Radiation image photographing device

Abstract

To provide a radiation image photographing device that is bent in a restorable manner according to the purpose of use.SOLUTION: A radiation image photographing device comprises: a radiation detector having flexibility; a support base supporting the radiation detector; an exterior containing the radiation detector; an internal part for driving the radiation detector; and holding means. The holding means is formed of a member that, when bending occurs in a configuration including the radiation detector, support base, and exterior, can absorb deviation of a relative position occurring due to the difference between the flexural rigidity of the internal part and the flexural rigidity of the configuration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radiographic imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices that irradiate a specimen with radiation and detect the intensity distribution of the radiation that has passed through the specimen to obtain a radiation image of the specimen have been widely used in industrial non-destructive testing and medical diagnosis. In recent years, with the advancement of digital technology and semiconductor process technology, a method of obtaining a radiation image by applying these technologies has become widespread. Devices that adopt this method incorporate a radiation detection panel equipped with a semiconductor sensor having a desired area. In this method, the intensity distribution of the radiation that has passed through the specimen is converted into an electrical signal by the radiation detection panel and detected, and the obtained electrical signal can be processed to reproduce a visible image on a monitor or the like. In addition, the obtained visible image can be later subjected to image processing to change the contrast, etc., to obtain a desired image.

[0003] Conventionally, semiconductor sensors were mainly based on glass. In recent years, semiconductor sensors based on resin film instead of glass have been developed, and radiation detection panels equipped with these sensors are beginning to be supplied to the market. When the base is made of glass, there is a risk of breakage due to bending or impact from being dropped, but by replacing it with a resin film, the risk of breakage is significantly reduced. In addition, by using a resin film as the base, radiation image capture devices have been proposed that can bend according to the purpose of use, taking advantage of its flexibility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-309279 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a radiation detection panel having a flexible exterior housing. In this radiation detection panel, the electric boards are not flexible, so the wiring board that connects the electric boards is made flexible, allowing the radiation detection panel as a whole to bend. However, such a configuration requires that the electric board be divided into multiple small boards, which not only increases costs but also may cause time delays in the exchange of electrical signals between the boards.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as one object to provide a radiographic image capturing device that is bent in a recoverable manner depending on the intended use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a radiographic imaging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A flexible radiation detector; A support base for supporting the radiation detector; an exterior housing containing the radiation detector; internal components for driving the radiation detector; and a retaining means, The holding means is made of a material capable of absorbing deviations in relative position caused by the difference in bending rigidity between the internal components and the bending rigidity of the structure including the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior when bending occurs in the structure. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a radiographic imaging device that is bent in a recoverable manner depending on the intended use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a radiation image capturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a radiation image capturing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the radiation image capturing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a radiation image capturing apparatus according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a radiation image capturing apparatus in a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the radiation image capturing device in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a radiation image capturing apparatus in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a radiation image capturing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a radiation image capturing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the cross section shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the cross section shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components shown in each of the following examples are arbitrary and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present disclosure is applied or various conditions, not limited to those shown in the text and drawings. In addition, although multiple features are described in the examples, not all of these multiple features are essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used between the drawings to indicate elements that are identical or functionally similar.

[0011] Even if the exterior portion of a radiographic imaging device can bend due to, for example, an external force, an electric board, for example, that cannot bend in the same way and that would be damaged if forcibly bent is held inside the radiographic imaging device. In the following description, the object is to provide flexibility to the entire device in a radiographic imaging device that holds internal parts that are less flexible than exterior members such as electric boards and that may be damaged if forcibly bent.

[0012] In this specification, flexibility refers to the property of bending in a recoverable manner in response to a load applied to the material when a load that promotes a specific deformation is applied. High flexibility means that the material bends in a recoverable manner in response to a load, and the amount of bending is large. Low flexibility means that the material bends in a recoverable manner in response to a load, but the amount of bending is small, and that the possibility of causing plastic deformation such as breakage when a large load is applied is higher than that of a material with high flexibility. Bending rigidity refers to the property of a certain member bending when a load is applied to the member. High bending rigidity means that a large load is required to bend the member, and low bending rigidity means that a small load is required to bend the member.

