Radiography equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a radiography apparatus that enables both high radiation shielding performance for electrical circuit boards and sufficient mechanical strength for radiation detection sensors and electrical circuit boards. [Solution] The radiography apparatus 100 comprises a detection sensor 101 for detecting radiation, a circuit board 103, a base 105 that supports the circuit board 103 and has a radiation shielding portion 107 located between the detection sensor 101 and the circuit board 103, an outer casing 106 that encloses the detection sensor 101, the circuit board 103, and the base 105 within an internal space, and a fixing portion 108 that fixes the first base 105 to the back surface of the outer casing 106 at a distance from the back surface of the circuit board 103 with respect to the radiation incident surface within the internal space, wherein the fixing portion 108 is located in a region inside the outer circumference of the radiation shielding portion 107 in a plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radiation imaging apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A radiation imaging apparatus that irradiates an object with radiation and detects the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the object to obtain a radiation image of the object is widely and commonly used in industrial non-destructive inspections and medical diagnoses. Generally, a radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detection sensor that detects radiation, a sensor support base that supports the radiation detection sensor, an electric circuit board having various ICs, and the like.

[0003] In a radiation imaging apparatus, when high-intensity radiation irradiates an IC on an electric circuit board, it may cause malfunction or characteristic degradation of the IC. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, a radiation shielding material is provided between the radiation detection sensor and the electric circuit board.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, although the radiation shielding performance can be ensured, the fixing of the electric circuit board to the exterior is insufficient, and since the radiation shielding material is separated from the electric circuit board, the fixing to the exterior of the sensor support base cannot be said to be sufficient either. Therefore, there is a concern that the mechanical strength of the electric circuit board and the radiation detection sensor may deteriorate due to impacts and vibrations, etc., and these may be damaged.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a radiography apparatus comprising a sensor substrate having a pixel region, a sensor base supporting the substrate, and a support base supporting a radiation shielding material. In this apparatus, the support base is fixed to the inner surface of the exterior at its column portion, thereby securing the sensor substrate to the exterior. On the other hand, a gap is formed in the electrical circuit board for inserting the column portion of the support base, and a mounting plate is provided at the end of the gap and fixed to the exterior. However, the method of directly installing the mounting plate at the end of the electrical circuit board is not compatible with an apparatus configuration that includes a base supporting the electrical circuit board. Therefore, the base supporting the electrical circuit board cannot be stably held in this apparatus configuration, and appropriate mechanical strength for the electrical circuit board cannot be obtained.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a radiography apparatus that, in a configuration equipped with a base for supporting an electrical circuit board, enables both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board and sufficient mechanical strength for the radiation detection sensor and the electrical circuit board. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The radiography apparatus of this disclosure comprises a radiation detection sensor for detecting radiation, an electrical circuit board, a first base that supports the electrical circuit board and has a radiation shielding portion located between the radiation detection sensor and the electrical circuit board, and an exterior that encloses these within an internal space. The radiography apparatus further comprises a first fixing portion that fixes the first base to the back surface such that the electrical circuit board faces the back surface of the exterior within the internal space at a distance from it. The first fixing portion is located in a region inside the outer periphery of the radiation shielding portion in a plan view along the direction of incidence of the radiation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, a radiography apparatus is realized that, in a configuration equipped with a base for supporting an electrical circuit board, enables both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board and sufficient mechanical strength for the radiation detection sensor and the electrical circuit board. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a radiography apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing a radiography apparatus according to a comparative example of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a radiography apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a radiography apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a radiography apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] -Basic Configuration of Radiography Apparatus in Various Embodiments- In disclosing specific embodiments, the basic configuration of the radiography apparatus in each embodiment will be described.

[0012] The radiography apparatus comprises a radiation detection sensor for detecting radiation, an electrical circuit board, and a first base that supports the electrical circuit board and has a radiation shielding section located between the radiation detection sensor and the electrical circuit board. Furthermore, an outer casing is provided that encloses the radiation detection sensor, the electrical circuit board, and the first base within an internal space. Here, a first fixing part is arranged to fix the first base to the back of the outer casing such that the electrical circuit board faces the back of the outer casing at a distance from it within the internal space of the outer casing. In a plan view along the direction of radiation incidence, the first fixing part is located in a region inside the outer periphery of the radiation shielding section. If the position of the first fixing part is outside the outer periphery of the radiation shielding section, the first base will be fixed in an uneven and unstable manner by the first fixing part, and sufficient mechanical strength cannot be obtained. This becomes particularly noticeable when the radiography apparatus is enlarged. By positioning the first fixing part in the inner region, it becomes possible to achieve both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board and mechanical strength for the electrical circuit board supported by the first base fixed to the exterior, and consequently for the radiation detection sensor appropriately fixed to the exterior via the first base.

[0013] Furthermore, the radiography apparatus may have a second base for supporting a radiation detection sensor, and a second fixing part for fixing the second base within the internal space of the casing. With this configuration, the first base, the radiation shielding part, and the second base are fixed together as a single unit, and the first base is fixed to the casing, achieving both high radiation shielding performance and sufficient mechanical strength for the electrical circuit board and radiation detection sensor. Specific examples of this configuration include, for example, the following (1) to (4).

