Radiation image photographing device

Abstract

To provide a radiation image photographing device capable of suppressing misdetection of an electric noise as irradiation with radiations because of vibration of a radiation detection panel.SOLUTION: A radiation image photographing device comprises: an internal module 100 having a radiation detection panel 11, an electric circuit board 15, and a support 12; and a casing 10 for housing the internal module 100. It also comprises: a COF 16 for connecting the radiation detection panel 11 and the electric circuit board 15; and an ROIC (read IC 17) that is provided on the COF 16 and reads a signal from the radiation detection panel 11. The support 12 is formed from a high-stiffness material, and a damping material 19 formed from a viscoelastic material is provided between the ROIC and the casing 10.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 stand 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 contain a radiation detection panel that detects the intensity distribution of radiation and converts it into an electric charge.

[0003] In a radiographic imaging device, a radiation detection panel and an electric circuit board that processes images are connected by a flexible substrate (COF). The radiographic imaging device processes signal values ​​using a readout element (ROIC) provided on the COF.

[0004] Radiography using a radiographic imaging device can be divided into coordinated and uncoordinated imaging. Coordinated imaging is imaging performed by receiving a signal from the radiation irradiation device indicating that irradiation has been performed. Uncoordinated imaging is imaging performed by detecting the fact that radiation has been irradiated, without receiving a signal. In the case of uncoordinated imaging, the radiographic imaging device detects that radiation has been irradiated by a change in the electrical signal generated in the radiation detection panel after transitioning to an imaging standby state. However, signal fluctuations can also occur if the device is subjected to vibrations in the standby state. Therefore, the radiographic imaging device may mistake vibrations applied to the device for radiation irradiation and malfunction. In particular, the area near the connection between the COF and the radiation detection panel is greatly affected by vibrations, making it prone to signal value fluctuations.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a vibration-damping material such as an elastic body is disposed around the connection between the COF and the radiation detection panel and around the ROIC located immediately below the connection. The configuration described in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to suppress vibrations of the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-003636 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 is prone to vibration because the panel substrate is flexible and the support is made of lightweight foam material. Therefore, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 places a buffer material around the ROIC to suppress vibration. However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if the support is made of a highly rigid material such as metal in order to improve robustness, vibration frequencies in a different band than those of a foamed support are generated, and in such cases, conventional cushioning materials may not be able to suppress the vibrations. Furthermore, vibrations generated by flat plate-shaped components made of highly rigid materials, such as the support, persist for a long period of time. Therefore, even if the initial momentary fluctuations are filtered out as noise, a configuration in which the support is made of highly rigid materials has the problem of falsely detecting signal changes due to sustained vibrations as radiation exposure.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging device that can prevent electrical noise caused by vibration of a radiation detection panel from being mistakenly detected as radiation irradiation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention described in claim 1 has been made to achieve the above object, In the radiation imaging device, an internal module including a radiation detection panel that detects radiation transmitted through a subject and converts the radiation into radiation image information; an electric circuit board that forms an image based on the radiation image information converted by the radiation detection panel; and a support that supports the radiation detection panel on a first surface and the electric circuit board on a second surface opposite to the first surface; a housing that houses the internal module; A radiographic imaging device comprising: a COF that connects the radiation detection panel and the electric circuit board; a ROIC provided on the COF for reading out signals from the radiation detection panel; Equipped with The support is formed of a highly rigid material, A vibration-damping material made of a viscoelastic material is provided between the ROIC and the housing.

[0010] The invention described in claim 2 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The support is made of CFRP or metal.

[0011] The invention described in claim 3 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The vibration-damping material is characterized by being a rubber foam.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The vibration-damping material is further characterized in that it is provided between the ROIC and the support.

[0013] The invention described in claim 5 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The vibration-damping material is characterized by having an antistatic function.

[0014] The invention described in claim 6 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 5, The damping material has a resistivity of 10 2 [Ω cm] or more 105 It is characterized by being less than [Ω·cm].

[0015] The invention described in claim 7 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, The substrate of the radiation detection panel is characterized by being made of glass.

[0016] The invention described in claim 8 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 1, an attachment member for attaching the radiation detection panel to the housing; The portion of the radiation detection panel corresponding to the position of the ROIC cannot be attached to the housing.

[0017] The invention described in claim 9 is the radiation image capturing apparatus described in claim 8, A non-adhesive film is provided between the portion of the radiation detection panel corresponding to the position of the ROIC and the attachment member.

