Radiation imaging device

Abstract

To provide a radiographic imaging device that ensures waterproof performance while preventing an increase in processing costs for the housing, an increase in the number of components, and an increase in assembly man-hours. [Solution] The radiation imaging apparatus 1 comprises a radiation detector (radiation detection panel 11) having a photoelectric conversion element and a scintillator that converts radiation into light and irradiates the photoelectric conversion element, an electrical circuit (electrical circuit board 15) that drives the radiation detector and reads signals from the photoelectric conversion element, a housing 10 that houses the radiation detector and the electrical circuit and has a front part (front plate 10F) into which radiation is incident and a rear part (back plate 10B) that faces the first front part 10Fa with the radiation detector in between, and a waterproof member (waterproof tape 30) disposed between the front part and the rear part, the waterproof member being double-sided tape.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a radiation imaging apparatus is known that irradiates an object with radiation, detects the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the object, and captures a radiation image. Radiation imaging apparatuses are widely used in the medical field, industrial fields, and the like. In recent years, portable (cassette-type) radiation imaging apparatuses that can be separated from an imaging stand and carried around have been developed and put into practical use. Such a radiation imaging apparatus is called an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) because it has a panel shape.

[0003] The FPD includes, inside a housing, a radiation detection panel that detects the intensity distribution of radiation and converts it into electric charges, an electric circuit that drives the radiation detection panel, and the like. The radiation detection panel includes a scintillator, a photoelectric conversion element, and the like. Since the scintillator and the electric circuit are vulnerable to moisture, if liquid enters the housing of the FPD, the functions of the FPD may be adversely affected. When the FPD is separated from the imaging stand and carried to a patient's hospital room or the like for use, the patient's body fluid may adhere to the FPD or the FPD may be cleaned with a disinfectant, so it is necessary to impart waterproof performance to the FPD.

[0004] In relation to this, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which an O-ring as a waterproof member is sandwiched between the housing of the FPD and the detection surface cover portion. Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which the housing of the FPD is divided into an incident surface housing member, a side surface housing member, and a back surface housing member, and a waterproof member formed of an elastic body such as rubber is sandwiched between the incident surface housing member and the side surface housing member, and between the side surface housing member and the back surface housing member.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-258541 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-187054 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, in configurations where waterproofing components such as O-rings are sandwiched between housings, it is necessary to fit the O-rings into grooves to prevent them from shifting position. In this case, the process of precisely machining grooves into the housings for fitting the O-rings, and the process of fitting the O-rings into the grooves, are required, which has been a problem as it increases the number of steps required to manufacture FPDs. On the other hand, when using sheet-like rubber or closed-cell foamed resin as a waterproofing material sandwiched between housings, it is not necessary to fit the waterproofing material into a groove. However, if a frame-like material is created by punching out the center of a sheet-like rubber or closed-cell foamed resin used as a waterproofing material, the punched-out portion of the sheet must be discarded, which poses problems in terms of the cost of the waterproofing material and its environmental impact. Furthermore, in a configuration where a waterproofing member is sandwiched between housings, the housings must be joined together with screws in order to compress the waterproofing member within the housings. In this case, a large number of screws are required to obtain sufficient compressive force to ensure the waterproofing performance of the FPD. Moreover, if the elasticity of the waterproofing member is above a predetermined value, the housing deforms due to the reaction force from the waterproofing member at positions far from the screws joining the housings, resulting in insufficient compression of the waterproofing member. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the number of screws to narrow the spacing between them and suppress the deformation of the housings. Consequently, the increased cost of screws and the increased man-hours required to assemble the FPD using screws were problematic.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a radiographic imaging device that can ensure waterproof performance while preventing an increase in processing costs for the housing, an increase in the number of components, and an increase in assembly man-hours. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The radiographic imaging apparatus described in claim 1 is made to achieve the above objective, A radiation detector having a photoelectric conversion element and a scintillator that converts radiation into light and irradiates the photoelectric conversion element, An electrical circuit that drives the radiation detector and reads the signal from the photoelectric conversion element, A housing having a front portion into which radiation is incident and a rear portion facing the front portion with the radiation detector in between, and housing the radiation detector and the electrical circuit, A waterproof member is disposed between the front and rear portions, Equipped with, The aforementioned waterproofing material is double-sided tape.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a radiographic imaging apparatus described in claim 1, The double-sided tape comprises a base material and an adhesive provided on both sides of the base material.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is a radiographic imaging apparatus described in claim 2, The adhesive strength of the aforementioned adhesive is 6 N / cm or more and 20 N / cm or less.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a radiographic imaging apparatus described in claim 1, The set comprises multiple double-sided tapes having an elongated shape with a width shorter than its length, Multiple pieces of the double-sided tape are arranged along each side wall of the housing, The joint between the double-sided tapes is located within a predetermined range from the position where the screws that fasten the front portion and the back portion together are located.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a radiographic imaging apparatus described in claim 4, The screws are positioned within a predetermined range from the corners of the housing.

[0013] The invention according to claim 6 is the radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The length of the joint between the double-sided tapes on the plane orthogonal to the thickness direction of the double-sided tapes is greater than the width of the double-sided tapes.

