viewed in the radiation incident direction, the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation detection panel 2001 is located in the thin portion 2007b. The thin end portion 2007c that is the end portion of the thin portion 2007b is provided with an inclined portion 2007d.

[0215] The thick portion 2007a includes the battery 2002 and the control substrate 2005 that controls the radiation detection panel 2001. The thin portion 2007b is configured to be 4.5 mm. In order to be thinner than the configuration in the fourth exemplary embodiment, the Fig. 12A The cushioning material 2003 and the supporting base 2006 are shown in FIG, but they may be provided if the outer shape is satisfied.

[0216] Here, the composition Fig.21 , Fig.22A and Fig. 22BThe components of the thick part 2007a and the thin part 2007b, the side surface, etc. of the incident surface side of the housing 2007 shown in the figure will be referred to as the front cover. The bottom surface opposite to the front cover will be referred to as the back cover. The back cover has a simple flat plate shape and is formed by magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, fiber reinforced plastic, plastic, etc. with excellent lightness, but can be constructed in other ways. Although the back cover in the figure is a simple flat plate, projections and recesses can be formed or ribs can be formed to improve rigidity.

[0217] On the other hand, the periphery of the front cover is formed of a frame-shaped plastic, and the other parts are formed of a thin carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). However, the front cover may be constructed in other ways. The CFRP and the surrounding frame-shaped plastic are integrally constructed by using an integral molding technique such as insert molding, however other techniques such as bonding may be used. The plastic is desirably a plastic having excellent impact resistance, and may be formed of a material such as an elastomer, however other materials may also be used.

[0218] Similar to the fifth exemplary embodiment, the front cover and the rear cover are fastened using an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive, however other fastening methods may be used. Similar to the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments, the inclined portion 2007d is located on the incident surface side and the bottom side of the plastic frame portion constituting the thin end portion 2007c.

[0219] In this exemplary embodiment, Fig. 22B As shown, the thin end portion 2007c is configured so that the frame-shaped plastic portion protrudes from the CFRP toward the radiation incident side when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident direction. This facilitates contact between the subject such as a patient and the frame-shaped plastic portion of the radiation imaging device 100-6 during insertion and during imaging. The plastic frame portion is formed of a material having an elastic modulus lower than that of the CFRP, and therefore an increase in the contact area of ​​the contact portion can be expected. Therefore, the pressure caused by the reaction force when the subject such as a patient contacts the radiation imaging device 100-6 can be reduced.

[0220] Forming the thin end portion 2007c from a low-rigidity plastic or elastomer as in the present exemplary embodiment can also be expected to provide a shock absorbing function in the event of a drop, etc. In view of the manipulation of the radiation imaging device 100-6 during the insertion operation, transportation, etc., the thick portion 2007a can be held to perform the operation. In this case, when the radiation imaging device 100-6 is accidentally dropped, etc., the thin end portion 2007c opposite to the thick portion 2007a can be the drop impact surface. Therefore, the frame-shaped plastic constituting a part of the thin end portion 2007c receives the drop impact, and the low elastic modulus can be expected to provide an effect of reducing the acceleration peak when the impact is applied.

[0221] In the present exemplary embodiment, the frame-shaped plastic and the CFRP are constructed as a single component by integral molding such as insert molding. However, this is not restrictive. Fig.23 An example of a configuration in which an elastic body is arranged on the thin end portion 2007c is shown. The elastic body may be formed of rubber or elastomer, but other materials may also be used.

[0222] The elastic body is sandwiched between the incident surface side and the bottom side of the housing 2007, but can be arranged using an adhesive or the like. The rubber sandwich structure can also provide waterproofness. Similar to the plastic frame portion, an impact absorption function and a pressure reduction due to a reaction force when the patient contacts the elastic body can also be expected. Similar to the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments, the elastic body is provided with an inclined portion 2007d.

[0223] In the present exemplary embodiment, the housing 2007 of the thin portion 2007b is configured to be simply flat. However, this is not restrictive, and protrusions and recesses may be formed or the thickness of the outer shape may be partially changed to improve rigidity. In addition, the frame-shaped plastic portion, the elastomer, etc. may be formed of a material other than the material of the present exemplary embodiment.

[0224] Although the preferred fourth to sixth exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these exemplary embodiments are not restrictive, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above exemplary embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0225] The fourth to sixth exemplary embodiments of the present invention include features described in the following appendix.

[0226] [Appendix 12]

[0227] A radiation imaging device comprising:

[0228] a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation that has passed through a subject and is incident on an incident surface; and

[0229] a housing accommodating the radiation detection panel,

[0230] wherein the shell includes a thick portion and a thin portion, the thick portion is thicker in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and is located at one end of the shell, and the thin portion is thinner than the thick portion and at least partially overlaps with the effective imaging area when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, and

[0231] The inclined portion is arranged on at least a portion of a side opposite to the thick portion among a plurality of sides of the thin portion, and the inclined portion is inclined at an end portion of the thin portion.

[0232] [Appendix 13]

[0233] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 12, wherein a height of the inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface is greater than or equal to a half of a thickness of the thin portion.

[0234] [Appendix 14]

[0235] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 12 or 13, wherein the inclined portion is arranged on at least either one of the incident surface and a surface opposite to the incident surface.

[0236] [Appendix 15]

[0237] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 14, wherein the inclined portion is arranged on both the incident surface and the surface opposite to the incident surface.

[0238] [Appendix 16]

[0239] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 15, wherein a height of the inclined portion arranged on the incident surface in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface is greater than a height of the inclined portion arranged on an opposing surface.

[0240] [Appendix 17]

[0241] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 15, further comprising a side surface connecting the inclined portion arranged on the incident surface and the inclined portion arranged on the opposing surface,

[0242] The height of the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface is smaller than the height of the inclined portion arranged on the incident surface in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0243] [Appendix 18]

[0244] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 15, further comprising a side surface connecting the inclined portion arranged on the incident surface and the inclined portion arranged on the opposing surface,

[0245] The height of the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface is smaller than the height of the inclined portion arranged on the opposite surface in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0246] [Appendix 19]

[0247] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 18, wherein the inclined portion and a portion of the radiation detection panel overlap as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0248] [Appendix 20]

[0249] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 19, wherein the housing has a substantially polygonal shape as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0250] [Appendix 21]

[0251] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 20, wherein the thin portion has a substantially polygonal shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, and includes an inclined portion on each side except a portion adjacent to the thick portion.

[0252] [Appendix 22]

[0253] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendixes 12 to 21, wherein the thick portion includes a grip portion for gripping the radiation imaging apparatus in an end portion opposite to a side contacting the thin portion.

[0254] [Appendix 23]

[0255] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 22, wherein the thick portion includes a thick inclined portion inclined at an end portion of the thick portion.

[0256] [Appendix 24]

[0257] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 23, wherein the thick portion includes a thick inclined portion on a side in contact with the thin portion, the thick inclined portion serving as a curved surface connecting the thin portion and the thick portion.

[0258] [Appendix 25]

[0259] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 24, wherein the thick inclined portion is positioned to at least partially overlap the radiation detection panel as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0260] [Appendix 26]

[0261] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 25, wherein the inclined portion is formed of a material different from a material of the thin portion.

[0262] [Appendix 27]

[0263] A radiation imaging device according to Appendix 26, wherein the inclined portion is formed of a material having a bending elastic modulus lower than the bending elastic modulus of at least any one of a material constituting the incident surface of the thin portion and a material constituting a surface of the thin portion opposite to the incident surface.

[0264] [Appendix 28]

[0265] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 27, wherein the inclined portion is arranged to protrude from an incident surface of the thin portion in a direction in which radiation is incident.

[0266] [Appendix 29]

[0267] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendixes 12 to 28, wherein the inclined portion and a fastening portion configured to fasten a housing are positioned to overlap as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0268] [Appendix 30]

[0269] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 29, wherein a fastening portion configured to fasten a casing and the radiation detection panel are positioned to overlap as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0270] [Appendix 31]

[0271] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 12 to 30, further comprising a control unit configured to control the radiation detection panel,

[0272] Wherein, at least a portion of the control unit is located inside the thick portion.

[0273] According to the features described in the aforementioned Appendices 12 to 31, there is provided a radiation imaging apparatus that improves the operability for the user and reduces the burden felt by the subject.

[0274] <Seventh Exemplary Embodiment>

[0275] Fig.24 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 7 according to the seventh exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.24 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 7 . Fig.25 is a cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-7, and specifically is a cross-sectional view along Fig.24 A cross-sectional view taken along line GG is shown. Fig.261 is a plan view of the radiation imaging device 100-7 when viewed in the radiation incident direction. The radiation imaging device 100-7 obtains a radiation image by irradiating a subject with radiation from a radiation generating device and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject. The radiation image obtained by the radiation imaging device 100-7 is transmitted to the outside, displayed on a monitor, etc., and used for diagnosis, etc.

[0276] The radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 7 includes a radiation detection panel 3001 , a control substrate 3005 , a battery 3006 , and a housing 3007 .

[0277] The radiation detection panel 3001 is a so-called indirect conversion system, including a sensor substrate on which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (sensors) are arranged, a phosphor layer (scintillator layer) located on the sensor substrate, and a phosphor protective film. The radiation detection panel 3001 includes some or all of the photoelectric conversion elements in its effective imaging area. Here, the effective imaging area refers to an area where radiation imaging can be performed and a radiation image is actually generated. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the effective imaging area is roughly rectangular when observed in the radiation incident direction. However, this is not restrictive. The sensor substrate is formed of materials such as glass and flexible plastic. The phosphor protective film protects the phosphor. The phosphor protective film is formed of a material having low moisture permeability to the phosphor.

[0278] Note that the radiation detection panel 3001 is not limited to the indirect conversion system and may be a direct conversion system. The radiation detection panel of the indirect conversion system includes a conversion element unit in which a conversion element formed of a-Se or the like and an electrical element such as a TFT are two-dimensionally arranged. The radiation detection panel 3001 is not limited to the indirect conversion system or the direct conversion type.

[0279] The control substrate 3005 serves as a control unit for controlling the radiation detection panel 3001. The control substrate 3005 reads a detection signal from the radiation detection panel 3001 and processes the read detection signal. The control substrate 3005 is connected to the radiation detection panel 3001 via the flexible circuit board 3002. The battery 3006 supplies necessary power to the radiation imaging device 100-7. Examples of the battery 3006 include a lithium ion battery, a double electric layer capacitor, and an all-solid-state battery.

[0280] The housing 3007 functions as a casing that includes (accommodates) the radiation detection panel 3001. In order to achieve portability and strength in a compatible manner, the housing 3007 is formed of magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, fiber reinforced plastic, plastic, etc. The housing 3007 includes a thin portion 3007a and a thick portion 3007b.

[0281] The thin portion 3007a is a portion whose thickness along the radiation incident direction is less than the thickness of the thick portion 3007b. The thin portion 3007a is roughly rectangular when viewed in the radiation incident direction. The thin portion 3007a accommodates the radiation detection panel 3001. In other words, the thin portion 3007a overlaps with the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation detection panel 3001 in the radiation incident direction. The buffer material 3003 is arranged between the incident surface of the thin portion 3007a and the radiation detection panel 3001. The buffer material 3003 protects the radiation detection panel 3001 from external forces, etc. In addition, the support base 3004 is arranged between the rear surface of the thin portion 3007a and the radiation detection panel 3001. The support base 3004 supports the radiation detection panel 3001. The incident surface of the thin portion 3007a is formed of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic having high radiation transmittance and excellent lightness, etc. The cushioning material 3003 is formed of foamed resin, gel or the like.

[0282] The incident surface of the thin portion 3007a is provided with a sensor indicator 3008 for enabling identification of the center of the effective imaging area. The sensor indicator 3008 according to the present exemplary embodiment is implemented by being colored or engraved in a cross shape, and the center of the cross shape indicates the center of the effective imaging area. However, the sensor indicator 3008 is not limited to the cross shape as long as the center of the effective imaging area can be identified.

[0283] The thick portion 3007b is a portion whose thickness along the radiation incident direction is greater than the thickness of the thin portion 3007a. When viewed in the radiation incident direction, the thick portion 3007b is roughly rectangular. The thick portion 3007b is positioned adjacent to the thin portion 3007a. Specifically, the thick portion 3007b is positioned along one of the four sides of the rectangular shape of the thin portion 3007a, and has an elongated shape along the one side. The thick portion 3007b accommodates the control substrate 3005 and the battery 3006. That is, the thick portion 3007b overlaps the control substrate 3005 and the battery 3006 in the radiation incident direction.

[0284] When photographing a subject such as a patient, the radiation imaging device 100-7 can be placed directly below the imaging site of the subject such as the patient. In doing so, a step generated by the thickness of the radiation imaging device contacts the subject such as the patient to cause a reaction force, and the patient such as the patient may feel uncomfortable. The housing 3007 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a thin portion 3007a thinner than the thick portion 3007b, thereby being able to reduce the step of the radiation imaging device 100-7. More specifically, by placing the thin portion 3007a of the radiation imaging device 100-7 directly below the imaging site of the subject such as the patient, the reaction force generated between the subject such as the patient and the end portion of the radiation imaging device 100-7 can be reduced to reduce the burden on the subject such as the patient. Specifically, the thin portion 3007a preferably has a thickness of 10.0 mm or less, and more preferably has a thickness of 8.0 mm or less. On the other hand, in order to maintain the layer structure and mechanical strength, the thin portion 3007a is desirably 5.0 mm or thicker. In order to reduce the reaction force and maintain the layer construction and mechanical strength in a compatible manner, an appropriate thickness of the thin portion 3007a is about 8 mm (±1 mm).

[0285] When imaging a subject such as a patient, a user such as a technician places the radiation imaging apparatus 100-7 directly below the imaging site of the subject such as the patient by performing an insertion operation to insert the radiation imaging apparatus 100-7 between the imaging site of the subject such as the patient and a bed or the like. Fig.24 Arrow A1 in FIG. 1 indicates the insertion direction when the radiation imaging apparatus 100-7 is inserted between an object such as a patient and a bed, and the radiation imaging apparatus 100-7 is inserted with the front end of the thin portion 3007a facing forward. Fig.24 As shown, the thin portion 3007a side of the housing 3007 will be referred to as the front side, and the thick portion 3007b side will be referred to as the rear side. In consideration of reducing burden and maintaining hygiene, etc., a towel, a bed sheet or other piece of cloth may be placed on the imaging part of the subject, such as a patient. Therefore, during the insertion operation of the radiation imaging device 100-7, the cloth covers the radiation imaging device 100-7, and makes it difficult to visually observe the sensor indicator 3008 of the radiation imaging device 100-7. With the radiation imaging device 100-7 according to the present exemplary embodiment, by contacting the boundary between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b and the front end portion of the thin portion 3007a, the center of the effective imaging area can be identified to a certain extent. However, the boundary between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b is not an area to be contacted during the insertion operation, and therefore, it is necessary to additionally set a portion for enabling identification of the effective imaging area on the area to be contacted during the insertion operation, so that the effective imaging area can be identified simultaneously with the insertion operation.

[0286] The housing 3007 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a recognition portion that enables tactile recognition of the effective imaging area during the insertion operation. A specific configuration of the recognition portion will now be described.

[0287] The thin portion 3007a according to the present exemplary embodiment is formed to have two corner portions 3011a and two corner portions 3011b. The two corner portions 3011a and the two corner portions 3011b are portions corresponding to the four vertices (corners) of the rectangular shape of the thin portion 3007a. The thin portion 3007a according to the present exemplary embodiment has a width Wa (see FIG. 1 ) greater than the width Wb of the thick portion 3007b. Fig.26 ). The thin portion 3007a protrudes from both sides of the thick portion 3007b in the width direction, whereby two corner portions 3011a are located outside the thick portion 3007b in the width direction. The corner portions 3011a and 3011b serve as identification portions for enabling tactile identification of the effective imaging area.

[0288] The corner portions 3011a are located on both sides of the boundary region between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b in the width direction. Here, the boundary region between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b refers to Fig.26 3007a and the thick portion 3007b are located at the center of the boundary region 3010a. Here, the boundary region 3010b is, for example, a region having a width W greater than the width Wa of the thin portion 3007a and a front-to-rear length L that is approximately twice the thickness dimension of the thin portion 3007a. Note that the length L of the boundary region 3010b may be close to, for example, the thickness dimension of the thick portion 3007b and is not particularly limited. The corner portion 3011a is located in the boundary region and is therefore used as a first identification portion for enabling tactile identification of the boundary between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b.

