Radiological image reading device

Abstract

To hold an imaging plate in the state of being contacted with a support surface while suppressing shading obstacles.SOLUTION: A radiological image reading device comprises: a stage body having a support surface 64F; a positioning mechanism including a positioning surface that comes into contact with a first and a second edge of an imaging plate 10 and positions the first and second edges respectively from the outside of thereof, and that presses the first and second edges against the support surface; a pressing member 72C for supporting the imaging plate on the support surface so as to be movable between a pressing position for pressing against the support surface and a retract position for retracting from the pressing position between the first and second edges; a pressing member drive mechanism for moving the pressing member between the pressing position and the retract position; an excitation light source for irradiating the imaging plate held to the stage body with excitation light La; and a light detector for detecting emitted light Lb from the imaging plate due to excitation light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a radiation image reading apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a radiation image reading apparatus including a transport mechanism for transporting an imaging plate. As an example of the transport mechanism, an example including a belt for holding the imaging plate and a belt drive mechanism for circulating the belt is disclosed. The imaging plate is transported while being placed on a holding surface that is a part of the belt.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a configuration where the imaging plate is placed on the holding surface of the belt as in Patent Document 1, due to warping or the like of the imaging plate, a part of the imaging plate may be held in a state of being separated from the holding surface. If the imaging plate is separated from the holding surface, there is a possibility that the latent image of the imaging plate cannot be correctly read.

[0005] In order to bring the imaging plate into contact with the holding surface, it is conceivable to press the imaging plate toward the holding surface using a pressing part. In this case, the part for pressing the imaging plate may be reflected in the radiation image as a shadow obstacle.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to be able to hold the imaging plate in a state of being in contact with the support surface while suppressing shadow obstacles.

[0007] The radiation image reading device of the present disclosure is used for reading image information of dental X-ray imaging. In dental X-ray imaging, X-ray imaging of teeth is performed using an imaging plate. During this X-ray imaging process, the imaging plate may be bent (curved).

[0008] The occurrence of bending of the imaging plate will be described below. In X-ray imaging of teeth using an imaging plate, the imaging plate is inserted into the oral cavity of a person or animal to be imaged. At this time, depending on the imaging method and means, since it is necessary to align the imaging plate along the dental arch that forms a curve, due to the external force received in the oral cavity at that time, the imaging plate may be bent from its flat state before use for imaging. This bending of the imaging plate becomes an obstacle to the precise reading of the captured image. Therefore, it is preferable to read the latent image of the imaging plate in a state where the bending of the curved imaging plate is reduced in order to obtain clear and detailed image data.

[0009] When attempting to reduce the bending of the imaging plate, the imaging plate will be gripped so as to be in a flat state. Regardless of the magnitude of the bending (curvature), that is, even for an imaging plate with a large bending, in order to securely grip it, a gripping design (such as the positioning mechanism of the present invention) that can reach a certain height is desired.

[0010] On the other hand, a gripping design that can correspond to a certain height is likely to interfere, such as blocking the irradiation when the excitation light irradiates the imaging plate. Also, when the light detector detects the emitted light from the imaging plate, it is likely to interfere with the light reception. It can be said that the reading device of the present disclosure solves such a double bind in design. The present disclosure simultaneously realizes the ability to securely grip an imaging plate in any curved state and set it in a normal posture, and a configuration that does not generate obstacle shadows that pose a clinical problem in the generated image.

[0011] An imaging plate with a large curvature can be reliably held at a certain height by having a gripping mechanism for the imaging plate that can correspond to a certain height, and when the imaging plate is read, the gripping mechanism is configured not to cause shadow interference during the reading of the image information of the imaging plate. This is a feature of the present disclosure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] A radiation image reading device is a radiation image reading device that reads a radiation image from an imaging plate including a first edge portion and a second edge portion on the opposite side of the first edge portion. The radiation image reading device includes a stage body having a support surface that can contact the back surface of the imaging plate, and a positioning mechanism that contacts the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the imaging plate located on the support surface, positions the first edge portion and the second edge portion from the outside respectively, and presses the first edge portion and the second edge portion against the support surface, and includes a pressing member that is movably supported between a pressing position for pressing the imaging plate on the support surface between the first edge portion and the second edge portion toward the support surface and a retracted position for retracting from the pressing position, a pressing member driving mechanism for moving the pressing member between the pressing position and the retracted position, an excitation light source for irradiating excitation light to the imaging plate held by the stage body, and a photodetector for detecting the light emitted from the imaging plate by the excitation light.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] Thereby, it is possible to hold the imaging plate in a state of being in contact with the support surface while suppressing shadow interference.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Figure 20

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] {Embodiment} Hereinafter, a radiation image reading apparatus according to an embodiment will be described.

[0016] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the reading apparatus 20. In FIG. 1, the housing 30 is shown by a two-dot chain line. FIG. 2 is a partial exploded perspective view showing the reading apparatus 20. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the stage 60 is located at the discharge position P3. In FIG. 2, the set guide 96, the stage 60, and the reading unit 90 are disassembled with respect to the support member 40. In FIG. 3, the set position P1 and the reading position P2 are located inside (above) the discharge position P3.

[0017] The radiation image reading apparatus 20 is an apparatus that reads a radiation image from the surface 10a of the imaging plate 10. Hereinafter, in the present specification, the imaging plate may be referred to as IP. That is, in the present application, IP means an imaging plate

[0018] The IP 10 has a flat shape having a radiation image forming layer 11 and is a storage medium that stores a radiation image. The radiation image forming layer 11 is exposed on the surface 10a side of the IP 10. The surface of the radiation image forming layer 11 is synonymous with the surface 10a of the IP 10. The radiation image forming layer 11 is a layer that accumulates the energy of the irradiated radiation and emits light emission light according to the accumulated energy. For example, the radiation image forming layer 11 is formed by applying a stimulable phosphor to one main surface of a film formed of resin. When X-rays from an X-ray generator pass through the imaging object and irradiate the IP 10, energy corresponding to the intensity of the X-rays is accumulated in the radiation image forming layer 11. Since the intensity of the X-rays is based on the distribution of the X-ray absorption regions in the imaging object, the distribution of the energy accumulated in the radiation image forming layer 11 is a radiation image of the imaging object by X-rays. Thus, the IP 10 stores the radiation image by X-rays as a latent image.

[0019] IP10 has a first edge portion 10e1 and a second edge portion 10e2 (see FIG. 2). The second edge portion 10e2 is located on the side opposite to the first edge portion 10e1. For example, the second edge portion 10e2 is located on the side opposite to the first edge portion 10e1 with the center of IP10 interposed therebetween. The center of IP10 is, for example, the geometric center or the centroid of IP10.

[0020] Further, IP10 has a third edge portion 10e3 and a fourth edge portion 10e4. The fourth edge portion 10e4 is located on the side opposite to the third edge portion 10e3. For example, the fourth edge portion 10e4 is located on the side opposite to the third edge portion 10e3 with the center of IP10 interposed therebetween.

[0021] The third edge portion 10e3 is located adjacent to the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 at the periphery of IP10. The fourth edge portion 10e4 is located on the side opposite to the third edge portion 10e3 and adjacent to the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 at the periphery of IP10.

[0022] In the present embodiment, IP10 is formed in a rectangular shape, here, a rectangular shape elongated in one direction. For this reason, IP10 is surrounded by a pair of edge portions corresponding to a pair of long sides and a pair of edge portions corresponding to a pair of short sides. In the present embodiment, one of the pair of edge portions corresponding to the pair of long sides is the first edge portion 10e1 and the other is the second edge portion 10e2. One of the pair of edge portions corresponding to the pair of short sides is the third edge portion 10e3 and the other is the fourth edge portion 10e4. In the present embodiment, the third edge portion 10e3 is located at a lower position than the fourth edge portion 10e4. The third edge portion may be located at a higher position than the fourth edge portion.

[0023] As in the present embodiment, the corners of IP10 may be rounded, and the edge portion corresponding to the long side and the edge portion corresponding to the short side may be connected via an arcuate edge portion.

[0024] Note that it is not essential for the IP to be square-shaped, and it may be other polygonal shapes, elliptical shapes, etc. In any case, a pair of opposing edge portions of the IP can be used as the first edge portion and the second edge portion for positioning the IP10. Also, the other pair of opposing edge portions of the IP can be used as the third edge portion and the fourth edge portion for positioning the IP10 in other directions.

[0025] The reading device 20 is a device that reads a radiation image from the radiation image forming layer 11 of the IP10 including the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2, and generates image data of the radiation image. The reading device 20 includes a stage 60, an excitation light source 92, a photodetector 94, and a setting guide 96.

[0026] The IP10 is supported on the stage 60 via the setting guide 96. The IP10 held on the stage 60 is irradiated with excitation light from the excitation light source 92. When the IP10 is irradiated with the excitation light, the radiation image forming layer 11 of the IP10 emits light. This emitted light is detected by the photodetector 94. Image data of the radiation image is generated based on the detection signal of the photodetector 94.

[0027] The image data of the radiation image generated by reading the IP10 may be transmitted by wireless communication or wired communication to another computer (not shown) that can communicate with the reading device 20. The image data of the radiation image may be recorded on a data recording medium (e.g., flash memory) detachable from the present reading device 20. Note that in this embodiment, the description is made assuming one size of the IP10, but a plurality of sizes of IP10 that can be held by the stage 60 may be prepared.

[0028] The configuration of each part of the reading device 20 will be described.

[0029] The reading device 20 includes a housing 30 that houses the stage 60, the excitation light source 92, the photodetector 94, and the setting guide 96 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] The housing 30 has an opening 31. The opening 31 is formed, for example, on one of the side surfaces around the housing 30. The opening 31 is formed in a shape that can expose the portion of the setting guide 96 where the insertion port 97h is formed to the outside. The user of the present reading device 20 can insert the IP10 into the insertion port 97h of the setting guide 96 through the opening 31.

[0031] The collection tray 49 is provided in the lower part of one side surface of the housing 30, for example, below the setting guide 96. The collection tray 49 has, for example, a rectangular tray portion 49t having a bottom and a peripheral wall portion surrounding the bottom. The collection tray 49 is set in the housing 30 with the tray portion 49t inclined. A discharge port 49th is formed in the upper part of the peripheral wall portion of the tray portion 49t (see FIG. 3). The IP10 discharged from the stage 60 is discharged into the tray portion 49t of the collection tray 49 through the discharge port 49th. The collection tray 49 may be detachably or non-detachably set with respect to the housing 30.

[0032] The housing may be provided with switches for receiving various instructions. The housing may be provided with a display device for displaying various information. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel.

[0033] The respective component configurations provided inside the housing 30 will be described.

[0034] A support member 40 is provided inside the housing 30. By this support member 40, the stage 60, the excitation light source 92, the photodetector 94, and the setting guide 96 are supported. Note that the support member 40 is described as an example, and the configuration for supporting each component in the housing 30 is not limited to the example described here.

[0035] The support member 40 includes a base plate 41, an intermediate support plate 42, and a frame-shaped portion 44.

[0036] The base plate 41 is a plate-shaped member disposed along the horizontal direction (a direction perpendicular to the gravitational direction) at the lower part in the internal space of the housing 30. Here, the base plate 41 is formed in an elongated rectangular plate shape. The base plate 41 can close the downward opening of the housing 30.

[0037] An intermediate support plate 42 is supported in an erected state on the base plate 41. The intermediate support plate 42 is configured such that a back plate portion 42a and a side plate portion 42b are connected in an L shape. The back plate portion 42a is erected upward from the rear end portion of the base plate 41. The side plate portion 42b is erected upward from one side portion of the base plate 41.

[0038] One side portion of the frame-shaped portion 44 is fixed to the side plate portion 42b, for example, by screwing. Thereby, the frame-shaped portion 44 is supported by the intermediate support plate 42 in an inclined posture with respect to the gravitational direction.

[0039] A circuit unit 43 may be supported by the intermediate support plate 42. The circuit unit 43 is, for example, a unit in which various electrical components are mounted on a circuit board. Such a circuit unit may be, for example, a control unit that executes various controls of the reading device 20, or a power supply circuit that supplies power to each part of the reading device 20. The circuit unit 43 may be supported by other parts other than the intermediate support plate 42, for example, the base plate 41, the housing 30, or the frame-shaped portion 44.

[0040] The frame-shaped portion 44 includes a pair of longitudinal side plates 45 and a pair of transverse side plates 46. Each of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. Each of the pair of transverse side plates 46 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The longitudinal side plates 45 are longer than the transverse side plates 46. The frame-shaped portion 44 is configured by the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 and the pair of transverse side plates 46 being connected in a rectangular frame shape. In this state, the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 are opposed to each other in a parallel state with a space therebetween. The pair of transverse side plates 46 are also opposed to each other in a parallel state with a space therebetween.