[0014] The invention according to claim 7 is the radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein An overlapping portion is formed by overlapping the end of one of the double-sided tapes and the end of the other of the double-sided tapes. The area of the overlapping portion is equal to or less than the product of the widths of the double-sided tapes whose ends are overlapped.

[0015] The invention according to claim 8 is the radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of the double-sided tapes each having an elongated shape with a width shorter than a length are provided. Two or more of the plurality of double-sided tapes are stacked to form a laminated structure, and the double-sided tapes are arranged along each side wall of the housing respectively. The joint between the double-sided tapes in one layer and the joint between the double-sided tapes in the other layer are arranged so as not to overlap in the thickness direction of the double-sided tapes.

[0016] The invention according to claim 9 is the radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein A protective member is provided so as to cover at least the adhesive on the side surface of the double-sided tape.

[0017] The invention according to claim 10 is the radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The protective member is a member formed by protruding a part of the housing so as to cover at least the adhesive on the side surface of the double-sided tape.

[0018] The invention according to claim 11 is the radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The protruding length of the protective member is greater than the thickness of the adhesive and smaller than the thickness of the double-sided tape.

[0019] The invention described in claim 12 is a radiographic imaging apparatus described in claim 9, The protective member is a filler. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to this disclosure, waterproof performance can be ensured while preventing an increase in processing costs for the housing, an increase in the number of components, and an increase in assembly man-hours. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along line II-II of the radiographic imaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows the outer edge of the cross-section along the II-II line of the radiographic imaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the waterproof tape. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the back plate of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, viewed from the negative Z-axis direction. [Figure 6] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 5, VI. [Figure 7] This diagram shows how the gaps at the joints between waterproof tapes are sealed by compression. [Figure 8] This figure shows the outer edge of the cross-section along the II-II line of the radiation imaging device according to Modification 1 of the First Embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the corner of a radiation imaging device according to a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of the corner of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a modified example 2 of the first embodiment, as seen from the negative X-axis direction. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the corner of a radiation imaging device according to a modified example 3 of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the corner of a radiation imaging device according to a modified example 3 of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing a corner of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This diagram shows how the gaps at the joints between waterproof tapes are sealed by compression. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the outer edge of a radiation imaging device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing the outer edge of a radiation imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a rear view of a radiographic imaging device having sides without screws. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along the XVIII-XVIII line of the radiographic imaging device. [Figure 19] This figure shows a single-shot long-length imaging setup using multiple radiographic imaging devices, as shown in Figure 17. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] <First Embodiment> The radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the radiation irradiation surface 110, which is the surface into which radiation is incident, and a part of the side surface 120 of the housing 10. The side of the housing 10 opposite to the radiation irradiation surface 110 is the back surface 130 (see Figure 2). In Figure 1, the X-axis direction is parallel to the short side of the housing 10. The Y-axis direction is parallel to the long side of the housing 10. The Z-axis direction is the thickness direction of the housing 10. The direction of the arrows on each axis is considered positive. That is, in the X-axis direction, the side where the power switch 21, operation switch 22, indicator 23, and connector 24 (described later) are located is considered negative. In the Y-axis direction, the direction from the indicator 23 towards the connector 24 is considered positive. In the Z-axis direction, the direction from the back surface 130 of the housing 10 towards the radiation irradiation surface 110 is considered positive.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along line II-II of the radiographic imaging device 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the internal module 100 is housed inside the enclosure 10.

[0025] The radiographic imaging device 1 is equipped with a power switch 21, an operation switch 22, an indicator 23, and a connector 24 on the side 120 of the housing 10. Cables for communication between the radiography imaging device 1 and other devices, cables for charging the radiography imaging device 1, and the like are connected to connector 24.

[0026] The housing 10 is formed from, for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). The enclosure 10 is composed of a box-shaped front panel 10F and a back panel 10B that serves as a lid. The front plate 10F has a first front portion 10Fa having a radiation irradiation surface 110 and a second front portion 10Fb. The first front portion 10Fa and the second front portion 10Fb are formed integrally. The first front section 10Fa is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The second front portion 10Fb extends from the peripheral edge of the first front portion 10Fa in a direction perpendicular to the radiation irradiation surface 110 and in the direction in which the back plate 10B exists. The outer surface of the second front portion 10Fb is the side surface 120 of the housing 10. The back plate 10B faces the first front section 10Fa with the internal module 100 in between, and extends parallel to the first front section 10Fa. The outer surface of the back plate 10B is the back surface 130 of the housing 10.

[0027] The internal module 100 includes a radiation detection panel 11 (radiation detector), a support 12, a first adhesive member 13, a second adhesive member 14, an electrical circuit board 15, a COF (Chip On Film) 16, a readout IC 17, a rechargeable battery 18, a vibration damping material 19, and the like.

[0028] The radiation detection panel 11 detects radiation that has passed through the subject and converts it into radiation image information. The radiation detection panel 11 employs an indirect conversion method using a photoelectric conversion element (photodiode) and a scintillator that converts radiation into light and irradiates the photoelectric conversion element with it. The photoelectric conversion element, together with a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that performs switching, constitutes a pixel and is formed two-dimensionally on a substrate. The substrate of the radiation detection panel 11 is made of glass for reasons such as accuracy stability and insulation. When radiation is irradiated onto the radiation detection panel 11, first the scintillator emits light corresponding to the intensity of the radiation. Next, a photoelectric conversion element on the substrate converts the light emitted by the scintillator into an electric charge and outputs it as a signal to the electrical circuit board 15. The radiation detection panel 11 may also be a direct conversion type detection panel that does not use a scintillator, by providing a photoelectric conversion element on the substrate.

