medical devices

Abstract

Provided is a medical instrument comprising: an outer peripheral surface; and a light-emitting body which is provided to at least a part of the outer peripheral surface, starts light emission by irradiation with sterilizing ultraviolet rays, reduces light after stopping the irradiation of the sterilizing ultraviolet rays, and emits visible light which displays whether irradiation with the sterilizing ultraviolet rays has been performed and whether the sterilizing effect due to the sterilizing ultraviolet rays continues.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to medical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Repeatedly used medical devices are subject to considerable contamination due to the attachment of bacteria and / or viruses through contact with people such as patients or operators. Therefore, a technology for sterilizing repeatedly used medical devices by irradiating them with ultraviolet light has been proposed, as in JP 2013-248124 A. Note that sterilization refers to the inactivation of bacteria and / or viruses.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-248124 describes an electronic cassette used for radiography as a medical device that is used repeatedly. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-248124, an ultraviolet light source is provided inside a holder that houses the electronic cassette, and the holder irradiates ultraviolet light onto the electronic cassette. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Sterilizing medical devices with ultraviolet light, as in JP 2013-248124 A, certainly reduces the risk of bacterial and / or viral infection, but it was not visually clear whether ultraviolet light had been irradiated or whether the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet light was sustained.

[0005] One embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure provides a medical device that can visually determine whether germicidal ultraviolet light has been irradiated and whether the germicidal effect of the germicidal ultraviolet light is sustained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The medical device of the present disclosure comprises an outer peripheral surface and an illuminant provided on at least a part of the outer peripheral surface, which emits visible light that begins to emit light when irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet light and dims after irradiation of the germicidal ultraviolet light stops, thereby indicating whether irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet light has been performed and whether the germicidal effect of the germicidal ultraviolet light is continuing.

[0007] It is preferable that the light emitter be extinguished by reducing its light intensity after irradiation with sterilizing ultraviolet light has stopped.

[0008] The time from the end of irradiation with germicidal ultraviolet light until the light emitter goes out is preferably shorter than the duration of the germicidal effect of the germicidal ultraviolet light.

[0009] The light emitter is preferably a paint applied to the outer peripheral surface.

[0010] The light emitter is preferably a sticker that can be peelably attached to the outer peripheral surface.

[0011] It is preferable that a recess is formed on the outer peripheral surface and the light emitter is fitted into the recess.

[0012] It is preferable to provide an ultraviolet ray shielding member that is transparent to visible light, can cover the light emitter, and, when covering the light emitter, shields ultraviolet rays that sensitize the light emitter.

[0013] The ultraviolet ray blocking member is preferably a sticker that can be peelably attached to the outer peripheral surface.

[0014] The ultraviolet ray blocking member is preferably a shutter that moves between a first position that covers the light emitter and a second position that exposes the light emitter.

[0015] It is preferable that the radiation is irradiated and the light emitter is provided outside the area irradiated with the radiation.

[0016] It is preferable that the mammography device has a built-in detection panel that detects radiation and outputs a radiographic image, an imaging table on which the patient's breast is placed, and a compression plate that sandwiches and compresses the breast between the imaging table and the panel.

[0017] It is preferable that the detection panel that detects radiation and outputs a radiation image is an electronic cassette housed in a portable housing.

[0018] Preferably, the radiography table has a holder for accommodating a radiography cassette and is a standing or lying position radiography table for radiographing a patient in a standing or lying position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a medical device that can visually determine whether sterilizing ultraviolet light has been irradiated and whether the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing ultraviolet light is being maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mammography device and the like. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates radiation being applied to a patient's breast. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how sterilizing ultraviolet light is emitted from the ultraviolet light source upon receiving a turn-on instruction signal, and how the emission of sterilizing ultraviolet light is stopped upon receiving a turn-off instruction signal. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a face guard. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing the time course of the light emission amount of the light-emitting element and the sterilization effect. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a sterilization procedure. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a plurality of ultraviolet light sources are provided at a plurality of locations. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a sticker-shaped light emitter is used. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a light emitter is fitted into a recess. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an embodiment in which a light emitter is covered with a seal-like ultraviolet ray blocking member. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing how the light-emitting body is covered with an ultraviolet-shielding member when sterilizing ultraviolet rays are not being irradiated, and how the ultraviolet-shielding member is peeled off to expose the light-emitting body when sterilizing ultraviolet rays are being irradiated. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a laminated structure in which a plurality of light-emitting bodies and ultraviolet-shielding members are alternately stacked. [Figure 16] This figure shows how a shutter-shaped ultraviolet ray shielding member is used, and the ultraviolet ray shielding member is in a first position to cover the light-emitting body when sterilizing ultraviolet rays are not being irradiated, and is in a second position to expose the light-emitting body when sterilizing ultraviolet rays are being irradiated. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mobile radiation generating device. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] This figure shows how, when an electronic cassette is placed inside a holder and the lid is closed, the ultraviolet light source is caused to irradiate sterilizing ultraviolet light, and when the elapsed time from the start of irradiating sterilizing ultraviolet light reaches a preset time, the ultraviolet light source stops irradiating sterilizing ultraviolet light. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic cassette. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic cassette. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a holder capable of accommodating an electronic cassette with a grid attached thereto. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a grid and an electronic cassette. [Figure 24] 1 is a diagram showing a case where radiation imaging is performed using the upright position imaging table in a radiation diagnostic apparatus equipped with an upright position imaging table and a supine position imaging table; [Figure 25]1 is a diagram showing a case where radiation imaging is performed using a supine position imaging table in a radiation diagnostic apparatus equipped with an upright position imaging table and a supine position imaging table. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a standing holder and a standing tray. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a lying position holder and a lying position tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] [First embodiment] As an example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a breast imaging device 10 takes a breast M of a patient P as a subject. The breast imaging device 10 irradiates the breast M with radiation R such as X-rays or gamma rays to capture a radiological image of the breast M. The breast imaging device 10 is an example of a "medical device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0022] Mammography apparatus 10 includes apparatus main body 11 and control device 12. Apparatus main body 11 is installed, for example, in a radiography room in a medical facility. Control device 12 is installed, for example, in a control room adjacent to the radiography room. Control device 12 is, for example, a desktop personal computer. Control device 12 is communicably connected to an image database (hereinafter abbreviated as DB (Data Base)) server 14 via a network 13 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Image DB server 14 is, for example, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) server, which receives radiographic images from mammography apparatus 10 and stores and manages the received radiographic images.

[0023] A terminal device 15 is also connected to the network 13. The terminal device 15 is, for example, a personal computer used by a doctor who performs medical examinations using radiation images. The terminal device 15 receives radiation images from the image DB server 14 and displays the received radiation images on a display.

[0024] The device main body 11 has a stand 20 and an arm 21. The stand 20 is composed of a base 20A placed on the floor of the radiography room and a support column 20B extending in the height direction from the base 20A. The arm 21 has a roughly C-shape when viewed from the side, and is connected to the support column 20B via a connector 21A. This connector 21A allows the arm 21 to move in the height direction relative to the support column 20B, making it possible to adjust the height according to the height of the patient P. In addition, the arm 21 is rotatable around a rotation axis that passes through the connector 21A and is perpendicular to the support column 20B.

