Radiation image capturing device

Abstract

To provide a radiation image capturing device capable of suppressing adverse effects caused by electrostatic discharge.SOLUTION: A radiation image capturing device comprises a radiation detection panel 21 that detects radiation transmitted through a subject and converts it into radiation image information, an electric circuit (control board 23) that forms an image on the basis of the radiation image information converted by the radiation detection panel 21, and a housing 10 that accommodates the radiation detection panel 21 and the electric circuit. An operation unit 40 including a board 42 is attached to the housing 10. A space between the board 42 of the operation unit 40 and the housing 10 is insulated by an insulator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, radiographic imaging devices are known that irradiate an object with radiation and detect the intensity distribution of the radiation that has passed through the object to capture a radiographic image. Radiographic imaging devices are widely used in fields such as medical and industrial. In recent years, portable (cassette-type) radiographic imaging devices that can be separated from the imaging table and carried around have been developed and put into practical use. Such radiographic imaging devices are sometimes called FPDs (Flat Panel Detectors) because of their panel shape. FPDs have a radiation detection panel inside that detects radiation.

[0003] Portable FPDs are sometimes used for portable radiography, where the user carries them around and inserts them between the patient and bed in the hospital ward to take X-rays.During portable radiography, portable FPDs may fall into a so-called two-sided support bending state depending on the situation.A two-sided support bending state occurs when the FPD is supported on two opposing sides and a load is applied near the center. FPDs are also equipped with an operation unit that is used to turn the power on and off and to operate in conjunction with external devices. The operation unit may also be equipped with a display unit that displays the power and connection status. Because the operation unit is formed by cutting out the housing, it is weaker than other parts. Therefore, when a portable FPD is bent while supported on two sides, bending stress is concentrated on the operation unit. Furthermore, portable FPDs can discharge static electricity if they accumulate charge due to friction with a bed or if a charge accumulates on the user or patient.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which at least a portion of the operating unit is made of metal such as iron or aluminum to prevent deformation or breakage. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, part of the operating unit is made of metal and is in contact with the housing or is electrically connected via a screw or the like. This allows the charge discharged into the operating unit to be released to the ground through the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-143666 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if the voltage of electrostatic discharge is large, the charge may flow not only into the housing but also into nearby electrical circuits and image detection elements, affecting them. Furthermore, because the buttons and display of the operation unit are connected to the internal electrical circuit board via wiring from the operation unit board, large voltage fluctuations caused by discharges from the housing are transmitted to the electrical circuit board, which may destroy the electrical circuit board or, if not, may generate large noise that may cause poor images or malfunctions.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging device that can suppress adverse effects caused by electrostatic discharge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 has been made to achieve the above object, In the radiation imaging device, a radiation detection panel that detects radiation that has passed through the subject and converts it into radiation image information; an electric circuit for forming an image based on the radiation image information converted by the radiation detection panel; a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and the electrical circuit; Equipped with an operation unit including a substrate is attached to the housing; The substrate of the operation unit and the housing are insulated from each other by an insulator.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, the operation unit includes a frame portion that engages with the housing and to which the board can be attached, The frame is made of an insulating material.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The operation unit further includes a switch and a display unit.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The operation unit is provided in plurality, The switch and the display unit are provided separately in different operating units.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 3, The display device is characterized by including an audio output unit that outputs the contents displayed by the display unit as audio.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The operation unit is characterized in that a portion exposed on the outer surface of the housing is made of an insulating material.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The operation unit is attached to a side surface of the housing.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The operation unit is attached to the rear surface of the housing.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The operating unit is attached to an inclined surface formed between the side surface and the rear surface of the housing.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The operating unit is characterized in that it is attached to the inner surface of the housing.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The operation unit is characterized in that it is replaceably attached to the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, the adverse effects of electrostatic discharge can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of how an operation unit is attached to a side surface of a housing from the outside. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation unit is attached to an inclined surface that slopes from the rear surface to the side surface of the housing. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation unit is attached so as to straddle two surfaces, the side surface and the back surface, of the housing. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the operation unit is attached to the inside of the side surface of the housing. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a view of the operation unit attached to the inside of the side surface of the housing, viewed from the outside of the side surface. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a grip portion is provided on the rear surface of a housing. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a circumferential grip portion is provided on the rear surface of a housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] A radiographic image capturing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10, as shown in Fig. 1. An internal module 20 is housed in the housing 10, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0023] The housing 10 is formed, for example, from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The housing 10 is divided into a box-shaped front panel 11 having a front surface 10a, which is the surface irradiated with radiation X, and side surfaces 10b, and a back panel 12 serving as a lid. The front panel 11 and the back panel 12 are fastened together, for example, with screws, and can be easily separated. A waterproof member such as a packing (not shown) is provided at the joint between the front panel 11 and the back panel 12 to prevent liquid from entering the interior. The side surfaces 10b of the housing 10 may be formed integrally with the back panel 12 rather than the front panel 11. Alternatively, a frame that is a separate member from the front panel 11 and the back panel 12 may be joined to the front panel 11 or the back panel 12 as the side surfaces 10b of the housing 10.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the internal module 20 includes a radiation detection panel 21, a support 22, a control board 23, and a spacer 24.

