Radiation image reader

Abstract

To hold an imaging plate in regular posture while being in contact with a supporting surface.SOLUTION: A radiological image reader 20 for reading radiological image from an imaging plate 10 comprises: a stage 60 holding the imaging plate; an excitation light source 92 irradiating the imaging plate held on the stage with excitation light; and a photodetector 94 detecting emission light from the imaging plate by the excitation light. The stage includes: a stage body 61 having a supporting surface 64F contactable with a rear face of the imaging plate; and a positioning mechanism 70 having positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, 72DF which are brought into contact with an edge of the imaging plate supported on the supporting surface, position the edge from outside thereof in an extending direction of the supporting surface and which press the edge against the supporting surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a device for reading radiation images. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a radiation image reading device equipped with a transport mechanism for transporting an imaging plate. The transport mechanism disclosed includes a belt for holding the imaging plate and a belt drive mechanism for rotating the belt. The imaging plate is transported while placed on a holding surface that is part of the belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-53459 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which an imaging plate is placed on the holding surface of a belt as in Patent Document 1, the imaging plate may be held in a position tilted from the correct position suitable for reading a radiation image. In addition, due to warping of the imaging plate, a part of the imaging plate may be held in a state separated from the holding surface. In addition to Patent Document 1, there is a device configured such that an imaging plate having a magnetic member on one part is held on the holding surface by the magnetic force of a magnet, but if the imaging plate is located in a position beyond the reach of the magnetic force, the imaging plate may fall off the holding surface or be held in an incorrect position, which may prevent the latent image on the imaging plate from being read correctly.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to hold an imaging plate in a correct position and in contact with a support surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a radiation image reading device is a radiation image reading device that reads a radiation image from an imaging plate, and includes a stage that holds the imaging plate, an excitation light source that irradiates the imaging plate held on the stage with excitation light, and a photodetector that detects emission light from the imaging plate due to the excitation light, wherein the stage has a stage body having a support surface that is capable of surface-contacting a rear surface of the imaging plate, and a positioning mechanism having a positioning surface that comes into contact with an edge portion of the imaging plate supported on the support surface, and positions the edge portion from outside thereof in the extension direction of the support surface and presses the edge portion against the support surface. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to this radiation image reading device, the imaging plate is held in the correct position by contacting the edge of the imaging plate with the positioning surface. Also, the edge of the imaging plate is pressed against the support surface by the positioning surface. This makes it possible to hold the imaging plate in the correct position and in contact with the support surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a reading device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a reading device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a reading device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial front view showing the internal structure of the reading device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the internal structure of the reading device. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a stage portion of the positioning mechanism. [Figure 8] 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a positioning surface according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a positioning surface according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a positioning surface according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a positioning surface according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a positioning surface according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] {First embodiment} <Overall composition> The radiation image reading device according to the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the reading device 20. Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the internal structure of the reading device 20. Fig. 2 shows a state in which the stage 60 is in the set position, and Fig. 3 shows a state in which the stage 60 is inward from the set position (reading position). The radiation image reading device 20 is a device that reads a radiation image from an imaging plate 10.

[0010] The imaging plate 10 has a flat shape and a radiation image forming layer 11, and is a storage medium for storing a radiation image. The radiation image forming layer 11 is a layer that accumulates the energy of irradiated radiation and emits light corresponding to the accumulated energy. For example, the radiation image forming layer 11 is formed by coating one main surface of a film made of resin with a photostimulable phosphor. When X-rays from an X-ray generator penetrate an object to be photographed and irradiate the imaging plate 10, energy corresponding to the intensity of the X-rays is accumulated in the radiation image forming layer 11. Since the intensity of the X-rays is based on the distribution of X-ray absorbing regions in the object to be photographed, the distribution of the energy accumulated in the radiation image forming layer 11 is a radiation image of the object to be photographed by X-rays. In this way, the imaging plate 10 stores a radiation image generated by X-rays as a latent image.

[0011] The reader 20 is a device that reads out a radiation image from the radiation image forming layer 11 and generates image data of the radiation image. The reader 20 includes a stage 60, an excitation light source 92, and a photodetector 94. The stage 60 holds the imaging plate 10. The imaging plate 10 held on the stage 60 is irradiated with excitation light from the excitation light source 92. When the imaging plate 10 is irradiated with the excitation light, the radiation image forming layer 11 of the imaging plate 10 emits light. The emitted light is detected by the photodetector 94. Image data of the radiation image is generated based on a detection signal from the photodetector 94.

[0012] The surface of the imaging plate 10 on which the radiation image forming layer 11 is formed may be regarded as the excitation light irradiated surface. The back surface opposite to the front surface may be regarded as the contact surface that faces the support surface 64F of the stage 60 and comes into contact with the support surface 64F. When the imaging plate 10 is set on the stage 60 correctly in terms of front and back, the surface of the imaging plate 10 facing the same direction as the support surface 64F is a storage surface capable of storing a latent image and is a reading surface from which the stored latent image is read.

[0013] The configuration of each part of the reading device 20 will be described.

[0014] <About the case> The reader 20 includes a housing 30 (see FIG. 1), in which a stage 60, an excitation light source 92, and a photodetector 94 are housed.

[0015] The housing 30 is provided with a setting section 31 and an outlet 32. For example, the setting section 31 is provided on an upward surface of the housing 30. The setting section 31 has a slit 31S through which the imaging plate 10 can pass. A user of the reading device 20 can place the imaging plate 10 into the reading device 20 through the slit 31S. The imaging plate 10 placed in the reading device 20 is set on the stage 60. The outlet 32 ​​is provided in a lower part of the housing 30, for example, in a lower part of one side surface of the housing 30. The outlet 32 ​​opens outward, and the imaging plate 10 discharged from the stage 60 is discharged to the outlet 32. A user of the reading device 20 can collect the read imaging plate 10 through the outward opening of the outlet 32.

[0016] A switch 33 for receiving various instructions is provided on the housing 30. The switch 33 is, for example, a power switch, a start switch for instructing the start of reading, and the like.

[0017] A display device 34 may be provided in the housing 30. The display device 34 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel. The read radiation image may be displayed on this display device 34. Various information for operation may be displayed on the display device 34. Information on the progress of reading, such as the time remaining until the end of reading after the start of reading, may be displayed on the display device 34. A warning, caution, or error information regarding an erroneous operation of the reading device 20 may be displayed on the reading display device 34. The display device 34 may be a touch panel having a display function and a touch detection function. In this case, at least a part of the functions of the above switches may be incorporated in the touch panel. The display device 34 may be omitted.

[0018] It is not essential that image data of a radiation image generated by reading the imaging plate 10 is displayed on the display device 34. The image data of a radiation image may be transmitted to another computer (not shown) capable of communicating with the reading device 20 by wireless or wired communication. The image data of a radiation image may be recorded on a data recording medium (e.g., a flash memory) that is detachable from the reading device 20.

[0019] The housing 30 may be provided with plate storage cases 38, 39 capable of storing the imaging plate 10. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the plate storage cases 38, 39 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 30. The plate storage case 38 is a case with a partition, and the plate storage case 39 is a case with a lid. For example, the imaging plate can be stored in the cases 38, 39 by using different cases depending on the usage state of the imaging plate 10, such as before shooting, after shooting, before reading, and after reading. It is to be noted that the plate storage cases 38, 39 may be omitted.

[0020] An AC adapter 37 is connected to the reading device 20, and power is supplied to the reading device 20 from an external source. Power may be supplied to the reading device 20 from an external source or from a power source built into the reading device 20. If the reading device 20 is designed to include a rechargeable battery, the AC adapter may be used to charge the reading device 20.

[0021] <About the internal structure of the case> The configuration of each part provided inside the housing 30 will be described.

[0022] A support member 40 is provided inside the housing 30. The support member 40 supports the stage 60, an excitation light source 92, and a photodetector 94.

[0023] <About support members> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support member 40 includes a base plate 41, a pair of side plates 42, a back plate 43, a ceiling plate 44, and a support frame 45.

[0024] The base plate 41 is a plate-like member arranged along the horizontal direction (direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity) at the bottom in the internal space of the housing 30. Here, the base plate 41 is formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular plate.

[0025] A pair of side plates 42 are supported in an upright position on the base plate 41. The pair of side plates 42 are provided parallel to each other with a gap between them. The pair of side plates 42 are formed in a quadrangular shape, for example, a trapezoidal plate shape with an upper base shorter than a lower base. The edge portions on the lower base side of the pair of side plates 42 are fixed to the base plate 41 by screws or the like.

[0026] The ceiling plate 44 is formed in a long and narrow plate shape. The ceiling plate 44 is fixed to the pair of side plates 42 by screws or the like so as to close the gap between the upper bottom side edges of the pair of side plates 42. Note that the fixing method of the various plates described above may be other methods such as welding.

[0027] One side of the side plate 42 connecting the upper base and the lower base has an inclined side portion that is inclined at an angle of less than 90° with respect to the lower base. The support frame 45 has a short side portion 45a and a pair of long side portions 45b. The short side portion 45a is formed to a length corresponding to the inclined side portion. The pair of long side portions 45b are formed to a length corresponding to the distance between the pair of side plates 42. The pair of long side portions 45b extend in the same direction from both ends of the short side portion 45a in a perpendicular position to the short side portion 45a. The tip portions of the pair of long side portions 45b are fixed to the inclined side portion of one side plate 42 (right side in FIG. 2) by screws or the like, and the short side portion 45a is fixed to the inclined side portion of the other side plate 42 (left side in FIG. 2) by screws or the like. As a result, the support frame 45 is supported by the pair of side plates 42 in a position inclined obliquely with respect to the direction of gravity. In this state, the outward surface of the support frame 45 faces obliquely upward at an angle of more than 90° with respect to the upward surface of the base plate 41. An excitation light source 92 and a photodetector 94 are attached to this support frame 45. In the following description, for convenience, the side on which the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are provided may be referred to as the front, and the opposite side as the rear.

[0028] The back plate 43 is formed in a long and narrow rectangular shape. Both longitudinal end edge portions of the back plate 43 are fixed by screws or the like to the other side edge portion of the pair of side plates 42 that connects the upper base and the lower base. In this way, the back plate 43 closes the rear opening between the pair of side plates 42.

[0029] The ceiling plate 44 is formed in a long and narrow rectangular shape. The edges of both ends of the ceiling plate 44 in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the edges of the upper bottom sides of the pair of side plates 42 by screws or the like. In this way, the ceiling plate 44 closes the upper opening between the pair of side plates 42.

[0030] The excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are fixed by screws or the like to outward surfaces of the longitudinal middle parts of a pair of long side parts 45b of the support frame 45. The stage 60 is supported between the pair of long side parts 45b of the support frame 45 so as to be movable inside the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94. In the following description, the relative movement direction of the stage 60 with respect to the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 may be referred to as the main scanning direction A1. When the imaging plate 10 held by the stage 60 passes inside the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94, the imaging plate 10 is irradiated with excitation light from the excitation light source 92, and the emitted light of the imaging plate 10 due to the excitation light is detected by the photodetector 94.

[0031] <Excitation light source and photodetector> The excitation light source 92 irradiates the imaging plate 10 held by the stage 60 with excitation light. The excitation light is light for exciting the radiation image forming layer 11, and is, for example, laser light of a specific wavelength for exciting the radiation image forming layer 11. When the radiation image forming layer 11 is irradiated with the excitation light, the radiation image forming layer 11 emits light in accordance with the distribution of energy stored in the radiation image forming layer 11.

[0032] The excitation light source 92 may include a laser light source that emits laser light as excitation light, and a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror. For example, the laser light source may be reflected by the MEMS mirror so that the laser light emitted from the laser light source moves along a sub-scanning direction A2 that intersects (is perpendicular to) the main scanning direction A1 with respect to the surface 11S of the radiation image forming layer 11. Note that the mirror may be configured using a galvanometer mirror or a polygon mirror instead of a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror. Depending on the mirror configuration, a lens system may be required separately, but an appropriate combination may be used in the present invention.

[0033] The photodetector 94 is a sensor that detects light emitted from the imaging plate 10 by the excitation light and outputs a signal according to the intensity of the light. Image data of a radiation image is generated based on the signal from the photodetector 94.

[0034] The photodetector 94 may have a configuration in which elements for detecting light are arranged in a row. For example, the photodetector 94 may be arranged in a position in which the arrangement direction of the elements is parallel to the sub-scanning direction A2. The elements for detecting light may be silicon photomultiplier tubes, photomultiplier tubes, photodiodes, etc.