[0025] The arm 21 is composed of a radiation source housing section 22, an imaging table 23, and a main body section 24. A radiation source 25 is housed in the radiation source housing section 22. A breast M is placed on the imaging table 23. A detection panel 26 is housed in the imaging table 23. The main body section 24 integrally connects the radiation source housing section 22 and the imaging table 23. The main body section 24 holds the radiation source housing section 22 and the imaging table 23 in opposing positions. Handrails 27 are provided on both sides of the main body section 24 for the patient P to hold onto.

[0026] An indirect lighting lamp 28 is attached to the main body 24. The indirect lighting lamp 28 irradiates warm, dim indirect lighting toward the support 20B to ease the anxiety of the patient P. The indirect lighting lamp 28 may be attached to the outer surface and / or the interior of the support 20B. In this case, the indirect lighting lamp 28 irradiates the indirect lighting toward the main body 24.

[0027] The radiation source 25 is composed of a radiation tube 29 and a housing 30 that houses the radiation tube 29. The housing 30 is filled with insulating oil. The radiation tube 29 irradiates the breast M placed on the imaging table 23 with radiation R. The detection panel 26 detects the radiation R that has passed through the breast M and outputs a radiographic image.

[0028] The radiation tube 29 has a cathode and an anode. The cathode emits electrons. When the electrons collide with the anode, the anode emits radiation R. The cathode and anode are housed in a substantially cylindrical evacuated glass tube. The cathode is, for example, a cold cathode. More specifically, the cathode is a field emission type having an electron emission source that uses the field emission phenomenon to emit an electron beam toward the anode. The anode is a rotating anode that rotates using a rotation mechanism. Alternatively, a fixed anode that does not rotate and is fixed in position may be used.

[0029] A tube voltage is applied between the cathode and the anode from a tube voltage generator (not shown). Application of the tube voltage causes an electron beam to be emitted from the cathode toward the anode. Radiation R is then emitted from the point (focal point) on the anode where the electron beam collides. The radiation R is irradiated to the outside through an emission window provided in the glass tube.

[0030] An irradiation field limiter 31 is provided between the radiation source housing unit 22 and the imaging table 23. The irradiation field limiter 31 is also called a collimator, and defines the irradiation field of the radiation R onto the imaging table 23.

[0031] The irradiation field limiter 31 has an entrance opening through which the radiation R from the radiation tube 29 enters and an exit opening through which the radiation R exits. Four shielding plates are provided near the exit opening. The shielding plates are made of a material that blocks the radiation R, such as lead. The shielding plates are arranged on each side of a rectangle, in other words, arranged in a checkered pattern, to form a rectangular irradiation opening that transmits the radiation R. The irradiation field limiter 31 changes the size of the irradiation opening by changing the position of each shielding plate, thereby changing the irradiation field of the radiation R on the imaging table 23.

[0032] An irradiation field lamp is provided within the irradiation field limiter 31. The irradiation field lamp emits, for example, orange visible light. The visible light emitted from the irradiation field lamp is irradiated as light representing the irradiation field toward the imaging table 23 through the exit opening. Note that a filter for changing the radiation quality of the radiation R may be provided within the irradiation field limiter 31.

[0033] A face guard 32 is attached to the radiation source housing 22. The face guard 32 is formed of or coated with a material that is not transparent to radiation R, and protects the face of the patient P from radiation R.

[0034] A compression plate 33 is attached between the imaging table 23 and the irradiation field limiter 31. The compression plate 33 is made of a material that transmits radiation R. The compression plate 33 is disposed in a position facing the imaging table 23. The compression plate 33 is movable toward the imaging table 23 and away from the imaging table 23 in response to the operation of a lift switch (not shown). The compression plate 33 moves toward the imaging table 23, and compresses the breast M by sandwiching it between the imaging table 23 and the compression plate 33.

[0035] An ultraviolet light source 34 is provided on the outer surface of the irradiation field limiter 31 facing the compression paddle 33. More specifically, the ultraviolet light source 34 is provided on the outer surface of the irradiation field limiter 31 behind the face guard 32. As an example, as shown in Fig. 3, the ultraviolet light source 34 irradiates sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX with a central wavelength of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less (e.g., 254 nm or 222 nm) and a certain intensity toward the face guard 32, the compression paddle 33, etc. As the ultraviolet light source 34, in addition to a general ultraviolet lamp using a quartz tube such as an excimer lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LD (Laser Diode), etc. can be used.

[0036] The face guard 32 and the compression paddle 33 are made of a material that transmits sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. An example of a material that transmits sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is the product "CYTOP (registered trademark)" manufactured by AGC Inc. Therefore, the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX enters the face guard 32 from the rear surface 51 (see FIG. 6) of the face guard 32 and irradiates the front surface 50 (see FIG. 6) of the face guard 32 that faces the face of the patient P. The sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX also enters the compression paddle 33 from the rear surface 58 (see FIG. 7) of the compression paddle 33 and irradiates the front surface 57 (see FIG. 7) of the compression paddle 33 that contacts the breast M. Furthermore, the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX that passes through the compression paddle 33 irradiates the front surface 46 (see FIG. 5) of the imaging table 23 on which the breast M is placed. In other words, in this example, the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is irradiated primarily onto the imaging table 23, the face guard 32, and the compression paddle 33.

[0037] 4, an ultraviolet light source control unit 40 is connected to the ultraviolet light source 34. The ultraviolet light source control unit 40 controls the operation of the ultraviolet light source 34. The ultraviolet light source control unit 40 is implemented in a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the control device 12, for example, by executing a program. A lighting instruction switch 41 is connected to the ultraviolet light source control unit 40. The lighting instruction switch 41 is displayed, for example, as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on a display of the control device 12.

[0038] When an operator such as a radiologist operates the light-on instruction switch 41 via an input device of the control device 12, the ultraviolet light source control unit 40 outputs a light-on instruction signal LIS to the ultraviolet light source 34. This causes the ultraviolet light source 34 to start emitting sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0039] The ultraviolet light source control unit 40 measures the time elapsed since the start of irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. When the elapsed time reaches a preset time TS, the ultraviolet light source control unit 40 outputs an extinguishing signal OIS. This causes the ultraviolet light source 34 to stop emitting sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. In other words, when the on switch 41 is operated, the ultraviolet light source 34 irradiates sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX for the set time TS.

[0040] The set time TS is the irradiation time of ultraviolet UVX required to sterilize bacteria and / or viruses. The set time TS varies depending on the intensity of the ultraviolet UVX used for sterilization and the type of bacteria and / or viruses to be sterilized, but is generally between a few seconds and several tens of minutes. For example, it has been reported that the new coronavirus (SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)-CoV (Coronavirus)-2) can be inactivated by irradiation with ultraviolet UVX for a few seconds. More specifically, the set time TS is set to a value of 1 W / m2 with a central wavelength of 222 nm and an intensity of 1 W / m2. 2 It has been reported that 99.7% of viruses are inactivated by 30 seconds of exposure to ultraviolet light with a central wavelength of 254 nm (https: / / xtech.nikkei.com / atcl / nxt / news / 18 / 08672 / ). It has also been reported that 99.9% of viruses are inactivated by ultraviolet light with a central wavelength of 254 nm in 10 to 15 seconds (https: / / robotstart.info / 2020 / 09 / 10 / uvbuster-covid19.html).