[0025] The radiation detection panel 21 detects radiation that has passed through a subject and converts it into radiation image information. The radiation detection panel 21 is, for example, formed by laminating and sealing a scintillator and a flexible TFT (Thin Film Transistor). A flexible TFT has a plurality of semiconductor elements and TFTs, which are switching elements, arranged in a matrix on the imaging surface of a flexible substrate. The imaging surface of the substrate is the surface that is irradiated with radiation. When radiation is irradiated into the radiation detection panel 21, the scintillator first emits light according to the intensity of the radiation. Next, the semiconductor element (photodiode) on the flexible TFT converts the light emitted by the scintillator into an electric charge and outputs it as a signal to the control board 23.

[0026] The support 22 is a support base material that supports the radiation detection panel 21, the control board 23, etc. The support 22 supports the radiation detection panel 21 on a first surface and the control board 23 on a second surface opposite the first surface. The support 22 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 10 with an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. A positioning member (not shown) may be provided between the housing 10 and the support 22 to prevent the support 22 from moving.

[0027] The control board 23 includes a processing circuit including a CPU, ROM, RAM, a communication unit, etc. The processing circuit controls the driving of the radiation detection panel 21 and processes signals read out from the radiation detection panel 21. Specifically, the processing circuit generates image data from the signals read out from the radiation detection panel 21 and outputs the image data to a console (not shown) or the like. In other words, the control board 23 functions as an electric circuit of the present invention that forms an image based on the radiation image information converted by the radiation detection panel 21.

[0028] The spacer 24 is a buffer material attached between the radiation detection panel 21 and the front plate 11 of the housing 10 .

[0029] The radiographic image capturing device 1 has a connection section 30 and an operation section 40 provided on a side surface 10b of a housing 10 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] The connection unit 30 can be connected to an external connector for receiving power from an external device via a wired connection and for communicating with an external device. The connection unit 30 is connected to the control board 23 via wiring, and outputs external power and communication signals to the control board 23.

[0031] 2 and 3, the operation unit 40 includes a frame 41, a substrate 42, a protective member 43, a plurality of switches 44, and a display unit 45. The substrate 42 is attached to the frame 41, and the protective member 43 is attached so as to cover the substrate 42. The substrate 42 is provided with a plurality of switches 44 and a display unit 45. The operation unit 40 is connected to the control substrate 23 via wiring L, and outputs an input operation signal to the control substrate 23.

[0032] The operation unit 40 is attached to the side surface 10b of the housing 10 from the outside. As shown in FIG. 4, the side surface 10b of the housing 10 is provided with a recess 13 cut out in the same shape as the unit that constitutes the operation unit 40. The operation unit 40 is attached to the recess 13 with screws (not shown). By configuring the operation unit 40 as described above, the user can replace the operation unit 40 as a whole without disassembling the housing in the event of repair, etc. In other words, the operation unit 40 is attached to the housing 10 in a replaceable manner.

[0033] An opening 131 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) is provided in the recess 13. Wiring L connected to the board 42 of the operation unit 40 is connected to the control board 23 inside the housing 10 through this opening 131.

[0034] The frame 41 engages with the housing 10. The frame 41 is configured so that a board 42 can be attached to it. The frame 41 is made of an insulator. As a result, the board 42 of the operation unit 40 and the housing 10 are insulated from each other by the insulator (frame 41).

[0035] The frame 41 may be made of a material such as polyolefins, ABS, engineering plastics, or super engineering plastics, which are common resins. Examples of engineering plastics include polyamide, polycarbonate, and polybutylene terephthalate. Examples of super engineering plastics include polyimide, polyamideimide, and polyphenylene sulfide. These may also be made into fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) reinforced with glass fiber or the like. For example, when polyamideimide reinforced with glass fiber is used, sufficient strength is obtained against bending when a human body is placed on the frame with two sides supported. The material of the frame 41 is not limited to resin, but may be any material that has enough strength to withstand the load during use and is insulating. For example, ceramic may be used.

[0036] The protective member 43, the multiple switches 44, the display unit 45, etc. are made of insulating materials such as resin. That is, the parts of the operation unit 40 that are exposed to the outer surface of the housing 10, including the frame 41, are made of insulating material. This makes it possible to prevent discharge due to static electricity.

[0037] It should be noted that a waterproof member such as an O-ring or packing may be provided between the frame portion 41 and the housing 10. Also, the frame portion 41 may be bonded to the housing 10. This makes it possible to prevent water and dust from entering the housing 10 from around the operation unit 40.