[0018] The invention described in claim 10 is the radiographic image capturing apparatus described in claim 8, A spacer having the same thickness as the adhesive member is provided between the housing and a portion of the radiation detection panel corresponding to the position of the ROIC. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent electrical noise caused by vibration of the radiation detection panel from being mistakenly detected as radiation exposure. [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] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of how the repulsive force of the damping material continues to be applied to the radiation detection panel. [Figure 4] 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a radiographic image capturing device according to Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a radiographic image capturing device according to Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0022] 1, a radiographic image capturing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10. An internal module 100 is housed in the housing 10, as shown in FIG.

[0023] The radiographic image capturing device 1 is provided with a power switch 21, an operation switch 22, an indicator 23, and a connector 24 on the outer surface of the housing 10 (see FIG. 1).

[0024] The housing 10 is made of, for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The housing 10 is divided into a box-shaped front panel 10a having a front surface, which is the radiation irradiated surface, and side surfaces, and a back panel 10b serving as a lid. The front panel 10a and the back panel 10b are fastened together with, for example, screws, and can be easily separated. A waterproof member such as a packing (not shown) is provided at the joint between the front panel 10a and the back panel 10b to prevent liquid from entering inside.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the internal module 100 includes a radiation detection panel 11, a support 12, a first attachment member 13, a second attachment member 14, an electric circuit board 15, a COF 16, a readout IC 17, a rechargeable battery 18, and a vibration-damping material 19.

[0026] The radiation detection panel 11 detects radiation that has passed through a subject and converts it into radiation image information. The radiation detection panel 11 is an indirect conversion type that uses a scintillator and a photoelectric conversion element (photodiode). The photoelectric conversion element, together with a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that performs switching, forms a pixel, and is formed two-dimensionally on a substrate. The substrate of the radiation detection panel 11 is made of glass for reasons such as accuracy stability and insulation properties. When radiation is irradiated, the scintillator in the radiation detection panel 11 first emits light according to the intensity of the radiation. Next, the photoelectric conversion element on the substrate converts the light emitted by the scintillator into an electric charge and outputs it as a signal to the electric circuit board 15. The radiation detection panel 11 may be a direct conversion type detection panel in which a photoelectric conversion element is provided on a substrate and no scintillator is used.

[0027] The support 12 is a support base material that supports the radiation detection panel 11, the electric circuit board 15, etc. The support 12 supports the radiation detection panel 11 on a first surface thereof and the electric circuit board 15 on a second surface thereof opposite to the first surface thereof. The support 12 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 12 to prevent the support 12 from moving. The substrate of the radiation detection panel 11 is made of a brittle material (glass). Therefore, the support 12 that supports the substrate is made of a highly rigid material. For example, the support 12 is made of a highly rigid material such as CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics) or metal. This improves robustness against loads and impacts. However, when using metal, the burden on the user increases as the device becomes heavier, so a light metal alloy is used to reduce weight. Examples of light metal alloys include aluminum and magnesium.

[0028] The radiation detection panel 11 and the support 12 are fixed to each other by a first attaching member 13, with an electromagnetic shielding layer, a radiation shielding layer, a buffer layer, etc., not shown, sandwiched between them. The first attaching member 13 is an adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like, and fixes the radiation detection panel 11 and the support body 12 together.

[0029] The radiation detection panel 11 and the housing 10 are fixed together by the second attachment member 14 via an electromagnetic shielding layer, a buffer layer, etc. (not shown). As a result, the radiation detection panel 11 and the support 12 are fixed to the inner surface of the irradiation surface of the housing 10 so that the radiation detection panel 11 is sandwiched between the support 12 and the housing 10. The second attaching member 14 is an adhesive tape, and attaches and fixes the internal module 100 (radiation detection panel 11) to the housing 10. That is, the second attaching member 14 functions as an attaching member of the present invention. Note that by using a peelable adhesive tape as the second attaching member 14, the radiation detection panel 11 and the support body 12 may be made detachable from the housing 10. By fixing the radiation detection panel 11 and the support body 12 to the housing 10 with the second adhesive member 14, it is possible to prevent the impact of a side fall from being transmitted to the radiation detection panel 11 and the support body 12. This further improves the robustness of the device.

[0030] The electric circuit board 15 forms an image based on the radiation image information converted by the radiation detection panel 11. The electric circuit board 15 has a processing circuit including a CPU, ROM, RAM, a communication unit, etc. The processing circuit controls the driving of the radiation detection panel 11 and processes signals read out from the radiation detection panel 11. Specifically, the processing circuit generates image data from the signals read out from the radiation detection panel 11 and outputs the image data to a console (not shown) or the like.

[0031] The COF 16 is a flexible substrate that connects the radiation detection panel 11 and the electric circuit board 15 together.

[0032] The readout IC (ROIC) 17 is provided on the COF 16 and reads out signals from the radiation detection panel 11. The readout IC 17 converts analog signals from the radiation detection panel 11 into digital signals.

