Radiation imaging apparatus and maintenance management system

Abstract

To enhance the possibility of recycling a radiation imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: A radiographic imaging device 1 includes a sensor panel 12 including scintillators 121 which emit light by receiving radioactive rays and flexible TFTs having a plurality of radioactive ray detection elements which detect the light emitted by the scintillators 121, a housing 10 which houses the sensor panel 12, and a detection part 18A which detects breakage of the housing 10. The housing 10 has a first housing side 10a covering at least a part of one surface of the sensor panel 12 and a second housing side 10b covering at least a part of the other surface of the sensor panel 12, and at least a part of the detection part side 18A is disposed on both sides across a contact region between the first housing side 10a and the second housing side 10b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus and a maintenance management system. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been a common practice to provide an acceleration sensor in a radiation imaging device (radiation detector) to measure and collect impact acceleration due to a fall or a bump. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which an acceleration sensor is provided in a radiation imaging device, an impact determination value is calculated based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, the impact determination values ​​are cumulatively added and compared with a predetermined threshold, and an alert is issued when the cumulative value exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0003] However, conventional radiation imaging devices have TFT (Thin Film Transistor) substrates made of glass, and the glass is often broken and rendered unusable by sudden large impacts rather than cumulative impacts, so even if impact judgment values ​​are collected, it is difficult to use them to predict damage.

[0004] In response to this, flexible TFTs, which use flexible materials for the TFT substrate, have recently been put into practical use, and by using these in radiation imaging devices, it has become possible to avoid the problem of the TFT substrate cracking and becoming unusable as in the past. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-91723 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, even radiation imaging devices using flexible TFTs can suffer damage to their exterior (casing) due to impact, resulting in the intrusion of liquids such as disinfectants or patient body fluids, which can cause malfunctions in the internal electrical system. In such cases, the device must be replaced with a new one. However, given the current environmental conservation trend, it is preferable to replace the device with recycled (including reused) materials whenever possible, rather than replacing it with a completely new one, whether it is a flexible TFT or a TFT on a glass substrate. However, depending on the type of liquid intrusion, it can affect the scintillator and TFT substrate, which emit light when exposed to radiation, making the sensor panel containing the affected scintillator and TFT substrate unusable. For example, while CsI (Tl) crystals are used as scintillator materials and are guaranteed to have a product lifespan of several years, immersion in liquid can shorten this product lifespan and render it unusable for recycling.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to increase the possibility of recycling a radiation imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a radiation imaging apparatus includes: a sensor panel including a scintillator that emits light when exposed to radiation and a plurality of radiation detection elements that detect the emitted light; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detection unit that detects damage to the housing; Equipped with the housing includes a first housing covering at least a portion of one surface of the sensor panel and a second housing covering at least a portion of the other surface of the sensor panel; At least a part of the detection unit is disposed on both sides of the contact area between the first housing and the second housing; It is characterized by:

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a radiation imaging apparatus includes: a sensor panel including a scintillator that emits light when exposed to radiation and a plurality of radiation detection elements that detect the emitted light; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detection unit that detects damage to the housing; Equipped with the housing includes a first housing covering at least a portion of one surface of the sensor panel and a second housing covering at least a portion of the other surface of the sensor panel; At least a part of the detection unit is disposed at a position that covers a contact area between the first housing and the second housing; It is characterized by:

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a radiation imaging apparatus includes: a sensor panel including a scintillator that emits light when exposed to radiation and a plurality of radiation detection elements that detect the emitted light; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detection unit that detects damage to the housing; Equipped with the detection units are disposed at positions corresponding to at least all corners of the housing; It is characterized by:

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a radiation imaging apparatus includes: a sensor panel including a scintillator that emits light when exposed to radiation and a plurality of radiation detection elements that detect the emitted light; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detection unit that detects damage to the housing; Equipped with the scintillator is disposed inside the housing on a radiation incident side, the detection unit is disposed inside the housing on the opposite side to the side on which the scintillator is disposed; It is characterized by:

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a maintenance management system comprising: The radiation imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, an output unit that outputs the detection result of the detection unit to an external device; a notification unit provided in the external device and configured to notify the detection result; The present invention is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the possibility of recycling a radiation imaging device can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a maintenance management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a detection unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a detection unit. [Figure 6A] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a detection unit according to Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 6B] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a detection unit according to Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the detection unit in Modification 2. [Figure 7B] 10 is a diagram showing the electrode wires of the detection unit of Modification 2 as viewed from the side inside the housing. FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the detection unit in Modification 3. [Figure 8B] 11 is a diagram showing the electrode wires of the detection unit of Modification 3 as viewed from the side inside the housing. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which protective members are provided at corners. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0016] [Configuration of the maintenance management system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a maintenance management system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance management system 100 is configured to include an in-hospital system 100A including a radiation imaging device 1, a console 2, a radiation irradiation device 3, and a router 4, and a maintenance server 5 connectable to the in-hospital system 100A via the router 4 and an external network N2. The devices that make up the in-hospital system 100A are connected to each other via an in-hospital network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) so as to be able to send and receive data. Furthermore, at least the radiation imaging device 1 is connected to the maintenance server 5 via the router 4 and an external network N2 such as the Internet so as to be able to send and receive data.

[0017] [Configuration of radiation imaging device] The radiation imaging device 1 detects radiation that has been emitted from the radiation source 33 of the radiation irradiation device 3 and has passed through the subject S, and generates image data of a radiation image showing the imaging region of the subject S.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view (upside down cross-sectional view) taken along line XX in Fig. 2.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 10 of the radiation imaging device 1 has a radiation incident surface R, which is a flat surface on the side where radiation is incident. A connector 61, an indicator 62, etc. are arranged on a side surface of the housing 10 that is perpendicular to the flat surface. A wired cable, a cradle, etc. can be connected to the connector 61. The connector 61 supplies power supplied from the connected wired cable or cradle to the inside of the radiation imaging device 1, and performs data communication with an external device via the connected wired cable or cradle. The indicator 62 is composed of an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) or the like, and lights up or flashes depending on the state of the radiation imaging device 1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 10 of the radiation imaging device 1 is made up of a first housing 10a and a second housing 10b. The first housing 10a and the second housing 10b are made of, for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The first housing 10a is box-shaped and has a flat portion, which is the radiation incident surface R, and side portions. The second housing 10b is a lid that covers the flat surface on the opposite side from the radiation incident surface R. Note that the second housing 10b may also be box-shaped like the first housing 10a (see, for example, FIG. 5). The first housing 10a and the second housing 10b are fastened together with, for example, screws. A waterproof member such as a packing 19 is provided at the joint between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b to prevent liquid from entering inside.

[0021] The housing 10 accommodates an internal module 11 including a sensor panel 12, a shielding layer 13, a spacer 14, a COF 15, a control board 16a, an interface board 16b, a rechargeable battery 17, and the like.

[0022] A sensor panel 12 is provided on the radiation incident surface R side of the internal module 11. The sensor panel 12 is formed by laminating and sealing, for example, a scintillator 121 and a flexible TFT 122. The flexible TFT 122 is formed by arranging TFTs, which are radiation detection elements and switching elements, in a matrix on the imaging surface (the surface on the side irradiated with radiation) of a flexible substrate. When irradiated with radiation, the scintillator 121 of the sensor panel 12 emits light according to the intensity of the radiation, and the radiation detection elements (photodiodes) on the flexible TFT 122 convert the light into electric charges and output the light as signals to the COF 15. It is not necessary for the end of the scintillator 121 to completely overlap with the end of the flexible TFT 122. For example, as shown in FIG.

[0023] The shielding layer 13 is made of a metal (e.g., lead) that absorbs radiation, and is provided (bonded) between the sensor panel 12 and the spacer 14 to prevent backscattered radiation from reaching electrical circuits such as the control board 16a and interface board 16b. Because the shielding layer 13 is made of a conductive metal, it is connected to ground (GND) and also serves as a shield layer for the electromagnetic field against the sensor panel 12.