[0289] The corner portion 3011b is located away from the boundary area 3010b and is located on both sides of the width direction of the end (front end) of the thin portion 3007a opposite to the thick portion 3007b. Since it is located at the front end of the thin portion 3007a opposite to the thick portion 3007b, the corner portion 3011b serves as a second identification portion for enabling tactile identification of the front end of the thin portion 3007a.

[0290] The center position O between the two corner portions 3011 a and the two corner portions 3011 b is substantially the same as the center of the effective imaging area indicated by the sensor indicator 3008 .

[0291] Since the housing 3007 is constructed as described above, when the radiation imaging device 100-7 is inserted between a subject such as a patient and a bed, etc. via a cloth, etc., the corner portion 3011a can be contacted while performing a pushing operation. Since the corner portion 3011a is located in the boundary area between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b, the boundary between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b can be identified by contacting one of the corner portions 3011a. In addition, by contacting the two corner portions 3011a, the center in the width direction of the thin portion 3007a can be identified. In addition, by contacting the corner portion 3011b, the center of the front-to-back length of the thin portion 3007a, that is, the center of the effective imaging area can be identified.

[0292] Corner portions 3011a and 3011b have an outer shape having a curvature when viewed in the radiation incident direction. In the present exemplary embodiment, corner portions 3011a and 3011b are formed to have substantially the same curvature. Forming corner portions 3011a and 3011b into such an outer shape having a curvature facilitates identification of contact of corner portions 3011a and 3011b.

[0293] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the corner portion 3011a used as the identification portion for enabling identification of the boundary between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b is located in the boundary region 3010b between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b. Thus, the boundary between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b can be easily identified. In addition, the corner portion 3011a can be contacted while performing a pushing operation. Since the thin portion 3007a identified while inserting the radiation imaging apparatus 100-7 between the subject such as a patient and the bed or the like can be positioned directly below the imaging site of the subject such as the patient, this can improve the operability of radiation image capturing.

[0294] In addition, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the width Wa of the thin portion 3007a is configured to be larger than the width Wb of the thick portion 3007b, whereby the corner portion 3011a capable of a push operation can be arranged in the boundary region 3010b between the thin portion 3007a and the thick portion 3007b. On the contrary, if the width Wb of the thick portion 3007b is configured to be larger than the width Wa of the thin portion 3007a, the corner portion is formed with an inward curvature, which makes a push operation using the corner portion difficult. By configuring the width Wa of the thin portion 3007a to be larger than the width Wb of the thick portion 3007b as in the present exemplary embodiment, the corner portion 3011a can be shaped so that tactile recognition and a push operation can be performed simultaneously.

[0295] (Variation 1 of the Seventh Exemplary Embodiment)

[0296] Fig. 27 : is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the corner portion of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 7 according to the seventh exemplary embodiment. Fig. 27 The corner portion 3021a of the modified example 1 shown has a chamfered outer shape when viewed in the radiation incident direction. The chamfered outer shape of the corner portion 3021a facilitates recognition of the contact corner portion 3021a. In addition, the corner portions 3021b not shown located on both sides in the width direction of the front end portion of the thin portion 3007a may also be configured to have a chamfered outer shape. In this case, the corner portion 3021a and the corner portion 3021b desirably have substantially the same chamfered shape.

[0297] (Variation 2 of the Seventh Exemplary Embodiment)

[0298] Fig.28A and 28B 3037 is a diagram showing a modification 2 of the housing of the radiation imaging device 100-7 according to the seventh exemplary embodiment. The housing 3037 includes a thin portion 3037a and a thick portion 3037b. The thin portion 3037a is roughly rectangular when viewed in the radiation incident direction. The thick portion 3037b is roughly trapezoidal when viewed in the radiation incident direction. The thick portion 3037b is positioned along one of the four sides of the rectangular shape of the thin portion 3037a and has an elongated shape along the one side. The thick portion 3037b has a width Wb at its rear end when viewed in the radiation incident direction, and is inclined toward the front side in a manner that increases in width. The front end of the thick portion 3037b has a width Wa that is the same as the width of the thin portion 3037a. That is, the two sides of the thick portion 3037b are shaped to be inclined relative to the front-to-back direction. The two sides of the thin portion 3037a have a straight line shape parallel to the front-to-back direction.

[0299] The thin portion 3037a according to the present exemplary embodiment is formed to have two corner portions 3051a and two corner portions 3011b. The two corner portions 3051a are located on both sides of the boundary area between the thin portion 3037a and the thick portion 3037b in the width direction. More specifically, the two corner portions 3051a are corners formed by connecting the lateral side of the thick portion 3037b inclined relative to the front-to-back direction and the straight lateral side of the thin portion 3037a parallel to the front-to-back direction, and have an angle greater than 90° and less than 180°. The two corner portions 3051a are used as an identification portion for enabling tactile identification of the effective camera area.

[0300] <Eighth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0301] Fig.29A and 29Bis a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 8 according to the eighth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.29A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 8 . Fig.29B It is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the structure of the radiation imaging device 100-8. The housing 3017 includes a thin portion 3017a and a thick portion 3017b. The thin portion 3017a according to the present exemplary embodiment is formed to have two corner portions 3031a and two corner portions 3031b. The two corner portions 3031a and the two corner portions 3031b are portions corresponding to the four vertices (corners) of the rectangular shape of the thin portion 3017a. The thin portion 3017a according to the present exemplary embodiment has a width that is substantially the same as the width of the thick portion 3017b. The housing 3017 includes a flange portion 3017c around the thick portion 3017b except for the thin portion 3017a side. The thickness of the flange portion 3017c along the radiation incident direction is, for example, substantially the same as the thickness of the thin portion 3017a.

[0302] The housing 3017 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a groove 3061a in the boundary region between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b. The groove 3061a is used as an identification portion for enabling identification of the boundary between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b. Here, the groove 3061a has a groove shape that is concave along the radiation incident direction. The groove 3061a is located at two corresponding corner portions 3031a. More specifically, the groove 3061a is located on both sides of the thick portion 3017b in the width direction, and is located between the corner portion 3031a of the thin portion 3017a and the flange portion 3017c.

[0303] Here, the groove 3061a has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the thin portion 3017a. Therefore, the groove 3061a is recessed from the top surface of the thin portion 3017a in the radiation incident direction. When the radiation imaging device 100-8 is inserted between a subject such as a patient and a bed, etc. via a cloth, etc., the groove 3061a can be contacted during the pushing operation. Since the groove 3061a is located in the boundary area between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b, the boundary between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b can be identified by contacting one of the grooves 3061a. In addition, the center in the width direction of the thin portion 3017a can be identified by contacting the two grooves 3061a. In addition, the center of the thin portion 3017a in the front-back direction, that is, the center of the effective imaging area, can be identified by contacting the corner portion 3031b.

[0304] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the housing 3017 further has a groove 3061b in the boundary area between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b and between the two corner portions 3031a (or more specifically, approximately in the center between the two). The cutout 3017d is formed approximately in the center of the thick portion 3017b in the width direction, and the groove 3061b can be contacted through the cutout 3017d. Fig.29A and Fig.29B In the embodiment, an inner cover 3017e for protecting the control substrate 3005 from being touched through the cutout 3017d is arranged inside the thick portion 3017b.

[0305] The groove 3061b has a thickness smaller than that of the thin portion 3017a. Therefore, the groove 3061b is recessed from the top surface of the thin portion 3017a in the radiation incident direction. When the radiation imaging device 100-8 is inserted between a subject such as a patient and a bed etc. via a cloth etc., the groove 3061b can be contacted during a pushing operation. Since the groove 3061b is located in the boundary area between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b and approximately in the center in the width direction, the boundary between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b and the center of the thin portion 3017a in the width direction can be identified by contacting the groove 3061b.

[0306] Providing the grooves 3061a and 3061b in the housing 3017 as in the present exemplary embodiment can further facilitate identification of the boundary between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b and facilitate the pushing operation in each direction.

[0307] The housing 3017 is not limited to the grooves 3061a and 3061b, but may include only the groove 3061a. The groove 3061b is not limited to being located in the boundary region between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b and approximately in the center in the width direction. The linear groove 3061b may be formed at the boundary between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b from one end to the other end in the width direction. A plurality of grooves 3061a may be formed intermittently.

[0308] (Variation 1 of the Eighth Exemplary Embodiment)

[0309] Fig.30 is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the groove of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 8 according to the eighth exemplary embodiment. Fig.30The groove 3062a of the modification example 1 shown is a through hole extending through the radiation incident direction. The groove 3062a is configured as a through hole to facilitate the pushing operation. The groove 3062a is configured as a through hole to facilitate the identification of the contact with the groove 3062a. In the case where the groove 3062b is present in the boundary portion between the thin portion 3017a and the thick portion 3017b and in the approximate center between the two corner portions 3031a, the groove 3062b may also be configured as a through hole.

[0310] <Ninth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0311] Fig.31A and Fig.31B is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 9 according to the ninth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.31A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 9 . Fig.31B It is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the structure of the radiation imaging device 100-9. The housing 3027 includes a thin portion 3027a and a thick portion 3027b. The thin portion 3027a according to the present exemplary embodiment has two corner portions 3041a and two corner portions 3041b. The two corner portions 3041a and the two corner portions 3041b are portions corresponding to the four vertices (corners) of the rectangular shape of the thin portion 3027a. The thin portion 3027a according to the present exemplary embodiment has a width that is substantially the same as the width of the thick portion 3027b. Note that the housing 3027 includes a flange portion 3027c around the thick portion 3027b except for the thin portion 3027a side. For example, the thickness of the flange portion 3027c along the radiation incident direction is substantially the same as the thickness of the thin portion 3027a.

[0312] The housing 3027 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a protrusion 3063a located in the boundary region between the thin portion 3027a and the thick portion 3027b. The protrusion 3063a is used as an identification portion for enabling identification of the boundary between the thin portion 3027a and the thick portion 3027b. Here, the protrusion 3063a has a protruding shape protruding in the radiation incident direction. The protrusion 3063a is located at two corresponding corner portions 3041a. More specifically, the protrusion 3063a is located on both sides of the thick portion 3027b in the width direction, and between the corner portion 3041a and the flange portion 3027c of the thin portion 3027a.

[0313] Here, the thickness of the protrusion 3063a is greater than the thickness of the thin portion 3027a and less than the thickness of the thick portion 3027b. Therefore, the protrusion 3063a protrudes from the top surface of the thin portion 3027a in the direction opposite to the radiation incident direction. When the radiation imaging device 100-9 is inserted between a subject such as a patient and a bed via a cloth, the protrusion 3063a can be contacted during the pushing operation. Since the protrusion 3063a is located in the boundary area between the thin portion 3027a and the thick portion 3027b, the boundary between the thin portion 3027a and the thick portion 3027b can be identified by contacting one of the protrusions 3063a. In addition, the center of the thin portion 3027a in the width direction can be identified by contacting the two protrusions 3063a. In addition, the center of the thin portion 3027a in the longitudinal direction, that is, the center of the effective imaging area, can be identified by contacting the corner portion 3041b.

[0314] Note that the housing 3027 may include a protrusion in the boundary region between the thin portion 3027a and the thick portion 3027b and between the two corner portions 3041a (or more specifically, approximately in the center between them), but the thick portion 3027b may hinder installation. Therefore, the protrusion 3063a is preferably arranged only at the two corner portions 3041a.

[0315] (Variation 1 of the Ninth Exemplary Embodiment)

[0316] Fig.32 is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 of the protrusion of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 9 according to the ninth exemplary embodiment. Fig.32 The protrusion 3064a of the modification 1 shown has a protruding shape protruding in a direction orthogonal to the radiation incident direction. Specifically, the protrusion 3064a protrudes from the thin portion 3027a and the thick portion 3027b in the width direction. Constructing the protrusion 3064a to protrude in the width direction facilitates the pushing operation. Constructing the protrusion 3064a to protrude in the width direction also facilitates identification of contact with the protrusion 3064a.

[0317] Although the preferred seventh to ninth exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these exemplary embodiments are not restrictive, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above exemplary embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0318] The seventh to ninth exemplary embodiments of the present invention include features described in the following appendix.

[0319] [Appendix 32]

[0320] A radiation imaging device comprising:

[0321] a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation transmitted through a subject irradiated with radiation from the radiation generating device; and

[0322] a housing accommodating the radiation detection panel,

[0323] Wherein, the housing comprises:

[0324] a thin portion, the thin portion overlapping the effective imaging area in the radiation incident direction,

[0325] a thick portion, the thick portion being thicker than the thin portion along the radiation incident direction, and

[0326] An identification portion is located in a boundary region between the thin portion and the thick portion and is configured to enable identification of a boundary between the thin portion and the thick portion.

[0327] [Appendix 33]

[0328] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 32, further comprising a control unit configured to control the radiation detection panel,

[0329] Wherein, the control unit is arranged inside the thick portion.

[0330] [Appendix 34]

[0331] The radiation imaging device according to Appendix 32 or 33,

[0332] wherein the thin portion is shaped to include a corner portion in the boundary region, and

[0333] wherein the identification portion is the corner portion and has an outer shape having a curvature when viewed in the radiation incident direction.

[0334] [Appendix 35]

[0335] The radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 32 to 34,

[0336] wherein the thin portion is shaped to include two corner portions in the boundary region, and

[0337] wherein the identification portion is the two corner portions and has an outer shape having a curvature when viewed in the radiation incident direction.

[0338] [Appendix 36]

[0339] The radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 32 to 35,

[0340] wherein the thin portion includes four corner portions, the four corner portions including two corner portions in a boundary region and two corner portions away from the boundary region,

[0341] wherein, in the case where the identification portion is a first identification portion, two corner portions in the boundary region serve as the first identification portion, and two corner portions away from the boundary region serve as the second identification portion, and

[0342] wherein the first identification portion and the second identification portion are formed to have outer shapes having substantially the same curvature when viewed in the radiation incident direction.

[0343] [Appendix 37]

[0344] The radiation imaging device according to Appendix 32 or 33,

[0345] wherein the thin portion is shaped to include a corner portion in the boundary region, and

[0346] wherein the identification portion is the corner portion and has an outer shape that is chamfered when viewed in the radiation incident direction.

[0347] [Appendix 38]

[0348] A radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 32 to 37, wherein, in a case where the identification portion is used as a first identification portion, the radiation imaging device includes two first identification portions in the boundary area and two second identification portions away from the boundary area,

[0349] The center position between the two first identification parts and the two second identification parts when viewed in the radiation incident direction is substantially the same as the center of the indicator of the effective imaging area.

[0350] [Appendix 39]

[0351] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 32 or 33, wherein the identification portion has a groove shape recessed along the radiation incident direction.

[0352] [Appendix 40]

[0353] According to the radiation imaging device described in Appendix 39,

[0354] wherein the thin portion is shaped to include two corner portions in the boundary region, and

[0355] Wherein, the identification portion is located only at each of the two corner positions.

[0356] [Appendix 41]

[0357] According to the radiation imaging device described in Appendix 39,

[0358] wherein the thin portion is shaped to include two corner portions in the boundary region, and

[0359] Wherein, the identification portion is located at each of the two corner portions and between the two corner portions in the boundary area.

[0360] [Appendix 42]

[0361] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 41, wherein a plurality of the identification portions are arranged between the two corner portions in the boundary region.

[0362] [Appendix 43]

[0363] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 39 to 42, wherein the groove shape is a through hole extending therethrough in the radiation incident direction.

[0364] [Appendix 44]

[0365] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 32 or 33, wherein the identification portion has a protruding shape.

[0366] [Appendix 45]

[0367] According to the radiation imaging device described in Appendix 44,

[0368] wherein the thin portion is shaped to include two corner portions in the boundary region, and

[0369] Wherein, the identification portion is located only at each of the two corner portions.

[0370] [Appendix 46]

[0371] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 44 or 45, wherein the protruding shape protrudes along the radiation incident direction.

[0372] [Appendix 47]

[0373] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 44 to 46, wherein a thickness of the protruding shape along the radiation incident direction is different from a thickness of the thick portion.

[0374] [Appendix 48]

[0375] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendixes 44 to 47, wherein a thickness of the protruding shape along the radiation incident direction is greater than a thickness of the thin portion.

[0376] [Appendix 49]

[0377] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 32 to 48, wherein the thin portion has a thickness of 10.0 mm or less.

[0378] According to the features described in the aforementioned Appendices 32 to 49, the burden on a subject such as a patient can be reduced, and an effective imaging area can be easily identified.