[0029] The support 12 is a support substrate that supports the radiation detection panel 11, the electrical circuit board 15, etc. The support 12 supports the radiation detection panel 11 on its first surface and the electrical circuit board 15 on its second surface, which is opposite to the first surface. The support 12 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 10 with an adhesive, tack, or the like. The support 12 may be prevented from moving by providing a positioning member (not shown) between the housing 10 and the support 12. The substrate of the radiation detection panel 11 is made of a brittle material (glass). Therefore, the support 12 that supports the substrate is made of a high-rigidity material. For example, the support 12 is made of a high-rigidity material such as CFRP or metal. This improves the robustness of the radiation imaging device 1 against loads, impacts, etc. However, if metal is used as the material for the support 12, the device will become heavier, increasing the burden on the user. Therefore, it is preferable to use a light metal alloy for the purpose of weight reduction. Examples of light metal alloys include aluminum and magnesium. The substrate of the radiation detection panel 11 may be formed from a flexible material such as polyimide resin. This prevents damage to the substrate of the radiation detection panel 11 due to cracking. In that case, the support 12 may be formed from a foamed resin such as polystyrene. This allows for further weight reduction of the radiation imaging device 1.

[0030] The radiation detection panel 11 and the first surface of the support 12 are fixed to each other by a first adhesive member 13, with an electromagnetic shielding layer, a radiation shielding layer, a buffering material layer, etc. (not shown) sandwiched between them. The first attachment member 13 is an adhesive, double-sided tape, etc., and fixes the radiation detection panel 11 and the support 12 to each other.

[0031] The radiation detection panel 11 and the inner surface of the first front section 10Fa are fixed to each other by a second adhesive member 14, with an electromagnetic shielding layer, a buffering material layer, etc. (not shown) in between. The second attachment member 14 is an adhesive, double-sided tape, etc., and fixes the radiation detection panel 11 and the first front part 10Fa to each other. Furthermore, by using a removable adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like as the second adhesive member 14, the radiation detection panel 11 and the support 12 can be removed from the housing 10. By fixing the radiation detection panel 11 and the support 12 to the housing 10 with the second adhesive member 14, the transmission of impact from drops from the side 120 to the radiation detection panel 11 and the support 12 can be suppressed. This further improves the robustness of the radiation imaging device 1.

[0032] The electrical circuit board 15 forms an image based on the radiation image information converted by the radiation detection panel 11. The electrical circuit board 15 includes a processing circuit that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc. The processing circuit controls the driving of the radiation detection panel 11 and processes the signals read from the photoelectric conversion element of the radiation detection panel 11. Specifically, the processing circuit generates image data from the signals read from the photoelectric conversion element of the radiation detection panel 11 and outputs it to a console (not shown).

[0033] COF16 is a flexible substrate that connects the radiation detection panel 11 and the electrical circuit board 15.

[0034] The readout IC 17 is located on the COF 16 and reads the signal from the radiation detection panel 11. The readout IC 17 functions as an electrical circuit. The readout IC 17 performs A / D conversion of the analog signal from the radiation detection panel 11 to a digital signal. A heat dissipation member (not shown) is provided near the read IC 17 to dissipate the heat generated in the read IC 17.

[0035] The rechargeable battery 18 is a secondary battery that supplies power to the radiation detection panel 11, the electrical circuit board 15, etc. The rechargeable battery 18 is, for example, a lithium-ion capacitor, a lithium-ion battery, etc.