[0013] The radiation image capturing apparatus according to the present disclosure is applied to, for example, medical image diagnostic apparatuses, non-destructive testing apparatuses, analytical apparatuses using radiation, etc. In this specification, X-rays are exemplified as radiation, but α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, particle rays, cosmic rays, etc. are also included in radiation.

[0014] <Example 1> A radiographic imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a radiographic imaging device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from an X-ray incidence direction. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line AA in Fig. 1. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that the X-ray incidence direction is the Z-axis direction, the extension direction of line AA on the extension surface of the flat-plate-like radiographic imaging device 100 is perpendicular to the Z-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and X-axis directions is the Y-axis direction in Fig. 1.

[0015] 2, the radiographic imaging device 100 according to this embodiment includes, as its exterior, an upper cover 101, a frame 102, and a lower cover 103. The exterior including these components accommodates various components described below.

[0016] In this embodiment, an opening for accommodating a battery (described later) is provided in a part of the lower cover 103. A battery cover 104 is attached to the opening, and the inside of the exterior is made into a closed space.

[0017] The exterior contains a buffer material 201, a phosphor protective layer 202, a phosphor 203, a radiation detector 204, and a support base 205. A semiconductor sensor is mounted on the radiation detector 204. The phosphor protective layer 202 is disposed on the X-ray incident surface side of the phosphor 203. A material that does not transmit moisture, such as aluminum, is used for the protective layer 202. In addition, a buffer material 201 is disposed between the phosphor protective layer 202 and the upper cover 101. The buffer material 201 serves to protect the radiation detector 204 from loads due to, for example, external shocks.

[0018] The support base 205 supports the radiation detector 204. However, a member having a function of blocking incident X-rays may be disposed between the radiation detector 204 and the support base 205. Heavy metals such as lead and tungsten are often used for the shielding member. By disposing such a shielding member, it becomes possible to reduce artifacts in the acquired image and to protect the first electric board 301, which will be described later, from X-rays.

[0019] Until now, a glass base has been used for the radiation detector 204. Since this glass base, which is at risk of breakage, is located inside the exterior of the radiation detector, it was necessary to protect it. For this reason, a material with high X-ray transmittance, such as CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), was often used for the upper cover 101. Also, a lightweight and strong material, such as an aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or CFRP, was often used for the frame 102 and the lower cover 103.

[0020] However, in recent years, devices that use resin film instead of glass as the base have appeared. As a result, the level of protection required for the exterior has changed from the past. In addition, radiation detection devices with the flexibility that only resin film can provide have been developed, and materials that meet the required functions are sometimes used for the exterior.

[0021] The exterior further contains a first electric board 301, a flexible board 302, a second electric board 303, and a battery 304. The phosphor 203 converts radiation incident into the device into light, and the light from the phosphor 203 is converted into an electric signal by the radiation detector 204. The converted electric signal is sent to the first electric board 301 via the flexible board 302. The first electric board 301 can generate a radiographic image, for example, by using this electric signal. The second electric board 303 is connected to the first electric board 301 by a flexible wiring (not shown). Note that here, an indirect conversion type radiographic image capturing device 100 is exemplified, in which radiation is converted into visible light using the phosphor 203, and the visible light is converted into an electric signal by the radiation detector 204. However, the application of the present disclosure is not limited to a radiographic image capturing device having an indirect type sensor, and may be a device having a direct conversion type sensor that directly converts incident radiation into an electric signal.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first electric board 301 is held inside the radiation imaging device 100, more specifically, inside the exterior, by a first fixing member 401 and a second fixing member 402. The material of the first electric board 301 is, for example, glass epoxy resin, and has a multi-layer circuit configuration. In addition, the board itself is configured to have high rigidity in order to reliably fix the mounted electric components. The first electric board 301 configured in this way has low flexibility compared to the exterior or, for example, the resin support base 205, and may be damaged by excessive external force without bending like the exterior.

[0023] Here, the positional relationship between the electric board and the fixing members will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a view of the radiographic image capturing device 100 in Fig. 2 as seen from the lower cover 103 side. Note that Fig. 3 shows the internal structure with the lower cover 103 removed. As shown in Fig. 3, the first electric board 301 is supported by a first fixing member 401 and a second fixing member 402 at both ends in the X-axis direction, for example.