[0379] <Tenth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0380] Fig.33A and 33B 10 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 10 according to the tenth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.33A This is a perspective view when viewed from the front. Fig.33B It is a perspective view when observed from the rear side. The radiation imaging device 100-10 includes a low-profile box-shaped shell 4101 constituting its outer shell. The shell 4101 is constructed by combining a front cover 4001 constituting a front surface, a rear cover 4003 constituting a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a frame 4002 connected to the front cover 4001 and the rear cover 4003 and constituting a side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface. In the following, the front surface, the side surface and the rear surface will also be represented by the figure marks 4001, 4002 and 4003, respectively. In consideration of radiation transmittance and lightness, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or magnesium alloy is used as the material of the shell 4101. Although the shell 4101 is described as being constructed by combining the front cover 4001, the rear cover 4003 and the frame 4002, some of these components may be, for example, integral.

[0381] The front surface 4001 of the housing 4101 constitutes an incident surface of radiation such as X-rays. The front surface 4001 is provided with a linear indicator 4012a indicating an imaging area and a linear indicator 4012b indicating the center of the imaging area. An indicator 4012c such as a character indicating the position of the user interface 4004 and the connector 4005 located on the side surface 4002 is provided near the end portion of the front surface 4001. A battery compartment 4007 for power supply and a gripping portion 4006 for facilitating the user to hold the radiation imaging device 100-10 are arranged in the rear surface 4003 of the housing 4101. The gripping portion 4006 is a recessed portion designed to put a finger therein, and is arranged along the side of the housing 4101. A user interface 4004 including a power switch, an LED indicating the remaining battery power, and a ready switch indicating an imaging preparation state, and a connector 4005 intended for cable connection are located on the side surface 4002 of the housing 4101.

[0382] Will refer to Fig.34 The internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 10 is described. Fig.34 It is along Fig.33B 4001 , a cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging device 100-10 taken along the line HH shown in FIG. 4002 . The impact absorbing sheet 4008, the radiation detection panel 4009, the radiation shielding sheet 4010, the support base 4011, the battery not shown, the control substrate, the antenna, etc. are sequentially accommodated and installed in the housing 4101 from the front surface 4001 side. The radiation detection panel 4009 is a so-called indirect conversion system, including a sensor substrate in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (sensors) are arranged, a phosphor layer (scintillator layer) located on the sensor substrate, and a phosphor protective film. The radiation detection panel 4009 includes a part or all of the area in which the photoelectric conversion elements are arranged as its imaging area. The imaging area is an area in which radiation imaging can be performed and a radiation image is actually generated. The phosphor protective film is formed of a material with low moisture permeability and is used to protect the phosphor. Such a radiation detection panel 4009 is connected to the control substrate via a flexible circuit board. The control substrate reads the detection signal from the radiation detection panel 4009 and processes the read detection signal. Note that the radiation detection panel is not limited to the indirect conversion system, and may be a so-called direct conversion type, for example, including a conversion element unit in which a conversion element formed of a-Se or the like and an electrical element such as a TFT are two-dimensionally arranged. Examples of the material of the sensor substrate of the radiation detection panel 4009 include, but are not limited to, glass and flexible plastic.

[0383] With this radiation imaging apparatus 100-10, radiation emitted from a radiation generating apparatus not shown and transmitted through a subject is incident on the front surface 4001 and detected by the radiation detection panel 4009. Radiographic images obtained by the radiation imaging apparatus 100-10 are transmitted to the outside, displayed on a monitor or the like, and used for diagnosis or the like.

[0384] A low friction area 4001a subjected to low friction treatment is provided on the front surface 4001 of the housing 4101. Fig.33A In the example shown, the area other than the non-low friction area 4001b which will be described below is the low friction area 4001a. Fig.33A , the non-low friction area 4001b is illustrated as having a dot pattern applied for ease of illustration. The front surface 4001 is the portion that contacts a subject, such as a patient, when the radiation imaging device 100-10 is placed below the subject, such as a patient, lying on a bed. Here, the provision of the low friction area 4001a facilitates movement of the radiation imaging device 100-10 when inserting, removing, and positioning the radiation imaging device 100-10. The low friction area 4001a is desirably arranged over a large area of ​​the front surface 4001, particularly over the imaging area corresponding to the radiation detection panel 4009, to facilitate movement.

[0385] A low friction area 4003a subjected to low friction treatment is also provided on the rear surface 4003 of the housing 4101. Fig.33B In the example shown, the area other than the non-low friction area 4003b described later is the low friction area 4003a. Fig.33B , the non-low friction area 4003b is illustrated as having a dot pattern applied for ease of illustration. The rear surface 4003 is the portion that contacts the bed sheet when the radiation imaging device 100-10 is placed under a subject, such as a patient, lying on a bed. Here, the provision of the low friction area 4003a facilitates movement of the radiation imaging device 100-10 when inserting, removing, and positioning the radiation imaging device 100-10. The low friction area 4003a is desirably arranged over a large area of ​​the rear surface 4003.

[0386] A low friction area 4002a subjected to low friction treatment is provided on the side surface 4002 of the housing 4101. Fig.33A and 33B In the example shown, the entire side surface 4002 is a low friction area 4002a. Here, the provision of the low friction area 4002a can reduce the catching on the patient's gown, bed sheet, etc. when the radiation imaging apparatus 100-10 is moved.

[0387] One of the indicators indicating the degree of friction is the dynamic friction coefficient. The low friction areas 4001a to 4003a have a dynamic friction coefficient lower than that of CFRP or magnesium alloy, which is the material of the housing 4101, and is less than 0.15, preferably less than 0.10. An insertability / removability test of the radiation imaging device 100-10 was performed, simulating a situation where an adult male lies on a bed. As a result, it was difficult to push in the radiation imaging device 100-10 using only the material of the housing 4101 (CFRP or magnesium alloy). By contrast, at a dynamic friction coefficient of less than 0.15, the radiation imaging device 100-10 was successfully pushed in with a slight force. Specifically, when the dynamic friction coefficient was around 0.10, even a female operator successfully pushed in the radiation imaging device 100-10. The dynamic friction coefficient was measured using a test piece of CFRP or magnesium alloy plate subjected to low friction treatment by moving the test piece at a speed of 30 mm / s under a load of 500 g·f using a stainless steel (SUS) ball (3.0 mm in diameter) as a counter material.

[0388] Although various methods can be used for low friction treatment, the low friction areas 4001a to 4003a in the present exemplary embodiment are formed by applying a coating or ink (referred to as "coating" in the following description) to the housing 4101. Since the housing 4101 has not only a flat surface but also protrusions, recesses, rounded corners, and other shapes, it is more suitable to apply a coating than to attach a sheet material, for example. The coating is particularly suitable for applying a low friction treatment to the edges at the ends of parts, grooves between adjacent parts, and the like. Low friction areas on smooth surfaces or gentle protrusions and recesses can be formed using a sheet material. Coatings and sheet materials can be used in combination.

[0389] Shell 4101 needs to have various properties, including chemical resistance, wear resistance, and will not have adverse effects on the human body. It has been found that coatings compounded with materials containing urethane bonds are suitable for achieving these properties and low friction. The urethane group has a strong cohesive force and can reduce friction. In this exemplary embodiment, urethane or acrylic urethane coatings are used. Polytetrafluoroethylene (registered trademark) and other fluorine-based coatings can also be used to achieve low friction, while fluorine-based coatings require high temperature baking treatment and are limited in applicable locations.

[0390] The particles called beads can be mixed with the coating to reduce friction. By composite particles, low friction can be achieved and wear resistance can be improved, which is suitable for the radiation imaging device 100-10 that is repeatedly inserted and removed. Preferred particle materials include urethane resins, silicone resins, fluorine resins, metal soaps and inorganic materials (such as silicon dioxide and carbon). When forming a low friction area, a primer can be used to improve the adhesion of the coating. The type of primer is not particularly limited. For coatings containing carbamate groups, a primer containing carbamate-based materials is preferably used.

[0391] Considering that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 10 is used in a medical environment, the paint may be mixed with a material having an antibacterial effect. Examples of the material having an antibacterial effect include metal-based antibacterial agents based on Ag, Ti, Cu, etc. and organic antibacterial agents.

[0392] Next, non-low friction areas 4001b and 4003b will be described. Non-low friction areas are areas where the coefficient of kinetic friction is higher than that of the low friction area. Examples include areas where the material of the housing 4101 remains intact without undergoing a low friction treatment, and high friction areas where a high friction treatment is performed. In the case of a low friction area, the radiation imaging device 100-10 (housing 4101) held by the user is more likely to slip, and the radiation imaging device 100-10 that slips may fall and hit the user or be damaged. Therefore, instead of constructing the entire surface of the housing 4101 into a low friction area, a non-low friction area is partially provided.

[0393] Will refer to Fig.35 Examples of non-low friction areas 4001b and 4003b are described. Fig.35 It is along Fig.33B A cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging device 100-10 taken along line II shown in FIG. 4. In the present exemplary embodiment, the gripping portion 4006 in the rear surface 4003 of the housing 4101 is configured as a non-low friction region 4003b. The reason is that the user often holds the radiation imaging device 100-10 and manipulates the radiation imaging device 100-10 using the fingers in the gripping portion 4006 as a recess. This gripping portion 4006 for placing fingers is desirably configured as a high friction region that has been subjected to a high friction treatment and suitably has a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.50 or more. The high friction region is formed by applying a rubber-based coating having a high friction force or arranging a self-adhesive material.

[0394] A predetermined area on the front surface 4001 of the shell 4101 corresponding to the grip portion 4006 is configured as a non-low friction area 4001b. For example, the user pinches and holds the shell 4101 with the thumb in the grip portion 4006 in the rear surface 4003 and other fingers in contact with the front surface 4001 across the side surface 4002. Alternatively, for example, the user pinches and holds the shell 4101 with fingers other than the thumb in the grip portion in the rear surface 4003 and the thumb in contact with the front surface 4001 across the side surface 4002. The area on the front surface 4001 that the user's fingers or thumb contact is configured as a non-low friction area 4001b, or desirably, is configured as a high friction area having a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.50 or more, thereby enabling a secure grip.

[0395] More specifically, if Fig.35 As shown, on the front surface 4001 of the shell 4101, the position of the grip portion 4006 close to the end portion (side surface 4002) of the shell 4101 will be referred to as position P1. It is assumed that the distance from the end position P0 of the shell 4101 to the position P1 is the range of L1, and the distance from the position P1 inward is the range of L2. The user pinches and holds the shell 4101 by the finger or thumb on the side surface (the side surface closer to the end portion of the shell 4101) 4006a of the grip portion 4006 and the thumb or other fingers that contact the front surface 4001 across the side surface 4002. Taking this into account, the distance L1 is appropriately set to about 25mm to 40mm. The user's thumb or finger is expected to contact the front surface 4001 more inwardly of the position P1. In order to adapt to the usual finger length, the length L2 is appropriately set to about 100mm.

[0396] In the present exemplary embodiment, the range of a distance L2 inward from the position P1 is configured as a non-low friction region (high friction region) 4001b. The width W (see Fig.33A ) can be appropriately set, and is preferably set to a width that allows contact with the user's four fingers other than the thumb. In the present exemplary embodiment, the range of distance L1 from the end position P0 to the position P1 is configured as a low friction area 4001a, however, the range may also be configured as a non-low friction area (high friction area) 4001b.

[0397] As described above, low friction areas 4001a and 4003a and non-low friction areas 4001b and 4003b coexist on the front surface 4001 and the rear surface 4003. Specifically, the front surface 4001 is configured so that areas having different dynamic friction coefficients are formed on substantially the same plane.

[0398] Not only the gripping portion 4006 but also other recesses can be configured as non-low friction areas. Since the recesses are unlikely to contact with, for example, a patient's subject or a bed sheet, the non-low friction area is unlikely to hinder the movement of the radiation imaging device 100-10. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is described that two gripping portions 4006 are formed. However, a gripping portion 4006 including one or more recesses can be formed and arranged along each of the four sides. The recesses or gripping portions 4006 along the corresponding sides can be connected to form an annular gripping portion 4006. Instead of configuring the gripping portion 4006 as a recess, the gripping portion 4006 can be formed into a handle-like shape having a hole extending through the front surface 4001 and the rear surface 4003. In this case, the low friction area is arranged on at least a portion of the handle-like shape.

[0399] As described above, the front surface 4001 and the rear surface 4003 of the housing 4101 are provided with low friction areas 4001a and 4003a having a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.15 or less. This can reduce the force required to move the radiation imaging device 100-10 under a subject, such as a patient, lying on a bed. In addition, when the radiation imaging device 100-10 is moved, the subject, such as a patient, is less likely to feel pain due to wear. Therefore, a radiation imaging device 100-10 that can improve operability and reduce the burden on a subject, such as a patient, can be provided.

[0400] FIG. 33A to FIG. 35 The low friction areas described in the foregoing are merely examples and are not restrictive. At least one of the front surface 4001 and the rear surface 4003 and preferably both may be provided with a low friction area. For example, although the entirety of the side surface 4002 of the housing 4101 is described as a low friction area 4002a, the entirety may be configured as a non-low friction area. Low friction areas and non-low friction areas may coexist. Providing a non-low friction area on the side surface 4002 of the housing 4101 may improve the ease of holding. The non-low friction area may be arranged on the side surface 4002 of the housing 4101 around the user interface 4004 and the connector 4005 that the user desires to contact.

[0401] Fig.36 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 10 according to the tenth exemplary embodiment. Fig.36 On the front surface 4001 shown, linear indicators 4012a indicating imaging areas are located along four sides near the end portion (side surface 4002) of the housing 4101. The indicators 4012a may be configured as non-low friction areas to serve as anti-slip measures when the user holds the radiation imaging apparatus 100-10.

[0402] The low friction area subjected to the low friction treatment generally has low wettability and often has poor adhesion to other materials. Therefore, it is difficult to first apply the low friction treatment and then form the non-low friction area thereon. Therefore, if the low friction area and the non-low friction area are to coexist on the housing 4101, areas with different dynamic friction coefficients can be formed by locally forming areas where the low friction treatment is not applied.

[0403] <Eleventh Exemplary Embodiment>

[0404] Will refer to Fig.37A and Fig.37B A radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 11 according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment is described. In the following description, description of the same items as the tenth exemplary embodiment is omitted, and differences from the tenth exemplary embodiment will be mainly described. Fig.37A and Fig.37B 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 11 according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.37A This is a perspective view when viewed from the front. Fig.37B 4 is a perspective view when viewed from the rear side. The radiation imaging device 100-11 includes a low-profile box-shaped housing 4201 constituting its outer shell. The housing 4201 includes a front surface 4021 constituting an incident surface of radiation such as X-rays, a rear surface 4023 opposite to the front surface 4021, and a side surface 4022 connecting the front surface 4021 and the rear surface 4023. The housing 4201 includes a thin portion 4024 and a thick portion 4025 that is one step higher than the thin portion 4024 on the side of the front surface 4021. An imaging area corresponding to the radiation detection panel 4009 is located in the thin portion 4024. A linear indicator 4032a indicating the imaging area and a linear indicator 4032b indicating the center of the imaging area are arranged on the front surface 4021. Similar to the housing 4101 of the radiation imaging device 100-10 according to the tenth exemplary embodiment, the housing 4201 may be constructed by combining a front cover, a rear cover, and a frame, or some of these components may be integral, for example. The thin portion 4024 and the thick portion 4025 may be integral, or constructed as separate components.

[0405] In such a radiation imaging device 100-11, the thickness of the thin portion 4024 can be reduced, for example, by accommodating an unillustrated battery and a control substrate in a thick portion 4025 located at one end of the housing 4201. Conventionally, radiation imaging devices are generally configured to comply with the dimensions of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4090:2001, with a thickness of approximately 15 mm-16 mm. In contrast, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the thin portion 4024 has a thickness of less than 10.0 mm, specifically, about 8.0 mm. Since the step caused by the thickness of the radiation imaging device 100-11 when the radiation imaging device 100-11 having such a thin portion 4024 of small thickness is inserted under a subject, such as a patient, lying on a bed and / or removed from under the subject is small, the reaction force generated between the end portion of the radiation imaging device 100-11 and the subject can be reduced. Since the radiation imaging device 100-11 has a fixed insertion direction ( Fig.37A In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 1 , the side surface 4022A serving as the insertion end portion in the side surface 4022 connected to the thin portion 4024 (i.e., the side surface 4022A opposite to the thick portion 4025) may be provided with an inclined portion, a curved portion, a chamfer, etc. This makes it even easier to insert the radiation imaging apparatus 100-11 under the subject of a patient lying on a bed.