[0041] The frame portion 44 may be an integrally processed product of metal or resin, or may have a configuration in which a plurality of members are assembled by screwing or welding.

[0042] As described above, the frame portion 44 is supported in an inclined posture by the intermediate support plate 42. The frame portion 44 faces the same side as the opening 31 and opens obliquely upward. The pair of longitudinal side plates 45 also extend in an inclined posture with respect to the gravitational direction. For this reason, the edge on the opening 31 side of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 also extends in an inclined posture with respect to the gravitational direction. One of the pair of short side plates 46 is located above the other. Hereinafter, the upper one of the pair of short side plates 46 may be distinguished as the short side plate 46U, and the lower one may be distinguished as the short side plate 46L.

[0043] The diagonally downward opening on the side of the frame portion 44 opposite to the diagonally upward opening may be closed by a bottom plate.

[0044] The excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are attached to the portion of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 on the diagonally upward opening side. The excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are located between the pair of short side plates 46 and closer to the lower short side plate 46L. The excitation light source 92 irradiates excitation light toward the frame portion 44, and the photodetector 94 detects light from the frame portion 44. The attachment of the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 to the frame portion 44 is performed, for example, by screwing. For example, the reading unit 90 is configured to house the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 in the case 91. The reading unit 90 is fixed to the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 so as to span the pair of longitudinal side plates 45.

[0045] The stage 60 is movably supported inside the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 between a pair of longitudinal side plates 45. In the following description, for convenience, the relative movement direction of the stage 60 with respect to the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 may be referred to as the main scanning direction A1. When the IP10 held by the stage 60 passes inside the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94, the excitation light from the excitation light source 92 irradiates the IP10, and the light emitted from the IP10 by the excitation light is detected by the photodetector 94.

[0046] A pair of support portions 48 extend obliquely downward from the lower portions of both side portions of the frame-shaped portion 44. A space is formed between the pair of support portions 48 in which at least a part of the stage 60 can be arranged. The stage 60 extends obliquely downward from the lower lateral side plate 46L in the main scanning direction A1 and can be arranged between the pair of support portions 48.

[0047] The pair of support portions 48 support the setting guide 96. The attachment of the setting guide 96 to the pair of support portions 48 is made, for example, by screwing.

[0048] In a state where the stage 60 extends obliquely downward from the frame-shaped portion 44, at least a part of the stage 60 is located between the pair of support portions 48 and is arranged at a position facing the setting guide 96 obliquely from below. In this arrangement state, the IP10 supplied through the setting guide 96 can be supplied to the stage 60 arranged between the pair of support portions 48.

[0049] In a state where the stage 60 extends obliquely downward from the frame-shaped portion 44, it can be located at the setting position P1 and the discharge position P3. The setting position P1 is the position where the IP10 is set with respect to the stage 60, and the discharge position P3 is the position where the IP10 is discharged. The discharge position P3 is a position obliquely below the setting position P1.

[0050] The guide 96 for setting has a plate guide surface 97g. The plate guide surface 97g is a surface that guides the IP10 from the insertion port 97h toward the stage 60 located at the setting position P1. When the user of the reading device 20 inserts the IP10 into the insertion port 97h, the IP10 is guided so as to slide down along the plate guide surface 97g. As a result, the IP10 is set on the stage 60 at the setting position P1.

[0051] A recovery tray 49 is located on the obliquely downward extension of the pair of support portions 48. In a state where the stage 60 is located at the discharge position P3, the IP10 discharged from the stage 60 falls into the recovery tray 49 and is recovered.

[0052] The excitation light source 92 irradiates the IP10 with excitation light La. The excitation light La is light for exciting the radiation image forming layer 11, and is, for example, laser light having a specific wavelength for exciting the radiation image forming layer 11 (see FIG. 17).

[0053] The excitation light source 92 may be configured to include a laser light source that emits laser light as the excitation light La and a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror. For example, the configuration may be such that the irradiation destination of the laser light from the laser light source is moved along the sub-scanning direction A2 that intersects (is orthogonal to) the main scanning direction A1 with respect to the surface 10a of the radiation image forming layer 11, and the laser light source is reflected by the MEMS mirror. Note that as the configuration of the mirror, instead of the MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror, a galvanometer mirror, a polygon mirror, or the like can also be used. Depending on the configuration of the mirror, a separate lens system configuration may be essential, but it can be used in the reading device by an appropriate combination.

[0054] The photodetector 94 is a sensor that detects the light Lb (see FIG. 17) emitted from the IP10 by the excitation light La and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity thereof. Based on the signal from this photodetector 94, image data of the radiation image is generated.

[0055] The photodetector 94 may be configured such that elements for detecting light are arranged in a row. For example, the photodetector 94 may be arranged in a posture with the array direction of the elements parallel to the sub-scanning direction A2. The elements for detecting light may be a silicon photomultiplier tube, a photomultiplier tube, a photodiode, or the like.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are integrated as a reading unit 90. For example, the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are integrated while being housed in the module case 91. In the module case 91, a long and narrow reading slit 90S is formed along the sub-scanning direction A2 at a portion facing the support member 40 side from the photodetector 94. The excitation light La is irradiated toward the IP10 through the reading slit 90S. The emitted light Lb of the IP10 is detected by the photodetector 94 through the reading slit 90S.

[0057] During the movement of the stage 60 along the main scanning direction A1, the excitation light La from the excitation light source 92 is incident on the surface of the radiation image forming layer 11 of the IP10 held by the stage 60, and the irradiation position moves along the sub-scanning direction A2. Thereby, the surface 10a of the radiation image forming layer 11 sequentially generates the emitted light Lb along a line along the sub-scanning direction A2.

[0058] The photodetector 94 is provided at a position where it can detect the emitted light Lb of the radiation image forming layer 11 generated by the excitation light La from the excitation light source 92. For example, the excitation light source 92 is arranged to irradiate the IP10 with laser light from an oblique direction, and the photodetector 94 is arranged in front of the position irradiated with the laser light with respect to the IP10. Then, when the surface 10a of the radiation image forming layer 11 sequentially generates the emitted light Lb along a line along the sub-scanning direction A2, the emitted light is detected by the photodetector 94.

[0059] During the movement of the stage 60, by repeatedly performing the scanning of the excitation light source 92 and the scanning by the photodetector 94 in the sub-scanning direction A2, a radiation image of a wide surface of the IP10, for example, the entire surface of the IP10, is read by the photodetector 94.

[0060] Note that it is not essential to perform reading during the movement of the stage 60. For example, the stage 60 may be in a stopped state while the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 move. Also, a configuration in which both the stage 60 and the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 move may be adopted.

[0061] The excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 may be arranged at different positions in the main scanning direction A1 (see FIG. 3). For example, in the main scanning direction A1, the excitation light source 92 may be arranged at a position farther from the reading slit 90S than the photodetector 94. In this case, the angle θa formed by the excitation light La from the excitation light source 92 toward the reading slit 90S with respect to the main scanning direction A1 is larger than the angle θb formed by the emitted light Lb incident on the photodetector 94 from the reading slit 90S with respect to the main scanning direction A1.

[0062] For example, in the main scanning direction A1, the photodetector 94 may be arranged at the same position as the reading slit 90S, and the excitation light source 92 may be arranged at a position different from the reading slit 90S. For example, the excitation light source 92 may be located closer to the set position P1 than the reading slit 90S. In this case, the excitation light La travels in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction A1 at an angle θa (θa is an angle less than 90 degrees), passes through the reading unit 90, and irradiates the IP10 passing through the reading position P2. Also, the emitted light Lb from the IP10 travels in a direction forming an angle θb (θb is an angle closer to 90 degrees than θa, for example, 90 degrees) with respect to the main scanning direction A1, passes through the reading slit 90S, and is incident on the photodetector 94.

[0063] Therefore, when reading the IP10, it is required to configure not only the area directly in front of the reading target portion of the IP10 but also the traveling paths of the light La and Lb corresponding to the reading portion so as not to interfere with each other.

[0064] Here, the portion for positioning IP10 is in contact with the edge portion of the IP10. If the positioning portion blocks the excitation light La or the emission light Lb, it is considered that image reading cannot be performed at that portion, resulting in a shadow defect. It is required that the area causing the shadow defect be as small as possible even at the edge portion.

[0065] As described above, since the excitation light La has a larger inclination with respect to the main scanning direction A1 than the emission light Lb, there is a possibility that the positioning portion may easily obstruct the excitation light La. In the present embodiment, a technique for making it difficult for the positioning portion to cause a shadow defect by utilizing the difference in inclination between the excitation light La and the emission light Lb will be described.

[0066] <Regarding the stage and the configuration for its movement> The stage 60 moves along the main scanning direction A1 while holding the IP10. A configuration for movably supporting the stage 60 will be described.

[0067] The stage 60 can move along the main scanning direction A1 between the edge portions of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 on the upward opening side. Also, the upper edge of the lower transverse side plate 46L is lower than the upper edge of the longitudinal side plate 45. For this reason, the stage 60 can move obliquely downward along the main scanning direction A1 from between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 over the lower transverse side plate 46L. That is, the stage 60 can reciprocate between a position between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 and a position protruding downward from between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 along the main scanning direction A1 (see FIG. 3).

[0068] The stage 60 is configured to be movable by a stage body moving mechanism 50. The stage body moving mechanism 50 includes a moving drive unit 52 and a pair of guide rods 56.

[0069] The moving drive unit 52 is a part that applies a driving force along the main scanning direction A1 to the stage 60. In the present embodiment, the moving drive unit 52 includes a motor 53 and a screw shaft portion 54. The screw shaft portion 54 is a rod-shaped member having a screw groove formed around it. The screw shaft portion 54 is rotatably supported by a pair of short-side plates 46 so as to span between the pair of short-side plates 46. The motor 53 is fixedly secured to the frame-shaped portion 44 in a non-rotatable manner. For example, the motor 53 is fixedly secured in a non-rotatable manner to the outside of the lower short-side plate 46L. The shaft of the motor 53 is fixedly secured to the screw shaft portion 54 in a non-rotatable manner, and the screw shaft portion 54 is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction according to the forward rotation or reverse rotation of the motor 53. The rotational movement of the shaft of the motor 53 may be transmitted to the screw shaft portion 54 via a transmission device such as a gear or a pulley.

[0070] The stage 60 has a through-hole 62h1 having a screw groove (see FIG. 4). The screw shaft portion 54 is screwed into the through-hole 62h1. By the rotation of the screw shaft portion 54, the stage 60 into which the screw shaft portion 54 is screwed is driven to move along the main scanning direction A1.

[0071] The guide rod 56 is an elongated rod-shaped member and is fixed to a pair of short-side plates 46 so as to span between the pair of short-side plates 46. The guide rod 56 is inserted into a guide groove 62h2 or a guide hole formed in the stage 60 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Thereby, the guide rod 56 can serve to suppress the rotation of the stage 60 around the screw shaft portion 54. Here, the number of guide rods may be one or plural.

[0072] The moving direction by the moving drive unit 52 is not limited to the above example, and may be a horizontal direction or a gravitational direction. The moving drive unit 52 may be an actuator that moves the stage 60. In addition to the above configuration, it may be a linear motor or the like, or a mechanism that moves by a belt. Instead of moving the stage, the reading unit 90 may be moved to read the IP on the stage. If the reading unit is a sensor that can read the planar information of the IP, it is also assumed that neither the stage nor the reading unit moves.

[0073] The stage 60 is reciprocally moved between the set position P1 and the reading position P2 by the stage body moving mechanism 50.

[0074] At the set position P1, the portion near the upper end of the stage 60 is disposed on the short-side side plate 46L, and the longitudinal intermediate portion and the lower end portion of the stage 60 extend downward from the lower short-side side plate 46L.

[0075] The stage 60 has a support surface 64F facing the side opposite to the inside of the frame portion 44. The support surface 64F is inclined with respect to the gravitational direction. Here, the support surface 64F is inclined along the same inclination direction as the extending direction of the longitudinal side plate 45. That is, the support surface 64F is inclined so as to face obliquely upward.

[0076] The stage 60 located at the set position P1 can receive the IP10 guided by the setting guide 96. It is not essential that the set position P1 is set at the above position. For example, it may be set between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 according to the positional relationship with the setting guide 96.

[0077] The reading position P2 is the position where the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 read the radiation image, that is, the position where the photodetector 94 reads the radiation image of the IP10 in response to the excitation light from the excitation light source 92. In the present embodiment, the reading position P2 is set at a position between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45. More specifically, the reading position P2 is set at a position lower between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45.