[0024] First fixing member 401 is made of an elastic material, and is disposed between lower cover 103 and first electric board 301. First fixing member 401 is fixed to either first electric board 301 or lower cover 103, or to both. Second fixing member 402 has a hinge mechanism, one side of which is fixed to support base 205, and the other side of which is fixed to first electric board 301. As a result, first electric board 301 is supported rotatably around second fixing member 402 as the center of rotation.

[0025] The manner in which second electric board 303 is supported by support base 205 will be described later as a third embodiment.

[0026] Next, the effect of providing the first fixing member 401 and the second fixing member 402 as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows, in the same format as Fig. 2, the radiographic image capturing device 100 in a bent (curved) state, for example, so that both ends in the X-axis direction are located on the upper side in the Z-axis direction and the center part in the X-axis direction is located on the lower side in the Z-axis direction.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, when the radiographic imaging device 100 is bent, the first electric board 301 moves so as to rotate around the hinge of the second fixing member 402. In addition, the first fixing member 401 is compressed and deformed due to its elasticity in response to the bending of the radiographic imaging device 100. This allows the first fixing member 401 to hold the first electric board 301 in a predetermined position while reducing the load that promotes bending deformation applied to the first electric board 301. When the bending of the radiographic imaging device 100 returns to its original state, the first electric board 301 also returns to its original position due to the elastic force of the first fixing member 401.

[0028] 3, the first fixing member 401 and the second fixing member 402 are disposed at the corners of the first electric board 301, but they do not necessarily have to be disposed at the corners of the electric board. An appropriate arrangement may be made depending on the shape of the board and the expected bending direction of the radiographic imaging device 100. For example, in the radiographic imaging device 100, more specifically, in the radiation detector 204, if the expected bending direction is the Z-axis direction, the fixing members may be disposed at two different positions in any direction (for example, the X-axis direction) in the XY plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

[0029] Also, here, a hinge mechanism is used as second fixing member 402 that rotatably supports first electric board 301. However, the form of second fixing member 402 is not limited to a hinge mechanism, and a ball joint may be used for the joint portion. For example, for rectangular first electric board 301, a ball joint mechanism may be used at only one corner, and an elastic member similar to first fixing member 401 may be disposed at the other locations (corners).

[0030] In this embodiment, the first fixing member 401 is made of an elastic material, and specifically, for example, a porous foam material can be made of rubber, etc. By making the first fixing member 401 of such a material, even if the radiation image capturing device 100 is bent and a pressing or tensile load is applied to the position where the radiation image capturing device 100 contacts the first electric board 301, the first fixing member 401 deforms, and the load applied to the first electric board 301 can be reduced.

[0031] The elasticity of the first fixing member 401 does not need to be uniform throughout the member, and may vary partially. For example, the portion that holds the first electric board 301 may have a slightly higher elasticity to hold the board securely, and the other portions may have a lower elasticity to be largely deformed when the radiographic imaging device is bent. Furthermore, the first fixing member 401 may be made of a plurality of members made of different materials. For example, a structure in which the vicinity that directly contacts the first electric board 301 is made of a resin material, and the other portions are made of an elastic body such as a spring or foam material, may be exemplified. In addition, from the viewpoint of protecting the first electric board 301, a member for insulating or absorbing impact may be disposed between the support base 205 and the first electric board 301.

[0032] As described above, the radiographic imaging device 100 according to this embodiment includes the radiation detector 204, the support base 205, the exterior (101, 102, 103), internal components (first electric board 301), and holding means (fixing members 401, 402). In this embodiment, the radiation detector 204 is flexible. The support base 205 supports the radiation detector 204. The exterior including the upper cover 101, the frame 102, and the lower cover 103 encompasses the radiation detector 204. The internal components exemplified by the first electric board 301 and the second electric board 303 are used to drive the radiation detector 204.