[0041] In FIG. 5 , which shows a portion of the imaging table 23, the detection panel 26 has a rectangular detection surface 45. The detection surface 45 is a surface that detects radiation R that has passed through the breast M. More specifically, the detection surface 45 is a two-dimensional plane on which pixels that convert radiation R into an electrical signal are arranged two-dimensionally. Such a detection panel 26 is called an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The detection panel 26 has a scintillator that converts radiation R into visible light, and may be an indirect conversion type that converts visible light emitted by the scintillator into an electrical signal, or a direct conversion type that directly converts radiation R into an electrical signal.

[0042] The surface 46 of the imaging table 23 has a rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the detection surface 45 of the detection panel 26. Radiation R is irradiated onto the surface 46 within an area IA that corresponds to the detection surface 45. L-shaped light emitters 47A1 are provided at the four corners of the surface 46, following the shape of the corners. The light emitters 47A1 are provided outside the area IA. The light emitters 47A1 are paint that is applied to the surface 46 by screen printing or the like. The surface 46 is an example of "at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0043] 6, a rectangular light-emitting body 47B is provided on the upper part of the surface 50 of the face guard 32. Like the light-emitting body 47A1, the light-emitting body 47B is a paint that is applied to the surface 50 by screen printing or the like. The surface 50 is an example of "at least a part of the outer circumferential surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0044] 7, the compression paddle 33 has a box-shaped compression paddle body 55 and an attachment part 56 that attaches the compression paddle body 55 to the main body 24 so that the compression paddle body 55 can be raised and lowered. Radiation R is irradiated into an area IA on a rear surface 58 of the compression paddle body 55. The area IA is slightly smaller than the rear surface 58.

[0045] An illuminant 47C is provided on an opening edge surface 59 of the compression plate main body 55 and on a surface 61 of a base portion 60 of the mounting portion 56. Like the illuminants 47A1 and 47B, the illuminant 47C is a paint applied to the opening edge surface 59 and the surface 61 by screen printing or the like. The opening edge surface 59 and the surface 61 are outside the area IA. In other words, the illuminant 47C is provided outside the area IA. The opening edge surface 59 and the surface 61 are an example of "at least a part of the outer peripheral surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In the following description, the illuminants 47A1 to 47C may be collectively referred to as the illuminant 47.

[0046] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, light emitter 47 begins emitting visible light when irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX. The amount of visible light emitted by light emitter 47 reaches a maximum value (MAX) immediately after irradiation with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX. Light emitter 47 maintains the maximum amount of light emitted while irradiating with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX for a set time TS. The amount of light emitted by light emitter 47 gradually decreases (dims) after irradiation with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX stops. Light emitter 47 then goes out after a time TA has elapsed since irradiation with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX stopped. By emitting this visible light, light emitter 47 indicates whether irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX has been completed and whether the sterilizing effect of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX is being maintained.

[0047] The sterilization effect of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX gradually increases from the start of irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX and reaches its maximum value (MAX) when the elapsed time from the start of irradiation reaches a set time TS and the irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX is stopped. The sterilization effect maintains its maximum value immediately after the irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX is stopped, but gradually decreases. It then disappears after a time TB has passed since the irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX was stopped. Note that the sterilization effect reaching its maximum value (MAX) refers to, for example, when the inactivation rate of bacteria and / or viruses in the area irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX reaches 99% or more, preferably 99.9% or more. Note that the value of the maximum value (MAX) may vary depending on the irradiation conditions such as the wavelength and intensity of the germicidal ultraviolet light UVX, the type of bacteria and / or viruses, environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, the method for measuring the inactivation rate, etc.

[0048] The time TA from the end of irradiation with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX until the luminous body 47 becomes extinct (hereinafter referred to as the extinction time of the luminous body 47) is shorter than the duration TB of the germicidal effect of the germicidal ultraviolet light UVX. The duration TB of the germicidal effect varies depending on the intensity of the germicidal ultraviolet light UVX and the type of bacteria and / or viruses to be sterilized, but is generally several minutes to several hours. The extinction time TA of the luminous body 47 is, for example, 70% to 80% of the duration TB of the germicidal effect. If the duration TB of the germicidal effect is, for example, 10 minutes, the extinction time TA of the luminous body 47 is, for example, 7 to 8 minutes. Note that, for the luminous body 47, luminous paint manufactured by Asahipen Co., Ltd. (https: / / www.asahipen.jp / products / view / 16813), transparent phosphorescent paint manufactured by Tateyama Scientific Industry Co., Ltd. (https: / / www.tateyama.jp / product / dev_newmaterial.html), etc. can be used.

[0049] Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. The operator operates the light-on command switch 41 to command the turning on of the germicidal ultraviolet light UVX (YES in step ST100) in order to sterilize areas contaminated by the patient P, such as the imaging table 23, face guard 32, and compression paddle 33. This causes the ultraviolet light source control unit 40 to output a light-on command signal LIS to the ultraviolet light source 34, causing the ultraviolet light source 34 to irradiate germicidal ultraviolet light UVX (step ST110). In addition, visible light is emitted from the light-emitting element 47 irradiated with the germicidal ultraviolet light UVX (step ST120).

[0050] When the elapsed time from the start of irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX reaches the set time TS (YES in step ST130), the ultraviolet light source control unit 40 outputs an extinguishing instruction signal OIS to the ultraviolet light source 34. This stops the irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX (step ST140). Then, the light emitter 47 dims and is extinguished (step ST150).

[0051] After irradiation with sterilizing ultraviolet rays UVX, the operator has the patient P enter the radiography room. Then, the patient P places her breast M on the radiography table 23 and compresses it with the compression plate 33. The operator moves to the control room, sets the irradiation conditions for the radiation R via the control device 12, and then inputs a command to start radiography. This causes the radiation tube 29 to operate in accordance with the irradiation conditions, and the radiation R is irradiated. The radiation R irradiated from the radiation tube 29 enters the irradiation field limiter 31. The radiation R that enters the irradiation field limiter 31 passes through an irradiation opening formed by a shielding plate. This defines the irradiation field of the radiation R.

[0052] The radiation R irradiated onto the breast M after the irradiation field is defined by the irradiation field limiter 31 is detected by the detection panel 26. As a result, a radiation image is output from the detection panel 26. The radiation image is subjected to various image processing in the control device 12 and then displayed on the display of the control device 12.

[0053] As described above, mammography device 10 includes light emitters 47 provided on surface 46 of imaging table 23, surface 50 of face guard 32, opening edge surface 59 of compression paddle body 55, and surface 61 of base 60 of mounting portion 56. Light emitters 47 begin to emit light when sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is irradiated, and dim their light after sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX irradiation stops, thereby indicating whether sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX has been irradiated and whether the sterilizing effect of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is being maintained. This makes it possible to visually determine whether sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX has been irradiated and whether the sterilizing effect of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is being maintained.

[0054] If it is determined that the sterilization effect has weakened due to a significant dimming of the light emitter 47, measures can be taken such as irradiating the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX again to restore the sterilization effect, thereby further reducing the risk of bacterial and / or viral infection.

