Flexible detector and imaging device including the same

Abstract

To provide a flexible detector and an imaging device including the same.SOLUTION: A flexible detector comprises: a deformable panel portion including a detection panel for detecting radiations, and a first protection panel and a second protection panel respectively provided at a first surface side and a second surface side of the detection panel; a main frame portion coupled to one side of the panel portion; and an end frame portion coupled to an end of the other side of the panel portion. The detection panel, the first protection panel, and the second protection panel extend in a first direction. A slide structure, which slidably supports an end of the first protection panel or an end of the detection panel in the first direction, is provided on the end frame portion or at an end of the end frame portion side of the panel portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a variable detector and an image pickup apparatus including the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a variable detector capable of deforming with respect to the outer peripheral surface of an inspection object and acquiring a radiation image, and an image pickup apparatus including the same.

Background Art

[0002] The non-destructive testing method means a method of performing inspections such as the material, performance, state, and presence or absence of defects without destroying the inspection object. By using the non-destructive testing method, the internal structure and defects can be confirmed without destroying the inspection object. Exemplarily, in an industrial site, quality inspection of various industrial products, confirmation of the presence or absence of defects in buildings, and confirmation of wear / corrosion states can be performed.

[0003] When performing non-destructive testing using X-ray among the non-destructive testing methods, a hollow cylindrical object, for example, a pipe can be used as an inspection object. On the other hand, there is a demand for a structure or method that can easily measure the dimensions (for example, radius, etc.) of the inspection object photographed during the execution of non-destructive testing without a separate measuring device.

[0004] By the way, the variable detector is bent so as to wrap around the outer peripheral surface of the inspection object. However, due to the bending of the variable detector, stress may be generated between the components of the variable detector having a layer structure, or a tensile force may be applied to the radiation detection panel and damage may occur.

[0005] In addition, the X-ray detection panel and electrical elements provided inside the variable detector need to block the inflow of external foreign matters such as moisture and dust.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a variable detector capable of minimizing damage to the variable detector in the process of bending the variable detector so as to wrap the outer peripheral surface of an object to be inspected.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a variable detector having excellent waterproof and dustproof performance for blocking the inflow of external foreign substances such as moisture and dust.

[0009] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an image capturing apparatus including a variable detector that enables easy replacement and use of the variable detector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The present invention includes a detection panel for radiation detection, a first protection panel and a second protection panel provided on the first surface side and the second surface side of the detection panel, respectively, a deformable panel portion; a main frame portion coupled to one side of the panel portion; and an end frame portion coupled to an end portion of the other side of the panel portion, wherein the detection panel, the first protection panel, and the second protection panel extend in a first direction, and at an end portion of the end frame portion or the end frame portion side of the panel portion, a slide structure is provided for slidably supporting the end portion of the first protection panel in the first direction at the end portion of the first protection panel or for slidably supporting the end portion of the detection panel in the first direction at the end portion of the panel portion in the direction of the end frame portion. A variable detector is provided.

[0011] In one embodiment, the slide structure may be a first slide structure for slidably coupling the end portion of the first protection panel to the end frame portion.

[0012] Further, the first slide structure includes a stopper provided at an end of the first protection panel, and the stopper can be guided to slide within the end frame portion.

[0013] Further, the stopper may be provided with a slide protrusion, and a groove-shaped slide guide into which the slide protrusion is inserted and guided may be provided in the end frame portion.

[0014] Further, the end frame portion includes an end frame body fixed to an end of the panel portion, and an end frame cover coupled to accommodate the stopper between the end frame body, and the slide guide may be formed on at least one of an upper surface of the end frame body or a lower surface of the end frame cover.

[0015] Further, the stopper is coupled to an end of the first protection panel, a stopper coupling hole into which the slide protrusion is inserted is provided at the end of the first protection panel, and the stopper can be coupled to the end of the first protection panel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the movement range of the stopper may be limited by the first slide structure.

[0017] In one embodiment, one side of the first protection panel is fixed to the main frame portion, one side of the second protection panel is fixed to the main frame portion with the panel portion interposed therebetween, and the other side of the second protection panel may be fixed to the end frame portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the slide structure may include a second slide structure that slidably supports an end of the detection panel in the first direction.

[0019] Further, the second slide structure may include a slide panel to which an end of the detection panel is coupled, and an inner end frame portion provided on an end side of the detection panel to slidably support the slide panel.

[0020] Further, the panel part may include a detection panel part including the detection panel, a first inner protection panel and a second inner protection panel provided on the first surface and the second surface of the detection panel, respectively, and the inner end frame part.

[0021] Further, the panel part may include a radiation detection part provided with a protection exterior that houses the detection panel part and the detection panel part.

[0022] In one embodiment, the end frame part may be coupled to an end of the protection exterior of the radiation detection part.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second slide structure includes a guide protrusion provided to protrude from the inner end frame part, and slide long holes through which the guide protrusion penetrates may be formed in the inner end frame part, the first inner protection panel, and the second inner protection panel.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a deformable panel part including a detection panel for radiation detection, a radiation detection part provided with a protection exterior that houses the detection panel, and a first protection panel and a second protection panel provided on the first surface side and the second surface side of the protection exterior, respectively; a main frame part coupled to one side of the panel part; and an end frame part coupled to an end of the other side of the panel part, wherein the detection panel, the radiation detection part, the first protection panel, and the second protection panel extend in a first direction, the protection exterior includes a first opening formed in a coupling surface coupled to the main frame part, and the detection panel inserted through the first opening is hermetically housed, and a variable detector is provided.

[0025] In one embodiment, the end frame part may be provided with a first slide structure that slidably couples an end of the first protection panel to the end frame part in the first direction.