[0024] The spacer 14 is a support that supports the substrates such as the sensor panel 12, the control substrate 16a, the interface substrate 16b, etc. The spacer 14 may be made of metal or resin, but it is preferable to use a foam for weight reduction.

[0025] The COF (Chip On Film) 15 is a flexible substrate that connects the flexible TFT 122 of the sensor panel 12 to the interface substrate 16b. A readout IC (ROIC) (not shown) is provided on the COF 15, and converts analog signals from the sensor panel 12 into digital signals.

[0026] The control board 16a is configured to include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication unit, and the like. The CPU of the control board 16a controls the sensor panel 12, generates image data from signals obtained by the sensor panel 12, and outputs the image data to the console 2 or the like via the communication unit. The CPU of the control board 16a also controls the indicator 62 to light up or blink in response to a detection signal from the detection unit 18, and notifies an external device of the detection result of the detection unit 18 via the communication unit. The communication unit of the control board 16a communicates with an external device by wireless communication or via a connector 61.

[0027] The interface board 16b aggregates digital signals from the ROIC and sends them to the control board 16a.

[0028] The rechargeable battery 17 is a secondary battery that supplies power to the boards, and may be, for example, a lithium ion capacitor (LiC).

[0029] The internal module 11 is removable from the housing 10. Therefore, even if liquid seeps into the interior of the housing 10 or the housing 10 is damaged, it may be possible to recycle each part of the internal module 11 depending on the extent of the liquid seepage or damage. However, depending on the extent of the liquid seepage, recycling may not be possible. For example, it is difficult to recycle the scintillator 121 of the sensor panel 12 once it gets wet. The flexible TFT 122 has a higher recyclability than the scintillator 121 and may be recyclable even if it gets wet, but may not be recyclable depending on the degree of liquid penetration.

[0030] Therefore, the radiation imaging device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a detection unit 18 that detects intrusion of liquid into the housing 10 between the housing 10 and the internal module 11. By detecting intrusion of liquid by the detection unit 18 before the sensor panel 12 becomes wet, it becomes possible to increase the possibility of recycling resources of the radiation imaging device 1, including the sensor panel 12 (the scintillator 121 and the flexible TFT 122).

[0031] Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the detection unit 18. Fig. 4 shows the internal structure of the housing 10 as viewed from the second housing 10b side. As shown in FIG. 4, the detection unit 18 is configured to include two electrode wires L1 and L2 and a detection circuit 18a located inside the packing 19 of the housing 10. The electrode wires L1 and L2 are metal wires with high conductivity. The electrode wires L1 and L2 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in an insulated state. Normally, the two electrode wires L1 and L2 are not in contact with each other, and therefore the resistance (electrical resistance) between the electrode wires L1 and L2 is infinite. On the other hand, if liquid enters and contacts the two electrode wires L1 and L2, causing a short circuit between the electrode wires L1 and L2, the resistance between the electrode wires L1 and L2 changes. The detection circuit 18a detects the intrusion of liquid by detecting this change in resistance and outputs a detection signal to the CPU of the control board 16a. The electrode wires L1 and L2 may be formed by forming a conductive thin film on a base material such as a resin film by printing, etching, vapor deposition, etc. In order to maintain the conductivity of the surfaces of the electrode wires L1 and L2, it is preferable to perform a surface treatment such as gold plating.

[0032] The detector 18 is preferably disposed at a position corresponding to at least the corner of the housing 10 so as to be able to detect the intrusion of liquid into the corner of the housing 10 which is most susceptible to impact. More preferably, the detector 18 is preferably disposed at a position corresponding to at least all of the corners of the housing 10. For example, the electrode wires L1 and L2 of the detection unit 18 may be arranged parallel to the plane of the housing 10 and routed around the entire inner periphery of the housing 10. Alternatively, the detection units 18 may be divided and placed at four locations including at least the corners of the housing 10, and the intrusion of liquid may be detected at each of the four corners, thereby making it possible to identify which corner the liquid intrusion occurred from.