[0078] That is, the reading unit 90 including the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 is fixed between the outer edges of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45. The reading unit 90 is located between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 and closer to the set position P1. When the IP10 on the stage 60 passes through the position facing the reading slit of the reading unit 90, the radiation image of the IP10 is read. The reading position P2 may be understood as the position where the IP10 on the stage 60 reaches the reading slit and reading starts.

[0079] Unlike the above example, it is also assumed that the reading unit moves along the main scanning direction A1 to read the radiation image with respect to the IP stationary at a fixed position, or the radiation image is read by a three-dimensional sensor with respect to the IP stationary at a fixed position. In this case, the position holding the IP stationary at a fixed position is the reading position P2.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the stage 60 also moves to the discharge position P3 by the stage body movement mechanism 50. The discharge position P3 is set at a position farther from the set position P1 than the reading position P2. Not limited to this example, the IP10 on the stage 60 at the set position P1 may be discharged by a separate mechanism at a position different from the discharge position P3.

[0081] As already described, the collection tray 49 is provided below the discharge position P3. The discharge port 49th of the collection tray 49 opens on the lower extension of the stage 60. The IP10 slides down on the stage 60 at the discharge position P3 and is discharged into the collection tray 49 through the discharge port 49th of the collection tray 49.

[0082] In this embodiment, the stage 60 is also moved to the back position P4 by the stage body moving mechanism 50 (see FIG. 3). The back position P4 is a position on the side opposite to the set position P1 with respect to the reading position P2. That is, the stage 60 can move from the set position P1 through the reading position P2 to the back position P4. At the back position P4, the IP10 on the stage 60 may be in a state of being exposed without being covered by the reading unit 90, or may be covered by other members, as long as the IP10 is configured not to be accidentally exposed.

[0083] The operation control of the stage body moving mechanism 50 is performed by the control unit 43P (see FIG. 1). The control unit 43P is configured by, for example, a computer including at least one processor and a storage unit. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like and is configured by an electric circuit. By the processor executing the reading program, various functions for reading are realized. By this control unit 43P, the rotation direction and rotation amount of the motor 53 are controlled, thereby controlling the movement of the stage 60 along the main scanning direction A1. It is assumed that such a control unit 43P is a circuit realized by the circuit unit 43.

[0084] The control unit 43P may control the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 by the reading unit 90. By the control unit 43P, various signal processes, image processes, display processes for the display device, etc. for generating a radiation image based on the signal detected by the photodetector 94 may be performed.

[0085] <Regarding the stage> The overall configuration of the stage 60 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the radiation image reading apparatus 20, FIGS. 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the same internal structure, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the stage body 61, and FIG. 8 is a view of the same internal structure as seen from the front side of the support surface 64F. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage 60 taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 8. In FIG. 10, mainly the plate-like portion 64, the left positioning portion 72A, the right positioning portion 72B, and the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 are shown. FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 are fitted to the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B on the stage side.

[0086] The stage 60 includes a stage body 61 and an overall positioning mechanism 70.

[0087] The stage body 61 has a support surface 64F that can be in surface contact with the back surface 10b of the IP10. In the present embodiment, the stage body 61 includes a movable support 62 and a plate-like portion 64.

[0088] The movable support 62 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A through hole 62h1 is formed in the movable support 62 (see FIG. 4). As already described, a screw shaft portion 54 that can be rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions by a motor 53 is screwed into the through hole 62h1. When the screw shaft portion 54 rotates in the forward rotation direction, the stage 60 moves to one side along the screw shaft portion 54, and when the screw shaft portion 54 rotates in the reverse rotation direction, the stage 60 can move to the other side along the screw shaft portion 54. Such a structure may be a structure called a ball screw, for example.

[0089] The movable support 62 is formed with a guide groove 62h2 parallel to the through hole 62h1. In FIGS. 5 and 6, a portion of the movable support 62 where the guide groove 62h2 is formed is separated from other portions and is shown in a state of being supported by the guide rod 56 so as to be guidable. The movable support 62 is guided by the guide rod 56 inserted into the guide groove 62h2 and is driven to move in both directions along the main scanning direction A1 in accordance with the rotation of the screw shaft portion 54 screwed into the through hole 62h1 in the forward or reverse direction.

[0090] The plate-like portion 64 has a shape that spreads wider in a plate-like manner than the IP10. Here, it is formed in a square plate shape. It is not essential that the plate-like portion 64 is formed in a square plate shape, and it may be formed in other shapes such as an elliptical shape.

[0091] A support surface 64F is provided on one surface of the plate-like portion 64. The support surface 64F may spread wider than the IP10. When a plurality of sizes are assumed for the IP10, the support surface 64F may spread wider than the largest IP10.

[0092] More specifically, the plate-like portion 64 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long along one direction (here, the main scanning direction A1). Of the other surface of the plate-like portion 64 (the surface opposite to the support surface 64F), one side portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 64 is fixed to the movable support 62. The fixing is made, for example, by screwing. The plate-like portion 64 is supported in a cantilevered manner by the movable support 62 so as to extend from the movable support 62 toward the set position P1 side along the main scanning direction A1. The surface of the plate-like portion 64 opposite to the movable support 62 is the support surface 64F that can be in surface contact with the back surface 10b of the IP10. In the present embodiment, the surface of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 64 is the support surface 64F.

[0093] With the stage 60 supported by the support member 40, the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F are inclined with respect to the gravitational direction (downward direction), and the support surface 64F faces obliquely upward. In the present embodiment, the inclination angles of the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F coincide with the inclination angle in the extending direction of the longitudinal side plate 45. The plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F move along the main scanning direction A1 while being guided by the guide rod 56 while maintaining a constant inclination angle. When the movable support 62 moves closer to the lower lateral side plate 46L, the portion of the plate-like portion 64 extending from the movable support 62 passes over the lower lateral side plate 46L and extends obliquely downward. In this state, since the support surface 64F is inclined so as to face obliquely upward, the IP10 supplied onto the IP10 through the setting guide 96 can be received on the support surface 64F.

[0094] The support surface 64F may not be inclined with respect to the gravitational direction. For example, the support surface 64F may be along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravitational direction, or may be along the gravitational direction.

[0095] The overall positioning mechanism 70 is a mechanism for positioning the IP10 in a normal posture on the support surface 64F. The normal posture is the position and inclination state of the IP10 preset with reference to the stage 60, and is a predetermined position and inclination suitable for reading by the reading unit 90.

[0096] Here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the left and right clamping directions and the up and down clamping directions will be described. The left and right clamping direction is the direction along the support surface 64F. The up and down clamping direction is the direction along the support surface 64F and is a direction orthogonal to the left and right clamping direction. That is, the left and right clamping direction and the up and down clamping direction are orthogonal to each other on a plane horizontal to the support surface 64F. In the present embodiment, the left and right clamping direction is the direction along the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the left and right clamping direction coincides with the sub-scanning direction A2. Hereinafter, it may be described as the left and right clamping direction A2. Note that the left and right clamping direction A2 may be a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the up and down clamping direction is the direction along the support surface 64F and orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction A2. Therefore, the up and down clamping direction coincides with the main scanning direction A1. Hereinafter, it may be expressed as the up and down clamping direction A1. Note that the up and down clamping direction may be a direction different from the main scanning direction A1. That is, the left and right clamping direction and the up and down clamping direction only need to be the directions along the support surface 64F and intersecting each other, and may be referred to as the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0097] The overall positioning mechanism 70 contacts the edge portion of the IP10 supported on the support surface 64F and positions the edge portion from the outside in the extending direction of the support surface 64F.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the overall positioning mechanism 70 includes a left positioning portion 72A, a right positioning portion 72B, a lower positioning portion 72C, and an upper positioning portion 72D. The left positioning portion 72A can contact the first edge portion 10e1 of the IP10, the right positioning portion 72B can contact the second edge portion 10e2, the lower positioning portion 72C can contact the third edge portion 10e3, and the upper positioning portion 72D can contact the fourth edge portion 10e4. Thereby, the IP10 can be positioned from the left, right, up, and down directions.

[0099] Note that the characters indicating the left - right, up - down positional relationships attached to the heads of the respective positioning parts 72A, 72B, 72C, and 72D are attached according to an example of the positional relationship in the present embodiment, and do not limit the left - right, up - down positional relationships of the respective positioning parts 72A, 72B, 72C, and 72D.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the right positioning part 72B is fixed at a certain position on the stage main body 61. The left positioning part 72A moves closer to and away from the right positioning part 72B along the left - right clamping direction A2 on the stage main body 61.

[0101] Also, as described above, the overall positioning mechanism 70 includes a lower positioning part 72C and an upper positioning part 72D. The lower positioning part 72C and the upper positioning part 72D are arranged at intervals along the up - down clamping direction A1. At least one of the lower positioning part 72C and the upper positioning part 72D moves along the up - down clamping direction A1. Thereby, the lower positioning part 72C and the upper positioning part 72D come into contact with the upper and lower edge portions 10e4, 10e3 of the IP10 so as to clamp the IP10 supported on the support surface 64F along the up - down clamping direction A1. Thereby, the IP10 is positioned at a certain position in the up - down clamping direction A1.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the upper positioning part 72D is fixed at a certain position on the stage main body 61. The lower positioning part 72C moves closer to and away from the upper positioning part 72D along the up - down clamping direction A1 on the stage main body 61.

[0103] In the state where the IP10 is located at the set position P1, the left positioning part 72A and the right positioning part 72B are in an open state. Also, the lower positioning part 72C and the upper positioning part 72D are also in an open state (see FIG. 8). In this state, the IP10 is set on the support surface 64F of the stage 60.

[0104] While the IP10 is moving from the set position P1 toward the reading position P2, the left positioning part 72A and the right positioning part 72B come close to each other. Here, the left positioning part 72A, which is movable relative to the right positioning part 72B at a fixed position, comes close. The first edge part 10e1 of the IP10 contacts the left positioning part 72A, and the IP10 is pushed toward the right positioning part 72B side. Then, the second edge part 10e2 of the IP10 contacts the fixed right positioning part 72B. As a result, the IP10 is positioned in the left - right clamping direction A2.

[0105] The stage 60 moves to the reading position P2 while the IP10 is being clamped by the left positioning part 72A and the right positioning part 72B. At the reading position P2, the radiation image of the IP10 held by the stage 60 is read by the reading unit 90.

[0106] Also, before the IP10 reaches the reading position P2, the lower positioning part 72C and the upper positioning part 72D come close to each other. Here, the lower positioning part 72C, which is movable relative to the upper positioning part 72D at a fixed position, comes close. With the lower third edge part 10e3 of the IP10 contacting the lower positioning part 72C, the IP10 is pushed toward the upper positioning part 72D. Then, the upper fourth edge part 10e4 of the IP10 contacts the upper positioning part 72D. As a result, the IP10 is positioned in the up - down clamping direction A1.

[0107] Also, after the clamping in the up - down clamping direction A1 and before reaching the reading position P2, the lower positioning part 72C moves in a direction away from the upper positioning part 72D. At this time, since the IP10 is clamped between the left positioning part 72A and the right positioning part 72B, the IP10 is kept at a fixed position in the up - down clamping direction A1.

[0108] With the first edge part 10e1, the second edge part 10e2, and the fourth edge part 10e4 of the IP10 contacting the left positioning part 72A, the right positioning part 72B, and the upper positioning part 72D respectively, the stage 60 reaches the reading position P2 and the reading is performed.

[0109] In this embodiment, the positioning portions 72B and 72D are arranged at fixed positions with respect to the support surface 64F of the stage 60. A state where the second edge portion 10e2 of the IP10 contacts the right positioning portion 72B and the fourth edge portion 10e4 of the IP10 contacts the upper positioning portion 72D is a normal posture suitable for reading.

[0110] Note that in the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B, either one may be the movable side or the fixed side. Both the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B may move in an opening and closing manner. Also, in the lower positioning portion 72C and the upper positioning portion 72D, either one may be the movable side or the fixed side. Both the lower positioning portion 72C and the upper positioning portion 72D may move in an opening and closing manner.

[0111] Note that in this embodiment, the stage 60 supports the IP10 in a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the IP10 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Specifically, the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F on one surface side of the plate-like portion 64 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the short-side direction is along the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the IP10 is supported on the stage 60 in a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the IP10 is along the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F, the longitudinal direction of the IP10 is in a posture inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0112] In this embodiment, the minimum distance between the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B in the left and right clamping direction A2 (horizontal direction) is smaller than the minimum distance between the lower positioning portion 72C and the upper positioning portion 72D in the up and down clamping direction A1. Also, in this embodiment, the maximum distance between the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B in the left and right clamping direction A2 (horizontal direction) is smaller than the maximum distance between the lower positioning portion 72C and the upper positioning portion 72D in the up and down clamping direction A1. For this reason, the stage 60 has a configuration suitable for supporting the IP10 in a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the IP10 is along the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F.