[0014] Appearance (1) The second fixing part is provided penetrating the radiation shielding part. For example, a gap is formed in the radiation shielding part, and the second fixing part is positioned to pass through the gap. The second base faces the first base via the radiation shielding part, and the second fixing part connects the first base and the second base. With this configuration, the first base, the radiation shielding part, and the second base are firmly fixed as a single unit, contributing to further improvement of mechanical strength. This embodiment will be described in detail in the following first embodiment.

[0015] Aspect (2) The second fixing part is an adhesive material, which is disposed on both surfaces of the radiation shielding part, and adhesively fixes one surface of the radiation shielding part to the first base and the other surface of the radiation shielding part to the second base. With this configuration, the first base, the radiation shielding part, and the second base are integrally fixed, contributing to an improvement in mechanical strength. This aspect will be described in detail in the following second embodiment.

[0016] Aspect (3) The second fixing part is a cushioning material, which is disposed, for example, between the upper surface of a radiation detection sensor supported by the second base and the front surface of the exterior (first aspect), and / or between the side surface of the second base and the side surface of the exterior (second aspect) within the internal space of the exterior. In the first aspect, the second base supporting the radiation detection sensor has an upper part abutting against the exterior with the cushioning material and a lower part abutting against the first base via the radiation shielding part, and is stably held in a floating state within the exterior, particularly suppressing displacement in the vertical direction and external impact. In the second aspect, the second base supporting the radiation detection sensor has a side surface abutting against the exterior with the cushioning material and is stably held in a floating state within the exterior, particularly suppressing displacement in the horizontal direction and external impact. By adopting both the first aspect and the second aspect, it is more stably held in a floating state within the exterior, suppressing displacement in the vertical and horizontal directions and external impact. Here, in the first aspect, the cushioning material may be fixed to the front surface of the exterior (and further the cushioning material may be fixed to the radiation shielding part), and in the second aspect, the cushioning material may be fixed to the side surface of the exterior. By setting such a fixed state, more stable holding can be obtained.

[0017] Aspect (4) The first base consists of a radiation shielding part. That is, the first base does not have a separate radiation shielding part, and the first base itself is made of a material having a radiation shielding material. The second base can be easily fixed to the first base having a high shielding function fixed to the exterior, and thus is fixed to the exterior together with the first base. With this configuration, a reliable radiation shielding function can be obtained with a simple configuration of the first base with a reduced number of parts, and an improvement in mechanical strength can be achieved.

[0018] -Detailed Description of Embodiments- Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted. The details of the dimensions and structures shown in each embodiment are not limited to those shown in the text and the drawings. In this specification, not only X-rays but also α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, particle beams, cosmic rays, etc. are included in radiation.

[0019] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The radiation imaging apparatus 100 includes a sensor panel 101, a sensor support base 102, an electric circuit board 103, a flexible wiring 104, a circuit support base 105, and an exterior 106 that encloses these components.

[0020] The sensor panel 101 is a radiation detection sensor, and may be, for example, a DR (Digital Radiography) sensor. The sensor panel unit 101 has a plurality of pixels, and each pixel generates an electrical signal according to the amount of incident radiation. The configuration of the sensor panel unit 101 may be an existing configuration, and an example thereof will be described below. Each pixel of the sensor panel unit 101 is configured by arranging a switch element such as a thin film transistor (TFT) and a photoelectric conversion unit and a scintillator layer on an insulating substrate such as a glass substrate. The photoelectric conversion unit is configured to have amorphous silicon (a-Si), low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS), oxide semiconductor (IGZO), or the like.

[0021] The incident radiation is converted into visible light by the scintillator layer, and this visible light is converted into electric charge by the photoelectric conversion unit. CsI, GOS (Gd2O2S:Tb), etc. are used as the scintillator layer. In particular, with CsI (cesium iodide), Tl (thallium) or Na (sodium) is used as an activator. The scintillator layer is covered with a protective film such as polyparaxylylene (parylene), hot melt resin, or a laminated sheet of hot melt resin and aluminum. Each pixel may have a conversion unit composed of a material that directly converts radiation into electric charge instead of having a scintillator layer. Suitable materials for this include amorphous selenium (a-Se), CdTe (cadmium telluride), CdZnTe (cadmium zinc telluride), etc.

[0022] The sensor support base 102 is a second base that supports the sensor panel 101, and supports the lower surface of the sensor panel 101 on the radiation incident surface (upper surface) side of the radiation, indicated by arrow A in the direction of incidence. To achieve both rigidity and lightness, the sensor support base 102 may be made of materials such as resin, CFRP, magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, steel plate, or stainless steel, and may have a structure consisting of multiple parts.

[0023] The electrical circuit board 103 is equipped with various ICs (integrated circuits), such as a driver IC that transmits electrical signals to drive the sensor panel 101 and an amplifier IC that amplifies the electrical signals detected by the sensor panel 101. The flexible wiring 104 is wiring that electrically connects the sensor panel 101 and the electrical circuit board 103.