[0038] The switches 44 are, for example, switches for turning the power on and off and switches for operating various functions. Each switch 44 is configured, for example, in such a manner that a mechanical switch element attached to a substrate 42 is covered with a protective member 43 such as a resin film. Alternatively, the switch 44 may be a thin-film wiring like a membrane switch.

[0039] The display unit 45 displays the status of the radiographic imaging device 1. The display unit 45 may be a simple lamp or LED, or may be a small display made up of LCD or LED pixels. The display unit 45 displays the device status, such as standby or imaging, the number of images stored in the built-in memory, the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery, an error number in the event of an abnormality, etc. Note that a plurality of individual display units 45 may be provided according to the display content.

[0040] As described above, the radiographic imaging device 1 according to this embodiment includes the radiation detection panel 21 that detects radiation transmitted through a subject and converts the radiation into radiographic image information, an electric circuit (control board 23) that forms an image based on the radiographic image information converted by the radiation detection panel 21, and a housing 10 that houses the radiation detection panel 21 and the electric circuit. The operating unit 40, which includes a board 42, is attached to the housing 10. The board 42 of the operating unit 40 and the housing 10 are insulated from each other by an insulator. Therefore, according to the radiographic imaging device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to insulate the housing 10 from the board 42 of the operation unit 40. This makes it possible to prevent electrostatic discharge from adversely affecting the electrical circuitry inside the housing 10 through the board 42, even if electrostatic discharge occurs in the housing 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent adverse effects of electrostatic discharge.

[0041] The operation unit 40 also includes a frame 41 that engages with the housing 10 and to which a substrate 42 can be attached. The frame 41 is made of an insulating material. The operation unit 40 further includes a switch 44 and a display unit 45. This makes it possible to insulate the housing 10 from the substrate 42 of the operation unit 40. This makes it possible to suppress adverse effects of electrostatic discharge.

[0042] Furthermore, the portion of the operation unit 40 that is exposed to the outer surface of the housing 10 is made of an insulating material. Therefore, it is possible to prevent electrostatic discharge from occurring in the operation unit 40, which is frequently touched by the user, and therefore it is possible to more reliably prevent the adverse effects of electrostatic discharge.

[0043] The operation unit 40 is attached to the side surface 10b of the housing 10. The operation unit 40 is attached to the housing 10 in a replaceable manner. Therefore, the user can easily operate and replace the operation unit 40. This improves user convenience.

[0044] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] For example, in the above embodiment, the operation unit 40 is attached to the side surface 10b of the housing 10, but this is not limiting. For example, instead of the side surface 10b of the housing 10, the operation unit 40 may be attached to a location other than the shooting area on the front surface (irradiation surface) 10a or to the rear surface 10c. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, an inclined surface 10d that slopes from the rear surface 10c to the side surface 10b may be provided, and the operation unit 40 may be attached to the inclined surface 10d. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 40 may be arranged so as to straddle both the side surface 10b and the rear surface 10c. Of course, the operation unit 40 may also be arranged so as to straddle both the side surface 10b and the front surface 10a.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display unit 45 is exemplified as a configuration for notifying the user of the status of the radiographic imaging device 1, but this is not limiting. That is, instead of or in addition to the display unit 45, a configuration for notifying the user audibly or tactilely may be used. For example, a speaker may be provided to notify the user audibly (by alarm sound or voice). In this case, the speaker functions as the audio output unit of the present invention that outputs the content displayed by the display unit 45 as audio. Alternatively, a tactile notification may be provided by projecting and returning a surface in a predetermined area. Alternatively, a tactile notification may be provided by displaying Braille two-dimensionally in a predetermined area. In portable radiography using the radiographic image capturing device 1, the device is hidden under the subject, so the above-described non-visual notification is effective. As described above, by providing an audio output unit that outputs the display content of the display unit 45 as audio, the display content can be notified to the user even in a situation where it is difficult to see the display unit 45. This improves user convenience.

[0047] The above various notifications may be continuously issued, or may be stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed to prevent battery consumption, etc. In this case, the notifications may be resumed in response to a predetermined operation, such as touching a predetermined location or lifting the device.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the operation unit 40 is attached to the side surface 10b of the housing 10 from the outside, but this is not limiting. For example, the operation unit 40A may be attached to the side surface 10b of the housing 10 from the inside.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, a recess 13A is provided on the inside of the side surface 10b of the housing 10, cut out in the same shape as the unit that constitutes the operation unit 40A. The operation unit 40A is attached to the recess 13A with screws (not shown). An opening 131A (see Figs. 7 and 8) corresponding to the size of the switch 44A and the display unit 45A is provided in the recess 13A. The switch 44A is operated and the display unit 45A is viewed through this opening 131A.