[0113] Regardless of this embodiment, the stage may support the IP in a posture in which the short side direction of the IP is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. For example, the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion and the support surface of the stage may be along the horizontal direction, and the short side direction may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0114] <Left and right positioning mechanisms> The positioning mechanism in the left and right clamping direction A2 will be described more specifically. The overall positioning mechanism 70 includes a left positioning portion 72A and a right positioning portion 72B. The left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B are arranged at intervals along the left and right clamping direction A2. At least one of the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B moves along the left and right clamping direction A2. Thereby, the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B come into contact with the left and right edge portions of the IP10 so as to clamp the IP10 supported on the support surface 64F along the left and right clamping direction A2.

[0115] More specifically, the left positioning portion 72A contacts the first edge portion 10e1 of the IP10, positions the first edge portion 10e1 from the outside (left) of the IP10, and presses it against the support surface 64F. Further, the right positioning portion 72B contacts the second edge portion 10e2 of the IP10, positions the second edge portion 10e2 from the outside (right) of the IP10, and presses it against the support surface 64F.

[0116] The positioning surface 72AF of the left positioning portion 72A and the positioning surface 72BF of the right positioning portion 72B are examples of positioning surfaces that contact the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 of the IP10, position the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 from their respective outsides, and press the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 against the support surface 64F. In this case, the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B are an example of a positioning mechanism including the positioning surface.

[0117] The right positioning portion 72B on the fixed side is an elongated portion extending along one side portion of the plate-shaped portion 64. In the present embodiment, a long right positioning portion 72B, which is separate from the plate-shaped portion 64, is fixed to one side portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 by screwing or the like. The right positioning portion 72B protrudes from the support surface 64F.

[0118] The surface of the right positioning portion 72B facing the left positioning portion 72A side is a positioning surface 72BF that extends forward from the support surface 64F or an extension of the support surface 64F above the support surface 64F. The positioning surface 72BF is an inclined surface that faces away from the support surface 64F as it faces the center of the support surface 64F. That is, the distance between the support surface 64F and the positioning surface 72BF in the direction perpendicular to the support surface 64F decreases as it faces the center of the support surface 64F. For this reason, when the second edge portion 10e2 of the IP10 is pressed against the positioning surface 72BF, the second edge portion 10e2 is positioned on the right side in the left-right clamping direction A2 and is pressed toward the support surface 64F.

[0119] When the positioning surface 72BF is an inclined surface, the positioning surface 72BF may be a flat surface or a curved surface. The positioning surface 72BF does not have to be an inclined surface. For example, it may be a stepped surface.

[0120] In the present embodiment, the right positioning portion 72B is constituted by a member different from the plate-shaped portion 64, but the right positioning portion may be a portion integrally formed with the plate-shaped portion by cutting or the like.

[0121] The left positioning portion 72A on the movable side is provided at an interval from the right positioning portion 72B in the left-right clamping direction A2.

[0122] More specifically, slits 65a and 65b along the left - right clamping direction A2 are formed in a portion of the plate - shaped portion 64 on the side opposite to the right positioning portion 72B. In the present embodiment, the two slits 65a and 65b are formed in parallel at different positions in the up - down clamping direction A1. The two slits 65a and 65b are open on the outer side along the left - right clamping direction A2.

[0123] Concave portions 65g1 and 65g2 that are recessed more than the support surface 64F are formed in a part around the slits 65a and 65b in the front - side portion of the plate - shaped portion 64.

[0124] The left positioning portion 72A is separate from the plate - shaped portion 64 and is supported so as to be movable along the left - right clamping direction A2 by the slits 65a and 65b. More specifically, a part of the left positioning portion 72A is formed in a shape that can be disposed within the slits 65a and 65b, and another part of the left positioning portion 72A is disposed at a position protruding more than the support surface 64F.

[0125] More specifically, the left positioning portion 72A includes positioning bodies 72Aa and 72Ab, and a back - side support body 72Ac. The positioning body 72Aa is a portion disposed in the slit 65a and the concave portion 65g1 around it. The positioning body 72Ab is a portion disposed in the slit 65b and the concave portion 65g2 around it. The positioning bodies 72Aa and 72Ab protrude more than the support surface 64F.

[0126] The back - side support body 72Ac is a portion that continues on the side opposite to the support surface 64F with respect to the positioning bodies 72Aa and 72Ab. The back - side support body 72Ac contacts the portion between the slits 65a and 65b of the plate - shaped portion 64 from the side opposite to the support surface 64F. By the positioning bodies 72Aa and 72Ab contacting the bottom surfaces of the concave portions 65g1 and 65g2 from the support surface 64F side, and the back - side support body 72Ac contacting the plate - shaped portion 64 from the side opposite to the support surface 64F, the left positioning portion 72A can move along the slits 65a and 65b in a state of being positioned in the thickness direction of the plate - shaped portion 64.

[0127] Of the positioning bodies 72Aa and 72Ab of the left positioning portion 72A, the surface facing the right positioning portion 72B side is a positioning surface 72AF that extends forward from the support surface 64F or an extension of the support surface 64F on the support surface 64F. The positioning surface 72AF is an inclined surface that faces away from the support surface 64F as it faces the center of the support surface 64F. For this reason, when the first edge portion 10e1 of the IP10 is pressed against the positioning surface 72AF, the first edge portion 10e1 is positioned on the left side in the left-right clamping direction A2 and is pressed toward the support surface 64F.

[0128] When the positioning surface 72AF is an inclined surface, the positioning surface 72AF may be a flat surface or a curved surface. The positioning surface 72AF does not have to be an inclined surface. For example, it may be a stepped surface.

[0129] The stage 60 has a coil spring Sp as a biasing member that biases the left positioning portion 72A toward the right positioning portion 72B side. For example, on the back surface side of the plate-like portion 64, one end of the coil spring Sp is fixed to the back support 72Ac, and the other end is fixed to a fixed position on the back surface of the plate-like portion 64. Between the back support 72Ac and the fixed position on the back surface of the plate-like portion 64, the coil spring Sp is always in a stretched state, and the left positioning portion 72A is biased toward the right positioning portion 72B side by the compressive force of the coil spring Sp.

[0130] A driven portion 72Ap is integrally combined with the left positioning portion 72A as a receiving portion that receives a force for moving the left positioning portion 72A. In the present embodiment, the driven portion 72Ap is rotatably supported by the back support 72Ac. The driven portion 72Ap is a roller and protrudes to the back surface side of the plate-like portion 64. When the stage 60 moves, the left positioning portion 72A moves along the left-right clamping direction A2 by the driven portion 72Ap coming into contact with an operation plate 82 fixed to the frame-like portion 44.

[0131] The left positioning portion 72A is an example of a variable positioning portion that is supported so as to be movable along the left - right clamping direction A2 along the support surface 64F with respect to the stage main body 61. Also, the right positioning portion 72B is an example of a fixed positioning portion that faces the left positioning portion 72A as a variable positioning portion on the stage side and is supported at a fixed position with respect to the stage main body 61.

[0132] The movement operation of the left positioning portion 72A accompanying the movement of the stage 60 will be further described later.

[0133] The left positioning portion 72A has a transmission portion 72Aq that transmits a force along the left - right clamping direction A2 to the combined positioning portion 100. In the present embodiment, the transmission portion 72Aq is rotatably supported on each of the positioning bodies 72Aa and 72Ab. The transmission portion 72Aq is a roller and protrudes from the left positioning portion 72A in the thickness direction of the plate - like portion 64. The rotation axis direction of the transmission portion 72Aq is a direction orthogonal to the support surface 64F. The two transmission portions 72Aq are separated in the up - down clamping direction A1, and here, they are located at both ends in the up - down clamping direction A1 with respect to the left positioning portion 72A. The two transmission portions 72Aq are arranged at the same position in the left - right clamping direction A2.

[0134] <Configuration for positioning in the vertical direction> The configuration for positioning in the up - down clamping direction A1 will be described more specifically.

[0135] As described above, in the up - down clamping direction A1, the upper positioning portion 72D is arranged at a fixed position with respect to the stage 60, and the lower positioning portion 72C is arranged movably with respect to the stage 60. And the upper positioning portion 72D contacts the fourth edge portion 10e4 of the IP10 and positions the fourth edge portion 10e4 from the outside (above) of the IP10 and presses it against the support surface 64F.

[0136] The positioning surface 72DF of the upper positioning portion 72D contacts the fourth edge portion 10e4 of the IP10, positions the fourth edge portion 10e4 from its outer side (upper side), and is an example of an additional positioning surface that presses the fourth edge portion 10e4 against the support surface 64F.

[0137] In this case, the positioning surface mechanism may be understood to include the left positioning portion 72A, the right positioning portion 72B, and the upper positioning portion 72D.

[0138] The upper positioning portion 72D is located on the other side in the vertical clamping direction A1 of the plate-like portion 64, here, on the upper side. The upper positioning portion 72D is formed separately from the plate-like portion 64. The upper positioning portion may be integrally formed with the plate-like portion.

[0139] The upper positioning portion 72D is provided to face the lower positioning portion 72C with a space in the vertical clamping direction A1. Preferably, in the left and right clamping direction A2, the position of the lower positioning portion 72C and the position of the upper positioning portion 72D are the same, and the lower positioning portion 72C and the upper positioning portion 72D face each other frontally in the vertical clamping direction A1 to clamp the IP10.

[0140] The upper positioning portion 72D protrudes more than the support surface 64F. The surface of the upper positioning portion 72D that protrudes more than the support surface 64F and faces the inner side (lower side) is formed as the positioning surface 72DF. When the IP10 supported on the support surface 64F is supported by the positioning surface 72CF of the lower positioning portion 72C and the lower positioning portion 72C moves upward, the IP10 is pushed upward and moves. Eventually, the upper edge portion of the IP10 comes into contact with the upper positioning portion 72D, and the upward movement of the IP10 is restricted. As a result, the IP10 is in a state of being clamped between the lower positioning portion 72C and the upper positioning portion 72D in the vertical clamping direction A1. In this state, the upper edge portion of the IP10 contacts the upper positioning surface 72DF, thereby positioning the IP10 in the first direction.

[0141] The positioning surface 72DF may be an inclined surface that faces away from the support surface 64F as it extends toward the center of the support surface 64F, similar to the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF. The upper positioning portion may press the third edge portion against the support surface with a stepped surface or a protruding surface.

[0142] The lower positioning portion 72C is a portion located on one side in the vertical clamping direction A1 of the plate-like portion 64, here, the lower side portion.

[0143] More specifically, a slit 67 along the vertical clamping direction A1 is formed in the lower portion of the plate-like portion 64.

[0144] The lower positioning portion 72C is formed in a long plate shape along the extending direction of the slit 67. The thickness of the lower positioning portion 72C is larger than the thickness of the plate-like portion 64. The middle portion in the thickness direction of the lower positioning portion 72C is disposed within the slit 67. Guide grooves 72Cg are formed on both side portions of the lower positioning portion 72C. With both side edges of the slit 67 fitted into the guide grooves 72Cg, the lower positioning portion 72C is supported so as to be reciprocally movable along the direction along the slit 67. The lower positioning portion 72C can move along the slit 67. The lower positioning portion 72C is located at a standby position for receiving the lower edge portion of the IP10 during the setting and reading of the IP10. After the setting of the IP10 and before the reading, the lower positioning portion 72C can move to a pressing position above the standby position. Also, during the discharge of the IP10, the lower positioning portion 72C can move to a separation discharge position below the standby position.

[0145] The surface facing the inner side (upper side) of the lower positioning portion 72C is formed as a positioning surface 72CF. The positioning surface 72CF supports the IP10 on the support surface 64F from below. The positioning surface 72CF is an inclined surface that faces away from the support surface 64F as it extends toward the center of the support surface 64F. In other words, the distance between the positioning surface 72CF and the support surface 64F gradually increases as it extends toward the tip of the positioning surface 72CF or the center of the IP10. The inclined surface may be a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0146] When the positioning surface 72CF is pressed against the third edge portion 10e3 of the IP10, the third edge portion 10e3 is positioned from below in the vertical sandwiching direction A1, and the third edge portion 10e3 is pressed toward the support surface 64F. Therefore, by moving the lower positioning portion 72C to a position where it presses against the third edge portion 10e3, the IP10 is pressed toward the support surface 64F. Also, by moving the lower positioning portion 72C to a position away from the third edge portion 10e3, the state of pressing the IP10 toward the support surface 64F is released.