[0035] In this embodiment, the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are integrated as a reading unit 90. For example, the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are integrated in a state where they are housed in a module case 91. A long and narrow reading slit 90S is formed along the sub-scanning direction A2 in a portion of the module case 91 facing the support member 40. The excitation light is irradiated toward the imaging plate 10 through the reading slit 90S. The emitted light of the imaging plate 10 is detected by the photodetector 94 through the reading slit 90S.

[0036] While the stage 60 is moving in the main scanning direction A1, the laser light from the excitation light source 92 is incident on the surface of the radiation image forming layer 11 of the imaging plate 10 held on the stage 60, and the irradiation destination moves in the sub-scanning direction A2. As a result, the surface of the radiation image forming layer 11 emits light sequentially along a line in the sub-scanning direction A2.

[0037] The photodetector 94 is disposed at a position where it can detect luminescent light of the radiation image forming layer 11 generated by the laser beam from the excitation light source 92. For example, the excitation light source 92 is disposed so as to irradiate the imaging plate 10 with laser beam from an oblique direction, and the photodetector 94 is disposed in front of the position where the imaging plate 10 is irradiated with the laser beam. When the surface of the radiation image forming layer 11 sequentially emits luminescent light along a line in the sub-scanning direction A2, the emitted light is detected by the photodetector 94.

[0038] While the stage 60 is moving, scanning by the excitation light source 92 and scanning by the photodetector 94 in the sub-scanning direction A2 are repeated, so that a radiation image of a wide surface of the imaging plate 10, for example the entire surface of the imaging plate 10, is read by the photodetector 94.

[0039] It is not essential that the stage 60 moves. For example, the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 may move while the stage 60 is stationary. Alternatively, the stage 60 and both the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 may move.

[0040] <About the stage and its movement configuration> Fig. 4 is a partial front view showing the internal structure of the reading device 20, and Fig. 5 is a side view showing the internal structure of the reading device 20. In Figs. 4 and 5, the outer shape of the housing 30 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0041] The stage 60 is configured to hold the imaging plate 10. For example, the stage 60 includes a plate-like portion that extends larger than the imaging plate 10. With the imaging plate 10 in contact with a support surface 64F on one main surface side of the stage 60, the stage 60 is held at a fixed position and in a fixed orientation relative to the imaging plate 10. The configuration in which the stage 60 holds the imaging plate 10 will be described in more detail later.

[0042] The stage 60 moves along the main scanning direction A1 while holding the imaging plate 10. A configuration for movably supporting the stage 60 will be described.

[0043] A recess 42g corresponding to the vertical width and thickness of the plate-like portion of the stage 60 is formed in an inclined side portion of one of the side plates 42. By passing through the recess 42g, the stage 60 can move back and forth along the main scanning direction A1 between a position protruding outward from one of the side plates 42 (see FIG. 2) and a position between the pair of side plates 42 (see FIG. 3).

[0044] The stage 60 is configured so as to be movable and driven by a stage moving mechanism 50. The stage moving mechanism 50 includes a movement driver 52 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a pair of guide rods 56.

[0045] The moving drive unit 52 is a part that applies a driving force along the main scanning direction A1 to the stage 60. In this embodiment, the moving drive unit 52 includes a motor 53 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a screw shaft unit 54. The screw shaft unit 54 is a rod-shaped member having a screw groove formed around its periphery. The screw shaft unit 54 is rotatably supported by the pair of side plates 42 so as to span between the pair of side plates 42. The motor 53 is fixed to the support member 40 so as not to rotate. For example, the motor 53 is fixed to the outer surface of the other side plate 42 so as not to rotate. The shaft of the motor 53 is fixed to the screw shaft unit 54 so as not to rotate relative to the other side plate 42, and the screw shaft unit 54 is rotated in the forward or reverse direction according to the rotation of the motor 53 in the forward or reverse direction. The rotational motion of the shaft of the motor 53 may be transmitted to the screw shaft unit 54 via a transmission device such as a gear or a pulley. The stage 60 is driven to move along the main scanning direction A1 by the rotation of the screw shaft portion 54. The configuration for achieving this will be described in more detail later.

[0046] The guide rod 56 is a long and thin rod-shaped member, and is fixed to the pair of side plates 42 so as to span between the pair of side plates 42. The guide rod 56 is inserted into a guide hole 62h2 formed in the stage 60. This allows the guide rod 56 to play a role in suppressing the stage 60 from rotating around the screw shaft portion 54. Here, multiple (two) guide rods 56 are provided, but only one may be provided.

[0047] The movement driver 52 may be an actuator that moves the stage 60, and may be a linear motor or the like in addition to the above configuration.

[0048] The stage 60 is moved by the stage moving mechanism 50 back and forth between a set position P1 and a reading position P2.

[0049] The set position P1 is a position where the imaging plate 10 can be set on the stage 60 (see the position shown in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the set position P1 is set to a position protruding outward from one of the side plates 42. At the set position P1, a portion of the stage 60 near one side is placed in the recess 42g of one of the side plates 42, and a longitudinal middle portion and the other side portion of the stage 60 extend outward from one of the side plates 42 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). At the set position P1, the arrangement area of ​​the imaging plate 10 set in the set section 31 (the maximum arrangement area when imaging plates 10 of multiple sizes are assumed; see the area between the straight lines R1 and R2 in FIG. 2) is arranged outside the side plate 42.

[0050] In this state, the support surface 64F of the stage 60 is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. Here, the support surface 64F is inclined in the same direction as the inclined side portion of the side plate 42. In other words, the support surface 64F is inclined so as to face obliquely upward.

[0051] The stage 60 located at the set position P1 can receive the imaging plate 10 inserted from the set unit 31. More specifically, the set position P1 is provided below the slit 31S in the set unit 31 (see FIG. 4). When the imaging plate 10 is inserted into the slit 31S from outside the device 20, the imaging plate 10 moves downward, that is, in the direction of gravity, due to its own weight. When the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 reaches the support surface 64F, the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 slides down obliquely in accordance with the inclination of the support surface 64F. As a result, the imaging plate 10 is inclined in accordance with the inclination of the support surface 64F, and the back surface of the imaging plate 10 is in a state where it can make surface contact with the support surface 64F. In this state, the imaging plate 10 is positioned and held by a positioning mechanism (described later) provided on the stage 60. In this manner, in this embodiment, the imaging plate 10 is guided to the correct position by utilizing gravity.

[0052] The housing 30 may be formed with a set guide surface 31GS that guides the imaging plate 10 toward the support surface 64F. In this embodiment, a plate guide portion 31G is formed around the slit 31S toward the inside of the housing 30. A guide passage 31GP that is continuous with the slit 31S is formed in the plate guide portion 31G. The guide passage 31GP extends downward from the slit 31S, directly downward in this case. The guide passage 31GP may be directed obliquely downward from the slit 31S. The lower end of the guide passage 31GP is located above the support surface 64F of the stage 60 located at the set position P1. It is preferable that the lower end of the guide passage 31GP is separated from the support surface 64F. The inner peripheral surface of the plate guide portion 31G that forms the guide passage 31GP is the set guide surface 31GS that guides the imaging plate 10 toward the support surface 64F.

[0053] When the imaging plate 10 is inserted into the slit 31S, the imaging plate 10 slides down inside the guide passage 31GP while the thickness and width directions of the imaging plate 10 are regulated by the setting guide surface 31GS. Therefore, the imaging plate 10 is guided toward the supporting surface 64F without coming off the supporting surface 64F.

[0054] It is not essential that the set position P1 is set at the above position, and it may be set between the pair of side plates 42, for example.

[0055] The reading position P2 is a position where the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 read a radiation image, that is, a position where the photodetector 94 reads a radiation image of the imaging plate 10 in response to the excitation light from the excitation light source 92. In this embodiment, the reading position P2 is set at a position between a pair of side plates 42, 42. That is, the reading unit 90 including the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 is fixed to the outwardly facing portion of a pair of long side portions 45b of the support frame 45 by screwing or the like. The reading unit 90 is located between the pair of side plates 42 and close to the set position P1. A reading slit 90S is formed on a surface of the reading unit 90 facing the inside of the housing 30. Excitation light from the excitation light source 92 in the reading unit 90 is irradiated onto the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60 through the reading slit 90S. Furthermore, emitted light from the imaging plate 10 excited by this excitation light is incident on the photodetector 94 through the reading slit 90S. In FIG. 2, the reading position P2 is a position on the side farther from the set position P1 with respect to a straight line R3 passing through the reading slit 90S.

[0056] When the imaging plate 10 is set on the stage 60 at the set position P1, the imaging plate 10 moves toward the inside of the support member 40 along the main scanning direction A1. When the imaging plate 10 set on the stage 60 reaches a position facing the reading slit 90S, the reading unit 90 starts reading the radiation image of the imaging plate 10. As the stage 60 moves, the reading unit 90 sequentially reads the radiation images of the imaging plate 10. When the imaging plate 10 passes the reading slit 90S, the reading by the reading unit 90 ends. When the radiation image is read by moving the stage 60 as in this embodiment, the reading position P2 may be understood to be the position where the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60 (the widest imaging plate 10 in the case where imaging plates 10 of multiple sizes are assumed) reaches the straight line R3 and reading starts.

[0057] Unlike the above example, it is also possible that the reading unit 90 moves in the main scanning direction A1 relative to the imaging plate 10 that is stationary at a fixed position to read a radiation image, or that a three-dimensional sensor reads a radiation image relative to the imaging plate 10 that is stationary at a fixed position. In this case, the position at which the imaging plate 10 that is stationary at a fixed position is held is the reading position P2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the stage 60 is also moved to an ejection position P3 by the stage movement mechanism 50. The ejection position P3 is a position for ejecting the imaging plate 10 set on the stage 60. The ejection position P3 is set at a position farther away from the reading position P2 than the set position P1 (see the stage 60 indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 2 and 4). This example is not limiting, and the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60 may be ejected by a separate mechanism at a position different from the ejection position P3, for example, at the set position P1.

[0059] The outlet 32 ​​is provided below the discharge position P3. For example, an outlet guide 32g that guides the imaging plate 10 downward is provided below the stage 60 at the discharge position P3. An outlet 32 ​​that forms an outlet space that opens to the side of the housing 30 is formed below the outlet guide 32g. The imaging plate 10 discharged from the stage 60 at the discharge position P3 slides down into the outlet 32 ​​through the outlet guide 32g, and is discharged onto the bottom surface of the outlet 32.

[0060] In this embodiment, the stage 60 is also moved to a rear position P4 by the stage moving mechanism 50. The rear position P4 is located on the opposite side of the set position P1 with respect to the reading position P2. That is, the stage 60 can move from the set position P1 to the rear position P4 via the reading position P2. At the rear position P4, the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60 may be exposed and not covered by the reading unit 90.

[0061] The operation of the stage moving mechanism 50 is controlled by a control unit 100 (see FIG. 5). The control unit 100 is configured, for example, by a computer having at least one processor and a storage unit. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and is configured by an electric circuit. The processor executes a reading program to realize various functions for reading. The control unit 100 controls the direction and amount of rotation of the motor 53, thereby controlling the movement of the stage 60 along the main scanning direction A1.

[0062] The control unit 100 may control the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 by the reading unit 90. The control unit 100 may perform various signal processing for generating a radiographic image based on a signal detected by the photodetector 94, image processing, display processing by the display device 34, and the like.

[0063] <Overall Stage Composition> The following describes the overall configuration of the stage 60. As shown in FIGS.

[0064] The stage body 61 has a support surface 64F that can come into surface contact with the rear surface of the imaging plate 10. In this embodiment, the stage body 61 includes a movable support body 62 and a plate-shaped portion 64.

[0065] The movable support 62 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A through hole 62h1 is formed in the movable support 62 (see FIG. 3). The through hole 62h1 is a through hole having a screw groove. A screw shaft portion 54 that can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions by a motor 53 is screwed into the through hole 62h1. When the screw shaft portion 54 rotates in the forward direction, the stage 60 can move to one side along the screw shaft portion 54, and when the screw shaft portion 54 rotates in the reverse direction, the stage 60 can move to the other side along the screw shaft portion 54. Such a structure is, for example, a structure called a ball screw.

[0066] A guide hole 62h2 parallel to the through hole 62h1 is formed in the movable support 62 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the movable support 62 is driven to move in both directions along the main scanning direction A1 in response to the forward or reverse rotation of the screw shaft portion 54 screwed into the through hole 62h1 under the guidance of the guide rod 56 inserted into the guide hole 62h2.

[0067] The plate-shaped portion 64 is formed in a plate-like shape that is larger than the imaging plate 10, and in this case, is formed in a rectangular plate shape. It is not essential that the plate-shaped portion 64 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and it may be formed in another shape, such as an elliptical shape.