[0026] The first slide structure includes a stopper provided at an end of the first protection panel, and the stopper may be guided to slide within the end frame portion.

[0027] Further, the end frame portion includes an end frame body fixed to an end of the protection exterior, and an end frame cover coupled to accommodate the stopper between the end frame body, and a protrusion formed on the stopper may be guided by a slide guide formed on at least one of an upper surface of the end frame body or a lower surface of the end frame cover.

[0028] In one embodiment, the radiation detection unit includes a detection panel unit including the detection panel and the inner end frame portion, the detection panel unit is provided with at least one of a first inner protection panel provided on a first surface of the detection panel and a second inner protection panel provided on a second surface of the detection panel, and the detection panel unit can be accommodated within the protection exterior.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one of at least one surface of a gate FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) of the detection panel, a gate element connecting between the gate FPCB and the detection panel, the first inner protection panel, or the second inner protection panel may be provided with a buffer member for reducing an impact or friction applied to the detection panel.

[0030] Further, the buffer member may be formed in a laminated structure including at least one of a cushion layer and a low friction layer and an adhesive layer.

[0031] Also, a buffer member for maintaining a distance between the first inner protection panel and the second inner protection panel may be provided on a side surface of the detection panel on the first inner protection panel or the second inner protection panel.

[0032] In one embodiment, the detection panel portion includes a second slide structure that slidably supports an end portion of the detection panel in the first direction at an end portion in the direction of the end frame portion.

[0033] In one embodiment, one side of the detection panel portion may be fixed to the first opening portion side of the protective exterior.

[0034] In one embodiment, the slide structure may include a slide panel to which an end portion of the detection panel is coupled, and an inner end frame portion provided on the end portion side of the detection panel so as to slidably support the slide panel.

[0035] In one embodiment, the inner end frame portion may be fixed to the end frame portion side.

[0036] In one embodiment, an opening formed on the end frame portion side is provided at an end portion of the protective exterior, and seal protrusions are formed to protrude around the opening. By coupling the inner end frame portion to the end frame portion side, the seal protrusions can be pressed to seal the opening.

[0037] In one embodiment, a second plate of a connection bracket including a first plate coupled to the end frame portion is coupled to an end portion of the protective exterior, and a gap may be formed between the second plate and the end frame portion.

[0038] In one embodiment, the protective exterior may be provided with a wing portion formed to protrude on the first surface side so as to guide the sliding movement of the first protective panel from the side.

[0039] Further, the present invention provides an image capturing device that captures an image by radiation irradiation, including the variable type detector described above; and a main controller provided separately from the variable type detector and coupled to the variable type detector via a connection cable.

Advantages of the Invention

[0040] According to the present invention, when the variable detector is deformed, easy deformation of the components of the variable detector having a laminated structure can be enabled, and the stress or tensile force applied to the variable detector can be minimized.

[0041] Also, according to the present invention, the waterproof or dustproof performance of the variable detector can be improved.

[0042] Also, according to the present invention, by separately providing the variable detector and the main body for image processing and configuring them to be connectable, the replacement and use of the variable detector can be facilitated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, when attaching reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that for the same components, even if they are shown on different drawings, they are made to have the same reference numerals as much as possible. In the description of the present invention, when it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function makes the gist of the present invention unclear, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, although preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below, it goes without saying that the technical idea of the present invention is not limited or restricted thereto and can be changed and implemented in various ways by those skilled in the art. Also, the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are exploded perspective views of the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a first slide structure in the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In the following embodiments, the X-axis direction represents the first direction (length direction), the Y-axis direction represents the second direction (width direction) perpendicular to the first direction, and the Z-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction and indicates the vertical direction (thickness direction). Further, the XY plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis represents the horizontal plane, and the XZ plane formed by the X-axis and the Z-axis represents the vertical plane.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a variable detector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible panel portion 10, a main frame portion 60 coupled to one side of the panel portion 10, and an end frame portion 70 coupled to the other end of the panel portion 10.

[0048] The panel portion 10 is formed by stacking a plurality of panels and may be bent to surround the outer peripheral surface of the object to be inspected. Inside the panel portion 10, a radiation detection unit 20 capable of detecting radiation is provided.

[0049] The main frame portion 60 includes a housing 62 made of an inelastic material or a material having a higher rigidity than the panel portion 10, and an electronic element and a circuit for controlling the radiation detection unit 20 may be provided inside the housing 62. Further, the main frame portion 60 may further include a connection port 64 for electrically connecting or communicating with other devices.

[0050] The end frame portion 70 is coupled to the panel portion 10 on the side opposite to the main frame portion 60. The end frame portion 70 may be made of an inelastic material or a material having a higher rigidity than the panel portion 10.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the detailed configurations and connection configurations of the panel portion 10, the main frame portion 60, and the end frame portion 70 are shown. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the connection between the components can be made using screws or an adhesive. Since such a connection method between components is a common means, it should be noted that detailed descriptions of means such as the use of screws and adhesives for connecting components are omitted in the present invention except in special cases.

[0052] The panel unit 10 may include a radiation detection unit 20, a first protection panel 12, and a second protection panel 16 provided on the first surface and the second surface of the radiation detection unit 20, respectively. In one embodiment, one side of the first protection panel 12 may be fixed to the main frame unit 60, and one side of the second protection panel 16 may be fixed to the main frame unit 60 with the radiation detection unit 20 interposed therebetween.