[0147] When the lower positioning portion 72C moves closer to the upper positioning portion 72D, the IP10 is sandwiched between the lower positioning portion 72C and the upper positioning portion 72D. In the sandwiched state, the positioning surface 72CF of the lower positioning portion 72C is pressed against the third edge portion 10e3 to press the third edge portion 10e3 toward the support surface 64F side. The position of the lower positioning portion 72C that establishes this state is the pressing position. That is, the position where the lower positioning portion 72C approaches the upper positioning portion 72D by a distance corresponding to the dimensions of the third edge portion 10e3 and the fourth edge portion 10e4 of the IP10 is the pressing position.

[0148] Also, when the lower positioning portion 72C moves away from the upper positioning portion 72D and the lower positioning portion 72C is away from the third edge portion 10e3, the above pressing state is released. The position where the lower positioning portion 72C retreats downward from the above pressing position is the retreat position of the lower positioning portion 72C. That is, the position where the lower positioning portion 72C is away from the upper positioning portion 72D by a distance greater than the dimensions of the third edge portion 10e3 and the fourth edge portion 10e4 of the IP10 is the retreat position.

[0149] This lower positioning portion 72C is an example of a pressing member that is movably supported between a pressing position for pressing the IP10 toward the support surface 64F between the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 and a retreat position for retreating from the pressing position.

[0150] In this embodiment, the lower positioning portion 72C as the pressing member not only presses the IP10 against the support surface 64F, but also has the role of positioning the third edge portion 10e3. That is, the lower positioning portion 72C as the pressing member is supported so as to be movable along the direction of the support surface 64F with respect to the stage body 61, contacts the third edge portion 10e3 of the IP10 located on the support surface 64F, positions the third edge portion 10e3 from the outside thereof, and presses the third edge portion 10e3 against the support surface 64F. It is not essential for the pressing member to position the edge portion of the IP, and a modification in that case will be described later.

[0151] The stage 60 has a coil spring Sp as a biasing portion that constantly applies an upward force to the lower positioning portion 72C. For example, on the back surface side of the plate-like portion 64, one end portion of the coil spring Sp is fixed to the inner side portion of the slit 67, and the other end portion is fixed to the lower positioning portion 72C. Between the inner side portion of the slit 67 and the lower positioning portion 72C, the coil spring Sp is constantly in a stretched state, and due to the compressive force of the coil spring Sp, the lower positioning portion 72C is biased upward along the vertical clamping direction A1.

[0152] A shaft portion 72Cq is integrally formed on the lower positioning portion 72C. The shaft portion 72Cq is provided at a portion of the lower positioning portion 72C facing away from the support surface 64F. The shaft portion 72Cq protrudes from the back surface of the plate-like portion 64. A link mechanism 85 is connected to the shaft portion 72Cq. In response to the operation of the link mechanism 85, the lower positioning portion 72C is driven to reciprocate along the vertical clamping direction A1. The link mechanism 85 will be described later.

[0153] The drive mechanism using the coil spring Sp and the link mechanism 85 can function as a pressing member drive mechanism that moves the lower positioning portion 72C as the pressing member between the pressing position and the retracted position. In this embodiment, the pressing member drive mechanism functions as a drive mechanism that moves the lower positioning portion 72C closer to and farther from the third edge portion 10e3.

[0154] <Configuration for discharging the IP> Further, the stage 60 has a discharge guide 68 positioned below the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B in the vertical clamping direction A1. The discharge guide 68 is fixed at a certain position with respect to the plate-like portion 64 so as to protrude from the support surface 64F. The discharge guide may be a portion integrally formed with the plate-like portion.

[0155] In the present embodiment, the discharge guide 68 has a plate-like portion perpendicular to the support surface 64F, and the upper end portion thereof protrudes from the support surface 64F adjacent to the lower positioning portion 72C located at the standby position. On the upward portion of the discharge guide 68, a discharge guide surface 68g is formed which faces away from the support surface 64F in a direction away from the lower side along the vertical clamping direction A1. That is, the height of the discharge guide surface 68g with respect to the support surface 64F increases as it goes downward along the vertical clamping direction A1. The discharge guide surface 68g is located adjacent to the lower positioning portion 72C as a pressing member in the lateral clamping direction A2.

[0156] The lower positioning portion 72C located at the standby position is positioned above the discharge guide surface 68g in the vertical clamping direction A1. More specifically, the positioning surface 72CF of the lower positioning portion 72C located at the standby position is positioned above the discharge guide surface 68g. Here, the lower positioning portion 72C positions the IP10 on the support surface 64F from below. Therefore, when the IP10 on the support surface 64F slides down on the support surface 64F due to gravity, the lower edge portion of the IP10 is supported in contact with the positioning surface 72CF before contacting the discharge guide surface 68g.

[0157] Also, the lower positioning portion 72C located at the separated discharge position is positioned below the discharge guide surface 68g in the vertical sandwiching direction A1. More specifically, the positioning surface 72CF of the lower positioning portion 72C located at the separated discharge position is positioned below the discharge guide surface 68g. In this state, the IP10 on the support surface 64F is not supported by the positioning surface 72CF and contacts the discharge guide surface 68g. Since the discharge guide surface 68g gradually protrudes from the support surface 64F downward, the lower edge portion of the IP10 is lifted by the discharge guide surface 68g in a direction away from the support surface 64F. Thereby, the IP10 can fall downward from the stage 60 without interfering with the positioning surface 72CF.

[0158] The discharge guide surface 68g may be omitted. In this case, for example, the IP10 on the stage 60 may be taken out by hand. Also, a member for pushing from the back side of the IP may be provided on the stage, and the IP may be discharged by moving the IP away from the support surface by the pushing member. Also, the IP may be discharged from the stage by changing the posture or the protruding amount of the lower positioning portion with respect to the support surface.

[0159] <Regarding the fitting positioning portion> In the present embodiment, the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 are located away from the support surface 64F. For example, an interval is provided between the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 and the support surface 64F so that the left positioning portion 72A or the right positioning portion 72B can be arranged.

[0160] Each of the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 includes fitting positioning surfaces 100F and 102F that protrude with respect to the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF and can be arranged to face the support surface 64F. That the fitting positioning surfaces 100F and 102F protrude with respect to the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF means, for example, that in the left - right sandwiching direction A2, the fitting positioning surfaces 100F and 102F protrude toward the center of the support surface 64F more than the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF.

[0161] The fitting positioning portion is used for sandwiching the IP10 before reading, and is arranged so as not to interfere with the reading of the IP10 during reading.

[0162] The fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 can be changed in state between a state of being fitted to and a state of being separated from the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B as the positioning portions on the stage side.

[0163] In the present embodiment, the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 are located on the way when the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2. The fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 are supported at a fixed position in the main scanning direction A1 directly or indirectly with respect to the frame-shaped portion 44, for example.

[0164] The end portions of the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 closer to the set position P1 are located on the reading position P2 side with respect to the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B of the stage 60 located at the set position P1. Therefore, in the state where the stage 60 is located at the set position P1, the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 do not overlap the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B.

[0165] The end portions of the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 closer to the reading position P2 are located on the set position P1 side with respect to the light irradiation position by the reading unit 90. The irradiation position is the position where the excitation light from the excitation light source 92 irradiates the IP10, and is, for example, the position in front of the photodetector 94. Therefore, when the stage 60 is read by the reading unit 90 at the reading position P2, the excitation light is irradiated onto the IP10 without being blocked by the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102.

[0166] The fitting positioning portions 100 and 102 are arranged in the middle of the path along which the stage main body 61 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2. Therefore, in the middle of the path along which the stage main body 61 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B are fitted so as to overlap the fitting positioning portions 100 and 102. In this state, the IP10 is positioned.

[0167] Each of the mating positioning portions 100 and 102 has a mating positioning surface 100F and 102F. The mating positioning surfaces 100F and 102F are inclined surfaces that incline in a direction away from the support surface 64F as they each approach the center of the support surface 64F. The mating positioning surfaces 100F and 102F may be flat surfaces or curved surfaces. In a state where the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B are mated so as to overlap the mating positioning portions 100 and 102, positioning can be performed using the mating positioning surfaces 100F and 102F. Therefore, even if the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 are greatly floating from the support surface 64F, positioning can be easily performed.

[0168] Note that the mating positioning portion 100 is supported so as to be movable along the left and right clamping direction A2 so that it can move following the left positioning portion 72A on the movable side. In the present embodiment, support pieces 48p protrude from a portion of the pair of support portions 48 on the frame-shaped portion 44 side. The support rod 101a is supported along the left and right clamping direction A2 by the pair of support pieces 48p. A movable support body 101b is supported on the support rod 101a so as to be movable along the left and right clamping direction A2.

[0169] A guide receiving groove 100g is formed on a surface of the mating positioning portion 100 that faces the support surface 64F. When the stage 60 moves along the up and down clamping direction A1, a pair of transmission portions 72Aq of the left positioning portion 72A enter the guide receiving groove 100g. In this state, when the left positioning portion 72A moves along the left and right clamping direction A2, the transmission portion 72Aq hits the side surface of the guide receiving groove 100g and pushes the left positioning portion 72A along the left and right clamping direction A2. As a result, the mating positioning portion 100 moves in conjunction with the movement of the left positioning portion 72A in the left and right clamping direction A2. The side surface of the guide receiving groove 100g serves as a transmission force receiving portion that receives the force of the transmission portion 72Aq as a transmission portion.

[0170] Then, with the stage main body 61 positioned at the reading position P2, the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B move out from the combined positioning portions 100, 102 toward the reading position P2 side, and the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B are separated from the combined positioning portions 100, 102. In this separated state, a radiation image is read from the IP10.

[0171] <Regarding the drive mechanisms of the left positioning portion and the lower positioning portion> The driving of the left positioning portion 72A and the lower positioning portion 72C may be performed by any configuration. For example, the left positioning portion 72A and the lower positioning portion 72C may be driven using the force for driving the stage 60. The left positioning portion 72A and the lower positioning portion 72C may be driven by a drive portion (for example, a motor, a solenoid actuator) different from the drive portion (for example, a motor) for driving the stage 60 based on the control of the control portion.

[0172] In the present embodiment, the left positioning portion 72A and the lower positioning portion 72C are driven by a positioning portion operation mechanism 80 using the force for driving the stage 60. The positioning portion operation mechanism 80 moves the left positioning portion 72A as a variable positioning portion along the left - right sandwiching direction A2 in accordance with the movement of the stage 60 from the set position P1 to the reading position P2 by the stage main body movement mechanism 50. Further, in conjunction with the movement of the left positioning portion 72A along the left - right sandwiching direction A2, the combined positioning portion 100 is moved along the left - right sandwiching direction A2. Furthermore, the positioning portion operation mechanism 80 moves the lower positioning portion 72C along the up - down sandwiching direction A1 in accordance with the movement of the stage 60 from the set position P1 to the reading position P2 by the stage main body movement mechanism 50. A configuration example therefor will be described below.

[0173] <Regarding the configuration for operating the left positioning portion> As described above, the left positioning portion 72A is supported so as to be movable along the left - right clamping direction A2 with respect to the stage main body 61. The left positioning portion 72A is biased by a coil spring Sp in the approaching direction to the right positioning portion 72B. Further, a driven portion 72Ap projects from the left positioning portion 72A to the back surface side of the plate - like portion 64.

[0174] An operation plate 82 is supported at a lower - side portion of the frame - shaped portion 44 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The operation plate 82 projects inside and outside the frame - shaped portion 44 at the middle portion in the left - right direction of the frame - shaped portion 44. The operation plate 82 may be an operation member that is not plate - shaped.

[0175] The surface of the operation plate 82 on the side of the left positioning portion 72A is an operation surface 82f that contacts the driven portion 72Ap and moves the driven portion 72Ap along the left - right clamping direction A2.

[0176] The operation surface 82f has a straight portion 82f1 and an inclined portion 82f2.

[0177] The straight portion 82f1 extends along the up - down clamping direction A1. The position of the straight portion 82f1 in the left - right clamping direction A2 is a position that can regulate the left positioning portion 72A biased by the coil spring Sp to be separated from the right positioning portion 72B in a standby position where the driven portion 72Ap is in contact with the straight portion 82f1. Also, in the up - down clamping direction A1, the straight portion 82f1 exists in a range through which the driven portion 72Ap passes when the stage 60 moves from the discharge position P3, through the set position P1, to before the reading position P2. Therefore, the straight portion 82f1 can regulate the position of the left positioning portion 72A when the stage 60 moves from the discharge position P3, through the set position P1, to before the reading position P2.