[0033] Furthermore, when considering the path of liquid penetration, it is preferable that the detection unit 18 be disposed in front of the scintillator 121 and the flexible TFT 122. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the detection unit 18 is disposed in a second housing 10b on the opposite side to the side on which the scintillator 121 is disposed inside the housing 10. As described above, the first housing 10a covering the scintillator 121 side is box-shaped, and the second housing 10b covering the opposite side of the scintillator 121 is a lid. That is, the contact area 101 between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b is located on the opposite side of the housing 10 from the side where the scintillator 121 is located. The contact area 101 is likely to serve as a path for liquid to penetrate into the housing 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3 , by disposing the detection unit 18 on the opposite side of the housing 10 from the side where the scintillator 121 is located, the penetration of liquid can be detected immediately after the penetration at a position away from the scintillator 121. This makes it possible to detect the penetration of liquid into the housing 10 of the radiation imaging device 1 before the scintillator 121 or the flexible TFT 122 becomes wet, even if the liquid penetrates into the housing 10. This further increases the recyclability of the sensor panel 12.

[0034] In this embodiment, in order to detect the liquid before the scintillator 121 and the flexible TFT 122 become wet, the detection unit 18 is arranged in the second housing 10b on the opposite side of the housing 10 from the side on which the scintillator 121 is arranged, but it may also be arranged in the first housing 10a on the same side on which the scintillator 121 is arranged inside the housing 10. By arranging the detection unit 18 on the same side on which the sensor panel 12 is arranged inside the housing 10, it becomes easier to determine whether the sensor panel 12 has become wet and damaged.

[0035] Furthermore, when the detection unit 18 is disposed in either the first housing 10a or the second housing 10b, the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b may be screwed together to crush the packing 19, so that the electrode wires L1 and L2 of the detection unit 18 also come into contact with the other housing. This allows the detection unit 18 to detect the intrusion of liquid on both the first housing 10a side and the second housing 10b side.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, it is preferable that at least a part of detection unit 18 (for example, electrode wires) is disposed inside housing 10 and outside scintillator 121 in a direction parallel to the plane of housing 10. For example, it is preferable that at least a part of detection unit 18 is disposed at a position indicated by a black circle in Fig. 5 (outside the dotted line in Fig. 5). This is because it is difficult to recycle scintillator 121 once it gets wet, and therefore it is necessary to be able to detect the intrusion of a liquid before the liquid reaches scintillator 121. Furthermore, although the flexible TFT 122 is more likely to be recycled than the scintillator 121 when it gets wet, recycling may become impossible depending on the extent of the wetness. Therefore, it is more preferable that at least a part of the detection unit 18 (for example, electrode wires) is disposed inside the housing 10 and outside the sensor panel 12 in the direction parallel to the plane of the housing 10. It is more preferable that the entire detection unit 18 is disposed inside the housing 10 and outside the sensor panel 12 in the direction parallel to the plane of the housing 10.

[0037] Console Configuration The console 2 is a control device that includes a control unit such as a CPU, a storage unit, an operation unit, a communication unit, a display unit 21, etc., and controls imaging by the radiation imaging device 1. When the console 2 receives a liquid intrusion detection result from the radiation imaging device 1, it notifies the user of the detection result. For example, the console 2 displays the liquid intrusion detection result in the radiation imaging device 1 on the display unit 21, which serves as a notification unit. Alternatively, the console 2 may include an audio output unit and notify the liquid intrusion detection result by audio.

[0038] [Configuration of radiation irradiation equipment] The radiation irradiation device 3 includes a generator 31, an irradiation instruction switch 32, and a radiation source 33. When the irradiation instruction switch 32 is operated, the generator 31 applies a voltage to the radiation source 33 according to the preset imaging conditions, and irradiates the subject S and the radiation imaging device 1 with radiation.