[0053] The radiation detection unit 20 may be configured to include a detection panel unit 30 that includes a detection panel 32 therein. In one embodiment, the radiation detection unit 20 may include a protective exterior 22 in a form that wraps the detection panel unit 30. The protective exterior 22 may be made of a flexible material and can function as a housing for accommodating the detection panel unit 30. The protective exterior 22 can be composed of rubber, urethane, silicon, carbon composite material, plastic, or the like that is radiation-permeable and shape-variable. In one embodiment, the protective exterior may be made of silicone rubber. Since the internal detection panel 32 is wrapped by the protective exterior 22, the waterproof and dustproof performance can be improved.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, a coupling portion 24 coupled to the main frame unit 60 may be formed on one side of the radiation detection unit 20, on the first surface side. In one embodiment, the coupling portion 24 includes a first opening portion 26, and the terminal 28 of the detection panel 32 can be exposed through the first opening portion 26.

[0055] In one embodiment, the protective exterior 22 may be configured such that the remaining portion except the first opening portion 26 is directly or indirectly sealed. The detection panel 32 can be housed inside the protective exterior 22 and protected from moisture, dust, and the like.

[0056] The first protection panel 12 and the second protection panel 16 are located on the upper surface (the first surface) and the lower surface (the second surface) of the radiation detection unit 20, and may be made of rubber, urethane, silicon, carbon composite material, plastic, etc., which are permeable to radiation and have a variable shape. In one embodiment, the first protection panel 12 and the second protection panel 16 may be made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Although the second protection panel 16 is illustrated as being coupled to the lower surface of the radiation detection unit, the second protection panel 16 can also be attached to the lower surface of the protection exterior 22 of the radiation detection unit 20 using an adhesive or double-sided tape. Also, in some cases, when the protection exterior 22 is injection molded, the second protection panel 16 can be included on one side surface of the protection exterior 22 by an insert injection method, and the protection exterior 22 and the second protection panel 16 can be manufactured as one combined body.

[0057] The main frame portion 60 may include a housing 62 and a control module 68 embedded in the housing 62. The control module 68 may include electronic elements and circuits for controlling the detection panel 32 and / or processing the detection signals of the detection panel 32. In one embodiment, such a control module 68 can be configured as a PBA (printed board assembly).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the main frame portion 60 includes a second opening 66 on the bottom surface, and can communicate with the first opening 26 of the radiation detection unit 20 through the second opening 66. In one embodiment, the terminal 28 of the detection panel 32 provided in the radiation detection unit 20 may be connected to the control module 68 through the first opening 26 and the second opening 66. However, in the implementation of the present invention, the first opening and the second opening are not necessarily provided in the radiation detection unit 20 and the main frame portion 60, and the detection panel portion can also be connected to the control module 68 of the main frame portion 60 through a separate connector.

[0059] The end frame portion 70 is coupled to the end of the radiation detection portion 20. The end frame portion 70 may be adhered to the end of the radiation detection portion 20 with an adhesive or fixed using fixing screws. A first slide structure described later is formed on the end frame portion 70.

[0060] One side of the first protection panel 12 is fixed to the housing of the main frame portion 60, and the other side of the first protection panel 12 is coupled to the end frame portion 70. The other side of the first protection panel 12 is coupled to the end frame portion 70 to form a first slide structure, so that the end of the first protection panel 12 can slide within a predetermined range via the first slide structure when the panel portion 10 is deformed.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the first slide structure may be constituted by the end frame portion 70 and the stopper 80.

[0062] The end frame portion 70 includes an end frame main body 72 and an end frame cover 76. The end frame main body 72 is coupled to the end of the radiation detection portion 20, and the end frame cover 76 may be coupled to the first surface of the end frame main body 72. The end frame main body 72 and the end frame cover 76 are coupled so as to form a spaced space therebetween, and the stopper 80 is slidably coupled between the end frame main body 72 and the end frame cover 76.

[0063] A groove-shaped first slide guide 74 extending in the X-axis direction is formed on the upper surface of the end frame main body 72, and a groove-shaped second slide guide 78 extending in the X-axis direction is formed on the bottom surface of the end frame cover 76.

[0064] The stopper 80 includes a stopper main body 82 and slide protrusions 83a and 83b formed in the Z-axis direction from the stopper main body 82. The first slide protrusion 83a may be inserted into the first slide guide 74, and the second slide protrusion 83b may be inserted into the second slide guide 78.

[0065] Either the first slide projection 83a or the second slide projection 83b can be inserted into the stopper coupling hole 14 of the first protection panel 12, so that the end of the first protection panel 12 can be slidably coupled to the end frame portion 70.

[0066] In the implementation of the present invention, only one of the first slide guide 74 or the second slide guide 78 is provided as the slide guide, and only one of the first slide projection 83a or the second slide projection 83b corresponding to the slide guide can also be provided.

[0067] The stopper 80 is guided by the slide projections 83a and 83b by the slide guides 74 and 78 and can slide in the X-axis direction. The stopper 80 slides in the space between the end frame body 72 and the end frame cover 76, and the limit position or distance of sliding is set to limit the maximum allowable bending degree of the variable detector 1.

[0068] On the other hand, in FIGS. 2 to 4, an example is shown in which the stopper 80 is configured separately from the first protection panel 12. However, in the implementation of the present invention, the stopper 80 can also be formed integrally with the first protection panel 12. Needless to say, the stopper 80 can be deformed into various structures as long as it is a structure for limiting the maximum bending degree of the first protection panel 12.

[0069] The second protection panel 16 is coupled to the second surface side of the radiation detection unit 20. One side of the second protection panel 16 is coupled via the radiation detection unit 20 below the housing 62 of the main frame portion 60. The other side of the second protection panel 16 is coupled to the end frame portion 70.