[0036] The vibration damping material 19 is provided between the readout IC 17 and the back plate 10B, and between the readout IC 17 and the support 12 to suppress vibrations transmitted to the readout IC 17. The vibration damping material 19 does not necessarily need to be provided between the readout IC 17 and the support 12. The vibration damping material 19 between the readout IC 17 and the back plate 10B may also serve as a heat dissipation component by using a heat dissipation sheet with high thermal conductivity.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the outer edge of the radiographic imaging device 1. In Figure 3, the back plate 10B is shown on the upper side of the paper, and the first front section 10Fa is shown on the lower side of the paper. As shown in Figure 3, a waterproof double-sided tape (hereinafter referred to as waterproof tape 30) is placed between the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B. The waterproof tape 30 adheres the second front portion 10Fb and the back plate 10B together. Furthermore, screws 40 are inserted from the back plate 10B side on the outer circumference of the waterproof tape 30, and the second front portion 10Fb and the back plate 10B are fixed together by screwing them together. In the radiographic imaging apparatus 1, at least one screw 40 is positioned within a predetermined range from the corner of the housing 10.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the waterproof tape 30 comprises a tape base material 31 and adhesive 32 provided on both sides of the tape base material 31 in the Z-axis direction. The tape base material 31 is formed from a material that has waterproof properties and does not allow water to pass through. Examples of waterproof materials include nonwoven fabric or foamed resins such as polyolefin or polyurethane. The adhesive 32 is an adhesive such as acrylic. The adhesive strength of the adhesive 32 is preferably 6 N / cm or more and 20 N / cm or less. This ensures that after the waterproof tape 30 is applied to the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B, the waterproof tape 30 adheres tightly to the second front portion 10Fb and the back plate 10B without shifting. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1 can be ensured. Furthermore, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is disassembled for repair or other reasons, the waterproof tape 30 can be peeled off from the second front portion 10Fb and the back plate 10B. Furthermore, it is preferable to measure the adhesive strength of the adhesive 32 by the method described in JIS Z 0237.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the radiation imaging device 1 with the back plate 10B transmitted through it, viewed from the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 5, the waterproof tape 30 has an elongated shape in which the tape width is shorter than the length. One waterproof tape 30 is placed along each of the four sides that make up the back plate 10B side of the second front portion 10Fb. In other words, the waterproof tape 30, which is a double-sided tape with multiple elongated shapes, is combined and arranged in a frame shape. In other words, the multiple waterproof tapes 30 are arranged along each side wall (second front section 10Fb) of the housing 10. Specifically, waterproof tapes 30a and 30c are arranged along the long side of the radiographic imaging device 1, and waterproof tapes 30b and 30d are arranged along the short side of the radiographic imaging device 1. The waterproof tape 30 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 5. It may also be shaped to match the shape of the housing 10, or it may be shaped such that a portion of the waterproof tape 30 has a different width than other portions in order to avoid the screws 40.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a magnified view of part VI of Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, a joint 200 is formed between the end of the waterproof tape 30 (waterproof tape 30a in Figure 6) arranged along the long side of the radiographic imaging device 1 and the end of the waterproof tape 30 (waterproof tape 30b in Figure 6) arranged along the short side of the radiographic imaging device 1. The gap T1 between the waterproof tapes 30 at the joint 200 is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less. If the gap T1 is 1 mm or less, by fastening the screw 40 from the state shown in Figure 7(a), the waterproof tape 30 is compressed in the Z-axis direction from the back plate 10B side, and as shown in Figure 7(b), the waterproof tape 30 is pushed into the gap T1 between the waterproof tapes 30, thereby sealing the gap T1. It is preferable that the waterproof tape 30 is positioned such that the seam 200 is formed within a predetermined range from the position of the screw 40, which is near the screw 40. This ensures that sufficient compressive force is obtained near the screw 40 by fastening the screw 40, so that the gap T1 can be adequately sealed by the waterproof tape 30.

[0041] The thickness of the waterproof tape 30 is preferably 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and more preferably 0.4 mm to 1 mm. If the waterproof tape 30 is too thick, a reaction force will be generated when the waterproof tape 30 is compressed, and this reaction force may deform the housing 10. On the other hand, if the waterproof tape 30 is too thin, it cannot be compressed sufficiently and the gap T1 cannot be adequately sealed. Therefore, if the waterproof tape 30 is too thick or too thin, the waterproof performance of the radiation imaging device 1 will be reduced.

[0042] When the tape base material 31 is made of nonwoven fabric, it is preferable that the compression ratio of the waterproof tape 30 be 80% or less of the thickness of the waterproof tape 30 before compression. When the tape base material 31 is made of foam, it is preferable that the compression ratio of the waterproof tape 30 be 50% or less of the thickness of the waterproof tape 30 before compression. By setting the compression ratio of the waterproof tape 30 to these ratios, the gap T1 can be sufficiently sealed by the waterproof tape 30, thereby ensuring the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1 at the joints 200 between the waterproof tapes 30.

[0043] Although the first embodiment has been described above, the specific configuration is not limited to the first embodiment and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Modifications of the first embodiment will be described below. In the modifications, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0044] <Modification 1 of the first embodiment> Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the outer edge of the radiation imaging device 1 according to Modification 1 of the First Embodiment. In modified example 1, the back plate 10B has a first back portion 10Ba and a second back portion 10Bb. The first back portion 10Ba and the second back portion 10Bb are formed integrally. The first back portion 10Ba is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The outer surface of the first back portion 10Ba is the back surface 130 of the housing 10. The second back portion 10Bb extends from the periphery of the first back portion 10Ba in a direction perpendicular to the back surface 130 and in the direction in which the front plate 10F exists. In Modification 1, the length of the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F in the Z-axis direction is shorter than that of the first embodiment by the length of the second back portion 10Bb of the back plate 10B in the Z-axis direction. In the modified example 1, the side surface 120 of the housing 10 is formed by the outer surface of the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the outer surface of the second back portion 10Bb of the back plate 10B.

[0045] In the modified example 1, the waterproof tape 30 is placed between the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the second back portion 10Bb of the back plate 10B. This causes the second front portion 10Fb and the second back portion 10Bb to be bonded together. In the first modified example, a hole is formed in the first back portion 10Ba to recess the screw 40 so that the head of the screw 40 does not protrude from the surface of the housing 10. To prevent liquid or dirt from accumulating in this hole, the hole may be covered with a resin film, or a cap-shaped material such as resin or rubber that matches the shape of the hole may be inserted.