[0178] The inclined portion 82f2 is continuously upward with respect to the straight portion 82f1. The inclined portion 82f2 is formed in a shape that faces the right positioning portion 72B as it goes upward along the vertical clamping direction A1. Also, in the vertical clamping direction A1, the inclined portion 82f2 exists in a range through which the driven portion 72Ap passes at least when the stage 60 moves from in front of the reading position P2 toward the reading position P2. For this reason, the inclined portion 82f2 can regulate the position of the left positioning portion 72A when the stage 60 moves from in front of the reading position P2 toward the reading position P2. Here, the inclined portion 82f2 regulates the position of the left positioning portion 72A so that the left positioning portion 72A gradually moves toward the right positioning portion 72B side.

[0179] In the present embodiment, in a state where the stage 60 has reached the reading position P2, the inclined portion 82f2 does not contact the driven portion 72Ap. That is, in the vertical clamping direction A1, the inclined portion 82f2 exists in a range through which the driven portion 72Ap passes before the stage 60 approaches the reading position P2 further from in front of the reading position P2 and reaches the reading position P2. For this reason, in a state where the stage 60 has reached the reading position P2, the left positioning portion 72A can be in a state of being closest to the right positioning portion 72B.

[0180] <Configuration for operating the lower positioning portion> The positioning portion operating mechanism 80 includes a lower positioning portion operating mechanism 84. The lower positioning portion operating mechanism 84 is a mechanism that moves the lower positioning portion 72C along the vertical clamping direction A1 in accordance with the movement of the stage 60 from the set position P1 to the reading position P2 by the stage body moving mechanism 50. The lower positioning portion operating mechanism 84 and the coil spring Sp that biases the lower positioning portion 72C constitute a pressing member driving mechanism that moves the lower positioning portion 72C as a pressing member.

[0181] The lower positioning portion operating mechanism 84 includes an operating surface 88f, 89f, and a link mechanism 85.

[0182] The link mechanism 85 includes a first link 86 and a second link 87 as a plurality of links.

[0183] The first link 86 is a long member, and here it is an elongated plate-like member. The first link 86 is located on the back surface side of the stage body 61. One end of the first link 86 is rotatably connected to the lower positioning portion 72C via a shaft portion. The other end of the first link 86 extends toward the back side position of the right positioning portion 72B.

[0184] The second link 87 is a long member, and here it has an elongated plate-like member 87a and a driven portion 87b. One end of the second link 87 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first link 86 via a shaft portion. The middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like member 87a is rotatably supported on the back surface of the stage body 61 via a support shaft portion 87c which is a swing fulcrum. The support shaft portion 87c is, for example, on the back surface of the plate-like portion 64 and is located above the slit 65b. Also, the support shaft portion 87c is, for example, on the back surface of the plate-like portion 64 and is located closer to the left positioning portion 72A. The position of the support shaft portion 87c can be appropriately set according to the amount of movement of the lower positioning portion 72C, the position of the operating surface 89f, etc. The driven portion 87b is a roller rotatably supported at the other end of the plate-like member 87a via a shaft portion.

[0185] The first link 86 extends upward while inclining with respect to the vertical clamping direction A1 from the connection portion with the lower positioning portion 72C. The second link 87 extends upward while inclining in the opposite direction to the first link 86 with respect to the vertical clamping direction A1 from the connection portion with the first link 86. The driven portion 87b at the other end of the second link 87 is located on the side edge side closer to the left positioning portion 72A of the plate-like portion 64.

[0186] A driven portion 86b is supported at the connection portion between the first link 86 and the second link 87. The driven portion 86b is, for example, a rotatably supported roller.

[0187] When the lower positioning portion 72C moves upward along the vertical clamping direction A1, the first link 86 moves upward and one end of the second link 87 moves upward. As a result, the second link 87 rotates around the support shaft portion 87c. For example, in FIG. 8 and the like, the second link 87 rotates counterclockwise around the support shaft portion 87c. Thereby, the driven portion 87b rotates counterclockwise along the circumferential direction centered on the support shaft portion 87c.

[0188] Further, when the lower positioning portion 72C moves downward along the vertical clamping direction A1, the first link 86 moves downward and one end of the second link 87 moves downward. As a result, the second link 87 rotates around the support shaft portion 87c. For example, in FIG. 8 and the like, the second link 87 rotates clockwise around the support shaft portion 87c. Thereby, the driven portion 87b rotates clockwise along the circumferential direction centered on the support shaft portion 87c.

[0189] The link mechanism may include a larger number of links. Further, the first link may be supported so as to be swingable via a swing fulcrum.

[0190] Since the lower positioning portion 72C is biased upward by the coil spring Sp, the driven portion 87b is biased to rotate counterclockwise around the support shaft portion 87c. By controlling the position of the driven portion 87b in the left-right clamping direction A2 by the operating surfaces 88f and 89f, the position of the lower positioning portion 72C in the vertical clamping direction A1 is controlled.

[0191] The operating plate 89 is supported by the frame-shaped portion 44. In the present embodiment, the operating plate 89 is supported by the inward portion of one of the longitudinal side plates 45 of the frame-shaped portion 44. The operating plate 89 is located apart from the operating plate 82 in the left-right clamping direction A2. The operating plate 89 may be an operating member having an operating surface 89f formed on a part of, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped, and not in a plate shape.

[0192] The operating plate 89 protrudes from the inward portion of the frame-shaped portion 44.

[0193] The inner side edge of the actuating plate 89 is the actuating surface 89f. The driven part 87b faces the actuating surface 89f. The biasing force of the coil spring Sp acts to press the driven part 87b against the actuating surface 89f. Therefore, as the stage 60 moves, the driven part 87b moves passively along with the actuating surface 89f.

[0194] As the stage 60 moves, the actuating surface 89f causes the driven part 87b to be displaced in the left - right clamping direction A2, which is a direction intersecting the moving direction of the stage 60.

[0195] In this embodiment, the actuating surface 89f has a main actuating surface 89f1. The main actuating surface 89f1 extends along the up - down clamping direction A1. When the driven part 87b is pressed against the main actuating surface 89f1, the driven part 87b is restricted from rotating clockwise around the support shaft part 87c. Therefore, the lower positioning part 72C is restricted to be located at a fixed position, here, the standby position away from the upper positioning part 72D.

[0196] The main actuating surface 89f1 exists within the range through which the driven part 87b passes until the stage 60 reaches before the reading position P2 from the setting position P1. Therefore, in the state where the stage 60 is located at the setting position P1, the driven part 87b is in contact with the main actuating surface 89f1. Even when the stage 60 is located between the setting position P1 and the reading position P2, the driven part 87b is in contact with the main actuating surface 89f1. Thus, until the stage 60 reaches the reading position P2 from the setting position P1, the lower positioning part 72C is maintained at the standby position.

[0197] Before the stage 60 reaches the reading position P2, the driven part 87b disengages from the main actuating surface 89f1. Therefore, due to the biasing force of the coil spring Sp, the second link 87 rotates counterclockwise around the support shaft part 87c, and the lower positioning part 72C moves from the standby position toward the pressing position.

[0198] Thus, the link mechanism 85 can transmit the displacement of the driven part 87b in the direction intersecting the moving direction of the stage 60 as a force for moving the lower positioning part 72C with respect to the stage body 61.

[0199] When the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the timing at which the lower positioning part 72C starts to move from the standby position toward the pressing position may be before, simultaneous with, or after the timing at which the left positioning part 72A starts to move from the separated position toward the approaching position. In the present embodiment, the timing at which the lower positioning part 72C starts to move upward is after the timing at which the left positioning part 72A starts to move to the position (to the right) where it approaches.

[0200] The timing at which the lower positioning part 72C starts to move from the standby position toward the pressing position may be before, simultaneous with, or after the timing at which the IP10 is sandwiched between the left positioning part 72A and the right positioning part 72B. In the present embodiment, the timing at which the lower positioning part 72C starts to move upward is after the timing at which the IP10 is sandwiched.

[0201] In the present embodiment, the working surface 89f has a retracting operation working surface 89f2. The retracting operation working surface 89f2 is continuous downward with respect to the main working surface 89f1. The retracting operation working surface 89f2 protrudes toward the right positioning part 72B side in the vertical sandwiching direction A1 rather than the main working surface 89f1. More specifically, the retracting operation working surface 89f2 includes a surface protruding inward from the lower end of the main working surface 89f1 and an inclined surface gradually facing outward downward from the inner end of the surface.

[0202] When the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 toward the discharge position P3 side, the driven part 87b rides on the retracting operation working surface 89f2, and the driven part 87b is pushed inward. As a result, the second link 87 rotates clockwise around the support shaft part 87c, and the first link 86 is pushed downward. Then, the lower positioning part 72C moves from the standby position to the separated discharge position. Then, the IP10 becomes easier to be discharged from the stage 60 by the discharge guide surface 68g.

[0203] An additional operation plate 88 is supported by the frame-shaped portion 44. In the present embodiment, the additional operation plate 88 is supported by the inward portion of the other longitudinal side plate 45 of the frame-shaped portion 44. The additional operation plate 88 is located on the opposite side in the left-right sandwiching direction A2 with respect to the operation plate 89.

[0204] The additional operation plate 88 protrudes from the inward portion of the frame-shaped portion 44.

[0205] The inward side edge portion of the additional operation plate 88 is the operation surface 88f. As the stage 60 moves, the driven portion 86b can move along the operation surface 88f in a driven manner.

[0206] In the present embodiment, the operation surface 88f is formed at a position where it can contact the driven portion 86b while the stage 60 moves from a position in front of the reading position P2 to the reading position P2 and then to the back position P4.

[0207] Before the stage 60 reaches the setting position P1 from in front of the reading position P2, the driven portion 86b contacts the operation surface 88f. As a result, the second link 87 rotates clockwise around the support shaft portion 87c, the connecting portion between the second link 87 and the first link 86 moves downward with respect to the plate-shaped portion 64, and the lower positioning portion 72C moves downward with respect to the plate-shaped portion 64. That is, the lower positioning portion 72C moves from the pressing position to the retracted position.

[0208] Then, while the IP10 is sandwiched in the left-right direction by the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B, the upper positioning portion 72D contacts the IP10, and the lower positioning portion 72C has once retracted from the IP10, the stage 60 reaches the reading position P2 and moves beyond the reading position P2 to the back position P4. When the stage 60 passes through the reading position P2, a radiation image is read from the IP10.

[0209] After the reading, through the reverse operation of the above, the stage 60 returns from the back position P4 to the setting position P1.

[0210] By the pressing member driving mechanism including the above-described lower positioning portion operating mechanism 84 and the coil spring Sp, when positioning in the left-right clamping direction A2, the lower positioning portion 72C can be moved to the pressing position to press the IP10 against the support surface 64F. Further, by the pressing member driving mechanism, in the state where the IP10 is positioned and held by the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72DF and the lower positioning portion 72C is moved to the retracted position, a radiation image can be read from the IP10 by the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94.

[0211] <Regarding the operation of the reading device> The operation of the reading device 20 will be described.

[0212] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the initial state, the stage 60 is located at the set position P1. In this state, since the driven portion 72Ap is in contact with the straight portion 82f1 of the operating surface 82f, the left positioning portion 72A is located at the separated position. Further, since the driven portion 87b is in contact with the main operating surface 89f1 of the operating surface 89f, the lower positioning portion 72C is located at the standby position.

[0213] In this state, the IP10 is set through the setting guide 96. The IP10 is supported on the stage 60 in a state where the back surface 10b of the IP10 is in contact with the support surface 64F and the lower edge portion of the IP10 is in contact with the positioning surface 72CF of the lower positioning portion 72C.

[0214] When an instruction for reading in the reading device 20 is input, the stage 60 is moved from the set position P1 toward the reading position P2 by driving the stage body moving mechanism 50. During the movement of the stage 60, the transmission portion 72Aq of the left positioning portion 72A enters the guide receiving groove 100g of the combined positioning portion 100.

[0215] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the stage 60 further approaches the reading position P2, the driven part 72Ap reaches the inclined part 82f2 from the straight part 82f1 of the operating surface 82f. Since the left positioning part 72A is biased in the approaching direction by the coil spring Sp, the driven part 72Ap can be driven to move along the inclined part 82f2 as the stage 60 moves. As a result, the left positioning part 72A can move closer to the right positioning part 72B.

[0216] As described above, since the transmission part 72Aq of the left positioning part 72A has entered the guide receiving groove 100g of the combined positioning part 100, the combined positioning part 100 also moves in the right direction together with the left positioning part 72A.