[0033] As described above, the bending rigidity of the configuration including the radiation detector 204, the support base 205, and the exterior is different from the bending rigidity of the internal parts. Therefore, when the configuration is bent as illustrated in FIG. 4, due to the difference in bending rigidity, for example, the contact position of the first electric board 301 with the first fixing member 401 is shifted relative to the support base 205. The first fixing member 401 is composed of, for example, the above-mentioned elastic member that can absorb such a shift in relative position. More specifically, in the radiographic imaging device 100, an internal part (first electric board 301) that does not bend relatively is disposed inside the above-mentioned configuration that is greatly bent due to the difference in bending rigidity. When the above-mentioned configuration is bent, the internal part is not bent as much as, for example, the support base 205, so that, for example, an end portion fixed to the support base 205 is a portion that is less shifted relative to the radiation detector 204. Furthermore, the end portion that is not fixed to the support base 205 changes its relative position so as to move away from the radiation detector 204, becoming a portion where the relative positional deviation is large. The first fixing member 401 absorbs this change (deviation) in relative position, making it possible to maintain a state in which the internal components are stably held within the deflected radiographic imaging device 100. Furthermore, the first fixing member 401 reduces the difference in load applied from at least one of the components including the radiation detector 204, the support base 205, and the exterior to the portion where the relative positional deviation is large and the portion where the relative positional deviation is small.

[0034] Furthermore, when the above-described configuration is deflected recoverably due to an applied load or the like, for example as illustrated in Fig. 4, a load is applied to the internal component (first electric board 301) from the first fixing member 401 at the contact portion thereof due to the difference in bending rigidity described above. In this embodiment, the first fixing member 401 is formed from a member having elasticity, thereby giving the first fixing member 401 the function of reducing the load applied to the internal component. Note that the first electric board 301 is held to the exterior (lower cover 103) via the first fixing member 401, but it may also be held via the first fixing member 401 by a member that deflects significantly, such as the radiation detector 204 or the support base 205.

[0035] In this embodiment, the bending rigidity of the configuration including the radiation detector 204, the support base 205, and the exterior is described as being smaller than the bending rigidity of the internal components. However, in reality, it is not assumed that the bending rigidity of the electrical components is smaller than the bending rigidity of the exterior, but the present disclosure is applicable even in such a case. By providing the holding means of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the possibility of damage to various components in the radiation image capturing device due to differences in bending rigidity.

[0036] The holding means may have a first member (first fixing member 401) and a second member (second fixing member 402). The first fixing member 401 is disposed in contact with the first electric board 301 as shown in FIG. 2. The second fixing member 402 may be disposed at a position different from the first fixing member 401 in, for example, the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, which is the bending direction when the configuration including the radiation detector 204 bends. The first fixing member 401 may be made of an elastic member that can deform in response to the pressing (or pulling) when the first electric board 301 is pressed (or pulled) at the position where it abuts by a load that causes bending. More specifically, the first fixing member 401 may be made of any of a porous foam material, a spring, rubber, and a member made of a combination of members having different elastic moduli. The first fixing member 401 may be fixed to an inner surface of the exterior (lower cover 103) that corresponds to the first electric board 301.

[0037] In this embodiment, the second fixing member 402 rotatably supports the first electric board 301 so that the first electric board 301 can respond to the pressing (or pulling) when the first electric board 301 is pressed (or pulled) at the contact position with the first fixing member 401 by a load that causes bending. More specifically, the second fixing member 402 can be composed of any one of a hinge mechanism, a ball joint, a porous foam material, and a spring material. In this embodiment, the first electric board 301 is exemplified as an internal part that is supported by the fixing member. However, the internal part may include an electric circuit board and a battery. The electric circuit board includes an electric circuit board that drives the radiation detector 204, an electric circuit board that reads out a signal detected by the radiation detector 204, and the like.

[0038] By disposing the above-mentioned first fixing member 401 and second fixing member 402, it is possible to provide a radiographic imaging device that can bend into a desired shape while reducing the load on internal structures such as an electric board. That is, in a radiographic imaging device in which internal components such as a less flexible electric board are held inside by a highly flexible exterior and base, the use of the above-mentioned fixing members allows the radiographic imaging device to bend without considering the flexibility of the internal components. Also, the desired flexibility can be achieved without affecting the flexibility of the entire radiographic imaging device, even without dividing the electric board, etc.

[0039] <Example 2> Next, a radiographic imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration in the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing a cross section of the radiographic imaging device having the external appearance shown in Fig. 1 taken along line AA in a similar format to Fig. 2.