[0046] <Modification 2 of the first embodiment> Figures 9 and 10 show schematic diagrams of the corners of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. In Figures 9 and 10, components other than the front plate 10F and waterproof tape 30 are omitted. In the modified example 2, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the waterproof tape 30 is positioned such that at the corners of the radiographic imaging device 1, the end of the waterproof tape 30 arranged along the long side of the radiographic imaging device 1 (waterproof tape 30a in Figures 9 and 10) and the end of the waterproof tape 30 arranged along the short side of the radiographic imaging device 1 (waterproof tape 30b in Figures 9 and 10) overlap in the Z-axis direction. As a result, no gaps are formed at the joints between the waterproof tapes 30, thus ensuring the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1 at the joints between the waterproof tapes 30.

[0047] As shown in Figure 10, a gap T2 is formed near the overlapping portion 300 where the ends of the waterproof tape 30 are overlapped in the Z-axis direction. However, by tightening the screws 40, the waterproof tape 30 is compressed in the Z-axis direction from the back plate 10B side, causing the waterproof tape 30 to be pushed out into the gap T2 and thus closing the gap T2. The larger the area of ​​the overlapping portion 300, the greater the reaction force from the waterproof tape 30 generated when the waterproof tape 30 is compressed in the Z-axis direction from the back plate 10B side by fastening the screws 40. Therefore, it is preferable that the area of ​​the overlapping portion 300 be less than or equal to the product of the tape widths of each waterproof tape 30. This makes it possible to suppress the reaction force from the waterproof tape 30 generated when the waterproof tape 30 is compressed in the Z-axis direction from the back plate 10B side by fastening the screws 40.

[0048] <Modification 3 of the first embodiment> Figures 11 and 12 show schematic diagrams of the corners of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to modification 3 of the first embodiment. In Figures 11 and 12, components other than the front plate 10F and waterproof tape 30 are omitted. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, at the corner of the radiographic imaging device 1, a joint 200 is formed between the end of the waterproof tape 30 (waterproof tape 30a in Figures 11 and 12) arranged along the long side of the radiographic imaging device 1 and the end of the waterproof tape 30 (waterproof tape 30b in Figures 11 and 12) arranged along the short side of the radiographic imaging device 1. In modified example 3, the path 200a connecting the outside and inside of the housing 10 at the joint 200 is a so-called maze structure. In modified example 3, the length of the waterproof tape 30 at the joint 200 in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z-axis direction), that is, the length of the path 200a connecting the outside and inside of the housing 10 at the joint 200, is greater than the tape width of the waterproof tape 30. This allows for a longer path for liquids and other substances to penetrate the housing 10 from the outside, thereby improving the waterproof performance of the radiation imaging device 1.

[0049] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0050] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the corner of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. In Figure 13, components other than the front plate 10F and waterproof tape 30 are omitted. In the second embodiment, the waterproof tape 30 is made up of two layers stacked together in the Z-axis direction, and has a two-layer laminated structure. The waterproof tape 30 may also be made up of three or more layers stacked together in the Z-axis direction, and have a three-layer laminated structure. A joint 201 is formed between the end of the first layer of waterproof tape 30 (waterproof tape 30aa in Figure 13) which is positioned along the long side of the radiographic imaging device 1 and the end of the first layer of waterproof tape 30 (waterproof tape 30ba in Figure 13) which is positioned along the short side of the radiographic imaging device 1. A joint 202 is formed between the end of the second layer of waterproof tape 30 (waterproof tape 30ab in Figure 13) which is positioned along the long side of the radiographic imaging device 1 and the end of the second layer of waterproof tape 30 (waterproof tape 30bb in Figure 13) which is positioned along the short side of the radiographic imaging device 1. In the second embodiment, the waterproof tape 30 is arranged such that the seams 201 and 202 do not overlap in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the waterproof tape 30.

[0051] By tightening the screws 40 from the state shown in Figure 14(a), the waterproof tape 30 is compressed in the Z-axis direction from the back plate 10B side, and as shown in Figure 14(b), the waterproof tape 30 is pushed into the gap T1 between the waterproof tapes 30, thereby sealing the gap T1. In the second embodiment, since the waterproof tape 30 has a two-layer laminated structure, when the waterproof tape 30 is compressed, the waterproof tape 30 that forms the seam (seam 201 in Figure 14) (waterproof tapes 30aa, 30ba in Figure 14) and the waterproof tape 30 other than the waterproof tape 30 that forms the seam (waterproof tape 30ab in Figure 14) are pushed out into the gap T1 as the tape is compressed. In other words, the waterproof tape 30 is pushed out from three directions as it is compressed into the gaps at the joints between the waterproof tapes 30, thereby sealing the gaps. As a result, the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1 is further improved. In the example shown in Figure 14(b), the compression of the waterproof tape 30 pushes out the waterproof tape 30aa from the positive Y-axis side, the waterproof tape 30ba from the negative Y-axis side, and the waterproof tape 30ab from the negative Z-axis side into the gap T1.

[0052] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example was explained in which the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1 is ensured by compressing and pushing out the waterproof tape 30, which comprises a tape base material 31 and an adhesive 32, into the gaps at the joints between the waterproof tapes 30 to seal the gaps, but the invention is not limited to this. The waterproof tape 30 may be a base material-less tape consisting only of an adhesive 32, without a tape base material 31. In this case, the adhesive 32 of the waterproof tape 30 can be compressed and squeezed into the gaps at the joints between the waterproof tapes 30, thereby sealing the gaps. This ensures sufficient waterproof performance for the radiographic imaging device 1.