[0024] The circuit support base 105 is a first base that supports multiple electrical circuit boards 103. In Figure 1, the electrical circuit boards 103 are provided on the lower surface, and a layered radiation shielding portion 107 is provided on the upper surface. The radiation shielding portion 107 is positioned and sized to correspond to the effective pixel area of ​​the sensor panel 101 in a plan view along the incident direction A of the radiation, and to encompass the multiple electrical circuit boards 103. It is a member that absorbs or shields a portion of the radiation irradiated from the radiation source. Preferably, the radiation shielding portion 107 has one or more metallic materials selected from the group consisting of Pb, Ba, Ta, W, and Mo as a high radiation shielding material. By providing a simple, single-piece radiation shielding portion 107 with excellent radiation shielding performance, even when multiple electrical circuit boards 103 are provided, radiation irradiation to each electrical circuit board 103 is shielded, preventing IC malfunctions and characteristic degradation caused by radiation irradiation. The radiation shielding section 107 is positioned on the circuit support base 105 so as to be sandwiched between it and the sensor panel 101.

[0025] The circuit support base 105 supports multiple electrical circuit boards 103 on the rear side relative to the radiation incidence direction A. The circuit support base 105 can achieve both rigidity and lightness by using materials such as resin, CFRP, magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, steel plate, or stainless steel.

[0026] The exterior 106 is a housing component that encloses the sensor panel 101, sensor support base 102, electrical circuit board 103, flexible wiring 104, and circuit support base 105, etc., within its internal space. By using materials such as CFRP, magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, iron, and stainless steel, the exterior 106 can achieve both rigidity and lightness.

[0027] In this embodiment, a first columnar member 108 is provided as a first fixing part for fixing the sensor support base 102 to the back surface of the exterior 106, such that the electrical circuit board 103 faces the back surface of the exterior 106 at a distance from it within the internal space of the exterior 106. Specifically, the circuit support base 105 is formed of the above-mentioned metal material or resin material, and a first columnar member 108, which is separate from the circuit support base 105 and is, for example, hollow, is press-fitted and embedded into the lower surface of the circuit support base 105 in Figure 1. The first columnar member 108 may be formed of the same metal material as the circuit support base 105, or it may be formed of a different metal material from the above-mentioned metal materials. Alternatively, instead of embedding the first columnar member 108 in the circuit support base 105, the circuit support base 105 may be integrally molded using, for example, a predetermined resin material, so that the first columnar member 108 protrudes from the surface. Thus, by using a convenient circuit support base 105 that appropriately incorporates the first columnar member 108, the radiography apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can be easily obtained.

[0028] Within the internal space of the exterior 106, the first columnar member 108 is fixed in an upright position with its end face in contact with the back surface of the exterior 106. Fastenings are made from the outer back surface of the exterior 106, penetrating the exterior 106, the first columnar member 108, and the circuit support base 105, for example, by inserting screws or bolts, and then fixing the screws or bolts to the upper surface of the circuit support base 105 with nuts, for example. As a result, the circuit support base 105, which holds the electrical circuit board 103, is firmly fixed to the exterior 106, and sufficient mechanical strength is ensured for the electrical circuit board 103.

[0029] The first columnar member 108 is positioned in a region inside the outer periphery of the radiation shielding portion 107, in a plan view along the radiation incidence direction A, and at a location on the electrical circuit board 103 where no ICs are located, separated from the ICs. When the first columnar member 108 is positioned in this manner, it is assumed that it may be positioned at multiple locations as shown in Figure 1, but it may also be positioned at only one location.

[0030] By positioning the first columnar member 108 in a region inward from the outer circumference of the radiation shielding portion 107, stable fixing is achieved with reduced bias in the fixing points of the circuit support base 105 to the outer casing 106. By positioning the first columnar member 108 at a location spaced apart from the ICs on the electrical circuit board 103, interference between the first columnar member 108 and the ICs is prevented. In the example shown in Figure 1, the first columnar member 108 is positioned to pass through the gap between adjacent electrical circuit boards 103. For example, if the electrical circuit board 103 has a relatively large area, a through-hole may be formed at a location spaced apart from the ICs on the electrical circuit board 103, and the first columnar member 108 may be positioned to pass through this through-hole. By positioning the first columnar member 108 as described above, the circuit support base 105 can be stably fixed to the outer casing 106 without interfering with the function of the ICs on the electrical circuit board 103.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second columnar member 109 is provided as a second fixing part, which penetrates the radiation shielding part 107 and fixes the sensor support base 102 and the circuit support base 105 with the radiation shielding part 107 in between. Specifically, the circuit support base 105 is formed of the above-mentioned metal material or resin material, and a second columnar member 109, which is separate from the circuit support base 105 and is, for example, hollow, is press-fitted and embedded into the upper surface of the circuit support base 105 in Figure 1. That is, in this case, the above-mentioned first columnar member 108 is provided on the lower surface of the circuit support base 105, and the second columnar member 109 is provided on the upper surface. The second columnar member 109 may be formed of the same metal material as the circuit support base 105, or it may be formed of a different metal material from the above-mentioned metal materials. In addition, instead of embedding the second columnar member 109 in the circuit support base 105, the following embodiments are also conceivable. In this embodiment, the circuit support base 105 is integrally molded using, for example, a predetermined resin material, such that the second columnar member 109 protrudes from the other main surface. Alternatively, the circuit support base 105 may be integrally molded using, for example, a predetermined resin material, such that the first columnar member 108 protrudes from one main surface as described above, and the second columnar member 109 protrudes from the other main surface. As described above, by using a convenient circuit support base 105 that appropriately includes the first columnar member 108 and the second columnar member 109, the radiography apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can be easily obtained.