[0040] In contrast to the radiographic imaging device 100 described in the first embodiment, in the radiographic imaging device 500 according to the present embodiment, the first electric board 301 is held inside the exterior only by the above-mentioned first fixing member 401. The first fixing member 401 is fixed to the lower cover 103. FIG. 6 is a view of the radiographic imaging device 500 in FIG. 5 as seen from the lower cover 103 side. Note that FIG. 6 shows the internal structure with the lower cover 103 removed. As shown in FIG. 6, the first electric board 301 is supported by each of a plurality of first fixing members 401 arranged to correspond to each corner of the rectangular shape of the first electric board 301, for example.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the first electric board 301 is restricted in its movement in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and left-right direction (Y-axis direction) in Fig. 5 by the second fixing member 402. In contrast, in the second embodiment, there is no second fixing member 402, and instead the first fixing members 401 arranged at the four corners have that function. That is, in this embodiment, the first fixing member 401 holds the first electric board 301 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) in Fig. 5, and restricts its movement in the front-back and left-right directions (XY-axis directions) in Fig. 5.

[0042] 7 shows a state in which the radiographic imaging device 500 is bent (curved) so that both ends in the X-axis direction are located on the upper side in the Z-axis direction and the center part in the X-axis direction is located on the lower side in the Z-axis direction, similar to the example in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 7, when the radiographic imaging device 500 is bent, the first fixing member 401 is compressed and deformed by its elastic force in response to the bending of the radiographic imaging device 500. This allows the first fixing member 401 to maintain a state in which no load that would cause excessive bending deformation is applied to the first electric board 301. When the bending of the radiographic imaging device 500 returns to the original state, the first electric board 301 also returns to its original position by the elastic force of the first fixing member 401.

[0043] 6, the first fixing members 401 are disposed at the corners of the first electric board 301, but as in the first embodiment, these do not necessarily have to be disposed at the corners of the electric board. Appropriate arrangement may be made according to the shape of the board and the expected bending state of the radiographic imaging device 500. The material and configuration of the first fixing member 401 may also be the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the second fixing member 402 in the first embodiment may be made of a member made of a combination of a porous foam material similar to that of the first fixing member 401 and a material having a different elastic modulus, in addition to a hinge mechanism, a ball joint, and a spring material.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the second fixing member 402 used in the first embodiment is used in place of the first fixing member 401. Even in this embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained by disposing the first fixing member having elasticity at the same position as the second fixing member 402. That is, in this embodiment, the second fixing member can be made of the same material as the first fixing member 401. And, the second fixing member in this embodiment rotatably supports the first electric board 301 so that it can respond to the pressure (or pulling) when the first electric board 301 is pressed (or pulled) at the contact position with the first fixing member 401 (the position in FIG. 2) by a load that gives a bending force.

[0045] By disposing the above-described first fixing member 401, it is possible to provide a radiographic imaging device that can bend into a desired shape while reducing the load on the internal structure. That is, in a radiographic imaging device in which less flexible internal parts are held inside by a highly flexible exterior and base, by using the above-described fixing member, it is possible to bend the radiographic imaging device without considering the flexibility of the internal parts.

[0046] <Example 3> In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, an embodiment is illustrated in which a radiographic imaging device that accommodates an internal structure such as an electric board that is substantially rectangular and whose four corners can be supported by elastic members can be bent into a desired shape. However, the electric board may be rectangular but has a strip-like shape that is long in one direction, such as the second electric board 303. In the case of such a shape, if fixing members or the like are arranged at the four corners as in the first and second embodiments, there is a risk of a problem in securing space for the fixing members. In addition, the area where the fixing members support the electric board becomes relatively small compared to the area of ​​the electric board, and there is a possibility that sufficient support cannot be provided when the radiographic imaging device is bent. The present embodiment is intended to deal with such long electric boards.

[0047] In this embodiment, a description will be given of a mode in which a long second electric board 303 extending in the Y-axis direction is supported in the radiographic image capturing device 100 illustrated in the embodiment 1. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the radiographic image capturing device 100 in the embodiment 3, and is a diagram showing a cross section of the device at the position of the line BB in Fig. 1.