[0070] One side end of the first protection panel 12 is fixed to the housing 62 of the main frame part 60, and the other side end of the first protection panel 12 is coupled to the end frame part 70 slidably by a first slide structure. In contrast, both side ends of the second protection panel 16 are fixed to the lower side of the housing 62 of the main frame part 60 and the end frame part 70. With such a configuration, when the panel part 10 is bent, both side ends of the second protection panel 16 do not slide, and one side end of the first protection panel 12 can slide by the first slide structure. However, in the implementation of the present invention, it goes without saying that the first slide structure can also be provided for the second protection panel 16, or both side ends of the first protection panel 12 can be fixed, and the first slide structure can be formed on the second protection panel 16.

[0071] On the other hand, since the second protection panel 16 is made of a flexible material, when fixing one side end of the second protection panel 16 to the housing side of the main frame part 60, an auxiliary panel 18 made of a non-elastic material or a material with higher rigidity than the second protection panel 16 may be further provided outside the second protection panel 16.

[0072] The connection of the radiation detection part 20, the main frame part 60, the first protection panel 12, the second protection panel 16 and the end frame part 70 is shown in the figure to be connected using screws, but these connections can also use adhesives.

[0073] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the radiation detection part and the end frame of the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the detection panel part with the protective exterior removed from the radiation detection part in the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the detection panel part in the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] As described above, the radiation detection unit 20 shown in FIG. 5 includes a protective exterior 22, and an end frame body 72 of the end frame portion 70 is coupled to the end of the radiation detection unit 20. As described above, a first opening portion 26 is provided in the protective exterior 22 for inserting the detection panel portion 30 while exposing the terminals 28 of the detection panel 32. A waterproof projection 24a, 24b for improving waterproof performance may be formed in the coupling portion 24 surrounding the first opening portion 26. The waterproof projections 24a, 24b may be provided in plural so as to include a first waterproof projection 24a and a second waterproof projection 24b that surround the first opening portion 26. Further, a screw hole 24c is formed in the coupling portion 24 of the first opening portion 26, and the coupling portion 24 can be coupled to the bottom surface of the housing 62. Further, a fixing rod insertion hole 24d may be provided in a part of the coupling portion 24. One side end of the detection panel portion 30 can be fixed through the fixing rod insertion hole 24d. In one embodiment, a fixing rod is formed to protrude from a first coupling piece 38a described later, and one side of the detection panel portion 30 can be fixed in the vicinity of the first opening portion 26 of the protective exterior 22 in such a manner that the fixing rod is inserted into the fixing rod insertion hole 24d.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a detection panel portion 30 is provided inside the protective exterior 22 of the radiation detection unit 20. The detection panel portion 30 includes a detection panel 32 and a first inner protective panel 34 and a second inner protective panel 36 provided on the first surface and the second surface of the detection panel 32, respectively. Further, a coupling piece 38 that couples the upper and lower portions of the first and second inner protective panels 34, 36 is provided at one side end of the detection panel portion 30, and an inner end frame portion 40 is provided at the other side end of the detection panel portion 30.

[0076] The detection panel 32 may be formed of a flexible material. As an example, the detection panel 32 may include a flexible thin film transistor (TFT) 33, and can convert light emitted by a fluorescent substance in response to radiation transmitted through an inspection object into an electrical (charge) signal to obtain image information.

[0077] The detection panel 32 may include a ROIC (read out IC) sensor and a gate sensor in the form of COF (chip on film), and the ROIC sensor and the gate sensor may be composed of a material with variable properties or a structure with variable properties.

[0078] The first and second inner protection panels 34, 36 may be composed of a radiation-permeable flexible material. The first and second inner protection panels 34, 36 can perform the function of protecting the detection panel 32.

[0079] The coupling piece 38 includes a first coupling piece 38a and a second coupling piece 38b, and the first coupling piece 38a and the second coupling piece 38b can be coupled with screws or the like to assemble one side of the detection panel portion 30. Also, a third coupling piece 38c may be provided between the first coupling piece 38a and the second coupling piece 38b. In one embodiment, the third coupling piece 38c may be located between the first and second inner protection panels 34, 36.

[0080] The inner end frame portion 40 may include an inner end frame main body 42 and an inner end frame cover 50. The inner end frame main body 42 includes a plate 44 with guide protrusions 45 protruding therefrom and a wall portion 46 formed on the side of the plate 44. The inner end frame cover 50 can be coupled to the inner frame main body 42 by being screwed to the upper part of the wall portion 46 and the upper part of the guide protrusions 45. Such an inner end frame portion 40 is provided on the end side of the detection panel portion 30 on the side of the end frame portion 70 described above.

[0081] A slide panel 48 may be provided between the inner end frame main body 42 and the inner end frame cover 50. In one embodiment, one side of the detection panel 32 may be fixed to the third coupling piece 38c via a first fixing portion 33a, and the other side of the detection panel 32 may be fixed to the slide panel 48 via a second fixing portion 33b. The first and second fixing portions 33a, 33b may be formed using an adhesive or an adhesive film.

[0082] The first and second inner protection panels 34 and 36 are respectively formed with first and second slide elongated holes 35 and 37, and the slide panel 48 forms a third slide elongated hole 49. The guide protrusion 45 formed on the inner end frame body 42 is inserted into the second slide elongated hole 37 formed in the second inner protection panel 36, the third slide elongated hole 49 formed in the slide panel 48, and the first slide elongated hole 35 formed in the first inner protection panel 34. Such a configuration constitutes a second slide structure (in the present invention, the second slide structure may also be referred to as an "inner slide structure"). When the detection panel portion 30 is bent, the ends of the first and second inner protection panels 34 and 36 slide and move with the guide protrusion 45 inserted into the first and second slide elongated holes 35 and 37. Further, since the end of the detection panel 32 is fixed to the slide panel 48, when the detection panel portion 30 is bent, the slide panel 48 slides and moves with the guide protrusion 45 inserted into the third slide elongated hole 49 of the slide panel 48, enabling the detection panel 32 to slide in the X-axis direction.