[0032] The second columnar member 109 may be provided on the lower surface of the sensor support base 102 in Figure 1, instead of being provided on the circuit support base 105. Specifically, the sensor support base 102 is formed of the above-described metal material, and a separate, for example, hollow second columnar member 109 is embedded in the lower surface of the sensor support base 102 in Figure 1. The second columnar member 109 may be formed of the same metal material as the sensor support base 102, or of a different metal material from the above-described metal material. Alternatively, the sensor support base 102 may be integrally molded using, for example, a predetermined resin material, so that the second columnar member 109 protrudes from its surface. In this way, by using a sensor support base 102 that is convenient in that it is appropriately equipped with the second columnar member 109, the radiography apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can be easily obtained.

[0033] A gap 107a is formed in the radiation shielding section 107 at the position corresponding to the second columnar member 109. The gap 107a is formed wider than the second columnar member 109 so that the second columnar member 109 does not come into contact with the radiation shielding section 107 and interfere with it. The second columnar member 109 is inserted through the corresponding gap 107a at a distance from the inner wall surface of the gap 107a as shown in Figure 1, and the sensor support base 102 and the circuit support base 105 are fixed by the second columnar member 109.

[0034] Specifically, fastening and fixing are performed by inserting screws or bolts from the lower surface of the circuit support base 105 so as to penetrate the circuit support base 105, the second columnar member 109, and the sensor support base 102, and then securing the screws or bolts on the upper surface of the sensor support base 102 with nuts, for example. Alternatively, fastening and fixing are performed by inserting screws or bolts from the upper surface of the sensor support base 102 so as to penetrate the sensor support base 102, the second columnar member 109, and the circuit support base 105, for example, and then securing the screws or bolts on the lower surface of the circuit support base 105 with nuts, for example. As a result, the sensor support base 102 holding the sensor panel 101 is firmly fixed to the circuit support base 105 via the radiation shielding portion 107, and sufficient mechanical strength is ensured for the sensor panel 101.

[0035] As described above, the sensor panel 101, sensor support base 102, radiation shielding section 107, circuit support base 105, and electrical circuit board 103 are fixed together as a single unit. Since the circuit support base 105 is fixed to the exterior 106 by the first columnar member 108, the entire assembly of the sensor panel 101, sensor support base 102, radiation shielding section 107, circuit support base 105, and electrical circuit board 103 is fixed to the exterior 106.

[0036] As described above, in this embodiment, the sensor support base 102 that holds the sensor panel 101 is fixed to the circuit support base 105 via the radiation shielding portion 107, and the circuit support base 105 that holds the electrical circuit board 103 is fixed to the casing 106 by the first columnar member 108. As a result, the sensor panel 101 and the electrical circuit board 103 are fixed to the casing 106 via the sensor support base 102 and the circuit support base 105. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board 103 and sufficient mechanical strength for the sensor panel 101 and the electrical circuit board 103.

[0037] The second columnar member 109 is positioned in a plan view along the radiation incidence direction A within the effective pixel area of ​​the sensor panel 101 and in a non-IC location on the electrical circuit board 103. While it is assumed that the second columnar member 109 may be positioned in multiple locations as shown in Figure 1, it may also be positioned in only one location. By positioning the second columnar member 109 within the effective pixel area, stable fixing is achieved with reduced bias in the fixing points of the sensor support base 102 to the circuit support base 105. By positioning the second columnar member 109 in a non-IC area (non-IC location) on the electrical circuit board 103 in a plan view, radiation irradiation to the IC caused by the gap 107a without the radiation shielding portion 107 overlapping the IC is prevented. By positioning the second columnar member 109 as described above, the sensor support base 102 can be stably fixed to the circuit support base 105 without interfering with the function of the IC on the electrical circuit board 103.

[0038] It is preferable that the first columnar member 108 and the second columnar member 109 are arranged at different locations that do not overlap with each other in a plan view along the radiation incidence direction A. By adopting this arrangement, the stress applied to the sensor support base 102 and the circuit support base 105 is distributed by the first columnar member 108 and the second columnar member 109. This enables even more stable fixing of the sensor support base 102 and the circuit support base 105 to the casing 106.

[0039] Alternatively, another layered radiation shielding section 110 may be placed between the sensor panel 101 and the sensor support base 102. By providing this radiation shielding section 110, reflections of ICs and other components of the electrical circuit board 103 can be prevented from appearing in the captured image.