[0055] 8, the light emitter 47 goes out while reducing its light intensity after the irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX has stopped. Therefore, regardless of the amount of light emitted, as long as visible light is still emitted from the light emitter 47, it is possible to clearly indicate that the germicidal ultraviolet light UVX has been irradiated.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, the extinction time TA of the light emitter 47 is shorter than the duration TB of the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0057] Conversely, if the light-extinction time TA of the light-emitting element 47 is longer than the duration of the sterilization effect TB, the light-emitting element 47 may continue to emit visible light even though the sterilization effect has disappeared. In this case, there is a risk that the operator may mistakenly believe that the sterilization effect is still continuing. With the technology of the present disclosure, as described above, the light-extinction time TA of the light-emitting element 47 is shorter than the duration of the sterilization effect TB, so there is no such concern.

[0058] 5 to 7, the light emitter 47 is paint that is applied to the surface 46 of the imaging table 23, the surface 50 of the face guard 32, the opening edge surface 59 of the compression plate main body 55, and the surface 61 of the base 60 of the attachment part 56. For this reason, the light emitter 47 can be provided relatively easily.

[0059] 5 and 7, the light emitter 47 is provided outside the area IA that is irradiated with radiation R. This prevents degradation of the image quality of the radiographic image due to the light emitter 47, such as the light emitter 47 appearing in the radiographic image.

[0060] The mammography device 10 incorporates a detection panel 26 that detects radiation R and outputs a radiographic image. The device includes an imaging table 23 on which the breast M of the patient P is placed, and a compression plate 33 that sandwiches and compresses the breast M between the imaging table 23 and the compression plate 33. The imaging table 23 and the compression plate 33 are irradiated with sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. The imaging table 23 and the compression plate 33 are also provided with light emitters 47. The imaging table 23 and the compression plate 33 are areas that may be contaminated by the patient P or the like. Therefore, by providing the light emitters 47 on the imaging table 23 and the compression plate 33, it is possible to visually determine whether or not the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX has been irradiated onto the area that may be contaminated by the patient P or the like, and whether or not the sterilization effect of the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is continuing in the area that may be contaminated by the patient P or the like.

[0061] Although irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX is stopped when the elapsed time from the start of irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX reaches the set time TS, this is not limited to this. An off-switch may be provided in pair with the on-switch 41, and irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX may be stopped when an operator issues an instruction to turn off the light via the off-switch.

[0062] When it is detected by a camera image or a motion sensor that a person such as patient P has left the radiography room, the ultraviolet source control unit 40 may control the operation of the ultraviolet source 34 to start irradiating sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. In this case, if it is detected that a person has entered the radiography room during irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX, the irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX may be stopped to prevent the person from being irradiated with sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0063] The location where the ultraviolet light source 34 is provided is not limited to the outer surface of the irradiation field limiter 31 shown in the example. The ultraviolet light source 34 may be provided inside the irradiation field limiter 31. More specifically, the ultraviolet light source 34 is provided alongside the irradiation field lamp. The sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX emitted from the ultraviolet light source 34 is irradiated towards the imaging table 23 through the exit opening of the irradiation field limiter 31, similar to the visible light emitted from the irradiation field lamp. At this time, the shielding plate is moved to a position where the size of the irradiation opening is maximized so that the irradiation range of the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is maximized.

[0064] In this way, by providing the ultraviolet light source 34 inside the irradiation field limiter 31, it is out of reach of the patient P and the operator, and there is no risk of it being damaged by a collision. Furthermore, by providing the ultraviolet light source 34 alongside the irradiation field lamp, it is possible to irradiate sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX using the same mechanism as visible light from the irradiation field lamp. However, since it is necessary to move the shielding plate to a position where the size of the irradiation opening is maximized, providing the ultraviolet light source 34 on the outer surface of the irradiation field limiter 31 is preferable in that such control is not required.

[0065] The location where the ultraviolet light source 34 is installed is not limited to the exterior or interior of the irradiation field limiter 31, and the number of ultraviolet light sources 34 is not limited to one. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the ultraviolet light source 34 may be installed anywhere, such as on the exterior surface of the irradiation field limiter 31 facing the main body 24, or next to the indirect lighting lamp 28. The ultraviolet light source 34 may be installed anywhere as long as it can irradiate areas contaminated by the patient P or the like with sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. Areas that cannot be covered by a single ultraviolet light source 34 installed on the irradiation field limiter 31, such as the stand 20, the main body 24, and the handrail 27, can be sterilized. The ultraviolet light source 34 may be provided with a swing function, allowing a single unit to cover a wide area.

[0066] Furthermore, an ultraviolet light source 34 that is detachable with a magnet or the like and that communicates wirelessly with the control device 12 may be used. Such an ultraviolet light source 34 can be freely attached to the location where sterilization is desired. Alternatively, the ultraviolet light source 34 may be attached to a location away from the device main body 11, such as the wall or ceiling of the radiography room, using a simple attachment such as a screw. In this case, it is preferable that communication with the control device 12 be wireless.

[0067] Similarly, the location where the light emitter 47 is installed is not limited to the surface 46 of the imaging table 23, the surface 50 of the face guard 32, the opening edge surface 59 of the compression plate main body 55, and the surface 61 of the base 60 of the mounting part 56, as shown in the examples. The light emitter 47 may also be provided on the surface of the stand 20, the main body 24, the handrail 27, etc.

[0068] The light-emitting body 47 is not limited to paint. As an example, as shown in FIG. 11, the light-emitting body 47 may be a sticker that is removably attached to the outer peripheral surface. As in the case of FIG. 5, FIG. 11 shows that sticker-like light-emitting body 47A2 is attached to the four corners of the surface 46 of the imaging table 23. In this way, if the light-emitting body 47 is a sticker that is removably attached to the outer peripheral surface, the light-emitting body 47 can be installed even more easily. Furthermore, if the light-emitting body 47 deteriorates over time, it can be easily replaced with a new one.

[0069] As another example, as shown in FIG. 12, a recess 70 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the light emitter 47 may be fitted into the recess 70. The recess 70 is slightly smaller than the light emitter 47, and the light emitter 47 is press-fitted into the recess 70. FIG. 12 shows a state in which a block-shaped light emitter 47A3 is fitted into the recesses 70 formed in the four corners of the surface 46 of the imaging table 23, as in the cases of FIGS. 5 and 11. In this way, if the recess 70 is formed on the outer peripheral surface and the light emitter 47 is fitted into the recess 70, then, as in the case of the sticker in FIG. 11, the light emitter 47 can be easily replaced with a new one if it deteriorates over time.

[0070] 11 and 12 show an example in which light emitters 47A2 and 47A3 are used instead of light emitter 47A1, but light emitters 47B and 47C may also be stickers or may be configured to be fitted into recess 70. Similarly, light emitters 47D (see FIGS. 20 and 21), 47E (see FIG. 23), 47F (see FIG. 26), and 47G (see FIG. 27), which will be described later, may also be paint or stickers or may be configured to be fitted into recess 70.

[0071] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, an ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 for shielding ultraviolet rays to which the light emitter 47 is sensitive is provided.

[0072] As an example, as shown in Fig. 13, the light emitter 47 is covered with an ultraviolet ray shielding member 75. The ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 is a sticker that is peelably attached to the outer peripheral surface. The ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 transmits visible light but blocks the ultraviolet ray that sensitizes the light emitter 47. The ultraviolet ray that sensitizes the light emitter 47 includes not only the ultraviolet ray UVX for sterilization but also, for example, ultraviolet ray UVN (see Fig. 14) such as ultraviolet ray contained in illumination light from fluorescent lamps installed in a radiography room or ultraviolet ray contained in sunlight that enters a radiography room.