[0068] A support surface 64F is provided on one side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64. The support surface 64F may extend larger than the imaging plate 10. In the case where a plurality of sizes of the imaging plate 10 are assumed, the support surface 64F may extend larger than the largest imaging plate 10.

[0069] More specifically, the plate-shaped portion 64 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long along one direction (here, the main scanning direction A1). Of the other side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64 (the surface opposite to the support surface 64F), one side portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the movable support 62. The fixing is performed, for example, by screwing. The plate-shaped portion 64 is supported by the movable support 62 in a cantilever manner so as to extend from the movable support 62 toward the set position P1 side along the main scanning direction A1. Of the one side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64, the portion supported by the movable support 62 protrudes via a step portion from the other portion (the portion including the support surface 64F). A support surface 64F that can come into surface contact with the back surface of the imaging plate 10 is provided on the portion of the one side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64 that extends from the movable support 62 along the main scanning direction A1.

[0070] In the above-mentioned supported state, the plate-shaped portion 64 and the support surface 64F are inclined with respect to the direction of gravity (downward), and the support surface 64F faces obliquely upward. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the plate-shaped portion 64 and the support surface 64F is the same as the inclination angle of the inclined side portion of the side plate 42. The plate-shaped portion 64 and the support surface 64F move along the main scanning direction A1 under the guide of the guide rod 56 while maintaining a constant inclination angle. When the movable support 62 moves toward one of the side plates 42, the portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 extending from the movable support 62 passes through the recess 42g of the side plate 42. In this state, since the support surface 64F is inclined so as to face obliquely upward, the imaging plate 10 inserted through the slit 31S can be received on the support surface 64F.

[0071] The positioning mechanism 70 has positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF that contact the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 supported on the support surface 64F, position the edge portion from its outside in the extension direction of the support surface 64F, and press the edge portion against the support surface 64F (see Figure 4).

[0072] The edge portion of the imaging plate 10 does not mean only the surface (e.g., side surface) facing outward when the imaging plate 10 is viewed in plan, but may also include a portion extending inward from the surface facing outward. For example, the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 may include the surface (e.g., side surface) facing outward when the imaging plate 10 is viewed in plan, and the peripheral portion of the surface of the imaging plate 10.

[0073] The positioning mechanism 70 only needs to have at least one of the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF. In order for the positioning mechanism 70 to position the imaging plate 10 in at least two directions, the positioning mechanism 70 only needs to have at least two positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF that face different directions (for example, directions orthogonal to each other). In the present embodiment, the positioning mechanism 70 has a horizontal positioning mechanism and a vertical positioning mechanism. For this reason, the imaging plate 10 is positioned at a fixed position in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[0074] The imaging plate 10 moves to the reading position P2 while being held in the normal posture by the positioning mechanism 70. At the reading position P2, the radiation image of the imaging plate 10 held in the normal posture on the stage 60 is read by the reading unit 90. The normal posture is the posture of the imaging plate 10 preset with reference to the stage 60, and is a predetermined posture suitable for reading by the reading unit 90. In the present embodiment, the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72CF are arranged at fixed positions on the support surface 64F of the stage 60. The state where one edge portion of the imaging plate 10 contacts the positioning surface 72AF and the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 contacts the positioning surface 72CF is the normal posture.

[0075] A more detailed description of the positioning mechanism will be given below.

[0076] <Regarding the positioning mechanism> FIG. 6 is a front view showing the stage 60. FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the stage 60 in the positioning mechanism. FIG. 6 shows the imaging plate 10 in a state where it is located at the set position P1, as in FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. 7 shows the imaging plate 10 in a state where it is located at the reading position P2. In FIG. 6, imaging plates 10 of a plurality of sizes are shown by two-dot chain lines. In FIG. 7, one side plate 42 and an operating piece 46 are shown as examples of fixed arrangement parts for operating the positioning mechanism. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 6.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 9, the positioning mechanism 70 includes four positioning parts 72A, 72B, 72C, and 72D. The positioning parts 72A and 72B position the imaging plate 10 in the horizontal direction, and the positioning parts 72C and 72D position the imaging plate 10 in the vertical direction. When the imaging plate 10 is located at the set position P1, the left and right positioning parts 72A and 72B are in an open state, and the upper and lower positioning parts 72C and 72D are also in an open state (see FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9). In this state, the imaging plate 10 can be set on the stage 60. When the imaging plate 10 is located at the reading position P2, the left and right positioning parts 72A and 72B are in a close state, and the upper and lower positioning parts 72C and 72D are also in a close state (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 7). In this state, the imaging plate 10 is held on the stage 60.

[0078] <Horizontal positioning mechanism> The positioning portion 72A is a long and thin portion that protrudes along one side in the horizontal direction of the plate-shaped portion 64. The positioning portion 72A extends in the vertical direction along one of the boundaries that surround the support surface 64F in the horizontal direction. The positioning portion 72A protrudes from the support surface 64F. The length of the positioning portion 72A may be longer than the vertical dimension (the maximum vertical dimension when multiple sizes are assumed) of the imaging plate 10 supported on the support surface 64F.

[0079] The surface facing the inner side of the positioning portion 72A is formed on the positioning surface 72AF. More specifically, the positioning surface 72AF is provided so as to protrude at least by the thickness dimension of the imaging plate 10 from the support surface 64F, and is formed as a guide positioning surface that faces in a direction covering the support surface 64F as it moves away from the support surface 64F (see Fig. 8). The positioning surface 72AF may be understood as a surface that guides the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 toward the support surface 64F along a direction that is oblique with respect to both the thickness direction of the imaging plate 10 and the directions facing the inside and outside of the edge portion.

[0080] In this embodiment, the positioning portion 72A is integrally formed with the plate-like portion 64. For example, by machining a metal base material or the like, the plate-like portion 64 and the positioning portion 72A are integrally formed. The plate-like portion 64 and the positioning portion 72A may be manufactured separately, and the positioning portion 72A may be fixed to the plate-like portion 64 by screwing or the like. In this embodiment, the positioning surface 72AF is continuously connected to the support surface 64F at an acute angle, but this is not essential.

[0081] The positioning portion 72B is provided to face the positioning portion 72A with a space therebetween. Here, the positioning portion 72B is provided with a space along the horizontal direction with respect to the positioning portion 72A.

[0082] More specifically, a slit 65 is formed along the horizontal direction in a portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 that is fixed to the movable support 62. A recess 65g is formed in the other side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64 around the slit 65, recessed from the other side surface (see Figs. 7 and 8). The positioning portion 72B is a separate body from the plate-shaped portion 64, and is arranged to be movable along the slit 65. More specifically, a part of the positioning portion 72B is formed in a shape that can be arranged in the slit 65. More specifically, the positioning portion 72B is formed in a long plate shape along the extending direction of the slit 65. The thickness of the positioning portion 72B is larger than the thickness of the portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 where the recess 65g is formed. The middle portion of the positioning portion 72B in the thickness direction is arranged in the slit 65. The positioning portion 72B has a protrusion 72Bp that can contact both side edge portions of the slit 65 from both sides of the plate-shaped portion 64. With the protrusions 72Bp in contact with both side edge portions of the slit 65 from both sides of the plate-shaped portion 64, the positioning portion 72B is supported so as to be reciprocally movable along the direction along the slit 65 (main scanning direction A1).

[0083] A positioning surface 72BF is formed on a portion of the positioning portion 72B facing the positioning portion 72A, i.e., a portion facing the positioning surface 72AF. The positioning surface 72BF is formed on a plane that forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F, similar to the positioning surface 72AF. Here, the positioning surface 72BF extends from a portion inside the slit 65 that is deeper than the support surface 64F so as to protrude from the support surface 64F (see FIG. 8).

[0084] The positioning unit 72B is movable between a distant position (see FIGS. 2, 4, and 5) away from the positioning unit 72A and a close position (see FIGS. 3, 6, and 7) closer to the positioning unit 72A than the distant position. When the stage 60 is located at the set position P1, the positioning unit 72B is located at the distant position. When the stage 60 is located at the reading position P2, the positioning unit 72B is movable to the close position.

[0085] When positioning portion 72B is located at the separated position, the distance between positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF is set to be larger than the width of imaging plate 10. When imaging plates 10 of a plurality of sizes are selectively set on stage 60, the distance is set to be larger than the largest width of imaging plates 10 of a plurality of sizes.

[0086] When positioning portion 72B is located at the approach position, the distance between positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF is set to be smaller than the width of imaging plate 10. When imaging plates 10 of a plurality of sizes are selectively set on stage 60, the distance is set to be smaller than the smallest width of imaging plates 10 of a plurality of sizes.

[0087] Therefore, with the positioning portion 72B located at the separated position, the imaging plate 10 can be disposed between the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF. Also, by moving the positioning portion 72B from the separated position to the close position, the imaging plate 10 can be sandwiched between the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF.

[0088] More specifically, the imaging plate 10 is placed on the support surface 64F with the positioning portion 72B located at the separated position and the positioning surface 72AF and the positioning surface 72BF separated from each other (see FIGS. 6 and 8). In this state, the positioning surface 72BF moves toward the approach position (positioning surface 72AF). Then, one edge portion of the imaging plate 10 is pressed inward by the positioning surface 72BF, and the imaging plate 10 slides on the support surface 64F and moves toward the positioning surface 72AF. Then, the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 on the positioning surface 72AF side is pressed against the positioning surface 72AF, and movement toward the positioning surface 72AF side is restricted.

[0089] As described above, the positioning surface 72BF forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F. Therefore, the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 on the positioning surface 72BF side is pressed toward the inside of the edge portion and toward the support surface 64F (see arrow F1).

[0090] Moreover, the positioning surface 72AF is inclined in the opposite direction to the positioning surface 72BF and forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F. Therefore, the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 on the positioning surface 72AF side is pressed toward the support surface 64F side while being pressed toward the outside of the edge portion by the positioning surface 72BF (see arrow F2).

[0091] That is, the imaging plate 10 is positioned in the horizontal direction by sandwiching both horizontal edge portions of the imaging plate 10 between the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF. In addition, both edge portions are pressed toward the support surface 64F by the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF. As a result, both horizontal edge portions of the imaging plate 10 are guided so as to be in contact with the support surface 64F without floating above the support surface 64F. In this manner, when the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF form a characteristic inclination that draws a V-shape (i.e., the surfaces 72AF and 72BF incline in the direction toward the support surface 64F as they move away from the support surface 64F, see FIG. 8), the imaging plate 10 is easily pressed against the support surface 64F while being sandwiched, which is preferable because it can easily support the imaging plate 10 to be maintained in the correct position.

[0092] In this embodiment, the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B are an example of a pair of opening / closing positioning portions. In this embodiment, both of the two opposing surfaces of the pair of opening / closing positioning portions (the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B) form the positioning surfaces 72AF and 72BF, and an example has been described in which the distance between the pair of opening / closing positioning portions (the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B) is adjusted by moving one of the pair of opening / closing positioning portions (the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B).

[0093] However, one of the opposing surfaces of the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B may be a positioning surface in the sense that it positions the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from the outside thereof and presses the edge portion against the support surface 64F. Also, the distance between the pair of opening / closing positioning portions (the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B) may be adjusted by moving both of them.

[0094] Note that, instead of moving at least one of the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B, the stage 60 supporting the imaging plate 10 may move relative to the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B. For example, the opposing positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF may be arranged in a V-shape with a gap therebetween, and the stage 60 holding the imaging plate 10 may move in a direction from the widest gap between the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF to the narrowest gap, thereby pressing both edge portions of the imaging plate 10 against the opposing positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF. This also allows the imaging plate 10 to be supported between the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF so as to be pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0095] It is not necessary for both the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B to have a positioning surface in the sense of positioning the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from its outside and pressing the edge portion against the support surface 64F. For example, one of the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B may have a surface that extends perpendicularly from the support surface 64F and positions the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from its outside, but does not have the function of pressing against the support surface 64F. Even in this case, the other of the positioning portion 72A and the positioning portion 72B can position the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from its outside and press it against the support surface 64F.

[0096] When at least one of the pair of upper and lower positioning portions 72C, 72D has a function of pressing the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 against the support surface 64F, the pair of left and right positioning portions 72A, 72B do not need to press the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 against the support surface 64F. In this case, the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B may have a surface that positions the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from its outside but does not have a function of pressing it against the support surface 64F, for example, a surface perpendicular to the support surface 64F. Furthermore, in this case, one of the positioning portions 72A and 72B may be omitted, and the other may restrict the position of the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from only one horizontal direction.