[0040] (Comparative example) Here, we will describe a comparative example of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a radiography apparatus 150 according to a comparative example of this embodiment. In Figure 2, components identical to those in the radiography apparatus 100 of this embodiment shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the radiography apparatus 150 does not have the first columnar member 108 and the second columnar member 109 found in the radiography apparatus 100 of this embodiment. In this configuration, because the radiation shielding section 107 is present, the sensor support base 102 is not appropriately fixed to the circuit support base 105, and furthermore, the circuit support base 105 is not appropriately fixed to the casing 106. In this case, for example, the casing 106 can hold the sensor support base 102 and the circuit support base 105 by contacting a predetermined component on its inner surface.

[0042] In the configuration of the radiography apparatus 150, the radiation shielding unit 107 ensures that the electrical circuit board 103 is shielded from radiation. However, the fixing of the circuit support base 105 to the casing 106, and consequently to the sensor support base 102 via the circuit support base 105, is insufficient, leading to a deterioration in the mechanical strength of the electrical circuit board 103 and the sensor panel 101, such as shock resistance and vibration resistance.

[0043] In contrast, in the radiography apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the first columnar member 108 and the second columnar member 109 are provided, so that the sensor support base 102 and the circuit support base 105, etc. are securely fixed to the exterior 106, thereby ensuring both radiation shielding performance and mechanical strength.

[0044] As described above, according to this embodiment, a radiography apparatus is realized that, in a configuration equipped with a base for supporting the electrical circuit board, can achieve both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board and sufficient mechanical strength for the sensor panel and the electrical circuit board.

[0045] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of this disclosure will be described below. In the second embodiment, a radiography apparatus is disclosed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, but it differs from the radiography apparatus of the first embodiment in that the configuration of the second fixing part is different. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a radiography apparatus 200 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the radiography apparatus 100 of this embodiment shown in Figure 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0046] The radiography apparatus 200, like the radiography apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, comprises a sensor panel 101, a sensor support base 102, an electrical circuit board 103, flexible wiring 104, and a circuit support base 105, and an outer casing 106 enclosing these components. The circuit support base 105 supports a plurality of electrical circuit boards 103 and is provided with a layered radiation shielding section 107. A first columnar member 108 is provided to fix the circuit support base 105 to the back surface of the outer casing 106, such that the electrical circuit boards 103 face the radiation incident surface within the internal space of the outer casing 106 at a distance from the back surface of the outer casing 106. In a plan view along the radiation incident direction A, the first columnar member 108 is positioned in a region inside the outer periphery of the radiation shielding section 107 and spaced apart from the ICs of the electrical circuit boards 103.

[0047] In this embodiment, adhesive material 111 is provided as a second fixing part between the sensor support base 102 and the radiation shielding part 107, and adhesive material 112 is provided as a second fixing part between the circuit support base 105 and the radiation shielding part 107. For the adhesive materials 111 and 112, for example, adhesive or double-sided tape can be used.

[0048] The sensor support base 102 is fixed to the circuit support base 105 via the radiation shielding part 107 using adhesives 111 and 112. This integrally fixes the sensor panel 101, sensor support base 102, radiation shielding part 107, circuit support base 105, and electrical circuit board 103. Since the circuit support base 105 is fixed to the casing 106 by the first columnar member 108, the entire assembly of the sensor panel 101, sensor support base 102, radiation shielding part 107, circuit support base 105, and electrical circuit board 103 is fixed to the casing 106. This makes it possible to achieve both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board 103 and sufficient mechanical strength for the sensor panel 101 and electrical circuit board 103.

[0049] The adhesives 111 and 112 do not necessarily need to be applied to the entire surface of the radiation shielding portion 107; partial adhesion is acceptable as long as the adhesive strength is maintained. Specifically, in this case, the adhesives 111 and 112 are placed at one or more locations on the upper and lower surfaces of the radiation shielding portion 107, corresponding to the effective pixel area of ​​the sensor panel 101, in a plan view along the radiation incidence direction A. By partially placing the adhesives 111 and 112 in the effective pixel area in this way, stable fixing is obtained with reduced bias in the fixing points of the sensor support base 102 to the circuit support base 105.

[0050] As described above, according to this embodiment, a radiography apparatus is realized that, in a configuration equipped with a base for supporting the electrical circuit board, can achieve both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board and sufficient mechanical strength for the sensor panel and the electrical circuit board.

[0051] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. In the third embodiment, a radiography apparatus is disclosed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, but it differs from the radiography apparatus of the first embodiment in that the configuration of the second fixing part is different. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a radiography apparatus 300 according to this embodiment. In Figure 4, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those of the radiography apparatuses 100 and 200 shown in Figures 1 and 3, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0052] The radiography apparatus 300, like the radiography apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, comprises a sensor panel 101, a sensor support base 102, an electrical circuit board 103, flexible wiring 104, and a circuit support base 105, and an outer casing 106 enclosing these components. The circuit support base 105 supports a plurality of electrical circuit boards 103 and is provided with a layered radiation shielding section 107. A first columnar member 108 is provided to fix the circuit support base 105 to the back surface of the outer casing 106, such that the electrical circuit boards 103 face the radiation incident surface within the internal space of the outer casing 106 at a distance from the back surface of the outer casing 106. In a plan view along the radiation incident direction A, the first columnar member 108 is positioned in a region inside the outer periphery of the radiation shielding section 107 and spaced apart from the ICs of the electrical circuit boards 103.