[0406] Here, a low friction area 4021 subjected to low friction treatment is arranged on the front surface 4021 of the housing 4201. Fig.37A In the example shown, the thick portion 4025 is configured as a non-low-friction area 4021b, and the other areas are configured as low-friction areas 4021a. Fig.37A In the figure, the non-low friction area 4021b is shown as having a dot pattern applied for ease of illustration. In the front surface 4021, the thin portion 4024 is the portion that contacts the subject, such as a patient, when the radiation imaging device 100-11 is placed under the subject, such as a patient, lying on a bed. Here, the provision of the low friction area 4021a facilitates the movement of the radiation imaging device 100-11 when inserting, removing and positioning the radiation imaging device 100-11. The low friction area 4021a is desirably arranged over a large area of ​​the thin portion 4024, and specifically arranged on the imaging area corresponding to the radiation detection panel 4009, so as to facilitate movement.

[0407] In addition, a low friction area 4023 subjected to low friction treatment is arranged on the rear surface 4023 of the housing 4201. Fig.37BIn the example shown, a grip portion 4026 as a recessed portion is arranged in the rear surface 4023 at a position behind the thick portion 4025. The grip portion 4026 is configured as a non-low friction area 4023b, and the other areas are configured as low friction areas 4023a. Fig.37B , the non-low friction area 4023b is shown as a dot pattern applied for ease of illustration. The rear surface 4023 is the portion that contacts the bed sheet when placed under a subject, such as a patient, lying on a bed. Here, the provision of the low friction area 4023a facilitates movement of the radiation imaging device 100-11 when inserting, removing, and positioning the radiation imaging device 100-11. The low friction area 4023a is desirably arranged over a large area of ​​the rear surface 4023.

[0408] For example, the user pinches and holds the housing 4201 by the thumb in the gripping portion 4026 of the rear surface 4023 and other fingers in contact with the thick portion 4025. Alternatively, for example, the user pinches and holds the housing 4201 by fingers other than the thumb in the gripping portion 4026 of the rear surface 4023 and the thumb in contact with the thick portion 4025. Therefore, the gripping portion 4026 into which the thumb or finger is placed is desirably configured as a high friction area for high friction treatment, and suitably has a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.50 or more. In addition, configuring the thick portion 4025 as a non-low friction area 4021b or a high friction area preferably having a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.50 or more enables secure gripping.

[0409] In addition, a low friction area 4022a subjected to low friction treatment is arranged on the side surface 4022A used as the insertion end in the side surface 4022 of the housing 4201. The low friction area 4022a is provided here to reduce the jamming of the patient's gown, bed sheet, etc. when the radiation imaging device 100-11 is moved. At the same time, the non-low friction area 4022b is arranged on the left side surface and the right side surface 4022B orthogonal to the side surface 4022A. The side surface 4022B is considered to be less likely to contact the subject such as the patient, and the non-low friction area 4022b is provided here so that the ease of holding can be improved. The low friction area 4022a and the non-low friction area 4022b of the side surface 4022 are only examples. For example, an area including the side surface 4022A and a part of the two side surfaces 4022B can be configured as the low friction area 4022a, and the remaining area of ​​the side surface 4022B can be configured as the non-low friction area 4022b, etc.

[0410] As described above, low friction areas 4021a and 4023a having a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.15 or less are arranged on the front surface 4021 and the rear surface 4023 of the housing 4201. This can reduce the force required to move the radiation imaging device 100-11 under a subject, such as a patient, lying on a bed. In addition, when the radiation imaging device 100-11 is moved, the subject, such as a patient, is less likely to feel pain due to wear. Therefore, a radiation imaging device 100-11 that can improve operability and reduce the burden on a subject, such as a patient, can be provided.

[0411] Fig.37A and 37B The low friction area described in is only an example and not limiting. At least one of the front surface 4021 and the rear surface 4023, and preferably both, may be provided with a low friction area.

[0412] Although the preferred tenth and eleventh exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these exemplary embodiments are not restrictive, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above exemplary embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0413] The tenth and eleventh exemplary embodiments of the present invention include features described in the following appendix.

[0414] [Appendix 50]

[0415] A radiation imaging device comprising:

[0416] a housing including a front surface constituting an incident surface of radiation, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface; and

[0417] a radiation detection panel housed in the housing,

[0418] Wherein, a low friction area having a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.15 or less is arranged on at least any one of the front surface and the rear surface of the housing.

[0419] [Appendix 51]

[0420] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 50, wherein the low friction area is arranged on the front surface and the rear surface of the housing.

[0421] [Appendix 52]

[0422] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 50 or 51, wherein the low friction region is arranged on an imaging region of the front surface.

[0423] [Appendix 53]

[0424] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 50 to 52, wherein the low friction region having a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.15 or less is arranged on a side surface of the housing.

[0425] [Appendix 54]

[0426] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 50 to 53, wherein the low friction region is formed by paint or ink applied to the housing.

[0427] [Appendix 55]

[0428] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 54, wherein the paint or ink is a urethane-based or acrylic urethane-based paint or ink.

[0429] [Appendix 56]

[0430] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 54 or 55, wherein the paint or ink is mixed with microparticles.

[0431] [Appendix 57]

[0432] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 54 to 56, wherein the paint or ink is mixed with a material having an antibacterial effect.

[0433] [Appendix 58]

[0434] A radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 50 to 57, wherein the low friction area and a non-low friction area having a dynamic friction coefficient higher than that of the low friction area are arranged on at least either the front surface or the rear surface of the shell.

[0435] [Appendix 59]

[0436] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 51, wherein the low friction region and the non-low friction region having a higher dynamic friction coefficient than that of the low friction region are arranged on the front surface and the rear surface of the housing.

[0437] [Appendix 60]

[0438] According to the radiation imaging device described in Appendix 59,

[0439] wherein a grip portion is arranged in the rear surface of the housing, the grip portion being a recessed portion positioned along an edge,

[0440] wherein the grip portion is configured as the non-low friction area, and

[0441] Wherein, a predetermined area of ​​the front surface of the shell is configured as the non-low-friction area, and the predetermined area corresponds to the gripping portion.

[0442] [Appendix 61]

[0443] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 58 to 60, wherein the high friction region having a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.50 or more is arranged as a non-low friction region.

[0444] [Appendix 62]

[0445] A radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 50 to 61, wherein the housing includes a thin portion and a thick portion that is one step higher than the thin portion on the front surface side, and the low friction portion is arranged on the thin portion of the front surface.

[0446] [Appendix 63]

[0447] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 62, wherein a non-low friction region having a higher dynamic friction coefficient than that of the low friction portion is arranged on the thick portion.

[0448] [Appendix 64]

[0449] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 62 or 63, wherein an inclined portion or a curved portion is formed on a side surface opposite to the thick portion among side surfaces connected to the thin portion, and the low friction area is arranged on the side surface.

[0450] [Appendix 65]

[0451] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 62 to 64, wherein the non-low friction region is arranged on a side surface orthogonal to a side surface opposite to the thick portion, among side surfaces connected to the thin portion.

[0452] According to the features described in the aforementioned Appendices 50 to 65, it is possible to provide a radiation imaging apparatus capable of improving operability and reducing the burden on a subject.

[0453] <Twelfth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0454] Figures 38A to 38C 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 12 according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C is a perspective view showing the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 12 . Fig.39 is a cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-12, and specifically is a cross-sectional view taken along Fig.38A1. The radiation imaging device 100-12 obtains a radiation image by irradiating a subject with radiation from a radiation generating device and detecting the radiation that passes through the subject. The radiation image obtained by the radiation imaging device 100-12 is transmitted to the outside, displayed on a monitor, etc., and thereby used for diagnosis, etc.

[0455] The radiation imaging device 100-12 includes a radiation detection panel 5001, a control substrate 5005, a battery 5006 and a housing 5007. The radiation detection panel 5001 is a so-called indirect conversion system, including a sensor substrate on which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (sensors) are arranged, a phosphor layer (scintillator layer) located on the sensor substrate, and a phosphor protective film. The radiation detection panel 5001 includes some or all of the photoelectric conversion elements in its effective imaging area. Here, the effective imaging area is an area where radiation imaging can be performed and a radiation image is actually generated. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the effective imaging area is rectangular when observed in the radiation incident direction, but the shape is not limited thereto. The sensor substrate is formed of materials such as glass and flexible plastic, but the material is not limited thereto. The phosphor protective film protects the phosphor. The phosphor protective film is formed of a material having low moisture permeability to the phosphor.

[0456] The radiation detection panel 5001 is not limited to the indirect conversion system and may be a direct conversion system. The radiation detection panel of the indirect conversion system includes a conversion element unit in which a conversion element formed of a-Se or the like and an electrical element such as a TFT are two-dimensionally arranged. The radiation detection panel 5001 is also not limited to the indirect conversion system or the direct conversion system.

[0457] The control substrate 5005 serves as a control unit for controlling the radiation detection panel 5001. The control substrate 5005 reads a detection signal from the radiation detection panel 5001 and processes the read detection signal. The control substrate 5005 is connected to the radiation detection panel 5001 via the flexible circuit board 5002. The battery 5006 supplies necessary power to the radiation imaging device 100-12. Examples of the battery 5006 include a lithium ion battery, a double electric layer capacitor, and an all-solid-state battery.

[0458] The housing 5007 serves as a shell that includes (accommodates) the radiation detection panel 5001. In order to achieve portability and strength in a compatible manner, the housing 5007 is formed of a magnesium alloy, an aluminum alloy, a fiber reinforced plastic, plastic, etc. The material is not limited thereto. The housing 5007 includes a thin portion 5008 and a thick portion 5015.

[0459] When imaging a subject such as a patient, the user inserts the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 12 between the subject such as a patient and a bed or the like, and places the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 12 just below an imaging site of the subject such as a patient. FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C The arrow "front" in indicates the insertion direction of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-12 between the subject such as a patient and the bed, and the radiation imaging apparatus 100-12 is inserted in a state where the thin portion 5008 is located in the front. FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C As shown, the thin portion 5008 side of the housing 5007 will be referred to as the front side, the thick portion 5015 side will be referred to as the rear side, one side in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction will be referred to as the right side, and the other side will be referred to as the left side.

[0460] The thin portion 5008 is a portion whose thickness along the radiation incident direction is less than the thickness of the thick portion 5015. The thin portion 5008 is rectangular when viewed in the radiation incident direction. The thin portion 5008 includes a side surface 5011, an incident surface 5012, and a bottom surface 5013. The thin portion 5008 accommodates the radiation detection panel 5001. In other words, the thin portion 5008 overlaps with the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation detection panel 5001 in the radiation incident direction. The buffer material 5003 is arranged between the incident surface 5012 of the thin portion 5008 and the radiation detection panel 5001. The buffer material 5003 protects the radiation detection panel 5001 from external forces, etc. The support base 5004 is arranged between the bottom surface 5013 of the thin portion 5008 and the radiation detection panel 5001. The support base 5004 supports the radiation detection panel 5001. The incident surface 5012 of the thin portion 5008 is formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic or the like having high radiation transmittance and excellent lightness. The cushioning material 5003 is formed of a foamed resin, a gel or the like.

[0461] An indicator 5009 for indicating the center position of the effective imaging area and an indicator 5010 for indicating the outline of the effective imaging area are arranged on the incident surface 5012 of the thin portion 5008. The indicators 5009 and 5010 may be realized by spraying or printing, by forming a physical step, or by changing the surface property through the formation of a texture pattern or the like or the attachment of a separate member. The indicators 5009 and 5010 may be directly provided on the incident surface 5012 of the thin portion 5008, may be provided by attaching a sheet as a separate member, or may be provided by attaching a sprayed or printed sheet.

[0462] The indicator 5009 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes two straight lines intersecting at a right angle. Specifically, the indicator 5009 has a cross shape including a straight center line 5009a in the lateral direction and a straight center line 5009b in the front-rear direction, and the center of the cross shape indicates the center position of the effective imaging area. Note that the indicator 5009 is not limited to the cross shape as long as the center position of the effective imaging area can be identified.

[0463] Meanwhile, the indicator 5010 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of straight lines. Specifically, the indicator 5010 has a rectangular shape, which includes straight contour lines 5010a and 5010b that are positioned separately from each other in the front-rear direction and extend in the transverse direction, and straight contour lines 5010c and 5010b that are positioned separately from each other in the transverse direction and extend in the front-rear direction. Contour lines 5010a and 5010b intersect contour lines 5010c and 5010d at right angles. The interior of the rectangle formed by contour lines 5010a to 5010d is an effective imaging area. The indicator 5010 is not limited to a rectangular shape as long as the effective imaging area can be identified.

[0464] The thick portion 5015 is a portion whose thickness along the radiation incident direction is greater than the thickness of the thin portion 5008. The thick portion 5015 is rectangular when viewed in the radiation incident direction. The thick portion 5015 includes a side surface 5016, a top surface 5017, and a bottom surface 5018. The thick portion 5015 is positioned adjacent to the thin portion 5008. Specifically, the thick portion 5015 is positioned along one of the four sides of the rectangular shape of the thin portion 5008, and has an elongated shape along one side. The thick portion 5015 accommodates the control substrate 5005 and the battery 5006. In other words, the thick portion 5015 overlaps the control substrate 5005 and the battery 5006 in the radiation incident direction.

[0465] When imaging a subject, such as a patient, the radiation imaging device 100-12 is placed directly below the imaging site of the subject, such as the patient. In doing so, the step generated by the thickness of the radiation imaging device 100-12 contacts the subject, such as the patient, causing a reaction force, and the subject may feel discomfort. Conventionally, a constant thickness radiation imaging device generally has a size that complies with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4090:2001, with a thickness of approximately 15 mm to 16 mm. The housing 5007 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a thin portion 5008 that is thinner than the thick portion 5015, which can reduce the step of the radiation imaging device 100-12. More specifically, by placing the thin portion 5008 of the radiation imaging device 100-12 directly below the imaging site of the subject, such as the patient, the reaction force occurring between the subject, such as the patient, and the end portion of the radiation imaging device 100-12 can be reduced, and the burden on the subject, such as the patient, can be reduced.

[0466] Specifically, in order to reduce the reaction force and maintain the layer structure and mechanical strength in a compatible manner, the thin portion 5008 has a thickness of about 8 mm (±1 mm). In addition, the thickness of the thin portion 5008 is not particularly limited, and is preferably 10.0 mm or less, more preferably 8.0 mm or less, to reduce the burden on the subject such as a patient. In order to maintain the layer structure and mechanical strength, the thickness of the thin portion 5008 is desirably 5.0 mm or more.

[0467] When the thin portion 5008 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-12 is placed just below an imaging site of an object such as a patient, the indicators 5009 and 5010 arranged on the incident surface 5012 of the thin portion 5008 are hidden by the back or other sites of the object such as the patient, and are difficult to visually or tactilely recognize. FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C As shown, the housing 5007 includes identification portions 5020a and 5020b located on an extension of a center line 5009b of an indicator 5009 indicating the center position of the effective imaging area. Even when the radiation imaging apparatus 100-12 is placed behind the back or other parts of a subject such as a patient and the incident surface 5012 is hidden, the center position of the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation imaging apparatus 100-12 can be identified by visual observation or contact with the identification portions 5020a and 5020b.

[0468] Will refer to Fig.38B Describe the construction of the identification portions 5020a and 5020b. Fig.38B yes Fig.38A An enlarged perspective view of the middle portion R1.

[0469] The identification parts 5020a and 5020b according to the present exemplary embodiment are arranged in the side surface 5016 of the rear side of the thick part 5015 on the extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009. The identification parts 5020a and 5020b are positioned to be separated from each other in the radiation incident direction. The identification parts 5020a and 5020b according to the present exemplary embodiment are realized by steps. Specifically, the identification parts 5020a and 5020b have a groove shape concave from the side surface 5016. The thick part 5015 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an inclined surface 5019a formed at the boundary between the side surface 5016 and the top surface 5017 and an inclined surface 5019b formed at the boundary between the side surface 5016 and the bottom surface 5018. The identification parts 5020a and 5020b are respectively formed to exceed the side surface 5016 until the inclined surfaces 5019a and 5019b. The sliding portion 5021 is formed between the identification portions 5020a and 5020b. The sliding portion 5021 is the same surface as the side surface 5016. The sliding portion 5021 can reduce the possibility of the identification portions 5020a and 5020b being caught when the radiation imaging device 100-12 slides along the side surface 5016 on a bed, a table, a charging stand, etc. The inclined surfaces 5019a and 5019b according to the present exemplary embodiment have a rounded shape (curved chamfer), but may have a flat shape (flat chamfer).