[0073] As an example, as shown in FIG. 14 , when sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is not being irradiated, the light emitter 47 is covered with an ultraviolet light shielding member 75, thereby preventing irradiation of ultraviolet light UVN onto the light emitter 47. On the other hand, when sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is being irradiated, the operator peels off the ultraviolet light shielding member 75, exposing the light emitter 47. This allows the light emitter 47 to be irradiated with sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. When irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is stopped, the operator reattaches the previously peeled off ultraviolet light shielding member 75 or a new ultraviolet light shielding member 75 onto the light emitter 47, and the light emitter 47 is again covered with the ultraviolet light shielding member 75. Note that FIGS. 13 and 14 show an aspect in which the light emitter 47A1 provided on the surface 46 of the imaging table 23 is covered with the ultraviolet light shielding member 75.

[0074] As described above, the second embodiment includes an ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 that transmits visible light, can cover the light-emitting element 47, and, when the light-emitting element 47 is covered, blocks ultraviolet rays to which the light-emitting element 47 is sensitive. This prevents the light-emitting element 47 from inadvertently emitting light in response to ultraviolet rays UVN when the light-emitting element 47 is not being irradiated with sterilizing ultraviolet rays UVX. Even when the light-emitting element 47 emits light in response to ultraviolet rays UVN, there is no risk of the operator mistakenly believing that sterilizing ultraviolet rays UVX have been irradiated or that the sterilization effect is continuing. Furthermore, because the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 transmits visible light, the operator can visually confirm that the light-emitting element 47 is emitting light, even when the light-emitting element 47 is covered with the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75.

[0075] The ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 is a sticker that is removably attached to the outer peripheral surface, so that the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 can be attached and removed relatively easily.

[0076] 15, both the light-emitting body 47 and the ultraviolet-shielding member 75 may be made into seals, and a laminated structure 77 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface by stacking multiple sheets of these alternately. In this way, new light-emitting body 47 and ultraviolet-shielding member 75 can always be used for each irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0077] The ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 is not limited to a sticker. For example, as shown in FIG.

[0078] In Figure 16, the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 is a fan-shaped shutter that opens and closes around a drive shaft 80. More specifically, when sterilizing ultraviolet ray UVX is not being irradiated, the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 is in a first position that covers the light emitter 47. This prevents the light emitter 47 from being irradiated with ultraviolet ray UVN. On the other hand, when sterilizing ultraviolet ray UVX is being irradiated, the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 is in a second position that exposes the light emitter 47. This allows the light emitter 47 to be irradiated with the sterilizing ultraviolet ray UVX. Note that Figure 16 shows an aspect in which the light emitter 47A1 provided on the surface 46 of the imaging table 23 is covered with the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75, as in Figures 13 and 14.

[0079] The control of moving ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 between the first position and the second position is performed by control device 12. Specifically, when sterilizing ultraviolet ray UVX is not being emitted from ultraviolet ray source 34, control device 12 sets ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 to the first position. On the other hand, when sterilizing ultraviolet ray UVX is being emitted from ultraviolet ray source 34 in response to operation of light-on instruction switch 41, control device 12 sets ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 to the second position.

[0080] In this way, by configuring the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 as a shutter that moves between a first position that covers the light emitting body 47 and a second position that exposes the light emitting body 47, it is possible to eliminate the effort of attaching and peeling off the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75. Note that the shape of the shutter is not limited to the illustrated sector shape, and it may be, for example, rectangular.

[0081] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, a light emitter 47 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of an electronic cassette 105 used in a mobile radiation generation device 90. In the third embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0082] As an example, as shown in FIG. 17 , a mobile radiation generator 90 includes a main body 91, a support 92, and an arm 93. Four wheels 94 are attached to the bottom of the main body 91 on the front, back, left, and right sides. The wheels 94 enable the mobile radiation generator 90 to move around within a medical facility, and the mobile radiation generator 90 is used for so-called mobile radiography, in which radiographs of patients are taken while going around the patient rooms. For this reason, the mobile radiation generator 90 is also called a mobile cart. The mobile radiation generator 90 can also be brought into an operating room to take radiographs during surgery.

[0083] The main body 91 includes a central portion 95 and a holder portion 96. The central portion 95 has a control device 97 built therein.

[0084] The holder unit 96 is disposed on the back surface of the central unit 95. The holder unit 96 has a holder unit main body 100 and a lid 101. The lid 101 can be opened and closed relative to the holder unit main body 100 (see FIG. 18). The holder unit main body 100 is provided with holders 102A, 102B, and 102C. Each of the holders 102A to 102C detachably houses one electronic cassette 105. The electronic cassettes 105 come in a variety of sizes, such as 17 inches by 17 inches, 17 inches by 14 inches, and 12 inches by 10 inches. The holders 102A to 102C can house any of these various types of electronic cassettes 105. The electronic cassettes 105 are an example of a "medical device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In the following description, the holders 102A to 102C may be collectively referred to as the holder 102.

[0085] A handle 107 is provided at a position protruding upward from the central portion 95. The handle 107 has a cylindrical shape that is long in the width direction of the central portion 95. The handle 107 is held by an operator when operating the mobile radiation generation device 90.

[0086] An irradiation switch 108 is attached to the upper back surface of the central section 95. The irradiation switch 108 is a switch that an operator uses to instruct the start of irradiation with radiation R. An extension cable (not shown) is connected to the irradiation switch 108, and it can be removed from the central section 95 for use.

[0087] The support pillar 92 is shaped like a rectangular pillar and stands upright in the height direction. The support pillar 92 is disposed above the front wheels 94 and at the center in the width direction.

[0088] The arm 93 has a rectangular column shape, similar to the support 92. The base end of the arm 93 is attached to the support 92. A radiation source 110 is attached to the tip of the arm 93, which is the free end opposite the base end.

[0089] The radiation source 110 includes a built-in radiation tube 111. The radiation source 110 also has an irradiation field limiter 112 attached thereto.

[0090] The support column 92 can rotate about a vertical axis relative to the main body 91. The support column 92 can also expand and contract up and down along the height direction.

[0091] The arm portion 93 is bent at a right angle to the support portion 92. The arm portion 93 can extend and retract back and forth relative to the support portion 92 in a direction perpendicular to the height direction.

[0092] Although not shown in the figure, the radiation source 110 and the irradiation field limiter 112 can rotate around an axis parallel to their width direction and also around an axis parallel to their front-rear direction.

[0093] As an example, as shown in Figure 18, holder 102A is provided with ultraviolet light source 120A. Ultraviolet light source 120A has a length approximately equal to the width of holder 102A. A total of nine ultraviolet light sources 120A are arranged, four on each of two side surfaces of holder 102A that face front surface 133 (see Figure 20) and back surface 134 (see Figure 21) of electronic cassette 105, and one on the inner surface of the top plate of lid 101. Ultraviolet light source 120A irradiates electronic cassette 105 housed in holder 102A with ultraviolet light UVX for sterilization.