[0053] If the waterproof tape 30 is thin (for example, less than 0.1 mm thick), the thickness of the overlapping waterproof tape 30 can be made to a predetermined thickness (for example, 0.1 mm or more) by overlapping a predetermined number of sheets of waterproof tape 30 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the waterproof tape 30. This ensures sufficient waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1.

[0054] The waterproof tape 30 in the first embodiment described above may have a laminated structure of two or more layers, with two or more layers overlapping in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the waterproof tape 30, similar to the second embodiment described above.

[0055] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0056] Ethanol, a disinfectant used in the environment where the radiographic imaging device 1 is used, also acts as an organic solvent. Therefore, the adhesive 32 of the waterproof tape 30, which is an organic compound, deteriorates when exposed to large amounts of ethanol for a long period of time. When the adhesive 32 deteriorates, the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1 may decrease. To address this problem, the radiation imaging apparatus 1 of the third embodiment includes a protective member that protects at least the adhesive 32 of the waterproof tape 30.

[0057] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the outer edge of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the radiation imaging apparatus 1 in the third embodiment includes a filler 50 as a protective member that protects the gap T3 between the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B from liquid seeping in from the outside to the inside of the housing 10 and from coming into contact with the waterproof tape 30. The filler 50 is in liquid or gel form and is applied to the outer circumference (side surface) of the waterproof tape 30 after the process of sandwiching the waterproof tape 30 between the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B. The filler 50 hardens into a rubbery substance over time. As a result, the hardened filler 50 protects the gap T3 between the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B, preventing liquid seeping in from the outside to the inside of the housing 10 from coming into contact with the waterproof tape 30.

[0058] In the third embodiment, the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 may be provided with steps 401 and 402 as protective members to protect against liquid seeping in from the outside to the inside of the housing 10 in the gap between the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B, so as not to come into contact with the adhesive 32, as shown in Figure 16. The step 401 is provided so as to protrude toward the back plate 10B from the end of the second front section 10Fb on the back plate 10B side. The step 402 is provided on the back plate 10B at a position opposite to the step 401, so as to protrude toward the second front portion 10Fb. The configuration of providing a step 401 in the second front section 10Fb and a step 402 in the back plate 10B is easier to manufacture than providing grooves for positioning the waterproof tape 30 in the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B. Furthermore, the steps 401 and 402 make it easy to align the waterproof tape 30 when attaching it to the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B. Therefore, the radiographic imaging device 1 can be easily manufactured.

[0059] The length T4 protruding in the Z-axis direction, which is the height of the steps 401 and 402, is greater than at least the thickness of the adhesive 32 of the waterproof tape 30, and less than the thickness of the waterproof tape 30. This prevents liquid from coming into contact with the adhesive 32 even if it seeps in from the outside of the housing 10 into the gap between the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B. The amount of compression applied to the waterproof tape 30 in the Z-axis direction can be adjusted according to the height of the steps 401 and 402. Therefore, by setting the amount of compression applied to the waterproof tape 30 in the Z-axis direction to an appropriate amount, variations in the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1 can be suppressed.

[0060] <Other> As described in the above embodiment, by using waterproof tape 30 to bond the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B together, the number of screws 40 used to fix the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B can be reduced compared to conventional radiographic imaging devices. Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 with the screws 40 reduced. Figure 18 shows a schematic cross-section of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 shown in Figure 17 along line XVIII-XVIII. In Figure 18, components other than the housing 10 and screws 40 are omitted. On the sides of the radiation imaging device 1 where the readout IC 17 is not located, there is no need to compress the heat dissipation member. The side where the readout IC 17 is not located is, for example, the first side 500, which is the short side on the positive Y-axis side in Figure 17. Therefore, on the first side 500, the number of screws 40 can be reduced across the width of the effective image area G of the radiation detection panel 11, excluding the corners of the housing 10.

[0061] Figure 19 shows an example of a radiographic imaging device 1 that reduces the number of screws 40 used in one-shot long-length imaging, a method for imaging a relatively wide area such as the upper and lower body of a patient. In single-shot long-length imaging, multiple radiographic imaging devices 1 are arranged within the long-length holder 600 so that they overlap in the direction of the subject's body axis. In this embodiment, the radiation imaging device 1 is superimposed so that its first side 500 is located on the side of the radiation-generating tube 700. This prevents the screw 40 from appearing in the radiation image generated by the radiation imaging device 1, thus eliminating the influence of the screw 40 when diagnosing the radiation image.

[0062] In the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 with reduced screws 40, the first side 500 may be marked so that the user of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 can visually identify the first side 500. In the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 with reduced screws 40, the first side 500 may be surface-treated so that the user of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 can tactilely identify the first side 500.

[0063] The shape of the storage section of the long holder 600 that houses the radiographic imaging device 1 may be a shape that corresponds to the positional relationship between the connector 24 and the first side 500 in the radiographic imaging device 1. For example, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is inserted into the storage compartment of the long holder 600 in the opposite direction in the Y-axis direction, that is, when the first side 500 is positioned on the opposite side of the tube 700 compared to other radiographic imaging devices 1. In this case, if the shape of the storage compartment of the long holder 600 is such that a cable cannot be connected to the connector 24, it is possible to prevent a single-shot long imaging from being performed with the radiographic imaging device 1 inserted in the opposite direction. This ensures that the first side 500 is positioned closer to the tube 700 than other radiation imaging devices 1.