[0033] The rechargeable battery 18 is a secondary battery that supplies power to the radiation detection panel 11, the electric circuit board 15, etc. The rechargeable battery 18 is, for example, a lithium ion capacitor or a lithium ion battery.

[0034] The damping material 19 is provided between the readout IC 17 and the housing 10 and between the readout IC 17 and the support 12. That is, the damping material 19 is arranged so as to fill the gaps above and below the readout IC 17. This makes it possible to suppress the readout IC 17 from vibrating as a mass point on the COF 16. Note that the damping material 19 does not necessarily have to be provided between the readout IC 17 and the support 12.

[0035] The vibration-damping material 19 is made of a viscoelastic material. Examples of the viscoelastic material include rubber such as EPDM, natural rubber, chloroprene, and silicone. The viscoelastic material may also be an elastomer formed by combining rubber and resin. Rubber materials have high viscosity in addition to elasticity, so they can suppress vibrations over a wide range and quickly damp any vibrations that occur, thereby reducing the effects of vibrations.

[0036] For the purpose of further reducing the weight, the damping material 19 may be made of foamed rubber. The foamed rubber may be, for example, rubber sponge or foamed rubber. This allows the material to have viscoelasticity while also achieving weight reduction through foaming.

[0037] The vibration-damping material 19 has an anti-static function, which prevents the vibration-damping material 19 from becoming charged due to vibration and adversely affecting the readout IC 17. Methods for imparting an anti-static function to the vibration-damping material 19 include making it contain metal powder or carbon, or coating the surface with an anti-static agent.

[0038] In addition, there are anti-static functions that quickly diffuse the charge even if it is charged, reducing the amount of charge, and those that do not generate charge at all. In order to prevent the charge itself from being generated, the damping material 19 must have a resistivity of 10 5 However, if the resistivity of the damping material 19 is too low, it will conduct electricity and damage the read IC 17. Therefore, the damping material 19 should have a resistivity of 10 2 It is preferable that the resistivity is Ω·cm or more.

[0039] As described above, the radiographic imaging device 1 according to this embodiment includes an internal module 100 including a radiation detection panel 11, an electric circuit board 15, and a support member 12, and a housing 10 that houses the internal module 100. The radiation detection panel 11 detects radiation transmitted through a subject and converts it into radiographic image information. The electric circuit board 15 forms an image based on the radiographic image information converted by the radiation detection panel 11. The support member 12 supports the radiation detection panel 11 on a first surface thereof and the electric circuit board 15 on a second surface opposite to the first surface thereof. The radiographic imaging device 1 also includes a COF 16 that connects the radiation detection panel 11 and the electric circuit board 15, and an ROIC (readout IC 17) that is provided on the COF 16 and reads out signals from the radiation detection panel 11. The support member 12 is made of a highly rigid material. The support member 12 is made of CFRP or metal. A vibration-damping member 19 made of a viscoelastic material is provided between the ROIC and the housing 10. Therefore, the radiographic imaging device 1 according to this embodiment can suppress electrical noise caused by vibration of the radiation detection panel 11, which uses a support 12 made of a highly rigid material, and can therefore suppress erroneous detection of electrical noise caused by vibration of the radiation detection panel as radiation irradiation.

[0040] The vibration-damping material 19 is a rubber foam. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a reduction in weight while providing viscoelasticity to the vibration-damping material 19. This improves operability for the user.

[0041] Furthermore, the vibration-damping material 19 is further provided between the ROIC and the support 12. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress electrical noise caused by vibration of the radiation detection panel 11 using the support 12 made of a highly rigid material, and it is therefore possible to more reliably prevent electrical noise caused by vibration of the radiation detection panel from being mistakenly detected as radiation exposure.

[0042] The vibration-damping material 19 also has an anti-static function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the damping material 19 from being charged due to vibration, and therefore it is possible to prevent the read IC 17 from being adversely affected by the charging of the damping material 19.

[0043] In addition, the damping material 19 has a resistivity of 10 2 [Ω cm] or more 10 5 [Ω·cm] or less. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of charge itself, and therefore it is possible to prevent the charge on the damping material 19 from adversely affecting the readout IC 17. It is also possible to prevent the damping material 19 from becoming conductive and damaging the readout IC 17.

[0044] The substrate of the radiation detection panel 11 is made of glass. Therefore, precision stability and insulation properties can be sufficiently ensured.

[0045] 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.