[0048] 8, second electric board 303 is connected to radiation detector 204 at a plurality of positions via a plurality of flexible boards 302. Second electric board 303 is fixed to one of the ball joints of second fixing member 402 arranged near the center in the Y-axis direction (longitudinal direction), and the other of the ball joints of second fixing member 402 is fixed to support base 205. Second electric board 303 is supported by first fixing members 401 arranged on both ends in the Y-axis direction (longitudinal direction). The first fixing members are fixed to either second electric board 303 or lower cover 103, or both.

[0049] Next, the effect of providing the first fixing member 401 and the second fixing member 402 as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows, in the same format as Fig. 2, the radiographic image capturing device 100 in a bent (curved) state, for example, such that both ends in the Y-axis direction are located on the upper side in the Z-axis direction and the center part in the Y-axis direction is located on the lower side in the Z-axis direction.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 9, when the radiographic imaging device 100 is bent, the second electric board 303 also moves so as to rotate around the joint of the second fixing member 402, in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The first fixing members 401 at both ends are compressed and deformed by their elastic force in response to the bending of the radiographic imaging device 100. This allows the first fixing members 401 to hold the first electric board 301 in a predetermined position while reducing the load applied to the first electric board 301 that promotes bending deformation. When the bending of the radiographic imaging device 100 returns to its original state, the first electric board 301 also returns to its original position by the elastic force of the first fixing members 401.

[0051] However, in this embodiment, the substrate is long, nearly the entire length of the radiographic imaging device 100, and multiple flexible substrates 302 are attached to the substrate. In this case, when the entire device is curved, the flexible substrate 302 may limit the rate of deformation. In FIG. 9, the radiographic imaging device 100 is shown in a curved state, and the flexible substrate 302 is shown as stretched in the figure. However, the actual flexible substrate 302 hardly stretches, even though the base material is a resin film. For this reason, in this embodiment, the flexible substrate 302 is arranged as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11.

[0052] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the left end portion of Fig. 2 and shows the movement of the second electric board 303 accompanying the bending of the radiographic imaging device 100 and the corresponding deformation of the flexible board 302. In Fig. 10, the flexible board 302 is disposed so as to electrically connect the radiation detector 204 and the second electric board 303. At this time, the length of the flexible board 302 is not set to the shortest length possible for connection, but is set to a length that takes into account the expected bending of the radiographic imaging device 100.

[0053] As a result, even if the gap between the end of the second electric board 303 and the support base 205 becomes large when the radiographic imaging device 100 is bent, the second electric board 303 can maintain a state in which no bending load is applied. Specifically, in FIG. 10, the second electric board 303 moves from position a (normal position) to position b (position during bending deformation) before and after bending. Even in such a case, the flexible board 302 only changes the way it bends, and does not generate any load such as tension on the second electric board 303. Therefore, the second electric board 303 can maintain a state in which no bending load is applied, regardless of whether the radiographic imaging device 100 is bent or not.

[0054] Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of the flexible substrate 302 in a format similar to that of Fig. 10. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the connection position between the flexible substrate 302 and the second electric substrate 303 is different from the position shown in Fig. 10, and the flexible substrate 302 is arranged in a folded manner. In this configuration, when the radiation image capturing device 100 is curved and the gap between the end of the second electric substrate 303 and the support base 205 becomes large, the folded back portion of the folded flexible substrate 302 opens. This enables the flexible substrate 302 to follow the change in the relative position of the second electric substrate 303.

[0055] In addition, the third embodiment has been described based on the configuration described in the first embodiment. However, the application example of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment using both the first fixing member 401 and the second fixing member 402. For example, as exemplified in the second embodiment, a configuration using only the first fixing member 401 having elasticity may be used.

[0056] By disposing the above-described first fixing member 401 and second fixing member 402, it is possible to provide a radiographic imaging device that can bend into a desired shape while reducing the load on the internal structure. That is, in a radiographic imaging device in which less flexible internal parts are held inside by a highly flexible exterior and base, by using the above-described fixing members, it is possible to bend the radiographic imaging device without considering the flexibility of the internal parts.

[0057] <Example 4> In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, a configuration corresponding to an internal part having a shape exemplified by first electric board 301 has been described. Also, in the third embodiment, a configuration corresponding to an internal part having a shape exemplified by second electric board 303 has been described. In the fourth embodiment, a mode is described in which an internal part having a thickness and arranged with almost no gap inside the radiographic imaging device, exemplified by battery 304, is accommodated, allowing the radiographic imaging device to bend into a desired shape.