[0097] <About the vertical positioning mechanism> The positioning portion 72C is a long and narrow portion that protrudes along one side portion, the lower side portion here, of the plate-shaped portion 64 in the up-down direction. The positioning portion 72C extends horizontally along the lower boundary of the boundaries surrounding the support surface 64F. The positioning portion 72C protrudes further from the support surface 64F than the support surface 64F. The length of the positioning portion 72C may be longer than the left-right dimension (the maximum left-right dimension when multiple sizes are assumed) of the imaging plate 10 supported on the support surface 64F.

[0098] The surface of the positioning portion 72C facing inward (upward) is formed as the positioning surface 72CF. In this embodiment, the positioning surface 72CF is formed as a guide surface (here, a flat surface) that forms an angle with the support surface 64F of less than 90°. The positioning surface 72CF is located below the support surface 64F that is inclined with respect to the gravity direction, and is therefore an example of a surface that receives the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 that moves downward along the support surface 64F.

[0099] In this embodiment, the positioning portion 72C is formed separately from the plate-shaped portion 64. The positioning portion 72C is configured to be able to change its posture between a contact position and a retracted position (see FIG. 9). The contact position is a position where the positioning surface 72CF faces the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 on the support surface 64F, and the retracted position is a position where the positioning surface 72CF is retracted from the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 on the support surface 64F.

[0100] More specifically, the lower portion of the portion of the plate-like portion 64 that extends beyond the movable support 62 is recessed more than the other portion. A pair of recesses 66g that are recessed further inward are formed at both ends of the recessed portion. The positioning portion 72C includes an elongated positioning main body portion 73Ca and a pair of rotation support portions 73Cb. The positioning main body portion 73Ca is set to a length that can extend between the pair of recesses 66g. One of the faces surrounding the periphery of the positioning main body portion 73Ca is formed as the positioning face 72CF. A pair of rotation support portions 73Cb extend from both ends of the positioning main body portion 73Ca. The pair of rotation support portions 73Cb are disposed in the pair of recesses 66g. A support shaft portion (not shown) provided on one of the pair of rotation support portions 73Cb and the pair of recesses 66g is fitted into a recess or hole portion (neither of which is shown) provided on the other, so that the positioning portion 72C is supported rotatably around the support shaft portion.

[0101] When the positioning portion 72C is in the contact position, as described above, the positioning surface 72CF is positioned so as to intersect with the downward extension of the support surface 64F, and the angle with respect to the support surface 64F is maintained at less than 90°. Therefore, the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 sliding down the support surface 64F can come into contact with the positioning surface 72CF (see the positioning portion 72C shown by the solid line in FIG. 9).

[0102] When the positioning surface 72CF is changed to the retracted position, the positioning surface 72CF retracts from the support surface 64F (see the positioning portion 72C indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9). That is, when the positioning surface 72CF is in the retracted position, it is no longer located in a position to receive the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 that has moved downward along the support surface 64F. In this embodiment, the positioning surface 72CF retracts in a direction away from the front side of the support surface 64F. The positioning surface 72CF can cover the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 on the support surface 64F. For this reason, the positioning surface 72CF can smoothly retract in a direction away from the front side of the support surface 64F. The positioning surface 72CF may retract to the rear side of the support surface 64F. When the positioning surface 72CF moves to the retracted position, a gap through which the imaging plate 10 can escape is formed on the extension of the lower side of the support surface 64F. The gap is a slit-like gap formed between the support surface 64F and the positioning surface 72CF when viewed from the underside of the plate-shaped portion 64. The length of the gap is longer than the left-right dimension of the imaging plate 10 (the maximum left-right dimension when multiple sizes are assumed).

[0103] Therefore, when the positioning surface 72CF moves to the retracted position, the imaging plate 10, which has been supported from below by the positioning surface 72CF, can be ejected downward through the gap.

[0104] The positioning portion 72D is provided facing the positioning portion 72C with a gap therebetween. Here, the positioning portion 72D is provided obliquely above the positioning portion 72C along the support surface 64F with a gap therebetween.

[0105] More specifically, a slit 67 is formed in the upper part of the plate-shaped portion 64, extending from its inner edge portion toward the lower side. Here, a plurality (two) of slits 67 are formed at intervals in the horizontal direction. A recess 67g recessed from the other side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64 is formed in the upper part of the other side surface (see Figs. 7 and 9). The positioning portion 72D is separate from the plate-shaped portion 64, and is disposed so as to be movable along the slit 67. The positioning portion 72D includes a positioning main body portion 72Da and a connecting extension portion 72Db.

[0106] The connecting extension part 72Db extends horizontally in the portion where the concave part 67g is formed. The connecting extension part 72Db extends in the direction connecting the plurality of slits 67 and further extends toward the movable support 62 side.

[0107] The positioning main body part 72Da is provided corresponding to the slit 67. Here, a plurality (two) of positioning main body parts 72Da are provided in the number and interval corresponding to the plurality (two) of slits 67. The positioning main body part 72Da is integrally formed on the slit 67 side with respect to the connecting extension part 72Db. The positioning main body part 72Da protrudes toward the support surface 64F through the slit 67. The width of the positioning main body part 72Da is set to a size that can move through the slit 67. The positioning part 72D has convex parts 72Dp that can contact the support surface 64F with respect to both side edge parts of the slit 67. The connecting extension part 72Db contacts the bottom of the concave part 67g, and in a state where the convex parts 72Dp contact both side edge parts of the slit 65 from the support surface 64F side, the positioning main body part 72Da is supported so as to be reciprocally movable along the direction (sub-scanning direction A2) along the slit 67.

[0108] A positioning surface 72DF is formed on the portion of the positioning main body part 72Da facing the positioning part 72C side, that is, the portion facing the positioning surface 72CF. Similar to the positioning surface 72AF, the positioning surface 72DF is formed on a plane whose angle with respect to the support surface 64F is less than 90°. The positioning surface 72DF extends so as to protrude from the support surface 64F from a portion deeper than the support surface 64F in the slit 67 (see FIG. 8).

[0109] The positioning part 72D is movable between a separated position (see FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 9) separated from the positioning part 72C and an approaching position (see FIGS. 3, 7) closer to the positioning part 72C than the separated position. In a state where the stage 60 is located at the set position P1, the positioning part 72D is located at the separated position. In a state where the stage 60 is located at the reading position P2, the positioning part 72D can move to the approaching position.

[0110] When positioning portion 72D is located at the separated position, the distance between positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF is set to be greater than the height of imaging plate 10. When imaging plates 10 of a plurality of sizes are selectively set on stage 60, the distance is set to be greater than the maximum height of imaging plates 10 of the plurality of sizes.

[0111] When positioning portion 72D is located at the approach position, the distance between positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF is set to be smaller than the height of imaging plate 10. When imaging plates 10 of a plurality of sizes are selectively set on stage 60, the distance is set to be smaller than the smallest height of imaging plates 10 of the plurality of sizes.

[0112] Therefore, with the positioning portion 72D located at the separated position, the imaging plate 10 can be disposed between the positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF. Moreover, by moving the positioning portion 72D from the separated position to the close position, the imaging plate 10 can be sandwiched between the positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF.

[0113] More specifically, the imaging plate 10 is placed on the stage 60 with the positioning portion 72D located at the separated position and the positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF separated from each other (see FIGS. 6 and 9). In this state, the imaging plate 10 slides down the support surface 64F due to gravity, so that the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 comes into contact with the positioning surface 72CF. Since the positioning surface 72DF is spaced apart from the positioning surface 72CF by at least the height of the imaging plate 10, the imaging plate 10 fits between the positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF, and the back surface of the imaging plate 10 can be brought into surface contact with the support surface 64F.

[0114] In this state, the positioning surface 72DF moves toward the approach position (positioning surface 72CF). Then, the imaging plate 10 is pushed by the positioning surface 72DF, and the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 is pressed against the positioning surface 72CF.

[0115] As described above, the positioning surface 72DF forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F. Therefore, the upper edge portion of the imaging plate 10 is pressed toward the inside of the edge portion and toward the support surface 64F (see arrow F4).

[0116] Moreover, the positioning surface 72CF is inclined in the opposite direction to the positioning surface 72DF and forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F. Therefore, the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 is pressed toward the support surface 64F while being pressed toward the outside of the edge portion by the positioning surface 72DF (see arrow F3).

[0117] That is, the imaging plate 10 is positioned in the vertical direction by sandwiching the upper and lower edge portions of the imaging plate 10 between the positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF. In addition, both edge portions are pressed toward the support surface 64F by the positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF. As a result, the upper and lower edge portions of the imaging plate 10 are guided so as to be in contact with the support surface 64F without floating above the support surface 64F. In this manner, when the positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF form a characteristic inclination that draws a V-shape (i.e., the surfaces 72CF and 72DF incline in the direction toward the support surface 64F as they move away from the support surface 64F, see FIG. 9), the imaging plate 10 is easily pressed against the support surface 64F while being sandwiched, which is preferable because it can easily support the imaging plate 10 to be maintained in the correct position.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D are an example of a pair of opening / closing positioning portions. In the present embodiment, both of the two opposing surfaces of the pair of opening / closing positioning portions (the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D) form the positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF, and an example has been described in which the distance between the pair of opening / closing positioning portions (the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D) is adjusted by moving one of the pair of opening / closing positioning portions (the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D).

[0119] However, one of the opposing surfaces of the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D may be a positioning surface in the sense that it positions the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from the outside and presses the edge portion against the support surface 64F. In addition, the distance between the pair of opening / closing positioning portions (the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D) may be adjusted by moving both of them.

[0120] Instead of moving at least one of the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D, the stage 60 supporting the imaging plate 10 may move relative to the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D. For example, the opposing positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF may be arranged in a V-shape with a gap therebetween, and the stage 60 holding the imaging plate 10 may move in a direction from the widest gap between the positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF to the narrowest gap, thereby pressing both edge portions of the imaging plate 10 against the opposing positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF. This also allows the imaging plate 10 to be supported between the positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF so as to be pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0121] The pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B and the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D can open and close in different directions to position and clamp the imaging plate 10 in two different directions. Thus, the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B is an example of a pair of first opening / closing positioning portions, and the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D is an example of a pair of second opening / closing positioning portions.

[0122] It is not essential that the positioning surfaces 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF be flat surfaces, as described for the positioning surface 72AF. That is, the positioning surfaces 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF may be provided so as to protrude from the support surface 64F by at least the thickness dimension of the imaging plate 10, and may have a shape including a guide positioning surface formed in a shape that faces in a direction covering the support surface 64F as it moves away from the support surface 64F. Also, the positioning surfaces 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF may be formed in a shape including a guide surface having an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F. Various modifications regarding the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF will be described later.

[0123] <Regarding the drive mechanism of the positioning unit> The drive of the positioning units 72B, 72C, and 72D may be achieved by any configuration. For example, the positioning units 72B, 72C, and 72D may be driven using the force that drives the stage 60. The positioning units 72B, 72C, and 72D may be realized by a drive unit (for example, a motor, a solenoid actuator) different from the drive unit (such as a motor) that drives the stage 60.

[0124] In the present embodiment, the positioning units 72B, 72C, and 72D are driven using the force that drives the stage 60, and the configuration therefor will be described below.

[0125] <Regarding the configuration for moving the positioning unit 72B> A configuration for moving the positioning part 72B will be described. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4 and 6 to 8, the positioning part 72B is supported so as to be movable between a separated position and an approach position with respect to the stage main body 61. The movement direction of the positioning part 72B in the stage main body 61 is the same as the movement direction of the stage main body 61 along the main scanning direction A1. Therefore, the positioning part 72B is an example of a movable positioning part supported so as to be movable with respect to the stage main body 61 along the movement direction of the stage 60.

[0126] The positioning portion 72B is constantly biased in the closing direction, i.e., from the separated position toward the close position, by the biasing portion 72Bs. In this embodiment, the biasing portion 72Bs is a coil spring that is stretched and suspended between the end of the positioning portion 72B on the positioning portion 72A side and the back part of the slit 65 on the back surface side of the plate-shaped portion 64 (see FIGS. 2, 6, 7, and 8). The positioning portion 72B is constantly biased from the separated position toward the close position by the compression force of the coil spring serving as the biasing portion 72Bs.