[0470] In the present exemplary embodiment, the thin portion 5008 is also provided with identification portions 5022a and 5022b. Fig.38C Describe the construction of identification portions 5022a and 5022b. Fig.38C yes Fig.38A An enlarged perspective view of the middle portion R2.

[0471] The identification parts 5022a and 5022b according to the present exemplary embodiment are arranged in the left side surface 5011 of the thin part 5008 on the extension of the center line 5009a of the indicator 5009. The identification parts 5022a and 5022b are positioned to be separated from each other in the radiation incident direction. The identification parts 5022a and 5022b according to the present exemplary embodiment are realized by steps. Specifically, the identification parts 5022a and 5022b have a groove shape concave from the side surface 5011. The thin part 5008 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an inclined surface 5014a formed at the boundary between the side surface 5011 and the incident surface 5012 and an inclined surface 5014b formed at the boundary between the side surface 5011 and the bottom surface 5013. The identification parts 5022a and 5022b are formed to exceed the side surface 5011 until the inclined surfaces 5014a and 5014b, respectively. The sliding portion 5023 is formed between the identification portions 5022a and 5022b. The sliding portion 5023 is the same surface as the side surface 5011, and has a function similar to that of the aforementioned sliding portion 5021. The identification portions 5022a and 5022b are also arranged in the right side surface 5011 of the thin portion 5008 on an extension of the center line 5009a of the indicator 5009. The identification portions 5022a and 5022b may also be arranged in the front side surface 5011 of the thin portion 5008 on an extension of the center line 5009a of the indicator 5009. The inclined surfaces 5014a and 5014b according to the present exemplary embodiment have a rounded shape (curved chamfer), but may have a flat shape (flat chamfer).

[0472] The identification parts 5020a and 5020b according to the present exemplary embodiment may be arranged in at least one of the side surface 5016, the top surface 5017, the bottom surface 5018, and the inclined surfaces 5019a and 5019b on the rear side of the thick part 5015 on the extension of the contour lines 5010c and 5010d of the indicator 5010. The identification parts 5020a and 5020b according to the present exemplary embodiment may also be arranged in the boundary part between the thin part 5008 and the thick part 5015 (for example, in the side surface 5016 on the front side of the thick part 5015). Note that the identification part arranged in the boundary part between the thin part 5008 and the thick part 5015 may be hidden behind the subject such as a patient or be difficult to access due to the thick part 5015. In contrast, providing the identification parts 5020a and 5020b in the side surface 5016 on the rear side of the thick part 5015 as described above can improve the recognizability in various situations.

[0473] (Variation 1 of the twelfth exemplary embodiment)

[0474] Figures 40A to 40C1 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 12 according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment. FIG. 40A to FIG. 40C In, with FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C and Fig.39 Similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 40A to FIG. 40C The housing 5007 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 12 according to Modification 1 shown includes identification portions 5120 a , 5120 b , and 5122 .

[0475] Will refer to Fig.40B Describe the construction of identification portions 5120a and 5120b. Fig.40B yes Fig.40A 102a and 102b are arranged on the side surface 5016 and the inclined surface 5019a of the rear side of the thick portion 5015 on the extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009. The identification portions 5120a and 5120b according to this modification are implemented using a light source such as an LED. Therefore, the center position of the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100-12 can be visually identified. Since the size of the identification portion 5102a itself can be increased, the identification portion 5120a is set in the wide side surface 5016 to improve visibility. At the same time, the identification portion 5102b is set in the inclined surface 5019a so that the identification portion 5102b can be visually identified from both the incident surface 5012 side and the side surface 5016 side of the housing 5007.

[0476] Will refer to Fig.40C Describe the structure of the identification part 5122. Fig.40C yes Fig.40A 14. An enlarged perspective view of the middle portion R4. The identification portion 5122 according to this modification is arranged in the inclined surface 5014a of the thin portion 5008 on the extension of the center line 5009a of the indicator 5009. The identification portion 5122 according to this modification is implemented using a light source such as an LED. Therefore, the center position of the effective imaging area of ​​the radiation imaging device 100-12 can be visually identified. Similarly, the identification portion 5122 is also arranged in the right inclined surface 5014a of the thin portion 5008 on the extension of the center line 5009a of the indicator 5009. The identification portion 5122 can also be arranged in the inclined surface 5014a on the front side of the thin portion 5008 on the extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009.

[0477] The color of identification parts 5120a, 5120b and 5122 can be changed depending on the model of radiation imaging equipment. If there are multiple models of radiation imaging equipment with the same external shape, the color of identification parts 5120a, 5120b and 5122 is changed so that the model can be distinguished. In addition, the color of identification parts 5120a, 5120b and 5122 can also be changed according to the state of the model, thereby also providing a status indicator function. Identification parts 5120a, 5120b and 5122 can be realized by applying a color different from the surrounding color of identification parts 5120a, 5120b and 5122, rather than using a light source such as LED. Identification parts 5120a, 5120b and 5122 can be realized by changing the surface properties (changing surface friction) of housing 5007 through the formation of texture patterns, etc. or the attachment of separate components.

[0478] (Variation 2 of the twelfth exemplary embodiment)

[0479] Fig.41 1 is a diagram showing a modification 2 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 12 according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment. Fig.41 In, with FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C and Fig.39 Similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Fig.41 The housing 5007 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 12 according to Modification 2 shown in FIG. 5 includes an identification portion 5220 .

[0480] The identification portion 5220 according to the present modification is arranged in the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015 on the extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009. The identification portion 5220 according to the present modification is implemented by a step. Specifically, the identification portion 5220 has a groove shape that is recessed from the top surface 5017. The identification portion 5220 has a straight line shape along the extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009. The identification portion 5220 is formed in the top surface 5017 from a position close to the side surface 5016 on the rear side of the thick portion 5015 to a position close to the side surface 5016 on the front side.

[0481] Since the radiation imaging device has a thick portion 5015, the outer shape of the housing 5007 is larger than the effective imaging area, and if the identification portion is located on the side surface 5016 on the rear side of the thick portion 5015, the identification portion and the effective imaging area can be far away from each other. On the other hand, if the identification portion is located close to the effective imaging area at the boundary between the thick portion 5015 and the thin portion 5008, it is difficult to approach the identification portion. As in this modification, the identification portion 5220 is provided in the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015 to prevent the identification portion 5220 and the effective imaging area from being far away from each other. In addition, since the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015 is closer to the radiation generating device than the incident surface 5012 of the thin portion 5008 in the radiation incident direction, the user can more easily identify the identification portion 5220 arranged in the top surface 5107. Furthermore, the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015 is less likely to be hidden under the subject than the thin portion 5008 , and the user can better recognize the recognition portion 5220 arranged in the top surface 5017 .

[0482] The identification portion 5220 is not limited to a step and may be implemented using a light source or by applying a color different from the color of the surrounding of the identification portion 5220. The identification portion 5220 may be implemented by changing the surface properties of the housing 5007 (changing the surface friction) through the formation of a texture pattern or the like or the attachment of a separate member.

[0483] In a radiation imaging device in which the effective imaging area is realized by the thin portion 5008 and is easy to manipulate as in the present exemplary embodiment, the identification portion may be provided on the thin portion 5008 close to the effective imaging area or on the boundary portion between the thick portion 5015 and the thin portion 5008. However, the thin portion 5008 and the boundary portion are areas that may be hidden when the radiation imaging device is placed, for example, directly below the imaging part of the patient's subject. In addition, the boundary portion is difficult to access due to the thick portion 5015. In contrast, providing an identification portion for enabling identification of the effective imaging area on the thick portion 5015 as in the present exemplary embodiment can facilitate positioning of the effective imaging area because the identification portion is highly accessible and visible.

[0484] <Thirteenth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0485] Fig.42A and Fig.42B 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 13 according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.42A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 13 . Fig.42B100 - 13 is a plan view of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 13 when viewed in the radiation incident direction. Components similar to those of the twelfth exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0486] The housing 5007 of the radiation imaging device 100-13 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an identification portion 5320 arranged on the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015. The identification portion 5320 is implemented by a step. Specifically, the identification portion 5320 has a protruding shape protruding from the top surface 5017 toward the radiation generating device side. The identification portion 5320 includes two straight portions 5321a and 5321b. In a plan view, the straight portions 5321a and 5321 intersect at right angles. The identification portion 5320 is formed into a T-shape with the straight portions 5321a and 5321b.

[0487] The two straight line portions 5321a and 5321b are parallel to the center lines 5009a and 5009b of the effective imaging area, or parallel to the center lines 5009a and 5009b of the effective imaging area. The straight line portion 5321a is located on the extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009, and has a straight line shape along the extension of the center line 5009b. In other words, the straight line portion 5321a is parallel to the center line 5009b. The straight line portion 5321a is also parallel to the contour lines 5010c and 5010d of the indicator 5010. The straight line portion 5321a is formed on the top surface 5017 from the position of the side surface 5016 close to the rear side to the position of the side surface 5016 close to the front side. The straight line portion 5321a intersects with the straight line portion 5321b at its front side position. The straight portion 5321b is located on an extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009 and has a straight line shape orthogonal to the center line 5009b. In other words, the straight portion 5321b is parallel to the center line 5009a. The straight portion 5321b is also parallel to the contour lines 5010a and 5010b of the indicator 5010. The straight portion 5321b is formed on the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015 at a position offset toward the thin portion 5008. Specifically, in the case where the length of the thick portion 5015 in the front-rear direction is Lth and the center of the length Lth is Cth, the straight portion 5321b is located on the thin portion 5008 side of the center Cth.

[0488] In the radiation imaging apparatus 100-13 in which the thin portion 5008 constitutes the effective imaging area, the outer shape of the housing 5007 is larger on the thick portion 5015 side. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig.42BAs shown, the length L from the center position of the radiation imaging area to the outer shape of the thick portion 5015 is greater. When the user places the radiation imaging apparatus 100-13 just below the subject such as a patient while holding the thick portion 5015, the effective imaging area may be larger due to the large distance L. Fig.42B Here, it may be difficult for the user to recognize a slight difference in angle based on the straight line portion 5321a alone, and the user may touch the outer shape of the housing 5007 parallel to the contour lines 5010a and 5010b of the indicator 5010 to check the position of the effective imaging area.

[0489] In the present exemplary embodiment, the identification portion 5320 including two orthogonal straight line portions 5321a and 5321b is arranged on the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015. Therefore, the user can not only identify the center position of the effective imaging area by visually observing or touching the identification portion 5320, but also can easily check whether the angle deviates in the direction of the arrow R5 based on the positions of the two orthogonal straight line portions 5321a and 5321b. This eliminates the need for the user to perform operations such as touching the outer shape of the housing 5007 parallel to the outlines 5010a and 5010b of the indicator 5010, and thus the work efficiency related to radiation imaging can be improved.

[0490] Since the straight portion 5321b is offset toward the thin portion 5008, the user can more easily identify the angular relationship between the subject, such as a patient, and the effective imaging area. The boundary portion between the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015 and the side surface 5016 on the front side is likely to contact the subject, such as a patient, and is therefore configured in a rounded shape (curved chamfer). Therefore, whether the boundary portion between the top surface 5017 and the front side surface 5016 of the thick portion 5015 is parallel to the effective imaging area may be difficult to identify by visually observing the boundary portion. As in the present exemplary embodiment, by visually observing the identification portion 5320 including two orthogonal straight line portions 5321a and 5321b, the angular relationship between the subject and the effective imaging area can be easily identified.

[0491] In the present exemplary embodiment, the thin portion 5008 is also provided with an identification portion 5322 .

[0492] The identification portion 5322 according to the present exemplary embodiment is arranged on the side surface 5011 of the thin portion 5008. The identification portion 5322 is implemented by a step on the area where the outline of the effective imaging area is projected. Specifically, the identification portion 5322 has a protruding shape protruding outward from the side surface 5011. Therefore, the user can identify the effective imaging area in a tactile manner.

[0493] Although the identification portion 5320 according to the present exemplary embodiment is described as T-shaped, this is not restrictive. The identification portion 5320 may be cross-shaped, I-shaped, or H-shaped. The straight line portions 5321a and 5321b are not limited to crossing each other, and may be separated. Although the identification portion 5320 according to the present exemplary embodiment is described as having a protruding shape protruding from the top surface 5017 toward the radiation generating device side, this is not restrictive. The identification portion 5320 may have a groove shape that is recessed from the top surface 5017 in the radiation incident direction. The protruding shape of the identification portion 5320 can reduce dust accumulation, and the recessed shape of the identification portion 5320 can prevent getting stuck on surrounding items. The identification portion 5320 is desirably in a shape that is easily recognized by a fingertip, which has a keen sense of touch. Note that the identification portion 5320 is not limited to steps, and may be implemented using a light source or by applying a color different from the color of the surrounding of the identification portion 5320. The identification portion 5320 can be implemented by changing the surface properties of the housing 5007 (changing the surface friction) by forming a texture pattern or the like or by attaching a separate member.

[0494] (Variation 1 of the Thirteenth Exemplary Embodiment)

[0495] Fig.43 1 is a diagram showing Modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 13 according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment. Fig.43 In, with Fig.42A and Fig.42B Similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Fig.43 The housing 5007 of the radiation imaging device 100-13 according to the modification 1 shown in the figure includes a plurality of (here two) identification parts 5420L and 5420R on the top surface 5017 of the thick part 5015. The identification parts 5420L and 5420R are implemented by steps. Specifically, the identification parts 5420L and 5420R have a protruding shape protruding from the top surface 5017 toward the radiation generating device side. The identification parts 5420L and 5420R are positioned laterally apart from each other and are laterally symmetrical. Here, the identification part 5420L will be mainly described. The identification part 5420L is formed into an L-shape having a straight line part 5421a and a straight line part 5421b.

[0496] The two straight line portions 5421a and 5421b are parallel to the center lines 5009a and 5009b of the effective imaging area, or are parallel to the contour lines 5010a to 5010d of the effective imaging area. The straight line portion 5421a is located on an extension of the contour line 5010c of the indicator 5010, and has a straight line shape along the extension of the contour line 5010c. In other words, the straight line portion 5421a is parallel to the contour line 5010c. The straight line portion 5421a is also parallel to the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009 and the contour line 5010d of the indicator 5010. The straight line portion 5421a intersects with the straight line portion 5421b at its front side position. The straight line portion 5421b is located on an extension of the contour line 5010c of the indicator 5010, and has a straight line shape orthogonal to the contour line 5010c. In other words, the straight portion 5421b is parallel to the center line 5009a of the indicator 5009 and the contour lines 5010a and 5010b of the indicator 5010. The straight portion 5421b is formed on the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5015 at a position offset toward the thin portion 5008. Specifically, the straight portion 5421b is located on the thin portion 5008 side of the center Cth.

[0497] In this modification, two identification parts 5420R and 5420L are located on the top surface 5017 of the thick part 5015, separated from each other laterally. The user can recognize the outline of the effective imaging area and the center position of the effective imaging area by visually observing or touching the two identification parts 5420R and 5420L arranged on the thick part 5015 with high accessibility. The identification parts 5420R and 5420L each have an L shape consisting of two straight line parts 5421a and 5421b intersecting at right angles. Therefore, the user can easily check whether the angle deviates in the above-mentioned direction of arrow R5 by visually observing or touching any one of the identification parts 5420R and 5420L.

[0498] Although the two identification portions 5420R and 5420L of this modification are described as L-shaped, this is not restrictive. The identification portions 5420R and 5420L may be cross-shaped, I-shaped, or H-shaped. The straight line portions 5421a and 5421b are not limited to intersecting each other and may be separated from each other.

[0499] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the identification portion including two straight line portions intersecting at a right angle is arranged on the thick portion 5015. Therefore, the angular deviation of the effective imaging area can be easily checked, and the effective imaging area can be easily positioned.