[0094] Similarly, holder 102B is provided with ultraviolet light source 120B, and holder 102C is provided with ultraviolet light source 120C. Nine ultraviolet light sources 120B are also provided, four on each of two side surfaces of holder 102B that face front surface 133 and back surface 134 of electronic cassette 105, and one on the inner surface of the top plate of lid 101. Nine ultraviolet light sources 120C are also provided, four on each of two side surfaces of holder 102C that face front surface 133 and back surface 134 of electronic cassette 105, and one on the inner surface of the top plate of lid 101. Ultraviolet light source 120B irradiates electronic cassette 105 housed in holder 102B with ultraviolet light UVX for sterilization. Ultraviolet light source 120C irradiates electronic cassette 105 housed in holder 102C with ultraviolet light UVX for sterilization.

[0095] Like ultraviolet source 34, ultraviolet sources 120A-120C can be general ultraviolet lamps using quartz tubes such as excimer lamps, as well as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or LDs (Laser Diodes). The sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX emitted by ultraviolet sources 120A-120C has a central wavelength of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less (e.g., 254 nm or 222 nm) and a constant intensity. Hereinafter, ultraviolet sources 120A-120C may be collectively referred to as ultraviolet source 120.

[0096] The holder 102A is provided with an attachment / detachment sensor 121A. The attachment / detachment sensor 121A detects whether or not the electronic cassette 105 is housed inside the holder 102A. The attachment / detachment sensor 121A is a limit switch that turns on when the electronic cassette 105 is housed in the holder 102A and turns off when the electronic cassette 105 is removed from the holder 102A. Alternatively, the attachment / detachment sensor 121A is a photosensor comprised of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. In this case, when the electronic cassette 105 is housed in the holder 102A, light from the light-emitting unit is blocked, and when the electronic cassette 105 is removed from the holder 102A, light from the light-emitting unit is received by the light-receiving unit.

[0097] Similarly, holder 102B is provided with attachment / detachment sensor 121B, and holder 102C is provided with attachment / detachment sensor 121C. Attachment / detachment sensor 121B detects whether electronic cassette 105 is housed inside holder 102B. Attachment / detachment sensor 121C detects whether electronic cassette 105 is housed inside holder 102C. In the following description, attachment / detachment sensors 121A to 121C may be collectively referred to as attachment / detachment sensor 121.

[0098] A lid sensor 122 is provided at the portion of holder main body 100 that engages with lid 101. Lid sensor 122 detects whether lid 101 is open or closed. Lid sensor 122 is a limit switch that turns on when lid 101 is closed and turns off when lid 101 is opened. Alternatively, lid sensor 122 is a photosensor made up of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. In this case, when lid 101 is closed, light from the light-emitting unit is blocked, and when lid 101 is opened, light from the light-emitting unit is received by the light-receiving unit.

[0099] 19, when the attachment / detachment sensor 121 detects that the electronic cassette 105 has been placed inside the holder 102 (the attachment / detachment sensor 121 turns ON) and the lid sensor 122 detects that the lid 101 has been closed (the lid sensor 122 turns ON), the ultraviolet light source 120 starts emitting sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. Furthermore, when the elapsed time from the start of irradiation of the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX reaches a set time TS, the ultraviolet light source 120 stops emitting sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0100] Although not shown, the ultraviolet light source 120 does not irradiate sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX when the attachment / detachment sensor 121 detects that the electronic cassette 105 is not housed inside the holder 102 (the attachment / detachment sensor 121 is OFF). In this case, even when the lid 101 is closed and the lid sensor 122 is ON, the ultraviolet light source 120 does not irradiate sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0101] Furthermore, if lid sensor 122 detects that lid 101 has been opened before the elapsed time from the start of irradiation of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX reaches set time TS, ultraviolet light source 120 stops irradiating sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. If lid sensor 122 detects again that lid 101 has been closed, ultraviolet light source 120 resumes irradiating sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0102] As an example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the electronic cassette 105 includes a housing 130, a detection panel 131, a battery 132, and the like. The housing 130 has a flat, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape with a rectangular planar shape, and houses the detection panel 131, the battery 132, and the like inside. The battery 132 is detachably mounted in the center of the back surface 134 of the housing 130. Most of the surface 133 of the housing 130 is made of a material that transmits radiation R, such as carbon. This portion made of the material that transmits radiation R, such as carbon, is an area IA to be irradiated with radiation R. The electronic cassette 105 is placed below a patient P lying supine on a bed, with the surface 133 of the housing 130 facing the radiation source 110. In addition to the detection panel 131 and the battery 132, the housing 130 also contains a control circuit for controlling the operation of the detection panel 131, a signal processing circuit for converting the signal charges of the pixels of the detection panel 131 into pixel values ​​to generate a radiographic image, etc. It also contains a wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the control device 97, etc.

[0103] The electronic cassette 105 has a function of detecting the start and end of irradiation of radiation R. When the start of irradiation of radiation R is detected, the control circuit that controls the operation of the detection panel 131 causes the detection panel 131 to perform an accumulation operation to accumulate signal charges in the pixels. When the end of irradiation of radiation R is detected, the control circuit causes the detection panel 131 to perform a read operation to read the accumulated signal charges from the pixels. This causes the detection panel 131 to output a radiographic image.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 20, outside the area IA irradiated with radiation R, L-shaped light emitters 47D are provided along the shapes of the corners at the four corners of the front surface 133 of the housing 130. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 21, rectangular light emitters 47D are provided on the back surface 134 of the housing 130 so as to sandwich the battery 132. The front surface 133 and the back surface 134 of the housing 130 are an example of "at least a part of the outer circumferential surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0105] Like light emitters 47A1 to 47C in the first embodiment, light emitter 47D begins to emit light when irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX from ultraviolet light source 120, and emits visible light that dims after irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX stops. In this way, light emitter 47D indicates whether germicidal ultraviolet light UVX has been irradiated from ultraviolet light source 120 and whether the germicidal effect of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX from ultraviolet light source 120 is continuing.

[0106] As described above, in the third embodiment, light emitters 47D are provided on the front surface 133 and back surface 134 of electronic cassette 105, which has detection panel 131 that detects radiation R and outputs a radiographic image built into portable housing 130. The front surface 133 and back surface 134 of electronic cassette 105 are areas that may be contaminated by patient P, etc. Therefore, by providing light emitter 47D on electronic cassette 105, it is possible to visually determine whether or not sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX has been irradiated onto areas that may be contaminated by patient P, etc., and whether or not the sterilization effect of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is continuing at areas that may be contaminated by patient P, etc.

[0107] As an example, as shown in FIG. 22, the holder 102 may be capable of accommodating an electronic cassette 105 with a grid 140 attached thereto.

[0108] As an example, as shown in FIG. 23 , the grid 140 is detachably attached to the surface 133 of the housing 130 of the electronic cassette 105. The grid 140 removes scattered radiation generated when radiation R passes through the patient P. The grid 140 is composed of a rectangular plate-shaped grid body 141 and a holding frame 142 that holds the grid body 141. The grid body 141 has a size such that, when the grid 140 is attached to the surface 133 of the housing 130, it covers substantially the entire surface 133 of the housing 130. The area occupied by the grid body 141 corresponds to the area IA to which the radiation R is irradiated. The holding frame 142 is made of a conductive material with electromagnetic wave shielding properties, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and is slightly larger than the surface 133 of the housing 130. The holding frame 142 is provided with a mechanism that fixes the grid 140 to the surface 133 of the housing 130 and prevents the grid 140 from falling off.