[0046] For example, in a configuration in which the internal module 100 is attached to the housing 10, a releasable adhesive is used as the second attachment member 14 to remove the internal module 100. In a configuration in which the vibration-damping materials 19 are disposed above and below the readout IC 17, as in the embodiment, the repulsive force RF of the vibration-damping materials 19 continues to act toward the radiation detection panel 11 (see FIG. 3). If the support 12 is made of a foam material, the repulsive force RF can be absorbed and mitigated to some extent. However, if the support 12 is made of a solid material (metal) as in the embodiment, the repulsive force RF is directly transmitted to the radiation detection panel 11. Therefore, the second attachment member 14 corresponding to the position of the readout IC 17 is pressed with a stronger force than other portions. Therefore, the adhesive strength of the second attachment member 14 at the position corresponding to the readout IC 17 gradually increases over time after the device is assembled. Therefore, a user may need to use more force than expected to peel the radiation detection panel 11 from the housing 10 for repairs, etc. As a result, the second attaching member 14 may break in part and remain on the radiation detection panel 11 side, or may pull the sealant sealing the scintillator, causing the scintillator to float off the substrate, which may make it impossible to reuse the radiation detection panel 11.

[0047] Therefore, in the following modified examples 1 and 2, the radiation detection panel 11 is not attached to the housing 10 at a portion corresponding to the position of the readout IC 17 when viewed from the irradiation surface (front side). In other words, modified examples 1 and 2 are configured such that the portion of the radiation detection panel 11 corresponding to the position of the readout IC 17 is not attached (cannot be attached) to the housing 10. Therefore, even if time passes after the device is assembled, it is possible to prevent the adhesive strength of the portion corresponding to the position of the readout IC 17 from increasing. This makes it possible to peel the radiation detection panel 11 from the housing 10 without any problems. Therefore, the radiation detection panel 11 can be reused.

[0048] (Variation 1) FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a radiographic image capturing device 1 according to the first modification. In the first modification, a non-adhesive film 30 is provided between the portion of the radiation detection panel 11 corresponding to the position of the readout IC 17 and the second attachment member 14. Since the film 30 may become charged due to contact peeling, it is advisable to apply an anti-static treatment or use a thin metal film.

[0049] (Variation 2) FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the radiographic image capturing device 1 according to the second modification. In the second modification, the portion of the second attachment member 14A corresponding to the position of the readout IC 17 is removed, and instead a spacer 40 of the same thickness is provided. That is, the spacer 40 of the same thickness as the second attachment member 14A is provided between the portion of the radiation detection panel 11 corresponding to the position of the readout IC 17 and the housing 10. The spacer 40 is preferably made of resin to reduce weight. Furthermore, the spacer 40 is preferably antistatically treated before being attached to the housing 10.

[0050] 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]

[0051] 1. Radiography equipment 10. Cabinet 10a Front Plate 10b backboard 100 Internal Modules 11 Radiation detection panel 12 Support 13 First attaching member 14, 14A Second adhesive member (adhesive member) 15 Electrical circuit board 16 COF 17 Readout IC (ROIC) 18 Rechargeable batteries 19 Damping material 21 Power switch 22 Operation switch 23 Indicators 24 connectors 30 Film 40 spacer

Claims

1. an internal module including a radiation detection panel that detects radiation transmitted through a subject and converts the radiation into radiation image information; an electric circuit board that forms an image based on the radiation image information converted by the radiation detection panel; and a support that supports the radiation detection panel on a first surface and the electric circuit board on a second surface opposite to the first surface; a housing that houses the internal module; A radiographic imaging device comprising: a COF that connects the radiation detection panel and the electric circuit board; an ROIC provided on the COF for reading out signals from the radiation detection panel; Equipped with The support is formed of a highly rigid material, A radiation image capturing apparatus, characterized in that a vibration-damping material made of a viscoelastic material is provided between the ROIC and the housing.

2. 2. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support body is made of CFRP or metal.

3. 2. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration-damping material is a rubber foam.

4. 2. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration-damping material is further provided between the ROIC and the support.

5. 2. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration-damping material has an antistatic function.

6. The damping material has a resistivity of 10 ２ [Ω・cm] or more 10 ５ 6. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the resistance is Ω·cm or less.

7. 2. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the substrate of the radiation detection panel is made of glass.

8. an attachment member for attaching the radiation detection panel to the housing; 2. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the radiation detection panel corresponding to the position of the ROIC cannot be attached to the housing.

9. 9. The radiation image capturing device according to claim 8, wherein a non-adhesive film is provided between the portion of the radiation detection panel corresponding to the position of the ROIC and the adhesive member.

10. 9. The radiation image capturing device according to claim 8, wherein a spacer having the same thickness as the adhesive member is provided between the housing and a portion of the radiation detection panel corresponding to the position of the ROIC.

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