[0039] [Maintenance Server Configuration] The maintenance server 5 is, for example, a server provided at each maintenance service base for the radiation imaging device 1. The maintenance server 5 is composed of a control unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, a communication unit, a display unit 51, etc. The maintenance server 5 stores and manages information related to radiation imaging devices 1 that require maintenance or replacement. The maintenance server 5 also receives the results of liquid intrusion detection in the radiation imaging device 1 and information related to the radiation imaging device 1, and displays this information on the display unit 51, which functions as a notification unit.

[0040] In the maintenance service, the internal module 11 of the radiation imaging device 1 that has been taken in for replacement is removed, repaired if necessary, and usable parts are recycled to create a refurbished radiation imaging device 1. This is then used to replace the radiation imaging device 1 that has been exposed to liquid or is damaged.

[0041] [Operation of the radiation imaging device] Next, the operation of the radiation imaging device 1 will be described. When the detector 18 of the radiation imaging device 1 detects the intrusion of liquid, it outputs a detection signal to the CPU of the control board 16a. When a liquid intrusion detection signal is input from the detection unit 18, the CPU of the radiation imaging device 1 notifies the detection result by the detection unit 18 via the notification unit. For example, when a liquid intrusion detection signal is input from the detection unit 18, the CPU notifies the presence of liquid intrusion by lighting or blinking the indicator 62. Alternatively, the CPU of the radiation imaging device 1 may notify the presence of liquid intrusion by generating a beep sound. This allows the user to be notified that liquid has entered the radiation imaging device 1, and makes it possible to prompt the user to take appropriate measures to prevent the influence of the liquid immersion on the sensor panel 12 and the like from spreading.

[0042] Furthermore, when a liquid intrusion detection signal is input from the detection unit 18, the CPU of the radiation imaging device 1 may function as an output unit to output the detection result from the detection unit 18. For example, the CPU of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 may output a detection result indicating that liquid has entered to a control program or the like that controls the imaging operation, and the control program may stop the imaging operation. Furthermore, for example, the CPU of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 may output a detection result indicating that liquid has entered the radiation imaging apparatus 1 to the console 2 via the wireless communication unit or the connector 61 of the control board 16a. When the console 2 receives a detection result indicating that liquid has entered the radiation imaging apparatus 1 from the radiation imaging apparatus 1, the console 2 displays the result on the display unit 21, which serves as a notification unit. For example, the console 2 may display a message such as "Liquid has entered the radiation imaging apparatus 1" or an icon indicating a warning. Alternatively, if the console 2 is equipped with an audio output unit, the console 2 may notify the user by outputting an audio message indicating that liquid has entered the radiation imaging apparatus 1. This allows the user to be notified that liquid has entered the radiation imaging apparatus 1 and to take appropriate measures to prevent the effects of liquid immersion on the sensor panel 12, etc. from spreading. In addition, when the console 2 receives a detection result from the radiation imaging device 1 indicating that liquid intrusion has been detected, it may notify the radiation irradiation device 3 to stop irradiation and control the radiation source 33 so that radiation is not irradiated.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, the CPU of the radiation imaging device 1 may output a detection result indicating that liquid has been detected, along with information about the radiation imaging device 1, to the maintenance server 5 via the wireless communication unit or connector 61 of the control board 16a. Information about the radiation imaging device 1 may include, for example, the serial number, model, manufacturing date, and installation location. When the maintenance server 5 receives a detection result indicating that liquid has been detected in the radiation imaging device 1, it may display the date and time of reception, information about the radiation imaging device 1, and information indicating that liquid has been detected on the display unit 51, which serves as a notification unit. Alternatively, if the maintenance server 5 has an audio output unit, this information may be notified by audio. This allows a service technician to identify which radiation imaging device 1 needs to be replaced and promptly carry out the replacement. The detection result indicating that liquid has entered the maintenance server 5 and information related to the radiation imaging device 1 may be transmitted via the console 2.

[0044] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the detection unit 18 detects the intrusion of liquid by detecting a change in the resistance value between two spaced-apart electrode wires L1 and L2. However, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the detection unit 18 may also be configured to detect the intrusion of liquid by detecting a change in the resistance value (electrical resistance value) of one electrode wire L3.