[0500] <Fourteenth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0501] Fig.44A and Fig.44B1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 14 according to the fourteenth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.44A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 14 . Fig.44B 1 is a plan view of the radiation imaging device 100-14 when viewed in the radiation incident direction. Components similar to those of the twelfth exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The housing 5007 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a thin portion 5008 and a thick portion 5515. The thick portion 5515 according to the present exemplary embodiment is different in size from the thick portion 5015 according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0502] In the present exemplary embodiment, the thick portion 5515 itself is used as an identification portion for enabling the user to identify the outline of the effective imaging area. Fig.44B As shown, the width W1 of the thick portion 5515 is configured to be smaller than the width W2 of the thin portion 5008 and is the same as the width W3 of the effective imaging area. Among the side surfaces 5016 of the thick portion 5515, the side surface on the left side will be referred to as the left side surface 5016L, and the side surface on the right side will be referred to as the right side surface 5016R. In the present exemplary embodiment, the left side surface 5016L of the thick portion 5515 is located on an extension of the outline 5010c of the indicator 5010. The right side surface 5016R of the thick portion 5515 is located on an extension of the outline 5010d of the indicator 5010. In this way, the thick portion 5515 can indicate the effective imaging area using its outer shape.

[0503] Even when the thin portion 5008 is covered by a subject such as a patient, the user can thus figure out the effective imaging area by touching the outer shape of the thick portion 5515. For example, in consideration of reducing the burden on the subject such as a patient and maintaining hygiene, a towel or a bed sheet may be placed between the subject such as a patient and the radiation imaging device 100-14. Here, even if a bed sheet or a towel covers the entire radiation imaging device 100-14 including the thick portion 5515, the user can easily figure out the outline of the effective imaging area by touching the outer shape of the thick portion 5515. In conventional radiation imaging devices compliant with ISO 4090:2001, since the radiation detection panel is covered by the housing, it is difficult to make the outer shape of the housing the same as the effective imaging area. In contrast, in the present exemplary embodiment, the housing 5007 includes the thin portion 5008 and the thick portion 5515, and the outer shape of the thick portion 5515 in the width direction may be located on an extension of the contour line of the effective imaging area in the width direction. Therefore, configuring the thick portion 5515 itself as an identification portion facilitates the user to recognize the outline of the effective imaging area, compared with when a step is formed or the surface property is changed.

[0504] The housing 5007 is also provided with an identification portion 5520. The identification portion 5520 according to the present exemplary embodiment is arranged on the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5515 on an extension of the center line 5509b of the indicator 5009. The identification portion 5520 according to the present exemplary embodiment is implemented by a step. Specifically, the identification portion 5520 has a protruding shape protruding from the top surface 5017. The identification portion 5520 has a straight line shape along an extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009.

[0505] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the outer shape of the thick portion 5515 in the width direction is located on an extension of the outline of the effective imaging area in the width direction, and the thick portion 5515 itself is configured as an identification portion. This can facilitate positioning of the effective imaging area.

[0506] <Fifteenth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0507] Figures 45A to 45D 15 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100-15 according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.45A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 15 . Fig.45B It is shown as Fig.45A A perspective view of a portion of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 15 when viewed from the opposite side. Fig.45C It is an enlarged view of the identification portion 5620. Fig.45D is along Fig.45A 5008 and a thick portion 5615. The thick portion 5615 according to the present exemplary embodiment is different in construction from the thick portion 5015 according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

[0508] The thick portion 5615 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a gripping portion 5630 for gripping the radiation imaging device 100-15. The gripping portion 5630 according to the present exemplary embodiment is located at the bottom surface 5018 side of the thick portion 5615 at the center in the lateral direction (width direction) of the thick portion 5615. The gripping portion 5630 includes a recess 5631 recessed from the bottom surface 5018 and a hand entry portion 5632 cut in the side surface 5016 on the rear side and connected to the recess 5631. The recess 5631 is a portion where the fingertips are placed when the gripping portion 5630 is gripped by hand. The hand entry portion 5632 is a portion where the hand (finger) is placed when the gripping portion 5630 is gripped by hand. Note that the grip portion 5630 according to the present exemplary embodiment is formed so that the recess 5631 does not extend through the top surface 5017 , thereby ensuring a volume within the thick portion 5615 that can accommodate the control substrate 5005 and the battery 5006 .

[0509] The hand entry portion 5632 can improve the user's accessibility to the grip portion 5630. Specifically, if the incident surface 5012 and the bottom surface 5013 of the thin portion 5008 are covered, or even if the top surface 5017 and the bottom surface 5018 of the thick portion 5615 are covered, the user can insert his hand from the side surface 5016 on the rear side through the hand entry portion 5632. The user can approach the grip portion 5630 by inserting his hand through the hand entry portion 5632, and thus can easily manipulate the radiation imaging apparatus 100-15.

[0510] The housing 5007 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an identification portion 5620 arranged in the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5615. The identification portion 5620 is realized by a step. Specifically, the identification portion 5620 is arranged in the top surface 5017 of the thick portion 5615 on the extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009. The identification portion 5620 includes two straight portions 5621a and 5621b. In a plan view, the straight portions 5621a and 5621b intersect at right angles. The identification portion 5620 and the straight portions 5621a and 5621b are formed into a cross shape.

[0511] The straight portion 5621a is located on an extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009 and has a straight line shape along the extension of the center line 5009b. The straight portion 5621a is parallel to the contour lines 5010c and 5010d of the indicator 5010. The straight portion 5621b is located on an extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009 and has a straight line shape orthogonal to the center line 5009b. In other words, the straight portion 5621b is parallel to the center line 5009a. The straight portion 5621b is also parallel to the contour lines 5010a and 5010b of the indicator 5010.

[0512] The identification portion 5620 according to the present exemplary embodiment is arranged in the top surface 5017 opposite to the bottom surface 5018 where the grip portion 5630 is formed. Fig.45D As shown, the identification portion 5620 and the recess 5631 of the holding portion 5630 are opposite to each other. When the user holds the holding portion 5630, the user places their finger (thumb) at a position opposite to the recess 5631 on the top surface 5017 for stable holding. Since the identification portion 5620 is located at a position opposite to the holding portion 5630, the user can contact the identification portion 5620 while holding the holding portion 5630, and thus can easily locate the effective imaging area while operating the radiation imaging device 100-15. Such an exemplary embodiment can eliminate the need to perform a contact operation on the identification portion 5620 in addition to the holding operation, and can effectively operate the radiation imaging device 100-15.

[0513] In the present exemplary embodiment, the grip portion 5630 is described as being located on the bottom surface 5018 side of the thick portion 5615. However, the grip portion 5630 may be located on the top surface 5017 side opposite to the bottom surface 5018. If the grip portion 5630 is located on the top surface 5017 side, the identification portion 5620 is desirably arranged in the bottom surface 5018 opposite to the top surface 5017 in which the grip portion 5630 is formed. In the present exemplary embodiment, the recess 5631 of the grip portion 5630 may be configured as a through hole extending from the bottom surface 5018 through the top surface 5017. In this case, the identification portion 5620 may be arranged in the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the grip portion 5630. In the present exemplary embodiment, the grip portion 5630 is described as including the hand entry portion 5632. However, this is not restrictive, and the grip portion 5630 may be configured without the hand entry portion 5632.

[0514] (Variation 1 of the Fifteenth Exemplary Embodiment)

[0515] Figures 46A to 46D 1 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 15 according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.46A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 15 according to Modification 1. Fig.46B It is shown from Fig.46A A perspective view of a portion of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 15 when viewed from the opposite side. Fig.46C It is an enlarged view of the identification portion 5720. Fig.46D is along Fig.46A A cross-sectional view taken along the line MM shown in FIG. FIG. 46A to FIG. 46D In, with FIG. 45A to FIG. 45D Similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0516] The housing 5007 according to this modification includes an identification portion 5720 arranged in the grip portion 5630 of the thick portion 5615. The identification portion 5720 is arranged in the bottom surface of the hand entry portion 5632 of the grip portion 5630. The identification portion 5720 is implemented by a step. Specifically, the identification portion 5720 is located on an extension of the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009. The identification portion 5720 includes two straight portions 5721a and 5721b. In a plan view, the straight portions 5721a and 5721b intersect at right angles. The identification portion 5720 is formed into a T-shape with the straight portions 5721a and 5721b.

[0517] Since the hand entry portion 5632 of the grip portion 5630 is provided with the identification portion 5720, the user can contact the identification portion 5720 while gripping the grip portion 5630, and thus can easily locate the effective imaging area while manipulating the radiation imaging apparatus 100-15. This modification example eliminates the need to perform a contact operation on the identification portion 5720 in addition to the grip operation, and can effectively manipulate the radiation imaging apparatus 100-15.

[0518] In the present exemplary embodiment, the identification portion 5720 is described as being arranged in the bottom surface of the hand entry portion 5632. However, the identification portion 5720 may be arranged on the side surface 5632a of the hand entry portion 5632 (see Fig.46D ), the bottom surface of the recess 5631, or the side surface 56331a of the recess 56331 (see Fig.46D )middle.

[0519] <Sixteenth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0520] Fig.47 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 16 according to the sixteenth exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig.471 is a diagram showing the structure of the radiation imaging device 100-16. Components similar to those of the aforementioned twelfth to fifteenth exemplary embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The housing 5007 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of (here two) identification portions 5820L and 5820R on the top surface 5071 of the thick portion 5015. The identification portions 5820L and 5820R enable identification of the vicinity of the center of the effective imaging area. The identification portions 5820L and 5820R are positioned laterally apart from each other and are laterally symmetrical. Here, the identification portion 5820L will be mainly described. The identification portion 5820L is formed into an L-shape having a straight portion 5821a and a straight portion 5821b.

[0521] Here, the straight line portion 5821a is located in the middle between the center line 5009b of the indicator 5009 and the contour line 5010c of the indicator 5010. The identification portions 5820L and 5820R thus enable identification of the vicinity of the center of the effective imaging area. Fig.43 Compared with the case where a single identification portion is provided or the case where the identification portion is provided at the end in the width direction, providing the identification portions 5820L and 5820R on the thick portion 5015 so as to enable identification near the center of the effective imaging area can prevent the identification portions 5820L and 5820R from being missed.

[0522] Although the preferred twelfth to sixteenth exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these exemplary embodiments are not restrictive, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the main purpose of the present invention. In addition, the above exemplary embodiments can be appropriately combined. For example, the identification portion described in the aforementioned twelfth to sixteenth exemplary embodiments (including variations) is described so that the center position of the effective camera area, the outline of the effective camera area, or the vicinity of the center of the effective camera area can be identified. However, this is not restrictive. For example, the identification portion can be intended to enable identification of a given position of the effective camera area.

[0523] In the aforementioned twelfth to sixteenth exemplary embodiments (including modified examples), the incident surface 5012 of the thin portion 5008 is described as being provided with the indicator 5009 for indicating the center position of the effective imaging region and the indicator 5010 for indicating the outline of the effective imaging region. However, the indicator 5009 or the indicator 5010 may be omitted. For example, in the absence of the indicator 5009, the identification portions 5020a, 5020b, 5120a, 5120b, 5220, 5320 (5321a), 5520, 5620 (5621a), and 5720 (5721a) may be located on the thick portion on the extension portion along the front-rear direction from the center position of the effective imaging region. For example, in the absence of the indicator 5010, the identification portions 5420R and 5420L (5421a) may be located on the thick portion on the extension portion along the front-rear direction of the outline of the effective imaging region. For example, in the absence of the indicator 5010, the left side surface 5016L of the thick portion 5515 can be located on the extension portion of the contour (left end portion) of the effective camera area along the front-to-back direction, and the right side surface 5016R of the thick portion 5515 can be located on the extension portion of the contour (right end portion) of the effective camera area along the front-to-back direction.

[0524] The aforementioned twelfth to sixteenth exemplary embodiments (including variants) may be combined with a portion of another exemplary embodiment or a portion of another variant, or may be replaced by a portion of another exemplary embodiment or a portion of another variant. For example, the (multiple) identification portions of one exemplary embodiment may be applied to another exemplary embodiment or another variant. The (multiple) identification portions of one variant may be applied to another exemplary embodiment or another variant.

[0525] The twelfth to sixteenth exemplary embodiments of the present exemplary embodiment include features described in the following appendix.

[0526] [Appendix 66]

[0527] A radiation imaging device comprising:

[0528] a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation transmitted through a subject irradiated with radiation from the radiation generating device; and

[0529] a housing accommodating the radiation detection panel,

[0530] Wherein, the housing comprises:

[0531] a thin portion overlapping the effective imaging area in a radiation incident direction, and

[0532] a thick portion, the thick portion being thicker than the thin portion along the radiation incident direction, and

[0533] The thick portion includes an identification portion configured to enable identification of the effective imaging area.

[0534] [Appendix 67]

[0535] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 66, wherein the identification portion indicates at least any one of a center position of the effective imaging area and an outline of the effective imaging area.

[0536] [Appendix 68]

[0537] The radiation imaging device according to Appendix 66 or 67,

[0538] wherein the thick portion includes a top surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface, and

[0539] wherein the identification portion is arranged on at least one of the top surface, the side surface, the bottom surface, an inclined surface between the top surface and the side surface, and an inclined surface between the bottom surface and the side surface.

[0540] [Appendix 69]

[0541] The radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 66 to 68,

[0542] wherein the thin portion is provided with a center line indicating a center position of the effective imaging area, and

[0543] Wherein, the identification portion is located on an extended portion of the center line.

[0544] [Appendix 70]

[0545] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 69, wherein the identification portion includes a straight line portion along an extension of the center line.

[0546] [Appendix 71]

[0547] The radiation imaging device according to Appendix 69 or 70,

[0548] Wherein, the center lines are two orthogonal straight lines, and

[0549] The identification portion includes a first straight line portion parallel to one of the two straight lines and a second straight line portion parallel to the other of the two straight lines.

[0550] [Appendix 72]

[0551] The radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 66 to 68,

[0552] wherein the thin portion is provided with a contour line indicating a contour of an effective imaging area, and

[0553] Wherein, the identification portion is located on an extended portion of the contour line.

[0554] [Addendum 73]

[0555] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 72, wherein the identification portion includes a straight line portion along an extension of the contour line.

[0556] [Appendix 74]

[0557] The radiation imaging device according to Appendix 72 or 73,

[0558] Wherein, the contour lines are at least two orthogonal straight lines, and

[0559] The identification portion includes a first straight line portion parallel to one of the two straight lines and a second straight line portion parallel to the other of the two straight lines.

[0560] [Appendix 75]

[0561] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 71 or 74, wherein the second straight line portion is positioned on a top surface of the thick portion at a position offset toward the thin portion.

[0562] [Addendum 76]

[0563] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 66 to 75, wherein the identification portion is implemented by positioning an outer shape of the thick portion in a width direction on an extension of a contour line of the effective imaging area located in the width direction.

[0564] [Addendum 77]

[0565] The radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 66 to 76,

[0566] wherein the thick portion includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface,

[0567] wherein a gripping portion for gripping the radiation imaging device is formed in the top surface or the bottom surface, and

[0568] The identification portion is arranged on one of the top surface and the bottom surface opposite to a surface on which the grip portion is formed.

[0569] [Addendum 78]

[0570] The radiation imaging device according to any one of Appendices 66 to 76,

[0571] wherein the thick portion includes a grip portion for gripping the radiation imaging device, and

[0572] Wherein, the identification part is arranged on the holding part.

[0573] [Appendix 79]

[0574] The radiation imaging device according to Appendix 78,

[0575] wherein the thick portion includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface,

[0576] wherein the holding portion includes a hand entry portion in which a hand is placed when holding the holding portion, the hand entry portion being located in the side surface, and

[0577] Wherein, the identification part is arranged on the hand entry part.

[0578] [Appendix 80]

[0579] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 66 to 79, wherein the identification portion is implemented by a step or by changing a surface property.

[0580] [Addendum 81]

[0581] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 66 to 79, wherein the recognition portion is implemented using a light source.

[0582] [Addendum 82]

[0583] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendixes 66 to 79, wherein the identification portion is implemented by applying a color different from a color of a thick portion around the identification portion.

[0584] According to the features described in the aforementioned Appendices 66 to 82, the effective imaging area can be easily positioned.

[0585] <Seventeenth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0586] Fig.48 17 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system 10-17 according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment. Fig.48 As shown, the radiation imaging system 10 - 17 includes a radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 17 and a radiation generating apparatus 200 .

[0587] The radiation generating apparatus 200 is an apparatus that emits radiation toward the subject H and the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 17 .