[0109] Light emitter 47E is provided on surface 143 of holding frame 142. Surface 143 of holding frame 142 is outside area IA irradiated with radiation R. In other words, light emitter 47E is provided outside area IA irradiated with radiation R. Surface 143 of holding frame 142 is an example of "at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0110] Like light emitter 47D, light emitter 47E begins to emit light when irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet light UVX from ultraviolet source 120, and emits visible light that dims after irradiation of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX stops. In this way, light emitter 47E indicates whether germicidal ultraviolet light UVX has been irradiated from ultraviolet source 120 and whether the germicidal effect of germicidal ultraviolet light UVX from ultraviolet source 120 is continuing.

[0111] The surface of grid 140 is also a location that may be contaminated by patient P, etc. Therefore, by providing light emitter 47E on grid 140, it is possible to visually determine whether or not the location that may be contaminated by patient P, etc. has been irradiated with sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX, and whether or not the sterilizing effect of sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is continuing in the location that may be contaminated by patient P, etc.

[0112] An ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 that shields ultraviolet rays that sensitize the light emitters of the second embodiment may be applied to the light emitters 47D and 47E. In this case, when the electronic cassette 105, or the electronic cassette 105 with the grid 140 attached, is housed in the holder 102, a mechanism for peeling off the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 (if the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 is a sticker) or a mechanism for moving the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 to a second position (if the ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 is a shutter) may be provided so that the light emitters 47D and 47E are automatically exposed within the holder 102.

[0113] The lid 101 is not necessary, but it is preferable to have the lid 101 in order to prevent people from being exposed to sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0114] The location of the ultraviolet light source 120 that irradiates the electronic cassette 105 and / or the grid 140 with sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is not limited to the holder 102 of the illustrated mobile radiation generation device 90. The ultraviolet light source 120 may be provided in a holder of a charging cradle that detachably houses the electronic cassette 105 in order to charge the battery 132 of the electronic cassette 105.

[0115] [Fourth embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, the technology of the present disclosure is applied to a radiation diagnostic apparatus 150 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 as an example.

[0116] 24 and 25 , a radiation diagnostic apparatus 150 includes a radiation source 151, a control device 152, an upright imaging table 153, and a supine imaging table 154. The radiation source 151 is shared by both the upright imaging table 153 and the supine imaging table 154. The upright imaging table 153 and the supine imaging table 154 are examples of "medical equipment" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0117] The radiation source 151 has a built-in radiation tube 155. An irradiation field limiter 156 is also attached to the radiation source 151. Three ultraviolet light sources 157A, 157B, and 157C are provided on the outer surface of the irradiation field limiter 156.

[0118] The radiation source 151 is suspended from the ceiling of the radiography room by a support 158. The support 158 ​​is attached via wheels to rails that run around the ceiling. The support 158, and therefore the radiation source 151, can move horizontally within the radiography room by the rails and wheels. The support 158 ​​is also extendable in the height direction, which allows the radiation source 151 to move in the height direction. Furthermore, the radiation source 151 can rotate relative to the support 158 ​​around an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0119] The upright position radiography platform 153 includes a stand 160, a connection part 161, and an upright position holder 162. The stand 160 is composed of a base 163 placed on the floor of the radiography room and a support column 164 extending in the height direction from the base 163. The connection part 161 connects the upright position holder 162 to the stand 160. The connection part 161, and therefore the upright position holder 162, can be moved in the height direction relative to the support column 164, allowing the height to be adjusted according to the height of the patient P or the region to be radiographed.

[0120] The upright holder 162 is box-shaped and houses an electronic cassette 165 therein. Most of the upright holder 162 is made of a conductive material with electromagnetic wave shielding properties, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Furthermore, most of the surface 182 (see FIG. 26 ) of the upright holder 162 that faces the radiation source 151 is made of a material that transmits radiation R, such as carbon. The electronic cassette 165 is an example of a “radiography cassette” according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0121] The supine position imaging table 154 includes a base 170, a connection part 171, a top plate 172, and a supine position holder 173, which are installed on the floor of the radiography room. The connection part 171 connects the top plate 172 to the base 170. The base 170 is elevating type, which allows the heights of the top plate 172 and the supine position holder 173 to be adjusted. The top plate 172 is a rectangular plate having a length and width that allows the patient P to lie supine, and is made of a material that transmits radiation R, such as carbon.

[0122] The lying position holder 173 is disposed in the space between the base 170 formed by the connection portion 171 and the top plate 172. The lying position holder 173 is box-shaped with the top covered by the top plate 172, and houses the electronic cassette 165 inside. The lying position holder 173 is made of a conductive material with electromagnetic wave shielding properties, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The lying position holder 173 can be slid in the direction along the long side of the top plate 172 by a slide mechanism (not shown).

[0123] 24 shows a case where an electronic cassette 165 is housed in a standing position holder 162 of a standing position imaging table 153 and radiation imaging is performed using the standing position imaging table 153. In this case, ultraviolet light source 157A irradiates sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX toward a surface 182 of the standing position holder 162 that faces the patient P. Furthermore, ultraviolet light source 157B irradiates sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX toward a top plate 172 of the lying position imaging table 154. In this case, ultraviolet light source 157C does not irradiate sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0124] 25 shows a case where an electronic cassette 165 is housed in a supine position holder 173 of a supine position imaging table 154 and radiation imaging is performed using the supine position imaging table 154. In this case, an ultraviolet light source 157A irradiates sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX toward a top plate 172 of the supine position imaging table 154. An ultraviolet light source 157C irradiates sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX toward a surface 182 of the upright position holder 162 that faces the patient P. In this case, an ultraviolet light source 157B does not irradiate sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0125] As in the first embodiment, control device 152 starts irradiating sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX from ultraviolet sources 157A-157C in response to an operator's instruction to turn on the light. Furthermore, control device 152 stops irradiating sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX when the elapsed time from the start of irradiating sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX reaches set time TS.

[0126] As an example, as shown in Fig. 26, a standing position tray 180 is set in the standing position holder 162 so that it can be inserted and pulled out. A rail that guides the standing position tray 180, a standing position locking mechanism that locks the standing position tray 180 in an inserted state, and the like are provided inside the standing position holder 162. Fig. 26 shows a state in which the standing position locking mechanism is unlocked and the standing position tray 180 is pulled out of the standing position holder 162.

[0127] An electronic cassette 165 is detachably set on the standing tray 180. The standing tray 180 is provided with a holding mechanism that holds the electronic cassette 165 by sandwiching it in the vertical direction.

[0128] A handle 181 is provided on the side of the standing position tray 180. The handle 181 is gripped by an operator when inserting the standing position tray 180 into the standing position holder 162 and when pulling out the standing position tray 180 from the standing position holder 162. When the handle 181 is gripped in the inserted state, the lock of the standing position tray 180 by the standing position locking mechanism is released.