[0127] A receiving portion 72Bq is formed integrally with the positioning portion 72B. The receiving portion 72Bq is provided on a portion of the positioning portion 72B facing away from the support surface 64F. Here, the receiving portion 72Bq is provided on a longitudinal middle portion of the positioning portion 72B. The receiving portion 72Bq protrudes beyond the rear surface of the plate-shaped portion 64. Regardless of the position of the stage 60, the receiving portion 72Bq can be positioned between a pair of side plates 42. This receiving portion 72Bq can receive a force that moves the stage 60 by contacting one of the side plates 42, which is an example of a fixed arrangement portion, in at least a portion of the movement path of the stage 60.

[0128] When the stage 60 is located at the set position P1, the receiving portion 72Bq contacts the inclined side portion of one of the side plates 42 from the reading position P2 side. This causes the receiving portion 72Bq to be pressed toward the opening side of the slit 65 against the tensile force of the biasing portion 72Bs, and the positioning portion 72B is maintained in the separated position (see FIGS. 2 and 4). In other words, the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B is maintained in the open state.

[0129] When the stage 60 is located at the reading position P2, the contact state between the receiving portion 72Bq and one of the side plates 42 is released. As a result, the positioning portion 72B is urged toward the back side of the slit 65, i.e., toward the approach position, by the pulling force of the urging portion 72Bs (see FIGS. 3 and 7). This keeps the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B in a state in which they sandwich two opposing side edge portions of the imaging plate 10.

[0130] In at least a portion of the section (initial section) in which the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the stage 60 moves toward the reading position P2 while the receiving portion 72Bq is pressed toward one side plate 42 by the tensile force of the biasing portion 72Bs. Considering the stage main body 61 as a reference, the positioning portion 72B gradually moves toward the approaching position in response to the movement of the stage main body 61. This causes the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B to close. The one side plate 42 is an example of a fixed arrangement portion that is arranged at a fixed position during the movement of the stage 60.

[0131] At this time, if the imaging plate 10 is not present between the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B, the positioning part 72B moves to the approaching position. If the imaging plate 10 is present between the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B, the imaging plate 10 is sandwiched between the pair of positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, so that the positioning part 72B moves toward the approaching position until the movement of the positioning part 72B is restricted. In this state, the imaging plate 10 is kept sandwiched between the pair of positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF by the biasing force of the biasing part 72Bs. In this way, the force that moves the stage 60 moves the receiving part 72Bq relative to the stage body, and the receiving part 72Bq allows the positioning part 72B to move to the approaching position, thereby causing the positioning part 72B to perform an opening operation.

[0132] Conversely, in at least a part of the section (later section) in which the stage 60 moves from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, the receiving portion 72Bq comes into contact with one of the side plates 42, and the stage body 61 moves toward the set position P1 while the positioning portion 72B is held at a fixed position relative to the one of the side plates 42. Considering the stage body 61 as a reference, the positioning portion 72B gradually moves toward the separated position in response to the movement of the stage body 61 against the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Bs. This releases the holding of the imaging plate 10 between the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B. That is, the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B are opened. In this way, the receiving portion 72Bq moves the positioning portion 72B toward the separated position by the force that moves the stage 60, thereby causing the positioning portion 72B to perform an opening operation.

[0133] In this embodiment, the stage 60 can be moved to a discharge position P3 further away from the set position P1 (to the opposite side from the reading position P2). When the stage 60 moves to the discharge position P3 while keeping the receiving portion 72Bq in contact with the side plate 42, the positioning portion 72B can be moved to a separated discharge position farther away from the positioning portion 72A than the separated position.

[0134] In this embodiment, a positioning unit operating mechanism is realized that closes the pair of positioning units 72A, 72B as the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, by configuring the biasing unit 72Bs to bias the positioning unit 72B in the closing direction and configuring the receiving unit 72Bq to contact the side plate 42 while the stage 60 is moving.

[0135] In addition, the positioning unit operating mechanism does not need to perform a closing operation on the pair of positioning units 72A, 72B when it receives the force of moving the stage 60. For example, the closing operation may be performed by driving a motor, solenoid actuator, etc. separate from the stage moving mechanism 50 based on the control of the control unit 100 (see Figure 5).

[0136] <Configuration for Moving Positioning Unit 72D> A configuration for moving the positioning portion 72D will be described.

[0137] 2 to 4, 6, 7, and 9, the positioning unit 72D is supported so as to be movable between a separated position and an approach position with respect to the stage body 61. The movement direction of the positioning unit 72D on the stage body 61 is along the sub-scanning direction A2 that intersects with the movement direction of the stage body 61 along the main scanning direction A1. Therefore, the positioning unit 72D is an example of a conversion direction movable positioning unit supported so as to be movable with respect to the stage body 61 along a direction intersecting the movement direction of the stage 60.

[0138] The connecting extension portion 72Db of the positioning portion 72D extends from the positioning main body portion 72Da toward the movable support 62 along the main scanning direction A1. A lower portion of the movable support 62 is fixed to the rear surface side of the plate-shaped portion 64, and a gap is provided between an upper portion of the movable support 62 and an upper portion of the plate-shaped portion 64. The connecting extension portion 72Db extends toward the gap between the upper portion of the movable support 62 and an upper portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 (see FIG. 7).

[0139] A slit 68 extending downward from the upper edge of the plate-shaped portion 64 is formed in a portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 corresponding to the tip of the connecting extension portion 72Db. The auxiliary guide portion 72Dc is fixed to the tip of the connecting extension portion 72Db by screwing or the like. Both ends of the auxiliary guide portion 72Dc contact both side edges of the slit 68 from the front side of the plate-shaped portion 64. The connecting extension portion 72Db itself contacts the plate-shaped portion 64 from the back side. Therefore, the tip of the connecting extension portion 72Db is supported movably along the sub-scanning direction A2 intersecting the main scanning direction A1 while being guided by the slit 68 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0140] The positioning portion 72D is constantly biased in the closing direction, i.e., from the separated position toward the close position, by the biasing portion 72Ds. In this embodiment, the biasing portion 72Ds is a coil spring that is stretched and suspended between the tip end of the connecting extension portion 72Db and the inner part of the slit 68 on the rear surface side of the plate-shaped portion 64 (see Figs. 4, 6, and 7). The positioning portion 72D is constantly biased from the separated position toward the close position by the compression force of the coil spring serving as the biasing portion 72Ds.

[0141] A roller 72Dq is integrally combined with the positioning portion 72D. Here, the roller 72Dq is rotatably supported on the tip of the connecting extension portion 72Db, which faces the opposite side to the support surface 64F. The rotation axis of the roller 72Dq is perpendicular to the main scanning direction A1 and the sub-scanning direction A2. The roller 72Dq is disposed on the rear side of the back surface of the plate-shaped portion 64. Regardless of the position of the stage 60, the roller 72Dq can be positioned between a pair of side plates 42.

[0142] An operating piece 46 capable of contacting the roller 72Dq is provided on one side plate 42 (see also FIG. 11). The operating piece 46 is formed in a long and narrow plate shape extending from a part of the bottom of the recess 42g of one side plate 42 toward the other side plate 42. The operating piece 46 is located in the middle of the movement trajectory of the roller 72Dq accompanying the movement of the stage 60. The tip of the operating piece 46 is formed into an inclined surface 46g that is inclined obliquely with respect to the movement direction of the stage 60. Here, the inclined surface 46g is formed in a shape that faces upward along the movement direction of the stage 60 toward the set position P1. The upward surface 46u of the operating piece 46 is formed in a shape that follows the movement direction of the stage 60. The operating piece 46 is an example of a fixed arrangement part that is arranged at a fixed position during the movement of the stage 60.

[0143] The roller 72Dq can become one element of a receiving part that can receive a force that moves the stage 60 by contacting the operating piece 46, which is a fixed arrangement part, in at least a partial section of the movement path of the stage 60.

[0144] When the stage 60 is in the set position P1, the roller 72Dq contacts the upward surface 46u of the operating piece 46 from above. As a result, the roller 72Dq is kept in a state lifted upward against the tensile force of the biasing portion 72Ds, and the positioning portion 72D is kept in the separated position (see FIGS. 2 and 4). In other words, the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D is kept in an open state.

[0145] When the stage 60 is at the reading position P2, the roller 72Dq moves away from the tip of the operating piece 46 and is not in contact with the operating piece 46. Then, the connecting extension portion 72Db is pulled downward by the pulling force of the biasing portion 72Ds, and the positioning portion 72D is biased toward the approach position (see FIGS. 3 and 7). This keeps the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D sandwiching the upper and lower side edge portions of the imaging plate 10 that face each other.

[0146] In an initial section, which is at least a part of the section in which the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the roller 72Dq is kept in contact with the upward surface 46u of the operating piece 46. Thus, the stage 60 moves toward the reading position P2 while the positioning portion 72D is kept in the separated position.

[0147] When the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the roller 72Dq reaches the inclined surface 46g. Then, due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Ds, the roller 72Dq gradually descends along the inclined surface 46g in accordance with the movement of the stage 60. As a result, the positioning portion 72D moves toward the approach position, and the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D are closed.

[0148] At this time, if the imaging plate 10 is not present between the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D, the positioning portion 72D moves to the approaching position. If the imaging plate 10 is present between the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D, the positioning portion 72D moves toward the approaching position until the imaging plate 10 is sandwiched between the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF, and the movement of the positioning portion 72C is restricted. In this state, the imaging plate 10 is kept sandwiched between the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF by the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Ds. In this way, the roller 72Dq receives the force that moves the stage 60 and changes to a state that allows the positioning portion 72D to move to the approaching position, thereby performing the opening operation.

[0149] The timing of opening and closing the pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B and the timing of opening and closing the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D may be set so that the pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B in the horizontal direction sandwich the imaging plate 10, and then the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D in the upper and lower directions sandwich the imaging plate 10. For example, the timing may be set so that, while the stage 60 is moving toward the reading position P2, the receiving part 72Bq leaves the side plate 42, the positioning part 72B moves toward the approaching position, and then the roller 72Dq reaches the inclined surface 46g and the positioning part 72D moves toward the approaching position. In this embodiment, the operating piece 46 is extended from one side plate 42 toward the other side plate 42, thereby delaying the timing at which the roller 72Dq reaches the inclined surface 46g when the stage 60 moves toward the reading position P2, and thus delaying the timing at which the positioning part 72D moves toward the approaching position.

[0150] By setting as described above, the imaging plate 10 is positioned with high precision relative to the stage 60. That is, when the imaging plate 10 has fallen onto the stage 60, the imaging plate 10 rests on the positioning surface 72CF due to its own weight, and is positioned in the up-down direction. In contrast, the position of the imaging plate 10 has a large degree of freedom in the left-right direction. Therefore, the imaging plate 10 that is not clamped by the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D is positioned in the left-right direction by the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B. After this, the imaging plate 10 is clamped in the up-down direction by the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D. As a result, the imaging plate 10 is positioned with high precision relative to the stage 60 in both the up-down and left-right directions.

[0151] Conversely, in a later section, which is at least a part of the section in which the stage 60 moves from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, when the roller 72Dq comes into contact with the inclined surface 46g of the operating piece 46, the roller 72Dq moves upward along the inclined surface 46g. As a result, the positioning portion 72D moves toward the separated position. Considering the stage body 61 as a reference, the positioning portion 72D gradually moves toward the separated position in response to the movement of the stage body 61 against the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Ds. As a result, the holding of the imaging plate 10 between the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D is released. That is, in at least a part of the section in which the stage 60 moves from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, the roller 72Dq comes into contact with the inclined surface 46g, and the positioning portion 72D moves along a direction intersecting the moving direction of the stage 60, thereby operating the pair of opening / closing positioning portions 72C, 72D. When the roller 72Dq reaches the upward surface 46u of the operating piece 46, the roller 72Dq moves on the upward surface 46u. Therefore, the positioning portion 72D is maintained in a state where it is located at the separated position.

[0152] In this way, the rollers 72Dq receive the force that moves the stage 60, and move the positioning portion 72D toward the separated position, thereby causing the positioning portion 72D to perform the opening operation.

[0153] In this embodiment, a positioning unit operating mechanism is realized that closes the pair of positioning units 72A, 72B as the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, by configuring the biasing unit 72Ds to bias the positioning unit 72D in the closing direction and configuring the roller 72Dq to contact the operating piece 46 while the stage 60 is moving.

[0154] In addition, the positioning unit operating mechanism does not need to perform a closing operation on the pair of positioning units 72C, 72D when it receives the force that moves the stage 60. For example, the closing operation may be performed by driving a motor, solenoid actuator, etc. separate from the stage moving mechanism 50 based on the control of the control unit 100 (see Figure 5).