[0588] The radiation imaging apparatus 100-17 is an apparatus that detects incident radiation 201 (including radiation 201 transmitted through the subject H) and obtains a radiation image of the subject H. The radiation image obtained by the radiation imaging apparatus 100-17 is transmitted to an external apparatus, displayed on a monitor by the external apparatus, and used for diagnosis or the like, for example. Fig.48 Shown are a radiation incident surface 6101 as a side on which the radiation 201 is incident to the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 17 , and a rear surface 6102 positioned opposite to (at a position opposite to) the radiation incident surface 6101 . Fig.48 An XYZ coordinate system is also shown, in which the incident direction (vertical direction) of the radiation 201 is taken as the Z direction, and two mutually orthogonal directions orthogonal to the Z direction are taken as the X direction and the Y direction. Fig.48 The Z direction of the illustrated XYZ coordinate system is the incident direction (vertical direction) of the above-described radiation 201 , and corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101 .

[0589] Fig.48 The housing 6110 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-17 is shown as the appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-17. An indicator 6114 indicating the range (including the center) of an effective imaging area 6121 at which a radiation detection panel (described below) is housed in the housing 6110 is displayed. Fig.50A , Fig.50B and Fig.51 The radiation detection panel 6120) detects the radiation 201 passing through the subject H.

[0590] like Fig.48 As shown, the housing 6110 includes a thin portion 6111 corresponding to a first thickness portion, which is a portion including an effective imaging area 6121 when viewed in the Z direction or in a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101 and has a first thickness in the Z direction. Fig.48 As shown, the housing 6110 further includes a thick portion 6112 corresponding to a second thickness portion, which is a portion that does not include the effective imaging area 6121 when viewed in the Z direction or in a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101, and has a second thickness in the Z direction that is greater than the first thickness of the thin portion 6111. More specifically, Fig.48In the example shown, the thick portion (second thickness portion) 6112 is thicker than the thin portion (first thickness portion) 6111 on the side where the radiation 201 is incident. Fig.48 As shown, the housing 6110 further includes a thickness change portion 6113 connecting a thick portion (first thickness portion) 6111 and a thick portion (second thickness portion) 6112 in a gradient.

[0591] The housing 6110 is a single-piece or multi-piece housing including the above-mentioned thin portion 6111, thick portion 6112 and thickness change portion 6113. Fig.48 The housing 6110 shown in .

[0592] In order to achieve portability and strength in a compatible manner, the housing 6110 is desirably formed of materials such as magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, and fiber reinforced plastics. However, in the present exemplary embodiment, the housing 6110 may be formed of materials other than those mentioned herein. Specifically, the radiation incident surface 6101 of the thin portion 6111 where the effective imaging area 6121 is located is desirably formed of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic having a high transmittance and excellent lightness for the radiation 201, but other materials may also be used. When imaging a subject H such as a patient using radiation 201, the radiation imaging device 100-17 may be placed directly behind the imaging position of the subject H. In doing so, due to the step caused by the thickness of the housing 6110 of the radiation imaging device 100-17, the subject H and the end portion of the housing 6110 contact and cause a reaction force, and the subject H of the patient, for example, may feel uncomfortable. Conventionally, radiation imaging devices are generally configured to comply with the dimensions of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4090:2001, typically having a thickness of approximately 15 mm to 16 mm. In contrast, in the radiation imaging device 100-17 according to the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the thin portion 6111 of the shell 6110 has a thickness of 8.0 mm (first thickness). With the radiation imaging device 100-17 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the step created by the thickness of the shell 6110 during radiation imaging is therefore smaller, and the reaction force occurring between the subject H and the end portion of the shell 6110 (the thin portion 6111) can be reduced. In order to obtain such an effect, the thickness of the thin portion 6111 of the shell 6110 does not need to be limited to 8.0 mm, and may be even smaller, for example. The applicant has confirmed that the above-mentioned effect can be obtained if the thickness of the shell 6110 is less than 10.0 mm. In the present exemplary embodiment, taking into account the radiation detection panel (described below) arranged in the thin portion 6111 Fig.50A , 50BIn order to consider the structure and mechanical strength of the radiation detection panel 6120 in FIG. 51 , the thickness of the thin portion 6111 of the above-mentioned housing 6110 is set to 8.0 mm as an appropriate thickness.

[0593] Fig.49 6102 side when the radiation imaging apparatus 100-17 according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment is viewed. Fig.49 In, with Fig.48 Components similar to those shown are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig.49 It also shows that Fig.48 The XYZ coordinate system shown corresponds to the XYZ coordinate system.

[0594] like Fig.49 As shown, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 17 includes a grip portion 6115 for a user to grip the housing 6110 in a rear surface 6102 of a thick portion (second thickness portion) 6112 of the housing 6110 .

[0595] like Fig.49 As shown, the rear surface 6102 of the shell 6110 is provided with a recessed reinforcement portion 6116 for supplementing the bending rigidity of the shell 6110, thereby preventing damage (including deformation and fracture) due to mechanical stress on the shell 6110. As viewed in the Z direction (a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101), the recessed reinforcement portion 6116 can be arranged to extend from the thin portion 6111 to the thick portion 6112 when the thickness change portion 6113 of the shell 6110 is located between the thin portion and the thick portion. For example, this can prevent mechanical stress from being concentrated on the thickness change portion 6113, the thin portion 6111, etc. If a portion of the shell 6110 is formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the shell 6110 can be designed to improve Fig.49 The strength in the Y direction.

[0596] Figure 50 Fig.50A and Fig.50B 6102 side as viewed from the rear surface 6102 side. Fig.50A and 50B In, with Fig.48 and 49 Components similar to those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig.50A and Fig.50B It also shows that Fig.48 and Fig.49 The XYZ coordinate system shown corresponds to the XYZ coordinate system. Specifically, Fig.50A6102 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 17 as viewed from the rear surface 6102 side. Fig.50B yes Fig.50A An enlarged view of area 6310 in FIG.

[0597] like Fig.50A As shown, the radiation imaging apparatus 100-17 includes a radiation detection panel 6120, a flexible circuit board 6130, a protruding reinforcement portion 6140, a control substrate 6150, a processing substrate 6170, and a battery 6180 in its housing 6110. Fig.50A As shown, the control substrate 6150 , the processing substrate 6170 , and the battery 6180 are arranged in the thick portion 6112 .

[0598] The radiation detection panel 6120 has Fig.48 The radiation detection panel detects the radiation 201 emitted from the radiation generating device 200 and incident thereon (including the radiation 201 transmitted through the subject H). In the present exemplary embodiment, the effective imaging area 6121 is Fig.50A The rectangular areas of the radiation detection panel 6120 on the XY plane shown are approximately the same, however, the effective imaging area 6121 may be an area inside the rectangular area of ​​the radiation detection panel 6120 and narrower than the rectangular area. For example, the radiation detection panel 6120 may be implemented by a so-called indirect conversion system, which includes a sensor substrate on which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (sensors) are arranged, a phosphor layer (scintillator layer) located on the sensor substrate, and a phosphor protective layer. Here, the sensor substrate may be formed of materials such as glass and flexible plastic, but the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The phosphor protective layer is formed of a material having low moisture permeability and is used to protect the phosphor layer. In the radiation detection panel 6120 of the indirect conversion system, the incident radiation 201 is converted into light by the phosphor layer, and the light obtained in the phosphor layer is converted into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion element, thereby generating an image signal related to the radiation image. In the present exemplary embodiment, the radiation detection panel 6120 includes all the photoelectric conversion elements (sensors) in its effective imaging area 6121, but the effective imaging area 6121 may be composed of some of the photoelectric conversion elements (sensors). The effective imaging area 6121 is an area that can perform radiation imaging on the subject H and actually generate a radiation image. Fig.48 and Fig.50A As shown, the effective imaging area 6121 of the radiation detection panel 6120 is located in the thin portion 6111. Fig.48In the example shown, the effective imaging area 6121 has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed in the Z direction, which is the incident direction of the radiation 201. However, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to this substantially rectangular shape. The radiation detection panel 6120 is also not limited to the construction of an indirect conversion system, and may be constructed using a so-called direct conversion system including a conversion element unit in which a conversion element formed of a-Se or the like and a switching element such as a TFT are two-dimensionally arranged. In this radiation detection panel 6120 of the direct conversion system, the incident radiation 201 is converted into an electrical signal by each conversion element, thereby generating an image signal related to a radiation image.

[0599] The flexible printed circuit 6130 is a plurality of boards including various substrates and elements inside, and connects the radiation detection panel 6120 and the control substrate 6150 .

[0600] The protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is arranged in contact with the thickness change portion 6113 in at least a portion of the thickness change portion 6113. Even when mechanical stress is concentrated on the thickness change portion 6113 located at the boundary between the thin portion 6111 and the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 can reduce the possibility of damage (including deformation and breakage) to the radiation imaging device 100-17. In the radiation imaging device 100-17 according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.50A and Fig.50B As shown, the plurality of protruding reinforcement portions 6140 are located at positions not overlapping with the flexible circuit board 6130 when viewed in the Z direction which is a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101. In other words, the plurality of protruding reinforcement portions 6140 are arranged between the flexible circuit boards 6130. Here, for example, each of the plurality of protruding reinforcement portions 6140 is formed with a thickness width (length in the X direction) equal to or less than the basic thickness of the housing 6110.

[0601] The control substrate 6150 is a substrate that controls the driving of the radiation detection panel 6120 via the flexible printed circuit 6130. In addition, the control substrate 6150 obtains an image signal related to a radiation image from the radiation detection panel 6120 via the flexible printed circuit 6130.

[0602] The processing substrate 6170 is a substrate that processes an image signal related to a radiographic image, which is a signal output from the radiation detection panel 6120. Specifically, the processing substrate 6170 obtains an image signal related to a radiographic image output from the radiation detection panel 6120 via the control substrate 6150, and processes the obtained image signal related to the radiographic image.

[0603] The battery 6180 is a power source that supplies power to components of the radiation imaging device 100-17 (e.g., the radiation detection panel 6120, the flexible circuit board 6130, the control substrate 6150, and the processing substrate 6170). Examples of the battery 6180 include lithium-ion batteries, double-layer capacitors, and all-solid-state batteries, etc., but other batteries may also be used. Fig.50A As shown, the battery 6180 is located in a region in which the processing substrate 6170 is not arranged in the thick portion 6112 of the casing 6110 as viewed in the Z direction which is the incident direction of the radiation 201 .

[0604] like Fig.50A As shown, the control substrate 6150 and the processing substrate 6170 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap in the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110 as viewed in the Z direction which is the incident direction of the radiation 201. In this way, by positioning the control substrate 6150 and the processing substrate 6170 in the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110 so as to overlap as viewed in the incident direction (Z direction) of the radiation 201, the area of ​​the thick portion 6112 in the plane direction (XY plane direction) can be reduced.

[0605] In addition, if Fig.50A As shown, the control substrate 6150 and the battery 6180 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap in the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110 as viewed in the Z direction which is the incident direction of the radiation 201. In this way, by positioning the control substrate 6105 and the battery 6180 in the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110 so as to overlap as viewed in the incident direction (Z direction) of the radiation 201, the area of ​​the thick portion 6112 in the plane direction (XY plane direction) can be reduced.

[0606] Fig.51 It is shown along Fig.48 and Fig.50A A cross-sectional view of an example of the internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-17 according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment, taken along line NN shown in FIG. Fig.51 In, with Figures 48 to 50B Components similar to those shown are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig.51 It also shows that Figures 48 to 50B Specifically, along the XYZ coordinate system shown in Fig.48 and Fig.50A The cross section taken along the line NN shown in is a cross section along the Y direction.

[0607] like Fig.51As shown, a housing 6110 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 17 includes a radiation detection panel 6120 , a flexible printed circuit 6130 , a protruding reinforcement portion 6140 , a control substrate 6150 , wiring 6160 , and a processing substrate 6170 .

[0608] The protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is a reinforcement portion of a protruding shape, which is arranged to contact the thickness change portion 6113 in at least a part of the thickness change portion 6113 of the housing 6110 and protrude in the Z direction which is a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101. Specifically, Fig.51 In the example shown, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is located at least at the boundary between the thickness change portion 6113 and the thin portion 6111 of the housing 6110. Fig.51 In the example shown, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 contacts the thickness change portion 6113 from the inner side of the housing 6110. Fig.51 In the example shown, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is arranged to reach a portion of the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110. In this regard, the protruding reinforcement portion 6104 can extend throughout the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110 (until Fig.51 Here, a configuration is adopted in which the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is arranged to reach at least a portion of the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110. The present exemplary embodiment is not limited to such a configuration, and may include a configuration in which the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is not arranged in the region of the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110.

[0609] like Fig.51 As shown, the control substrate 6150 is located in the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110 on the incident side of the radiation 201 relative to the processing substrate 6170. In other words, Fig.51 In the example shown, the control substrate 6150 and the processing substrate 6170 are arranged in this order as viewed from the radiation incident surface 6101 side of the thick portion 6112 .

[0610] The wiring 6160 is a wiring that connects the control substrate 6150 and the processing substrate 6170. Fig.51 As shown, the wiring 6160 is located on the side opposite to the side on which the radiation detection panel 6120 is arranged with respect to the control substrate 6150 and the processing substrate 6170.

[0611] like Fig.51As shown, the radiation detection panel 6120 and the control substrate 6150 are located at different positions (heights) in the Z direction which is the incident direction of the radiation 201 (a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101). The flexible circuit board 6130 connects the radiation detection panel 6120 and the control substrate 6150 with a gradient relative to the Y direction which is the horizontal direction. Fig.51 As shown, the flexible circuit board 6130 is at least partially arranged in the thickness change portion 6113 of the housing 6110. The flexible circuit board 6130 includes various substrates and components inside, and therefore requires a predetermined area. For example, if the flexible circuit board 6130 is positioned to be parallel to the Y direction perpendicular to the incident direction (Z direction) of the radiation 201, the size of the radiation imaging device 100-17 in the planar direction (the plane including the Y direction) increases. In the present exemplary embodiment, the flexible circuit board 6130 can be positioned with a gradient, which can reduce the area of ​​the flexible circuit board 6130 in the planar direction (the plane including the Y direction). As Fig.51 As shown, thereby, positioning the flexible circuit board 6130 with a gradient can achieve space saving in the plane direction in the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 17 (for example, the thick portion 6112 ), and can prevent an increase in size.

[0612] The thickness change portion 6113 of the housing 6110 has a gradient. In the radiation imaging apparatus 100-17 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the gradient of the thickness change portion 6113 is configured to follow the gradient of the flexible printed circuit 6103. However, the gradient does not necessarily need to be the same.

[0613] exist Fig.51 In the example shown, a rigid member (e.g., magnesium alloy) of a thin portion 6111 of the frame 6110 and a radiation incident surface 6101 formed of a member (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) having excellent transmittance to the radiation 201 are joined at a joining surface. Therefore, the joining surface of the rigid member (e.g., magnesium alloy) of the thin portion 6111 is locally thinned.

[0614] exist Fig.51 In the example shown, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is formed in a region including a portion of the joining surface of the thickness change portion 6113 and the thin portion 6111 of the housing 6110. However, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 may extend up to the outer shape portion of the housing 6110. In the radiation imaging apparatus 100-17 according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.50A and 50B As shown, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is arranged in the space between the flexible circuit boards 6130, thereby providing a sufficient height in the incident direction (Z direction) of the radiation 201. Fig.51An example in which there is a gap between the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 and the rear surface 6102 of the housing 6110 is shown, but the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 and the rear surface 6102 of the housing 6110 may be in contact with each other.

[0615] According to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment, by providing a protruding reinforcement portion 6140 in contact with the thickness change portion 6113 instead of increasing the basic thickness of the entire thickness change portion 6113, damage caused by mechanical stress concentration on the thickness change portion 6113 can be prevented without providing external protrusions and recesses. Specifically, according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment, damage caused by mechanical stress concentration on the boundary between the thickness change portion 6113 and the thin portion 6111 can be prevented. This can realize a structure (a structure having a thin portion 6111 with a reduced thickness and a thickness change portion 6113) that ensures the rigidity of the radiation imaging device 100-17 while suppressing an increase in its weight.

[0616] <Eighteenth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0617] Next, an eighteenth exemplary embodiment will be described. In the following description of the eighteenth exemplary embodiment, descriptions of the same items as those of the foregoing seventeenth exemplary embodiment are omitted, and differences from the foregoing seventeenth exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0618] The schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system according to the eighteenth exemplary embodiment is similar to that of Fig.48 A schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system 10 - 17 according to a seventeenth exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0619] Fig.52A and 52B 6102 side as viewed from the rear surface 6102 side. Fig.52A and 52B In, with Figures 48 to 51 Components similar to those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig.52A and 52B Shown with Figures 48 to 51 The XYZ coordinate system shown corresponds to XYZ. Specifically, Fig.52A 6102 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 - 18 as viewed from the rear surface 6102 side. Fig.52B yes Fig.52A An enlarged view of area 6510 in FIG.