[0083] When bending the variable detector 1 according to the present invention with respect to an object to be inspected, the operation of the slide structure provided in the variable detector 1 will be described.

[0084] FIG. 8 is a side view of a variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-section taken along the A-A' direction in FIG. 8) showing the operating state of the slide structure according to the bending state of the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] A force is applied to the variable detector 1 in the direction as shown by F in FIG. 8 to bend the variable detector 1. FIG. 9(a) shows a state where the variable detector 1 is not bent, and FIG. 9(b) shows a state where the variable detector 1 is bent.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 9(a), when the variable detector 1 is not bent, the stopper 80 coupled to the end of the first protection panel 12 is located at the neutral position with the slide protrusions 83a, 83b inserted into the slide guides 74, 78 formed on the end frame body 72 and the end frame cover 76. Also, the slide panel 48 with the end of the detection panel 32 fixed thereto and the ends of the first and second inner protection panels 34, 36 are located at the neutral position in the space between the inner end frame body 42 and the inner end frame cover 50 of the inner end frame portion 40. Guide protrusions 45 protruding from the end frame body 42 are inserted into the slide elongated holes 49, 35, 37 formed in the slide panel 48, the first and second inner protection panels 34, 36, respectively. Here, the neutral position can be understood as the position of the stopper 80 and the ends of the slide panel 48 and the first and second inner protection panels 34, 36 when the variable detector 1 is not bent.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 9(b), when the variable detector 1 is bent, the stopper 80 coupled to the end of the first protection panel 12 is moved to the first position with the slide protrusions 83a, 83b inserted into the slide guides 74, 78 formed on the end frame body 72 and the end frame cover 76. The moving position of the stopper 80 is determined by the degree of bending of the variable detector 1, and the maximum moving distance is limited by the slide guides 74, 78 (i.e., there is a limit point at the first position). By limiting the maximum moving distance of the stopper 80, excessive deformation of the variable detector 1 is prevented. Also, the slide panel 48 with the end of the detection panel 32 fixed thereto and the ends of the first and second inner protection panels 34, 36 move to their respective first positions in the space between the inner end frame body 42 and the inner end frame cover 50 of the inner end frame portion 40. Here, the first position can be understood as the position of the stopper 80 and the ends of the slide panel 48 and the first and second inner protection panels 34, 36 when the variable detector 1 is bent.

[0088] With such a slide structure, it is possible to minimize the tensile force applied to the detection panel 32 when the variable detector 1 is bent.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-section taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 8) showing another embodiment of the slide structure according to the bending state of the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] In FIG. 10, the lengths of the slide guides 74 and 78 formed on the end frame body 72 and the end frame cover 76 are different in that they extend further to the left compared to FIG. 9, and the other configurations are the same.

[0091] FIG. 10(a) shows the state where the variable detector 1 is not bent, FIG. 10(b) shows the state where the variable detector 1 is bent by applying a force as shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10(c) shows the state where the variable detector 1 is bent in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 10(b) by applying a force in the direction opposite to the force shown in FIG. 8.

[0092] In FIG. 10, the position of the stopper 80 can be the neutral position in FIG. 10(a), the first position in FIG. 10(b), and the second position in FIG. 10(c). The variable detector 1 in FIG. 10 is for the case where the variable detector 1 is bent in both directions instead of being bent only in one direction as in FIG. 9. The first position in FIG. 10(b) is for limiting the maximum bending when the variable detector 1 is bent toward the second protection panel 16 side, and the second position in FIG. 10(c) is for limiting the maximum bending when the variable detector 1 is bent toward the first protection panel 12 side. Since the maximum movement distance of the stopper 80 is limited, excessive deformation of the variable detector 1 in both directions is restricted.

[0093] On the other hand, in FIGS. 10(b) and (c), it can be confirmed that as the variable detector 1 is bent, the end of the detection panel 32 is fixed, and the ends of the slide panel 48 and the first and second inner protection panels 34 and 36 slide and move.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an image capturing apparatus including a variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplarily showing a system configuration of the image capturing apparatus including the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 11, the variable detector 1 can be attached along the outer peripheral surface of the inspection object P. In order to fix the variable detector 1 to the outer peripheral surface of the inspection object P, a fixing portion 2 composed of a band, a string, a wire, a belt, a ratchet belt, a chain, Velcro, etc. may be used. When performing a non-destructive inspection on the inspection object P using the variable detector 1, a radiation generating portion (not shown) may be provided inside or outside the inspection object P.

[0096] In one embodiment, the main frame portion 60 may be connected to the main controller 90 via a connection cable 92. The main controller 90 can transmit a control signal to the variable detector 1, and the radiation image acquired by the variable detector 1 can be transmitted and stored or processed.

[0097] By providing the main controller 90 separately from the variable detector 1, the weight and / or size of the variable detector 1 can be reduced. Also, when the main controller 90 is provided separately, the radiation exposure to the main controller 90 can be reduced and the durability can be improved.

[0098] Since the variable detector 1 and the main controller 90 are connected via the connection cable 92, the variable detector 1 can be easily replaced and connected to the main controller 90 as needed.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 12, the main controller 90 can be connected to a server 94 or the like via a wireless or wired cable 96.

[0100] On the other hand, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] When compared with FIG. 9, in the variable detector 1 shown in FIG. 13, the second protection panel 16 is provided in a state of being in close contact with the protection exterior 22 of the radiation detection unit 20. The second protection panel 16 may be attached to one side surface of the protection exterior 22 using an adhesive, or may be molded in a state where the second protection panel 16 is attached together during the injection molding of the protection exterior 22 by a double injection method. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, there is an effect that foreign matter can be prevented from entering between the second protection panel 16 and the protection exterior 22.