[0045] For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a detection unit 18A as a first modification of the detection unit 18 includes one electrode wire L3 and a detection circuit 18b. The electrode wire L3 is a metal wiring with high conductivity, and is provided with a folded portion 180 (shown surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 6A) at a portion (such as a corner) where liquid detection is desired. As shown by hatching in FIG. 6B, when liquid enters the housing 10, the folded portion 180 of the electrode wire L3 is short-circuited. For example, in FIG. 6B, a short circuit occurs between the two black circles of the folded portion 180. This changes the resistance value of the electrode wire L3. The detection circuit 18b detects the intrusion of liquid by detecting this change in the resistance value of the electrode wire L3, and outputs a detection signal to the CPU of the control board 16a.

[0046] The above-described detection unit 18A, as a second detection unit, can also detect damage to the housing 10 of the radiation imaging device 1. For example, if a corner is damaged due to an impact when the radiation imaging device 1 is dropped, and the folded portion 180 at the corner is broken, the resistance value of the electrode wire L3 becomes infinite. Furthermore, even if the electrode wire L3 is not broken, if deformation occurs, the resistance value changes due to the extension of the electrode wire L3. Therefore, the detection circuit 18b can also detect damage to the housing 10 of the radiation imaging device 1 by detecting a change in the resistance value of the electrode wire L3.

[0047] The preferred arrangement of the detection unit 18A is the same as that described for the detection unit 18 in the above embodiment, and therefore the same description is incorporated herein. Also, the operation of the CPU and other components of the control board 16a when a liquid intrusion detection signal is received from the detection unit 18A is the same as that described in the above embodiment, and therefore the same description is incorporated herein.

[0048] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which at least the electrode wires L1 and L2 of the detection unit 18 are arranged side by side along the inner plane of the first housing 10a or the second housing 10b, but the arrangement of the electrode wires L1 and L2 is not limited to this.

[0049] 7A and 7B, a detector 18B as a second modification of the detector 18 is configured such that electrode wires L1 and L2 of two detectors 181 and 182 are arranged on both sides (the first housing 10a side and the second housing 10b side) of the contact area 101 of the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b, with the contact area 101 sandwiched between them, and are arranged parallel to the contact area 101. Here, Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along XX in Fig. 2) of the radiation imaging device 1 in the second modification, and Fig. 7B is a view of the side of the housing 10 as viewed from the inside. In this way, by arranging the detection units 181 and 182 on both sides of the contact area 101, which is a likely path for liquid penetration, it is possible to more effectively detect the penetration of liquid. For example, it is possible to detect when liquid penetrates into the first housing 10a side, when liquid penetrates into the second housing 10b side, or when liquid penetrates across both sides. As a result, the impact of liquid penetration on the sensor panel 12, etc. can be reduced, and the possibility of recycling can be increased. Furthermore, by arranging the electrode wires L1, L2 of either the detection unit 181 or 182 on the first housing 10a side and the electrode wires L1, L2 of the other detection unit on the second housing 10b side, it is possible to detect the intrusion of liquid on both sides of the contact area 101 in a configuration in which the electrodes do not get in the way when removing the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b.

[0050] In addition, the electrode wires L3 of the detection unit 18A described in variant example 1 may be configured to be arranged parallel to the contact area 101 on both sides (the first housing 10a side and the second housing 10b side) of the contact area 101 between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b.

[0051] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which at least the electrode wires L1 and L2 of the detection unit 18 are arranged side by side along the inner plane of the first housing 10a or the second housing 10b, but the arrangement of the electrode wires L1 and L2 is not limited to this.

[0052] For example, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, a detection unit 18C as a third modification of the detection unit 18 is configured such that electrode wires L1 and L2 are arranged to cover the contact area 101 between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b. Here, Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the radiation imaging device 1 in the third modification (cross-sectional view taken along XX in Figure 2), and Figure 8B is a view of the side of the housing 10 as seen from inside. In this way, by configuring the detection unit 18C so that the electrode wires L1 and L2 are positioned to cover the contact area 101, which is a likely path for liquid penetration, it becomes possible to immediately detect liquid penetration as soon as it starts. As a result, the impact of liquid penetration on the sensor panel 12, etc. can be reduced, and the possibility of recycling can be increased.