[0217] Thereby, the IP10 is sandwiched between the left positioning surface composed of the positioning surface 72AF on the stage side and the combined positioning surface 100F, and the right positioning surface composed of the positioning surface 72BF on the stage side and the combined positioning surface 102F, and is positioned in the left - right direction. In this state, the positioning surface 72AF of the left positioning part 72A contacts the first edge part 10e1 of the IP10, and the positioning surface 72BF of the right positioning part 72B contacts the second edge part 10e2 of the IP10. The first edge part 10e1 and the second edge part 10e2 are positioned from the outside in the left - right sandwiching direction A2 and pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0218] Simultaneously with or before and after the sandwiching in the left - right sandwiching direction A2, the central axis of the driven part 87b exceeds the end of the main operating surface 89f1, and the lower positioning part 72C can move upward with respect to the stage body 61 along the up - down sandwiching direction A1. Then, the positioning surface 72CF of the lower positioning part 72C contacts the third edge part 10e3 of the IP10 and pushes the IP10 upward along the up - down sandwiching direction A1. Then, the fourth edge part 10e4 of the IP10 comes into contact with the positioning surface DF of the upper positioning part 72D. In this state, the third edge part 10e3 and the fourth edge part 10e4 are positioned from the outside in the up - down sandwiching direction A1 and pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0219] Therefore, IP10 is positioned at a fixed position on the support surface 64F with reference to the positioning surface 72BF of the right positioning portion 72B and the positioning surface 72DF of the upper positioning portion 72D.

[0220] When the stage 60 further moves toward the reading position P2, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the driven portion 86b comes into contact with the operating surface 88f of the additional operating plate 88, and the driven portion 86b is pushed inward in the left-right direction and downward. As a result, the lower positioning portion 72C moves downward with respect to the plate-shaped portion 64. Thereby, the third edge portion 10e3 and the lower positioning portion 72C are in a non-contact state.

[0221] When the stage 60 reaches or exceeds the reading position P2, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the driven portion 86b rides on the additional operating plate 88, and the driven portion 86b is further pushed inward in the left-right direction and downward. As a result, the lower positioning portion 72C moves further downward with respect to the plate-shaped portion 64. Thereby, the lower positioning portion 72C moves further away from the third edge portion 10e3.

[0222] In the above state, IP10 is sandwiched between the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B in the left-right sandwiching direction A2. For this reason, IP10 is held at a fixed position on the support surface 64F while maintaining contact with the upper positioning portion 72D. In this state, reading of IP10 is performed.

[0223] Note that when reading IP10, the IP10 is in a state of being more largely exposed from the combined positioning portions 100 and 102. Therefore, the portion not covered by the combined positioning portions 100 and 102 reaches the irradiation position Pr.

[0224] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the third edge portion 10e3 and the fourth edge portion 10e4 of IP10, and the excitation light La and the emission light Lb.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 17(a), the positioning surface 72DF of the upper positioning portion 72D is in contact with the fourth edge portion 10e4. Let the inclination angle of the positioning surface 72DF with respect to the support surface 64F be θ, and the height of the positioning surface 72DF with respect to the surface 10a of the IP10 be h.

[0226] It is assumed that the excitation light source 92 is arranged so that the excitation light La passes through an optical path inclined toward the third edge portion 10e3 side, that is, the inside of the IP10, with respect to the normal of the surface 10a of the IP10. Further, it is assumed that the photodetector 94 is arranged at a position facing the surface (surface 10a) of the light-emitting portion of the IP10 (see FIG. 3). Note that the positions of the photodetector 94 and the excitation light source 92 may be reversed. Further, the photodetector 94 may also be arranged at a position closer to the excitation light source 92, and may detect light from a position closer to the third edge portion 10e3 with respect to the light-emitting portion.

[0227] The positioning surface 72DF covers the front of the fourth edge portion 10e4. For example, the positioning surface 72DF covers the range within a distance f = (h / tanθ1) from the outward-facing surface of the fourth edge portion 10e4. It is considered that the emitted light in this range is difficult to reach the photodetector 94. Therefore, in the fourth edge portion 10e4, there is a possibility of shadow obstruction due to the positioning surface 72DF.

[0228] Note that, since the excitation light La is inclined on the side opposite to the positioning surface 72DF, the excitation light La is difficult to be blocked by the positioning surface 72DF.

[0229] On the other hand, the positioning surface 72CF is retracted from the third edge portion 10e3. Therefore, an object that causes shadow obstruction can be eliminated in front of the third edge portion 10e3. Therefore, in the third edge portion 10e3, it is easy to avoid shadow obstruction.

[0230] Assume that, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the positioning surface 72CF of the lower positioning portion 72C remains in contact with the third edge portion 10e3. Similar to the above, let the inclination angle of the positioning surface 72CF with respect to the support surface 64F be θ, and the height of the positioning surface 72CF with respect to the surface 10a of the IP10 be h.

[0231] The positioning surface 72CF covers the front of the third edge portion 10e3. The positioning surface 72CF covers the range within a distance g1 = (h / tanθ2) from the outward-facing surface of the third edge portion 10e3.

[0232] Here, the excitation light La is inclined by θ2 with respect to the normal of the surface 10a of the IP10 toward the positioning surface 72CF side. Then, the excitation light La is irradiated onto the IP10 at a position that enters further inside by a distance g2 = (h / tanθ2) than the inner boundary of the positioning surface 72CF. For this reason, in the third edge portion 10e3, there is a possibility of shadow obstruction by the positioning surface 72CF in the range of g = g1 + g2 = (h / tanθ2) + (h / tanθ2) from the outward-facing surface of the third edge portion 10e3.

[0233] Thus, in this embodiment, by retracting and moving the lower positioning portion 72C during reading, shadow obstruction caused by the positioning surface 72CF can be suppressed. Also, when the excitation light source 92 or the photodetector 94 is deviated from the front with respect to the reading location of the IP10, the excitation light La or the emitted light Lb is inclined with respect to the reading location. If a positioning surface exists in the inclination direction, it will block the light. Therefore, by retracting the lower positioning portion 72C on the side opposite to the inclination of the excitation light La or the emitted light Lb, compared with the case of retracting the upper positioning portion 72D, shadow obstruction can be minimized as much as possible.

[0234] In addition, if the lower positioning portion 72C is to be retracted and moved, the positioning surface 72CF may be configured to largely cover the third edge portion 10e3 during positioning. Therefore, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 17 for the lower positioning portion 172C, the positioning surface 172CF thereof may be in a state of covering a larger area than the upper positioning surface 72DF as an additional positioning surface with respect to the IP10, and the third edge portion 10e3 of the IP10 may be pressed against the support surface 64F. Further, in order to reduce the shadow obstruction at the fourth edge portion 10e4, the design may be such that the inclination of the positioning surface 72DF of the upper positioning portion 72D is reduced. For example, the inclination angle of the positioning surface 72DF with respect to the support surface 64F may be an angle close to 90 degrees and not less than 90 degrees (compared to the inclination angle of the lower positioning surface 72CF with respect to the support surface 64F).

[0235] After the reading by the reading unit 90 is completed, the stage 60 returns to the set position P1. During its movement, the operation opposite to the above is performed, and the holding of the IP10 on the stage 60 is released.

[0236] Furthermore, when the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 toward the discharge position P3, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the driven portion 87b rides on the retraction operation working surface 89f2 of the working surface 89f and moves inward. Then, the second link 87 rotates around the support shaft portion 87c and the first link 86 is pushed downward. As a result, the lower positioning portion 72C moves downward. When the positioning surface 72CF moves below the discharge guide surface 68g, the lower edge portion of the IP10 supported by the positioning surface 72CF comes into contact with the discharge guide surface 68g. The IP10 moves downward along the discharge guide surface 68g due to its own weight. For this reason, the IP10 is guided by the discharge guide surface 68g to be separated from the support surface 64F by a height equal to or greater than that of the positioning surface 72CF and falls downward from the support surface 64F. Thereby, the IP10 is discharged. Note that the discharge guide surface 68g may be a surface with a narrow linear width or a wide slope-shaped surface. When viewed from the side, the discharge guide surface 68g may extend linearly or may extend while being curved.

[0237] <Effect, etc.> According to the radiation image reading device 20 configured as described above, before reading the radiation image, the lower positioning portion 72C as a pressing member presses the IP 10 on the support surface 64F between the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 toward the support surface 64F in the left - right sandwiching direction A2. As a result, the first edge portion 10e1 and the second edge portion 10e2 of the IP 10 are easily positioned in a state of being pressed against the support surface 64F by the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF. When reading the radiation image, by moving the lower positioning portion 72C as a pressing member to the retracted position, it is difficult for the lower positioning portion 72C to block the excitation light and the emission light, and it is difficult for shadow interference to occur. As a result, the IP 10 can be held in a state of being in contact with the support surface 64F while suppressing shadow interference. Thereby, a clear imaging image with suppressed shadow interference can be obtained.

[0238] Also, the lower positioning portion 72C as a pressing portion presses against the support surface 64F in contact with the third edge portion 10e3 of the IP 10. For this reason, it is difficult for the pressing portion to affect the surface of the IP 10. Also, it is easy to position in the direction of the support surface 64F using the third edge portion 10e3.

[0239] Also, the lower positioning portion 72C as a pressing portion has a positioning surface 72CF which is an inclined surface that faces away from the support surface 64F as it faces the center of the support surface 64F. For this reason, it is easy to position the IP 10 along the support surface 64F while pressing the IP 10 against the support surface 64F by the positioning surface 72CF.

[0240] Also, the positioning surface 72DF of the upper positioning portion 72D is used as an additional positioning surface to position the fourth edge portion 10e4 from the outside thereof and press the fourth edge portion 10e4 against the support surface 64F. For this reason, the IP 10 can be positioned more accurately using the third edge portion 10e3 and the fourth edge portion 10e4 of the IP 10.

[0241] Also, during the positioning operation, the lower positioning portion 72C is moved to the pressing position to press the IP10 against the support surface 64F. With the IP10 being held in a positioned state by the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, and 72DF and the lower positioning portion 72C being in the retracted position, a radiation image is read from the IP10 by the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94. Therefore, while positioning at the first edge portion 10e1, the second edge portion 10e2, and the fourth edge portion 10e4, shadow interference can be suppressed on the side of the third edge portion 10e3.

[0242] The excitation light source 92 or the photodetector 94 is arranged such that the excitation light La or the emission light Lb passes through an optical path inclined toward the third edge portion 10e3 with respect to the normal line of the surface 10a of the IP10. At this time, the upper positioning portion 72D that positions the fourth edge portion 10e4 is less likely to cause shadow interference with respect to the excitation light or the emission light inclined with respect to the normal line. Therefore, the lower positioning portion 72C, which is likely to cause shadow interference with the inclined excitation light La or emission light Lb, is retracted, and the upper positioning portion 72D, which is less likely to cause shadow interference with the inclined excitation light La or emission light Lb, is kept in contact with the IP10, making it easier to eliminate shadow interference as a whole.

[0243] At this time, if the third edge portion 10e3 of the IP10 is pressed against the support surface 64F with the lower positioning portion 72C covering the IP10 more largely than the positioning surface 72DF of the upper positioning portion 72D, the third edge portion 10e3 can be effectively pressed against the support surface 64F. Also, with the additional positioning surface 72DF having a small covering amount on the IP10, while suppressing shadow interference, the fourth edge portion 10e4 of the IP10 can be kept in a state of being pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0244] Also, by means of a pressing member driving mechanism including a lower positioning portion operating mechanism 84 and a coil spring Sp, as the stage body 61 is moved from the set position P1 to the reading position P2 by the stage body moving mechanism 50, the lower positioning portion 72C is moved closer to the third edge portion 10e3 and then moved away from the third edge portion 10e3. For this reason, after the IP10 is set, by moving the stage body 61 to the reading position P2, it is possible to press the IP10 against the support surface 64F by the lower positioning portion 72C and to retract the lower positioning portion 72C from the IP10.

[0245] Also, as the stage body 61 is moved from the set position P1 to the reading position P2 by the stage body moving mechanism 50, the left positioning portion 72A as a variable positioning portion is moved along the left and right clamping direction A2. And the pressing member driving mechanism including the lower positioning portion operating mechanism 84 and the coil spring Sp moves the lower positioning portion 72C closer to the third edge portion 10e3 when the stage body moving mechanism 50 moves the lower positioning portion 72C along the left and right clamping direction A2. For this reason, at the timing when the left positioning portion 72A and the right positioning portion 72B position the IP10, by pressing the IP10 against the support surface 64F by the lower positioning portion 72C, it is easy to bring the IP10 into contact with the support surface 64F.

[0246] Also, when the lower positioning portion 72C is arranged at the standby position, the IP10 can be positioned from below by the lower positioning portion 72C. Also, when the lower positioning portion 72C is moved to the separation and discharge position, the IP10 rides on the discharge guide surface 68g and is smoothly discharged. Thereby, the IP is easily discharged.