[0155] It is not necessary for both the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D to have a positioning surface in the sense of positioning the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from its outside and pressing the edge portion against the support surface 64F. For example, one of the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D may have a surface that extends perpendicularly from the support surface 64F and positions the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from its outside, but does not have the function of pressing against the support surface 64F. Even in this case, the other of the positioning portion 72C and the positioning portion 72D can position the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from its outside and press it against the support surface 64F.

[0156] When at least one of the pair of left and right positioning portions 72A, 72B has a function of pressing the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 against the support surface 64F, it is not necessary for the pair of upper and lower positioning portions 72C, 72D to press the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 against the support surface 64F. In this case, the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D may have a surface that positions the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from its outer side but does not have a function of pressing it against the support surface 64F, for example, a surface perpendicular to the support surface 64F. Furthermore, in this case, the upper positioning portion 72D may be omitted, and the lower positioning portion 72C may support the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from below to perform positioning in the up and down direction.

[0157] As described above, a pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B (positioning in the main scanning direction A1) and 72C, 72D (positioning in the sub-scanning direction A2) with two different directions have been described. The configuration of the positioning part operation mechanism is not limited to the above. In order to reliably maintain the correct posture of the imaging plate, the above is a preferable configuration, but it is preferable to have at least positioning in the sub-scanning direction (positioning using the positioning parts 72D and 72C in this embodiment). In paragraph 0149, we described accurate positioning, but we will add a further note. When the imaging plate is significantly deflected (curved) during X-ray photography of teeth using the imaging plate, it is essential to obtain clear and fine image data that the latent image of the imaging plate is read in a state where the deflection is reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the order of positioning is correction by contacting the long side of the imaging plate (in this embodiment, positioning by moving the positioning part 72D) followed by correction by contacting the short side of the imaging plate (in this embodiment, positioning by moving the positioning part 72B). Since the large deflection that occurs in the imaging plate is first corrected by positioning portion 72D and positioning surface 72DF, it becomes easy to securely clamp the imaging plate by positioning in the sub-scanning direction A2 (positioning by positioning portions 72D and 72C) and then positioning in the main scanning direction A1 (positioning by positioning portions 72B and 72A).

[0158] <Configuration for Moving Positioning Part 72C> A configuration for moving the positioning part 72C will be described. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the stage 60. In Figs. 9 and 10, the positioning part 72C at the contact position is indicated by a solid line, and the positioning part 72C at the retracted position is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0159] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the positioning portion 72C is supported so as to be movable between a contact position and a retracted position. The positioning portion 72C is biased toward the contact position by a biasing portion 72Cs. The biasing portion 72Cs is, for example, a torsion coil spring. For example, such a torsion coil spring is attached to a shaft portion that rotatably supports the positioning portion 72C, and one end of the spring is connected to the plate-shaped portion 64 and the other end is connected to the positioning portion 72C, thereby biasing the positioning portion 72C toward the contact position. When the stage 60 is located at the set position P1 and the reading position P2, the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Cs keeps the positioning portion 72C at the contact position.

[0160] An extension shaft 72Ca extending from one end of the positioning portion 72C penetrates a portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 on the movable support 62 side and protrudes from a side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64. The extension shaft 72Ca is provided so as not to rotate relative to the positioning portion 72C, and rotates together with the positioning portion 72C.

[0161] When the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the discharge position P3, the positioning portion 72B moves from the separated position in a direction further away from the positioning portion 72A. Then, the force moving the positioning portion 72B is transmitted to the extension shaft portion 72Ca via the relay piece 78. This causes the extension shaft portion 72Ca to rotate, and the positioning portion 72C can rotate from the contact position to the retracted position against the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Cs. In other words, the force moving the stage 60 from the set position P1 to the discharge position P3 is transmitted via the positioning portion 72B and the relay piece 78 as a force moving the positioning portion 72C from the contact position to the retracted position.

[0162] More specifically, a relay piece 78 is movably supported on a portion of the stage body 61 on the movable support body 62 side. The movement direction of the relay piece 78 is a direction intersecting the movement direction of the positioning portion 72B, here the sub-scanning direction A2.

[0163] The relay piece 78 is formed in an elongated shape. A guide protrusion 62g extending along the sub-scanning direction A2 is formed on the surface of the movable support 62 to which the plate-shaped portion 64 is fixed, at a position away from the side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64. The relay piece 78 is supported movably within a space surrounded by the surface of the movable support 62 to which the plate-shaped portion 64 is fixed, the guide protrusion 62g, the side surface of the plate-shaped portion 64, and the extension shaft portion 72Ca.

[0164] An inclined surface 72Bg is formed at an end of the positioning portion 72B opposite to the positioning surface 72BF, inclining upward in the direction in which the positioning portion 72B moves to the separated position. The upper end of the relay piece 78 faces the inclined surface 72Bg. An inclined surface 78g is formed at this end, inclining upward in the direction in which the positioning portion 72B moves to the separated position. The inclined surface 72Bg and the inclined surface 78g may be parallel to each other. When the positioning portion 72B is in the approach position, a gap is provided between the inclined surface 72Bg and the inclined surface 78g. When the positioning portion 72B is in the separated position, a (slight) gap is provided between the inclined surface 72Bg and the inclined surface 78g, or the inclined surface 72Bg and the inclined surface 78g start to contact each other. When the positioning portion 72B moves from the separated position in a direction further away from the positioning portion 72A, the inclined surface 72Bg presses the inclined surface 78g, and presses the relay piece 78 downward.

[0165] A longitudinal intermediate portion of the relay piece 78 intersects with the extension shaft portion 72Ca. A recess 78h is formed in the portion of the relay piece 78 that intersects with the extension shaft portion 72Ca. An end portion of the relay piece 78 is disposed within the recess 78h. Therefore, the movable range of the relay piece 78 is restricted to a range in which the end portion of the extension shaft portion 72Ca can move within the recess 78h.

[0166] A pin-shaped portion 78p protrudes from the bottom of the recess 78h. A recess into which the pin-shaped portion 78p fits is formed at the end of the extension shaft portion 72Ca. With the extension shaft portion 72Ca disposed in the recess 78h, the pin-shaped portion 78p fits into the recess of the extension shaft portion 72Ca. In this state, a gap is formed between the pin-shaped portion 78p and the inner circumferential surface of the recess of the extension shaft portion 72Ca and the extension shaft portion 72Ca.

[0167] In a normal state, the positioning portion 72C is constantly biased toward the contact position by the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Cs. This biasing force also rotates the extension shaft portion 72Ca, and this biasing force causes the recess formed in the extension shaft portion 72Ca to face obliquely upward within the recess 78h. This causes the pin-shaped portion 78p to be lifted upward, and the relay piece 78 to be lifted upward. When the positioning portion 72B is in the separated position or a position closer to the separated position, the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Cs causes the relay piece 78 to be positioned upward.

[0168] When the positioning portion 72B moves in a direction away from the positioning portion 72A from the separated position, the inclined surface 72Bg presses the inclined surface 78g. This causes the relay piece 78 to be pressed down. Then, the pin-shaped portion 78p also moves down, so that the recess of the extension shaft portion 72Ca into which the pin-shaped portion 78p was fitted faces diagonally downward. This causes the extension shaft portion 72Ca to rotate, and the positioning portion 72C rotates from the contact position to the retracted position against the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Cs. Then, the imaging plate 10 supported on the positioning surface 72CF passes through the gap between the support surface 64F and the positioning surface 72CF and is ejected.

[0169] When the positioning portion 72C returns to the separated position, the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Cs causes the positioning portion 72C to return from the retracted position to the contact position, and the positioning portion 72C returns to the normal state.

[0170] In this embodiment, the positioning unit 72C is moved between the contact position and the retracted position by the force of moving the stage 60, but this is not necessarily required. The positioning unit 72C may be moved by operating a drive unit (e.g., a motor, a solenoid actuator, etc.) other than the motor that moves the stage 60 under the control of the control unit 100.

[0171] <Operation> An example of the operation of the reading device 20 will now be described.

[0172] In the initial state, the stage 60 is located at the set position P1 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). In this state, as shown in FIG. 11, the receiving portion 72Bq of the positioning portion 72B is in contact with one of the side plates 42, so that the positioning portion 72B is located at the separated position (see FIGS. 6 and 10). Therefore, the pair of positioning portions 72A and 72B are in an open state. Also, the roller 72Dq is in contact with the upward surface 46u of the operating piece 46, so that the positioning portion 72D is located at the separated position (FIGS. 6 and 10). Also, the positioning portion 72C is located at the contact position due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Cs (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Note that FIG. 11 shows the state of the stage 60 viewed from the back side when the stage 60 is located at the set position P1.

[0173] In this state, the imaging plate 10 is inserted into the slit 68 in the setting section 31 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The imaging plate 10 reaches the support surface 64F of the stage 60 while being guided by the setting guide surface 31GS. The lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 slides down the support surface 64F and is placed on the lower positioning portion 72C. The imaging plate 10 is also inclined so as to fall toward the support surface 64F, and the back surface of the imaging plate 10 faces the support surface 64F.

[0174] When an instruction for reading in the reading device 20 is input, the stage 60 is moved from the set position P1 toward the reading position P2 by the driving of the stage moving mechanism 50. As shown in FIG. 12, as the stage 60 moves relative to the side plate 42, the side plate 42 that was in contact with the receiving portion 72Bq moves relatively toward the positioning portion 72A, so that the movement of the positioning portion 72B toward the positioning portion 72A is permitted. Then, due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Bs, the positioning portion 72B moves relatively to the plate-shaped portion 64 and approaches the positioning portion 72A. When the positioning surface 72BF comes into contact with a side edge portion on one side of the imaging plate 10 during the movement of the positioning portion 72B, the imaging plate 10 is pushed toward the positioning surface 72AF on the opposite side. When the imaging plate 10 slides on the lower positioning surface 72CF and the opposite side edge portion of the imaging plate 10 comes into contact with the positioning surface 72AF, the pair of positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF sandwich both side edge portions of the imaging plate 10 from the left and right. Because the pair of positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF form an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F, the pair of positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF press both side edge portions of the imaging plate 10 toward the support surface 64F while positioning the imaging plate 10 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 8).

[0175] 12, when the stage 60 is moving from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the roller 72Dq reaches the inclined surface 46g from the upward surface 46u of the operating piece 46. Then, the positioning portion 72D can move from the separated position to the approaching position. The positioning portion 72D is urged toward the approaching position by the urging force of the urging portion 72Ds, so that the roller 72Dq moves down along the inclined surface 46g with the movement of the stage 60, and the positioning portion 72D moves toward the approaching position. When the positioning surface 72DF comes into contact with the upper edge portion of the imaging plate 10 during the movement of the positioning portion 72D, the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 is pushed toward the lower positioning surface 72CF. As a result, the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF sandwich the upper and lower edge portions of the imaging plate 10 from both the upper and lower sides. Because the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF form an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F, the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF position the imaging plate 10 in the vertical direction while pressing both the upper and lower edge portions of the imaging plate 10 toward the support surface 64F (see Figure 9).

[0176] Therefore, the imaging plate 10 is held in a state where the upper, lower, left and right edge portions of the imaging plate 10 are pressed against the support surface 64F at fixed positions. In this state, the stage 60 reaches the reading position P2, and the latent image on the imaging plate 10 is read by the reading unit 90 at the reading position P2.

[0177] After the reading by the reading unit 90 is completed, the stage 60 returns to the set position P1. During the movement, the above-mentioned operations are performed in reverse, and the holding of the imaging plate 10 by the stage 60 is released.

[0178] That is, while the stage 60 is returning from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, the roller 72Dq comes into contact with the inclined surface 46g of the operating piece 46. As the stage 60 moves, the roller 72Dq moves upward along the inclined surface 46g, and the positioning part 72D moves to the separated position (see FIG. 10). The roller 72Dq moves along the upward surface 46u of the operating piece, so that the positioning part 72D is maintained in the separated position while the stage 60 is located at the set position P1 and the discharge position P3.

[0179] Furthermore, when the stage 60 is returning from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, the receiving portion 72Bq comes into contact with one of the side plates 42 (see FIG. 10). With the receiving portion 72Bq in contact with the one of the side plates 42 and positioned as it is, the stage 60 moves, causing the positioning portion 72B to move toward the separated position. Even when the stage 60 reaches the set position P1, the receiving portion 72Bq remains in contact with the side plate 42, and therefore the positioning portion 72B remains positioned at the separated position.

[0180] In this state, positioning portion 72B moves in the main scanning direction A1 in a direction away from positioning portion 72A, the distance between the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B increases, and the state in which imaging plate 10 is sandwiched in the main scanning direction A1 is released. Also, positioning portion 72D moves in the sub-scanning direction A2 in a direction away from positioning portion C, the distance between the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D increases, and the state in which imaging plate 10 is sandwiched in the sub-scanning direction A2 is released.