[0053] In this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, an adhesive 112 is provided as a second fixing part between the circuit support base 105 and the radiation shielding part 107, and the radiation shielding part 107 is adhesively fixed to the circuit support base 105. As a result, the electrical circuit board 103, the circuit support base 105, and the radiation shielding part 107 are fixed to the exterior 106.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a second fixing part, a cushioning material (buffering material) 113 is placed in the upper part of the sensor support base 102 that supports the sensor panel 101 within the internal space of the exterior 106. The lower surface of the cushioning material 113 is in contact with the upper surface of the sensor panel 101, and the upper surface is in contact with the front surface of the exterior 106. The cushioning material 113 holds and fixes the sensor support base 102 that supports the sensor panel 101 in a floating state with respect to the exterior 106 via the circuit support base 105, etc., thereby mitigating vertical displacement and external impacts in particular.

[0055] As a second fixing part, instead of the cushioning material 113, a cushioning material 114 may be placed between the side surface of the sensor support base 102 that supports the sensor panel 101 and the side surface of the exterior 106 within the internal space of the exterior 106. The cushioning material 114 holds and fixes the sensor support base 102 to the exterior 106 in a floating state, and particularly mitigates lateral displacement and external impacts. The cushioning material 114 may be a partially missing frame-shaped member that fills the gap between the side surface of the sensor support base 102 and the side surface of the exterior 106 within the internal space of the exterior 106, except for the area through which the flexible substrate 104 passes, in order to avoid interference with the flexible substrate 104. Alternatively, the cushioning material 114 may be partially provided in the gap between the side surface of the sensor support base 102 and the side surface of the exterior 106, leaving a gap in areas other than where the flexible substrate 104 passes. For example, cushioning material 114 may be partially provided at one or more locations on two opposing sides of the rectangular sensor support base 102, or on two additional sides perpendicular to those two sides. By arranging the cushioning material 114 in this way, the sensor support base 102 can be fixed to the exterior 106 stably and without bias.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, both cushioning materials 113 and 114 may be placed within the internal space of the exterior 106. This configuration further suppresses vertical and lateral displacement and external impacts of the sensor panel 101 and the sensor support base 102.

[0057] In this embodiment, the cushioning material 113 may be fixed to the front surface of the exterior 106, or the cushioning material 114 may be fixed to the side surface of the exterior 106. Specifically, fastening with screws or bolts, or adhesive fixing may be considered. Such fixing provides even more stable support and improves mechanical strength. In addition, the space between the upper surface of the radiation shielding part 107 and the lower surface of the sensor support base 102 may be fixed as a second fixing part using, for example, the adhesive 111 shown in the second embodiment, to ensure even greater mechanical strength.

[0058] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, in order to prevent reflections of ICs and other components of the electrical circuit board 103 from appearing in the captured image, another layered radiation shielding portion 110 may be placed between the sensor panel 101 and the sensor support base 102.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, a radiography apparatus is realized that, in a configuration equipped with a base for supporting the electrical circuit board, can achieve both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board and sufficient mechanical strength for the sensor panel and the electrical circuit board.

[0060] [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. In the fourth embodiment, a radiography apparatus is disclosed, similar to the first embodiment, but it differs from the radiography apparatus of the first embodiment in that the configuration of the radiation shielding part is different. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a radiography apparatus 400 according to this embodiment. In Figure 5, components identical to those of the radiography apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0061] The radiography apparatus 400, like the radiography apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, includes a sensor panel 101, a sensor support base 102, an electrical circuit board 103, and flexible wiring 104, and is further provided with a circuit support base 115 and an outer casing 106 enclosing these components. A first columnar member 108 is provided to fix the circuit support base 115 to the back surface of the outer casing 106, such that the electrical circuit board 103 faces the incident surface of radiation within the internal space of the outer casing 106 at a distance from the back surface of the outer casing 106.

[0062] In the radiography apparatus 400, the circuit support base 115 consists of a radiation shielding section. That is, the circuit support base does not have a separate radiation shielding section, but rather is made of a material that itself contains radiation shielding material, and the circuit support base 115 that also serves as the radiation shielding section is provided. Preferably, the circuit support base 115 has one or more metallic materials selected from the group consisting of Pb, Ba, Ta, W, and Mo as a high radiation shielding material. In Figure 5, the circuit support base 115 supports a plurality of electrical circuit boards 103 on its lower surface, and an adhesive material (not shown) is provided as a second fixing part between the upper surface and the sensor support base 102, and the circuit support base 115 is bonded and fixed to the sensor support base 102. Instead of providing an adhesive material as the second fixing part, the circuit support base 115 and the sensor support base 102 may be fastened and fixed together, for example, with screws or bolts.