[0247] {Modification} In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the lower positioning portion 72C is a pressing member that is movably supported between a pressing position for pressing the IP10 against the support surface 64F and a retracted position for retracting from the pressing position.

[0248] The pressing member may press other parts of IP10, for example, the upper edge part, the left or right edge part. Further, the pressing member may press a part inside the edge part of IP10.

[0249] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 20, a pressing member 220 is movably supported by a frame-shaped part 244 corresponding to the frame-shaped part 44. The movable direction intersects the support surface 64F. The pressing member 220 is biased toward the support surface 64F by a coil spring Sp which is an example of a biasing member.

[0250] The pressing member 220 includes a base pillar part 221, a cross bar part 222, and a pressing part 223. The base pillar part 221 is movably supported by the frame-shaped part 244. The cross bar part 222 extends in a cantilever manner from the upper end part of the base pillar part 221 toward the middle in the width direction of the frame-shaped part 244. The pressing part 223 extends from the tip end part of the cross bar part 222 toward a stage 260 corresponding to the stage 60.

[0251] An extension part 224 extends from the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the cross bar part 222 toward a position facing one side part of the stage 260. A follower 224r such as a roller is rotatably supported by the extension part 224. A partial recess 260g is formed in one side part of the stage 260. A positioning mechanism including the positioning parts 72A, 72B, etc. is incorporated in the stage 260.

[0252] Then, on the way when the stage 260 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the follower 224r rolls on one side part of the stage 260. When the follower 224r reaches the recess 260g at one side part of the stage 260, the pressing member 220 descends toward the stage 260 by the biasing force of the coil spring Sp. Thereby, the pressing part 223 can press the IP10 of the stage 260 toward the support surface 64F. Preferably, in this pressed state, positioning such as the left-right clamping direction A2 is performed. Further, when the stage 260 moves toward the reading position P2, the follower 224r disengages from the recess 260g and the pressing part 223 retracts from the IP10.

[0253] When the stage 260 reaches the reading position P2, the pressing member 220 is separated from the stage 260 toward the set position P1 and is also separated from the front of the IP10. In this state, the IP10 is read.

[0254] Also in this modified example, by pressing the IP10 with the pressing member 220, it becomes easier for the IP10 to come into contact with the support surface 64F.

[0255] The biasing member described in the above embodiments etc. does not have to be the coil spring Sp or the torsion coil spring Spt, and may be a leaf spring or rubber etc.

[0256] Each of the above follower parts does not have to be a member that rotates like a ball or a roller, and may be a member that can move while rubbing and contacting the surface of the other side.

[0257] In addition, each configuration described in the above embodiments and each modified example can be appropriately combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0258] This disclosure discloses the following aspects.

[0259] A first aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus that reads a radiation image from an imaging plate including a first edge portion and a second edge portion on the side opposite to the first edge portion, the apparatus including: a stage body having a support surface that can contact the back surface of the imaging plate; a positioning mechanism that contacts the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the imaging plate located on the support surface, positions the first edge portion and the second edge portion from the outside thereof, and includes a positioning surface that presses the first edge portion and the second edge portion against the support surface; a pressing member that movably supports the imaging plate on the support surface between a pressing position where the imaging plate is pressed against the support surface between the first edge portion and the second edge portion and a retracted position where the imaging plate retracts from the pressing position; a pressing member drive mechanism that moves the pressing member between the pressing position and the retracted position; an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light onto the imaging plate held by the stage body; and a photodetector that detects light emitted from the imaging plate by the excitation light.

[0260] Before reading the radiation image, by pressing the imaging plate on the support surface between the first edge portion and the second edge portion by the pressing member, the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the imaging plate are easily positioned in a state where they are pressed against the support surface by the positioning surface. When reading the radiation image, by moving the pressing member to the retracted position, it is difficult for the pressing member to block the excitation light and the emitted light, and it is difficult for shadow obstacles to occur. Thereby, the imaging plate can be held in a state of being in contact with the support surface while suppressing shadow obstacles.

[0261] A second aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the imaging plate includes a third edge portion located adjacent to the first edge portion and the second edge portion, the pressing member is supported movably along the direction of the support surface with respect to the stage body, and the pressing member is configured to contact the third edge portion of the imaging plate located on the support surface, position the third edge portion from the outside thereof, and press the third edge portion against the support surface, and the pressing member driving mechanism moves the pressing member closer to and away from the third edge portion.

[0262] As a result, since the pressing member contacts the third edge portion of the imaging plate, it is difficult to affect the surface of the imaging plate. Also, it is easy to perform positioning using the third edge portion.

[0263] A third aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the pressing member includes an inclined surface that faces away from the support surface as it faces the center of the support surface.

[0264] As a result, due to the inclined surface of the pressing member, it is easy to position the imaging plate along the direction of the support surface while pressing the imaging plate against the support surface.

[0265] A fourth aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the imaging plate includes a fourth edge portion located adjacent to the first edge portion and the second edge portion and on the side opposite to the third edge portion, and the positioning mechanism includes an additional positioning surface that contacts the fourth edge portion of the imaging plate located on the support surface, positions the fourth edge portion from the outside thereof, and presses the fourth edge portion against the support surface.

[0266] As a result, the imaging plate can be positioned using the third edge portion and the fourth edge portion.

[0267] A fifth aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the pressing member driving mechanism moves the pressing member to the pressing position during the positioning operation by the positioning mechanism, presses the imaging plate against the support surface, and positions and holds the imaging plate by the positioning surface and the additional positioning surface, and in a state where the pressing member has moved to the retracted position, the radiation image is read from the imaging plate by the excitation light source and the photodetector.

[0268] Thereby, shadow interference can be suppressed on the fourth edge portion side.

[0269] A sixth aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the excitation light source or the photodetector is arranged such that the excitation light or the emitted light passes through an optical path inclined toward the third edge portion side with respect to the normal of the surface of the imaging plate.

[0270] In this case, since the excitation light or the emitted light passes through an optical path inclined toward the third edge portion side with respect to the normal of the surface of the imaging plate, the additional positioning surface for positioning the fourth edge portion is less likely to cause shadow interference.

[0271] A seventh aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the pressing member presses the third edge portion of the imaging plate against the support surface in a state of covering the imaging plate more than the additional positioning surface.

[0272] The third edge portion of the imaging plate can be effectively pressed against the support surface by the pressing member that largely covers the imaging plate. The additional positioning surface with a small amount of coverage of the imaging plate can keep the fourth edge portion of the imaging plate pressed against the support surface while suppressing shadow interference.

[0273] The eighth aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the stage main body is moved between a set position where the imaging plate is set with respect to the stage main body and a reading position where the photodetector reads the radiation image in response to the excitation light from the excitation light source, and the pressing member driving mechanism causes the pressing member to approach the third edge portion and then move away from the third edge portion as the stage main body is moved from the set position to the reading position by the stage main body moving mechanism.

[0274] In this case, after the imaging plate is set, by moving the stage main body to the reading position, the imaging plate can be pressed against the support surface by the pressing member, and the pressing member can be retracted from the imaging plate.

[0275] The ninth aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a variable positioning portion movably supported along a clamping direction along the support surface with respect to the stage main body, and further includes a positioning portion operating mechanism that moves the variable positioning portion along the clamping direction as the stage main body is moved from the set position to the reading position by the stage main body moving mechanism, and the pressing member driving mechanism causes the pressing member to approach the third edge portion when the stage main body moving mechanism moves the variable positioning portion along the clamping direction.

[0276] In this case, when the positioning mechanism including the variable positioning portion positions the imaging plate, by pressing the imaging plate against the support surface by the pressing member, it is easier for the imaging plate to come into contact with the support surface.

[0277] The tenth aspect is a radiation image reading apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the pressing member can position the imaging plate on the support surface from below, the stage is located adjacent to the pressing member, and has a discharge guide surface that slopes away from the support surface as it goes downward, and the pressing member moves between a discharge position below the discharge guide surface and a standby position above the discharge guide surface.

[0278] When the pressing member is disposed at the standby position, the imaging plate can be positioned from below by the pressing member. When the pressing member is moved to the discharge position, the imaging plate rides on the discharge guide surface and is smoothly discharged.

[0279] The above descriptions are illustrative in all aspects and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0280] 10 Imaging plate (IP) 10a Front surface 10b Back surface 10e1 First edge portion 10e2 Second edge portion 10e3 Third edge portion 7 Fourth edge portion 11 Radiation image forming layer 20 Reading apparatus 44 Frame portion 50 Stage body moving mechanism 60 Stage 61 Stage body 62 Movable support 64 Plate-like portion 64F Support surface 68 Discharge guide 68g Discharge guide surface 70 Overall positioning mechanism 72A Left positioning portion 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, 72DF, 172CF positioning surfaces 72B right positioning part 72C, 172C lower positioning part 72D upper positioning part 80 positioning part operating mechanism 84 lower positioning part operating mechanism 88 additional operating plate 88f, 89f operating surfaces 89 operating plate 89f operating surface 89f1 main operating surface 89f2 retraction operating surface 90 reading unit 92 excitation light source 94 photodetector 220 pressing member A1 up and down clamping direction (main scanning direction) A2 left and right clamping direction (sub-scanning direction) La excitation light Lb emitted light P1 set position P2 reading position P3 discharge position P4 back side position

Claims

1. A radiation image reading apparatus for reading a radiation image from an imaging plate including a first edge portion and a second edge portion on the side opposite to the first edge portion, comprising: a stage body having a support surface that can contact the back surface of the imaging plate; a positioning mechanism including a positioning surface that contacts the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the imaging plate located on the support surface, positions the first edge portion and the second edge portion from the outside thereof, and presses the first edge portion and the second edge portion against the support surface; a pressing member that movably supports the imaging plate on the support surface between a pressing position where the imaging plate is pressed against the support surface between the first edge portion and the second edge portion and a retracted position where the imaging plate is retracted from the pressing position; a pressing member driving mechanism that moves the pressing member between the pressing position and the retracted position; an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light onto the imaging plate held by the stage body; a photodetector that detects light emitted from the imaging plate by the excitation light; A radiation image reading apparatus comprising the above.

2. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging plate includes a third edge portion located adjacent to the first edge portion and the second edge portion, the pressing member is movably supported with respect to the stage body along the direction of the support surface, contacts the third edge portion of the imaging plate located on the support surface, positions the third edge portion from the outside thereof, and is configured to press the third edge portion against the support surface, the pressing member driving mechanism moves the pressing member closer to and away from the third edge portion. A radiation image reading apparatus.

3. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressing member includes an inclined surface that faces away from the support surface as it faces the center of the support surface. A radiation image reading apparatus.

4. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the imaging plate includes a fourth edge portion located adjacent to the first edge portion and the second edge portion and on the side opposite to the third edge portion, the positioning mechanism includes an additional positioning surface that contacts the fourth edge portion of the imaging plate located on the support surface, positions the fourth edge portion from the outside thereof, and presses the fourth edge portion against the support surface. A radiation image reading apparatus.

5. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein during the positioning operation by the positioning mechanism, the pressing member driving mechanism moves the pressing member to the pressing position to press the imaging plate against the support surface, a radiation image reading apparatus in which the radiation image is read from the imaging plate by the excitation light source and the photodetector in a state where the imaging plate is positioned and held by the positioning surface and the additional positioning surface, and in a state where the pressing member has moved to the retracted position.

6. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the excitation light source or the photodetector is arranged such that the excitation light or the emitted light passes through an optical path inclined toward the third edge portion side with respect to the normal to the surface of the imaging plate.

7. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pressing member presses the third edge portion of the imaging plate against the support surface in a state where the pressing member covers the imaging plate more than the additional positioning surface.

8. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a stage body moving mechanism that moves the stage body between a set position where the imaging plate is set with respect to the stage body and a reading position where the photodetector reads the radiation image in response to the excitation light from the excitation light source, and the pressing member driving mechanism moves the pressing member in a direction away from the third edge portion after approaching the third edge portion in accordance with the movement of the stage body from the set position to the reading position by the stage body moving mechanism.

9. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a variable positioning portion movably supported along a clamping direction along the support surface with respect to the stage body, the apparatus further includes a positioning portion operating mechanism that moves the variable positioning portion along the clamping direction in accordance with the movement of the stage body from the set position to the reading position by the stage body moving mechanism, and the pressing member driving mechanism approaches the pressing member to the third edge portion when the stage body moving mechanism moves the variable positioning portion along the clamping direction.

10. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pressing member is capable of positioning the imaging plate on the support surface from below, the stage is located adjacent to the pressing member and has a discharge guide surface that faces away from the support surface in a direction as it goes downward, and the pressing member moves between a discharge position below the discharge guide surface and a standby position above the discharge guide surface, the radiation image reading apparatus.

Images