[0053] The electrode wires L3 of the detection unit 18A described in the first modification may be arranged to cover the contact area 101 between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b.

[0054] (Variation 4) As described above, the corners of the housing 10 are most susceptible to damage. Therefore, in the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 3, corner protection members 111 may be provided at the corners of the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b, as shown in FIG. 9. The corner protection members 111 may be made of, for example, metal, rubber, elastomer, or the like. This is expected to mitigate the impact of a fall or the like, prevent damage to the exterior, and prevent liquid from seeping in through damaged areas. However, there is a risk that corner protection member 111 itself may come off due to excessive impact or cumulative impact, and it is difficult to completely prevent damage to housing 10 using corner protection member 111 alone. For this reason, it is desirable to provide detection units 18 (18A to 18C) inside housing 10 to detect liquid intrusion.

[0055] (Variation 5) The detection unit that detects the intrusion of liquid into the housing 10 may be configured to chemically detect liquid by providing a member that changes color or deforms due to moisture inside the housing 10. For example, the housing 10 may be configured to have a transparent window through which the member that changes color or deforms due to moisture can be seen, allowing the user to check whether the member has changed color or deformed.

[0056] (Variation 6) In recent years, radiation imaging devices 1 are sometimes disinfected excessively to prevent infection. When a large amount of disinfectant is used, there is a risk of liquid seepage not only into the radiation imaging device 1 but also into the wired cable. For this reason, it is desirable that the wired cable also be a waterproof cable having a waterproof structure. For example, the head portion of the wired cable connects the terminal portion that engages with the connector 61 to the cable portion, and these are covered by a housing, but it is advisable to provide a waterproof member at the joints between the terminal portion and the housing, or between the housings, or to fill the gaps with waterproof adhesive. Furthermore, some cradles and medical carts have a connection section in the storage section that stores the radiation imaging device 1 that corresponds to the external connection terminal (connector 61) of the radiation imaging device 1, allowing communication and charging while the device is stored. In such cradles or medical carts, if a radiation imaging device 1 that is wet with disinfectant or the like is connected to the connection section and liquid seeps in through the connection section, the cradle or medical cart will malfunction. Therefore, the connection section may be made waterproof, or the waterproof wired cable may be reused and used as the connection section. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from entering the cradle or medical cart through the connection section or the wired cable. Furthermore, a detector similar to detector 18 (which may be detectors 18A to 18C) may be provided in the connection part with the radiation imaging device 1 or in the housing of the wired cable in the cradle or medical cart. When the detector in the cradle or medical cart detects liquid, the display or audio output part of the cradle or medical cart may notify the intrusion of liquid. In this way, even if a defect occurs in the waterproof structure due to load or impact during use and liquid intrusion occurs, it can be detected before it reaches the internal parts of the connection part or wired cable, preventing malfunction.

[0057] As described above, the radiation imaging device 1 includes a sensor panel 12 having a scintillator 121 and a flexible TFT 122, a housing 10 that houses the sensor panel 12, and a detection unit 18 that detects the intrusion of liquid into the housing 10. Therefore, the user can take measures to prevent the influence of the liquid from spreading, which increases the possibility of recycling the radiation imaging device 1.

[0058] The radiation imaging device 1 also includes a sensor panel 12 including a scintillator 121 and a flexible TFT 122, a housing 10 that houses the sensor panel 12, and a detection unit 18A that serves as a second detection unit that detects breakage of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can take measures to prevent the effects of damage to the housing 10 from spreading, which increases the possibility of recycling the radiation imaging device 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the maintenance management system 100 outputs the detection result of liquid intrusion in the radiation imaging device 1 to the console 2 as an external device, and the console 2 notifies the user by displaying the detection result on the display unit 21. Therefore, the radiographer operating the console 2 can be notified of the intrusion of liquid into the radiation imaging device 1, allowing for early response and increasing the possibility of recycling the sensor panel 12 in the radiation imaging device 1.