[0063] In this embodiment, the circuit support base 115 itself has a high shielding function against radiation. The electrical circuit board 103, which is supported on the lower surface of the circuit support base 115, is enclosed within the circuit support base 115 in a plan view along the radiation incidence direction A. Therefore, the radiation incident on the circuit support base 115 is shielded, and the ICs on the electrical circuit board 103 are protected from radiation. In this embodiment, a separate radiation shielding part is not required, and the circuit support base 115, which has a high shielding function, and the sensor support base 102 can be easily fixed together. Therefore, a reliable radiation shielding function for the ICs on the electrical circuit board 103 can be obtained with a simple circuit support base 115 that has a reduced number of parts.

[0064] The first columnar member 108 is positioned in a region inside the outer circumference of the circuit support base 115, which has a radiation shielding function, and at a location spaced apart from the ICs of the electrical circuit board 103, in a plan view along the incident direction A of the radiation. By positioning the first columnar member 108 in a region inside the outer circumference of the circuit support base 115, stable fixing is obtained with reduced bias in the fixing points of the circuit support base 115 to the outer casing 106. By positioning the first columnar member 108 at a location spaced apart from the ICs of the electrical circuit board 103, interference between the first columnar member 108 and the ICs is prevented. In the example of Figure 5, the first columnar member 108 is positioned so as to pass through the gap between adjacent electrical circuit boards 103. For example, if the electrical circuit board 103 has a relatively large area, a through hole may be formed in the electrical circuit board 103 at a location spaced apart from the ICs, and the first columnar member 108 may be positioned so as to pass through the through hole. By arranging the first columnar member 108 as described above, the circuit support base 115 can be stably fixed to the casing 106 without interfering with the function of the IC on the electrical circuit board 103.

[0065] The sensor support base 102 is directly fixed to the circuit support base 115 using adhesive or the like as a second fixing part. This integrally fixes the sensor panel 101, sensor support base 102, circuit support base 115, and electrical circuit board 103. Since the circuit support base 115 is fixed to the casing 106 by the first columnar member 108, the entire sensor panel 101, sensor support base 102, circuit support base 115, and electrical circuit board 103 are fixed to the casing 106. This makes it possible to achieve both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board 103 and sufficient mechanical strength for the sensor panel 101 and electrical circuit board 103.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, a radiography apparatus is realized that, in a configuration equipped with a base for supporting the electrical circuit board, can achieve both high radiation shielding performance for the electrical circuit board and sufficient mechanical strength for the sensor panel and the electrical circuit board.

[0067] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A radiation detection sensor that detects radiation, Electrical circuit board and A first base having a radiation shielding portion located between the radiation detection sensor and the electrical circuit board, and supporting the electrical circuit board, An exterior enclosure that encloses the radiation detection sensor, the electrical circuit board, and the first base within its internal space, The first base is fixed to the back surface such that the electrical circuit board faces the back surface of the exterior at a distance from it within the internal space, It is equipped with, The first fixed portion is located in a region inside the outer circumference of the radiation shielding portion when viewed in a plan view along the direction of incidence of the radiation. Radiography equipment. (Configuration 2) The first fixing portion is positioned in a location that is inward from the outer periphery of the radiation shielding portion and spaced apart from the integrated circuit of the electrical circuit board, in a plan view along the direction of incidence of the radiation. The radiography apparatus described in Configuration 1. (Composition 3) Second base supporting the aforementioned radiation detection sensor It further has, A radiography apparatus as described in configuration 1 or 2. (Composition 4) Second fixing part that fixes the second base within the internal space It further has, The radiography apparatus described in Configuration 3. (Composition 5) The second fixing part is, The aforementioned radiation shielding portion is provided, The radiography apparatus described in Configuration 4. (Composition 6) The second base is facing the first base via the radiation shielding section, The second fixing part fixes the first base and the second base. The radiography apparatus described in Configuration 5. (Composition 7) The second fixing portion is inserted through the gap formed in the radiation shielding portion. A radiography apparatus as described in configuration 5 or 6. (Composition 8) The aforementioned gap is formed to be wider than the second fixing portion. The second fixing portion is inserted while spaced apart from the inner wall surface of the gap. The radiography apparatus described in Configuration 7. (Composition 9) The first fixing part is integrated with the first base. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Composition 10) The first fixing part is separate from the first base. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Composition 11) The second fixing part is integrated with the first base. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 5 to 8. (Composition 12) The second fixing part is separate from the second base. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 5 to 8. (Composition 13) The second fixing part is integrated with the second base. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 5 to 8. (Composition 14) The second fixing part is, In a plan view, the following are arranged in the area of ​​the effective pixel region of the radiation detection sensor and in the area of ​​the electrical circuit board where the integrated circuit is not located: A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 5 to 8. (Composition 15) The first fixing part and the second fixing part are In a plan view, they are located in different places. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 5 to 8. (Composition 16) The first fixing part is, It is fastened and secured. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 1 to 15. (Composition 17) The second fixing part is, It is fastened and secured. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 4 to 8. (Composition 18) The second fixing part is, Adhesive, A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 4 to 8. (Composition 19) The aforementioned adhesive is They are arranged on both sides of the aforementioned radiation shielding section, One surface of the radiation shielding part is bonded and fixed to the first base, and the other surface of the radiation shielding part is bonded and fixed to the second base. The radiography apparatus described in configuration 18. (Composition 20) The second fixing part is, Within the aforementioned internal space, a cushioning material is disposed between the second base and the exterior and holds the second base to the exterior. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 4 to 8. (Composition 21) The second base is, The state is either a floating state held by the exterior, or a fixed state fixed to the exterior. The radiography apparatus described in configuration 20. (Composition 22) The first base is, The radiation shielding portion consists of the aforementioned A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 1 to 21. (Composition 23) The first base is directly fixed to a second base that supports the radiation detection sensor and a second fixing part that fixes the second base within the internal space. The radiography apparatus described in configuration 22. (Composition 24) The aforementioned radiation shielding section is, It has one or more metallic materials selected from the group consisting of Pb, Ba, Ta, W, and Mo. A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 1 to 23. (Composition 25) Other radiation shielding parts located between the radiation detection sensor and the second base It also has, A radiography apparatus as described in any one of configurations 3 to 8. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 100, 150, 200, 300, 400: Radiography equipment 101: Sensor Panel 102: Sensor support base 103: Electrical circuit board 104: Flexible wiring 105,115: Circuit support base 106: Exterior 107: Radiation shielding section 107a: void 108: First columnar member 109: Second columnar member 110: Other radiation shielding parts 111,112: Adhesive material 113,114: Cushioning material