[0058] Hereinafter, a configuration for holding the battery 304 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which are referred to in the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the battery 304 and the battery cover 104 are arranged on the rear side of the radiographic imaging device 100. The battery cover 104 is held by the radiographic imaging device 100 via a fourth fixing member 404 having a hinge mechanism and a third fixing member 403 having an elastic function. The third fixing member 403 is made of an elastic member exemplified by a spring or rubber, and is fixed to one end of the battery cover 104. When the battery cover 104 rotates around the fourth fixing member 404 fixed to the other end, the third fixing member 403 restricts the movement of one end of the battery cover 104 and defines the limit of rotation.

[0059] Battery 304 is thicker than first electric board 301 and second electric board 303, and is disposed with almost no gap inside radiographic imaging device 100. When radiographic imaging device 100 is curved in this state, third fixing member 403 made of an elastic member stretches with fourth fixing member 404 as an axis relative to the overall curvature as shown in Fig. 4, resulting in a state in which the battery partially protrudes from the outer shape of radiographic imaging device 100.

[0060] Here, a metal material such as aluminum or a material with a relatively high rigidity such as CFRP is used for the battery cover 104. In this embodiment, when there is no space inside the radiographic imaging device 100 that can reduce the stress applied to the internal components, the battery cover 104 is partially protruded to the outside of the device. With this configuration, the radiographic imaging device 100 can bend into a desired shape without applying an excessive load to the battery 304.

[0061] In the above example, the description is given on the assumption that the battery 304 is built into the radiation image capturing device 100. However, the battery 304 may be removable. In the case of making the battery 304 removable, the battery cover 104 may be provided with the above-mentioned structure and may be made openable / closable or removable. Also, instead of providing the battery cover 104, this embodiment can be realized by forming a part of the lower cover 103 from an elastic material. That is, a part of the exterior (lower cover 103 in the illustrated example) that the battery 304 comes into contact with when the radiation detector 204 or other components are bent may be made of an elastic material.

[0062] By providing the above third fixing member 403 and fourth fixing member 404, it is possible to provide a radiographic imaging device that can bend into a desired shape while reducing the load on the internal structure. That is, in a radiographic imaging device in which less flexible internal parts are held inside by a highly flexible exterior and base, by using the above-mentioned fixing members, it is possible to bend the radiographic imaging device without considering the flexibility of the internal parts.

[0063] The above disclosure includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) A flexible radiation detector; A support base for supporting the radiation detector; an exterior housing containing the radiation detector; internal components for driving the radiation detector; and a retaining means, A radiological imaging device, wherein the holding means is made of a material capable of absorbing deviations in relative position caused by the difference in bending rigidity between the internal components and the bending rigidity of the configuration including the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior when bending occurs in the configuration. (Configuration 2) A flexible radiation detector; A support base for supporting the radiation detector; an exterior housing containing the radiation detector; internal components for driving the radiation detector; and a retaining means, the holding means has a function of reducing a load applied to the internal component caused by a difference between a bending rigidity of the internal component and a bending rigidity of the configuration when a configuration including the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior is bent in a recoverable manner due to an applied load, The internal components are held by at least one of the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior via the holding means. (Configuration 3) 3. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the bending stiffness of the structure is lower than the bending stiffness of the internal components. (Configuration 4) a radiation detector that is deflected recoverably when a load is applied; a support base that supports the radiation detector and is bent in a recoverable manner in accordance with the radiation detector; an exterior that contains the radiation detector and is bent in a recoverable manner in accordance with the radiation detector; internal components for driving the radiation detector; and a retaining means for retaining the internal component. The holding means has a function of reducing the load applied from at least one of components including the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior by generating, when the radiation detector bends, portions of the internal components having a small positional deviation relative to the radiation detector and portions having a large positional deviation relative to the radiation detector. (Configuration 5) 5. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the holding means comprises a first member arranged in contact with the internal component, and a second member arranged at a position different from the first member in a direction perpendicular to a bending direction when the component is bent in a recoverable manner. (Configuration 6) The radiographic imaging device of configuration 5, wherein the first member is an elastic member that deforms in response to the pressure or tension when the position of the internal component that abuts against the first member is pressed or pulled by the load. (Configuration 7) 7. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first member is any one of a porous foam material, a spring, rubber, and a member made of a combination of materials having different elastic moduli. (Configuration 8) The second member is an elastic member that deforms in response to the pressure or tension when the position of the internal part that abuts against the first member is pressed or pulled by the load. (Configuration 9) The second member is a member that rotatably supports the internal part when a position of the internal part that abuts against the first member is pressed or pulled by the load. (Configuration 10) 10. The radiographic imaging device according to configuration 9, wherein the second member is any one of a hinge mechanism, a ball joint, a porous foam material, and a spring material. (Configuration 11) 11. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the first member is fixed to a side of the support base or to an inner surface of the exterior that corresponds to the internal component. (Configuration 12) 12. The radiographic imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein a part of the exterior that comes into contact with the internal component when the configuration is bent is made of an elastic material. (Configuration 13) 13. The radiographic imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the internal components include at least one of an electric circuit board that drives the radiation detector, an electric circuit board that reads out a signal detected by the radiation detector, and a battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100 Radiation imaging device 101 Top cover 102 Frames 103 Lower cover 201 Cushioning material 202 Phosphor protection layer 203 Phosphor 204 Radiation Detector 205 Support base 301 First Electrical Board 302 Flexible PCB 303 Second Electrical Board 304 Battery 401 First fixing member 402 Second fixing member 403 Third fixing member 404 Fourth fixing member