[0129] As described above, the surface 182 of the standing holder 162 has a portion formed of a material that transmits radiation R, such as carbon. This portion is the area IA that is irradiated with radiation R. Outside the area IA that is irradiated with radiation R, L-shaped light emitters 47F are provided at the four corners of the surface 182, following the shapes of the corners. The surface 182 is an example of "at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0130] The light emitter 47F starts emitting light when irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet UVX from the ultraviolet source 157A or 157C, and emits visible light that dims after irradiation of the germicidal ultraviolet UVX stops. In this way, the light emitter 47F indicates whether germicidal ultraviolet UVX has been irradiated from the ultraviolet source 157A or 157C, and whether the germicidal effect of the germicidal ultraviolet UVX from the ultraviolet source 157A or 157C is continuing.

[0131] 27, a tray for lying position 185 is set in the holder for lying position 173 so that it can be inserted and pulled out. Rails that guide the tray for lying position 185 and a locking mechanism for lying position that locks the tray for lying position 185 in the inserted state are provided inside the holder for lying position 173. Fig. 27 shows a state in which the locking mechanism for lying position is released and the tray for lying position 185 is pulled out of the holder for lying position 173.

[0132] The electronic cassette 165 is detachably set on the tray for lying position 185. The tray for lying position 185 is provided with a holding mechanism that holds the electronic cassette 165 by sandwiching it in the left and right directions.

[0133] A handle 186 is provided on the side of the lying position tray 185. The handle 186 is gripped by an operator when inserting the lying position tray 185 into the lying position holder 173 and when pulling it out from the lying position holder 173. When the handle 186 is gripped in the inserted state, the lock of the lying position tray 185 by the lying position locking mechanism is released.

[0134] On the surface 187 of the tabletop 172, radiation R is irradiated onto an area IA that corresponds to the range of movement of the electronic cassette 165 housed in the supine position holder 173. L-shaped light emitters 47G are provided at the four corners of the surface 187, following the shape of the corners. The light emitters 47G are provided outside the area IA. The surface 187 is an example of "at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0135] The light emitter 47G starts emitting light when irradiated with germicidal ultraviolet UVX from the ultraviolet source 157A or 157B, and emits visible light that dims after irradiation of the germicidal ultraviolet UVX stops. In this way, the light emitter 47G indicates whether germicidal ultraviolet UVX has been irradiated from the ultraviolet source 157A or 157B, and whether the germicidal effect of the germicidal ultraviolet UVX from the ultraviolet source 157A or 157B is continuing.

[0136] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the ultraviolet light sources 157A to 157C are provided at positions where they can irradiate the upright imaging platform 153 and the lying-down imaging platform 154 with sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX. This makes it possible to sterilize the upright imaging platform 153 and the lying-down imaging platform 154, which are contaminated by contact with the patient P. Furthermore, by providing the light emitters 47F and 47G on the upright imaging platform 153 and the lying-down imaging platform 154, it is possible to visually determine whether or not the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX has been irradiated onto the area contaminated by the patient P or the like, and whether or not the sterilization effect of the sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX is continuing at the area contaminated by the patient P or the like.

[0137] An ultraviolet ray shielding member 75 that shields ultraviolet rays that stimulate the light emitters of the second embodiment may be applied to the light emitters 47F and 47G.

[0138] It is sufficient to provide at least one of the upright position imaging table 153 and the supine position imaging table 154. Furthermore, the upright position imaging table 153 and the supine position imaging table 154 do not necessarily have to accommodate the electronic cassette 165 in a detachable manner, but may accommodate a detection panel in a non-detachable manner, like the imaging table 23 of the mammography device 10.

[0139] The radiographic cassette may be a CR (Computed Radiography) cassette in addition to or instead of the exemplified electronic cassette 165.

[0140] An ultraviolet light source may be provided inside the upright position holder 162 and / or the lying position holder 173, and the radiography cassette housed in the upright position holder 162 and / or the lying position holder 173 may be irradiated with sterilizing ultraviolet light UVX.

[0141] The light emitters 47 may be provided over the entire outer peripheral surface onto which the germicidal ultraviolet light UVX is irradiated. However, this naturally increases costs. Also, there is a risk that the patient P may feel uncomfortable seeing the entire surface emitting light. Furthermore, the light emission may be an eyesore and may interfere with the positioning of the patient P. For this reason, it is preferable to provide the light emitters 47 only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface onto which the germicidal ultraviolet light UVX is irradiated.

[0142] A selective ultraviolet ray blocking member may be provided that transmits sterilizing ultraviolet ray UVX but blocks ultraviolet ray UVN, such as ultraviolet ray contained in illumination light from a fluorescent lamp. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the selective ultraviolet ray blocking member removably on the light emitter 47 or to use the selective ultraviolet ray blocking member as a shutter. It is sufficient to coat the light emitter 47 with the selective ultraviolet ray blocking member.

[0143] A table showing the relationship between the degree of dimming of the light emitter 47 and the remaining degree of sterilization effect may be attached in the form of a sticker or the like near the light emitter 47. In this way, the operator can know the remaining degree of sterilization effect from the degree of dimming.

[0144] In the above embodiments, medical devices related to radiography, such as the mammography device 10, the electronic cassette 105, the upright position imaging table 153, and the supine position imaging table 154, have been exemplified, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to these. It can be applied to any medical device that is used repeatedly, such as a bed for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a bed for a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, an ultrasound probe for an ultrasound diagnostic device, or a scope for an endoscopic device.

[0145] The technology of the present disclosure can be appropriately combined with the various embodiments and / or various modified examples described above. Furthermore, it is needless to say that it is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0146] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0147] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed connected by "and / or."

[0148] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. The outer surface, An illuminant that is provided on at least a part of the outer peripheral surface and emits visible light that begins to emit light when irradiated with sterilizing ultraviolet light and dims after the irradiation of the sterilizing ultraviolet light is stopped, thereby indicating whether the sterilizing ultraviolet light has been irradiated and whether the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing ultraviolet light is being maintained; an ultraviolet ray shielding member that transmits visible light, is capable of covering the light emitting body, and, when covering the light emitting body, shields ultraviolet rays that sensitize the light emitting body, including the sterilizing ultraviolet ray and ultraviolet rays other than the sterilizing ultraviolet ray; Equipped with the ultraviolet ray blocking member is a shutter that moves between a first position that covers the light emitter and a second position that exposes the light emitter; Medical equipment.

2. The medical device according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitter is extinguished by dimming after the irradiation of the sterilizing ultraviolet light is stopped.

3. 3. The medical device according to claim 2, wherein the time from when irradiation of the germicidal ultraviolet light is stopped until the light emitter goes out is shorter than the duration of the germicidal effect of the germicidal ultraviolet light.

4. The medical device according to claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting body is a paint applied to the outer peripheral surface.

5. The medical device according to claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting body is a sticker that is removably attached to the outer peripheral surface.

6. A recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface, The medical device according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitter is fitted into the recess.

7. Radiation is irradiated, The medical device according to claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting body is provided outside a region irradiated with the radiation.

8. an imaging table on which a patient's breast is placed, the imaging table having a built-in detection panel that detects the radiation and outputs a radiation image; 8. The medical device according to claim 7, which is a mammography device having a compression plate that sandwiches and compresses the breast between the imaging table and the compression plate.

9. 8. The medical device according to claim 7, wherein the detection panel that detects radiation and outputs a radiation image is an electronic cassette housed in a portable housing.

10. 8. The medical device according to claim 7, which is an upright position radiography table or a supine position radiography table, having a holder for accommodating a radiographic cassette, for radiographing a patient in an upright position or a supine position.

Images