Claims

1. A radiation detection sensor that detects radiation, Electrical circuit board and A first base having a radiation shielding portion located between the radiation detection sensor and the electrical circuit board, and supporting the electrical circuit board, An exterior enclosure enclosing the radiation detection sensor, the electrical circuit board, and the first base within its internal space, The first base is fixed to the back surface such that the electrical circuit board faces the back surface of the exterior at a distance from it within the internal space, It is equipped with, The first fixed portion is located in a region inside the outer circumference of the radiation shielding portion when viewed in a plan view along the direction of incidence of the radiation. Radiography equipment.

2. The first fixing portion is positioned in a location that is inward from the outer periphery of the radiation shielding portion and spaced apart from the integrated circuit of the electrical circuit board, in a plan view along the direction of incidence of the radiation. The radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Second base supporting the aforementioned radiation detection sensor It further has, The radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

4. Second fixing part for fixing the second base within the internal space It further has, The radiography apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The second fixing part is, The aforementioned radiation shielding portion is provided, The radiography apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The second base is facing the first base via the radiation shielding section, The second fixing part fixes the first base and the second base. The radiography apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The second fixing portion is inserted through the gap formed in the radiation shielding portion. The radiography apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The aforementioned gap is formed to be wider than the second fixing portion. The second fixing portion is inserted while spaced apart from the inner wall surface of the gap. The radiography apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The first fixing part is integrated with the first base. The radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The first fixing part is separate from the first base. The radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The second fixing part is integrated with the first base. The radiography apparatus according to claim 5.

12. The second fixing part is separate from the first base. The radiography apparatus according to claim 5.

13. The second fixing part is integrated with the second base. The radiography apparatus according to claim 5.

14. The second fixing part is, In a plan view, the following are arranged in the area of ​​the effective pixel region of the radiation detection sensor and in the area of ​​the electrical circuit board where the integrated circuit is not located: The radiography apparatus according to claim 5.

15. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are In a plan view, they are located in different places. The radiography apparatus according to claim 5.

16. The first fixing part is, It is fastened and secured. The radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

17. The second fixing part is, It is fastened and secured. The radiography apparatus according to claim 4.

18. The second fixing part is, Adhesive, The radiography apparatus according to claim 4.

19. The aforementioned adhesive is They are arranged on both sides of the aforementioned radiation shielding section, One surface of the radiation shielding part is bonded and fixed to the first base, and the other surface of the radiation shielding part is bonded and fixed to the second base. The radiography apparatus according to claim 18.

20. The second fixing part is, Within the aforementioned internal space, a cushioning material is disposed between the second base and the exterior and holds the second base to the exterior. The radiography apparatus according to claim 4.

21. The second base is, The state is either a floating state held by the exterior, or a fixed state fixed to the exterior. The radiography apparatus according to claim 19.

22. The first base is, The radiation shielding portion consists of the aforementioned The radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

23. The first base is directly fixed to a second base that supports the radiation detection sensor and a second fixing part that fixes the second base within the internal space. The radiography apparatus according to claim 22.

24. The aforementioned radiation shielding section is, Having one or more metallic materials selected from the group consisting of Pb, Ba, Ta, W, and Mo, The radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

25. Other radiation shielding parts located between the radiation detection sensor and the second base It also has, The radiography apparatus according to claim 3.

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