[0620] like Fig.52AAs shown, the radiation imaging apparatus 100-18 includes a radiation detection panel 6120, a flexible circuit board 6130, a protruding reinforcement portion 6140, a control substrate 6150, a processing substrate 6170, and a battery 6180 in its housing 6110. Fig.52A As shown, the control substrate 6150 , the processing substrate 6170 , and the battery 6180 are located in the thick portion 6112 .

[0621] In the radiation imaging apparatus 100-18 according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.52A and Fig.52B As shown, the plurality of protruding reinforcing portions 6140 are located at positions that do not overlap with the flexible circuit board 6130 when viewed in the Z direction, wherein the Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101. More specifically, the plurality of protruding reinforcing portions 6140 are arranged between the flexible circuit boards 6103. Even in the radiation imaging apparatus 100-18 according to the present exemplary embodiment, as Fig.52A and Fig.52B As shown, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is also arranged in the space between the flexible circuit boards 6130, thereby providing a sufficient height in the incident direction (Z direction) of the radiation 201. Fig.52B As shown, at least one protruding reinforcement portion 6140 among the plurality of protruding reinforcement portions 6140 is provided with a column portion 6141 .

[0622] like Fig.52A As shown, even in the radiation imaging apparatus 100-18 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the control substrate 6150 and the processing substrate 6170 are positioned in the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110 so as to at least partially overlap when viewed in the Z direction which is the incident direction of the radiation 201. Fig.52A As shown, when viewed in the Z direction which is the incident direction of the radiation 201, the control substrate 6150 and the battery 6180 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap in the thick portion 6112 of the housing 6110. Fig.52A As shown, when viewed in the Z direction which is the incident direction of the radiation 201 , the battery 6180 is located in a region in which the processing substrate 6170 is not provided in the thick portion 6112 of the casing 6110 .

[0623] Fig.53 It is shown along Fig.52A and Fig.52B A cross-sectional view of an example of the internal configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus 100-18 according to the eighteenth exemplary embodiment, taken along line PP shown in FIG. Fig.53 In, with Figures 48 to 52BComponents similar to those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Fig.53 It also shows that Fig.52A and 52B Specifically, along the XYZ coordinate system shown in Fig.52A and 52B The cross section taken along the line PP shown in is a cross section along the Y direction.

[0624] like Fig.53 As shown, the column portion 6141 provided on at least one of the plurality of protruding reinforcement portions 6140 is configured to contact the rear surface 6102 side of the housing 6110. Fig.53 In the example shown, the column portion 6141 is configured as a cylindrical column portion. However, in the present exemplary embodiment, the shape of the column portion 6141 is not limited to Fig.53 The cylindrical shape shown. The column portion 6141 provided on at least one of the plurality of protruding reinforcement portions 6140 has a threaded hole. Then, the at least one protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is fixed to the rear surface 6102 of the housing 6110 via the threaded hole formed in the column portion 6141 by a fixing member 6142 such as a screw. In other words, Fig.53 The protruding reinforcement portion 6140 shown contacts and is fixed to at least a portion of the inner side of the rear surface 6102 opposite to the radiation incident surface 6101 in the housing 6110. If a plurality of protruding reinforcement portions 6140 are provided with a plurality of fixing members 6142, the positions in the Y direction do not need to be aligned on the same straight line in the X direction, and the positions in the Y direction may be changed depending on the respective protruding reinforcement portions 6140. This can alleviate stress concentration on the thickness change portion 6113 located at the boundary between the thin portion 6111 and the thick portion 6112. Although not shown in the drawings, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 may extend from the rear surface 6102 side of the housing 6110.

[0625] According to the eighteenth exemplary embodiment, the rigidity of the thickness change portion 6113 located at the boundary between the thick portion 6112 and the thin portion 6111 of the shell 6110 can be increased, and damage (including deformation and breakage) due to concentration of mechanical stress can be prevented.

[0626] <Nineteenth Exemplary Embodiment>

[0627] Next, a nineteenth exemplary embodiment will be described. In the following description of the nineteenth exemplary embodiment, descriptions of the same items as those of the foregoing seventeenth and eighteenth exemplary embodiments are omitted, and differences from the foregoing seventeenth and eighteenth exemplary embodiments will be described.

[0628] In the foregoing seventeenth and eighteenth exemplary embodiments, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is arranged to contact the thickness change portion 6113 from the inside of the housing 6110. In the nineteenth exemplary embodiment, the protruding reinforcement portion 6140 is arranged to contact the thickness change portion 6113 from the outside of the housing 6110.

[0629] Fig.54 10 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system 10-19 according to a nineteenth exemplary embodiment. Fig.54 As shown, the radiation imaging system 10-19 includes a radiation imaging device 100-19 and a radiation generating device 200. Fig.54 In, with Fig.48 Components similar to those shown are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Fig.54 It also shows that Fig.48 The XYZ coordinate system shown corresponds to the XYZ coordinate system.

[0630] like Fig.54 As shown, the housing 6110 includes a thin portion 6111 corresponding to a first thickness portion, which is a portion including an effective imaging area 6121 when viewed in the Z direction or in a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101 and has a first thickness in the Z direction. Fig.54 As shown, the housing 6110 further includes a thick portion 6112 corresponding to a second thickness portion, which is a portion that does not include the effective imaging area 6121 when viewed in the Z direction or in a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 6101, and has a second thickness in the Z direction that is greater than the first thickness of the thin portion 6111. Fig.54 As shown, the housing 6110 further includes a thickness change portion 6117 that connects a thin portion (first thickness portion) 6111 and a thick portion (second thickness portion) 6112 in a gradient.

[0631] The radiation imaging apparatus 100-19 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of protruding reinforcing portions 6118 that contact the thickness changing portion 6117 from the outside of the housing 6110. Specifically, Fig.54In the illustrated example, for example, a plurality of protruding reinforcement portions 6118 having a thickness width (length in the X direction) equal to or less than the basic thickness of the housing 6110 are arranged in a region including a boundary between the thin portion 6111 and the thickness change portion 6117 of the housing 6110. Providing the protruding reinforcement portions 6118 can prevent damage (including deformation and breakage) caused by mechanical stress concentration on the boundary between the thickness change portion 6117 and the thin portion 6111 of the housing 6110. This can achieve a structure (a structure having a thin portion 6111 and a thickness change portion 6117 with reduced thickness) that ensures the rigidity of the radiation imaging apparatus 100-19 while suppressing an increase in its weight.

[0632] Fig.55 is shown along Fig.54 A cross-sectional view of an example of the internal configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus 100-19 according to the nineteenth exemplary embodiment, taken along line QQ shown in FIG. Fig.55 In, with Figures 48 to 54 Components similar to those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Fig.55 It also shows that Fig.54 Specifically, along the XYZ coordinate system shown in Fig.54 The cross section taken along the line QQ shown is a cross section along the Y direction.

[0633] like Fig.55 As shown, the radiation detection panel 6120 and the control substrate 6150 are located at different positions (heights) in the Z direction, which is the incident direction of the radiation 201. Thus, the flexible circuit board 6130 connects the radiation detection panel 6120 and the control substrate 6150 with a gradient relative to the Y direction, which is the horizontal direction. Fig.55 As shown, the flexible circuit board 6130 is at least partially arranged in the thickness change portion 6117 of the housing 6110. The flexible circuit board 6130 includes various substrates and components inside, and therefore requires a predetermined area. Therefore, for example, the surface of the flexible circuit board 6130 where the substrate and components are arranged is positioned parallel to the Y direction perpendicular to the incident direction (Z direction) of the radiation 201. Since the surface where the substrate and components are arranged is located in the XY plane direction, the flexible circuit board 6130 is connected to the control substrate 6150 with a gradient almost parallel to the Z direction. This achieves space saving in the XY plane direction in the radiation imaging device 100-19.

[0634] In the present exemplary embodiment, in order to reduce the thickness of the thin portion 6111 of the housing 6110 in the Z direction, the protruding reinforcement portion 6118 is arranged on the outside of the housing 6110 rather than the inside of the housing 6110 .

[0635] According to the nineteenth exemplary embodiment, the rigidity of the thickness change portion 6117 located at the boundary between the thick portion 6112 and the thin portion 6111 of the housing 6110 can be increased without increasing the thickness of the thin portion 6111 of the housing 6110 in the Z direction. This can prevent damage (including deformation and breakage) caused by the concentration of mechanical stress on the thickness change portion 6117.

[0636] Although the preferred seventeenth to nineteenth exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these exemplary embodiments are not restrictive, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above exemplary embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0637] The seventeenth to nineteenth exemplary embodiments of the present invention include features described in the following appendix.

[0638] [Addendum 83]

[0639] A radiation imaging device comprising:

[0640] a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect incident radiation; and

[0641] a housing having an incident surface on which radiation is incident and accommodating the radiation detection panel,

[0642] Wherein, the housing comprises:

[0643] a first thickness portion having a first thickness in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and including an effective imaging area when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface,

[0644] a second thickness portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and excluding an effective imaging area when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, and

[0645] a thickness change portion connecting the first thickness portion and the second thickness portion, and

[0646] wherein a protruding reinforcement portion is included in at least a portion of the thickness change portion, the protruding reinforcement portion being arranged to be in contact with the thickness change portion and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0647] [Addendum 84]

[0648] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 83, wherein the protruding reinforcement portion is located at least at a boundary between the thickness change portion and the first thickness portion.

[0649] [Addendum 85]

[0650] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 83 or 84, further comprising:

[0651] a control substrate configured to control driving of the radiation detection panel; and

[0652] a flexible circuit board configured to connect the radiation detection panel and the control substrate,

[0653] wherein at least a portion of the flexible circuit board is arranged in the thickness change portion, and

[0654] Wherein, the protruding reinforcement portion is located at a position not overlapping with the flexible circuit board when viewed from a normal direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0655] [Addendum 86]

[0656] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendixes 83 to 85, wherein the protruding reinforcement portion is in contact with the thickness change portion from the inner side of the casing.

[0657] [Addendum 87]

[0658] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 86, wherein the protruding reinforcing portion is in contact with at least a portion of an inner side of a rear surface of the housing opposite to the incident surface.

[0659] [Addendum 88]

[0660] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 86, wherein the protruding reinforcing portion is in contact with and fixed to at least a portion of an inner side of a rear surface of the housing opposite to the incident surface.

[0661] [Addendum 89]

[0662] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendixes 83 to 85, wherein the protruding reinforcement portion is in contact with the thickness change portion from the outside of the casing.

[0663] [Appendix 90]

[0664] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendixes 83 to 88, wherein the protruding reinforcement portion is arranged up to at least a portion of the second thickness portion.

[0665] [Appendix 91]

[0666] A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 83 to 90, wherein a recessed reinforcement portion is arranged in a rear surface of the casing opposite to the incident surface.

[0667] [Appendix 92]

[0668] A radiation imaging apparatus according to Appendix 91, wherein the concave reinforcing portion is arranged to extend from the first thickness portion to the second thickness portion as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0669] [Addendum 93]

[0670] A radiation imaging system, comprising:

[0671] The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of Appendices 83 to 92; and

[0672] A radiation generating device is configured to generate radiation.

[0673] According to the features described in the aforementioned Appendices 83 to 93, it is possible to reduce the possibility of damage to the radiation imaging apparatus when stress is applied to the radiation imaging apparatus.

[0674] The present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to disclose the scope of the present invention.

[0675] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-175708 filed on November 1, 2022, Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-176219 filed on November 2, 2022, Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-156674 and No. 2022-156675 filed on September 29, 2022, Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-108651 filed on June 30, 2023, Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-127129 filed on August 3, 2023, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-149789 filed on September 15, 2023, and the entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A radiation imaging device comprising: a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation that has passed through a subject and is incident on an incident surface; as well as a housing that accommodates the radiation detection panel, wherein the shell includes a thick portion and a thin portion, the thick portion is thicker in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and is located at one end of the shell, and the thin portion is thinner than the thick portion and at least partially overlaps with the effective imaging area when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, and Wherein, the thick portion includes a grip portion having a concave shape.

2. The radiation imaging device according to claim 1, in, The thick portion includes a thick incident surface on which the radiation is incident and a thick rear surface opposite to the thick incident surface, and Wherein, the gripping portion is arranged in at least any one of the thick incident surface and the thick rear surface.

3. The radiation imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The grip portion includes an incident-side grip portion which is a grip portion arranged in the thick incident surface and a rear-side grip portion which is a grip portion arranged in the thick rear surface.

4. The radiation imaging device according to claim 3, wherein: The incident-side grip portion has a length of 20 mm or more, and the rear-side grip portion has a length of 60 mm or more, in a direction along a boundary between the thin portion and the thick portion.

5. The radiation imaging device according to claim 3, wherein: A depth of the rear-side gripping portion from the thick rear surface is greater than a depth of the incident-side gripping portion from the thick incident surface.

6. The radiation imaging device according to claim 3, wherein: The sum of the depth of the incident-side gripping portion from the thick incident surface and the depth of the rear-side gripping portion from the thick rear surface is 5 mm or more.

7. The radiation imaging device according to claim 2, in, The thick portion includes a thick side surface connecting the thick incident surface and the thick rear surface, and wherein the concave-shaped hand entry portion is arranged adjacent to the thick side surface and the thick rear surface.

8. The radiation imaging device according to claim 7, wherein: The hand entry portion includes a hand entry surface adjacent to the grip portion and the thick side surface.

9. The radiation imaging device according to claim 8, wherein: A depth of the hand entry surface from the thick rear surface is smaller than a depth of the grip portion from the thick rear surface.

10. The radiation imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The thick rear surface is inclined relative to a surface of the thin portion opposite to the incident surface.

11. The radiation imaging device according to claim 1, in, The thick portion includes a control unit configured to control the radiation detection panel and a power supply unit configured to supply power to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus, and Wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, the grip portion is located at a position overlapping with at least any one of the control unit and the power supply unit.

12. A radiation imaging device comprising: a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation that has passed through a subject and is incident on an incident surface; as well as a housing that accommodates the radiation detection panel, wherein the shell includes a thick portion and a thin portion, the thick portion is thicker in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and is located at one end of the shell, and the thin portion is thinner than the thick portion and at least partially overlaps with the effective imaging area when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, and The inclined portion is arranged on at least a portion of a side opposite to the thick portion among a plurality of sides of the thin portion, and the inclined portion is inclined at an end portion of the thin portion.

13. A radiation imaging device comprising: a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation transmitted through a subject irradiated with radiation from a radiation generating device; as well as a housing that accommodates the radiation detection panel, Wherein, the housing comprises: a thin portion, the thin portion overlapping the effective imaging area in the radiation incident direction, a thick portion, the thick portion being thicker than the thin portion along the radiation incident direction, and An identification portion is provided in a boundary region between the thin portion and the thick portion and is configured so that the boundary between the thin portion and the thick portion can be identified, the identification portion being located in a region of an outer side end portion of the thick portion in a longitudinal direction thereof.

14. A radiation imaging device comprising: a housing including a front surface constituting an incident surface of radiation, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface; as well as a radiation detection panel housed in the housing, Wherein, a low friction area having a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.15 or less is arranged on at least any one of the front surface and the rear surface of the housing.

15. A radiation imaging device comprising: a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect radiation transmitted through a subject irradiated with radiation from a radiation generating device; as well as a housing that accommodates the radiation detection panel, Wherein, the housing comprises: a thin portion overlapping the effective imaging area in a radiation incident direction, and a thick portion, the thick portion being thicker than the thin portion along the radiation incident direction, and The thick portion includes an identification portion configured to enable identification of the effective imaging area.

16. A radiation imaging device comprising: a radiation detection panel including an effective imaging area configured to detect incident radiation; as well as a housing having an incident surface on which radiation is incident and accommodating the radiation detection panel, Wherein, the housing comprises: a first thickness portion having a first thickness in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and including an effective imaging area when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the incident surface, a second thickness portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface and excluding an effective imaging area when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface, and a thickness change portion connecting the first thickness portion and the second thickness portion, and wherein a protruding reinforcement portion is included in at least a portion of the thickness change portion, the protruding reinforcement portion being arranged to be in contact with the thickness change portion and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the incident surface.

Images