[0181] When the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 toward the discharge position P3, the inclined surface 72Bg of the positioning portion 72C comes into contact with the inclined surface 78g of the relay piece 78, and presses down the relay piece 78 (see FIG. 10). This causes the extension shaft portion 72Ca to rotate, which rotates the positioning portion 72C. Then, the positioning surface 72CF moves from the contact position to the retracted position, and the imaging plate 10 supported on the positioning surface 72CF passes through the gap between the support surface 64F and the positioning surface 72CF and is discharged to the outlet 32 ​​(see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0182] After that, the stage 60 returns from the discharge position P3 to the set position P1. Then, the positioning portion 72C rotates and moves so that the positioning surface 72CF returns to the contact position by the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Cs. In this state, as described above, the imaging plate 10 can be set on the stage 60 at the set position P1.

[0183] <Effects, etc.> In the radiation image reading device 20 configured in this manner, the edge portions of the imaging plate 10 come into contact with the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF, thereby maintaining the imaging plate 10 in the correct position. Also, the edge portions of the imaging plate are pressed against the support surfaces by the positioning surfaces. This allows the imaging plate 10 to be maintained in the correct position and in contact with the support surfaces.

[0184] If the imaging plate 10 is held on the stage 60 by being attracted by magnetic force or the like, the imaging plate 10 may tilt on the stage 60. Alternatively, if the imaging plate 10 is accidentally placed in a position where the magnetic force does not work, the imaging plate 10 may fall off the stage. Also, if the imaging plate 10 is held only by a positioning surface perpendicular to the support surface 64F, the imaging plate 10 may partially float from the support surface 64F if the imaging plate 10 is curved (warped). In such a case, the distance between each part of the reading surface of the imaging plate 10 and the reading unit 90 varies, and the read image may become blurred. Here, the occurrence of bending of the imaging plate will be described. In X-ray photography of teeth using an imaging plate, the imaging plate is inserted into the oral cavity of the person or animal to be photographed. At this time, depending on the imaging method or means, it may be necessary to align the imaging plate with the curved dentition, and the imaging plate may bend from its flat state before use in imaging due to the external force it receives in the oral cavity. This bending of the imaging plate caused by the external force applied to the imaging plate when it is set in the oral cavity may become an obstacle to reading the captured image in detail.

[0185] According to the present reading device 20, the imaging plate 10 is held on the stage 60 in a normal position and in surface contact with the support surface 64F, so that the radiation image can be read clearly in a predetermined normal position.

[0186] In addition, the positioning mechanism 70 includes positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF that are arranged to protrude from the support surface 64F by at least the thickness dimension of the imaging plate 10 and are formed in a shape that tends to cover the support surface 64F as they move away from the support surface 64F.As a result, the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF are pressed relative to the edge portions of the imaging plate 10, so that the edge portions of the imaging plate 10 are positioned within the support surface 64F while being pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0187] For example, if the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF include guide surfaces that form an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F, the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 can be smoothly pressed against the support surface by utilizing the inclination of the guide surfaces.

[0188] Moreover, the positioning mechanism 70 includes a pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B (or a pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D) as a pair of opening / closing positioning parts, and the distance between the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D) is adjusted by moving at least one of them. Therefore, when the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D) is in an open state, the imaging plate 10 is easily placed between them. In this state, when the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D) is closed so as to reduce the distance between them, two opposing edge parts of the imaging plate 10 are sandwiched by the two opposing positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF (or the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF) of the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D), and the imaging plate 10 is maintained in a normal position and the imaging plate 10 comes into contact with the support surface 64F.

[0189] Furthermore, by closing the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D) in accordance with the movement of the stage 60 from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the imaging plate 10 with the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D) open can be easily set at the set position P1. Furthermore, by moving the stage 60 to the reading position P2 after the imaging plate 10 is set, the imaging plate 10 is held in the correct position and in contact with the support surface 64F, and can be held stably even if part of the device moves.

[0190] Moreover, the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D includes the positioning part 72C as a variable positioning part that can change its position between the contact position and the retracted position. Therefore, the imaging plate 10 can be easily removed from the stage 60 by moving the positioning part 72C to the retracted position.

[0191] Furthermore, the stage 60 is movable between the set position P1 and the discharge position P3, and when the stage 60 is in the set position P1, the positioning part 72C is in the contact position, and when the stage 60 is in the discharge position P3, the positioning part 72C moves to the discharge position. Thus, by positioning the stage 60 at the discharge position, the imaging plate 10 on the positioning surface 72CF can be moved toward the positioning surface 72CF, and the imaging plate 10 can be easily removed from the stage 60.

[0192] In addition, as the stage moving mechanism 50 moves the stage 60 from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D) are opened, so that after the imaging plate 10 is read, the imaging plate 10 can be easily removed from the stage 60.

[0193] Furthermore, as at least a portion of the stage 60 moves, the receiving portion 72Bq (or the roller 72Dq as the receiving portion) comes into contact with the side plate 42 (or the operating piece 46) and receives a force that moves the stage 60. Then, the receiving portion 72Bq (or the roller 72Dq) causes the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D) to perform at least one of a closing operation and an opening operation. This makes it possible to reduce the number of driving mechanisms such as motors.

[0194] The positioning unit operating mechanism also includes a biasing unit 72Bs (or a biasing unit 72Ds) that constantly applies a force in the closing direction to the pair of positioning units 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning units 72C, 72D). In at least a portion of the section in which the stage 60 moves from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, the receiving unit 72Bq (or the roller 72Dq) comes into contact with the side plate 42 (or the operating piece 46) to open the pair of positioning units 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning units 72C, 72D), and when the stage 60 is positioned at the set position P1, the pair of positioning units 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning units 72C, 72D) is kept in the open state. Furthermore, in at least a portion of the section in which the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D) are closed by the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Bs (or the biasing portion 72Ds), and in a state in which the stage 60 is located at the reading position P2, two opposing edge portions of the imaging plate 10 are kept sandwiched between the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D) by the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Bs (or the biasing portion 72Ds). Therefore, as the stage 60 moves, the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D) can be opened and closed. When the stage 60 is positioned at the reading position P2, the biasing force of the biasing portion 72Bs (or the biasing portion 72Ds) causes the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B (or the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D) to clamp two edge portions of the imaging plate, thereby more securely holding the imaging plate 10.

[0195] Furthermore, with regard to the horizontal positioning of the imaging plate 10, the positioning portion 72B is supported movably relative to the stage body 61 along the movement direction of the stage 60, and the receiving portion 72Bq is configured integrally with the positioning portion 72B. Then, in at least a portion of the section in which the stage 60 moves from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, the receiving portion 72Bq comes into contact with the side plate 42 to move the positioning portion 72B along the movement direction of the stage 60, thereby operating the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B. Therefore, the pair of positioning portions 72A, 72B can be opened and closed with a simple configuration.

[0196] Furthermore, with regard to the positioning of the imaging plate 10 in the up-down direction, the positioning part 72D is supported movably relative to the stage body 61 along a direction intersecting with the movement direction of the stage 60, and the actuating piece 46 includes an inclined surface 46g inclined with respect to the movement direction of the stage 60. In at least a portion of the section in which the stage 60 moves from the reading position P2 to the set position P1, the roller 72Dq comes into contact with the inclined surface 46g to move the positioning part 72D along a direction intersecting with the movement direction of the stage 60, thereby operating the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D. Therefore, the pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D can be operated in the direction intersecting with the movement direction of the stage 60.

[0197] Note that a roller may be provided on the side of the operating piece 46, and an inclined surface having the same inclination as the inclined surface 46g may be provided on the positioning portion 72D instead of a roller. Even in this case, the positioning portion 72D can be moved upward by pressing the inclined surface against the roller in the same manner as above, and the pair of positioning portions 72C, 72D can be operated in the same manner as above.

[0198] In addition, the pair of opening / closing positioning parts includes a pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B and a pair of positioning parts 72C, 72D, which open and close in different directions, so that the imaging plate 10 can be clamped in two different directions.

[0199] Furthermore, the support surface 64F is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, and the positioning mechanism 70 includes, as a positioning surface, a positioning surface 72CF that receives the lower edge of the imaging plate 10 moving downward along the support surface 64F. Therefore, the imaging plate 10 can be easily placed on the support surface 64F in an inclined position, and the imaging plate 10 is easily positioned by the positioning surface 72CF as the imaging plate 10 slides down on the support surface 64F.

[0200] Furthermore, the housing 30 is provided with a position for guiding the imaging plate 10 toward the support surface 64F, i.e., a setting guide surface 31GS for guiding the imaging plate 10 toward the support surface 64F. Therefore, the imaging plate 10 is easily positioned by the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72DF without exceeding the positioning surfaces.

[0201] <Modification of positioning surface> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, and 72CF include a guide surface that forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F, and the guide surface is a flat surface.

[0202] The positioning surface may have any shape as long as it is provided so as to protrude from the support surface 64F by at least the thickness dimension of the imaging plate 10 and includes a guide positioning surface formed in a shape that faces in a direction covering the support surface 64F as it moves away from the support surface 64F. Examples of this shape are shown in Figures 13 to 17.

[0203] The positioning surface may be formed in a shape including a guide surface that forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F, and in this case, the guide surface may not be a flat surface, but may be a curved surface, or a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface. When the guide surface includes a curved surface, it is sufficient that the tangent plane of the curved surface forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the support surface 64F. Examples of this shape are shown in Figures 13 to 16.

[0204] 13 to 17 show an example in which positioning surfaces 110, 111, 112, 113, and 114 are formed instead of the positioning surface 72DF. The positioning surfaces 110, 111, 112, 113, and 114 described therein can also be applied as positioning surfaces instead of the other positioning surfaces 72AF, 72BF, and 72CF.

[0205] In the modification shown in Fig. 13, the positioning surface 110 is configured by a composite curved surface. When observed in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the positioning portion 72D, the portion of the positioning surface 110 closer to the support surface 64F forms a curved surface that is concave toward the outside, and the portion of the positioning surface 110 farther from the support surface 64F forms a curved surface that is convex toward the outside. In other words, it forms a curved surface like a tilted S letter. The angle of the positioning surface 110 with respect to the support surface 64F gradually decreases from an angle close to 90 degrees within a range of less than 90 degrees as it moves away from the support surface 64F, and then changes to an angle close to 90 degrees again.

[0206] In this case, as the positioning surface 110 approaches the edge portion of the imaging plate 10, the edge portion is positioned at a fixed position in the direction of the support surface 64F and the edge portion is pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0207] 14, the positioning surface 111 is configured by a monotonically curved surface. When observed in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the positioning portion 72D, the positioning surface 111 forms an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the outside. The angle of the positioning surface 111 with respect to the support surface 64F changes so as to gradually decrease from an angle close to 90° to a range less than 90° as it moves away from the support surface 64F.

[0208] Even in this case, the positioning surface 111 approaches the edge portion of the imaging plate 10, so that the edge portion is positioned at a fixed position in the direction of the support surface 64F and the edge portion is pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0209] 15, the positioning surface 112 is composed of a plurality of inclined surfaces. When observed in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the positioning portion 72D, a portion of the positioning surface 112 closer to the support surface 64F forms a first inclined surface 112a, and a portion of the positioning surface 112 farther from the support surface 64F forms a second inclined surface 112b. The angle of the first inclined surface 112a relative to the support surface 64F is greater than the angle of the second inclined surface 112b relative to the support surface 64F.

[0210] Even in this case, the positioning surface 112 approaches the edge portion of the imaging plate 10, so that the edge portion is positioned at a fixed position in the direction of the support surface 64F and the edge portion is pressed against the support surface 64F.

[0211] 16, the positioning surface 113 has an inclined surface formed by a flat surface, similar to the positioning surface 72DF. An inclined surface 113f that forms an angle of 90° or more with the support surface 64F is formed on the side farther from the support surface 64F than the positioning surface 113. In this way, a surface that forms an angle of 90° or more with the support surface 64F may be formed on the side of the positioning surface 113 that is farther from the support surface 64F.

[0212] 17, the positioning surface 114 is composed of a plurality of inclined surfaces. When observed in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the positioning portion 72D, the positioning surface 114 is configured such that orthogonal surfaces 114a perpendicular to the support surface 64F and parallel surfaces 114b parallel to the support surface 64F are alternately formed. In other words, the positioning surface 114 is formed in a stepped protruding shape so as to cover the support surface 64F as it moves away from the support surface 64F.