[0050] That is, only the opening 131A is provided on the outside of the side surface 10b of the housing 10 (see FIG. 8). This allows the cutout portion of the side surface 10b of the housing 10 to be made smaller. Also, the outer surface of the side surface 10b can be made integral. This improves the strength of the housing 10. Furthermore, since the operation unit 40A can be fitted into the recess 13A, space can be secured inside the housing 10. The protective member 43A is fitted into the opening 131A from the outside of the side surface 10b so as to cover the switch 44A or the display unit 45A.

[0051] Even in the above configuration, since the substrate 42A is provided on the insulating frame portion 41A, it is insulated from the housing 10. Therefore, even if the housing 10 is made of a conductive material (metal, CFRP, etc.), it is possible to prevent electric charges discharged from the outside to the housing 10 from reaching the substrate 42A or the internal control board 23.

[0052] The operation unit 40 may be attached without providing a recess 13 inside the side surface 10b of the housing 10. In this case, only an opening 131 is provided in the side surface 10b of the housing 10. The substrate 42 of the operation unit 40 and the housing 10 are insulated from each other by an insulator (frame portion 41).

[0053] In the above configuration, the operation unit 40A is attached to the side surface 10b of the housing 10 from the inside, but this is not limited to this. For example, the operation unit 40A may be attached to the rear surface 10c from the inside instead of the side surface 10b. Also, the operation unit 40A may be attached to the inclined surface 10d formed between the side surface 10b and the rear surface 10c of the housing 10 from the inside. In other words, the operation unit 40A may be attached to the inner surface of the housing 10. As described above, the operation unit 40A is attached to the inner surface of the housing 10, thereby improving the strength of the housing 10. Therefore, deformation and breakage of the housing 10 can be suppressed.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the switch 44 and the display unit 45 are provided in one operation unit 40, but this is not limiting. For example, a plurality of operation units 40 may be provided, with the switch 44 and the display unit 45 being provided separately in each different operation unit 40. In this case, too, an insulator (frame 41) may be provided between the substrate 42 of each operation unit 40 and the housing 10.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 9, a grip 50 for a user to grip may be provided on the rear surface 10c of the housing 10. The grip 50 may be configured, for example, by attaching a non-slip member or by providing a recessed portion facing the inner surface. Providing the grip 50 can prevent the user from slipping from their hand and dropping the device during transportation. The grip 50 may be provided near the side surface 10b so that the user can easily hook their fingers around it and carry it. For example, four grips 50 may be provided in the center of each side (see FIG. 9). It is preferable that the grips 50 near the side on which the operation unit 40 is provided are positioned so as not to overlap with the operation unit 40 when viewed from the side surface 10b on which the operation unit 40 is provided. This prevents the user from accidentally pressing the switch 44 of the operation unit 40 when holding the device.

[0056] 10, the gripping portions 50A may be connected and provided circumferentially along the four sides. By providing the gripping portions 50A circumferentially, it becomes easier to hold the device from any direction. In this case, since there is a risk that the device may be held from above the operating unit 40, it is preferable to set the outer surface of the protective member 43 for the switch 44 further inward than the outer surface of the housing 10. This makes it possible to prevent the switch 44 of the operating unit 40 from being pressed accidentally when the user holds the device.

[0057] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the radiation image capturing apparatus may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Radiography equipment 10. Cabinet 10a front 10b side 10c back 10d slope 11 Front plate 12 Backboard 13, 13A recess 131, 131A opening 20 Internal Modules 21 Radiation Detection Panel 22 Support 23 Control board (electrical circuit) 24 spacer 30 Connection 40, 40A operation unit 41, 41A frame 42, 42A board 43, 43A Protective material 44, 44A switch 45, 45A display section 50, 50A grip part L wiring X radiation

Claims

1. a radiation detection panel that detects radiation that has passed through the subject and converts it into radiation image information; an electric circuit for forming an image based on the radiation image information converted by the radiation detection panel; a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and the electrical circuit; Equipped with an operation unit including a substrate is attached to the housing; A radiographic imaging device, characterized in that a board of the operation unit and the housing are insulated from each other by an insulator.

2. the operation unit includes a frame portion that engages with the housing and to which the board can be attached, The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the frame portion is made of an insulating material.

3. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit further comprises a switch and a display unit.

4. The operation unit is provided in plurality, 2. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the switch and the display unit are provided separately on different operation units.

5. The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising an audio output unit that outputs the display content of the display unit as audio.

6. 2. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit has a portion exposed on the outer surface of the housing that is made of an insulating material.

7. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is attached to a side surface of the housing.

8. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is attached to a rear surface of the housing.

9. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is attached to an inclined surface formed between a side surface and a rear surface of the housing.

10. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is attached to an inner surface of the housing.

11. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is replaceably attached to the housing.

Images