[0102] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the detection panel portion of the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a configuration in which a buffer member is provided on the detection panel. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a buffer member is further provided between the first and second inner protection panels in another embodiment of the detection panel portion of the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the detection panel portion of the variable detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged view showing the buffer member provided in the detection panel portion.

[0103] FIG. 14(a) is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first buffer member 52a and the second buffer member 52b are attached to the detection panel 32, (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the first buffer member 52a and the second buffer member 52b are attached to the detection panel 32, (c) is a diagram showing the back surface of (b), and (d) is a cross-sectional view showing the laminated structure of the buffer members.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 14, the detection panel 32 includes a variable-type TFT 33 and can detect X-rays. In one embodiment, the detection panel 32 is provided with a terminal 28 including an ROIC, a gate FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) 29, and a gate element 29a connected to the gate FPCB 29 and further connected to the variable-type TFT 33. The gate element may be provided as a gate COF (Chip on Flex / Film). On the other hand, the FPCB 29 and the gate element 29a in the detection panel 32 may be located on the other side of the detection panel 32 in the longitudinal direction, different from that shown in FIG. 14.

[0105] In the present invention, when the variable detector 1 is bent, the detection panel 32 slides in the X-axis direction between the first and second inner protection panels 34 and 36. In order to buffer the physical friction and impact applied to the detection panel 32, a first buffer member 52a is attached along one side surface of the gate FPCB 29 of the detection panel 32, and a second buffer member 52a may be attached between a plurality of gate elements 29a from the surface opposite to the first buffer member 52a.

[0106] The first buffer member 52a, the second buffer member 52b, and the third and fourth buffer members 52c and 52d described below may include an adhesive layer 54a, a cushion layer 54b, and a low-friction layer 54c as shown in FIG. 14(d). The adhesive layer 54a is a layer for adhering to other members, the cushion layer 54b is a layer for buffering by elastic deformation, and the low-friction layer 54c is a layer for reducing friction during sliding movement. The low-friction layer 54c preferably uses a material with a small surface friction coefficient. As an example, a sheet made of a resin such as polycarbonate may be used as the low-friction layer 54c. On the other hand, in the first buffer member 52a, the second buffer member 52b, the third buffer member 52c, and the fourth buffer member 52d, when shock absorption or mitigation is the main function, it is also possible to omit the low-friction layer 54c and provide only the adhesive layer 54a and the cushion layer 54b.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 15, a third buffer member 52c may be provided on the first inner protection panel 34. The third buffer member 52c may be formed to have a size corresponding to the flexible TFT 33 of the detection panel 32. The third buffer member 52c is adhered to the first inner protection panel 34, and the low friction layer 54c of the third buffer member 52c faces the detection panel 32 side. In FIG. 15, it shows that the third buffer member 52c is provided on the first inner protection panel 34, but the third buffer member 52c can also be attached to the second inner protection panel 36. Also, while maintaining the interval between the first inner protection panel 34 and the second inner protection panel 36, a fourth buffer member 52d that performs a buffering action may be further provided. The fourth buffer member 52d may be attached to either the first inner protection panel 34 or the second inner protection panel 36. In the present invention, the fourth buffer member 52d may also be referred to as a "buffer member for maintaining the interval".

[0108] Referring to FIG. 16, a state where the first buffer member 52a, the second buffer member 52b, and the fourth buffer member 52d are attached can be confirmed. In one embodiment, the second buffer member 52b may be attached to one surface of the first buffer member 52a. Since the fourth buffer member 52d maintains the interval between the first inner protection panel 34 and the second inner protection panel 36, the fourth buffer member 52d has a greater thickness compared to the other buffer members 52a, 52b, 52c.

[0109] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a flexible detector according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible detector according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a radiation detection unit in a flexible detector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Since the basic configuration of the variable detector 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the variable detector 1 described above, the common features will be briefly described or the description will be omitted. The variable detector 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible panel portion 110, a main frame portion 160 coupled to one side of the panel portion 110, and an end frame portion 170 coupled to the other end portion of the panel portion 110.

[0111] The panel portion 110 may include a radiation detection portion 120, a first protection panel 112 and a second protection panel 116 provided on the first surface (upper surface) and the second surface (lower surface) of the radiation detection portion 120, respectively.

[0112] The radiation detection portion 120 includes a detection panel portion 130 including a detection panel 132 therein, and a protection exterior 122 that wraps the detection panel portion 130. On one side of the protection exterior 122, a coupling portion 124 coupled to the main frame portion 160 on the first surface side is formed, and the terminal 128 of the detection panel 132 can be exposed through an opening portion 126 formed in the coupling portion 124.

[0113] The main frame portion 160 includes a housing 162 and a control module 168 built in the housing 162, and an inner cover 161 and an outer cover 163 that cover the open surface of the main frame portion 160 may be provided. A seal member for airtightness may be provided on the contact surface between the inner cover 161 and the housing 162.

[0114] The end frame part 170 is coupled to the end of the radiation detection part 120. A first slide structure is formed on the end frame part 70. One side of the first protection panel 112 is fixed to the housing 162 of the main frame part 160, and the other side of the first protection panel 112 is coupled to the end frame part 170. The end frame part 170 includes an end frame body 172 and an end frame cover 176. The end frame body 172 and the end frame cover 176 are coupled to form a spaced space therebetween, and the stopper 180 is slidably coupled between the end frame body 172 and the end frame cover 176 while supporting the end of the first protection panel 112 using the stopper coupling hole 114 formed at the end of the first protection panel 112. The end frame part 170 further includes a lower cover 171, and a fixed end 117 formed at one end of the second protection panel 116 may be fixed between the end frame body 172 and the lower cover 171.