[0064] As described above, the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a radiation detector (radiation detection panel 11) having a photoelectric conversion element and a scintillator that converts radiation into light and irradiates the photoelectric conversion element with it. The radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an electrical circuit (electrical circuit board 15, readout IC 17) that drives a radiation detector and reads signals from a photoelectric conversion element. The radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has a front section (front plate 10F) into which radiation is incident, and a rear section (back plate 10B) that faces the first front section 10Fa with the radiation detector in between, and comprises a housing 10 that houses the radiation detector and electrical circuits. The radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a waterproof member (waterproof tape 30) positioned between the front and rear sections. The waterproofing material is double-sided tape. Therefore, a waterproof tape 30, which is made by combining elongated double-sided tapes and arranging them in a frame shape, can be used as a waterproofing member to be sandwiched between the housings of the FPD (Flat Panel Detector 1). As a result, the manufacturing of the FPD is easy, and the cost of the waterproofing member can be reduced. Since waste generated when manufacturing the waterproofing member can be reduced, the environmental impact can be minimized. Because the double-sided tape itself has adhesive properties as the waterproofing tape 30, it is unnecessary to process grooves in the housing to prevent the double-sided tape from shifting. The adhesive 32 of the waterproofing tape 30 penetrates into minute irregularities on the surface of the housing 10, preventing liquid from entering the housing 10 from the outside to the inside. This reduces the amount of compression required for the waterproofing member to adhere to the housing. As a result, the number of screws used to join the housings can be reduced, reducing the cost of screws and the man-hours required to assemble the FPD using screws. This makes it possible to ensure the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1 while preventing an increase in processing costs for the housing, an increase in the number of components, and an increase in assembly man-hours.

[0065] In the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the double-sided tape (waterproof tape 30) has a base material (tape base material 31) and an adhesive 32 provided on both sides of the base material. In the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the adhesive strength of the adhesive 32 is 6 N / cm or more and 20 N / cm or less. As a result, after the waterproof tape 30 is applied to the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B, the waterproof tape 30 adheres tightly to the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B without shifting, thereby ensuring the waterproof performance of the radiographic imaging device 1. Furthermore, when disassembling the radiographic imaging device 1 for repairs or other purposes, the waterproof tape 30 can be peeled off from the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B.

[0066] In this embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus 1 comprises multiple double-sided tapes (waterproof tapes 30) having an elongated shape in which the tape width is shorter than the length. Multiple pieces of double-sided tape are arranged along each side wall (second front section 10Fb) of the housing 10. The joint 200 between the double-sided tapes is located within a predetermined range from the position where the screws 40 that fasten the front part (front panel 10F) and the back part (back panel 10B) are located. As a result, sufficient compressive force is obtained in the vicinity of the screw 40 by fastening the screw 40, so that the gap T1 can be adequately sealed by the waterproof tape 30.

[0067] In the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the screw 40 is positioned within a predetermined range from the corner of the housing 10. This ensures that the front panel 10F and the back panel 10B are securely fixed at the corners of the enclosure 10, thereby preventing the front panel 10F and the back panel 10B from shifting.

[0068] In the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the length of the joint 200 between the double-sided tapes (waterproof tapes 30) in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the double-sided tapes is greater than the width of the double-sided tapes. This allows for a longer path for liquids and other substances to penetrate the housing 10 from the outside, thereby improving the waterproof performance of the radiation imaging device 1.

[0069] The radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has an overlapping portion 300 formed by overlapping the end of one double-sided tape with the end of another double-sided tape. The area of ​​the overlapping portion 300 is less than or equal to the product of the widths of the double-sided tapes whose ends are overlapped. This makes it possible to suppress the reaction force from the waterproof tape 30 that is generated when the waterproof tape 30 is compressed in the Z-axis direction from the back plate 10B side by fastening the screw 40.

[0070] The radiographic imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of double-sided tapes (waterproof tapes 30) having an elongated shape in which the tape width is shorter than the length. Multiple double-sided tapes form a layered structure with two or more pieces overlapping each other, and are arranged along each side wall (second front section 10Fb) of the housing 10. The seams 201 between double-sided tapes in one layer and the seams 202 between double-sided tapes in other layers are arranged so as not to overlap in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the double-sided tapes. As a result, the waterproof tape 30 is pushed out from three directions as it is compressed, sealing the gaps at the joints between the waterproof tapes 30. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the radiation imaging device 1 is further improved.

[0071] The radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a protective member provided so as to cover at least the adhesive 32 on the side surface of the double-sided tape (waterproof tape 30). This prevents liquid from entering the housing 10 from the outside and coming into contact with the adhesive 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the adhesive 32 and prevent a decrease in the waterproof performance of the radiation imaging device 1.