Claims

1. A flexible radiation detector, A support base for supporting the radiation detector, The casing encompassing the radiation detector, Internal components for driving the aforementioned radiation detector, Equipped with a holding means, The holding means comprises a member capable of absorbing the relative positional displacement caused by the difference between the bending rigidity of the internal components and the bending rigidity of the configuration when deflection occurs in the configuration including the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior, in a radiation imaging apparatus.

2. A flexible radiation detector, A support base for supporting the radiation detector, The casing encompassing the radiation detector, Internal components for driving the aforementioned radiation detector, Equipped with a holding means, The holding means has the function of reducing the load applied to the internal components when the configuration, including the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior, is resiliently deflected by the applied load, caused by the difference between the bending stiffness of the internal components and the bending stiffness of the configuration. A radiation imaging apparatus in which the internal components are held by the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior via the holding means.

3. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bending rigidity of the above configuration is lower than that of the internal components.

4. A radiation detector that flexes in a recoverable manner under load, A support base that supports the radiation detector and is flexible to recover in accordance with the radiation detector, An outer casing that encloses the radiation detector and is flexible to recover in accordance with the radiation detector, Internal components for driving the aforementioned radiation detector, It comprises a holding means for holding the internal components, A radiation imaging apparatus, wherein the holding means has the function of reducing the load applied to at least one of the components, including the radiation detector, the support base, and the exterior, by causing a portion of the internal components to have a small relative positional displacement with respect to the radiation detector and a portion to have a large relative positional displacement with respect to the radiation detector when the radiation detector is deflected.

5. The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, wherein the holding means comprises a first member positioned in contact with the internal component and a second member positioned at a different location from the first member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of deflection when the configuration is recoverably deflected.

6. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first member is an elastic member that deforms in response to being pressed or pulled when the position of the internal component that abuts the first member is pressed or pulled.

7. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first member is one of a member consisting of a porous foam material, a spring, rubber, and a combination of members having different moduli.

8. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second member is an elastic member that deforms in response to the pressing or pulling when the position of the internal component that abuts the first member is pressed or pulled by the load.

9. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second member is a member that rotatably supports the internal component when the position of the internal component that abuts the first member is pressed or pulled by the load.

10. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second member is one of a hinge mechanism, a ball joint, a porous foam material, and a spring material.

11. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first member is fixed to the side of the support base or to the inner surface of the exterior corresponding to the internal component.

12. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a part of the exterior that comes into contact with the internal components when the aforementioned structure is bent is made of an elastic member.

13. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the internal components include at least one of an electrical circuit board for driving the radiation detector, an electrical circuit board for reading the signal detected by the radiation detector, and a battery.

Images