[0060] The maintenance management system 100 notifies the maintenance server 5, which serves as an external device, of the results of liquid intrusion detection in the radiation imaging device 1, and the maintenance server 5 notifies the user by displaying the detection results on the display unit 51. Therefore, workers at the maintenance service base where the maintenance server 5 is located can be notified of the intrusion of liquid into the radiation imaging device 1, allowing for early response and increasing the possibility of recycling the sensor panel 12 in the radiation imaging device 1.

[0061] The description of the above embodiment is a preferred example of the radiation imaging apparatus and maintenance management system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment and its modified examples, the TFT substrate of the sensor panel 12 is described as being a flexible TFT, but it may be a glass substrate.

[0062] Furthermore, the detailed configurations and operations of the radiation imaging apparatus and the devices included in the maintenance management system may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Radiation imaging device 10. Cabinet 10a First enclosure 10b Second enclosure 11 Internal Modules 12 Sensor Panel 121 Scintillator 122 Flexible TFT 13 Shielding layer 14 spacer 15 COF 16a Control board 16b Interface board 17 Rechargeable batteries 18, 18A to 18C, 181, 182 Detector 19 Gasket 111 Corner protection member 2 Console 21 Display section 3 Radiation irradiation device 31 Generator 32 Irradiation instruction switch 33 Radiation source 4. Router 5 Maintenance Server 51 Display section

Claims

1. a sensor panel including a scintillator that emits light when exposed to radiation and a plurality of radiation detection elements that detect the emitted light; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detection unit that detects damage to the housing; Equipped with the housing includes a first housing covering at least a portion of one surface of the sensor panel and a second housing covering at least a portion of the other surface of the sensor panel; At least a part of the detection unit is disposed on both sides of a contact area between the first housing and the second housing; A radiation imaging device characterized by:

2. 2. The radiation imaging device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the detection unit is disposed inside the housing and outside the scintillator in a direction parallel to a radiation incident surface of the housing.

3. 3. The radiation imaging device according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the detection unit is disposed inside the housing and outside the sensor panel in a direction parallel to the radiation incident surface of the housing.

4. 3. The radiation imaging device according to claim 2, wherein all of the detection units are disposed inside the housing and on the outer side of the sensor panel in a direction parallel to the radiation incident surface of the housing.

5. a sensor panel including a scintillator that emits light when exposed to radiation and a plurality of radiation detection elements that detect the emitted light; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detection unit that detects damage to the housing; Equipped with the housing includes a first housing covering at least a portion of one surface of the sensor panel and a second housing covering at least a portion of the other surface of the sensor panel; At least a part of the detection unit is disposed at a position that covers a contact area between the first housing and the second housing; A radiation imaging device characterized by:

6. 6. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a waterproof member is provided between the first housing and the second housing.

7. a sensor panel including a scintillator that emits light when exposed to radiation and a plurality of radiation detection elements that detect the emitted light; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detection unit that detects damage to the housing; Equipped with the detection units are disposed at positions corresponding to at least all corners of the housing; A radiation imaging device characterized by:

8. 8. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a protective member is provided at a corner of the housing.

9. a sensor panel including a scintillator that emits light when exposed to radiation and a plurality of radiation detection elements that detect the emitted light; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detection unit that detects damage to the housing; Equipped with the scintillator is disposed inside the housing on a radiation incident side, the detection unit is disposed inside the housing on the opposite side to the side on which the scintillator is disposed; A radiation imaging device characterized by:

10. a notification unit that notifies the detection result of the detection unit; 10. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

11. an output unit that outputs the detection result of the detection unit; 10. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

12. The radiation imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the detection unit detects damage to the housing by detecting a change in the electrical resistance value of an electrode or between electrodes provided inside the housing.

13. The radiation imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, an output unit that outputs the detection result of the detection unit to an external device; a notification unit provided in the external device and configured to notify the detection result; A maintenance management system comprising:

Images