[0072] In the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the protective member is a member (step 401, 402) that protrudes from a part of the housing 10 so as to cover at least the adhesive 32 on the side surface of the double-sided tape (waterproof tape 30). The steps 401 and 402 can be manufactured more easily than creating grooves in the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B for positioning the waterproof tape 30. Furthermore, the steps 401 and 402 facilitate the alignment of the waterproof tape 30 when attaching it to the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B. Therefore, the radiographic imaging device 1 can be manufactured easily. Furthermore, the amount of compression of the waterproof tape 30 in the Z-axis direction can be adjusted according to the height of the steps 401 and 402. Therefore, by setting the amount of compression of the waterproof tape 30 in the Z-axis direction to an appropriate amount, variations in the waterproof performance of the radiation imaging device 1 can be suppressed.

[0073] In the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the protruding length of the protective member (steps 401, 402) is greater than the thickness of the adhesive 32 and less than the thickness of the double-sided tape (waterproof tape 30). This prevents liquid from coming into contact with the adhesive 32 even if it seeps in from the outside of the housing 10 into the gap between the second front section 10Fb and the back plate 10B.

[0074] In the radiation imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the protective member is a filler 50. This prevents liquid seeping in from the outside to the inside of the housing 10 in the gap T3 between the second front portion 10Fb of the front plate 10F and the back plate 10B from coming into contact with the waterproof tape 30.

[0075] Although the embodiments described above have been specifically explained based on the embodiments of this disclosure, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified without departing from its essence. For example, the adhesive 32 of the waterproof tape 30 may be made of a material that has a function that reduces the adhesive strength of the adhesive 32 when the adhesive 32 is heated or when an electric current is passed through the adhesive 32. If the waterproof tape 30 is equipped with an adhesive 32 with such a function, the adhesive strength of the adhesive 32 may exceed 20 N / cm. In this case, when disassembling the radiation imaging device 1 for repair or the like, the adhesive strength of the adhesive 32 is reduced to 20 N / cm or less by heating the adhesive 32 or passing an electric current through the adhesive 32. This makes it possible to easily peel the waterproof tape 30 from the second front part 10Fb and the back plate 10B. Furthermore, the adhesive 32 of the waterproof tape 30 may have less adhesive strength on one side than on the other side. Alternatively, the adhesive strength reduction function may be applied to only one side of the waterproof tape 30. This allows the waterproof tape 30 to be peeled off from the desired adhesive surface.

[0076] Furthermore, the detailed configuration of each component constituting the radiographic imaging device can also be modified as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1. Radiation imaging device 10 cabinets 10F Front panel (front section) 10Fa First Front Section 10Fb Second front section (side wall) 10B Back panel (rear section) 10Ba First back section 10Bb 2nd back section 100 internal modules 110 Radiation irradiation surface 120 Side view 130 Back 11. Radiation detection panel (radiation detector) 12 Support 13. First adhesive member 14. Second adhesive member 15 Electrical circuit board 16 COF 17. Readout IC (Electrical Circuit) 18 rechargeable batteries 19 Damping material 21 Power switch 22 Operating switches 23 Indicators 24 connectors 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30aa, 30ba, 30ab, 30bb Waterproof Tape (Waterproofing Material) 31 Tape base material (base material) 32 Adhesive 40 screws 50 Filler (protective material) 200, 201, 202 seams Route 200a 300 Overlapping section 401, 402 Step (protective material) 500 First side 600 Long Holder 700 tube T1, T2, T3 gap

Claims

1. A radiation detector having a photoelectric conversion element and a scintillator that converts radiation into light and irradiates the photoelectric conversion element, An electrical circuit that drives the radiation detector and reads the signal from the photoelectric conversion element, A housing having a front portion into which radiation is incident and a rear portion facing the front portion with the radiation detector in between, and housing the radiation detector and the electrical circuit, A waterproof member is disposed between the front and rear portions, Equipped with, The aforementioned waterproofing member is double-sided tape, in a radiographic imaging device.

2. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the double-sided tape comprises a base material and an adhesive provided on both sides of the base material.

3. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive strength of the adhesive is 6 N / cm or more and 20 N / cm or less.

4. The set comprises multiple double-sided tapes having an elongated shape with a width shorter than its length, Multiple pieces of the double-sided tape are arranged along each side wall of the housing, The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the joint between the double-sided tapes is located within a predetermined range from the position where the screws for fastening the front portion and the back portion are located.

5. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the screw is positioned within a predetermined range from the corner of the housing.

6. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the length of the joint between the double-sided tapes in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the double-sided tapes is greater than the width of the double-sided tapes.

7. It has an overlapping portion formed by overlapping the end of one of the double-sided tapes and the end of the other double-sided tape, The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the area of ​​the overlapping portion is less than or equal to the product of the widths of the double-sided tapes whose ends are overlapped.

8. The set comprises multiple double-sided tapes having an elongated shape with a width shorter than its length, Multiple pieces of the aforementioned double-sided tape form a laminated structure in which two or more pieces are stacked on top of each other, and are arranged along each side wall of the housing. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seams between the double-sided tapes in one layer and the seams between the double-sided tapes in another layer are arranged so as not to overlap in the thickness direction of the double-sided tapes.

9. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a protective member provided so as to cover at least the adhesive on the side surface of the double-sided tape.

10. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the protective member is a member of which a part of the housing protrudes so as to cover at least the adhesive on the side surface of the double-sided tape.

11. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the protruding length of the protective member is greater than the thickness of the adhesive and less than the thickness of the double-sided tape.

12. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the protective member is a filler.

Images