[0213] In this case, when the positioning surface 114 approaches the edge portion of the imaging plate 10, the edge portion is pressed against the positioning surface 114 while being displaced only in a direction approaching the support surface 64F with respect to the multiple step orthogonal surfaces 114a. Therefore, it is expected that the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 is positioned while being pressed against the support surface 64F. In particular, if the step width is narrow (for example, smaller than the thickness of the imaging plate 10 or 1 / 2 the thickness), it is expected that the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 is displaced so as to gradually approach the support surface 64F. This positioning surface 114 also positions the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 at a certain position in the direction of the support surface 64F, and the edge portion is pressed against the support surface 64F. In addition to the step shape, the positioning surface may be configured to be wavy (not shown). That is, an orthogonal surface (corresponding to 114a) perpendicular to the support surface 64F and a parallel surface (corresponding to 114b) parallel to the support surface 64F may be connected via a curved surface. Alternatively, a continuous wavy, continuously curved surface may extend generally in a direction toward overhanging the support surface 64F as it moves away from the support surface 64F.

[0214] {Variation} In the above embodiment, various directions and postures, such as the moving direction of the stage 60 and the holding posture of the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60, are arbitrary. For example, the stage 60 may move along the up-down direction (vertical direction) or a direction tilted from the up-down direction. Also, the imaging plate 10 may be held on the stage 60 in a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the imaging plate 10 is aligned with the up-down direction (a posture in which the posture of the imaging plate 10 in this embodiment is rotated 90 degrees to the left or right). The present invention can be implemented not only in the embodiment of the horizontal reading device as shown in FIG. 1, but also in the embodiment of the vertical reading device. Also, the support surface 64F of the stage 60 may be configured as a curved surface other than a flat surface. When the imaging plate 10 is bent, if the support surface 64F is a gently curved surface, the contact area between the bending of the imaging plate 10 and the curved surface of the support surface 64F can be increased, making it easier to guide the imaging plate 10 to the correct position.

[0215] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0216] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0217] <Additional Notes> The present specification and drawings disclose the following aspects.

[0218] A first aspect is a radiation image reading device that reads a radiation image from an imaging plate, the device comprising: a stage that holds the imaging plate; an excitation light source that irradiates the imaging plate held on the stage with excitation light; and a photodetector that detects emission light from the imaging plate due to the excitation light, wherein the stage comprises a stage body having a support surface that is capable of surface-contacting the back surface of the imaging plate; and a positioning mechanism having a positioning surface that comes into contact with an edge portion of the imaging plate supported on the support surface, and that positions the edge portion from outside thereof in the extension direction of the support surface and presses the edge portion against the support surface.

[0219] According to the first aspect, the imaging plate is held in a normal position by contacting the edge portion of the imaging plate with the positioning surface. Also, the edge portion of the imaging plate is pressed against the support surface by the positioning surface. This allows the imaging plate to be held in the normal position and in contact with the support surface.

[0220] A second aspect is the radiation image reading device according to the first aspect, wherein the positioning mechanism includes, as the positioning surface, a guide positioning surface that is provided so as to protrude from the support surface by at least the thickness dimension of the imaging plate and is shaped so as to face in a direction covering the support surface as it moves away from the support surface. In this case, since the guide positioning surface is shaped so as to face in a direction covering the support surface as it moves away from the support surface, the edge portion of the imaging plate acts to be pressed against the support surface.

[0221] A third aspect is the radiation image reading device according to the second aspect, wherein the guide positioning surface includes a guide surface that forms an angle with respect to the support surface of less than 90°. In this case, the edge portion of the imaging plate is pressed against the guide surface, whereby the edge portion is smoothly pressed against the support surface.

[0222] A fourth aspect is a radiological image reading device relating to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a pair of opening / closing positioning parts, at least one of two opposing surfaces of the pair of opening / closing positioning parts forms at least a part of the positioning surface, and the distance between the pair of opening / closing positioning parts is adjusted by moving at least one of the pair of opening / closing positioning parts.

[0223] In this case, when the pair of opening / closing positioning parts are open, the imaging plate can be easily positioned between the pair of opening / closing positioning parts. In this state, when the pair of opening / closing positioning parts are closed to reduce the distance between them, two opposing surfaces of the pair of opening / closing positioning parts pinch two opposing edge portions of the imaging plate, and the imaging plate is maintained in the correct position. At this time, the guide surfaces guide the edge portions of the imaging plate toward the support surface, so that the imaging plate comes into contact with the support surface.

[0224] A fifth aspect is the radiation image reading device according to the fourth aspect, further comprising a stage moving mechanism that moves the stage between a set position where the imaging plate is set relative to the stage and a read position where the photodetector reads the radiation image in response to excitation light from the excitation light source, and a positioning unit operating mechanism that closes the pair of opening / closing positioning units as the stage moves from the set position to the read position by the stage moving mechanism. In this case, the imaging plate can be easily set at the set position by opening the pair of opening / closing positioning units. After the imaging plate is set, the stage is moved to the read position, whereby the imaging plate can be stably held in a normal position and in contact with a support surface even if part of the device moves.

[0225] A sixth aspect is the radiation image reading device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the pair of opening / closing positioning parts include variable positioning parts that are positionable between a contact position where the positioning surfaces face the edge portion of the imaging plate on the support surface and a retracted position where the positioning surfaces are retracted from the edge portion of the imaging plate on the support surface, thereby making it possible to easily remove the imaging plate from the stage by moving the positioning surfaces to the retracted position.

[0226] A seventh aspect is the radiation image reading device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the stage moving mechanism moves the stage to an ejection position that is farther away from the set position than the reading position, and the variable positioning unit is maintained at the contact position when the stage is located between the set position and the reading position, and is changed to the retracted position when the stage is located at the ejection position. Thus, by positioning the stage at the ejection position, the imaging plate on the positioning surface can be moved toward the variable positioning unit, and the imaging plate can be easily removed from the stage.

[0227] An eighth aspect is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the positioning unit operating mechanism opens the pair of opening / closing positioning units in accordance with the stage moving mechanism moving the stage from the reading position to the set position. In this case, after the imaging plate is read, when the imaging plate moves from the reading position to the set position, the pair of opening / closing positioning units are opened. This allows the imaging plate to be easily removed from the stage.

[0228] A ninth aspect is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, further comprising a fixed arrangement part that is arranged at a fixed position during movement of the stage, and the positioning part operating mechanism includes a receiving part that receives a force by which the stage moving mechanism moves the stage by contacting the fixed arrangement part through movement of at least a portion of the stage, and the receiving part receives the force by which the stage moving mechanism moves the stage and causes at least one of the closing operation and the opening operation of the pair of opening / closing positioning parts to be performed. This makes it possible to cause at least one of the closing operation and the opening operation of the pair of opening / closing positioning parts to be performed by the force by which the stage moving mechanism moves the stage, and reduces the number of driving mechanisms such as motors.

[0229] A tenth aspect is the radiation image reading device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the positioning unit operating mechanism includes a biasing unit which constantly applies a force in a closing direction to the pair of opening / closing positioning units, and the receiving unit opens the pair of opening / closing positioning units by contacting the fixed portion during at least a portion of the section in which the stage moves from the reading position to the set position, and maintains the pair of opening / closing positioning units in an open state when the stage is located at the set position, and closes the pair of opening / closing positioning units by the biasing force of the biasing unit during at least a portion of the section in which the stage moves from the set position to the reading position, and maintains two opposing edge portions of the imaging plate sandwiched between the pair of opening / closing positioning units by the biasing force of the biasing unit when the stage is located at the reading position.

[0230] This allows the pair of opening / closing positioning parts to open and close as the stage moves. When the stage is in the reading position, the biasing force of the biasing part causes the pair of opening / closing positioning parts to sandwich two edge parts of the imaging plate, thereby more securely holding the imaging plate.

[0231] An eleventh aspect is the radiation image reading device according to the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the pair of opening / closing positioning parts include movable positioning parts supported movably relative to the stage body along the moving direction of the stage, the receiving part is configured integrally with the movable positioning parts, and in at least a part of a section in which the stage moves from the reading position to the set position, the receiving part comes into contact with the fixed arrangement part to move the movable positioning parts along the moving direction of the stage to operate the pair of opening / closing positioning parts, thereby allowing the pair of opening / closing positioning parts to be opened and closed in the moving direction of the stage.

[0232] A twelfth aspect is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, wherein the pair of opening / closing positioning parts include conversion direction movable positioning parts supported movably with respect to the stage body along a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the stage, one of the receiving part and the fixed arrangement part includes an inclined surface inclined with respect to the moving direction of the stage, the other of the receiving part and the fixed arrangement part includes a roller movable along the inclined surface, and in at least a part of a section in which the stage moves from the reading position to the set position, the roller comes into contact with the inclined surface to move the conversion direction movable positioning parts along a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the stage, thereby operating the pair of opening / closing positioning parts. This allows the pair of opening / closing positioning parts to be opened and closed in the direction intersecting with the moving direction of the stage.

[0233] In a thirteenth aspect, in the radiation image reading device according to any one of the fourth to twelfth aspects, the positioning mechanism includes a pair of first positioning parts and a pair of second positioning parts as the pair of positioning parts, and the pair of first positioning parts and the pair of second positioning parts open and close in different directions, thereby making it possible to clamp the imaging plate in two different directions.

[0234] A fourteenth aspect is the radiation image reading device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the support surface is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, and the positioning mechanism includes, as the positioning surface, a surface for receiving a lower edge portion of the imaging plate moving downward along the support surface. This makes it possible to easily place the imaging plate on the inclined support surface, and the imaging plate slides down on the support surface, whereby it is easily positioned by the positioning surface.

[0235] A fifteenth aspect is the radiation image reading device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, further comprising a housing that houses the stage, the excitation light source, and the photodetector, and the housing is provided with a setting guide surface that guides the imaging plate toward the support surface. In this case, the imaging plate is easily positioned by the positioning surface without going beyond the positioning surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0236] 10 Imaging Plate 11 Radiographic image forming layer 20 Reading device 31 Set section 50 Stage movement mechanism 52 Mobile drive unit 60 Stages 61 Stage body 64 Plate-shaped part 64F Support surface 70 Positioning mechanism 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D Positioning part 72AF, 72BF, 72CF, 72DF Positioning surface 72Bs, 72Cs, 72Ds biasing section 72Bg, 72g slope 72Dc Auxiliary guide part 72Dq Lola 72Dp convex part 73Ca Positioning body 73Cb Rotation support part 78 Relay Piece 78g slope 78h Recess 78p Pin 90 Reading Unit 91 Module Case 92 Excitation Light Source 94 Photodetector 100 Control section 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 Positioning surfaces 112a First Slope 112b 2nd slope 113f Slope 114a Orthogonal plane 114b parallel plane A1 Main scanning direction A2 Sub-scanning direction P1 Set position P2 Reading position P3 discharge position P4 Back position

Claims

1. A radiation image reading device for reading a radiation image from an imaging plate, comprising: a stage for holding the imaging plate; an excitation light source that irradiates the imaging plate held on the stage with excitation light; a photodetector for detecting luminescence from the imaging plate due to the excitation light; Equipped with The stage, a stage body having a support surface capable of surface-contacting the rear surface of the imaging plate; a positioning mechanism having a positioning surface that comes into contact with an edge portion of the imaging plate supported on the support surface, positions the edge portion from an outside thereof in an extension direction of the support surface, and presses the edge portion against the support surface to correct a deflection of the imaging plate; having the positioning mechanism includes, as the positioning surface, a guide positioning surface provided to protrude from the support surface by at least a thickness dimension of the imaging plate, and formed in a shape that faces in a direction covering the support surface as it moves away from the support surface, The guide positioning surface positions the imaging plate while maintaining a state in which the guide positioning surface faces in a direction covering the support surface as the guide positioning surface moves away from the support surface.

2. 2. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, The positioning surface corrects the imaging plate so that it is flat on the support surface.

3. 3. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The guide positioning surface positions the imaging plate while maintaining a constant attitude such that the guide positioning surface approaches the support surface as it moves away from the support surface and covers the support surface.

4. A radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The guide positioning surface includes a guide surface that is at an angle of less than 90° to the support surface.

5. 5. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, The positioning mechanism includes a pair of opening / closing positioning parts, At least one of two opposing surfaces of the pair of opening / closing positioning parts forms at least a part of the positioning surface, A radiation image reading device, wherein a distance between the pair of opening / closing positioning parts is adjusted by moving at least one of the pair of opening / closing positioning parts.

6. 6. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, a housing that houses the stage, the excitation light source, and the photodetector; The housing is provided with a setting guide surface that guides the imaging plate toward the support surface.

Images