[0115] A detection panel part 130 is provided inside the protection exterior 122 of the radiation detection part 120. A coupling piece 138a is provided on one side of the detection panel part 130, and a plurality of fixing rods 139 may protrude from the coupling piece 138a. The fixing rod 139 may be inserted into a fixing rod insertion hole 124d formed in the Y-axis direction at the coupling part 124 of the protection exterior 122.

[0116] An inner end frame 140 and an inner end frame cover 150 are provided at the other end of the detection panel part 130. The other side of the detection panel provided inside the detection panel part 130 is slidable by a slide structure between the inner end frame 140 and the inner end frame cover 150. The inner end frame 140 is fixed to the end frame part 170 side, and when the variable detector 100 is bent by the fixing rod 139 being inserted and fixed into the fixing rod insertion hole 124d, the detection panel can slide in the X-axis direction inside the detection panel part 130 housed inside the protection exterior 122.

[0117] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the variable detector 100 may further include a connection bracket 190 coupled to the end 123 side of the protective exterior 122. The connection bracket 190 may be provided such that a first plate 192 coupled to the end frame portion 170 side and a second plate 194 coupled to the end 123 side of the protective exterior 122 form an L shape. The connection bracket 190 seals the opening on the end 123 side of the protective exterior 122, and can mitigate the impact applied to the radiation detection unit 120 when the variable detector 100 is accidentally detached and the end frame portion 170 side hits the ground first.

[0118] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a cross section of a panel portion (a cross section taken along the B-B' direction in FIG. 17) of a variable detector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 20, the protective exterior 122 forming the variable detector 100 may be provided with wing portions 200 that guide both sides of the first protective panel 112 on the first surface side. In the present invention, when the variable detector 100 is bent, the first protective panel 112 can be slid in the X-axis direction. By providing a first wing portion 200a and a second wing portion 200b that are bent from the outside to the inside at both ends along the X-axis direction on the first surface side of the protective exterior 122, and forming a protective panel guide space 202 inside thereof, the sliding movement of the first protective panel 112 can be guided. The first wing portion 200a and the second wing portion 200b are shown as extending along the X-axis direction at both ends of the first surface of the protective exterior 122. However, in the implementation of the present invention, the first wing portion 200a and the second wing portion 200b may be provided at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. Also, the first wing portion 200a and the second wing portion 200b are shown in a form that partially covers both ends of the first protective panel 112. However, it is also possible that the first wing portion 200a and the second wing portion 200b extend to form a configuration that entirely covers the upper surface of the first protective panel 112. In this case, the guide space 202 formed by the wing portions 200 becomes a flat tunnel structure that houses the first protective panel 112. On the other hand, on the second surface side of the protective exterior 122, a protective panel coupling surface 204 to which the second protective panel 116 is coupled may be provided with a step.

[0120] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a radiation detection unit in a variable detector according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 22 is a view showing one end portion (portion D in FIG. 19) in a state where a detection panel portion is coupled to a protective exterior in a variable detector according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 is a view showing a cross section (cross section in the E-E' direction in FIG. 22) in which a connection bracket is coupled to an end portion of a protective exterior in a variable detector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 21, a connection bracket 190 including a first plate 192 and a second plate 194 is coupled to the end portion 123 side of the protective exterior 122 of the radiation detection unit 120.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 22, an opening 125 may be formed on the end portion 123 side of the protective exterior 122. The inner end frame 140 coupled to the end portion of the detection panel portion 130 through the opening 125 may be exposed. Fixing screw holes 141 may be formed in the inner end frame 140. Further, seal protrusions 127 may be formed around the opening 125.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 23, by inserting a fixing screw 196 through the second plate 194 of the connection bracket 190 and coupling it to the fixing screw hole 141 of the inner end frame 140, the connection bracket 190 can be fixed to the end portion 123 side of the protective exterior 122. At this time, when the seal protrusion 127 is pressed, the opening 125 is sealed by the second plate 194, and the airtightness of the protective exterior 122 can be ensured. In one embodiment, a screw having a waterproof function may be used as the fixing screw 196, and it is also possible to replace the seal protrusion 127 or use a seal member such as a gasket or an O-ring (o-ring) in parallel with the seal protrusion 127. Further, when the inner end frame 140 is fixed to the end frame portion 170 side through the connection bracket 190, the detection panel can slide inside the detection panel portion 130 when the variable detector 100 is bent.

[0124] On the one hand, it has been described that when the connecting bracket 190 is coupled to the end portion 123 of the protective exterior 122 and the seal protrusion 127 is pressed. However, in the practice of the present invention, when the connecting bracket 190 is not provided, the end portion 123 of the protective exterior 122 may be directly coupled to the end frame portion 170, and the seal ring protrusion 127 may be pressed to seal the opening 125.

[0125] FIG. 24 is a view showing a cross section of the connection state of the variable detector according to another embodiment of the present invention (a cross section taken along the C-C' direction of FIG. 17).

[0126] The second plate 194 of the connecting bracket 190 is coupled to the end portion 123 side of the protective exterior 122, and the first plate 192 of the connecting bracket 190 is coupled between the end frame body 172 of the end frame portion 170 and the lower cover 171. The second plate 194 of the connecting bracket 190 is fixed to the inner end frame 140 of the detection panel portion 130 by the fixing screw 196 described above to press the seal protrusion 127.

[0127] One side of the first protection panel 112 is slidably coupled between the end frame body 172 and the end frame cover 176. The second protection panel 116 is coupled to the lower surface of the protective exterior 122. On the other hand, one side of the second protection panel 116 is coupled between the end frame body 172 of the end frame portion 170 and the lower cover 171.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 24, the second plate 194 of the connecting bracket 190 may form a gap G with the end frame body 172. Due to the elasticity of the gap G and the connecting bracket 190, when the variable detector 100 drops with the end frame portion 170 downward, the impact applied to the radiation detection portion 120 can be mitigated.

[0129] FIG. 25 is a view showing another embodiment of the end frame portion in the variable detector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the connecting bracket 190 is not provided, and the end portion 123 of the protective exterior 122 is directly coupled to the end frame body 172 of the end frame portion 170. In one embodiment, a concave receiving portion as shown in FIG. 25 is formed in the end frame body 172', and the end portion 123 of the protective exterior 122 is inserted into the receiving portion. The end frame body 172' is formed with screw insertion holes 173 formed along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 17) of the variable detector 100. By inserting separate fixing screws through the screw insertion holes 173 and coupling them to the fixing screw holes 141 of the inner end frame 140 of the detection panel portion 130, the end portion 123 of the protective exterior 122 and the inner end frame 140 can be fixed to the end frame body 172'. Thereafter, a sealing cover 175 can be attached to the surface where the screw insertion holes 173 of the end frame body 172' are exposed to maintain airtightness.

[0131] The above description merely exemplarily explains the technical idea of the present invention. Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications, changes, and substitutions without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the accompanying drawings are not for limiting the technical idea of the present invention, but for explanatory purposes. The scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0132] 1, 100 ··· Variable detector 10 ··· Panel portion 12 ··· First protection panel 16 ··· Second protection panel 18 ··· Auxiliary panel 20 ··· Radiation detection unit 22 ··· Protective exterior 30 ··· Detection panel portion 32 ··· Detection panel 34 ··· First inner protection panel 36 ··· Second inner protection panel 40 ··· Inner end frame part 60 ··· Main frame part 70 ··· End frame part 80 ··· Stopper

Claims

1. a radiation detection unit provided with a detection panel for detecting radiation and a protective exterior housing the detection panel, and a first protective panel and a second protective panel respectively provided on a first surface side and a second surface side of the protective exterior, the deformable panel unit; a main frame portion coupled to one side of the panel portion; and an end frame portion coupled to the other end of the panel portion; Including, the detection panel, the radiation detection unit, the first protective panel, and the second protective panel extend in a first direction, The protective exterior includes a first opening formed on a coupling surface coupled to the main frame portion, and hermetically accommodates a detection panel inserted through the first opening.

2. The variable detector according to claim 1 , characterized in that the end frame portion is provided with a first slide structure that slidably connects the end of the first protective panel to the end frame portion in the first direction.

3. 3. The variable detector of claim 2, wherein the first sliding structure includes a stopper provided at an end of the first protective panel, the stopper being guided to slide within the end frame portion.

4. The variable type detector of claim 3, characterized in that the end frame portion includes an end frame body fixed to the end of the protective exterior and an end frame cover coupled to accommodate the stopper between the end frame body, and a protrusion formed on the stopper is guided by a slide guide formed on at least one of an upper surface of the end frame body or a lower surface of the end frame cover.

5. the radiation detection unit includes a detection panel unit including the detection panel and the inner end frame unit, the detection panel unit includes at least one of a first inner protection panel provided on a first surface of the detection panel and a second inner protection panel provided on a second surface of the detection panel; 2. The variable detector according to claim 1, wherein the detection panel portion is housed within the protective exterior.

6. 6. The variable detector of claim 5, wherein a buffer member is provided on at least one surface of a gate FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) of the detection panel, a gate element connecting the gate FPCB and the detection panel, and at least one of the first inner protection panel and the second inner protection panel, to reduce impact or friction applied to the detection panel.

7. 7. The variable type detector according to claim 6, wherein the buffer member has a laminated structure including at least one of a cushion layer and a low friction layer, and an adhesive layer.

8. A variable detector as described in claim 6, characterized in that a spacing maintaining buffer member for maintaining the gap between the first inner protective panel and the second inner protective panel is provided on the first inner protective panel or the second inner protective panel on a side of the detection panel.

9. 6. The variable detector according to claim 5, wherein the detection panel portion includes a second slide structure that supports an end of the detection panel from an end portion toward the end frame portion so as to be slidable in the first direction.

10. The variable detector according to claim 9 , wherein one side of the detection panel unit is fixed to the first opening side of the protective exterior.

11. The variable detector of claim 9, characterized in that the second sliding structure includes a sliding panel to which an end of the detection panel is coupled, and an inner end frame portion provided on the end side of the detection panel so as to slidably support the sliding panel.

12. 12. The variable detector according to claim 11, wherein the inner end frame portion is fixed to the end frame portion side.

13. The variable type detector of claim 12, characterized in that an opening is formed on the end frame portion side at the end of the protective exterior, a sealing protrusion is formed protruding around the opening, and the inner end frame portion is connected to the end frame portion side, and the sealing protrusion is pressurized to seal the opening.

14. The variable detector of claim 13, characterized in that a second plate of a connecting bracket including a first plate coupled to the end frame portion is coupled to an end of the protective exterior, and a gap is formed between the second plate and the end frame portion.

15. A variable type detector as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the protective exterior has a wing portion protruding from the first surface side so as to guide the sliding movement of the first protective panel from the side.

16. A variable type detector according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second protective panel is attached to a second surface of the protective exterior.

17. An image capturing device for capturing an image by irradiating radiation, comprising: A variable detector according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and a main controller provided separately from the variable detector and connected to the variable detector via a connecting cable; An image capturing device comprising:

Images